VIDEO UPDATE INC
8-K, 1997-04-04
VIDEO TAPE RENTAL
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K


                             CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
                            TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                        Date of Report: February 28, 1997


                               VIDEO UPDATE, INC.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

                                    Delaware
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

          0-24346                                      41-1461110
 --------------------------              --------------------------------------
  (Commission File Number)                (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


3100 World Trade Center, 30 East Seventh Street, St. Paul, Minnesota    55101
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                   (Zip Code)

                                 (612) 222-0006
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

                                 Not Applicable
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)







                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                    FORM 8-K

                                February 28, 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item                                                                                               Page
- ----                                                                                               ----

<S>                                                                                             <C>                      
ITEM 5.           OTHER EVENTS

         a.       Purchase Agreement by and among Video Update, Inc.,
                  Cox Video Corporation, and Robert W. Cox, dated as of
                  February 28, 1997.                                                                 1

         b.       Purchase Agreement by and among Video Update, Inc.,
                  Susan Janae Kingston, and Larry Peterman, dated as of
                  March 17, 1997.                                                                    1

         c.       Election of Director                                                               1

ITEM 7.           FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS                                                  2

SIGNATURE                                                                                            3

EXHIBITS                                                                                             E-1

</TABLE>

                                       -i-





ITEM 5.           OTHER EVENTS

         a. Effective  February 28, 1997,  Video Update,  Inc.  ("Video Update")
entered  into  a  Purchase  Agreement  (the  "Cox  Agreement")  with  Cox  Video
Corporation,   a  Texas  corporation  ("CVC"),  and  Robert  W.  Cox,  the  sole
stockholder (the "Stockholder") of CVC, which operated three video rental stores
in Texas and four video rental stores in Oklahoma (the "Cox Stores").  Under the
Cox Agreement,  Video Update agreed to pay CVC and the Stockholder $2,800,000 in
cash (the "Cox Purchase Price"), in exchange for substantially all of the assets
of  CVC  relating  to  the  Cox  Stores  (the  "Cox  Assets").   The  amount  of
consideration  exchanged was determined by negotiations  between the Stockholder
and Video  Update.  The Cox  Purchase  Price was  financed  by funds  from Video
Update's bank line of credit.  Video Update presently intends to continue to use
substantially all of the Cox Assets for the purpose of operating the Cox Stores.
No material relationship existed between the parties prior to the transaction.

         b.  Effective  March 17,  1997,  Video  Update  entered into a Purchase
Agreement (the "MB Agreement")  with Susan Janae Kingston  ("Kingston"),  a sole
proprietor  d/b/a  Movie  Buffs  and Larry  Peterman,  the  spouse  of  Kingston
(collectively,  the "Sellers"), relating to two video rental stores in Utah (the
"MB  Stores").  Under the MB  Agreement,  Video Update agreed to pay $500,000 in
cash on  behalf  of the  Sellers  (the "MB  Purchase  Price")  in  exchange  for
substantially all of the assets relating to the MB Stores (the "MB Assets"). The
amount of  consideration  exchanged was determined by  negotiations  between the
Sellers and Video Update. The MB Purchase Price was financed by funds from Video
Update's bank line of credit.  Video Update presently intends to continue to use
substantially  all of the MB Assets for the purpose of operating  the MB Stores.
No material relationship existed between the parties prior to the transaction.

         c. On March 31, 1997, Video Update's Board of Directors elected Bernard
R. Patriacca as a Director,  effective  April 1, 1997.  Since December 1995, Mr.
Patriacca has served as a director of Smith-Midland Corporation, a publicly held
developer and  manufacturer of precast  concrete  products.  Since May 1994, Mr.
Patriacca has served as Vice President and  co-founder of Errands Etc.,  Inc., a
privately held business in the homeowners'  personal services area. From January
1994 to May 1994,  Mr.  Patriacca  served as the Vice  President  of Finance and
Administration  for Sky Rock Services Corp., a privately held personal  services
business.  From 1992  through  March  1993,  Mr.  Patriacca  served as the Chief
Financial  Officer for Boston Coach, a privately held limousine service company.
From 1991 to 1992 and from March 1993 to January 1994, Mr.  Patriacca  served as
an independent financial  consultant.  Mr. Patriacca served from 1973 to 1991 in
various capacities, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
for Dunkin'  Donuts  Incorporated,  then a publicly  held food  service  company
("Dunkin' Donuts"). From March 1990 to November 1991, he served as a director of
Dunkin'  Donuts.  Since January 1992, Mr.  Patriacca has served as a director of
ENCON Systems, Inc., a publicly held full-service energy management company. Mr.
Patriacca  received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northeastern
University  and a  Master's  degree in  Financing/Accounting  from  Northeastern
University, and he is a Certified Public Accountant.


                                       -1-





ITEM 7.           FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

         a.       Financial statements of businesses acquired.  Not applicable.

         b.       Pro forma financial information.  Not applicable.

         c.       Exhibits.  The following exhibits are filed with this report.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Exhibit
                     No.                                                  Title
                     ---                                                  -----

<S>                              <C>                                                                         
                     2a             Purchase Agreement by and among Video Update, Inc., Cox Video
                                    Corporation, and Robert W. Cox, dated as of February 28, 1997.

                     2b             Purchase Agreement by and among Video Update, Inc., Susan  Janae
                                    Kingston, and Larry Peterman, dated as of March 17, 1997.

                    99a             Press Release, dated March 3, 1997.

                    99b             Press Release, dated April 2, 1997.

</TABLE>

                                       -2-





                                    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 hereunto duly authorized.

                                                 Video Update, Inc.



Dated: April 4, 1997                             By:/s/ Daniel A. Potter
                                                    --------------------------
                                                     Daniel A. Potter
                                                     Chief Executive Officer




                                       -3-





                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
                                  -------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Exhibit
   No.                                               Title
   ---                                               -----

<S>            <C>                                                                                            
   2a             Purchase Agreement by and among Video Update, Inc., Cox Video Corporation, and
                  Robert W. Cox, dated as of February 28, 1997.

   2b             Purchase Agreement by and among Video Update, Inc., Susan Janae Kingston, and
                  Larry Peterman, dated as of March 17, 1997.

   99a            Press Release, dated March 3, 1997.

   99b            Press Release, dated April 2, 1997.

</TABLE>



                                       E-1




                                                                      EXHIBIT 2a
                                                                      ----------

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT


         THIS  AGREEMENT is made effective as of this 28th day of February 1997,
by and among Video  Update,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation  having its principal
place of business at 3100 World Trade Center, 30 East Seventh Street,  St. Paul,
Minnesota  55101 ("Video  Update" or the "Company"),  Cox Video  Corporation,  a
Texas  corporation  having its  principal  place of business at 1500 North I-35,
Carrolton,  Texas 75006  ("CVC") and Robert W. Cox,  an  individual  residing in
Dallas,  Texas, the sole stockholder of CVC ("Cox") (CVC and Cox are hereinafter
referred to as the "Sellers").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS,  CVC owns all of the assets used or useful in the video rental
business  carried out at the stores (the  "Stores")  listed on Exhibit A annexed
hereto; and

         WHEREAS,  Video  Update  wishes to acquire  from CVC, and CVC wishes to
transfer to Video  Update,  the Assets (as defined  below) in exchange for which
Video Update shall issue and transfer to CVC certain  consideration on the terms
and conditions set forth below; and

         WHEREAS,  the parties  intend that this  Agreement  shall  constitute a
complete transfer to Video Update of all of the Assets; and

         NOW,   THEREFORE,   intending  to  be  legally  bound  hereby,  and  in
consideration  of the mutual  premises and the  representations,  warranties and
covenants  herein  contained  and other  good and  valuable  consideration,  the
receipt and  sufficiency  of which is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties  hereto
agree as follows:

1.       PURCHASE OF CVC ASSETS

         1.1 PURCHASE OF ASSETS. Subject to the terms, provisions and conditions
of this Agreement and upon the basis of the  representations and warranties made
herein, at the Closing (as defined below) CVC shall assign and transfer to Video
Update all of its right,  title and interest in and to the following assets used
or usable in  connection  with the CVC  business  carried on at the Stores  (the
"Assets"):

                  (a) All tangible  property,  including  but not limited to the
tangible property described on Schedule 1.1(a), located at the Stores, including
without limitation,  inventory,  leaseholds,  leasehold  improvements,  security
systems, racking, fixtures,  equipment,  furniture,  office furnishings,  office
equipment, computers and peripherals;

                  (b) All  accounts  or customer  receivables  as  described  on
Schedule 1.1(b);


                                       -1-





                  (c) All trade secrets,  "know how,"  confidential  information
and data related to the Stores;

                  (d) All of the Stores'  customer  lists,  vendor  lists,  data
bases,  catalogues,  brochures,  art work, sales  literature,  advertising buys,
advertising   material,   promotional   material  and  other  selling   material
specifically related to CVC's customers or marketing efforts with respect to the
Stores;

                  (e) A copy  of all  books  and  records  of the  CVC  business
related to the Stores, including,  without limitation, all movie rental records,
customer credit applications,  all invoices,  purchase orders, files, documents,
papers, computer files and/or other records of any description and in any medium
which pertain in any way to the CVC business as it relates to the Stores;

                  (f) All  rights of CVC under all  material  agreements  as set
forth on the schedule  annexed hereto and marked  Schedule  1.1(f) and under all
warranties,  licenses,  governmental  permits or  licenses  of any  description,
distribution  and  franchise  agreements,  equipment  leases,  sales  orders and
purchase orders specifically related to the Stores;

                  (g) All rights, as licensee or otherwise, to use and employ in
its business  computer systems located at the Stores,  for a period of up to one
year following the Closing Date (as defined below), together with all associated
hardware, software, documentation, computer files and back up files;

                  (h)  All  rights  to  the  Stores'  telephone  number(s),  fax
number(s), telex address(es) (if any), lock box(es) (if any) and post office box
address(es); and

                  (i) All other assets of the Stores,  tangible and  intangible,
wherever located, related to and owned by the Sellers in connection with the CVC
business carried on at the Stores.

         1.2      PURCHASE PRICE.
         
                  (a)      Consideration.  At the Closing, Video Update shall:

                           (i)  pay to CVC  by  wire  or  check  the  sum of Two
         Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,800,000); and

                           (ii) assume the specific  liabilities and obligations
         incurred  and arising  subsequent  to the Closing for the lease for the
         Stores, which liabilities and obligations are described on Schedule 1.2
         (the  "Assumed  Liabilities").   With  the  exception  of  the  Assumed
         Liabilities,  Video  Update  shall not be deemed  by  anything  in this
         Agreement to have assumed any  liabilities  of the Sellers of any kind,
         character  or nature and the  indemnification  provisions  of Section 4
         shall  apply with  respect  to any and all  liabilities  not  expressly
         assumed by Video Update in this Agreement, including but not limited to
         any store lease

                                       -2-





         related expenses charges or adjustments (including common area charges)
         for the period prior to the Closing, even if such expenses,  charges or
         adjustments are not billed until after the Closing.

The Assumed Liabilities and the cash consideration referenced above shall be the
total consideration (the "Purchase Price") for the Assets.

         1.3 CLOSING.  The closing (the "Closing") of the purchase of the Assets
under this  Agreement  shall take  place at the  offices of Video  Update at St.
Paul,  Minnesota,  or by  facsimile  transmission  on or before  the 28th day of
February  1997,  or such  other  date and place as shall be  agreed  upon by the
Sellers  and  Video  Update,  at 10  o'clock  a.m.  The date of the  Closing  is
hereinafter  referred to as the "Closing  Date." All proceedings to be taken and
all  documents to be executed and  delivered by all parties at the Closing shall
be deemed to have been taken and  executed  simultaneously,  and no  proceedings
shall be deemed to have been taken nor any documents executed or delivered until
all have been taken, executed and delivered. At Closing:

                  (a) The Sellers  shall  deliver to Video  Update all  executed
documents including without limitation, bills of sale, necessary to transfer all
right, title and interest in and to the Assets to Video Update, and Video Update
shall arrange for the issuance and delivery to CVC of the Purchase  Price on the
terms set forth in Section 1.2 hereof;

                  (b) The Sellers shall deliver to Video Update all documents of
the CVC business not previously delivered to Video Update; and

                  (c) The  Sellers  shall  deliver an  opinion of their  counsel
dated the Closing Date in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B.

2.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

         Each of the Sellers,  jointly and  severally,  represent and warrant to
Video Update, upon which representations and warranties Video Update relies, and
which representations and warranties shall survive the Closing, as follows:

         2.1 OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS. CVC (i) is the sole owner of all of the Assets
and (ii) has good and  marketable  title to the  Assets  with full and  absolute
authority to transfer the Assets to Video Update. None of the Assets are subject
to any mortgage,  pledge, lien, security interest,  lease, charge,  encumbrance,
objection, claim or joint ownership except as set forth on Schedule 2.1.

         2.2  AUTHORIZATION.  CVC  is  a  corporation  duly  organized,  validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas, and has full
power  to  enter  into  this  Agreement  and  to  consummate  the   transactions
contemplated  thereby.  This  Agreement  has been duly and  validly  authorized,
executed,  and  delivered by each of the Sellers.  This  Agreement and all other
agreements and  obligations  entered into and undertaken in connection  with the
transactions contemplated hereby

                                       -3-





to which each of the Sellers is a party constitute the valid and legally binding
obligations of each of the Sellers,  as applicable,  and are enforceable against
them in accordance with their respective terms except insofar as  enforceability
may be limited by bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or similar laws affecting the rights
of creditors  and general  equitable  principles.  The  execution,  delivery and
performance  by the Sellers of this  Agreement and the  agreements  provided for
herein,  and the  consummation by the Sellers of the  transactions  contemplated
hereby  and  thereby,  will not,  with or  without  the  giving of notice or the
passage of time or both, (a) violate the provisions of any by-law, charter, law,
rule or  regulation  applicable to Sellers;  (b) violate any  judgment,  decree,
order or award of any court,  governmental  body or arbitrator;  or (c) conflict
with or result in the  breach or  termination  of any term or  provision  of, or
constitute  a default  under,  or cause  any  acceleration  under,  or cause the
creation of any indebtedness,  contract, lease, license, permit, lien, charge or
encumbrance  upon the  properties  or assets of CVC pursuant to, any  indenture,
mortgage,  deed of trust or other  instrument  or  agreement to which any of the
Sellers are a party or by which any of the Assets is or may be bound or subject.

         2.3 NO ADVERSE CHANGES OR UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Except as set forth
on Schedule 2.3, since December 31, 1995,  none of the following has occurred or
arisen,  whether or not in the ordinary course of business: (i) a disposition or
encumbrance of any Asset or portion of the Assets (ii) any adverse change in the
Assets or operations or business of the Stores, or (iii) any event, condition or
state of facts of any  character  known to the  Sellers  which  might  adversely
affect  the  Assets  or the  Stores.  Except  as set  forth on  Schedule  2.3 no
liabilities or obligations,  fixed, accrued, contingent or otherwise, exist with
respect  to or in  connection  with the  Assets.  Schedule  2.3 sets  forth  all
promotions  and  promotional  activities  of the  Stores,  none of  which  shall
obligate Video Update,  directly or indirectly,  to continue such  promotions or
provide anything of value in connection with the same after the Closing.

         2.4 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE;  INVENTORIES.  Except as set forth on Schedule
2.4,  (i) any  accounts  receivable  of the Stores  have been  collected  or are
collectible,  subject to a reasonable allowance for doubtful accounts;  and (ii)
the inventories of the Stores consist of items of a quantity and quality usable,
rentable, or salable in the normal course of the business of the Stores.

         2.5      TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.5 attached  hereto,  the
Sellers have paid all income  taxes,  capital  gains taxes,  withholding  taxes,
capital taxes, sales and use taxes, goods and services taxes, business taxes, ad
valorem taxes, property taxes, excise taxes, customs and import duties, imposts,
rates,  levies,  assessments  and  fees,  and all  other  taxes of  every  kind,
character or description,  including all interest, fines, and penalties relating
thereto, imposed by any governmental or quasi-governmental  authority,  domestic
or foreign,  whether federal, state,  territorial or municipal (collectively the
"Taxes")  required to be paid by the Sellers  with  respect to the Stores or the
Assets for all periods prior to the Closing Date.  No  outstanding  assessments,
reassessments,  notices of determination,  or notices of any kind whatsoever, or
increases  in tax rates  with  respect  to any such Taxes  exist.  All  reports,
returns and other documents relating to or covering all such Taxes, which

                                       -4-





are due or required  to be filed at or prior to the Closing  Date have been duly
filed or caused to be filed;

                  (b) None of the income tax returns for Taxes of CVC or Cox has
been  audited  by any taxing  authority.  No action,  suit,  proceeding,  audit,
investigation  or claim is  pending or  threatened,  in respect of any Taxes for
which either of the Sellers is liable,  nor has any  deficiency or claim for any
Taxes been proposed or asserted.  No waiver of any statute of  limitations  with
respect to any taxation year has been executed by the Sellers; and no agreement,
waiver  or  consent  providing  for an  extension  of time with  respect  to the
assessment,  reassessment  or  other  determination  of any  Taxes  against  the
Sellers,  and no power of attorney granted by any of the Sellers with respect to
any matters relating to Taxes is currently in force.

         2.6 REQUIRED CONSENTS, NO DEFAULT. Except as described in Schedule 2.6,
neither the  execution and delivery of this  Agreement nor  compliance by any of
the Sellers with its terms and provisions will require the affirmative  consent,
approval,  order or authorization of or any registration,  declaration or filing
with any third party or authority. None of the Sellers is in default under or in
violation of any  provision of any  indenture,  mortgage,  lease,  loan or other
agreement  to which  either  is a party or is bound or to which  either of their
properties is subject.

         2.7 LITIGATION. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.7 attached hereto (a)
no action,  suit or proceeding to which any of the Sellers is a party (either as
a  plaintiff  or  defendant)  is  pending  or  threatened  before  any  court or
governmental  agency,  authority,  body or arbitrator  and no basis for any such
action,  suit or proceeding  exists; (b) neither of the Sellers nor any officer,
director or employee of CVC has been permanently or temporarily  enjoined by any
order, judgment or decree of any court or any governmental agency,  authority or
body from engaging in or continuing  any conduct or practice in connection  with
the business,  assets,  or  properties  of the Sellers;  and (c) there is not in
existence  on the date  hereof  any  order,  judgment  or decree  of any  court,
tribunal  or agency  enjoining  or  requiring  either of the Sellers to take any
action of any kind with respect to the  business,  assets or  properties of CVC.
Video  Update  shall  not under  any  circumstances  assume or be deemed to have
assumed any obligation,  responsibility or liability with respect to the matters
described on Schedule 2.7.

         2.8 NO BROKER'S OR FINDER'S FEES. No agent, broker,  investment banker,
person  or firm has or will  have,  as a result  of any act or  omission  of any
Seller or any of its  affiliates,  any right,  interest or valid  claim  against
Video Update for any commission,  fee or other  compensation or similar fee as a
finder  or broker  in  connection  with the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.

         2.9 COPIES OF DOCUMENTS.  Upon request, the Sellers will make available
or cause CVC to make available for inspection and copying by Video Update or its
attorneys or accountants true and correct copies of all documents referred to in
this  Section 2 or in any  schedule or exhibit  delivered by any Seller to Video
Update in connection with this Agreement and any other agreements and records of
CVC that Video Update reasonably requests and which are related to the Assets or
the Stores.

                                       -5-





         2.10   GOVERNMENTAL   CONSENTS.   No   consent,   approval,   order  or
authorization of, or registration,  qualification,  designation,  declaration or
filing with,  any  governmental  authority is required to be obtained or made by
any Seller in connection  with the  execution and delivery of this  Agreement or
the sale and delivery of the Assets,  as contemplated by this Agreement,  except
such  filings as shall have been made prior to and shall be  effective on and as
of the Closing Date.

         2.11  COMPLIANCE  WITH  AGREEMENTS  AND  LAWS.  The  Sellers  have  all
requisite licenses,  permits and certificates,  including environmental,  health
and safety permits,  from federal,  state,  and local  authorities  necessary to
conduct the business as currently  conducted  at the Stores  (collectively,  the
"Permits").  The  business of CVC as  conducted  at the Stores  through the date
hereof has not violated any federal,  state, local or foreign laws,  regulations
or orders  (including,  but not  limited  to, any of the  foregoing  relating to
employment  discrimination,   occupational  safety,   environmental  protection,
hazardous waste,  conservation,  or corrupt  practices).  Except as set forth on
Schedule  2.11,  no Seller has had  notice or  communication  from any  federal,
state, or local  governmental  or regulatory  authority or otherwise of any such
violation or noncompliance.

         2.12     EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.

                  (a) In  connection  with  the  operation  of the  Stores,  the
Sellers are in compliance with all federal,  state and municipal laws respecting
employment  and  employment  practices,  terms and  conditions of employment and
wages and hours,  and they are not  engaged in any unfair  labor  practice,  and
there are no arrears in the payment of wages or social security taxes.

                  (b)      Except as set forth on Schedule 2.12 attached hereto:

                           (i) none of the  employees  of CVC at the  Stores are
         represented by any labor union;

                           (ii)  there is no  unfair  labor  practice  complaint
         against CVC in  connection  with the  operation  of the Stores  pending
         before any federal, state, or local agency; and

                           (iii) there is no pending labor strike or other labor
         trouble  affecting CVC in  connection  with the operation of the Stores
         (including, without limitation, any organizational drive).

         2.13  ABSENCE  OF CERTAIN  CHANGES  OR  EVENTS.  Except as set forth on
Schedule  2.13 annexed  hereto,  since  December 31, 1995, no Seller has entered
into any transaction with respect to the Assets or the Stores that is not in the
usual and ordinary course of business.  Other than as specifically  described on
Schedule 2.13, neither Seller is a party to any leases, contracts, franchises or
commitments  with respect to the Assets or the Stores,  or  agreements  to enter
into any of the same, written or oral, extending beyond the Closing Date.



                                       -6-





         2.14 CVC PERSONNEL INFORMATION.  Schedule 2.14 annexed hereto is a true
and complete list, as of the Closing Date,  setting forth in connection with the
operation of the Stores:

                  (a) The  names  of all  persons,  if any,  holding  powers  of
attorney from the Sellers, and a summary statement of the terms thereof;

                  (b) The name and address of each bank or other  institution in
which the Sellers has established an account for investment,  deposit, checking,
savings or borrowing,  or through which credit is extended,  a brief description
thereof, and the names and titles of authorized signers and limits, if any;

                  (c) The names and  addresses of all employees and their annual
compensation  together with their social  security  numbers and all  independent
contractors,  consultants,  subcontractors with whom the Sellers have contracted
during the 12 months  preceding  the  Closing  Date,  and the  social  insurance
numbers and the amount of any  commission and monies owed or paid by the Sellers
to such independent  contractors,  consultants and subcontractors during said 12
month period. Such independent contractors,  consultants and subcontractors have
been  treated  as such by the  Sellers  and have not been and  never  have  been
treated as  employees  of the Sellers for which any  withholding  taxes or other
applicable tax may be due from the Sellers; and

                  (d) All contracts or  arrangements,  whether  written or oral,
pursuant to which the Sellers have received or are receiving services.

         2.15 DISCLOSURE.  No  representation  or warranty by any of the Sellers
(individually or collectively) in this Agreement, nor any statement, certificate
or Schedule  furnished  or to be  furnished  to Video  Update by or on behalf of
either of the Sellers  pursuant to or in connection  with this Agreement nor any
document or certificate  delivered to Video Update  pursuant to or in respect of
this Agreement contains or will contain any untrue or misleading  statement of a
material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact reasonably  related
to the transactions covered by this Agreement,  and all such representations and
warranties  are and on the  Closing  Date will be accurate  and  complete in all
material respects.

3.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VIDEO UPDATE

         Video  Update  represents  and  warrants  to the  Sellers,  upon  which
representations and warranties the Sellers rely, as follows:

         3.1  ORGANIZATION  AND RELATED  MATTERS.  Video Update is a corporation
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of Delaware, and has full corporate power to enter into this Agreement and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.



                                       -7-





         3.2 AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENT. The execution, delivery and performance
of this  Agreement  by Video  Update have been duly and validly  authorized  and
approved by the  Executive  Committee  of the Board of Directors of Video Update
and no other  proceedings on the part of Video Update are necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Video Update.

4.       INDEMNIFICATION

         4.1 SUBJECTS INDEMNIFIED AGAINST BY THE SELLERS.  The Sellers,  jointly
and  severally,  agree to  defend,  indemnify  and hold  harmless  Video  Update
(including any director,  officer,  employee,  representative or agent), and its
successors  and  assigns,  from and  against  any and all  damages,  losses  and
expenses suffered by Video Update, or any subsidiary of Video Update,  resulting
from  (i)  any  breach  of  warranty  or  agreement  or  non-fulfillment  of any
obligation  on the part of the Sellers  (individually  or  together)  under this
Agreement  (including  the Schedules and Exhibits to this  Agreement),  (ii) any
misrepresentation in this Agreement or in any Schedule, Exhibit,  certificate or
other  instrument  furnished  by the Sellers to Video  Update  hereunder  or any
failure  to  state  herein  or in any such  Schedule,  Exhibit,  certificate  or
instrument  any fact  required  by the terms  hereof or  therein to be stated or
necessary  to be stated in order to make the  statements  made herein or therein
not  misleading,  and (iii) all demands,  assessments,  judgments,  settlements,
reasonable costs and legal and other expenses arising from or in connection with
any action, suit,  proceeding or claim by any third party resulting in damage or
loss to Video Update or any  subsidiary of Video Update as a consequence  of any
such misrepresentation, breach of warranty or nonfulfillment of obligation.

         4.2 CONDITIONS TO  INDEMNIFICATION.  The obligations and liabilities of
the Sellers hereunder with respect to their respective  indemnities  pursuant to
this Section,  resulting from any claim or other assertion of liability by third
parties, shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

                  (a)  Video   Update  or  any  of  its   subsidiaries   seeking
indemnification  (the "Indemnified  Party") shall give the Sellers,  as the case
may be (the "Indemnifying Party"),  notice in writing within thirty (30) days of
(i) any  claim or  potential  claim,  (ii) the  commencement  of any  action  or
proceeding,  or  (iii)  the  occurrence  of  any  other  event  giving  rise  to
indemnification  rights under this  Section.  The  Indemnified  Party  receiving
notice  of  such  claim,  commencement  of  such  action  or  proceeding  or the
occurrence of such event shall give the  Indemnifying  Party  written  notice of
such claim,  the  commencement of such action or proceeding or the occurrence of
such event and,  in each  case,  the basis  therefor,  provided,  however,  that
failure to give such notice  within such thirty (30) day period shall not affect
the liability of the Indemnifying  Party under this Agreement unless the failure
to give such notice  within such time period  materially  adversely  affects the
Indemnifying  Party's  ability to defend itself against the claim giving rise to
the Indemnified  Party's claim for indemnification or to cure the default giving
rise to such claim.  With  respect to  threatened  or  asserted  claims of third
parties,  the Indemnifying  Party shall have the right to control the defense of
such claim by counsel of its own choosing,  provided that the Indemnified  Party
shall have the option

                                       -8-





at its expense to cooperate in such defense with counsel of its choosing. If the
Indemnified  Party is named as a party against which claim is asserted or action
or proceeding is commenced,  the Indemnifying  Party shall have the right (i) to
defend any such claim,  action or  proceeding  brought by a third party of which
notice has been delivered pursuant hereto, and (ii) to compromise or settle such
claim,  action or  proceeding  brought by a third party of which notice has been
delivered  pursuant  hereto.  In the  event  that the  Indemnified  Party  shall
undertake to compromise,  settle or defend any such asserted liability, it shall
promptly notify the  Indemnifying  Party of its intention to do so and the terms
of such compromise or settlement, and the Indemnifying Party agrees to cooperate
in the compromise of, or defense against,  any such asserted  liability.  In any
event,  the  Indemnified  Party  shall  have  the  right at its own  expense  to
participate in any claim, action or proceeding that is being defended by another
party.

                  (b) If the  Indemnifying  Party  fails to  defend  such  claim
within  thirty days after notice of a claim  hereunder,  the  Indemnified  Party
shall be entitled to undertake  the defense,  compromise  or  settlement of such
claim  at the  reasonable  expense  of and  for  the  account  and  risk  of the
Indemnifying  Party subject to the right of the Indemnifying  Party to cooperate
in the defense of such claim at any time prior to the settlement,  compromise or
final determination thereof.

                  (c) The  Indemnifying  Party  will  not,  without  Indemnified
Party's prior written consent,  settle or compromise any claim or consent to any
entry or judgment  that does not include as an  unconditional  term  thereof the
giving by the claimant or the  plaintiff to the  Indemnified  Party of a release
from all liability with respect to such claim,  provided,  however,  that should
the  Indemnified  Party  assume  the  control  of the  defense  of a claim,  the
Indemnified  Party shall have the authority to settle or compromise any claim or
consent  to any  entry of  judgment,  without  the  Indemnifying  Party's  prior
consent.

                  (d)   Notwithstanding   anything  in  this  Agreement  to  the
contrary,  the Sellers  shall not have any  liability to indemnify  Video Update
unless and to the extent  that Video  Update's  claims  against  the Sellers for
indemnification  pursuant to the terms of this  Agreement  exceed $15,000 in the
aggregate.

         4.3 PAYMENT FOR INDEMNIFICATION.  The Sellers shall pay to Video Update
the  amount  of  claims  for  indemnification  within  five (5) days  after  the
notification  thereof  (the "Due  Date") in cash or by  certified  check.  Video
Update  may set off the amount of any claim due to it from the  Sellers  against
any amount due from Video  Update to the  Sellers.  Any  amounts not paid by the
Sellers  when due under  this  Section  shall  bear  interest  from the Due Date
thereof until the date paid at the lower of eighteen  percent (18%) per annum or
the highest rate allowed by law.

         4.4 SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION.  The indemnification  provided in this
Section shall survive the Closing for a period of two (2) years.



                                       -9-





         4.5   INTENT  OF   PARTIES.   The   parties   hereto   intend  for  the
indemnification   provisions   of  this  Section  to  be  construed  as  a  full
indemnification  in accordance  with its terms,  notwithstanding  the use of any
"substantial" or "material" standard contained elsewhere in this Agreement.  Any
remedies of Video Update shall be cumulative  and not  exclusive.  Specifically,
but not by way of  limitation,  the parties  make no attempt to limit any claims
based on common law fraud or other similar remedies.

5.       NON-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

         (a) With respect to the  operations of the Stores,  each of the Sellers
recognizes  and  acknowledges  that (i) all plans,  systems,  methods,  designs,
procedures, books and records specifically relating to the operations, personnel
and practices  (whether  instituted or commenced prior or subsequent to the date
hereof) of the Stores,  and (ii) all other  records,  documents and  information
specifically  concerning the business activities,  practices,  and procedures of
the Stores, may constitute  valuable,  special and unique assets of the business
of CVC to be acquired by Video Update.  Each of the Sellers therefore  covenants
and agrees that he, she or it will not,  following  the date of this  Agreement,
disclose any part thereof that is confidential to any person, firm, corporation,
association or other entity, for any reason or purpose whatsoever.

         (b) Each of the Sellers acknowledges that the restrictions contained in
this  Section,  in view of the nature of the  business in which Video  Update is
engaged, are reasonable and necessary to protect its legitimate  interests,  and
that any violation thereof could result in irreparable injuries to Video Update.
Each of the Sellers  therefore  acknowledges  that,  in the event of a breach or
threatened  breach of the  provisions  of this  paragraph by the Sellers,  Video
Update shall be entitled to request  from any court of  competent  jurisdiction,
preliminary  and  permanent  injunctive  relief  restraining  the  Sellers  from
disclosing any such records, documents or information.

6.       RESTRICTIVE COVENANT

         (a) Each of the Sellers  agrees that for a period of two (2) years from
the  Closing,  neither they nor their  respective  successors  or assigns  shall
engage  directly as a principal or indirectly  as (i) an advisor,  (ii) an agent
(whether  a  salesperson  or  otherwise),  (iii) a  broker  or  (iv) a  partner,
coventurer,  stockholder or other proprietor  owning directly or indirectly more
than five percent (5%) interest in any firm,  corporation,  partnership,  trust,
association or other organization,  in the sale, rental or service of any asset,
part or product rented,  sold,  offered,  featured or otherwise  included in the
business of the Stores prior to the Closing,  within the city limits of Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma and within a two-mile radius of each of the Stores located in the
State of Texas.

         (b) Each of the Sellers acknowledges that the restrictions contained in
this  Section,  in view of the nature of the  business in which Video  Update is
engaged,  are reasonable  and necessary to protect the  legitimate  interests of
Video  Update,  and that any  violation  thereof  could  result  in  irreparable
injuries to Video  Update.  CVC  acknowledges  that, in the event of a breach or
threatened  breach of the  restrictions  of this  Section by any of the Sellers,
Video Update shall be entitled to

                                      -10-





request  from any court of competent  jurisdiction,  preliminary  and  permanent
injunctive  relief  restraining it (or its respective  successors,  assigns,  or
transferees) from any violation of the foregoing.

         (c) Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting  Video Update from
pursuing any other  remedies  available  for such breach or  threatened  breach,
including  recovery  of damages and an  equitable  accounting  of all  earnings,
profits and other benefits arising from such violation, by the Sellers.

         (d) Each of the Sellers  acknowledges  the intention  that Video Update
shall have the  broadest  possible  protection  of the value of the  business of
Video Update in the trade areas set forth above (to the extent that the business
is actively conducted in any such trade area as of the Closing)  consistent with
public policy, and it will not violate the intent of the parties if any court of
competent  jurisdiction  should  determine,  in  an  appropriate  decree,  that,
consistent with  established  precedent of the forum state, the public policy of
such state requires a more limited  restriction in geographical area or duration
of the aforesaid covenant.

7.       GENERAL

         7.1  SURVIVAL  OF  REPRESENTATIONS,   WARRANTIES  AND  COVENANTS.   The
representations  and  warranties  of  the  Sellers  contained  herein  or in any
Schedule,  Exhibit or certificate  delivered hereunder shall survive the Closing
Date for a period of two (2)  years,  shall  remain in full force and effect and
shall be unaffected by any  investigation  made by Video Update  hereunder.  All
covenants and agreements  contained herein that are to be performed or fulfilled
after the Closing Date shall survive and remain in full force and effect.

         7.2 PRESS RELEASES. Unless approved in advance by Video Update, neither
of the Sellers  shall issue any press  release or written  statement for general
circulation relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, except as required
by law in the reasonable opinion of their counsel.

         7.3 PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  Whether or not the transactions  contemplated
hereby are consummated, Video Update shall pay its own expenses, and the Sellers
shall pay their own expenses, in connection with the negotiation, authorization,
preparation,  execution and  performance of this Agreement,  including,  without
limitation,   all  fees  and  expenses  of  investment  banking  firms,  agents,
representatives, counsel and accountants.

         7.4 GOVERNING  LAW. This  Agreement  shall be governed in all respects,
whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise, by the
internal  laws of the State of  Minnesota  in which it has been  executed and in
which it has a situs, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.  If any
provision of this Agreement  shall be held invalid by a court with  jurisdiction
over the parties to this Agreement,  then and in that event such provision shall
be deleted from the  Agreement,  which shall then be construed to give effect to
the remaining provisions thereof.  Each of the Sellers consents to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Minnesota, and any

                                      -11-





state or federal court located therein,  and to the appropriateness of the venue
of such courts,  in connection with any dispute which may arise pursuant to this
Agreement or is related to the transactions contemplated hereby.

         7.5 NOTICES. Any payments,  notices or other communications required or
permitted  hereunder  shall be given in writing and deemed to have been properly
given if and when delivered  personally or if sent by facsimile  transmission or
by registered or certified  mail,  return receipt  requested,  postage  prepaid,
addressed as follows:

         if to Video Update:                Video Update, Inc.
                                            3100 World Trade Center
                                            30 East Seventh Street
                                            St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
                                            Attention:  Daniel A. Potter, Chief 
                                                        Executive Officer
                                            Facsimile:  (612) 229-9629

         with a copy to:                    Lawrence H. Gennari, Esquire
                                            O'Connor, Broude & Aronson
                                            950 Winter Street, Suite 2300
                                            Waltham, Massachusetts  02154
                                            Facsimile:  (617) 890-9261

         if to CVC or Cox:                  Cox Video Corporation
                                            1500 North I-35
                                            Carrolton, Texas 75006
                                            Attention:  Robert W. Cox, President
                                            Facsimile: (972) 245-7624

         with a copy to:                    Jarell B. Ormand, Esquire
                                            Dooley & Rucker
                                            1717 Main Street
                                            4250 BankOne Center
                                            Dallas, Texas  75201
                                            Facsimile: (214) 761-4766

or such other  address as shall be furnished  in writing by any party.  Any such
payment,  notice or communication  shall be deemed to have been made or given on
the date of actual receipt, whichever first occurs.



                                      -12-





         7.6  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement  shall be binding upon and
shall  inure to the  benefit of the  parties  and their  respective  successors,
assigns, heirs, executors,  administrators and legal representatives,  provided,
however,  that no Seller  shall assign any of his, her or its rights or delegate
any of its obligations  hereunder to any party without the prior written consent
of Video Update.

         7.7 HEADINGS.  The descriptive headings of the several Sections of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement.

         7.8  COUNTERPARTS.  This  Agreement  may be executed  originally  or by
facsimile  and in one or more  counterparts,  all of  which  together  shall  be
considered one and the same agreement.

         7.9 WAIVER.  The failure of any party to this  Agreement at any time or
times to required  performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect
such party's  right at a later time to enforce the same.  No waiver by any party
of any  condition,  or of the breach of any term,  covenant,  representation  or
warranty  contained in this Agreement,  whether by conduct or otherwise,  in any
one or more  instances  shall be  deemed  to be or  construed  as a  further  or
continuing  waiver  of any such  condition  or  breach  or a waiver of any other
condition or the breach of any other term, covenant,  representation or warranty
of this Agreement.

         7.10 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement,  together with its Exhibits and
Schedules,  contains the entire  agreement among the parties hereto with respect
to the transactions contemplated herein, and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings,  whether written or oral,  among the parties hereto with respect
to the subject matter of this Agreement.

         7.11 ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.  Video Update and the Sellers agree to execute
and deliver such other  documents,  certificates,  agreements and other writings
and to take such other  actions as may be  necessary  or  desirable  in order to
consummate or implement  expeditiously  the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.




                      [THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]







                                      -13-





         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed by a duly authorized
officer of Video Update, and by each of the Sellers as of the day and year first
above written.

                                               VIDEO UPDATE, INC.



                                               By:/s/ Daniel A. Potter
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                   Daniel A. Potter
                                                   Chief Executive Officer


                                               COX VIDEO CORPORATION



                                               By:/s/ Robert W. Cox
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                   Robert W. Cox
                                                   President


                                               ROBERT W. COX



                                                  /s/ Robert W. Cox
                                                  -----------------------------








                                      -14-








                         LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                    <C>
Exhibit                    Title
- -------                    -----

    A                      List of Stores
    B                      Opinion of Counsel to Cox Video Corporation


Schedule                   Title
- --------                   -----

   1.1(a)                  Tangible Property
   1.1(b)                  Accounts and Customer Receivables
   1.1(f)                  Material Agreements
   1.2                     Assumed Liabilities
   2.1                     Encumbrances on Assets
   2.3                     Statement of Adverse Changes, Undisclosed Liabilities and
                           Promotional Activity
   2.4                     Exceptions to Accounts Receivable and Usable Inventory
   2.5                     Exceptions to Tax Payments
   2.6                     Required Consents
   2.7                     Litigation
   2.11                    Notice of Violations or Noncompliance
   2.12                    List of Labor Unions, Unfair Practices and Other Labor Matters
   2.13                    List of Transactions Not in the Ordinary Course of Business and Contracts
                           Extending Beyond the Closing
   2.14                    List of Powers of Attorney, Deposit Accounts, Signing Authorities, and of
                           Employees and Service Contracts







 Copies of the Exhibits and Schedules will be provided to the Commission upon request.

</TABLE>





                                                                     EXHIBIT 2.b
                                                                     -----------

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT


         THIS  AGREEMENT is made effective as of this 17th day of March 1997, by
and among Video Update,  Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal place
of  business at 3100 World Trade  Center,  30 East  Seventh  Street,  St.  Paul,
Minnesota  55101 ("Video  Update" or the "Company") and Susan Janae Kingston and
Larry Peterman,  individuals  residing at 538 South 4500 West, West Point,  Utah
84015 (the  "Owners")  d/b/a Movie Buffs ("MB"),  having its principal  place of
business  at 938 North 900 West,  Salt Lake City,  Utah 84116 (MB and the Owners
are hereinafter referred to as the "Sellers").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Susan Janae Kingston owns all of the Assets (as defined below)
used or useful in the video  rental  business  carried  out at the  Stores  (the
"Stores") listed on Exhibit A annexed hereto; and

         WHEREAS,  Larry  Peterman  has,  may have,  or may  claim an  ownership
interest in the Assets,  although no ownership or other  interest is intended to
be created  for or  conveyed  to Mr.  Peterman  through  this  Agreement  or the
transactions contemplated hereby; and

         WHEREAS,  Video  Update  wishes to acquire  from the  Sellers,  and the
Sellers wish to transfer to Video Update, the Assets in exchange for which Video
Update  shall issue and  transfer to the Sellers  certain  consideration  on the
terms and conditions set forth below; and

         WHEREAS,  the parties  intend that this  Agreement  shall  constitute a
complete transfer to Video Update of all of the Assets; and

         NOW,   THEREFORE,   intending  to  be  legally  bound  hereby,  and  in
consideration  of the mutual  premises and the  representations,  warranties and
covenants  herein  contained  and other  good and  valuable  consideration,  the
receipt and  sufficiency  of which are hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto
agree as follows:

1.       PURCHASE OF MB ASSETS

         1.1 PURCHASE OF ASSETS. Subject to the terms, provisions and conditions
of this Agreement and upon the basis of the  representations and warranties made
herein,  at the Closing (as defined below) the Sellers shall assign and transfer
to Video  Update all their  right,  title and  interest in and to the  following
assets  used or usable in  connection  with the MB  business  carried  on at the
Stores (the "Assets"):

                  (a) All  tangible  property of the Stores,  including  but not
limited to the tangible property described on Schedule 1.1(a), wherever located,
including without limitation,  inventory,  leaseholds,  leasehold  improvements,
security systems, racking, fixtures,  equipment,  furniture, office furnishings,
office equipment, computers and peripherals;







                  (b) All  accounts  or customer  receivables  for the Stores as
described on Schedule

 1.1(b);
 ------

                  (c) All trade secrets,  "know how,"  confidential  information
and data related to the Stores;

                  (d) All customer lists, vendor lists, data bases,  catalogues,
brochures,  art work, sales literature,  advertising buys, advertising material,
promotional  material and other selling  material  related to MB's  customers or
marketing efforts at the Stores;

                  (e) All books and  records of the MB  business  related to the
Stores, including, without limitation, all movie rental records, customer credit
applications,  all invoices, purchase orders, files, documents, papers, computer
files and/or other records of any description and in any medium which pertain in
any way to the MB business;

                  (f) All rights under all material  agreements  as set forth on
the schedule annexed hereto and marked Schedule 1.1(f) and under all warranties,
licenses, governmental permits or licenses of any description,  distribution and
franchise agreements, equipment leases, sales orders and purchase orders related
to the Stores;

                  (g) All  rights  as a member  in any  cooperative  association
and/or "buying group" and all supplier information related to the Stores;

                  (h) All rights, as licensee or otherwise, to use and employ in
its  business  existing  computer  systems  at the  Stores,  together  with  all
associated hardware, software, documentation, computer files and back up files;

                  (i) All rights to telephone  number(s),  fax number(s),  telex
address(es)  (if any), lock box(es) (if any) and post office box address(es) for
the Stores; and

                  (j) All other assets of the Stores,  tangible and  intangible,
wherever located,  related to and owned by the Sellers in connection with the MB
business carried on at the Stores.

         1.2      PURCHASE PRICE.

                  (a) Consideration. Video Update shall:

                           (i) pay on behalf of the Sellers by wire or check the
         sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000),  of which Four Hundred
         Fifty Thousand  Dollars  ($450,000)  shall be paid at Closing and Fifty
         Thousand  Dollars  ($50,000)  shall be paid on behalf of the Sellers on
         the tenth  business day  following the Closing Date provided that Video
         Update is

                                       -2-





         reasonably satisfied that the transfer of the Assets has been completed
         in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; and

                           (ii) assume the specific  liabilities and obligations
         incurred and arising  subsequent  to the Closing for the leases for the
         Stores, which liabilities and obligations are described on Schedule 1.2
         (the  "Assumed  Liabilities").   With  the  exception  of  the  Assumed
         Liabilities,  Video  Update  shall not be deemed  by  anything  in this
         Agreement to have assumed any  liabilities  of the Sellers of any kind,
         character  or nature and the  indemnification  provisions  of Section 4
         shall  apply with  respect  to any and all  liabilities  not  expressly
         assumed by Video Update in this Agreement, including but not limited to
         any store lease related  expenses,  charges or  adjustments  (including
         common area charges) for the period prior to the Closing,  even if such
         expenses,  charges  or  adjustments  are not  billed  until  after  the
         Closing.

The Assumed Liabilities and the cash consideration referenced above shall be the
total consideration (the "Purchase Price") for the Assets.

         1.3 CLOSING.  The closing (the "Closing") of the purchase of the Assets
under this  Agreement  shall take  place at the  offices of Video  Update at St.
Paul, Minnesota, on or before the 17th day of March 1997, or such other date and
place as shall be agreed  upon by the Sellers  and Video  Update,  at 10 o'clock
a.m. The date of the Closing is hereinafter  referred to as the "Closing  Date."
All  proceedings  to be taken and all  documents to be executed and delivered by
all  parties  at the  Closing  shall be deemed to have been  taken and  executed
simultaneously,  and no  proceedings  shall be deemed to have been taken nor any
documents  executed  or  delivered  until  all have  been  taken,  executed  and
delivered. At Closing:

                  (a) The Sellers  shall  deliver to Video  Update all  executed
documents including without limitation, bills of sale, necessary to transfer all
right, title and interest in and to the Assets to Video Update, and Video Update
shall arrange for the issuance and delivery to the Sellers of the Purchase Price
on the terms set forth in Section 1.2 hereof;

                  (b) The Sellers shall deliver to Video Update all documents of
the MB business not  previously  delivered to Video  Update  including,  without
limitation,  the final financial report of MB's management for the most recently
completed fiscal year and any interim period; and

                  (c) The  Sellers  shall  deliver an  opinion of their  counsel
dated the Closing Date in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B.

2.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

         Each of the Sellers,  jointly and  severally,  represent and warrant to
Video Update, upon which representations and warranties Video Update relies, and
which representations and warranties shall survive the Closing, as follows:

                                       -3-






         2.1 OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS.  The Sellers (i) are the sole owners of all of
the Assets and (ii) have good and  marketable  title to the Assets with full and
absolute  authority to transfer the Assets to Video  Update.  None of the Assets
are subject to any mortgage,  pledge,  lien, security interest,  lease,  charge,
encumbrance, objection, claim or joint ownership, including, but not limited to,
any such claims by or on behalf of "Rentrak  Corporation" for property  included
in the Assets, except as set forth on Schedule 2.1.

         2.2 AUTHORIZATION. This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized,
executed,  and  delivered by each of the Sellers.  This  Agreement and all other
agreements and  obligations  entered into and undertaken in connection  with the
transactions  contemplated  hereby  to  which  each  of the  Sellers  is a party
constitute the valid and legally binding  obligations of each of the Sellers, as
applicable, and are enforceable against them in accordance with their respective
terms except insofar as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
or  similar  laws  affecting  the  rights of  creditors  and  general  equitable
principles.  The  execution,  delivery  and  performance  by the Sellers of this
Agreement and the agreements  provided for herein,  and the  consummation by the
Sellers of the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby,  will not, with or
without  the giving of notice or the  passage of time or both,  (a)  violate the
provisions  of any  by-law,  charter,  law,  rule or  regulation  applicable  to
Sellers;  (b)  violate  any  judgment,  decree,  order or  award  of any  court,
governmental body or arbitrator; or (c) conflict with or result in the breach or
termination of any term or provision of, or constitute a default under, or cause
any  acceleration  under, or cause the creation of any  indebtedness,  contract,
lease,  license,  permit,  lien,  charge or  encumbrance  upon the properties or
assets of the Sellers  pursuant to, any  indenture,  mortgage,  deed of trust or
other  instrument  or  agreement  to which any of the  Sellers are a party or by
which any of the Assets is or may be bound or subject.

         2.3      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                  (a) MB Financial Statements. Annexed hereto as Schedule 2.3(a)
are true and complete  copies of management's  final financial  statements as of
December 31, 1996 (the "Financial  Statements").  All such Financial  Statements
are in accordance with the books and records of the MB business, and (i) present
fairly  and  correctly  the  financial  position  of the MB  business  as of the
respective  dates and for the  respective  periods  indicated,  (ii) include all
required adjustments,  and (iii) have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting  principles applied on a basis consistent with prior periods
and practices.

                  (b) No Adverse Changes or Undisclosed  Liabilities.  Except as
set forth on Schedule 2.3(b), since December 31, 1996, none of the following has
occurred or arisen,  whether or not in the ordinary  course of  business:  (i) a
disposition  or  encumbrance  of any Asset or  portion  of the  Assets  (ii) any
adverse change in the assets, financial condition, operations or business of MB,
or (iii) any event,  condition or state of facts of any  character  known to the
Sellers  which  might  adversely  affect the  results of  operations,  business,
financial  condition or  prospects  of the MB  business.  Except as set forth on
Schedule 2.3(b) no liabilities or obligations, fixed, accrued,


                                       -4-





contingent or otherwise,  exist with respect to or in connection with the Assets
that are not fully  reflected  or provided for on, or disclosed in the notes to,
the Financial  Statements  except  liabilities and  obligations  incurred in the
ordinary course of business since December 31, 1996, none of which  individually
or in the  aggregate  have been or is adverse  to the Assets or the  operations,
business,  financial condition or prospects of the MB business.  Schedule 2.3(b)
sets forth all promotions and promotional activities of the MB business, none of
which shall  obligate  Video Update,  directly or  indirectly,  to continue such
promotions or provide  anything of value in  connection  with the same after the
Closing.

         2.4 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE;  INVENTORIES.  Except as set forth on Schedule
2.4, (i) any accounts receivable reflected on the Financial Statements have been
collected  or are  collectible  in the amounts  shown,  subject to a  reasonable
allowance for doubtful accounts as set forth in the Financial  Statements;  (ii)
the inventories shown on the Financial  Statements and the inventories  acquired
since  December  31, 1996  consist of items of a quantity  and  quality  usable,
rentable,  or salable in the normal  course of the business of MB; and (iii) the
value at which the inventories are carried on the Financial  Statements reflects
the lower of the MB business' cost or net realizable market value.

         2.5      TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.5 attached  hereto,  the
Sellers have paid all income  taxes,  capital  gains taxes,  withholding  taxes,
capital taxes, sales and use taxes, goods and services taxes, business taxes, ad
valorem taxes, property taxes, excise taxes, customs and import duties, imposts,
rates,  levies,  assessments  and  fees,  and all  other  taxes of  every  kind,
character or description,  including all interest, fines, and penalties relating
thereto, imposed by any governmental or quasi-governmental  authority,  domestic
or foreign,  whether federal, state,  territorial or municipal (collectively the
"Taxes")  required to be paid by the Sellers  with respect to the MB business or
the  Assets  for  all  periods  prior  to  the  Closing  Date.  No   outstanding
assessments,  reassessments,  notices of  determination,  or notices of any kind
whatsoever,  or increases in tax rates with respect to any such Taxes exist. All
reports,  returns and other  documents  relating to or covering  all such Taxes,
which are due or required to be filed at or prior to the Closing  Date have been
duly filed or caused to be filed;

                  (b)  None  of the  income  tax  returns  for  Taxes  of the MB
business or the Owners has been audited by any taxing  authority.  Except as set
forth in Schedule 2.5, no action,  suit,  proceeding,  audit,  investigation  or
claim is pending or threatened,  in respect of any Taxes for which either of the
Sellers is liable,  nor has any  deficiency or claim for any Taxes been proposed
or  asserted.  No waiver of any  statute  of  limitations  with  respect  to any
taxation  year has been  executed by the Sellers;  and no  agreement,  waiver or
consent  providing  for an  extension  of time with  respect to the  assessment,
reassessment  or other  determination  of any Taxes against the Sellers,  and no
power of  attorney  granted by any of the  Sellers  with  respect to any matters
relating to Taxes is currently in force.


                                       -5-





         2.6 REQUIRED CONSENTS, NO DEFAULT. Except as described in Schedule 2.6,
neither the  execution and delivery of this  Agreement nor  compliance by any of
the Sellers with its terms and provisions will require the affirmative  consent,
approval,  order or authorization of or any registration,  declaration or filing
with any third party or authority. None of the Sellers is in default under or in
violation of any  provision of any  indenture,  mortgage,  lease,  loan or other
agreement  relating to the Stores or the Assets to which either is a party or is
bound or to which either of their properties is subject.

         2.7 LITIGATION. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.7 attached hereto (a)
no action,  suit or proceeding to which any of the Sellers is a party (either as
a  plaintiff  or  defendant)  is  pending  or  threatened  before  any  court or
governmental  agency,  authority,  body or arbitrator  and no basis for any such
action,  suit or proceeding  exists; (b) neither of the Sellers nor any officer,
director  or employee of the MB business  has been  permanently  or  temporarily
enjoined  by any  order,  judgment  or decree  of any court or any  governmental
agency, authority or body from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice
in connection with the business,  assets, or properties of the Sellers;  and (c)
there is not in  existence  on the date hereof any order,  judgment or decree of
any court,  tribunal or agency  enjoining or requiring  either of the Sellers to
take any action of any kind with respect to the  business,  assets or properties
of the MB business.  Video Update shall not under any circumstances assume or be
deemed to have assumed any obligation,  responsibility or liability with respect
to the matters described on Schedule 2.7.

         2.8 NO BROKER'S OR FINDER'S FEES. No agent, broker,  investment banker,
person  or firm has or will  have,  as a result  of any act or  omission  of any
Seller or any of its  affiliates,  any right,  interest or valid  claim  against
Video Update for any commission,  fee or other  compensation or similar fee as a
finder  or broker  in  connection  with the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.

         2.9 COPIES OF DOCUMENTS.  Upon request, the Sellers will make available
for inspection and copying by Video Update or its attorneys or accountants  true
and correct  copies of all  documents  referred  to in this  Section 2 or in any
schedule or exhibit  delivered by any Seller to Video Update in connection  with
this  Agreement  and any other  agreements  and records of the MB business  that
Video Update requests.

         2.10   GOVERNMENTAL   CONSENTS.   No   consent,   approval,   order  or
authorization of, or registration,  qualification,  designation,  declaration or
filing with,  any  governmental  authority is required to be obtained or made by
any Seller in connection  with the  execution and delivery of this  Agreement or
the sale and delivery of the Assets,  as contemplated by this Agreement,  except
such  filings as shall have been made prior to and shall be  effective on and as
of the Closing Date.

         2.11  COMPLIANCE  WITH  AGREEMENTS  AND  LAWS.  The  Sellers  have  all
requisite licenses,  permits and certificates,  including environmental,  health
and safety permits,  from federal,  state,  and local  authorities  necessary to
conduct its business as currently conducted (collectively,  the "Permits").  The
business  of MB as  conducted  through  the date  hereof  has not  violated  any
federal, state, local or foreign laws, regulations or orders (including, but not
limited to, any of the foregoing

                                       -6-





relating  to  employment  discrimination,   occupational  safety,  environmental
protection,  hazardous waste, conservation, or corrupt practices). Except as set
forth on  Schedule  2.11,  no Seller  has had notice or  communication  from any
federal,  state, or local  governmental or regulatory  authority or otherwise of
any such violation or noncompliance.

         2.12     EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.

                  (a) The Sellers are in compliance with all federal,  state and
municipal  laws  respecting  employment  and  employment  practices,  terms  and
conditions  of employment  and wages and hours,  and they are not engaged in any
unfair  labor  practice,  and there are no  arrears  in the  payment of wages or
social security taxes.

                  (b) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.12 attached hereto:

                           (i)  none of the  employees  of the MB  business  are
         represented by any labor union;

                           (ii)  there is no  unfair  labor  practice  complaint
         against the MB business  pending  before any federal,  state,  or local
         agency; and

                           (iii) there is no pending labor strike or other labor
         trouble affecting the MB business (including,  without limitation,  any
         organizational drive).

         2.13  ABSENCE  OF CERTAIN  CHANGES  OR  EVENTS.  Except as set forth on
Schedule  2.13 annexed  hereto,  since  December 31, 1996, no Seller has entered
into any  transaction  that is not in the usual and ordinary course of business.
Other than as specifically described on Schedule 2.13, neither Seller is a party
to any leases, contracts,  franchises or commitments or agreements to enter into
any of the same, written or oral, extending beyond the Closing Date.

         2.14 MB PERSONNEL  INFORMATION.  Schedule 2.14 annexed hereto is a true
and complete list, as of the Closing Date, setting forth:

                  (a) The  names  of all  persons,  if any,  holding  powers  of
attorney from the Sellers, and a summary statement of the terms thereof;

                  (b) The names and addresses of all employees of the Sellers at
the Stores and their annual  compensation  together  with their social  security
numbers and all independent contractors,  consultants,  subcontractors with whom
the Sellers  have  contracted  with  respect to the Stores  during the 12 months
preceding the Closing Date, and the social  insurance  numbers and the amount of
any  commission  and  monies  owed or paid by the  Sellers  to such  independent
contractors,  consultants and subcontractors  during said 12 month period.  Such
independent  contractors,  consultants and  subcontractors  have been treated as
such by the Sellers and have not been and never have been

                                       -7-





treated as  employees  of the Sellers for which any  withholding  taxes or other
applicable tax may be due from the Sellers; and

                  (c) All contracts or  arrangements,  whether  written or oral,
pursuant to which the Sellers have received or are receiving services.

         2.15 DISCLOSURE.  No  representation  or warranty by any of the Sellers
(individually or collectively) in this Agreement, nor any statement, certificate
or Schedule  furnished  or to be  furnished  to Video  Update by or on behalf of
either of the Sellers  pursuant to or in connection  with this Agreement nor any
document or certificate  delivered to Video Update  pursuant to or in respect of
this Agreement contains or will contain any untrue or misleading  statement of a
material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact reasonably  related
to the transactions covered by this Agreement,  and all such representations and
warranties  are and on the  Closing  Date will be accurate  and  complete in all
material respects.

3.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VIDEO UPDATE

         Video  Update  represents  and  warrants  to the  Sellers,  upon  which
representations and warranties the Sellers rely, as follows:

         3.1  ORGANIZATION  AND RELATED  MATTERS.  Video Update is a corporation
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of Delaware, and has full corporate power to enter into this Agreement and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         3.2 AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENT. The execution, delivery and performance
of this  Agreement  by Video  Update have been duly and validly  authorized  and
approved by the  Executive  Committee  of the Board of Directors of Video Update
and no other  proceedings on the part of Video Update are necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Video Update.

4.       INDEMNIFICATION

         4.1 SUBJECTS INDEMNIFIED AGAINST BY THE SELLERS.  The Sellers,  jointly
and  severally,  agree to  defend,  indemnify  and hold  harmless  Video  Update
(including any director,  officer,  employee,  representative or agent), and its
successors  and  assigns,  from and  against  any and all  damages,  losses  and
expenses suffered by Video Update, or any subsidiary of Video Update,  resulting
from  (i)  any  breach  of  warranty  or  agreement  or  non-fulfillment  of any
obligation  on the part of the Sellers  (individually  or  together)  under this
Agreement  (including  the Schedules and Exhibits to this  Agreement),  (ii) any
misrepresentation in this Agreement or in any Schedule, Exhibit,  certificate or
other  instrument  furnished  by the Sellers to Video  Update  hereunder  or any
failure  to  state  herein  or in any such  Schedule,  Exhibit,  certificate  or
instrument  any fact  required  by the terms  hereof or  therein to be stated or
necessary  to be stated in order to make the  statements  made herein or therein
not misleading, and (iii) all demands, assessments, judgments, settlements,

                                       -8-





reasonable costs and legal and other expenses arising from or in connection with
any action, suit,  proceeding or claim by any third party resulting in damage or
loss to Video Update or any  subsidiary of Video Update as a consequence  of any
such misrepresentation, breach of warranty or nonfulfillment of obligation.

         4.2 CONDITIONS TO  INDEMNIFICATION.  The obligations and liabilities of
the Sellers hereunder with respect to their respective  indemnities  pursuant to
this Section,  resulting from any claim or other assertion of liability by third
parties, shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

                  (a)  Video   Update  or  any  of  its   subsidiaries   seeking
indemnification  (the "Indemnified  Party") shall give the Sellers,  as the case
may be (the "Indemnifying Party"),  notice in writing within thirty (30) days of
(i) any  claim or  potential  claim,  (ii) the  commencement  of any  action  or
proceeding,  or  (iii)  the  occurrence  of  any  other  event  giving  rise  to
indemnification  rights under this  Section.  The  Indemnified  Party  receiving
notice  of  such  claim,  commencement  of  such  action  or  proceeding  or the
occurrence of such event shall give the  Indemnifying  Party  written  notice of
such claim,  the  commencement of such action or proceeding or the occurrence of
such event and,  in each  case,  the basis  therefor,  provided,  however,  that
failure to give such notice  within such thirty (30) day period shall not affect
the liability of the Indemnifying  Party under this Agreement unless the failure
to give such notice  within such time period  materially  adversely  affects the
Indemnifying  Party's  ability to defend itself against the claim giving rise to
the Indemnified  Party's claim for indemnification or to cure the default giving
rise to such claim.  With  respect to  threatened  or  asserted  claims of third
parties,  the Indemnifying  Party shall have the right to control the defense of
such claim by counsel of its own choosing,  provided that the Indemnified  Party
shall have the option at its expense to  cooperate  in such defense with counsel
of its  choosing.  If the  Indemnified  Party is named as a party  against which
claim is asserted or action or proceeding is commenced,  the Indemnifying  Party
shall have the right (i) to defend any such claim,  action or proceeding brought
by a third party of which notice has been delivered pursuant hereto, and (ii) to
compromise or settle such claim,  action or proceeding  brought by a third party
of which  notice  has been  delivered  pursuant  hereto.  In the event  that the
Indemnified  Party  shall  undertake  to  compromise,  settle or defend any such
asserted  liability,  it shall  promptly  notify the  Indemnifying  Party of its
intention  to do so and the  terms of such  compromise  or  settlement,  and the
Indemnifying Party agrees to cooperate in the compromise of, or defense against,
any such asserted liability.  In any event, the Indemnified Party shall have the
right at its own expense to participate in any claim,  action or proceeding that
is being defended by another party.

                  (b) If the  Indemnifying  Party  fails to  defend  such  claim
within  thirty days after notice of a claim  hereunder,  the  Indemnified  Party
shall be entitled to undertake  the defense,  compromise  or  settlement of such
claim  at the  reasonable  expense  of and  for  the  account  and  risk  of the
Indemnifying  Party subject to the right of the Indemnifying  Party to cooperate
in the defense of such claim at any time prior to the settlement,  compromise or
final determination thereof.


                                       -9-





                  (c) The  Indemnifying  Party  will  not,  without  Indemnified
Party's prior written consent,  settle or compromise any claim or consent to any
entry or judgment  that does not include as an  unconditional  term  thereof the
giving by the claimant or the  plaintiff to the  Indemnified  Party of a release
from all liability with respect to such claim,  provided,  however,  that should
the  Indemnified  Party  assume  the  control  of the  defense  of a claim,  the
Indemnified  Party shall have the authority to settle or compromise any claim or
consent  to any  entry of  judgment,  without  the  Indemnifying  Party's  prior
consent.

         4.3 PAYMENT FOR INDEMNIFICATION.  The Sellers shall pay to Video Update
the  amount  of  claims  for  indemnification  within  five (5) days  after  the
notification  thereof  (the "Due  Date") in cash or by  certified  check.  Video
Update  may set off the amount of any claim due to it from the  Sellers  against
any amount due from Video  Update to the  Sellers.  Any  amounts not paid by the
Sellers  when due under  this  Section  shall  bear  interest  from the Due Date
thereof until the date paid at the lower of eighteen  percent (18%) per annum or
the highest rate allowed by law.

         4.4 SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION.  The indemnification  provided in this
Section shall survive the Closing.

         4.5   INTENT  OF   PARTIES.   The   parties   hereto   intend  for  the
indemnification   provisions   of  this  Section  to  be  construed  as  a  full
indemnification  in accordance  with its terms,  notwithstanding  the use of any
"substantial" or "material" standard contained elsewhere in this Agreement.  Any
remedies of Video Update shall be cumulative  and not  exclusive.  Specifically,
but not by way of  limitation,  the parties  make no attempt to limit any claims
based on common law fraud or other similar remedies.

5.       NON-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

         (a) With respect to the  operations of the Stores,  each of the Sellers
recognizes  and  acknowledges  that (i) all plans,  systems,  methods,  designs,
procedures,  books  and  records  relating  to  the  operations,  personnel  and
practices  (whether  instituted  or commenced  prior or  subsequent  to the date
hereof) of the Stores,  and (ii) all other  records,  documents and  information
concerning the business activities, practices, and procedures of the Stores, may
constitute  valuable,  special  and unique  assets of the  business  of MB to be
acquired by Video  Update.  Each of the Sellers  therefore  covenants and agrees
that he, she or it will not, following the date of this Agreement,  disclose any
part thereof that is confidential to any person, firm, corporation,  association
or other entity, for any reason or purpose whatsoever.

         (b) Each of the Sellers acknowledges that the restrictions contained in
this Section, in view of the nature of the business in which it is engaged,  are
reasonable  and  necessary  to protect its  legitimate  interests,  and that any
violation thereof could result in irreparable  injuries to Video Update. Each of
the Sellers therefore  acknowledges that, in the event of a breach or threatened
breach of the provisions of this paragraph by the Sellers, Video Update shall be
entitled to request from any court of competent  jurisdiction,  preliminary  and
permanent  injunctive  relief  restraining  the Sellers from disclosing any such
records, documents or information.


                                      -10-





6.       RESTRICTIVE COVENANT

         (a) Each of the  Sellers  agrees  that for a period  of three (3) years
from the Closing,  neither they nor their respective successors or assigns shall
engage  directly as a principal or indirectly  as (i) an advisor,  (ii) an agent
(whether  a  salesperson  or  otherwise),  (iii) a  broker  or  (iv) a  partner,
coventurer,  stockholder or other proprietor  owning directly or indirectly more
than five percent (5%) interest in any firm,  corporation,  partnership,  trust,
association or other organization,  in the sale, rental or service of any asset,
part or product rented,  sold,  offered,  featured or otherwise  included in the
business of MB prior to the  Closing,  within a three mile radius of each of the
Stores.

         (b) Each of the Sellers acknowledges that the restrictions contained in
this  Section,  in view of the nature of the  business in which Video  Update is
engaged,  are reasonable  and necessary to protect the  legitimate  interests of
Video  Update,  and that any  violation  thereof  could  result  in  irreparable
injuries to Video Update. The Sellers acknowledge that, in the event of a breach
or threatened  breach of the restrictions of this Section by any of the Sellers,
Video  Update  shall  be  entitled  to  request  from  any  court  of  competent
jurisdiction,  preliminary and permanent  injunctive relief restraining them (or
their respective successors,  assigns, or transferees) from any violation of the
foregoing.

         (c) Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting  Video Update from
pursuing any other  remedies  available  for such breach or  threatened  breach,
including  recovery  of damages and an  equitable  accounting  of all  earnings,
profits and other benefits arising from such violation, by the Sellers.

         (d) Each of the Sellers  acknowledges  the intention  that Video Update
shall have the  broadest  possible  protection  of the value of the  business of
Video Update in the trade areas set forth above (to the extent that the business
is actively conducted in any such trade area as of the Closing)  consistent with
public policy, and it will not violate the intent of the parties if any court of
competent  jurisdiction  should  determine,  in  an  appropriate  decree,  that,
consistent with  established  precedent of the forum state, the public policy of
such state requires a more limited  restriction in geographical area or duration
of the aforesaid covenant.

7.       GENERAL

         7.1  SURVIVAL  OF  REPRESENTATIONS,   WARRANTIES  AND  COVENANTS.   The
representations  and  warranties  of  the  Sellers  contained  herein  or in any
Schedule,  Exhibit or certificate  delivered hereunder shall survive the Closing
Date,  shall  remain in full  force and effect  and shall be  unaffected  by any
investigation  made by Video Update  hereunder.  All  covenants  and  agreements
contained  herein that are to be performed  or fulfilled  after the Closing Date
shall survive and remain in full force and effect.


                                      -11-





         7.2 PRESS RELEASES. Unless approved in advance by Video Update, neither
of the Sellers  shall issue any press  release or written  statement for general
circulation relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, except as required
by law in the reasonable opinion of their counsel.

         7.3 PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  Whether or not the transactions  contemplated
hereby are consummated, Video Update shall pay its own expenses, and the Sellers
shall pay their own expenses, in connection with the negotiation, authorization,
preparation,  execution and  performance of this Agreement,  including,  without
limitation,   all  fees  and  expenses  of  investment  banking  firms,  agents,
representatives, counsel and accountants.

         7.4 GOVERNING  LAW. This  Agreement  shall be governed in all respects,
whether as to validity, construction, capacity, performance or otherwise, by the
internal  laws of the State of  Minnesota  in which it has been  executed and in
which it has a situs, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.  If any
provision of this Agreement  shall be held invalid by a court with  jurisdiction
over the parties to this Agreement,  then and in that event such provision shall
be deleted from the  Agreement,  which shall then be construed to give effect to
the remaining provisions thereof.  Each of the Sellers consents to the exclusive
jurisdiction  of the courts of the State of Minnesota,  and any state or federal
court located therein,  and to the  appropriateness of the venue of such courts,
in connection  with any dispute which may arise pursuant to this Agreement or is
related to the transactions contemplated hereby.

         7.5 NOTICES. Any payments,  notices or other communications required or
permitted  hereunder  shall be given in writing and deemed to have been properly
given if and when delivered  personally or if sent by facsimile  transmission or
by registered or certified  mail,  return receipt  requested,  postage  prepaid,
addressed as follows:

         if to Video Update:                Video Update, Inc.
                                            3100 World Trade Center
                                            30 East Seventh Street
                                            St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
                                            Attention:  Daniel A. Potter, 
                                                        Chief Executive Officer
                                            Facsimile:  (612) 229-9629

         with a copy to:                    Lawrence H. Gennari, Esquire
                                            O'Connor, Broude & Aronson
                                            950 Winter Street, Suite 2300
                                            Waltham, Massachusetts  02154
                                            Facsimile:  (617) 890-9261






                                      -12-





         if to MB or the Owners:            Susan Janae Kingston
                                            Larry Peterman
                                            938 North 900 West
                                            Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
                                            Facsimile: (801) 322-2529

         with a copy to:                    Jerome H. Mooney, Esquire
                                            Mooney Law Firm
                                            50 West Broadway, 4th Floor
                                            Salt Lake City, Utah  84101
                                            Facsimile:  (801) 364-3406

or such other  address as shall be furnished  in writing by any party.  Any such
payment,  notice or communication  shall be deemed to have been made or given on
the date of actual receipt, whichever first occurs.

         7.6  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement  shall be binding upon and
shall  inure to the  benefit of the  parties  and their  respective  successors,
assigns, heirs, executors,  administrators and legal representatives,  provided,
however,  that no Seller  shall assign any of his, her or its rights or delegate
any of its obligations  hereunder to any party without the prior written consent
of Video Update.

         7.7 HEADINGS.  The descriptive headings of the several Sections of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this
Agreement.

         7.8  COUNTERPARTS.  This  Agreement  may be executed  originally  or by
facsimile  and in one or more  counterparts,  all of  which  together  shall  be
considered one and the same agreement.

         7.9 WAIVER.  The failure of any party to this  Agreement at any time or
times to required  performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect
such party's  right at a later time to enforce the same.  No waiver by any party
of any  condition,  or of the breach of any term,  covenant,  representation  or
warranty  contained in this Agreement,  whether by conduct or otherwise,  in any
one or more  instances  shall be  deemed  to be or  construed  as a  further  or
continuing  waiver  of any such  condition  or  breach  or a waiver of any other
condition or the breach of any other term, covenant,  representation or warranty
of this Agreement.

         7.10 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement,  together with its Exhibits and
Schedules,  contains the entire  agreement among the parties hereto with respect
to the transactions contemplated herein, and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings,  whether written or oral,  among the parties hereto with respect
to the subject matter of this Agreement.



                                      -13-





         7.11 ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.  Video Update and the Sellers agree to execute
and deliver such other  documents,  certificates,  agreements and other writings
and to take such other  actions as may be  necessary  or  desirable  in order to
consummate or implement  expeditiously  the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.




              [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]







                                      -14-





         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been signed by a duly authorized
officer of Video Update, and by each of the Sellers as of the day and year first
above written.

                                             VIDEO UPDATE, INC.



                                             By: /s/ Daniel A. Potter
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 Daniel A. Potter
                                                 Chief Executive Officer


                                             SUSAN JANAE KINGSTON



                                                 /s/ Susan Janae Kingston
                                                 ------------------------------


                                             LARRY PETERMAN



                                                 /s/ Larry Peterman
                                                 ------------------------------






                                      -15-





                         LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                    <C>
Exhibit                    Title
- -------                    -----

    A                      List of Stores
    B                      Opinion of Counsel to Sellers

Schedule                   Title
- --------                   -----

   1.1(a)                  Tangible Property
   1.1(b)                  Accounts and Customer Receivables
   1.1(f)                  Material Agreements
   1.2                     Assumed Liabilities
   2.1                     Encumbrances on Assets
   2.3(a)                  Financial Statements
   2.3(b)                  Statement of Adverse Changes, Undisclosed Liabilities and
                           Promotional Activity
   2.4                     Exceptions to Accounts Receivable and Usable Inventory
   2.5                     Exceptions to Tax Payments/Tax Proceedings and Claims
   2.6                     Required Consents
   2.7                     Litigation
   2.11                    Notice of Violations or Noncompliance
   2.12                    List of Labor Unions, Unfair Practices and Other Labor Matters
   2.13                    List of Transactions Not in the Ordinary Course of Business and Contracts
                           Extending Beyond the Closing
   2.14                    List of Powers of Attorney, Deposit Accounts, Signing Authorities, and of
                           Employees and Service Contracts



 Copies of the Exhibits and Schedules will be provided to the Commission upon request.



</TABLE>






                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.a
                                                                    ------------



                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                           ---------------------

            VIDEO UPDATE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF SEVEN VIDEO STORES

       VIDEO UPDATE CHAIN CONTINUES RAPID EXPANSION THROUGH NORTH AMERICA

         ST. PAUL,  MN, March 3, 1997 -- Video  Update,  Inc.  (Nasdaq  National
Market:  VUPDA, VUPDZ) an international video chain, today announced that it has
completed the asset acquisition of seven video stores in Texas and Oklahoma from
Cox Video  Corporation.  The addition of these stores raises the total number of
Video Update stores in North America to 330.

         "We are moving  quickly  to  execute  our  expansion  strategy  through
acquisitions  and building new stores.  Our recently  increased  credit line and
last  month's  appointment  of a new area real  estate  manager  position us for
continued efficient response to appropriate growth  opportunities as they arise.
The swift closing of the Cox  acquisitions  further  supports our  commitment to
this strategy."

         Video  Update,  Inc. is an  international  video  retail chain with 330
video  stores in North  America  of which 301 are  corporately-owned  and 29 are
franchised as of February 28, 1997. Video Update stores are located in seventeen
states in the U.S. and in three provinces in Canada.

         Matters   discussed  in  this  news  release  contain   forward-looking
statements  that involve  risks and  uncertainties.  The  Company's  results may
differ   significantly  from  the  results  indicated  by  such  forward-looking
statements.  Although  the Company  endeavors to integrate  and  assimilate  the
operations of acquired  stores in an effective and timely  manner,  no assurance
can be given that the Company will be successful in such integration attempts or
that the Company will be able to hire,  train,  retrain and assimilate  selected
individuals employed at acquired stores.  Further no assurance can be given that
the Company will successfully  integrate the above described acquisitions or any
other future acquired  businesses into the Company's  purchasing,  marketing and
management  information systems. These and similar acquisition related risks are
detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports,  including Form 10-KSB,
S-3 and 10-QSB for the quarter ended October 31, 1996.




                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                           ---------------------

             VIDEO UPDATE EXPANDS BOARD TO SEVEN WITH APPOINTMENT OF
                    BERNARD PATRIACCA AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

    FORMER CFO OF DUNKIN' DONUTS BRINGS ADDED RETAIL AND FRANCHISE EXPERTISE


         ST. PAUL,  MN, April 2, 1997 -- Video  Update,  Inc.  (Nasdaq  National
Market:  VUPDA,  VUPDZ),  an  international  video chain,  today  announced  the
election of Bernard R. Patriacca to its Board of Directors,  increasing the size
of the Board from six to seven members, effective April 1st.

         Mr. Patriacca,  age 53, has extensive  retail,  financial and franchise
experience.  From 1973 to 1991, Mr.  Patriacca  served in various  capacities at
Dunkin' Donuts  Incorporated,  including Chief  Financial  Officer and Director.
Since 1994, he has served as Vice  President of Errands Etc.,  Inc., a privately
held homeowner's personal service company he co-founded.

         "Bernard brings to our Board a valuable mix of retail,  franchising and
management  expertise  at both  public and  private  companies,"  commented  Dan
Potter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Video Update. "His experience at
Dunkin'  Donuts during its formative  years is  especially  appropriate  for our
Board as Video Update continues its North American expansion in the video rental
industry."

         From 1991 to 1994,  Mr.  Patriacca  held  senior  financial  management
positions at several  privately held consumer services  companies  including Sky
Rock Services Corp.  and Boston Coach.  He also serves as a director of publicly
held Smith-Midland Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of precast concrete
products, and ENCON Systems, Inc., a full-service energy management company. Mr.
Patriacca is a Certified Public Accountant with Bachelors and Masters degrees in
Finance and Accounting from Northeastern University.







         Video  Update,  Inc. is an  international  video  retail chain with 336
video  superstores  in North America of which 307 are  company-owned  and 29 are
franchised as of March 31, 1997.  These stores are located in nineteen states in
the US and in three provinces in Canada.

         Matters  discussed  in  this  news  release,  including  the  Company's
expansion plans, may be considered forward-looking statements that involve risks
and  uncertainties.  The  Company's  results may differ  significantly  from the
results  indicated by such  forward-looking  statements.  Business and expansion
risks are detailed  from time to time in the  Company's  SEC reports,  including
Form 10-KSB, S-3 and 10-QSB for the quarter ended January 31, 1997.



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