HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP INC
S-1/A, 1996-09-25
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES
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<PAGE>
   
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1996 
                                                  REGISTRATION NO. 333-9025 
============================================================================= 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
                            Washington, D.C. 20549 
                                    ------ 
                               Amendment No. 1 
                                      to 
                                   FORM S-1 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT 
                                    UNDER 
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 
                                    ------ 
                        HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. 
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                    <C>                                 <C>   
          Delaware                               7382                          06-1070719 
(State or other jurisdiction         (Primary Standard Industrial          (I.R.S. Employer 
of incorporation or organization)     Classification Code Number)          Identification No.)
</TABLE>
             440 Ninth Avenue                        George V. Flagg 
       New York, New York 10001-1695      President and Chief Executive Officer 
              (212) 760-0630                         440 Ninth Avenue 
    (Address, including zip code, and           New York, New York 10001-1695 
             telephone number,                        (212) 760-0630 
    including area code, of registrant's   (Name, address, including zip code,
       principal executive offices)               and telephone number, 
                                              including area code, of agent for 
                                                       service 
                                     ------
                                   Copies to:
         Jeffrey W. Rubin, Esq.                     Michael Hirschberg, Esq. 
      Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent &                  Piper & Marbury L.L.P. 
             Sheinfeld, LLP                        1251 Avenue of the Americas 
            551 Fifth Avenue                        New York, New York 10020 
        New York, New York 10176                         (212) 835-6000 
             (212) 661-6500 
                                     ------
   Approximate date of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable 
after the effective date of this Registration Statement. 

   If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered 
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities 
Act of 1933, as amended, check the following box. [ ]

   If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering 
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following 
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier 
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

   If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) 
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act 
registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the 
same offering.  [ ]
   
   If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, 
please check the following box. [ ]
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Proposed       Proposed   
                                                 Amount to be     Maximum       Maximum      Amount of
       Title of Each Class of                     Registered   Offering Price  Aggregate    Registration 
    Securities to be Registered                      (1)         Per Share      Offering       Fee
                                                                                 Price     
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                       <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>        
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share            1,150,000      $9.75        $11,212,500    $3,866.38(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share              115,000     $11.00         $1,265,000      $436.21(3)
</TABLE>                                                                     
================================================================================
(1) Includes 165,000 shares which the Underwriters have the option to purchase
    from the Company solely to cover over-allotments.
(2) Registration fee paid previously.
(3) Additional registration fee paid herewith, computed pursuant to Rule 457(a)
    under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the basis of the offering
    price of the additional shares of the Company's Common Stock.
    
   The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or 
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant 
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this 
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with 
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration 
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting 
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine. 
============================================================================= 
<PAGE>  

                            CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET 

   Showing Location in Prospectus of Information Required by Items of Form 
S-1 Pursuant to Item 501(b) of Regulation S-K 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Registration Statement Item and Heading                            Location in Prospectus 
- ---------------------------------------                            --------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>       <C>                                                      <C>
1.        Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside
          Front Cover Page of Prospectus......................     Outside Front Cover of Prospectus 

2.        Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
          Prospectus..........................................     Inside Front and Outside Back Cover of Prospectus 

3.        Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
          Earnings to Fixed Charges ..........................     Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; Not Applicable 

4.        Use of Proceeds ....................................     Prospectus Summary; Use of Proceeds
 
5.        Determination of Offering Price ....................     Outside Front Cover of Prospectus; Underwriting 

6.        Dilution ...........................................     Not Applicable

7.        Selling Security Holders ...........................     Not Applicable 

8.        Plan of Distribution ...............................     Outside Front Cover of Prospectus; Underwriting 

9.        Description of Securities to be Registered..........     Description of Capital Stock 

10.       Interests of Named Experts and Counsel..............     Legal Matters 

11.       Information with Respect to the Registrant .........     Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; Use of Proceeds; Price Range 
                                                                   of Common Stock and Dividend Policy; Capitalization; Selected 
                                                                   Financial Data; Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
                                                                   Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Business; 
                                                                   Management; Principal Stockholders; Description of Capital 
                                                                   Stock; Financial Statements; Financial Statement Schedules
 
12.       Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification  
          for Securities Act Liabilities......................     Not Applicable 
 
13.       Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution ........     Part II

14.       Indemnification of Directors and Officers...........     Part II

15.       Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.............     Part II

16.       Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules..........     Part II; Exhibits 

17.       Undertakings .......................................     Part II 

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

   
PROSPECTUS 
    
                                                                          LOGO 
   
                               1,100,000 SHARES 
                        HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. 
                                 COMMON STOCK 
    

                                    ------ 

   All of the 1,100,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the 
"Common Stock"), offered hereby are being sold by Holmes Protection Group, 
Inc. ("Holmes" or the "Company"). 
   
   On September 23, 1996, the Company's Common Stock began trading on the 
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "HLMS." From March 27, 1995 to 
September 20, 1996, the Common Stock traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and 
prior thereto, the Common Stock traded on the London Stock Exchange. On 
September 24, 1996, the last sale price for the Common Stock as reported by 
the Nasdaq National Market was $10.50. 
                                    ------ 

   The shares offered hereby involve a high degree of risk. See "Risk 
Factors" beginning on page 6 hereof. 
                                    ------ 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND 
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE 
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES 
       COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS 
         PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A 
                              CRIMINAL OFFENSE. 
===============================================================================
                                      Underwriting 
                   Price to          Discounts and             Proceeds 
                    Public           Commissions (1)         to Company (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Per Share .....     $11.00             $0.88                    $10.12
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (3)  ....   $12,100,000        $968,000                $11,132,000
===============================================================================

(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against 
    certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 
    1933, as amended. See "Underwriting." 
(2) Before deducting expenses of the offering payable by the Company 
    estimated to be $500,000. 
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up 
    to an aggregate of 165,000 additional shares of Common Stock on the same 
    terms and conditions as the Common Stock offered hereby solely to cover 
    over-allotments, if any. If the Underwriters exercise this option in 
    full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions 
    and Proceeds to Company will be $13,915,000, $1,113,200 and $12,801,800,
    respectively. See "Underwriting." 

   The shares of Common Stock offered hereby are offered by the Underwriters, 
subject to prior sale when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the 
Underwriters and subject to certain other conditions. The Underwriters 
reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify such offer and to reject 
orders in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the certificates 
representing shares of Common Stock will be made at the offices of Brean 
Murray & Co., Inc. in New York, New York on or about September 30, 1996. 

                                    ------ 

                           BREAN MURRAY & CO., INC. 
    

                                    ------ 
                The date of this Prospectus is September 25, 1996

<PAGE>

Public Offices 
                                             Holmes Protection Group, Inc. 
Industrial Sites 
                                                    Still the First. 
                                         Protecting People and Property Since 
                                                         1858. 

                                              [LOGO] 

                                                     Commercial Facilities 

                                                     Residential Premises 

                                    ------ 
   
   IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS AND SELLING GROUP 
MEMBERS, IF ANY, MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE 
COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK ON NASDAQ IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 10b-6A UNDER THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED. SEE "UNDERWRITING." 
    
<PAGE>

                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 

   The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed 
information and Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in 
this Prospectus, including information under "Risk Factors." The shares of 
Common Stock offered hereby involve a high degree of risk and investors 
should carefully consider information set forth in "Risk Factors." Unless 
otherwise indicated, all information contained in this Prospectus assumes 
that the Underwriters' over-allotment option as described in "Underwriting" 
is not exercised. 

                                 THE COMPANY 
   
   Holmes provides security alarm monitoring services and designs, sells, 
installs and services electronic security systems for commercial and mid- to 
high-end residential subscribers. These systems include event detection 
devices, surveillance equipment and access control devices which restrict 
access to specified areas. The Company currently provides its services in the 
Northeast, primarily in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and conducts 
its operations through four branch offices, two central monitoring stations 
and 46 independent alarm service dealers and franchisees. In addition, the 
Company recently acquired a central monitoring station in Southern California 
which provides monitoring services for other alarm companies. According to a 
published survey, the Company was the twelfth largest provider of electronic 
security services in the United States in terms of total 1995 revenues. 

   Following an internal management transition and reorganization that 
occurred during 1995, the Company engaged the services of several former 
senior executives of The National Guardian Corporation ("National Guardian"), 
a large national electronic security alarm services company which was 
acquired by Ameritech Monitoring Services, Inc. in October 1995. Among the 
executives hired by the Company was George V. Flagg, the Company's President 
and Chief Executive Officer, who served as the President and Chief Executive 
Officer of National Guardian from 1986 to 1995. During Mr. Flagg's tenure, 
National Guardian became one of the four largest electronic security services 
companies in the United States based upon revenues, which grew from 
approximately $40 million in 1985 to over $200 million in 1995. Under the 
direction of the Company's new management team, the Company is implementing a 
new business strategy involving a combination of strategic acquisitions and 
internal growth. In regard to strategic acquisitions, the Company intends to 
pursue both (i) fold-in acquisitions, which consist of businesses or 
portfolios of alarm monitoring accounts that can be readily combined with the 
Company's existing branch offices and management structure and (ii) new 
market acquisitions, which consist of companies in the electronic security 
services industry located outside the Company's current geographic market. In 
regard to its internal growth strategy, the Company intends to capitalize on 
public recognition of the historic Holmes brand name (which has been utilized 
in the security services industry since 1858) in connection with (i) 
expanding its security services product offerings, including the HolmesNet 
system for wireless data communications; (ii) establishing a national 
accounts program; (iii) increasing its sales and marketing efforts; and (iv) 
expanding its dealer operations. 

   The Company's revenues consist primarily of recurring payments under 
written contracts for security alarm monitoring activities and associated 
services, which represented approximately 74% of total revenues in 1995. The 
Company monitors digital alarm signals arising from various activities, 
including burglaries, fires and other events, through security systems 
installed at subscribers' premises. These signals are received and processed 
at one of the Company's central monitoring stations. In order to reduce 
overall manpower requirements, achieve economies of scale and other cost 
efficiencies, and enhance the quality of service being provided, the Company 
is in the process of consolidating its central monitoring stations located in 
the Northeast into one state-of-the-art facility with monitoring capacity of 
approximately 60,000 accounts. In order to avail itself of more extensive 
technological resources, the Company entered into a ten-year information 
technology services agreement with a subsidiary of Electronic Data Systems 
Corporation ("EDS") in 1995. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company has 
consolidated four central monitoring stations into two, and completion of the 
consolidation activities is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 1996. The 
Company currently monitors approximately 35,000 accounts from its central 
monitoring stations located in the Northeast and 14,500 accounts from its 
central monitoring station located in Southern California. An additional 16% 
of the Company's total revenues in 1995 was comprised of direct sales and 
installation of security equipment. 
    

                                      3
<PAGE>

   The balance of the Company's revenues in 1995 was derived from (i) jewelry 
vault rentals, (ii) insured parcel delivery services for the jewelry trade 
and (iii) royalty fees and product sales relating to its franchise and dealer 
operations. Approximately 80% of the Company's business is derived from 
commercial customers, including financial institutions, jewelry and fine art 
dealers, corporate headquarters, manufacturers, distribution facilities and 
health care and education facilities. The Company's residential business 
focuses principally on mid- to high-end customers. 

   Electronic security services is a consolidating but still a highly 
fragmented industry, consisting of a large number of local and regional 
companies and several integrated national companies. The fragmented nature of 
the industry can be attributed to the low capital requirements associated 
with performing basic installation and maintenance of electronic security 
systems. However, the business of a full service, integrated electronic 
security services company providing central station monitoring services is 
capital intensive, and the Company believes that the high fixed costs of 
establishing both central monitoring stations and full service operations 
contribute to the small number of national competitors. The low marginal cost 
of monitoring additional customers has been one of the principal factors 
leading full service, integrated electronic security services companies to 
seek acquisitions of other electronic security businesses to consolidate into 
their existing operations. The principal focus of the Company's business 
strategy is to aggressively pursue acquisitions in this environment. 

   The Company was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on October 29, 
1982. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 440 Ninth 
Avenue, New York, New York 10001-1695, and its telephone number is (212) 
760-0630. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to the "Company" 
or "Holmes" in this Prospectus are to Holmes Protection Group, Inc. and its 
direct and indirect subsidiaries. 

                                 THE OFFERING 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                  <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company  ..............  1,100,000 shares
 
Common Stock Outstanding After the Offering(1)  ...  5,663,062 shares

Use of Proceeds  ..................................  To finance the Company's business expansion plans, including 
                                                     pursuing strategic acquisitions, expanding its security 
                                                     services product offerings, establishing a national 
                                                     accounts program, increasing its sales and marketing 
                                                     efforts, and expanding its dealer operations.
 
Nasdaq National Market Symbol  ....................  "HLMS" 

</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) Excludes (i) 57,846 and 165,429 shares of Common Stock reserved for 
    issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under the Executives Plan 
    and the Directors Plan (each as defined in "Management--Stock Option 
    Plans"), respectively; (ii) 878,864 shares of Common Stock reserved for 
    issuance upon exercise of the Investor Warrants and Institution Warrants 
    (each as defined in "Risk Factors--Control by Certain Stockholders"); 
    (iii) 166,666 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise 
    of the New Bank Warrants (as defined in "Management's Discussion and 
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity 
    and Capital Resources"); and (iv) 830,000 shares of Common Stock reserved 
    for issuance upon exercise of options which have been granted under the 
    1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1996 Plan"), subject to and conditioned 
    upon stockholder approval of the 1996 Plan at the Company's 1996 annual 
    meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 1996. See 
    "Management--Stock Option Plans," "Business--Historical Developments" 
    and Notes 7 and 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
    

                                      4
<PAGE>

                     SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA 
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Six Months 
                                              Ended June 30,                              Year Ended December 31, 
                                      -----------------------------    ------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                               (unaudited) 
                                          1996           1995            1995         1994          1993         1992        1991 
                                       ----------   ---------------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  ---------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Statement of Operations Data:(1) 
Revenues  ..........................      $24,483       $25,123         $50,075      $51,402      $53,500      $56,173    $59,042 

Cost of sales (exclusive of 
  depreciation expense) ............      (12,809)      (12,563)        (26,262)     (24,885)     (26,916)     (29,560)   (32,152) 
Gross profit  ......................       11,674        12,560          23,813       26,517       26,584       26,613     26,890 
Selling, general and administrative 
  expenses .........................       (6,844)       (7,760)        (16,668)     (15,051)     (17,837)     (17,287)   (18,157) 
Depreciation and amortization  .....       (5,432)       (5,095)        (10,390)      (9,736)      (8,919)      (8,139)    (8,034) 
Income (loss) before cumulative 
  effect of change in accounting 
  principle and extraordinary item .         (736)         (640)         (3,674)         404          (55)      (3,795)   (73,066) 
Net income (loss)  .................         (736)        1,837          (1,197)         404          (55)      19,392    (73,066) 
Income (loss) per common share 
  before cumulative effect of change 
  in accounting principle and 
  extraordinary item ...............        (0.17)        (0.14)          (0.82)        0.11        (0.02)       (3.04)   (372.10) 
Net income (loss) per common 
  share(2) .........................        (0.17)         0.41           (0.27)        0.11        (0.02)       15.54    (372.10) 
Weighted average shares outstanding         4,459         4,459           4,459        3,580        2,944        1,250        196


                                             At June 30, 1996 
                                      ----------------------------- 
                                              (unaudited) 
                                         Actual     As Adjusted(3) 
Balance Sheet Data: 
Working capital  ...................      $(6,176)       $4,456 
Total assets  ......................       76,601        87,233 
Long-term debt, net of current 
  maturities .......................        3,668         3,668 
Shareholders' equity  ..............       46,936        57,568 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) Results of operations vary significantly among the years due to several 
    reorganizations and a recapitalization of the Company. Net loss for 1995 
    reflects the effect of a non-recurring charge of $2,074,000 recorded in 
    the fourth quarter of 1995 and the cumulative effect of a change in the 
    method of accounting for non-refundable payments received from customers 
    for company-owned systems resulting in a net credit after tax of 
    $2,477,000. See Notes 3 and 4 to Notes to Consolidated Financial 
    Statements for further explanations. Net income for 1992 reflects the 
    effect of an extraordinary gain, net of tax of $23,187,000, resulting 
    from the restructuring of debt that occurred in August 1992. Net income 
    for 1991 includes a non-recurring charge of $70,412,000 for the writedown 
    of subscriber contracts, goodwill, fixed assets and other items resulting 
    from management's assessment of the adequacy of the carrying values of 
    such assets and other non-recurring expenses. 

(2) The net income (loss) per common share data has been adjusted to give 
    effect to the one-for-fourteen reverse stock split of the Common Stock on 
    March 27, 1995. 

(3) Adjusted to reflect the sale of 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock offered by
    the Company hereby at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this
    Prospectus (after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and
    estimated offering expenses) and the application of the estimated net
    proceeds therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
    

                                      5
<PAGE>

                                 RISK FACTORS 

   This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements within the 
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the 
forward-looking statements as a result of certain uncertainties set forth 
below and elsewhere in this Prospectus. An investment in the shares of Common 
Stock offered hereby involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors 
should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the 
other information set forth in this Prospectus, in connection with an 
investment in the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. 

RECENT NET LOSSES AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT 
   
   The Company incurred a net loss of $1,197,000 in 1995. This loss reflects 
the effect of a non-recurring charge of $2,074,000 and the cumulative effect 
of the change in the method of accounting for non-refundable payments 
received from customers for company-owned systems resulting in a net credit 
after tax of $2,477,000. The Company had net income of $404,000 in 1994 and 
net loss of $55,000 in 1993. At December 31, 1995, the Company had an 
accumulated deficit of $70,188,000, up from $68,991,000 at December 31, 1994, 
and a working capital deficit of $5,246,000 up from $1,818,000 at December 
31, 1994. Although the Company has experienced a decline in revenues in 
recent years, the percentage rate of decline in revenues over the past three 
years has been reduced. For a further discussion of the effect of the 
non-recurring charge and the cumulative effect of the change in the method of 
accounting for non-refundable payments, see Notes 3 and 4 to Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. See "Risk Factors -- Customer Cancellation 
Rates" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations." 
    
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION 

   The Company's existing subscriber base is geographically concentrated in 
New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Accordingly, the performance of the 
Company may be adversely affected by regional or local economic conditions. 

   The Company may from time to time make acquisitions in regions outside of 
its current operating area. The acquisition of companies in other regions, or 
in metropolitan areas in which the Company does not currently have 
subscribers, requires an investment by the Company. In order for the Company 
to expand successfully into a new area, the Company must acquire companies 
with a sufficient number and density of subscriber accounts in such area to 
support the investment. There can be no assurance that the Company will find 
such opportunities or that an expansion into new geographic areas will 
generate operating profits. 

RISK RELATED TO GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS 

   One of the Company's primary strategies is to increase its revenues and 
the markets it serves through the acquisition of other companies in the 
electronic security services industry and portfolios of alarm monitoring 
accounts. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to acquire 
or profitably manage suitable acquisition candidates or successfully 
integrate such businesses into its operations without substantial costs, 
delays or other problems. In addition, there can be no assurance that any 
businesses acquired will be profitable at the time of their acquisition or 
will achieve sales and profitability that justify the investment therein or 
that the Company will be able to realize expected operating and economic 
efficiencies following such acquisitions. Acquisitions may involve a number 
of special risks, including adverse effects on the Company's reported 
operating results, diversion of management's attention, increased burdens on 
the Company's management resources and financial controls, dependence on 
retention and hiring of key personnel, risks associated with unanticipated 
problems or legal liabilities, and amortization of acquired intangible 
assets, some or all of which could have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's operations and financial performance. See "Use of Proceeds" and 
"Business -- Business Strategy." 

CUSTOMER CANCELLATION RATES 

   The Company is heavily dependent on its recurring monitoring and service 
revenues. Given the relatively fixed nature of monitoring and service 
expenses, increases and decreases in monitoring and service revenues have a 
significant impact on the Company's profitability. Substantially all of the 
Company's monitoring and ser- 

                                      6
<PAGE>

vice revenues are derived from recurring charges to subscribers for the 
provision of various services. Although no single subscriber represents more 
than one-half of one percent of the Company's recurring revenue base, the 
Company is vulnerable to subscribers cancelling their contracts. In recent 
years, lost recurring revenues from such cancellations have exceeded the new 
recurring revenues added by the Company's sales efforts. However, the 
Company's cancellation rate (as defined in detail below), representing lost 
recurring revenues from cancellations as a percentage of gross recurring 
revenues, decreased significantly from 15.2% in 1991 to 10.9% in 1995. 
Although the Company's rate of subscriber cancellations has been 
substantially reduced since 1991, there can be no assurance that this rate 
may not increase in the future for a variety of reasons associated with 
general economic conditions, market competition and the level of customer 
satisfaction with the Company's services. See "Management's Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." 

   As described herein, the "cancellation rate" means the gross recurring 
revenues lost through cancellation in a given period; less those recurring 
revenues derived from subscribers who cancel their service with the Company 
in order to move and then contract for the Company's services at their new 
premises; and less those recurring revenues derived from new subscribers who 
occupy a vacant premises where the Company has an existing company-owned 
system and who contract for the Company's services using that equipment; 
divided by the gross recurring revenues in force at the beginning of the 
period, annualized and expressed as a percentage. 

COMPETITION 

   The electronic security services industry is highly competitive and 
fragmented. The Company competes with national and regional companies, as 
well as smaller local companies, in all of its operations. Furthermore, new 
competitors are continuing to enter the industry and the Company may 
encounter additional competition from such future industry entrants. Subject 
to regulatory compliance, certain companies engaged in the telephone and 
cable business are competing in the electronic security services industry and 
other such companies may, in the future, enter the industry. Certain of the 
Company's current competitors have, and new competitors may have, 
substantially greater financial resources than the Company. See "Business -- 
Competition." 

SIGNIFICANT OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK BY CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS 
   
   The Company believes that at September 24, 1996, seven U.S. insurance 
companies and other institutions (the "Institutions") owned approximately 35% 
(37% including warrants to purchase an aggregate of 193,150 shares of Common 
Stock at $10.68 per share (the "Institution Warrants") of the Company's 
outstanding shares of Common Stock. Following this offering, the Institutions 
will own approximately 28% (30% including the Institution Warrants) of the 
Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the Exchange 
Agreement, dated as of December 18, 1991, which agreement was amended as of 
January 31, 1992, May 24, 1992 and June 30, 1992 (the "Exchange Agreement"), 
between the Institutions and the Company, the Institutions will be entitled 
to nominate two directors (the "Institution-Nominees") to the Board based on 
their ownership of Common Stock upon consummation of this offering. At 
September 24, 1996, HP Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the 
"Investor"), owned approximately 33% (42% including warrants to purchase 
685,714 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.58 per share (the 
"Investor Warrants") of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock. 
Following this offering, the Investor will own approximately 27% (35% 
including the Investor Warrants) of the Company's outstanding shares of 
Common Stock. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement dated as of June 29, 1994 
between the Investor and the Company (the "Investment Agreement"), the number 
of directors the Investor is entitled to nominate to the Board (the 
"Investor-Nominees") upon consummation of this offering will be reduced from 
four to three directors. Following the offering, the size of the Board will 
remain at nine members. The Company anticipates that the Investor will cause 
one of the Investor-Nominees to resign from the Board upon consummation of 
this offering. However, as of today's date, the Company does not know which 
Investor-Nominee will resign and has no immediate plans to fill the 
anticipated vacant seat on the Board created by such resignation. As of a 
result of these separate agreements with the Company, the 
Institution-Nominees and the Investor-Nominees constitute a majority of the 
Company's directors and are therefore in a position to control the Company. 
See "Business -- Historical Developments." 
    
LIABILITY FOR EMPLOYEE ACTS AND DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

   The nature of the security services provided by the Company potentially 
exposes it to greater risk of liability claims for employee acts or omissions 
or system failure than may be inherent in many other service busi- 

                                      7
<PAGE>

nesses. Although (i) substantially all of the Company's customers have 
subscriber agreements which contain provisions for limited liability and 
predetermined liquidated damages and (ii) the Company carries insurance which 
it believes provides adequate coverage for businesses of the Company's type, 
there can be no assurance that such existing arrangements will prevent the 
Company from being adversely affected as a result of damages arising from the 
acts of its employees, defective equipment or because some jurisdictions 
prohibit or restrict limitations on liabilities and liquidated damages. In 
addition, certain of the Company's insurance policies and the laws of some 
states may limit or prohibit insurance coverage for punitive damages and for 
certain other kinds of damages arising from employee misconduct. See 
"Business -- Risk Management." 

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS 

   The Company's operations are subject to a variety of federal, state, 
county and municipal laws, regulations and licensing requirements. Many of 
the states in which Holmes operates, as well as certain local authorities, 
require Holmes to obtain licenses or permits to conduct a security alarm 
services business. Certain governmental entities also require persons engaged 
in the security alarm services business to be licensed and to meet certain 
standards in the selection and training of employees and in the conduct of 
business. The loss of such licenses, or the imposition of conditions on the 
granting or retention of such licenses, could have a material adverse effect 
on the Company. The Company believes that it holds the required licenses and 
is in substantial compliance with all licensing and regulatory requirements 
in each jurisdiction in which it operates. See "Business -- Regulation." 

DEPENDENCE UPON SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

   The success of the Company's business is dependent upon the active 
participation of the executive officers of the Company, most of whom have 
only recently been employed by the Company. In the event that the services of 
certain of such officers are lost for any reason, the Company's business may 
be materially and adversely affected. See "Management -- Directors and 
Executive Officers of the Company." 

POSSIBLE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF DELAWARE LAW 

   The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General 
Corporation Law of Delaware. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly 
held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an 
"interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the 
transaction in which the person becomes an interested stockholder, unless the 
business combination is approved in a prescribed manner or unless the 
interested stockholder acquires at least 85% of the corporation's voting 
stock (excluding shares held by certain designated stockholders) in the 
transaction in which it becomes an interested stockholder. A "business 
combination" includes mergers, asset sales, and other transactions resulting 
in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain 
exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with 
affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years did own, 
15% or more of the corporation's voting stock. This provision of the Delaware 
law could delay and make more difficult a business combination even if the 
business combination could be beneficial, in the short term, to the interests 
of the stockholders. This provision of the Delaware law could also limit the 
price certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of 
Common Stock. 

CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS; NO STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT; 
SUPERMAJORITY VOTING 

   Certain provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation could have 
an anti-takeover effect by making it more difficult to acquire the Company by 
means of (i) a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise and (ii) the 
removal of incumbent officers and directors. These provisions are expected to 
discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate 
takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of the 
Company to negotiate first with the Company. However, these provisions could 
also delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a 
stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts 
that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by 
the Company's stockholders. 

   The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws provide 
for the division of the Board into three classes of directors serving 
staggered three-year terms. The By-Laws provide that the size of the Board 

                                      8
<PAGE>

shall be nine, provided that the Board, by vote of three-quarters of the 
directors then in office, may increase or decrease the number of directors in 
any class. The classified board provision may prevent any party who acquires 
control of a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company from 
obtaining control of the Board until the second annual stockholders meeting 
following the date the acquiror obtains the controlling interest. See 
"Business -- Historical Developments/The 1994 Investment Agreement" and "-- 
Historical Developments/The 1992 Restructuring" for a description of certain 
arrangements relating to the size and composition of the Board. 

   The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company also provides 
that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of 
stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of meeting. 
Additionally, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires an 
affirmative vote of three-quarters of the Company's voting power (unless 
three-quarters of the total number of directors then in office shall have 
approved the amendment) to amend the provisions of the Restated Certificate 
of Incorporation with respect to the number and classification of the Board, 
stockholder action without written consent, director liability, 
indemnification and amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation. 
See "Business -- Historical Developments/Other Certificate of Incorporation 
and By-Law Provisions." 

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF "FALSE ALARMS" ORDINANCES 

   According to certain data concerning the residential security alarm market 
prepared in 1995 by J.P. Freeman & Co. (the "Freeman Data"), approximately 
97% of alarm activations that result in the dispatch of police or fire 
department personnel are not emergencies, and thus are "false alarms." 
Significant concern has arisen in certain municipalities about this high 
incidence of false alarms. This concern could cause a decrease in the 
likelihood or timeliness of police response to alarm activations and thereby 
decrease the propensity of consumers to purchase or maintain alarm monitoring 
services. 

   A number of local governmental authorities have considered or adopted 
various measures aimed at reducing the number of false alarms. Such measures 
include (i) subjecting alarm monitoring companies to fines or penalties for 
transmitting false alarms, (ii) licensing individual alarm systems and the 
revocation of such licenses following a specified number of false alarms, 
(iii) imposing fines on alarm subscribers for false alarms, (iv) imposing 
limitations on the number of times the police will respond to alarms at a 
particular location after a specified number of false alarms and (v) 
requiring further verification of an alarm signal before the police will 
respond. Enactment of such measures could adversely affect the Company's 
future business and operations. 

POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE 

   The stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and 
volume fluctuations that have been unrelated to the operating performance of 
particular companies. The market price of the Company's Common Stock may be 
significantly affected by quarterly variations in the Company's operating 
results, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or failure by 
the Company to meet such estimates, litigation involving the Company, general 
trends in the security alarm industry, actions by governmental agencies, 
national economic and stock market conditions, industry reports and other 
factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. See "Price 
Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy." 

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; REGISTRATION RIGHTS 
   
   Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have 5,663,062 shares 
of Common Stock outstanding (5,828,062 shares if the Underwriters' 
over-allotment option is exercised in full). In addition, 878,864 shares of 
Common Stock are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding 
Investor Warrants and Institution Warrants, 166,666 shares of Common Stock 
are reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding New Bank Warrants (as 
hereinafter defined in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources"), 
223,275 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance upon exercise of 
outstanding options and 830,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for 
issuance upon exercise of options which have been granted under the 1996 
Plan, subject to and conditioned upon stockholder approval of the 1996 Plan 
at the Company's annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 
1996. Substantially all of the shares of Common Stock outstanding following 
this offering will be freely tradeable, except for (i) any such shares held 
at any time by an "affiliate" of the Company, as such term is defined under 
    

                                      9
<PAGE>

Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act ("Rule 144"), (ii) certain 
shares subject to the Registration Rights Agreements described below and 
(iii) shares subject to the "lockup agreements" described below. The 
possibility that substantial amounts of Common Stock may be sold in the 
public market could have a material adverse effect on prevailing market 
prices of the Common Stock and could impair the Company's ability to raise 
capital or make acquisitions through the sale of its equity securities. The 
Company, its officers and directors and certain of its principal stockholders 
(who beneficially hold in the aggregate 4,031,495 shares of Common Stock, 
including shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding 
options and warrants beneficially owned by them), have agreed not to sell, 
offer to sell, issue, distribute or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common 
Stock of the Company for a period of 90 days from the date of this Prospectus 
(subject, in the case of the Company, to certain limited exceptions), without 
the prior written consent of the Representative (as hereinafter defined in 
"Underwriting"). See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting." 

   Pursuant to the terms of their Registration Rights Agreements (as 
hereinafter defined in "Business -- Historical Developments"), the Investor 
and each Institution have been granted certain registration rights with 
respect to their shares of Common Stock presently held or shares of Common 
Stock issuable upon exercise of their warrants. In connection with this 
offering, the Investor and each Institution have waived their respective 
registration rights for a period of 180 days from the date of this 
Prospectus. In the future, however, the Company may experience added costs 
and complexity in the event such registration rights are exercised. In 
addition, the exercise of such rights could have an adverse effect on the 
market price of the Common Stock. See "Business -- Historical Developments." 

                                      10
<PAGE>

                               USE OF PROCEEDS 
   
   The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of shares of Common Stock
offered hereby after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, are estimated to be
$10,632,000 ($12,301,800 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised
in full), based upon the  public offering price set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus.

   The Company currently intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the 
Common Stock offered hereby to pursue its business strategy, as follows: 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Percentage 
                                                                   of Net 
                                                                  Proceeds 
                                                                -------------- 
<S>                                                             <C>
Funding Strategic Acquisitions  ................                      45% 
Establishing a National Accounts Program  ......                      25% 
Expanding Dealer Operations  ...................                      15% 
Increasing Sales and Marketing Efforts  ........                      10% 
Expanding Security Services Product Offerings  .                       5%
                                                                -------------- 
                                                                     100% 
                                                                ============== 

</TABLE>
   The Company has entered into a letter of intent to purchase the assets of 
a Texas-based alarm company (the "Texas Company"). The consideration to be 
paid by the Company with respect to this acquisition is expected to consist 
of cash received from the proceeds of this offering. The acquisition of the 
Texas Company is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive 
agreements with the Texas Company and there can be no assurance that this 
purchase will be consummated. The proposed acquisition would not be deemed 
significant under applicable accounting rules and, accordingly, would not 
require separate financial statements to be included in this Prospectus. 

   The Company is actively exploring other acquisition opportunities and has 
had discussions with a number of acquisition candidates. Except as discussed 
above, the Company has not entered into any other contracts, understandings 
or arrangements for any acquisition. Any decision to make an acquisition will 
be based upon a variety of factors, including the purchase price and other 
financial terms of the transaction, the business prospects and competitive 
position of and services provided by the acquisition candidate and the extent 
to which any such acquisition would enhance the Company's future prospects. 
In addition, bank approval is necessary for certain acquisitions in 
accordance with the Company's Credit Facility (as hereinafter defined in 
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operation -- Liquidity and Capital Resources"). See "Risk Factors -- Risk 
Related to Growth Through Acquisitions," "Management's Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and "Business -- 
Business Strategy." 

   The foregoing represents the Company's best estimate of its allocation of 
the estimated net proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock offered 
hereby and is subject to a reapportionment of proceeds among the categories 
listed above or to new categories in response to, among other things, changes 
in the Company's business plans, industry conditions and future revenues and 
expenditures. The amount and timing of expenditures will vary depending on a 
number of factors, including changes in the Company's contemplated operations 
or business plan and changes in economic and industry conditions. 
    

   Pending the application of such proceeds, the Company intends to invest 
the net proceeds of this offering in government securities and 
investment-grade, short-term interest-bearing securities. 

                                      11
<PAGE>

               PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY 
   
   The Common Stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market on September 
23, 1996 under the symbol "HLMS." From March 27, 1995 to September 20, 1996, 
the Common Stock traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and prior thereto, the 
Common Stock traded on the London Stock Exchange through March 24, 1995. The 
following table sets forth, as applicable for the periods indicated, the 
range of the high and low mid-market closing prices for the Common Stock as 
reported by the London Stock Exchange and the range of high and low sale 
prices as reported by the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The prices set forth below 
have been adjusted to give effect to the one-for-fourteen reverse stock split 
of the Common Stock effected on March 27, 1995. 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           U.S. Dollars*       British Pounds 
                                        ------------------   ------------------ 
                                          High       Low       High      Low 
                                         -------   -------    -------   ------- 
<S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
1994 
                                                              pounds    pounds 
                                                             sterling  sterling 
     First Quarter  ..................   $ 7.70     $6.72      5.18      4.48 
     Second Quarter  .................     6.86      3.78      4.48      2.52 
     Third Quarter  ..................     6.58      5.46      4.20      3.50 
     Fourth Quarter  .................     6.30      4.90      3.92      3.08 
1995 
     First Quarter (on London Stock                           pounds    pounds 
        Exchange through March 24,                           sterling  sterling 
        1995) ........................   $ 6.25     $5.81      3.92      3.64 
     First Quarter (on the Nasdaq 
        SmallCap Market effective 
        March 27, 1995) ..............     6.25      6.25       --        -- 
     Second Quarter  .................     7.25      5.50       --        -- 
     Third Quarter  ..................     9.25      4.25       --        -- 
     Fourth Quarter  .................     6.50      3.75       --        -- 
1996 
     First Quarter  ..................   $ 9.00     $4.38       --        -- 
     Second Quarter  .................     9.25      7.75       --        -- 
     Third Quarter (through September 
        20, 1996) ....................    11.50      9.00       --        -- 

</TABLE>
- ------ 
* For purposes of this table, historical pound/dollar exchange rates have 
  been used based on the average of the rates at the end of each month during 
  each quarterly period. 

   On September 24, 1996 the last reported sales price for the Company's 
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $10.50 per share. At September 
19, 1996, the Company had approximately 769 stockholders of record. 

   The Company has not paid cash dividends on the Common Stock since 1989 and 
does not anticipate paying such dividends in the foreseeable future. The 
Company currently intends to retain any future earnings for use in the 
Company's business. The payment of any future dividends will be determined by 
the Board in light of the conditions then existing, including the Company's 
financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in 
financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant 
by the Board. In addition, the Company is subject to certain restrictions 
regarding the payment of cash dividends and the making of other distributions 
in respect of the Common Stock pursuant to the Credit Facility (as 
hereinafter defined in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operation -- Liquidity and Capital Resources") and 
any other new financing arrangements. 
    

                                      12
<PAGE>
                                CAPITALIZATION 
   
   The following table sets forth the actual capitalization of the Company as
of June 30, 1996 and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the 1,100,000
shares of Common Stock offered by the Company hereby at the public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus (after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses) and the
application of the estimated net proceeds of $10,632,000 therefrom. See "Use of
Proceeds." This table should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          At June 30, 1996 
                                                                    --------------------------- 
                                                                            (unaudited) 
                                                                       Actual      As Adjusted 
                                                                     ----------   ------------- 
                                                                           (in thousands) 
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Short-term obligations: 
     Existing term note  .........................................    $  2,250      $  2,250 
     Capital lease obligations  ..................................         184           184 
     Other debt  .................................................          34            34 
                                                                     ----------   ------------- 
        Total short-term obligations .............................    $  2,468      $  2,468 
                                                                     ==========   ============= 
Long-term obligations: 
     Existing term note  .........................................    $   2,813     $  2,813 
     Capital lease obligations  ..................................         731           731 
     Other debt  .................................................         124           124 
                                                                     ----------   ------------- 
        Total long-term obligations  .............................    $   3,668     $  3,668 
                                                                     ==========   ============= 
Shareholders' equity: 
     Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares 
        authorized; 
        none issued and outstanding ..............................    $     --      $     -- 
     Common Stock, $.01 par value; 12,000,000 shares authorized; 
        4,466,399 shares issued and outstanding (5,566,399 as 
        adjusted) (1) ............................................          45            56 
     Additional paid-in capital  .................................     120,763       131,384 
     Accumulated deficit  ........................................     (70,924)      (70,924) 
     Minimum pension liability adjustment  .......................      (2,863)       (2,863) 
     Less: treasury stock (7,142 shares)  ........................         (85)          (85) 
                                                                     ----------   ------------- 
        Total shareholders' equity  ..............................    $ 46,936      $ 57,568 
                                                                     ==========   ============= 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) Excludes (i) 57,846 and 165,429 shares of Common Stock reserved for 
    issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under the Executives Plan 
    and the Directors Plan, respectively; (ii) 878,864 shares of Common Stock 
    reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Investor Warrants and 
    Institution Warrants (each as defined in "Risk Factors -- Control by 
    Certain Stockholders"); (iii) 166,666 shares of Common Stock reserved for 
    issuance upon exercise of the New Bank Warrants; and (iv) 830,000 shares 
    of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options which have 
    been granted under the 1996 Plan, subject to and conditioned upon 
    stockholder approval of the 1996 Plan at the Company's 1996 annual 
    meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 1996. See "Management 
    -- Stock Option Plans," "Business -- Historical Developments" and Notes 7 
    and 8 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
    

                                      13
<PAGE>
                           SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 
   
   The following selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 
1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 were derived from financial statements of the 
Company which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified 
public accountants. The unaudited balance sheet data as of June 30, 1996 and 
the unaudited statement of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 
1995 and June 30, 1996 have been prepared on the same basis as the audited 
financial statements and in the opinion of management, include all 
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to 
present fairly the information set forth herein. Results for the six months 
ended June 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be 
expected for the year ending December 31, 1996. The data should be read in 
conjunction with the financial statements, related notes and the other 
financial information included elsewhere herein. 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Six Months Ended 
                                       June 30,                               Year Ended December 31, 
                               ------------------------    --------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                      (unaudited) 
                                   1996         1995         1995         1994          1993         1992         1991 
                                ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ---------- 
                                                        (in thousands, except per share amounts) 
<S>                            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Statement of Operations 
  Data:(1) 
Revenues  ...................    $24,483      $25,123       $50,075      $51,402      $53,500      $56,173      $59,042 
Cost of sales (exclusive of 
  depreciation expense) .....    (12,809)     (12,563)      (26,262)     (24,885)     (26,916)     (29,560)     (32,152) 
Gross profit  ...............     11,674       12,560        23,813       26,517       26,584       26,613       26,890 
Selling, general and 
  administrative expenses ...     (6,844)      (7,760)      (16,668)     (15,051)     (17,837)     (17,287)     (18,157) 
Depreciation and 
  amortization ..............     (5,432)      (5,095)      (10,390)      (9,736)      (8,919)      (8,139)      (8,034) 
Income (loss) before income 
  taxes and cumulative effect 
  of change in 
  accounting principle ......       (909)        (673)       (5,793)         982          145        3,803      (77,461) 
Income (loss) before 
  cumulative effect of change 
  in accounting principle and 
  extraordinary item ........       (736)        (640)       (3,674)         404          (55)      (3,795)     (73,066) 
Cumulative effect of change 
  in 
  accounting principle ......         --        2,477         2,477           --           --           --           -- 
Extraordinary item  .........         --           --            --           --           --       23,187           -- 
Net income (loss)  ..........       (736)       1,837        (1,197)         404          (55)      19,392      (73,066) 
Income (loss) per common 
  share before cumulative 
  effect of change in 
  accounting principle and 
  extraordinary item ........      (0.17)       (0.41)        (0.82)        0.11        (0.02)       (3.04)     (372.10) 
Net income (loss) per common 
  share(2) ..................      (0.17)         .41         (0.27)        0.11        (0.02)       15.54      (372.10) 
Weighted average shares 
  outstanding ...............      4,459        4,459         4,459        3,580        2,944        1,250          196 

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Six Months Ended 
                                       June 30,                         Year Ended December 31, 
                                 --------------------    ------------------------------------------------------- 
                                      (unaudited) 
                                    1996       1995       1995        1994        1993       1992        1991 
                                  --------   --------    --------   ---------   --------   ---------    -------- 
                                                                 (in thousands) 
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
Other Data: 
EBITDA (3)  ...................    $4,841     $4,787     $7,392     $11,659      $9,649     $12,312     $9,217 
Interest expense  .............       318        365        721         941         585         370      8,232 
Capital expenditures  .........     4,296      3,440      7,494       7,361       7,883       7,074      6,423 
Net cash provided by operating 
  activities ..................     4,523      3,035      6,144       6,164       2,335       1,797      3,618 
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       At June 30,                                 At December 31, 
                                 ----------------------    ---------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                       (unaudited) 
                                     1996        1995        1995         1994          1993         1992          1991 
                                  ----------   --------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------- 
                                                                       (in thousands) 
<S>                              <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance Sheet Data: 
Working capital  ..............    $(6,176)    $   242      $(5,246)     $(1,818)     $(9,107)     $(8,307)      $(73,158) 
Total assets  .................     76,601      82,115       81,629       87,148       84,078       83,450         87,862 
Long-term debt, net of current 
  maturities ..................      3,668       5,732        4,862        6,709        5,995          435            851 
Shareholders' equity  .........     49,936      50,257       47,672       48,420       39,319       38,006        (22,142) 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) Results of operations vary significantly among the years due to several 
    reorganizations and a recapitalization of the Company. Net loss for 1995 
    reflects the effect of a non-recurring charge of $2,074,000 recorded in 
    
                                      14
<PAGE>

    the fourth quarter of 1995 and the cumulative effect of a change in the 
    method of accounting for non-refundable payments received from customers 
    for company-owned systems resulting in a net credit after tax of 
    $2,477,000. See Notes 3 and 4 to Notes to Consolidated Financial 
    Statements for further explanations. Net income for 1992 reflects the 
    effect of an extraordinary gain, net of tax of $23,187,000, resulting 
    from the restructuring of debt that occurred in August 1992. Net income 
    for 1991 includes a non-recurring charge of $70,412,000 for the writedown 
    of subscriber contracts, goodwill, fixed assets and other items resulting 
    from management's assessment of the adequacy of the carrying values of 
    such assets and other non-recurring expenses. 

(2) The net income (loss) per common share data has been adjusted to give 
    effect to the one-for-fourteen reverse stock split of the Common Stock 
    effected on March 27, 1995. 

(3) EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
    amortization and is presented because it is an accepted and useful 
    financial indicator of a company's ability to service and incur debt. 
    EBITDA should not be considered (i) as an alternative to net income or 
    any other GAAP measure of performance, (ii) as an indicator of operating 
    performance or cash flows generated by operating, investing or financing 
    activities or (iii) as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA for 1995 does not 
    reflect the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of 
    $2,477,000 or a non-recurring charge of $2,074,000. EBITDA for 1992 does 
    not reflect an extraordinary gain of $23,187,000. EBITDA for 1991 does 
    not reflect a non-recurring charge of $70,412,000. 

                                      15 
<PAGE>

                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Six Months 
                                                     Ended June 30,               Year Ended December 31, 
                                                ------------------------   ------------------------------------- 
                                                       (unaudited) 
                                                                         (in thousands) 
                                                    1996         1995         1995         1994          1993 
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ---------- 
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Monitoring and service  ......................    $ 18,012     $ 18,975     $ 37,912     $ 39,747      $ 41,004 
Installation  ................................       4,482        4,267        8,155        8,425         9,141 
Franchise royalties, product sales and other         1,989        1,881        4,008        3,230         3,355 
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ---------- 
Total revenues  ..............................      24,483       25,123       50,075       51,402        53,500 
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation 
  expense shown below) .......................     (12,809)     (12,563)     (26,262)     (24,885)      (26,916) 
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ---------- 
Gross profit  ................................      11,674       12,560       23,813       26,517        26,584 
Selling, general and administrative expenses        (6,844)      (7,760)     (16,668)     (15,051)      (17,837) 
Depreciation and amortization  ...............      (5,432)      (5,095)     (10,390)      (9,736)       (8,919) 
Non-recurring charge  ........................          --           --       (2,074)          --            -- 
Other income (expense)  ......................          11          (13)         247          193           902 
Interest expense, net  .......................        (318)        (365)        (721)        (941)         (585) 
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ---------- 
Income (loss) before income taxes and 
  cumulative effect of change in accounting 
  principle ..................................        (909)        (673)      (5,793)         982           145 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes  ........        (173)         (33)      (2,119)         578           200 
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ---------- 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of 
  change in accounting principle .............        (736)        (640)      (3,674)         404           (55) 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting 
  principle, net of tax of $1,942 ............          --        2,477        2,477           --            -- 
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ---------- 
Net income (loss)  ...........................    $   (736)    $  1,837     $ (1,197)    $    404      $    (55) 
                                                 ==========   ==========    ==========   ==========   ========== 
</TABLE>
    
    OVERVIEW 

   The majority of the Company's revenues is derived from a combination of 
(i) recurring payments received from subscribers for providing monitoring, 
service and equipment relating to electronic security systems, primarily 
under renewable contracts which generally have an initial five-year term, 
(ii) non-refundable charges received in connection with the installation of 
company-owned systems in subscribers' premises, (iii) direct sales of 
electronic security systems and (iv) billable service charges, primarily from 
subscribers who own their systems outright. The remainder of the Company's 
revenues is derived from its insured parcel delivery service for the jewelry 
trade, jewelry vault rentals and royalties and product sales relating to its 
franchise and dealer operations. 

   Recurring revenues are payable monthly, quarterly or annually in advance 
and are recognized as service is provided. Effective January 1, 1995, the 
Company changed its method of accounting for installation revenues with 
respect to the recording of non-refundable payments received from customers 
upon the completion of the installation of company-owned systems. The 
cumulative net effect of this change was to increase net income by $2.5 
million in 1995. However, excluding the cumulative effect, this change 
resulted in an increase in net loss of $.4 million in 1995. Prior to this 
change, the Company deferred the difference between these payments and 
estimated selling costs and amortized such difference over the life of the 
non-cancelable subscriber contracts (generally five years). The Company 
believes that, on an ongoing basis, this change will not have a significant 
effect on net income. In addition, the Company further believes that 
recognizing revenues upon completion of the installation results in a better 
matching of revenues and expenses, better reflects the actual level of new 
business activity and conforms with the dominant practice being followed by 
the electronic security services industry. See Note 3 to Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

                                      16
<PAGE>

   Direct installation costs of company-owned systems, which include 
materials, labor and installation overhead, are capitalized and depreciated 
over the average useful life of subscriber contracts (including renewals), 
estimated by the Company to be twelve years. Other than direct installation 
costs of company-owned systems, all costs are recognized in the period in 
which they are incurred. 
   
    SIX MONTHS ENDED 1996 COMPARED WITH SIX MONTHS ENDED 1995 

   Revenues declined $.6 million (2.6%) in the six months ended June 30, 1996 
to $24.5 million from $25.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 1995. 
The decline was attributable to reductions in revenues of $1.0 million from 
the Company's monitoring and service operations relating to the cancellation 
of annual recurring revenues in excess of new sales. The annualized 
subscriber cancellation rate was 11.8% in the six months ended June 30, 1995 
compared to 11.7% in the six months ended June 30, 1995. The annual recurring 
revenue base declined from $36.5 million at June 30, 1995 to $34.3 million at 
June 30, 1996. The annual recurring revenue base was $35.5 million at 
December 31, 1995. The decrease in recurring and service revenue was 
partially offset by a $.4 million increase in installation revenue and other 
revenues associated with the One Service business acquired on March 27, 1995. 

   Cost of sales increased $.2 million (2.0%) to $12.8 million for the six 
months ended June 30, 1996 from $12.6 million for the comparable period of 
1995, due primarily to the acquisition of the One Service business. Selling, 
general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.0 million (11.8%) to $6.8 
million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 compared to $7.8 million for 
the same period of 1995, reflecting the reduced costs from staff reductions 
initiated in the fourth quarter of 1995. Depreciation and amortization 
expense increased $.3 million (6.6%) to $5.4 million for the six months ended 
June 30, 1996 compared to $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 
1995. This increase relates primarily to depreciation expense on additions of 
Company-owned systems on subscribers premises. 

   Income (loss) from operations reflected a loss of $.6 million for the six 
months ended June 30, 1996 compared to a loss of $.3 million for the same 
period in 1995, primarily as a result of decreased revenue and increased 
depreciation expense, offset by lower selling, general and administrative 
expenses, as described above. 

   Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 
was a loss of $.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 compared to 
a loss of $.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 1995. The Company's 
tax (benefit) expense in each period reflects the minimum capital tax accrual 
plus a proportionate estimate of deferred federal and state income tax 
(benefits) expenses that were based on the full year's forecasted pre-tax 
income in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 

    FISCAL YEAR ENDED 1995 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED 1994 
    
   Revenues declined $1.3 million (2.6%) to $50.1 million in 1995 from $51.4 
million in 1994. A portion of the decline was attributable to a reduction in 
revenues of $1.8 million from the Company's monitoring and service operations 
relating to the cancellation of annual recurring revenues in excess of new 
sales. Such annual recurring revenue base declined from $37.4 million at 
December 31, 1994 to $35.5 million at December 31, 1995. In addition, reduced 
revenues resulted from a decline in revenues of $.7 million from franchise 
and dealer operations and $.7 million from the change in the method of 
accounting for non-refundable installation fees on company-owned systems. The 
decline in revenues was partially offset by revenues from the insured parcel 
delivery service of $1.4 million, which business was acquired in March 1995. 
In 1995, the franchise and dealer operations experienced the loss of several 
franchisees and a reduction in related royalties and product sales. The 
change in accounting policy regarding non-refundable installation fees, while 
having a favorable cumulative effect on net income, resulted in lower 
installation income recognition in 1995. The Company's cancellation rate 
continued to improve from a high in 1991 of 15.2%, to 10.9% in 1995, which 
was slightly better than the 11.1% cancellation rate in 1994. This 
improvement reflects continued efforts to upgrade older accounts with new 
systems and to provide high quality service to subscribers. 

   Cost of sales increased by $1.4 million (5.5%) to $26.3 million in 1995 
from $24.9 million in 1994 primarily due to costs incurred in the operation 
of the insured parcel delivery business. 

                                      17
<PAGE>

   Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million 
(10.7%) to $16.7 million in 1995 from $15.1 million in 1994. The increase 
relates in part to legal and professional fees incurred in connection with 
the Outsourcing Agreement (as hereinafter defined in "Business -- Historical 
Developments/The 1995 Outsourcing Agreement") and a significant prospective 
acquisition which did not materialize. Increased selling expenses were 
incurred in connection with new marketing efforts relating to the ProWatch 
and LifeNet systems. 

   Depreciation and amortization expense increased $.7 million (6.7%) to 
$10.4 million in 1995 from $9.7 million in 1994. The increase relates to 
additional depreciation of installation costs relating to new company-owned 
systems as well as those systems which have been upgraded. 

   Interest expense, net of interest income, declined by $.2 million (23.4%) 
from $.9 million in 1994 to $.7 million in 1995 primarily due to an increase 
in interest income on investments and a declining debt balance under the Loan 
Agreement. 

   Non-recurring charges of $2.1 million in 1995 included $1.1 million 
relating to (i) severance pay and related benefit costs in connection with 
the selective reduction of approximately 70 employees in the Company's work 
force, all of whom were terminated, notified or identified at December 31, 
1995 and (ii) approximately $1.0 million relating to the write-off of 
unamortized leasehold improvements and other assets in connection with the 
Company's central station consolidation and the relocation of the Company's 
corporate headquarters scheduled for late 1996. See Note 4 to Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

   In 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for non-refundable 
installation fees on company- owned systems. The cumulative net effect of 
this change was to increase net income by $2.5 million in 1995. However, 
excluding the cumulative effect, this change resulted in an increase in net 
loss of $.4 million in 1995. The Company believes that, on an ongoing basis, 
the effect on net income of this change will not be significant. See Note 3 
to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

   The Company recorded a net loss in 1995 of $1.2 million compared to net 
income of $.4 million in 1994. The net reduction in income of $1.6 million in 
1995 is due to all the various changes described above. 
   
    FISCAL YEAR ENDED 1994 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED 1993 
    
   Revenues declined $2.1 million (3.9%) to $51.4 million in 1994 from $53.5 
million in 1993. The decline was primarily attributable to a reduction of 
$1.3 million in monitoring and service revenues owing to the net loss of 
recurring revenues from the base, despite the acquisition of $.7 million of 
annual recurring revenues in the first quarter of 1994. The subscriber 
cancellation rate was 11.1% in both 1994 and 1993. There was also a decline 
of $.7 million in installation revenues from 1993 to 1994, mainly as a result 
of the very severe weather in the first quarter of 1994 which adversely 
impacted the Company's sales and installation activities. Finally, franchise 
revenues declined $.1 million from 1993 and 1994, mainly as a result of lower 
royalty payments and equipment purchases by franchisees caused by the 
imposition of stricter credit controls by the Company. 

   Cost of sales decreased by $2.0 million (7.5%) to $24.9 million in 1994 
from $26.9 million in 1993, thus improving the Company's gross margin from 
49.7% to 51.6% of revenues. The decline in cost of sales resulted primarily 
from a decline in monitoring and service costs of $1.9 million related to a 
headcount reduction of 13, the refurbishment of older alarm systems and the 
termination and renegotiation of certain real estate leases. Installation 
costs also declined by $.4 million from 1993 to 1994 mainly as a result of 
lower material usage related to the lower level of installation activity. 
Franchise costs increased by $.4 million primarily owing to a change in the 
equipment sales mix. 

   Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2.8 million 
(15.6%) to $15.0 million in 1994 from $17.8 million in 1993. This decrease 
was mainly as a result of lower selling costs related to the lower level of 
sales activity in 1994, and reductions in general and administrative salary 
costs and professional fees. 

   Depreciation and amortization expense increased $.8 million (9.2%) to $9.7 
million in 1994 from $8.9 million in 1993. The increase is due to additional 
depreciation of installation costs relating to new company-owned systems as 
well as those refurbished. Amortization expense increased due to additional 
amortization of two groups of acquired subscriber monitoring contracts. 

                                      18
<PAGE>

   Interest expense increased $.4 million (60.9%) to $.9 million in 1994 from 
$.6 million in 1993. This increase was due to higher interest rates and 
additional debt incurred for acquisitions of subscriber monitoring contracts 
and to fund other liabilities, primarily consisting of prior years' 
obligations including a portion of the pension fund and retroactive insurance 
premium liabilities. 

   Net income increased by $.5 million to $.4 million in 1994 from a loss of 
$.1 million in 1993. This increase was primarily due to the reduction in 
costs exceeding the reduction in revenues described above, despite the fact 
that the income tax provision increased from $.2 million in 1993 to $.6 
million in 1994. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 
   
  SIX MONTHS ENDED 1996 

   Cash and cash equivalents increased by $.1 million from $.4 million on 
January 1, 1996 to $.5 million on June 30, 1996. Net cash provided by 
operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 1996 was $4.5 million, 
offset by cash utilized by investing activities of $2.2 million and cash 
utilized by financing activities (debt repayment) of $2.2 million. 

   Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 
30, 1996 consisted primarily of $4.7 million in cash provided by sales of 
electronic security services, adjusted by a decrease in accounts payable and 
accrued expenses of $1.8 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other 
current assets of $.7 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.1 
million, and an increase of deferred revenue of $.3 million. 

   Net cash of $2.2 million used in investing activities for the six months 
ended June 30, 1996 consisted primarily of $4.3 million of additions to 
company-owned equipment on subscribers' premises and other fixed assets, 
offset by a net reduction of $2.1 million from net maturities of short-term 
investments. 

   Net cash used by financing activities of $2.2 million during this period 
consisted primarily of principal repayments under the Loan Agreement (as 
hereinafter defined) of $1.1 million and repayments of short-term borrowings 
of $.9 million from a margin account which was secured against the value of 
securities in the Company's short-term investment account. 

  FISCAL YEAR ENDED 1995 
    
   Cash and cash equivalents declined by $1.0 million from $1.4 million in 
1994 to $.4 million in 1995. In 1995, net cash provided by operating 
activities of $6.1 million was offset by $1.5 million of cash used by 
financing activities and $5.6 million of cash used by investing activities. 

   Net cash provided by operating activities of $6.1 million in this period 
principally consisted of cash provided by sales of electronic security 
services, adjusted for non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization, an 
increase in accounts receivable of $1.6 million, an increase in accounts 
payable and accrued expenses of $2.3 million and a decrease in customer 
deposits and other liabilities of $1.6 million. The excess of current 
liabilities over current assets increased from $1.8 million in 1994 to $5.2 
million in 1995 primarily as a result of a reduction in long-term debt, 
additions to property, plant and equipment and establishment of the reserve 
for severance and related benefit costs. 

   Net cash of $5.6 million used by investing activities in 1995 consisted of 
$7.5 million of capital expenditures (primarily for installation of alarm 
equipment on subscribers' premises), offset by a net reduction of $1.9 
million from net maturities of short-term investments. 

   Net cash of $1.5 million used by financing activities during this period 
consisted principally of repayments of amounts due under the Loan Agreement 
and short-term borrowings under the Company's margin account. See Note 6 to 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

  FUTURE COMMITMENTS 

   Liquid assets available to the Company as of December 31, 1995 included 
cash and cash equivalents of $.4 million. Additionally, the Company purchased 
short-term U.S. government and federal agency securities during 

                                      19 
<PAGE>

the third quarter of 1994, of which $2.0 million remained available in a 
short-term investment account at December 31, 1995 to provide for working 
capital and other liabilities. The assets in the short-term investment 
account provide collateral for borrowing under a Company margin account. At 
December 31, 1995, $.9 million was outstanding under this margin account. 
   
   Liquid assets available to the Company as of June 30, 1996 included cash 
and cash equivalents of $.5 million. During the six months ended June 30, 
1996, the Company repaid the $.9 million outstanding under the margin account 
and converted the remaining assets in the short-term investment account into 
cash and cash equivalents. 

   In September 1993, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan 
Agreement with Fleet Bank, N.A. (formerly NatWest Bank N.A.) (the "Bank"), 
dated September 30, 1993 (the "Loan Agreement"), providing for a $9 million 
five-year term note (the "Term Note") and a $3 million revolving loan 
facility (the "Credit Note"). In 1993 and 1994, the Company borrowed 
approximately $12 million under the Loan Agreement. Such amounts were used to 
replace the Company's existing short-term borrowings, to finance acquisitions 
and to provide working capital. In August 1994, the Company repaid all 
outstanding amounts under the Credit Note, and no further borrowings were 
made thereunder. In November 1995, the Bank informed the Company that there 
would be no further extensions of credit under the Credit Note. In September 
1994, the Company began making scheduled principal payments under the Term 
Note. On March 10, 1995, the Loan Agreement was amended to permit an 
additional borrowing of $2 million, during the month of December 1995 only, 
for the purpose of paying a portion of the costs of consolidation pursuant to 
the Outsourcing Agreement (as such term is defined below). This facility 
expired, unused. At June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, the outstanding 
balance on the Term Note was $5.6 and $6.2 million, respectively. The Term 
Note was repaid in full with the proceeds from the Credit Facility (as 
hereinafter defined), and the Loan Agreement was terminated on August 30, 
1996 as described below. See Notes 6 and 14 to Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

   The Company entered into a credit agreement dated as of August 30, 1996 
with Merita Bank Ltd and Bank of Boston Connecticut (together, the "New 
Banks") pursuant to which the New Banks have agreed, subject to the terms and 
conditions set forth therein, to provide a two-year $25 million revolving 
credit facility to the Company which converts into a five-year term loan on 
September 30, 1998 (the "Credit Facility"). Up to $12.5 million of the Credit 
Facility became available for borrowing upon the closing thereof on August 
30, 1996, and up to an additional $12.5 million will become available if the 
Company receives at least $10 million in gross proceeds from the sale of 
newly issued Common Stock by October 31, 1996. Such condition is expected to 
be satisfied by the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. At 
September 24, 1996, the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility was 
$8.3 million. Such funds have been used to pay $4.7 million to the Bank to 
repay the outstanding balance under the Loan Agreement, and to pay $1.0 
million to PremiTech for its consolidation activities under the Outsourcing 
Agreement, with the balance used to meet the Company's working capital needs. 
The remaining available proceeds of the Credit Facility will be used to 
finance capital expenditures and permitted acquisitions and for general 
corporate purposes. 

   The following summary of the material provisions of the Credit Facility 
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its 
entirety by reference to, the Credit Agreement and related documents, copies 
of which are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this 
Prospectus is a part. 

   The Credit Facility matures on September 30, 2003 with principal payments 
payable in increasing quarterly installments commencing December 31, 1998. 
Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, 
at an annual rate equal to either a base rate, defined as the higher of the 
prime rate or a specified federal funds rate, or a specified Eurodollar rate 
plus, in each case, an applicable margin which varies with the Company's 
leverage (the ratio of total debt to EBITDA less capital expenditures). The 
Company is obligated to pay a commitment fee of 1/2 % per annum of any 
undrawn amounts. The New Banks also received warrants to purchase an 
aggregate of 166,666 shares of Common Stock at an initial exercise price of 
$9.75 per share (the "New Bank Warrants") and were granted certain 
registration rights in connection therewith. 

   Mandatory prepayment of the Credit Facility will be required with the 
proceeds of certain issuances of indebtedness, the sale of assets outside the 
ordinary course of business and 50% of the Company's Excess Cash Flow (as 
defined in the Credit Facility) for the preceding fiscal year commencing May 
1, 2000 in respect of fiscal year 1999. 
    
                                      20
<PAGE>
   
   The Credit Facility contains a number of negative covenants customary in 
credit agreements for this type of loan, including, without limitation, 
restrictions on additional indebtedness, certain acquisitions, dividends, 
investments, mergers and sales of assets, creation of liens, guarantees, 
issuance of capital stock by the Company's subsidiaries and transactions with 
affiliates. The Company is also required to comply with various financial 
covenants, tests and ratios, including those relating to (i) ratios of total 
debt to recurring monthly revenue, (ii) minimum debt service coverage, (iii) 
minimum net worth, (iv) maximum capital expenditures and (v) maximum subscriber 
attrition rate (as defined in the Credit Facility).

   Failure to satisfy many of the financial and other covenants will 
constitute an event of default under the Credit Facility, notwithstanding the 
ability of the Company to meet its debt service obligations. The Credit 
Facility also contains other events of default. 

   The Credit Facility is secured by all current and future assets, and the 
pledge of the capital stock, of the Company's subsidiaries. 

   On April 4, 1995, the Company entered into a ten-year information 
technology services agreement, as amended (the "Outsourcing Agreement"), with 
PremiTech Corporation ("PremiTech"), a subsidiary of EDS. The Outsourcing 
Agreement provides for PremiTech to manage the Company's technological 
infrastructure, perform certain of the Company's administrative functions, 
and assist in the consolidation of the Company's central monitoring 
facilities. For ongoing services during the ten-year term of the agreement, 
the Company is obligated to pay PremiTech a total of $47.7 million in equal 
monthly installments aggregating $4.8 million per year, subject to certain 
adjustments. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay PremiTech a total 
of $3.3 million for its consolidation activities, of which $2.0 million has 
been paid to date. The Company is currently engaged in negotiations with 
PremiTech regarding the completion of PremiTech's consolidation activities 
and the timing and other terms of the Company's payment of the remaining 
balance of $1.3 million due therefor. The Company believes it has sufficient 
funds available under the Credit Facility to make all such payments. The 
Outsourcing Agreement also provides for additional payments to PremiTech in 
the event of a substantial increase in the number of the Company's subscriber 
accounts. See "Business -- Historical Developments/The 1995 Outsourcing 
Agreement" and Note 2 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

   The Company has in the past experienced cash flow shortages. The Company 
believes that net cash provided by operations, together with funds available 
under the Credit Facility, will enable it to meet its future cash operating 
needs. Net proceeds available from the sale of the shares of Common Stock 
offered hereby will enable the Company to pursue its business strategy. See 
"Use of Proceeds." 
    
   In the course of its business, the Company plans ongoing annual capital 
expenditures for company-owned alarm equipment installed at subscriber 
premises. Additionally, the Company continues to invest in the replacement 
and modernization of the equipment utilized in its central monitoring 
activities and associated security services. All such capital expenditures 
will require substantial financial resources which are expected to be 
provided by internally generated funds and, as necessary, supplemental 
funding from other sources. 

                                      21    
<PAGE>

                                   BUSINESS 

THE COMPANY 
   
   Holmes provides security alarm monitoring services and designs, sells, 
installs and services electronic security systems for commercial and mid- to 
high-end residential subscribers. These systems include event detection 
devices, surveillance equipment and access control devices which restrict 
access to specified areas. The Company currently provides its services in the 
Northeast, primarily in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and conducts 
its operations through four branch offices, two central monitoring stations 
and 46 independent alarm service dealers and franchisees. In addition, the 
Company recently acquired a central monitoring station in Southern California 
which provides monitoring services for other alarm companies. According to a 
published survey, the Company was the twelfth largest provider of electronic 
security services in the United States in terms of total 1995 revenues. 

   Following an internal management transition and reorganization that 
occurred during 1995, the Company engaged the services of several former 
senior executives of National Guardian, a large national electronic security 
alarm services company which was acquired by Ameritech Monitoring Services, 
Inc. in October 1995. Among the executives hired by the Company was George V. 
Flagg, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, who served as the 
President and Chief Executive Officer of National Guardian from 1986 to 1995. 
During Mr. Flagg's tenure, National Guardian became one of the four largest 
security services companies in the United States based upon revenues, which 
grew from approximately $40 million in 1985 to over $200 million in 1995. 
Under the direction of the Company's new management team, the Company is 
implementing a new business strategy involving a combination of strategic 
acquisitions and internal growth. In regard to strategic acquisitions, the 
Company intends to pursue both (i) fold-in acquisitions, which consist of 
businesses or portfolios of alarm monitoring accounts that can be readily 
combined with the Company's existing branch offices and management structure 
and (ii) new market acquisitions, which consist of companies in the 
electronic security services industry located outside the Company's current 
geographic market. In regard to its internal growth strategy, the Company 
intends to capitalize on public recognition of the historic Holmes brand name 
(which has been utilized in the security services industry since 1858) in 
connection with (i) expanding its security services product offerings, 
including the HolmesNet system for wireless data communications; (ii) 
establishing a national accounts program; (iii) increasing its sales and 
marketing efforts; and (iv) expanding its dealer operations. 

   The Company's revenues consist primarily of recurring payments under 
written contracts for security alarm monitoring activities and associated 
services, which represented approximately 74% of total revenues in 1995. The 
Company monitors digital alarm signals arising from various activities, 
including burglaries, fires and other events, through security systems 
installed at subscribers' premises. These signals are received and processed 
at one of the Company's central monitoring stations. In order to reduce 
overall manpower requirements, achieve economies of scale and other cost 
efficiencies, and enhance the quality of service being provided, the Company 
is in the process of consolidating its central monitoring stations located in 
the Northeast into one state-of-the-art facility with monitoring capacity of 
approximately 60,000 accounts. In order to avail itself of more extensive 
technological resources, the Company entered into a ten-year information 
technology services agreement with a subsidiary of EDS in 1995. Pursuant to 
this agreement the Company has consolidated four central monitoring stations 
into two, and completion of the consolidation activities is scheduled for the 
fourth quarter of 1996. The Company currently monitors approximately 35,000 
accounts from its central monitoring stations located in the Northeast and 
14,500 accounts from its central monitoring station located in Southern 
California. An additional 16% of the Company's total revenues in 1995 was 
comprised of direct sales and installation of security equipment. 
    
   The balance of the Company's revenues in 1995 was derived from (i) jewelry 
vault rentals, (ii) insured parcel delivery services for the jewelry trade 
and (iii) royalty fees and product sales relating to its franchise and dealer 
operations. Approximately 80% of the Company's business is derived from 
commercial customers, including financial institutions, jewelry and fine art 
dealers, corporate headquarters, manufacturers, distribution facilities and 
health care and education facilities. The Company's residential business 
focuses principally on mid- to high-end customers. 

   Electronic security services is a consolidating but still a highly 
fragmented industry, consisting of a large number of local and regional 
companies and several integrated national companies. The fragmented nature of 

                                      22
<PAGE>

the industry can be attributed to the low capital requirements associated 
with performing basic installation and maintenance of electronic security 
systems. However, the business of a full service, integrated electronic 
security services company providing central station monitoring services is 
capital intensive, and the Company believes that the high fixed costs of 
establishing both central monitoring stations and full service operations 
contribute to the small number of national competitors. The low marginal cost 
of monitoring additional customers has been one of the principal factors 
leading full service, integrated electronic security services companies to 
seek acquisitions of other electronic security businesses to consolidate into 
their existing operations. The principal focus of the Company's business 
strategy is to aggressively pursue acquisitions in this environment. 

MARKET OVERVIEW AND TRENDS 

   The Company is a leading competitor in the electronic security services 
industry, offering services in both the commercial and mid- to high-end 
residential segments of the market. The products and services marketed in the 
electronic security services industry range from alarm systems that provide 
basic intrusion and fire detection to sophisticated systems incorporating 
such features as closed circuit television and access control. The industry 
consists of companies that design, sell, install, monitor and maintain 
intrusion, fire alarm and other electronic security systems. It includes 
companies using both hardwire and wireless technology for systems installed 
on subscribers' premises and digital, multiplex and wireless (radio) 
technologies for the transmission of alarm signals to a central monitoring 
center, such as the Company's central station monitoring facilities. The 
Company believes that the electronic security services industry is 
characterized by the following attributes: 

   o  High Degree of Fragmentation. The electronic security services industry 
      is comprised of a large number of local and regional companies and 
      several integrated national companies. The Company believes that, based 
      on industry studies, there are approximately 11,000 separate companies 
      in the industry generating approximately $12 to $13 billion in revenues 
      annually. A survey published by SDM magazine (formerly Security 
      Distributing and Marketing) in May 1996 reported that in 1995, based 
      upon information provided by the respondents, the 100 largest companies 
      in the industry accounted for approximately 23% of total industry 
      revenues. According to the same survey, the Company ranks twelfth among 
      the 100 largest companies in the industry in terms of total 1995 
      revenues. 

   o  Trend Toward Consolidation. The Company believes that because the 
      central station monitoring sector of the electronic industry has 
      relatively high fixed costs but relatively low marginal costs 
      associated with servicing additional subscribers, the industry offers 
      significant opportunities for consolidation. In addition, the Company 
      believes that the fragmented nature of the industry can be attributed 
      to the low capital requirements associated with performing basic 
      installation and maintenance of electronic security systems. However, 
      the business of a full service, integrated electronic security services 
      company which provides central station monitoring services is capital 
      intensive, and the Company believes that the high fixed costs of 
      establishing both central monitoring stations and full service 
      operations contribute to the small number of national competitors. The 
      marginal cost of monitoring additional customers is low and has been 
      one of the principal factors leading full service, integrated 
      electronic security services companies to seek acquisitions of other 
      electronic security services businesses to consolidate into their 
      existing operations. The Company intends to actively participate in the 
      industry consolidation by pursuing its acquisition business strategy. 

   o  Continued Product Diversification and Integration of Services. A recent 
      trend in the commercial electronic security services industry has been 
      increased integration of different types of products into single 
      systems provided by single vendors. The Company believes that this 
      trend has resulted from commercial needs for enhanced security services 
      on a more cost-effective basis. Whereas basic alarm systems were once 
      adequate for many businesses, it appears that many companies now 
      require access control and closed circuit television systems integrated 
      into a single system to provide for their overall security needs. A 
      security system which provides burglar and fire alarm monitoring along 
      with closed circuit television and access control, all integrated into 
      one central system, not only provides enhanced security services, but 
      also is more cost-effective than four separate systems installed by 
      four separate vendors. In this environment, the Company believes that 
      it can gain a competitive advantage over smaller companies in the 
      industry that do not have the infrastructure or the expertise to 
      support the larger and more sophisticated integrated systems. Hence, 
      the Company is aggressively positioning itself to take advantage of 
      this trend by expanding the breadth of its electronic security service 
      offerings. 

                                      23
<PAGE>

   o  Advances in Digital Communications Technology. Prior to the development 
      of digital communications technology, alarm monitoring required a 
      dedicated telephone line, which made long-distance monitoring 
      uneconomic. Consequently, in order to achieve a national or regional 
      presence, alarm monitoring companies were required to maintain a large 
      number of geographically dispersed monitoring stations. The development 
      of digital communications technology eliminated the need for dedicated 
      telephone lines, reducing the cost of monitoring services to the 
      subscriber and permitting the monitoring of subscriber accounts over a 
      wide geographic area from a central monitoring station. The elimination 
      of local monitoring stations has decreased the cost of providing alarm 
      monitoring services and has substantially increased the economies of 
      scale for larger alarm service companies. In addition, the concurrent 
      development of microprocessor-based control panels has substantially 
      reduced the cost of the equipment available to subscribers in the 
      residential and commercial markets and has substantially reduced 
      service costs because many diagnostic and maintenance functions can be 
      performed from a company's office without having to send a technician 
      to the customer's premises. 

   The Company believes that several factors contribute to a favorable market 
for electronic security services generally in the United States. 

   o  Increase in Crime Rates. According to the Uniform Crime Report 
      published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1995 (the "UCR"), 
      between 1985 and 1994 the number of violent crimes reported in the 
      United States increased by more than 40.3% and the total number of 
      reported criminal offenses increased by 12.6%. The UCR also reported 
      that although the number of reported criminal offenses decreased on a 
      nationwide basis from 1993 to 1994 by 1.1%, a property crime was 
      committed in the United States in 1994 once every three seconds. 

   o  High Level of Concern About Crime. As violent crime and the reporting 
      of crime by the news media has increased, the perception by Americans 
      that crime is a significant problem has also grown. Concurrently, 
      demand for security systems has grown with greater awareness of risk 
      management within the business community. In addition to the protection 
      that electronic detection and surveillance systems provide, the Company 
      believes that such systems also have a deterrent effect against crime. 

   o  Insurance Requirements and Premium Discounts. The increase in demand 
      for security systems may also be attributable, in part, to the 
      requirement of insurance companies that businesses install an 
      electronic security system as a condition of insurance coverage. The 
      purchase of an electronic alarm system often entitles the subscriber to 
      obtain premium discounts as well. In addition, in order to comply with 
      many municipal fire codes, the installation of an electronic fire 
      system is required in many localities. 

BUSINESS STRATEGY 

   In January 1996, the Company engaged the services of several former senior 
executives of National Guardian, including George V. Flagg, who had been the 
President and Chief Executive Officer of National Guardian from 1986 to 1995. 
See "Management -- Directors and Executive Officers of the Company." During 
Mr. Flagg's tenure, National Guardian became one of the four largest 
electronic security services companies in the United States based upon 
revenues, which grew from approximately $40 million in 1985 to over $200 
million in 1995. Such growth resulted, in part, from National Guardian's 
acquisition program and from its internal sales and marketing strategy. 
During the same period, National Guardian's business was focused primarily on 
commercial and mid- to high-end residential subscribers, with an important 
component of its commercial subscriber base being large, national account 
businesses with multiple locations nationwide that required electronic 
security services at each site. The background, experience and combined 
expertise of the new management team has been integral to the development of 
the Company's new business strategy. 

   The new management team believes that Holmes is uniquely positioned to 
pursue a new business strategy involving a combination of strategic 
acquisitions and internal growth. Because the historic Holmes brand name is 
well established in the Northeast and has been utilized since 1858, the 
Company believes that it can capitalize on public recognition of this name 
and its historic reputation in connection with expanding into new geographic 
markets throughout the United States, establishing a national accounts 
program, increasing its sales and 

                                      24
<PAGE>

marketing strategy and expanding its dealer operations and achieving 
continued market penetration by increasing its sales force. The Company 
further believes that its new management team's previous experience will be 
helpful in successfully implementing its business strategy. 

  GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS 

   The Company intends to become an active participant in the consolidation 
of its industry by aggressively pursuing two fundamental types of 
acquisitions: fold-in acquisitions and new market acquisitions. Various 
factors will be considered when evaluating any potential acquisition, 
including the purchase price and other financial terms of the transaction, 
the business prospects and competitive position of and services provided by 
the acquisition candidate and the extent to which any such acquisition would 
enhance the Company's future prospects. In addition to determining the 
economic viability of the proposed acquisition, an acquisition candidate will 
be evaluated for stability of subscriber base, market share, quality of 
operations, compatibility of equipment and contract terms and growth 
opportunities. 
   
   Fold-in Acquisitions. Fold-in acquisitions will mainly target businesses 
   or portfolios of alarm monitoring accounts that can be readily 
   consolidated with existing Holmes branch offices and monitoring centers. 
   Such acquisitions are attractive because the Company believes that, 
   through consolidation, cost savings will be achieved due to the low 
   variable cost associated with monitoring and supporting additional 
   subscriber accounts. In addition, the Company believes that productivity 
   gains and economies of scale may be realized through the elimination of 
   redundant monitoring centers and increased usage of its newly consolidated 
   state-of-the-art central monitoring facilities in the Northeast and of its 
   central monitoring facility in Southern California. The Company believes 
   that certain fold-in acquisitions may also add specialized expertise to 
   the Company. For example, acquiring a business that specializes in fire 
   system installation would bring many of the expected financial benefits of 
   a typical fold-in acquisition, and in addition, would enhance the 
   Company's ability to broaden its product and service offerings with the 
   added industry-specific knowledge and management obtained through the 
   acquisition. 

   New Market Acquisitions. The Company also intends to expand its operations 
   through strategic acquisitions of electronic security services companies 
   in new geographic markets throughout the United States, thereby 
   diversifying its business base beyond the Northeast. In the Company's 
   view, expansion into new geographic markets will also create additional 
   opportunities for fold-in acquisitions. The Company believes that 
   acquiring existing companies that have established a local market presence 
   in areas outside of the Northeast is a less costly alternative to the 
   internal development of new markets. In addition, through the retention of 
   certain of the existing employees of acquired companies who are familiar 
   with local markets, the Company believes it will be able to capitalize on 
   local affiliations and relationships. New market acquisitions will be 
   sought in geographic markets which the Company believes can serve as a 
   framework for establishing national accounts business from subscribers who 
   require electronic security services at multiple locations nationwide. 

   As of September 19, 1996, the Company acquired a Southern California-based 
alarm monitoring company (the "California Corporation") which provides alarm 
monitoring services for customers of other alarm companies through its 
state-of-the-art central monitoring facility. The consideration paid by the 
Company to the shareholders of the California Corporation consisted of 
103,805 newly issued shares of Common Stock of the Company in exchange for 
all the outstanding common stock of the California Corporation. In connection 
therewith, the shareholders of the California Corporation received 
"piggy-back" registration rights with respect to certain non-underwritten 
public offerings of the Company's securities. The Company intends to maintain 
the Southern California monitoring facility in order to monitor the accounts 
of customers of other alarm companies as well as those of authorized Holmes 
dealers. The Company does not anticipate consolidating this newly acquired 
California monitoring facility with its central monitoring facility located 
in Edison, New Jersey. The acquisition of the California Corporation was not 
deemed significant under applicable accounting rules and, accordingly, does 
not require separate financial statements to be included in this Prospectus. 

   The Company has entered into a letter of intent to purchase the assets of 
a Texas-based alarm company (the "Texas Company"). The consideration to be 
paid by the Company with respect to this acquisition is expected to 
    
                                      25
<PAGE>

   
consist of cash received from the proceeds of the sale of the Common Stock 
offered hereby. The acquisition of the Texas Company is subject to the 
negotiation and execution of definitive agreements with the Texas Company and 
there can be no assurance that this purchase will be consummated. The 
proposed acquisition would not be deemed significant under applicable 
accounting rules and, accordingly, would not require separate financial 
statements to be included in this Prospectus. 

   The Company is actively exploring other acquisition opportunities and has 
had discussions with a number of acquisition candidates. Except as disclosed 
above, the Company has entered into no other contracts, understandings or 
arrangements for an acquisition as of the date of this Prospectus. 

  INTERNAL GROWTH 

   The Company plans to grow internally by expanding its product and service 
offerings, establishing a national accounts program which will focus on 
commercial subscribers conducting business in multiple locations nationwide, 
enhancing its sales and marketing activities and expanding its dealer 
operations. The Company believes that this proposed expansion will increase 
usage and cost efficiencies of its newly consolidated state-of-the-art 
central monitoring station in the Northeast, which in turn should result in 
overall improved productivity and enhanced operating margins. The Company's 
target market will remain oriented toward the commercial and mid- to high-end 
residential subscriber, where the Company's sophisticated and specialized 
security systems have been relied upon since 1858. 
    
   Expanding Security Services Product Offerings. The Company believes that 
   it has established a reputation as a provider of quality systems and 
   services and that this reputation is the result, in part, of the Company's 
   attention to advances in technology and their application to the Company's 
   products and services. In this regard, the Company has recently 
   established an Equipment Evaluation Committee that evaluates new products 
   and the development of improvements to existing products and services. The 
   Company is committed to offering a broad range of services, products and 
   features that incorporate the latest technology generally available to the 
   industry. As a result, the Company has entered into a relationship with 
   ARDIS, a company owned by Motorola, Inc., under which the Company plans to 
   utilize a national wireless data communications network for highly 
   reliable and immediate transmissions of alarm signals as part of its 
   HolmesNet system. Wireless data transmission methods are less susceptible 
   to accidental or intentional signal transmission interruptions because 
   they are less reliant on land-based telephone wiring networks. Due to its 
   high level of security and reliability, the Company believes that the 
   HolmesNet system will be attractive to customers such as jewelry stores, 
   banks and others who require more than a conventional digital (telephone 
   based) alarm system. The Company also offers other specialized services 
   using products from various manufacturers to allow itself maximum 
   flexibility in the types of systems and services that it provides. These 
   include, but are not limited to, LifeNet, a sophisticated vehicle tracking 
   system which uses global positioning satellite ("GPS") technology and is 
   designed to provide a high level of security to executives while they 
   travel in automobiles; CargoNet, also a GPS-based system, designed to 
   protect trucks and trailers from theft; and ProWatch, an integrated 
   security system for high-rise office buildings designed to automate fire 
   and burglar alarms and access control systems located on tenants' premises 
   as well as in the buildings' common areas, thereby reducing the need for 
   physical guards on-site. 

   Establishing A National Accounts Program.  The Company believes that large 
   companies conducting business on a national scale with multiple locations 
   throughout the United States can achieve cost benefits by centralizing all 
   of their security needs with a single vendor. The Company currently has 
   several regional and national accounts, but has not generally pursued 
   business outside the Northeast. The Company intends to establish a 
   national accounts program that will enable it to compete for business from 
   large commercial subscribers with multi-location security needs. This 
   program is designed to offer national account subscribers, through an 
   account manager, a single source for centralized and standardized system 
   design, installation, service, billing, comprehensive activity and data 
   reporting, nationwide monitoring and system operation for all of the 
   subscriber's locations. The Company believes that a national accounts 
   program will enhance its competitive position and increase the 
   marketability of its services and products. A dedicated management team 
   and sales force will implement and operate the national accounts business. 
   It is intended that the Company's branch offices and dealers from its 
   dealer program, under the direction of the centralized management team, 
   will provide service and installation support for national account 
   subscribers. 

                                      26
<PAGE>

   Increasing Sales and Marketing Activities. The Company will continue to 
   focus its marketing efforts on increasing its visibility throughout the 
   United States. The Company intends to aggressively market and sell its 
   products and services through its existing sales force and through the 
   hiring of additional sales people. Sales compensation and incentive plans 
   are being revised to increase the motivation of the sales force by 
   reducing base salaries and increasing incentive compensation. The Company 
   intends to provide its sales force and operational personnel with advanced 
   training and market resources, including professionally prepared 
   literature and presentation manuals, background research and technical 
   information. The Company believes that such training and resources will 
   expand the expertise and knowledge of its employees and enable each branch 
   office to offer a full range of security products and services. In 
   addition, the Company is returning to one of the original Holmes logos 
   used in the early part of this century, which it believes will further 
   increase public recognition and awareness of Holmes and its historical 
   presence and long-standing reputation in the industry. 
   
   Expanding Dealer Operations. The Company plans to expand its dealer 
   operations by adding a number of new independent dealers to its authorized 
   Dictograph dealer program and by implementing a separate Holmes authorized 
   dealer program. The Dictograph program had previously been operated as a 
   franchise network prior to 1996. Recently, the Company hired a dealer 
   operations manager, with seven years of experience managing an extensive 
   national dealer network, to market both of its dealer programs and to 
   identify new dealer candidates. Increased recruiting efforts for the 
   Dictograph and Holmes dealer programs began in the third quarter of 1996. 
   As of September 24, 1996, the Company had 11 Dictograph dealers and six 
   Holmes dealers. New Dictograph dealers will acquire exclusive territories 
   from the Company and will be required to purchase a minimum quota of 
   specialized proprietary security equipment from the Company. On the other 
   hand, while authorized Holmes dealers will not be provided with exclusive 
   territories, they will be allowed to purchase specialized proprietary 
   security equipment from the Company without meeting minimum purchase 
   requirements. In addition, Holmes dealers will be authorized to use the 
   Holmes brand name to gain market advantage. It is intended that both 
   Dictograph and Holmes dealers will be offered the opportunity to provide 
   service and installation support for certain of the Company's national 
   accounts subscribers. It is also anticipated that the Company will provide 
   central monitoring services to some of its dealers' customers. Both 
   Dictograph and Holmes dealers will be provided with literature, access to 
   Holmes' products and services, including monitoring, and other benefits. 
    
   The Company believes that its dealer programs will provide it with a 
   presence in local markets in which the Company may not have an office and 
   thereby broaden recognition of its brand names. In addition, the dealers, 
   who will be located throughout the United States, will give the Company 
   greater geographic coverage for its developing national accounts business 
   by providing subcontractor installation services. The Company believes 
   that the development of these dealer programs will be an important aspect 
   of establishing and supporting its national accounts program. In addition, 
   the Company anticipates that, as a result of its dealer programs, revenues 
   may be increased through the provision of monitoring services to its 
   dealers' customers and by sales of its products to its dealers. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS 

   The Company provides security alarm monitoring services and designs, 
sells, installs and services electronic security systems for commercial and 
residential subscribers. During 1995, approximately 74% of the Company's 
revenues was derived from security alarm monitoring activity and associated 
services. An additional 16% of the Company's 1995 revenues was derived from 
the direct sale and installation of security equipment. The remainder of 
Holmes' revenues in 1995 was derived from (i) jewelry vault rentals, (ii) 
insured parcel delivery services for the jewelry trade and (iii) royalty fees 
and product sales relating to its franchise and dealer operations. 

  ALARM MONITORING SERVICES 

   Central Monitoring Activity. The Company monitors signals arising from 
various activities, including burglaries, fires and other events, through 
certain of the systems described below which are installed at the 
subscriber's premises. The Company's monitored security systems consist of 
sensors, transmitters and other event detection devices designed to detect a 
variety of conditions including, but not limited to, entry, movement, fire, 

                                      27
<PAGE>

temperature, water flow and electric power interruption. The sensors and 
other event detection devices are connected to a control panel/transmitter 
which sends signals to one of four central monitoring stations maintained by 
the Company. Signals may be transmitted over leased telephone lines, 
multiplex circuits, public telephone lines and cellular and radio networks. 
The control panel/transmitters are generally microprocessor-based and can 
identify the nature of the emergency and the area within a building where the 
sensor or other device was activated. Company personnel at its central 
monitoring stations respond to incoming alarm signals by contacting the 
subscriber, alerting the police, the fire department or other emergency 
response services or, where contracted, dispatching a Holmes response agent. 
   
   Central Monitoring Stations. The Company monitors its subscriber accounts 
at one of two central monitoring stations located in New York City and 
Edison, New Jersey. Currently, each of these Company's central monitoring 
stations is operated separately by the Company's branch operation where each 
such central monitoring station is located, with alarm signals being 
processed by a central computer system located at the Company's branch 
operation in New York City. In order to reduce overall manpower requirements, 
achieve economies of scale and other cost efficiencies and enhance the 
quality of service being provided, the Company is in the process of 
consolidating its central monitoring facilities in the Northeast into one 
state-of-the-art facility to be located in Edison, New Jersey. To date, the 
Company has consolidated four central monitoring stations located in the 
Northeast into two and anticipates that its consolidation activities will be 
completed by the fourth quarter of 1996. In order to avail itself of more 
extensive technological resources, the Company entered into the Outsourcing 
Agreement in 1995. See "Business -- Historical Developments/The 1995 
Outsourcing Agreement." 

   The Company monitors the accounts of customers of other alarm companies at 
its central monitoring station located in Southern California. The Company 
intends to monitor the accounts of customers of its authorized Holmes dealers 
at this location as well. See "Business -- Business Strategy/Growth through 
Acquisitions." 

   The Company's central monitoring stations incorporate the use of 
communications and computer systems that route incoming alarm signals and 
telephone calls to operators at each station. Each operator sits before a 
computer monitor that provides immediate information concerning the nature of 
the alarm signal, the subscriber whose alarm has been activated and the 
premises on which such alarm is located. All telephone conversations are 
automatically recorded. Due to the security-sensitive nature of their 
employment, the Company's central monitoring employees are subject to 
extensive pre-employment screening. 

   The Company's central computer system in the Northeast, which consists of 
two computers with built-in redundancy, has the capacity to monitor up to 
60,000 subscriber accounts. The Company's central computer system in Southern 
California also consists of two computers with built-in redundancy and has 
the capacity to monitor up to 60,000 customer accounts. The equipment at each 
of the Company's three central monitoring stations includes: phone switching 
equipment; digital receivers that process the incoming signals; a 
multi-channel, voice-activated recording system; an uninterruptable power 
supply; dual backup generators supplied by different fuel sources; and other 
equipment in support of specialized services such as LifeNet, CargoNet and 
ProWatch. 
    

   The Company's central monitoring stations are listed by Underwriters 
Laboratories Inc. ("UL"). The Company also offers Factory Mutual Research 
Corporation ("FM") approved services through its New York City central 
monitoring station. UL and FM specifications for central monitoring stations 
include building integrity, back-up systems, staffing and standard operating 
procedures. UL and FM confirm compliance with their respective specifications 
through periodic on-site inspections. In many jurisdictions, applicable law 
requires that security alarms for certain buildings be monitored by UL-listed 
and/or FM-approved facilities. In addition, such listing and/or approval is 
required by certain commercial subscribers' insurance companies as a 
condition to insurance coverage. 

   Operation of Central Monitoring Stations. Depending upon the type of 
service for which the subscriber has contracted, central monitoring station 
personnel respond to alarms by relaying information to the local fire or 
police departments, notifying the subscriber, or taking other appropriate 
action, such as dispatching alarm response personnel to the subscriber's 
premises where this service is available. Other non-emergency administrative 
signals are generated by low battery status, deactivation and reactivation of 
the alarm monitoring system, and test signals, and are processed 
automatically by computer. Each of the Company's central monitoring stations 
operates 24 hours per day, seven days a week, including all holidays. Each 
operator receives training that includes familiarization with substantially 
every type of alarm system in the Company's subscriber base. The 

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<PAGE>

Company's training program encompasses classroom study as well as 
personalized instruction by experienced operators on all aspects of alarm 
monitoring procedure. 

   Subscriber Contracts. The Company's alarm monitoring subscriber contracts 
generally have initial terms of five years in duration and provide for 
automatic renewal terms for fixed periods (typically one or two years) unless 
the Company or the subscriber elects to cancel the contract at the end of its 
term. 

   In the normal course of its business, the Company experiences customer 
cancellations of monitoring and related services as a result of subscribers 
relocating, the cancellation of purchased accounts in the process of 
assimilation into the Company's operations, unfavorable economic conditions, 
dissatisfaction with field maintenance services and other reasons. This 
attrition is offset to a certain extent by revenues from the sale of 
additional services to existing subscribers, price increases, the 
reconnection of premises previously occupied by subscribers and conversions 
of accounts previously monitored by other alarm companies. See "Risk Factors 
- -- Customer Cancellation Rates" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." 

   Alarm Response Services. The Company supplements its security alarm 
monitoring services by providing to certain subscribers "alarm response 
service" in connection with alarm system activations. Upon receipt of an 
alarm activation signal from an alarm response service subscriber, a response 
guard is dispatched by the Company to the subscriber's premises. If the 
Company's response guard observes potential criminal activity upon arrival at 
the Subscriber's premises, the response guard will report the activity to the 
dispatch office, which will in turn notify local law enforcement. The 
response guard will then maintain surveillance until law enforcement officers 
arrive. Depending upon a subscriber's preference, the dispatch of the 
Company's response guards may be used as an alternative to the dispatch of 
local police. 

   The Company's patrol and response officers are subject to extensive 
pre-employment screening. Patrol and response officers are required to have 
firearm permits and applicable state and city guard licenses. The Company's 
training program for patrol and response officers includes arrest procedure, 
criminal law, firearms usage and patrol and search tactics. This training 
program complies with state-mandated requirements. The provision of patrol 
and alarm response services subjects the Company to greater risks, including 
those relating to accidents or inappropriate employee behavior, than other 
types of services. 

   The Company believes that demand for alarm response service may increase 
as a result of a trend on the part of local police departments to limit their 
response to alarm activations and other factors that may lead to a decrease 
of police presence. In addition, the Company believes that alarm response 
service is an effective means to assist subscribers in reducing their 
exposure to false alarm fines. 

   Electronic Security Alarm Systems and Associated Services 

   Electronic Security Systems. The Company uses what it believes to be the 
highest quality, most cost-effective components and products in the design 
and installation of electronic security systems for its customers. An effort 
is being made to incorporate the most suitable combination of products such 
that each system provides the highest level of security required at 
competitive prices. The Company designs, sells, installs and services the 
following types of security alarm systems: 

   Intrusion Detection Systems incorporate control panels and sensors to 
   detect glass breakage, unauthorized door and window openings, vibration, 
   motion and noise, together with personal emergency alarms and other 
   peripheral equipment such as sirens and bells. Activity indicating the 
   presence of intruders is automatically communicated to the Company's 
   central monitoring stations, a monitoring facility at the subscriber's own 
   premises or the local police or fire department. 

   Commercial and industrial businesses are the traditional users of these 
   types of systems and generally regard them as a necessary business 
   expense. In addition, residential purchases of these systems have grown in 
   recent years. In an effort to minimize false alarms and improve customer 
   service, the Company provides a video alarm verification system (Computect 
   VS) for use in conjunction with intrusion detection systems. The Company 
   is in the process of adding two-way voice capabilities to its central 
   monitoring facility being consolidated in Edison, New Jersey. 

                                      29
<PAGE>

   Fire Detection Systems incorporate heat, ionization, smoke and flame 
   sensing devices, manual pull stations, evacuation sounders, sprinkler 
   systems, elevator controls and evacuation systems. Fire detection systems 
   are designed to comply with applicable fire codes. Activities indicating 
   fire related conditions or events are automatically communicated to the 
   Company's central monitoring stations, a local police or fire department 
   or a monitoring center at the subscriber's own premises. 

   Access Control Systems are primarily designed to exclude unauthorized 
   personnel from specified areas. These systems provide access control that 
   is generally card-activated and can be integrated with fire and burglary 
   detection systems. Entry and exit activity can be monitored or recorded, 
   and may be controlled on the basis of time and authority level. In 
   addition to standard access control systems, the Company has introduced 
   ProWatch, an integrated building security system specially designed for 
   multi-tenant office buildings. ProWatch integrates access control and 
   intrusion and fire detection systems, which systems may be controlled and 
   monitored by a Holmes central monitoring station. 

   Closed Circuit Television Systems can monitor and record entry and exit 
   activity or provide surveillance of designated areas. These systems can 
   deter theft and vandalism or support other access control systems. These 
   systems can be monitored either by a video recorder or in real time via a 
   monitoring screen. 

   Critical Condition Monitoring provides supervision of various commercial 
   systems and processes. A common form of this service is monitoring of 
   sprinkler system functions, such as water flow, air and water pressure, 
   fire pump conditions, shut-off valves and water tank levels. Additionally, 
   these systems can consist of ambient temperature sensors that signal 
   failure of heating or refrigeration systems, devices that monitor 
   manufacturing processes, and other equipment that monitors power levels, 
   water levels and energy waste. 

   Vehicle Tracking Systems provide covert tracking of vehicles and can 
   pinpoint the location of a vehicle anywhere in the continental United 
   States using global positioning satellite technology. In addition to 
   providing tracking capabilities, the Company's LifeNet system and CargoNet 
   system control a vehicle's engine functions thereby allowing LifeNet or 
   CargoNet, as the case may be, to direct a vehicle to a complete halt. 
   CargoNet also protects commercial trucks and trailers from theft. 

   Wireless Security Transmission Systems are designed to be monitored by a 
   central monitoring facility via wireless security transmissions. In 1996 
   the Company introduced HolmesNet, an in-building wireless security 
   transmission system which is constantly monitored by a Holmes central 
   monitoring station. HolmesNet is also a two-way communication network that 
   allows a subscriber to send a message directly to a Holmes central 
   monitoring station and receive a confirmation that such message was 
   received. 

   Field Repair Services. The Company believes one of the most effective ways 
of improving customer retention is the provision of quality, responsive field 
repair service by Company employees. Repair services generate revenues 
primarily through billable field service calls and contractual payments under 
the Company's extended service program. The increasing density of the 
Company's subscriber base, as a result of the Company's continuing effort to 
infill areas surrounding its branch operations with new subscribers, permits 
more efficient scheduling and routing of field service technicians, and 
results in economies of scale at the branch level. The increased efficiency 
in scheduling and routing also allows the Company to provide faster field 
services response and support, which leads to a higher level of subscriber 
satisfaction. 

FRANCHISE AND DEALER OPERATIONS 
   
   The Company acquired the business of Dictograph Franchise Corporation in 
1988. Headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, this business operates a 
widespread franchise network and authorized Dictograph dealer program 
throughout the United States and the Caribbean. As of September 24, 1996, the 
Company had 29 independent franchisees and 11 independent Dictograph dealers, 
all authorized to do business under the name of Dictograph Security Systems. 
The Company is in the process, however, of phasing out its franchise 
operations and, since 1993, has not established additional franchise 
relationships. Accordingly, the existing Dictograph franchisees are being 
given an option either to convert their franchises into dealerships by March 
31, 1997 or to maintain their franchises under existing franchise agreements. 
The Company's franchise agreements require franchisees to purchase products 
based on individual minimum quotas and pay royalties based on a percentage of 
their revenues. 
    

                                      30
<PAGE>
   
   In accordance with its current business strategy, the Company plans to 
increase the number of Dictograph dealers in the Dictograph dealer program 
and is in the process of establishing an authorized Holmes dealer program. As 
of September 24, 1996, the Company had six independent Holmes dealers. Under 
both programs, dealers are independent electronic security services 
businesses which sell, install and service security equipment. These 
businesses are typically small and often cannot properly provide monitoring 
services because they lack a sufficient number of subscribers to support the 
fixed operating expenses associated with such services. Hence, Dictograph and 
Holmes dealers are able to have their customers' security systems monitored 
by the Company. Other Company services are also available to dealers under 
both programs, including technical support, sales training and marketing 
assistance. In addition, it is intended that both Dictograph and Holmes 
dealers will be offered the opportunity to provide service and installation 
support for certain of the Company's national accounts subscribers. Pursuant 
to dealership arrangements under the Dictograph dealer program, dealers 
acquire exclusive operating territories and are required to purchase a 
minimum quota of specialized proprietary security equipment from the Company 
on an annual basis. On the other hand, under the Holmes program, authorized 
Holmes dealers will not be provided with exclusive operating territories, but 
will be allowed to purchase specialized proprietary security equipment from 
the Company without meeting minimum purchase requirements. In addition, 
Holmes dealers will be authorized to use the Holmes brand name to gain market 
advantage. 
    
   In connection with the Company's efforts to expand its dealer operations, 
a dealer operations manager, with seven years of experience managing an 
extensive national dealer network, was recently hired to market both of the 
Company's dealer programs and to identify new dealer candidates. Increased 
recruiting efforts for the Dictograph and Holmes dealer programs began in the 
third quarter of 1996. 

   To date, the Company's revenues from its franchise and dealer operations 
are derived primarily from (i) the gross margin on the sale of security 
equipment to franchisees and Dictograph dealers, (ii) royalties received from 
franchisees based upon their revenues and (iii) subcontract monitoring 
charges from security alarm services performed for monitoring franchisee and 
Dictograph dealer accounts. See "Business -- Business Strategy." 

OTHER SERVICES 

   Jewelry Vault Rentals. The Company operates a maximum security safe 
deposit vault facility in the jewelry district of New York City. Vault 
rentals are provided on a short-term or long-term basis to jewelers, many of 
whom also utilize the Company's security alarm services for their businesses 
located in the jewelry district. 

   Insured Parcel Delivery. In 1995, the Company began providing insured 
parcel delivery services to the jewelry markets of New York City, Los Angeles 
and other locations after acquiring the assets of its One Service business. 
This business involves the arranging of overnight shipping of insured jewelry 
parcels from jewelry centers in New York, Los Angeles and other locations to 
various points throughout the United States. The Company's insured parcel 
delivery service provides a number of special handling features to ensure the 
security of the parcel, including computerized tracking and proof of 
delivery. In addition, insurance coverage is provided for each parcel in an 
amount up to $50,000 of the declared value of such parcel with no deductible. 

MARKETING AND SALES 

   The Company is currently focusing its marketing efforts on increasing its 
visibility throughout the United States. This is accomplished through 
national and local advertising in various forms of print media, direct mail 
campaigns, telemarketing efforts, referrals from existing customers and 
attendance at national trade shows. Additionally, the Company's marketing 
strategy includes the return to one of the original Holmes logos used in the 
early part of this century. The Company believes that use of this original 
logo will increase public recognition and awareness of Holmes and its 
historical presence and long-standing reputation in the industry. The Company 
also intends to provide its sales force with extensive training and market 
resources, including professionally prepared literature and presentation 
materials, background research and technical information. 
   
   The Company installs security equipment either on the basis of an outright 
sale of the equipment to the subscriber, or as a "company-owned system" where 
Holmes charges the subscriber for the installation, but retains title to the 
equipment. Each of the Company's four branch offices has sales 
representatives for new system sales and for offering additional services to 
existing customers. In total, the Company currently employs 47 sales 
representatives. It is anticipated that additional sales representatives will 
be hired in the future to support 
    

                                      31
<PAGE>

the national accounts program and to support the Company's continued sales 
and marketing efforts. Sales of alarm systems are generally made at the 
customer's premises, typically through visits by a sales representative. The 
Company's sales representatives analyze a customer's security needs and, 
acting in coordination with necessary technical support staff, design or 
specify an appropriate security system to meet those needs and coordinate the 
installation of the system in the customer's premises. The Company maintains 
installation and field service personnel, as well as inventories of parts, in 
each of its branch offices. See "Business -- Business Strategy." 

COMPETITION 

   The electronic security services industry in the United States is highly 
competitive and highly fragmented, with new competitors continually entering 
the field. Competition is based primarily on price in relation to quality of 
service. The Company believes that it derives competitive strength from its 
emphasis on high quality systems and services and its attention to 
technological advances. Sources of competition in the electronic security 
services industry are other providers of central monitoring services, systems 
directly connected to local police and fire departments, local alarm systems 
and other methods of protection, such as locks and gates and manned guarding. 
The Company believes that it competes with numerous local, regional and 
national companies. The Company's primary nationwide competitors include ADT 
Security Systems, Inc., Ameritech Monitoring Services, Inc., Wells Fargo 
Alarm Services and Honeywell, Inc. Some of the Company's national competitors 
have greater financial, marketing and other resources than the Company. It is 
possible that, subject to regulatory compliance, companies such as those 
engaged in the telephone and cable business, if not already competing, may in 
the future endeavor to enter the electronic security services industry. 

SUPPLIERS 

   The Company currently has multiple sources of supply for the components 
used in the electronic security and fire detection systems that it designs 
and installs. The Company does not manufacture any of the equipment or 
components that it designs and installs. The Company believes that a variety 
of alternative sources of supply are available on reasonable terms. However, 
the Company has no guaranteed supply arrangements with its suppliers and 
purchases components pursuant to purchase orders placed from time to time in 
the ordinary course of business. There can be no assurance that shortages of 
components will not occur in the future. Failure of sources of supply and the 
inability of the Company to develop alternative sources of supply if required 
in the future could have a material adverse effect on the Company's 
operations. 

REGULATION 

   The Company's operations are subject to a variety of federal, state, 
county and municipal laws, regulations and licensing requirements. Many of 
the states in which Holmes operates, as well as certain local authorities, 
require Holmes to obtain licenses or permits to conduct a security alarm 
services business. Certain governmental entities also require persons engaged 
in the security alarm services business to be licensed and to meet certain 
standards in the selection and training of employees and in the conduct of 
business. The Company believes that it holds the required licenses and is in 
substantial compliance with all licensing and regulatory requirements in each 
jurisdiction in which it operates. 

   In addition, there has been a trend recently on the part of municipalities 
and other localities to attempt to reduce the level of false alarms through 
various measures such as the licensing of individual alarm systems and the 
imposition of fines upon customers, revocation of customer licenses or 
non-response to alarms after a certain number of false alarms. While such 
statutes and ordinances have not had a material adverse effect on Holmes' 
business operations to date, Holmes is unable to predict whether such 
statutes or ordinances, or any similar statues or ordinances enacted by other 
jurisdictions, will adversely affect its business and operations in the 
future. The security alarm industry is also subject to the oversight and 
requirements of various insurance, approval, listing and standards 
organizations. Adherence to the standards and requirements of such 
organizations may be mandatory or voluntary depending upon the type of 
customer served, the nature of security service provided and the requirements 
of the local governmental jurisdiction. The Company has not had any material 
difficulties in complying with such standards and requirements in the past. 

                                      32
<PAGE>

   Holmes' electronic security business relies on the use of telephone lines 
and radio frequencies to transmit signals and to communicate with field 
personnel. The cost of such lines and the type of equipment which may be 
utilized in telephone line transmissions are regulated by both the federal 
and state governments. The operation and utilization of radio frequencies are 
regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and state public utilities 
commissions. 

RISK MANAGEMENT 

   The nature of the services provided by Holmes potentially exposes it to 
greater risks of liability for employee acts or omissions, or system 
failures, than may be inherent in many other service businesses. To reduce 
those risks, substantially all of Holmes' customers have subscriber 
agreements which contain provisions for limited liability and predetermined 
liquidated damages to customers and indemnification by customers against 
third party claims; however, some jurisdictions prohibit or restrict 
limitations on liability and liquidated damages. Holmes carries insurance of 
various types, including general liability and errors and omissions insurance 
to insure it from liability arising from acts or omissions of its employees. 
Holmes' general and umbrella liability insurance policies combined provide up 
to $15 million of coverage, depending on the nature of claims. Certain of 
Holmes' insurance policies and the laws of some states may limit or prohibit 
insurance coverage for punitive or certain other kinds of damages arising 
from employee misconduct. In addition, in some states the contractual 
limitation of liability and indemnification provisions may be ineffective in 
cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct and in certain other 
situations. 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 

   Holmes Protection and Dictograph are the Company's principal trademarks 
and service marks. The Company also uses the Computect service mark in 
connection with its alarm services and related products, the LifeNet and 
CargoNet service marks for its vehicle tracking systems, the HolmesNet 
service mark in connection with its wireless transmission system and the One 
Service service mark for its insured parcel delivery service. The Company 
believes that its rights in these trademarks and service marks are of 
unlimited duration and adequately protected by registration or applications 
to register. In addition, the ProWatch trademark is authorized for use by the 
Company from a third party. The Company believes that certain of its 
trademarks and service marks are important to the marketing of its security 
alarm services, particularly as the Company strives to establish a strong 
identity for Holmes with its customers. In addition, the Company relies on 
trade secret and other laws to protect its proprietary rights in its security 
systems and programs. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able 
to successfully enforce or protect its rights to its trademarks, service 
marks or proprietary information in the event that any of them is subject to 
third party infringement or misappropriation. The Company's central 
monitoring operations utilize proprietary software which the Company has 
licensed from a third party. 

EMPLOYEES 
   
   As of September 24, 1996, the Company had approximately 434 full-time 
employees. The Company believes that relations with its employees and their 
unions are satisfactory. All of the Company's installation and service 
personnel and a small portion of its response personnel are represented by 
unions under the following collective bargaining agreements with the 
Company's subsidiaries: 
    

                                      33
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Agreement          Employees 
             Subsidiary                          Union                 Expiration Date        Covered 
 ----------------------------------   ---------------------------   ---------------------    ----------- 
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>                       <C>
Holmes Protection of Long Island,    United Service Workers of     December 31, 1996             10 
  Inc.                               America, Local 355 
Holmes Protection of Philadelphia,   Local No. 98, International   May 10, 1996(1)               16 
  Inc.                               Brotherhood of Electrical 
                                     Workers 
Holmes Protection of New Jersey,     United Service Workers of     September 30, 1996(2)         36 
  Inc.                               America, Local 355 
Holmes Protection of New York,       Local 3, International        January 31, 1997              66 
  Inc.                               Brotherhood of Electrical 
                                     Workers 
Holmes Protection of New York,       United Service Workers of     March 29, 1997                17 
  Inc.                               America, Local 355 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) Although this collective bargaining agreement expired on May 10, 1996, 
    the parties thereto are currently negotiating a new agreement. 
(2) The Company has negotiated a new five year collective bargaining 
agreement with the Union. The Union has ratified this new collective 
bargaining agreement, and the Company anticipates that it will be executed on 
or prior to September 30, 1996. 
    
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS 

  THE 1995 OUTSOURCING AGREEMENT 
   
   On April 4, 1995, the Company entered into a ten-year, $51 million 
information technology services agreement, as amended (the "Outsourcing 
Agreement"), with PremiTech Corporation ("PremiTech"), a subsidiary of EDS. 
Pursuant to the Outsourcing Agreement, PremiTech is assisting the Company in 
consolidating the Company's four central monitoring stations located in the 
Northeast to a single location, managing all of the Company's technological 
infrastructure and performing certain of the Company's administrative 
functions. As part of the consolidation plan, PremiTech is administering the 
expansion of the Company's Edison, New Jersey facility to accommodate the 
computer equipment, voice and data transmission lines and monitoring 
workstations necessary for Holmes' employees to perform all central 
monitoring activities and dispatch functions. In regard to the Company's 
technological infrastructure, PremiTech has assumed ongoing responsibility 
for maintaining all of the Company's computer hardware and software systems, 
as well as all telephone and other voice and data communication systems and 
equipment. In addition, PremiTech is managing Holmes' customer service, 
purchasing, billing and collection functions. In accordance with the 
Outsourcing Agreement, 40 former employees of the Company became employees of 
PremiTech during 1995. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations." 
    
   PremiTech's obligations under the Outsourcing Agreement are guaranteed by 
EDS, a Texas-based corporation which is a world leader in the application of 
information technology. PremiTech is a limited partner in the Investor, 
holding a partnership interest equivalent to approximately 6% of the 
Company's Common Stock. 

  THE 1994 INVESTMENT AGREEMENT 

   On August 1, 1994, pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the Investor 
purchased 1,515,886 shares of Common Stock (the "Investor Shares") and the 
Investor Warrants for an aggregate consideration of $10 million. The 
Investment Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including 
amendments to the Company's By-Laws and the adoption of the Restated 
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company which effected the one- for- 
fourteen reverse stock split of the Common Stock, were approved by the 
Company's stockholders at a meeting held on July 29, 1994. 

                                      34
<PAGE>

   In connection with the Investment Agreement, the Investor received the 
right to nominate four Investor- Nominees, subject to adjustment as described 
below, to the Company's Board. In the event that the number of shares of 
Investor Securities (as defined herein) as adjusted pursuant to stock splits 
and recapitalizations, shall be fewer than the number of shares set forth 
below and the Board shall at the date of such determination consist of nine 
or more members, the number of Investor-Nominees shall be reduced to the 
number set forth opposite the number and percentage of shares below: 
   
                                 Percentage of 
      Number of             Outstanding Common Stock            Number of 
Investor Securities         As of December 31, 1995         Investor-Nominees 
- -------------------        ------------------------         ----------------- 
    1,532,709                         34.4%                         3 
    1,149,531                         25.8%                         2 
      862,148                         19.3%                         1 
      478,971                         10.7%                         0 

   In the event that the number of Institution-Nominees shall be fewer than 
three, the Investment Agreement provides that the Investor shall use its best 
efforts to cause the Investor-Nominees to vote to reduce the size of the 
Board to seven members. Upon the adoption by the Board of such resolution 
reducing the number of directors constituting the entire Board to seven 
members, the number of Investor-Nominees shall be reduced to three. 
Thereafter, the number of Investor-Nominees shall be subject to further 
reduction according to the reduction in the number of Investor Securities as 
follows: 

                                 Percentage of 
      Number of             Outstanding Common Stock            Number of 
Investor Securities         As of December 31, 1995         Investor-Nominees 
- -------------------        ------------------------         ----------------- 
    1,532,709                         34.4%                         2 
    1,053,737                         23.6%                         1 
      478,971                         10.7%                         0 

   As described below under the caption "The 1992 Restructuring," it is 
anticipated that, upon consummation of this offering, the number of permitted 
Institution-Nominees will be reduced from three to two. In such event, the 
Investment Agreement provides that the number of Investor-Nominees shall be 
reduced from four to three upon the condition that the size of the Board is 
reduced to seven directors. the Company anticipates that the Investor will 
cause the number of Investor-Nominees to be reduced from four to three upon 
consummation of this offering. However, the Investor and the Company have 
agreed to waive the condition regarding a reduction in the size of the Board. 
Accordingly, the size of the Board will remain at nine members, subject to 
change as provided by the By-Laws. As of the date hereof, it has not been 
determined which of the Investor-Nominees will resign from the Board upon the 
consummation of this offering. The Company has no immediate plans to fill the 
anticipated vacant seat on the Board created by such resignation. See 
"Business--Historical Developments/The 1992 Restructuring," "--Historical 
Developments/Other Certificate of Incorporation and By-Law Provisions" and 
"Management-Nomination of Certain Directors." 
    
   In the event of the death, resignation or removal of a director of the 
Company (other than an Investor-Nominee or an Institution-Nominee) on or 
prior to August 1, 1996, the remaining directors then in office shall use 
their best efforts to elect a successor director to fill the vacancy created 
thereby. In the event that they shall fail to elect a successor director 
within 60 days following the date of such death, resignation or removal, and 
shall not, by a majority vote of the directors remaining in office within 
such period, agree to leave such directorship position vacant until the next 
annual meeting of stockholders, the Company shall use its best efforts to, 
and the Investor, to the extent permitted by the By-Laws shall, call a 
special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing a successor 
director to serve for the unexpired term created by the vacancy. George 
Flagg, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, was 
appointed in May 1996 to fill such a vacancy. 

   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Investment Agreement provides that in 
the event the percentage interest of the Investor and the Investor 
Affiliates, as defined herein, represented by the Investor Securities shall 
be less than 8.5% of the issued and outstanding number of shares of Common 
Stock (including up to 400,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the 
exercise of the Investor Warrants), the Investor shall not be entitled to 
designate any Investor-Nominees. Except for such 8.5% minimum requirement, 
the percentage of the outstanding Common Stock represented by the number of 
Investor Securities set forth in the preceding tables does not affect the 
number of Investor-Nominees. 

                                      35 
<PAGE>
   
   As defined in the Investment Agreement, "Investor Affiliates" means 
collectively, Mark S. Hauser, David Jan Mitchell, William Spier (the 
foregoing, the "Individuals"), any partner of the Investor at August 1, 1994 
("Partner"), any former partner of the Investor who, upon withdrawal as a 
partner or upon the liquidation of the Investor, shall have received in 
distribution or liquidation any shares of Common Stock or Investor Warrants 
(a "Former Partner"), any wholly-owned subsidiary of any Partner or Former 
Partner, any successor to any Partner or Former Partner by reason of merger 
or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the business of 
such Partner or Former Partner (provided that such Partner or Former Partner 
has substantial operating activities), any immediate family member of any 
Partner or Former Partner or any of the Individuals or any trust for the 
benefit of any Partner or Former Partner or any of the Individuals or his or 
her immediate family members, and the estate, personal representative or the 
beneficiary of the estate of any Partner or Former Partner or any of the 
Individuals. 

   As defined in the Investment Agreement, "Investor Securities" means all 
the shares of Common Stock (without duplication) beneficially owned solely, 
or on a shared basis exclusively with any Investor Affiliates, by the 
Investor and any Investor Affiliates, together with such number of shares of 
Common Stock beneficially owned by the Investor or any Investor Affiliates 
which are issuable upon the exercise of the Investor Warrants; provided that, 
for purposes of such definition, the number of such shares of Common Stock 
issuable upon the exercise of the Investor Warrants shall not exceed 400,000. 
The Investor Securities deemed to be held by any Investor Affiliate does not 
include any shares of Common Stock held by any Partner or Former Partner 
prior to the date such person first became a Partner. 

    REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS 

   In connection with the Investment Agreement, the Company entered into 
substantially similar Registration Rights Agreements, each dated August 1, 
1994, with the Investor and each of the Institutions, respectively (the 
"Registration Rights Agreements"). Pursuant to the Registration Rights 
Agreements, the Company agreed to use its best efforts to prepare and file 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and thereafter keep effective for 
a period of up to 15 years a registration statement under the Securities Act 
of 1933 (the "Securities Act") permitting the public resale of the Investor 
Shares, the 1,588,105 shares held by the Institutions on August 1, 1994, and 
the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Investor Warrants 
and the Institution Warrants. The Registration Rights Agreements provide that 
the Company may not grant any "piggyback" registration rights with respect to 
underwritten offerings to any person without the written consent of the 
Investor and the holders of more than 50% of Registrable Securities (as 
defined therein) held by the Institutions. All expenses incident to the 
Company's performance of or compliance with the Registration Rights 
Agreements will be borne by the Company except that underwriters' discounts 
and commissions with respect to sales of Registrable Securities and fees and 
disbursements of counsel for the holders of Registrable Securities will be 
paid by such holders. In connection with this offering, the Investor and each 
Institution have waived their respective registration rights until 180 days 
following the date of this Prospectus. 

    WARRANTS 

   Investor Warrants. The Investor Warrants entitle the holder thereof to 
purchase an aggregate of 685,714 shares of Common Stock, and are exercisable 
at an exercise price of $4.58 per share at any time prior to expiration, 
subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events. The Investor Warrants 
expire on August 1, 2004. 

   Institution Warrants. The Institution Warrants initially entitled the 
holders thereof to purchase an aggregate of 147,572 shares of Common Stock, 
subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events. The Institution Warrants 
expire on August 13, 2002. The Institution Warrants are exercisable at any 
time prior to expiration at an exercise price which is subject to adjustment 
upon certain dilutive events. 

   As a result of the antidilution provisions contained in the Institution 
Warrants, upon the issuance of the Investor Shares and Investor Warrants to 
the Investor pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the Institution Warrants 
were adjusted to provide for an increase in the number of shares purchasable 
to 193,150 and a reduction in the exercise price from $13.97 to $10.68. 

   Upon approval of the 1996 Plan (as hereinafter defined in "Management -- 
Stock Option Plans"), the Institution Warrants will be adjusted in accordance 
with the antidilution provisions contained therein to increase the 
    

                                      36
<PAGE>
   
number of shares purchasable and to reduce the exercise price thereof. Such 
adjustment will reflect the issuance of the New Bank Warrants and the stock 
options granted under the 1996 Plan. The Company does not believe that upon 
such adjustment the number of shares purchasable will exceed 210,000 and the 
exercise price thereof will be reduced below $10.00 per share. 
    
   The material provisions of the Investor Warrants and the Institution 
Warrants (collectively, the "Warrants") are substantially similar. Each of 
the Warrants provides that the exercise price and the number of shares of 
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants are subject to adjustment 
from time to time upon the occurrence of the following events: upon issuance 
of shares of Common Stock below certain specified prices, payment of 
dividends by the Company in shares of Common Stock or extraordinary cash 
dividends, subdivision by the Company of its Common Stock, combination by the 
Company of the outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of 
shares of Common Stock, issuance by the Company of certain rights, options, 
warrants, evidences of its indebtedness or assets, or in case of any 
consolidation, merger or sale of substantially all the assets of the Company. 
Also, as stated below, the terms of the Warrants generally prohibit the 
Company from issuing preferred stock. 

    OTHER CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS 

   In connection with the 1994 Investment Agreement, stockholders of the 
Company approved certain modifications to the Company's Restated Certificate 
of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws (the "By-Laws"). 

   Under the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board has the 
authority to issue Preferred Stock in one or more series and to determine its 
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including the dividend 
rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption 
(including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, liquidation 
preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or the 
designations of such series, without any further vote or action by the 
stockholders, except that (i) any voting rights conferred on such Preferred 
Stock require the consent of three-quarters of the entire Board and a 
majority of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding and (ii) no regular 
dividends may be paid with respect to the Preferred Stock without the consent 
of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding. 
It should be noted, however, that pursuant to the terms of the Warrants, the 
Company is prohibited from issuing any capital stock of any class which has 
the right to more than one vote per share or which is preferred as to 
dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon voluntary or involuntary 
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company. 

   The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws were 
amended in 1994 to provide for the division of the Board into three classes 
of directors serving staggered three-year terms. The By-Laws fix the initial 
size of the Board at nine, provided that the Board, by vote of three-quarters 
of the directors then in office, may increase or decrease the size of the 
Board and the number of directors in any class. Currently, the Board is 
comprised of 9 directors. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation also 
provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special 
meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a 
meeting. Additionally, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires an 
affirmative vote of three-quarters of the Company's voting power (unless 
three-quarters of the total number of directors then in office shall have 
approved the amendment) to amend provisions of the Certificate of 
Incorporation with respect to the number and classification of the directors, 
stockholder action without written consent, director liability, 
indemnification and amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation. 

    THE 1992 RESTRUCTURING 

   On August 13, 1992, the Company effected a financial restructuring (the 
"1992 Restructuring") pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, dated as of 
December 18, 1991, which agreement was amended as of January 31, 1992, May 
24, 1992 and June 30, 1992 (the "Exchange Agreement"). Stockholder approval 
of the Exchange Agreement was received on August 10, 1992. The Exchange 
Agreement provided for the satisfaction of the Notes representing 
approximately $72.6 million of loans to the Company by the Institutions 
(including accrued interest and penalties thereon, as at June 30, 1992), by a 
combination of cash payment, an exchange of Common Stock for debt, and 
forgiveness of approximately $34.5 million of debt. The Company implemented a 
25 for 1 

                                      37
<PAGE>

reverse stock split and then sold for 8.75 British pounds (approximately 
$16.91) per share additional shares of Common Stock to the Institutions as 
well as a total of 1,151,947 shares to its existing stockholders and 
directors and to certain institutional investors. Upon the completion of the 
1992 Restructuring, the Institutions received a total of 1,603,224 new shares 
of Common Stock (representing 54.3% of the resulting outstanding shares of 
Common Stock), warrants (the "Institution Warrants") to purchase an aggregate 
of 147,572 shares of Common Stock at 8.75 British pounds per share 
(representing 5% of the resulting outstanding shares), and a cash payment of 
$12.6 million. As of August 13, 1992, after giving effect to the reverse 
stock split, the average trading price of the Common Stock on the London 
Stock Exchange was 7.28 British pounds per share and, based upon such price, 
the aggregate value of the shares issued to the Institutions was 
approximately $22.5 million. (United States dollar equivalents stated in this 
paragraph assume an exchange rate of $1.9323 per British pound.) John Hancock 
Mutual Life Insurance Company and The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New 
York, and their respective affiliates, are currently the two largest 
stockholders among the Institution group. 

   In connection with the 1992 Restructuring and pursuant to the Exchange 
Agreement, the Institutions received the right to nominate three directors of 
the Company, subject to adjustment based on their percentage ownership of 
total Common Stock. Specifically, the Exchange Agreement provides that so 
long as the Institutions in the aggregate continue to hold at least the 
percentage of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Company set 
forth below, the Institutions owning Common Stock (or such of the 
Institutions who wish to participate in the selection) shall have the right 
to nominate the following number of persons to the Board: 

  Percentage of Outstanding Common                                Number of 
      Stock Held by Institutions                                  Directors 
 ------------------------------------                            ------------- 
                30.0%                                                 3 
                20.0%                                                 2 
                 7.5%                                                 1 

   
Following this offering, the aggregate share ownership of the Institutions 
will be reduced below 30%, and, accordingly, the Institutions will have the 
right to nominate only two directors. See also "Business -- Historical 
Developments/The 1994 Investment Agreement." 

   The Exchange Agreement provides with respect to any Institution that so 
long as such Institution holds any shares of Common Stock, if at any time the 
Company engages in any transaction that involves the offer or issuance of 
securities to its stockholders generally (including rights offerings and 
exchange offers), the Company will (i) allow such Institution to participate 
in any such transaction on identical terms, if such participation can be made 
pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii) in the 
event of a rights offering, at such Institution's option, provide for the 
sale by the Company of such Institution's rights or the underlying securities 
at the market price of such securities and the transmittal of the sale 
proceeds to such Institution in connection with such sale. 
    

   See also the discussion under "Warrants" above for a description of 
additional rights received by the Institutions pursuant to the Institution 
Warrants. 

                                      38
<PAGE>

PROPERTIES 
   
   As of September 24, 1996, the Company leased the following principal 
properties: 
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Square      Annual 
   Address                            Principal Use               Feet       Rental      Lease Expires 
 -------------------------   --------------------------------   --------    ----------   ----------------- 
<S>                         <C>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
95F Hoffman Lane            Service center and sales office       3,848     $ 25,008    June 30, 1997 
Islandia, Long Island, NY 
440 9th Avenue              Corporate and sales offices and      20,000     $392,800    February 28, 2002 
New York, NY                central station 
580 5th Avenue              Service and response center           6,500     $217,000    June 30, 2000 
New York, NY                and vaults 
524 West 29th Street        Service and response center          12,755     $128,125    June 30, 1999 
New York, NY 
21 Northfield Avenue        Sales office, service center and     15,620     $127,476    August 31, 1999 
Edison, NJ                  central station 
701 Callowhill Street       Sales office and service center      10,000     $ 35,000    August 31, 1999 
Philadelphia, PA 19123 
</TABLE>

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

   The Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its 
business, which claims are generally covered under the Company's insurance 
policies. The Company believes that none of such pending litigation will have 
a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, future 
results of operations or liquidity. 

   The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit captioned Pan American Diamond 
Corporation and Wasko Gold v. Holmes Protection of New York, Inc. commenced 
in New York State Supreme Court, New York County, on January 7, 1994. The 
complaint seeks compensatory, consequential and punitive damages in excess of 
$1,000,000 arising out of a burglary at a New York City jewelry manufacturing 
company in which an employee of the Company participated. In the event that 
it is determined that the Company's applicable insurance coverage for acts of 
employee dishonesty is limited to $100,000 at the date of the loss, the 
Company faces an uninsured exposure for any damages that may be awarded in 
excess of such amount. However, there are a variety of legal, factual and 
insurance coverage issues to be determined before an evaluation can be made 
as to the likely outcome of the action and the effect, if any, it may have on 
the Company. The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend this 
action. 

                                      39
<PAGE>

                                  MANAGEMENT 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY 

   The executive officers and directors of the Company are set forth in the 
following table: 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Class of 
Name                       Age    Director(1)   Position 
 ----------------------   -----   -----------    ---------------------------------------------- 
<S>                       <C>     <C>           <C>
George V. Flagg (2)        54          B        President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
James L. Boehme (2)        48         --        Executive Vice President -- Sales and Marketing 
Glenn C. Riker             51         --        Senior Vice President of Human Resources and 
                                                Assistant Secretary 
Lawrence R. Irving (2)     39         --        Vice President -- Finance 
Pierre Besuchet            63          A        Director 
Daniel T. Carroll (3)      70          A        Director 
Lawrence R. Glenn          58          B        Director 
Mark S. Hauser (4)         38          C        Director, Vice Chairman of the Board 
William P. Lyons (4)       55          C        Director, Chairman of the Board 
David Jan Mitchell (4)     35          C        Director 
Edward L. Palmer           79          B        Director 
William Spier (4)          61          C        Director 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) In accordance with the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the 
    By-Laws of the Company, the Board is divided into three classes of 
    directors serving staggered three-year terms. The terms of the Class A, 
    Class B and Class C directors will expire at the annual meetings of 
    stockholders in 1998, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Each class of 
    directors serves for three years, with the terms of office of the 
    respective classes expiring in successive years. 

(2) Mr. Flagg and Mr. Boehme assumed their respective positions as officers 
    of the Company on January 8, 1996 and Mr. Irving assumed his position as 
    an officer of the Company on May 13, 1996. Mr. Flagg became a director of 
    the Company in May 1996. 

(3) Mr. Carroll became a director of the Company on June 27, 1996. 

(4) Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the number of directors the 
    Investor is entitled to nominate will be reduced from four to three. As 
    of the date hereof, it has not been determined which of the 
    Investor-Nominees will resign from the Board upon consummation of this 
    offering and the Company has no immediate plans to fill the anticipated 
    vacant seat created by such resignation. See "Business -- Historical 
    Developments/The 1994 Investment Agreement" and "Management -- Nomination 
    of Certain Directors." 
    
   George V. Flagg. Mr. Flagg joined the Company on January 8, 1996 as 
President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior thereto, from September 1985 to 
December 1995, Mr. Flagg served in various executive capacities at National 
Guardian, a security alarm services company, and most recently as President 
(from May 1986 to December 1995) and Chief Executive Officer (from May 1991 
to December 1995). Mr. Flagg became a director of the Company in May 1996. 

   James L. Boehme. Mr. Boehme was appointed Executive Vice President-Sales 
and Marketing of the Company on January 8, 1996. Prior thereto, from March 
1988 to December 1995, Mr. Boehme served in various executive capacities at 
National Guardian, and most recently as Senior Vice President, Sales and 
Marketing (from June 1994 to December 1995) and Vice President, Sales and 
Marketing (from January 1990 to June 1994). 

   Glenn C. Riker. Mr. Riker has been with the Company since December 1989, 
starting as Director of Human Resources and currently serving as Senior Vice 
President of Human Resources and Assistant Secretary. Prior to joining the 
Company, Mr. Riker was Vice President of Human Resources at Atlas Copco North 
America, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial equipment. 

                                      40 
<PAGE>

   Lawrence R. Irving. Mr. Irving joined the Company in May 1996 as Vice 
President-Finance. From July 1995 to April 1996, Mr. Irving served as 
Controller, and then as Vice President-Finance and Treasurer, respectively, 
of Centennial Security Holdings, Inc., a security alarm services company. 
Prior thereto, from April 1987 to June 1995, Mr. Irving served as Assistant 
Controller, and then as Assistant Vice President/Assistant Controller, 
respectively, of National Guardian. 

   Pierre Besuchet. Mr. Besuchet has been a director since 1991. Mr. Besuchet 
has been the President of Gerant des Fortunes, a Swiss investment management 
company since 1983. He is also a non-executive director of Faisal Finance 
(Switzerland) S.A., a Swiss investment firm. 
   
   Daniel T. Carroll. Mr. Carroll has been a director since June 1996. Since 
1982, Mr. Carroll has been the Chairman of The Carroll Group, a management 
consulting company. He is also a director of A.M. Castle & Co., American 
Woodmark Corporation, Aon Incorporated, Comshare, Inc., DeSoto, Inc., Diebold 
Incorporated, Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and 
Woodhead Industries Inc. 
    
   Lawrence R. Glenn. Mr. Glenn has been a director since February 1996. 
Since 1995, Mr. Glenn has been Chairman of J.W. Goddard and Company, a 
privately owned investment company dealing in real estate, corporate finance 
and financial advisory services. Mr. Glenn is the retired former Chairman of 
the Credit Policy Committee of Citicorp and Citibank, N.A. He is also a 
director of First Bank of Americas and Gerber Childrenswear Holdings, Inc. 

   Mark S. Hauser. Mr. Hauser has been a director since 1994. He was elected 
Vice Chairman of the Board in May 1995. He is the founder and, since 1991, 
has been a Managing Director of Tamarix Capital Corporation, a New York-based 
private investment banking firm. Prior thereto, Mr. Hauser was a Managing 
Director at Hauser, Richards & Co., and Ocean Capital Corporation, private 
international investment banking firms. He is also a director of ICC 
Technologies, Inc. and EA Industries, Inc. 

   William P. Lyons. Mr. Lyons has been a director since 1994. He was elected 
Chairman of the Board in May 1995. He has been President and Chief Executive 
Officer of William P. Lyons and Co., Inc., a private investment firm, since 
1975. From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Lyons served as Chairman of JVL Corp., a 
pharmaceutical manufacturer, and from 1988 to 1991, he served as Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer of Duro-Test Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty 
lighting products. Mr. Lyons was an adjunct Professor of Management and Law 
at Yale University from 1973 to 1989. Mr. Lyons is also a director of Lydall, 
Inc., Video Lottery Technologies, Inc. and DeSoto, Inc. 

   David Jan Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell has been a director since 1994. Since 
January 1991, Mr. Mitchell has been President of Mitchell & Company, Ltd., a 
New York-based private merchant banking company he founded. Since March 1992, 
Mr. Mitchell has been a partner of Pertherton Capital Corporation, a 
privately held real estate investment company. From April 1988 to December 
1990, Mr. Mitchell served as a managing principal and a director of Rodman & 
Renshaw, Inc., a publicly traded investment banking and brokerage firm. Mr. 
Mitchell also serves as a director of Kellstrom Industries, Inc. and Bogen 
Communications International. 

   Edward L. Palmer. Mr. Palmer has been a director since 1992. He is the 
retired Chairman of the Executive Committee of Citicorp and Citibank, N.A. 
Mr. Palmer's current directorships include Devon Group, Inc., SunResorts Ltd. 
N.V., FondElec Group and Energy Services International Corporation. Mr. 
Palmer has also served on the board of directors of several U.S. and 
international corporations. 

   William Spier. Mr. Spier has been a director since 1994. He has served as 
Chairman of DeSoto, Inc., a detergent manufacturer, since 1991. From 1991 to 
1994 and again since September 1995, Mr. Spier has been Chief Executive 
Officer of DeSoto, Inc. Since 1991, he has also served as Chairman and 
President of Sutton Holding Corp., an investment company. He is also a 
director of DeSoto, Inc., Geotek Communications, Inc., Video Lottery 
Technologies, Inc. and EA Industries, Inc. 

NOMINATION OF CERTAIN DIRECTORS 

   The Company is party to the Exchange Agreement and the Investment 
Agreement which entitle certain stockholders to nominate members of the 
Board. Messrs. Palmer and Glenn were initially nominated by the Institutions 
and appointed to the Board on November 30, 1992 and February 8, 1996, 
respectively, in accordance 

                                      41 
<PAGE>
   
with the terms of the Exchange Agreement. Upon consummation of this offering, 
the aggregate share ownership of the Institutions will be reduced below 30%, 
and, accordingly, the Institutions will have the right to nominate only two 
directors. See "Business -- Historical Developments/The 1992 Restructuring." 
Messrs. Hauser, Lyons, Mitchell and Spier were nominated by HP Partners L.P. 
and elected to the Board on July 29, 1994 in accordance with the terms of the 
Investment Agreement. Messrs. Hauser, Mitchell and Spier are stockholders and 
directors of the general partner of HP Partners L.P. and Messrs. Mitchell and 
Spier are also limited partners of HP Partners L.P. Pursuant to the 
Investment Agreement, the number of directors the Investor is entitled to 
nominate to the Board following this offering will be reduced from four to 
three. As of the date hereof, it has not been determined which of the 
Investor-Nominees will resign from the Board upon consummation of this 
offering and the Company has no immediate plans to fill the anticipated 
vacant seat created by such resignation. See "Business -- Historical 
Developments/The 1994 Investment Agreement" and "--Historical 
Developments/The 1992 Restructuring." 

BOARD COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION 

   The Board has designated an Audit Committee that reviews the scope and 
results of the audit and other services performed by the Company's 
independent accountants. The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. 
Carroll, Glenn, Lyons, Mitchell, Palmer (Chairman) and Spier. The Board has 
also designated a Compensation Committee that establishes objectives for the 
Company's senior executive officers, sets the compensation of directors, 
executive officers and other employees of the Company and is charged with the 
administration of the Company's employee benefit plans. The Compensation 
Committee currently consists of Messrs. Besuchet, Carroll, Lyons (Chairman), 
Palmer and Spier. The Board of Directors also has a Retirement Benefits 
Committee which provides oversight for the Company's pension and retirement 
benefit plans. The Retirement Benefits Committee currently consists of 
Messrs. Glenn, Hauser (Chairman) and Mitchell. Upon resignation of one of the 
Investor-Nominees, vacancies in certain of the above committees will be 
created. The Company has no immediate plans to fill vacancies created on any 
of the above committees as a result of such resignation. 

   Each non-employee director receives an annual director's fee of $15,000 
(except for the Chairman who receives an annual fee of $25,000) and a fee of 
either $500 per day for attending in person meetings of the Board or 
Committees of the Board, or $250 per day for participating in such meetings 
by telephone. Non-employee directors are reimbursed for their reasonable 
expenses incurred in connection with attendance at or participation in such 
meetings. In addition, under the 1996 Plan, each non-employee director who 
was a director of the Company on December 4, 1995 was granted an option to 
purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock. Messrs. Glenn and Carroll were each 
granted an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock on February 8, 
1996 and June 27, 1996, respectively, at the time of their respective 
appointments to the Board. Such grants and the terms thereof are subject to 
and conditioned upon stockholder approval of the 1996 Plan at the Company's 
1996 annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 1996. See 
"Management -- Stock Option Plans." 

   Directors who are employees of the Company receive no additional 
compensation for their services as directors. However, such directors are 
reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection with 
attendance at or participation in meetings of the Board or Committees of the 
Board. 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDE PARTICIPATION 

   During the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Compensation 
Committee of the Board consisted of Messrs. Besuchet, Lyon (Chairman), Palmer 
and Spier. None of these individuals has ever served as an officer or an 
employee of the Company (other than by reason of the officer status conferred 
upon the Chairman of the Board pursuant to the Company's By-Laws). In 
addition, no executive officer of the Company has ever served as (i) a member 
of the compensation committee or equivalent of another entity, one of whose 
executive officers served on the Company's Compensation Committee, (ii) a 
director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the 
Compensation Committee or (iii) a member of the compensation committee or 
equivalent of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a 
director of the Company. 
    
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

   The following table sets forth a summary of annual and long-term 
compensation earned by or paid to the former Chief Executive Officer and each 
of the other four most highly compensated current or former executive 
officers of the Company (collectively, the "Named Officers") for services 
rendered to the Company during each of the last three fiscal years: 

                                      42
<PAGE>

                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Long-Term 
                                                                                       Compensation 
                                                        Annual Compensation               Awards 
                                               -----------------------------------    -------------- 
                                                                           Other        Securities 
                                                                           Annual       Underlying      All Other 
                                                                          Compen-        Options/        Compen- 
                                                  Salary       Bonus       sation          SARs          sation 
    Name and Principal Position         Year       ($)          ($)         ($)            (#)           ($)(1) 
 -----------------------------------   ------   ----------    ---------   ---------   --------------   ----------- 
<S>                                     <C>     <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>  
Richard Hickson (2)  ...............    1993     $183,300     $ 7,600     $    --           --           $   -- 
President and Chief Executive           1994      208,333       5,346          --        35,418(3)           -- 
Officer                                 1995      108,605          --          --           --               -- 
Brian H. Jaffe (4)  ................    1993      115,000       6,000      10,400           --            3,630 
Vice President, General Counsel and     1994      117,884      13,151      10,400         8,854(3)        3,931 
Secretary                               1995      122,000      25,010      10,400           --            4,325 
Eugene G. Lestardo (5)  ............    1993      125,000      17,455      11,700           --            4,500 
Acting Chief Operating Officer          1994      128,128      42,667      11,700        13,281(3)        4,624 
                                        1995      141,300      16,250      12,425        15,000(6)        4,628 
Glenn C. Riker  ....................    1993       86,000      15,300      13,000           --            3,039 
Senior Vice President of Human          1994       88,150      12,782      13,000         8,854(3)        3,209 
Resources                               1995       91,260      20,716      13,000           --            3,476 
William C. Sholl (7)  ..............    1993       54,692       3,783       6,320           --              208 
Vice President Management               1994       90,000      10,378      10,400           --            3,011 
Information Systems                     1995       93,150      20,027      10,400         8,854           3,339 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
(1) Represents matching contributions by the Company under the Company's 
    401(k) Plan. 20% of accrued matching contributions become vested on each 
    of the second through sixth anniversaries of employment and are fully 
    vested thereafter. 

(2) Mr. Hickson resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and a 
    director of the Company, effective May 30, 1995. His outstanding stock 
    options were cancelled on such date pursuant to the terms of the 
    Executives Plan (as defined in "Management-Stock Option Plans"). From May 
    31 through September 30, 1995, Mr. Hickson served as a consultant to the 
    Company for which services he received additional compensation of $6,531. 

(3) 1994 option grants replaced a like number of options previously granted 
    under the Executives Plan to Messrs. Hickson, Lestardo and Riker in 1992 
    and Mr. Jaffe in 1994. 

(4) Mr. Jaffe resigned as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of 
    the Company, effective as of April 27, 1996. His unvested options to 
    purchase 6,198 shares of Common Stock were cancelled. Mr. Jaffe's vested 
    options to purchase 2,656 shares of Common Stock remain outstanding 
    through June 30, 1997. Mr. Jaffe is serving as a consultant to the 
    Company in exchange for compensation on a per diem basis. 

(5) Mr. Lestardo served in the capacity of Acting Chief Operating Officer of 
    the Company from June 14 to December 31, 1995. Mr. Lestardo continues to 
    serve as President of Holmes Protection of New York, Inc., a wholly-owned 
    subsidiary of the Company. 

(6) Represents a grant of stock options made in December 1995 under the 1996 
    Plan. The 1996 Plan will be submitted for stockholder approval at the 
    Company's 1996 annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 
    1996. All options granted thereunder are subject to and conditioned upon 
    approval of the 1996 Plan by stockholders of the Company. 

(7) Mr. Sholl joined the Company on May 26, 1993, which accounts for the 
    lower compensation level for such year. Mr. Sholl resigned from his 
    position with the Company, effective March 31, 1996. Under the terms of 
    the Executives Plan, his unvested options to purchase 6,198 shares of 
    Common Stock were cancelled on such date. Mr. Sholl's vested options to 
    purchase 2,656 shares of Common Stock will remain outstanding through 
    September 30, 1996. 

   All information under "Executive Compensation" herein relating to stock 
options (except for those granted under the 1996 Plan) and related exercise 
and hurdle prices have been adjusted to give effect to the one-for- fourteen 
reverse stock split of the Common Stock effected on March 27, 1995. 

                                      43
<PAGE>

   The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock 
options made to the Named Officers during 1995 under the Executives Plan or 
the 1996 Plan: 

                    OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>    
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                            Potential         
                                                      Individual Grants                                  Realizable Value       
                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------         at Assumed        
                                             Percent of                                                       Annual          
                                                Total                                                        Rates of         
                             Number of       Option/SARs                   Market                          Stock Price        
                             Securities      Granted to      Exercise     Price on                       Appreciation For     
                             Underlying       Employees       or Base       Grant                         Option Term(2)      
                            Options/SARs      in Fiscal        Price        Date        Expiration    -----------------------  
          Name              Granted (#)         Year         ($/sh)(1)     ($/sh)          Date        5% ($)       10% ($) 
 -----------------------   --------------   -------------    ----------   ----------   ------------   ---------    ---------- 
<S>                         <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          
Eugene G. Lestardo (3) .       15,000             60%          $5.50       $5.50        12/4/2005      $51,884     $131,484 
William C. Sholl (4)  ..        8,854            100%           7.28        6.12(5)     1/12/2005       23,807       76,089 
</TABLE>
   
- ------ 
(1) Once vested, all options which have been granted under the Executives 
    Plan become exercisable only if the price per share of the Common Stock 
    on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or the Nasdaq National Market, as the case 
    may be, is not less than $13.30 for 30 consecutive trading days. Such 
    condition had not been met as of September 24, 1996. The 1996 Plan and 
    all options granted thereunder are subject to and conditioned upon 
    stockholder approval at the Company's 1996 annual meeting of 
    stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 1996. 
    
(2) Amounts indicated under the "Potential Realizable Value" columns above 
    have been calculated by multiplying the market price on the date of grant 
    by the annual appreciation rate shown (compounded for the term of the 
    options), subtracting the exercise price per share and multiplying the 
    gain per share by the number of shares covered by the options. 

(3) Represents a grant of stock options made under the Company's 1996 Plan. 
    Such grant and the terms thereof are subject to and conditioned upon the 
    approval of the 1996 Plan by stockholders at the Company's 1996 annual 
    meeting of stockholders. 

(4) Mr. Sholl resigned from his position with the Company, effective March 
    31, 1996. Under the terms of the Executives Plan, certain of his stock 
    options were cancelled. See Note 7 to Summary Compensation Table. 

(5) On the date of grant, January 12, 1995, the Company's Common Stock traded 
    on the London Stock Exchange. Accordingly, the dollar- denominated market 
    price on the grant date has been converted at an assumed exchange rate of 
    $1.56 per British pound. 
   
   Except as disclosed above, no other grants of stock options were made in 
1995 to any of the Named Officers. No stock options were exercised by any of 
the Named Officers during 1995. 
    
   The following table sets forth information with respect the unexercised 
options held by each of the Named Officers as of the end of 1995: 
<PAGE>

             AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR 
                    AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES 

                                                             Value of 
                          Number of Securities             Unexercised 
                         Underlying Unexercised            In-the-Money 
                              Options/SARs                 Options/SARs 
                         at Fiscal Year-End (#)       at Fiscal Year-End ($) 
        Name           Exercisable/Unexercisable    Exercisable/Unexercisable 
- -------------------    -------------------------    ------------------------- 
Richard Hickson  ...              0/0                          0/0 
Brian H. Jaffe  ....           2,656/0(1)                      0/0 
Eugene G. Lestardo..       3,984/24,297(1)(2)                  0/0 
Glenn C. Riker  ....         2,656/6,198(1)                    0/0 
William C. Sholl  ..           0/8,854(1)                      0/0 

- ------ 
(1) Options were granted pursuant to the Executives Plan on July 29, 1994, 
    except in the case of Mr. Sholl whose options were granted on January 12, 
    1995. 

(2) Includes options which were granted pursuant to the 1996 Plan on December 
    4, 1995. 

 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS 

   Mr. Flagg is employed by the Company pursuant to an employment agreement 
dated January 8, 1996, which expires on December 31, 1997, but continues 
year-to-year thereafter unless terminated in accordance with its terms. Mr. 
Flagg's employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of no less 
than $200,000. Mr. 

                                      44
<PAGE>

Boehme is employed by the Company pursuant to an employment agreement dated 
January 8, 1996, which expires on December 31, 1997, but continues 
year-to-year thereafter unless terminated in accordance with its terms. Mr. 
Boehme's employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of no less 
than $150,000. Mr. Irving is employed by the Company pursuant to an 
employment agreement dated May 13, 1996, which expires on May 31, 1998, but 
continues year-to-year thereafter unless terminated in accordance with its 
terms. Mr. Irving's employment agreement provides for an annual base salary 
of no less than $105,000. The salaries provided under all of these employment 
agreements may be increased at the discretion of the Board or the 
Compensation Committee thereof. Under the terms of Messrs. Flagg's, Boehme's 
and Irving's respective employment agreements, options to purchase shares of 
Common Stock under the Company's 1996 Plan (260,000 shares in the case of Mr. 
Flagg, 195,000 shares in the case of Mr. Boehme and 25,000 shares in the case 
of Mr. Irving) have been granted subject to and conditioned upon stockholder 
approval of the 1996 Plan at the Company's 1996 annual meeting of 
stockholders. Messrs. Flagg, Boehme and Irving are also provided with certain 
other benefits and perquisites pursuant to their respective employment 
agreements. Upon termination of employment with the Company, Messrs. Flagg, 
Boehme and Irving are each subject to a non-compete period of six months. 

   In accordance with Messrs. Flagg's, Boehme's and Irving's respective 
employment agreements, upon a termination of employment by the Company for 
reasons other than (i) "Cause," (ii) "Disability" (each as defined in such 
employment agreements), or (iii) death, incompetency or bankruptcy, the 
Company will be obligated to pay to each of Messrs. Flagg, Boehme and Irving 
12 months base salary, and to maintain certain benefits. Upon termination of 
employment by the Company within 12 months of a "Change-of-Control Event" (as 
defined below), Messrs. Flagg, Boehme and Irving shall each be entitled to 
receive their respective base salaries and certain other benefits for an 
additional period of 12 months. As defined in Messrs. Flagg's, Boehme's and 
Irving's respective employment agreements, a "Change-of-Control Event" means 
the consummation of (i) a proxy contest for control of the Company's Board 
resulting in the person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities 
(collectively, a "Control Group") initiating such proxy contest electing a 
majority of the members of the Company's Board; (ii) the purchase by a 
Control Group of the Common Stock or other securities of the Company which, 
when aggregated with any other securities of the Company then held by such 
Control Group, gives such Control Group "beneficial ownership" (as defined in 
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of securities representing 
more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company; or (iii) any such 
transaction that the Company's Board shall have favorably recommended to 
stockholders of the Company at any time prior to its consummation, and such 
recommendation shall not have been withdrawn. 

   Mr. Riker is employed by the Company pursuant to an employment agreement 
dated October 12, 1994, which expires on December 31, 1996, and which 
provides for an annual base salary of $91,260. Mr. Lestardo is employed by 
the Company pursuant to an employment agreement dated June 22, 1995, which 
expires on June 12, 1997, and which provides for an annual base salary of 
$150,000. The salaries provided under these employment agreements may be 
increased at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee 
thereof. Under the terms of their respective employment agreements, Messrs. 
Riker and Lestardo are entitled to receive cash bonus awards under a senior 
management incentive plan, provided certain targets with regard to Company 
performance are met or exceeded. Messrs. Riker and Lestardo are also provided 
with certain other benefits and perquisites pursuant to their respective 
employment agreements. Upon termination of employment with the Company, 
Messrs. Riker and Lestardo are each subject to a non-compete period of four 
months and six months, respectively. 

   In accordance with Messrs. Riker's and Lestardo's respective employment 
agreements, upon a termination of employment by the Company for reasons other 
than (i) "Cause," (ii) "Disability" (each as defined in such employment 
agreements), (iii) death, incompetency or bankruptcy, or (iv) the expiration 
of the term of such employment agreement, the Company will be obligated to 
pay six months base salary in the case of Mr. Lestardo, and four months base 
salary in the case of Mr. Riker, and to maintain certain benefits. Upon 
termination of employment by the Company within 12 months of a "Contested 
Takeover Event" (as defined below), Messrs. Riker and Lestardo shall each be 
entitled to receive their respective base salaries and certain other benefits 
for a period of 12 months. As defined in Messrs. Riker's and Lestardo's 
respective employment agreements, a "Contested Takeover Event" means the 
consummation of (i) a proxy contest for control of the Company's Board 
resulting in the person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities 
(collectively, a "Control Group") initiating such proxy contest electing a 
majority of the members of the Company's Board, or (ii) the purchase by a 

                                      45
<PAGE>

Control Group of the Common Stock or other securities of the Company which, 
when aggregated with any other securities of the Company then held by such 
Control Group, gives such Control Group "beneficial ownership" (as defined in 
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of securities representing 
more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company; provided that no 
"Contested Takeover Event" shall be deemed to occur if the Company's Board 
shall have favorably recommended the transaction to stockholders of the 
Company at any time prior to its consummation, and such recommendation shall 
not have been withdrawn. 

   Upon the occurrence of a "Change-of-Control Event" and/or a "Contested 
Takeover Event," as the case may be, the Company's maximum aggregate salary 
payment obligation would be $1,151,200. Such amount is calculated by 
combining the 1996 base salaries of each of Messrs. Flagg, Boehme and Irving 
for a period of 24 months, together with the 1996 annual base salaries of 
each of Messrs. Riker and Lestardo for a period of 12 months. 

   Messrs. Hickson, Jaffe and Sholl were employed by the Company pursuant to 
employment agreements which contained substantially similar terms to those in 
the employment agreements of Messrs. Riker and Lestardo. Following the 
termination of their respective employment agreements, Messrs. Hickson, Jaffe 
and Sholl were each subject to non-compete periods of six months, three 
months and three months, respectively. 

STOCK OPTION PLANS 

 SENIOR EXECUTIVES' OPTION PLAN 

   The Company's Amended and Restated Senior Executives' Option Plan (the 
"Executives Plan") was adopted by the Company's Board on June 29, 1994 and 
approved by the stockholders of the Company on July 29, 1994 (the "Effective 
Date"). The Executives Plan, as amended and restated (i) replaced all options 
outstanding under a previous senior executives' option plan with a like 
number of new ten-year options at a reduced exercise price of $7.28 per 
share; (ii) commenced a new vesting period for such options providing for 
vesting at a rate of 30% on the first anniversary of the Effective Date, 20% 
on each of the second and third anniversaries and 15% on each of the fourth 
and fifth anniversaries; (iii) set the "hurdle rate" at $13.30 representing 
the price at which the shares must trade for 30 consecutive trading days 
prior to becoming exercisable; and (iv) contained certain provisions 
necessary to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. 

   The purpose of the Executives Plan is to provide long-term incentives and 
rewards to officers and key employees of the Company, to assist the Company 
in attracting and retaining the services of such individuals on a basis 
competitive with industry practices, to align those individuals' interests 
with those of the Company's stockholders and to provide additional 
compensation to Executives Plan participants. The Executives Plan provides 
for granting to certain designated senior executives and key employees of 
incentive stock options ("ISOs") or nonqualified stock options ("NSOs"), each 
as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended 
(the "Code"). 
   
   A maximum of 138,722 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for 
issuance under the Executives Plan pursuant to which outstanding options to 
purchase 57,846 shares have been granted and were outstanding at September 
24, 1996. 
    
   The Executives Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the 
Board. Subject to the provisions of the Executives Plan and the terms of the 
initial option grants provided for therein, the Compensation Committee 
determines when and to whom options will be granted, the number of shares to 
be covered by each option, the option price, the period during which each 
option is exercisable and certain other terms and conditions relating to the 
options under the Executives Plan. The Compensation Committee also exercises 
all the powers and authority necessary or advisable in the administration of 
the Executives Plan, subject to the provisions of the Executives Plan. If the 
1996 Plan is approved by stockholders, no further grants will be made under 
the Executives Plan. See "Management -- Stock Option Plans/1996 Stock 
Incentive Plan." 

   If the Compensation Committee determines that any dividend, distribution, 
recapitalization, stock split, reverse split, reorganization, merger, 
consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange or similar 
transaction effects the stock such that an adjustment is appropriate in order 
to prevent the dilution or enlarge- 

                                      46
<PAGE>

ment of the rights of option holders, then the Compensation Committee will 
make such equitable changes or adjustments to any or all of (i) the number of 
shares of stock available for options, (ii) the number of such shares covered 
by outstanding options and/or (iii) the exercise price per share of options, 
to the extent equitably required to preserve the economic value of the 
options. 

   In the event of a change in control of the Company (as defined in the 
Executives Plan), outstanding options vest immediately and become exercisable 
in full, whether or not otherwise vested or exercisable. 

   If a grantee under the Executives Plan ceases to be in the service or 
employ of the Company due to death, disability or termination without cause 
(as defined in the Executives Plan ), such grantee's vested options will 
expire six months from the date of such cessation. The Compensation Committee 
may in its discretion extend this period of exercisability. If a grantee 
under the Executives Plan ceases to be in the service or employ of the 
Company for any other reason, such options will expire on the date of such 
cessation. 

 DIRECTORS' OPTION PLAN 

   The Company's 1992 Directors' Option Plan (the "Directors Plan") was 
adopted by the Company's Board on July 16, 1992, approved by the stockholders 
of the Company on August 10, 1992 and became effective on August 13, 1992. On 
such effective date, one-time grants of options were made under the Directors 
Plan to Mr. Besuchet and to certain former directors. Currently, there are 
only three individuals holding options that were granted under the Directors 
Plan, including Mr. Besuchet. No additional grants are permitted under the 
Directors Plan. 

   The purpose of the Directors Plan was to aid the Company in attracting and 
retaining the services of directors who joined the Board prior to the 1992 
Restructuring and to afford such directors an opportunity to acquire a 
proprietary interest in the Company through stock ownership. 
   
   Outstanding options to purchase 165,429 shares of Common Stock were 
granted and outstanding at September 24, 1996. 
    
   The Directors Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee which 
exercises all the powers and authority necessary or advisable in the 
administration of the Directors Plan, subject to the provisions of the 
Directors Plan. 

   All options under the Directors Plan vested on January 1, 1993 and have an 
exercise price of $13.97 per share. However, no option under the Directors 
Plan will become exercisable until the price of the shares subject thereto 
reaches or has reached a trading price of not less than $24.45, and remains 
at or above such price for 30 consecutive trading days. Mr. Besuchet's 
options expire August 13, 2002. 

   Upon the occurrence of a capitalization issue, a rights issue or a 
subdivision, consolidation of shares or reduction of capital, the 
Compensation Committee will adjust, to reflect such change, the number of 
shares covered by outstanding options under the Directors Plan and the option 
price to preserve the economic value of the options and to give grantees the 
same proportion of the equity as that to which they were previously entitled. 

   The Directors Plan provides that if the service of a grantee terminates 
(other than by reason of death, disability or involuntary termination without 
cause, as such terms are defined in the Directors Plan), all options of such 
grantee, unless earlier terminated in accordance with their terms, shall 
terminate on the date of such termination. The Directors Plan also provides 
that if a grantee ceases to be in the service or employ of the Company due to 
death, disability or termination without cause, such grantee's options shall 
expire on June 30, 1997. Options to purchase an aggregate of 147,545 shares 
are held by two former directors, Keith Anderson and Eric F. Kohn, whose 
services were deemed to have been terminated without cause pursuant to the 
Directors Plan. 

   Except in certain very limited circumstances (such as by will or pursuant 
to a "qualified domestic relations order" as defined in the Code), an option 
may not be transferred by a grantee except that Mr. Kohn may assign the right 
to exercise his options under the Directors Plan, and the Common Stock 
issuable upon exercise of such options, to a corporation controlled by him. 

                                      47
<PAGE>

   Under the Directors Plan, in the event of a change in control of the 
Company (as defined in the Directors Plan), outstanding options vest 
immediately and become exercisable in full, whether or not otherwise vested 
or exercisable. 

 1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN 

   On December 4, 1995, the Board approved and recommended, and at the 1996 
annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 1996, the 
stockholders will be asked to approve, the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the 
"1996 Plan"). 
   
   The purpose of the 1996 Plan is to provide an incentive to the Company's 
key employees, consultants and directors and to attract, secure and retain 
key employees, consultants and directors. The 1996 Plan provides for the 
grant of options to acquire a maximum of 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Of 
such shares, as of September 24, 1996, 830,000 shares were subject to 
outstanding options (subject to stockholder approval). The 1996 Plan provides 
that, upon approval by stockholders, no further options or other awards will 
be granted under either the Executives Plan or the Directors Plan. All 
options outstanding under the prior plans will continue to be governed by the 
terms of those plans. The 1996 Plan permits the granting of ISOs or NSOs, at 
the discretion of the Compensation Committee with regard to employee or 
consultant optionees, and NSOs to non-employee directors. 
    
   The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Subject to 
the terms of the 1996 Plan, the Compensation Committee determines the terms 
and conditions of options granted under the 1996 Plan to employees and 
consultants of the Company. The Compensation Committee, however, has no 
discretion with respect to the selection of non-employee directors to receive 
options, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any such options, 
the purchase price thereunder or the timing of grants of options to 
non-employee directors. Options granted under the 1996 Plan are not 
transferable, except by the laws of descent and distribution, and are 
evidenced by written agreements which contain such terms, conditions, 
limitations and restrictions as the Compensation Committee deems advisable 
and which are not inconsistent with the terms of the 1996 Plan. 

   The option exercise price must be paid in full at the time the notice of 
exercise of the option is delivered to the Company and must be tendered in 
cash or by transferring shares of Common Stock upon terms and conditions 
determined by the Compensation Committee. The Board has certain rights to 
suspend, amend or terminate the 1996 Plan provided stockholder approval is 
obtained. 

   In the event of a change in control (as defined in the 1996 Plan), 
outstanding options vest immediately and become exercisable in full, whether 
or not otherwise vested or exercisable. In addition, the optionee has the 
right to surrender his or her options for cancellation within sixty days 
after a change in control and receive a cash payment therefor. 

   Non-Employee Director Awards. The 1996 Plan provides for awards of options 
to directors ("Eligible Directors") of the Company who are not employees of 
the Company or its affiliates and who have not, within one year immediately 
preceding the determination of such director's eligibility, received any 
award under any other plan of the Company or its affiliates that entitles the 
participants therein to acquire stock, stock options or stock appreciation 
rights of the Company or its affiliates (other than options granted under any 
other plan under which participants' entitlements are governed by provisions 
meeting the requirements of Rule 16b-3(c)(2)(ii) promulgated under the 
Exchange Act.) The exercise price of the options is equal to 100% of the fair 
market value (as such term is defined in the 1996 Plan) of the Common Stock 
on the date of grant. The options are exercisable in whole or in part at all 
times during the period beginning on the date of grant until five years from 
the date of grant. 

   Pursuant to the 1996 Plan, subject to stockholder approval, each 
non-employee director then in office in December 1995 was awarded an Initial 
Grant (as defined below). In addition, upon first election or appointment to 
the Board, each newly elected or appointed Eligible Director will be granted 
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Initial Grant"). 
Immediately following each annual meeting of stockholders commencing with the 
meeting following the close of fiscal year 1996, each Eligible Director will 
be granted an additional option to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock (an 
"Annual Grant"). 

   If an optionee's service as a director terminates for any reason other 
than disability, cause (each as defined in the 1996 Plan) or death, the 
optionee may exercise options in the three-month period following such termi- 

                                      48
<PAGE>

nation. If the optionee's service as a director terminates by reason of 
resignation or removal from the Board due to disability, the optionee may 
exercise options in the one-year period following such termination. If an 
optionee dies while a director or within three months after termination of 
service as a director, any options held by such director may be exercised in 
the twelve-month period following the optionee's death by the person to whom 
such rights under the option pass by will or pursuant to the laws of descent 
and distribution. If an optionee's service as a director terminates for 
cause, any options granted to such optionee will terminate immediately. 

   Other Awards. The 1996 Plan provides that the Compensation Committee must 
establish an exercise price for employee stock options that is not less than 
the fair market value (as defined in the 1996 Plan) of the Common Stock on 
the date of grant. Each ISO must expire within ten years of the date of 
grant. However, if ISOs are granted to persons owning more than 10% of the 
voting stock of the Company, the 1996 Plan provides that the exercise price 
may not be less than 110% of the fair market value per share at the date of 
grant and that the term of such ISOs may not exceed five years. Each employee 
option vests at a rate designated by the Compensation Committee. 

   If an optionee's employment is terminated by reason of death, disability 
or retirement (as defined in the 1996 Plan), the Compensation Committee may 
determine that any options held by such person become immediately exercisable 
and may be exercised at any time prior to the expiration date of the options 
or within twelve months (three months with regard to ISOs) after the date of 
termination. If an optionee's employment is terminated for any reason other 
than death, disability or retirement or if the Compensation Committee does 
not provide the treatment discussed in the prior sentence, all unvested 
options held by such person will terminate and all vested options will be 
exercisable for a period of three months after the date of termination. 

                                      49 
<PAGE>

                            PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS 
   
   The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial 
ownership, as of September 24, 1996, of the Company's Common Stock by (i) any 
person known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the 
outstanding Common Stock; (ii) each director of the Company; (iii) each of 
the Named Officers; and (iv) all directors and executive officers of the 
Company as a group, including the Named Officers. All share and warrant 
amounts and related exercise prices have been adjusted to give effect to the 
one-for-fourteen reverse stock split of the Common Stock completed on March 
27, 1995. On September 24, 1996, there were 4,563,062 shares of Common Stock 
issued and outstanding. 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   
                                                    Number of Shares   
                                                     of Common Stock             Percentage(1)              
                                                      Beneficially       ---------------------------------  
Name of Beneficial Owner                                Owned(1)         Before Offering   After Offering 
- ------------------------                           -------------------   ---------------    -------------- 
<S>                                                <C>                  <C>                <C>
HP Partners L.P.(2)..................................   2,201,600             42.0%             34.7% 
  c/o HP Management, Inc. 
  444 Madison Avenue, 38th Floor 
  New York, New York 10022 

John Hancock Mutual Life............................      636,095             13.7%             11.1% 
  Insurance Company(2) 
  John Hancock Place 
  P.O. Box 111 
  Boston, Massachusetts 02117 

The Mutual Life Insurance Company .................       397,716              8.6%              7.0% 
  of New York(2) 
  1740 Broadway 
  New York, New York 10019 

TJS Partners, L.P.(2)................................     399,000              8.7%              7.1% 
  52 Vanderbilt Avenue 
  5th Floor 
  New York, New York 10017 

Pierre Besuchet(3)(6)  .........................           19,048                 *                 * 

Daniel T. Carroll(6)  ..........................               --               --                -- 

George V. Flagg(6)  ............................            6,000                 *                 * 

Lawrence R. Glenn(6)  ..........................               --               --                -- 

Mark S. Hauser(4)(6)(7)  .......................        2,201,600             42.0%             34.7% 

Richard Hickson  ...............................              142                 *                 * 

Brian H. Jaffe(5)  .............................              306                 *                 * 

Eugene G. Lestardo(5)(6)  ......................            1,000                 *                 * 

William P. Lyons(4)(6)(7)  .....................        2,210,600             42.1%             34.8% 

David Jan Mitchell(4)(6)(7)  ...................        2,204,600             42.0%             34.7% 

Edward L. Palmer(6)  ...........................            2,592                 *                 * 

Glenn C. Riker(5)  .............................               --               --                -- 

William C. Sholl  ..............................            2,207                 *                 * 

William Spier(4)(6)(7)  ........................        2,209,600             42.1%             34.8% 

All directors and executive officers as a group         2,252,895             42.9%             35.5% 
  (16 persons)(3)(4)(5)(6) ..................... 
</TABLE>
- ------ 
* Represents less than 1% of outstanding Common Stock. 
    
                                      50
<PAGE>
   
(1) Each director and executive officer has sole voting and investment power 
    with respect to the shares beneficially owned, except as otherwise noted 
    in the footnotes to this table. For purposes of this table, a person or 
    group of persons is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any shares 
    of Common Stock which such person has the right to acquire on or within 
    60 days of September 24, 1996. For purposes of computing the percentage 
    of outstanding Common Stock held by each person or group of persons named 
    above, any shares which such person has or has the right to acquire on or 
    within 60 days after September 24, 1996 are deemed to be outstanding, but 
    are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the 
    percentage ownership of any other person. 

(2) Includes shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants having a current 
    exercise price of $10.68 per share, as follows: John Hancock Mutual Life 
    Insurance Company and affiliates - 68,394; and The Mutual Life Insurance 
    Company of New York and affiliates - 42,764. With respect to HP Partners 
    L.P., includes 685,714 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise 
    of warrants having a current exercise price of $4.58 per share. The 
    information in the foregoing table and in this note is based on the 
    Company's records and on a Schedule 13G (or Schedule 13D, as amended, in 
    the case of TJS Partners, L.P.) filed with the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission by each of the following stockholders and dated as indicated: 
    HP Partners L.P., dated January 20, 1995; John Hancock Mutual Life 
    Insurance Company, dated January 16, 1996; The Mutual Life Insurance 
    Company of New York, dated March 2, 1995; and TJS Partners, L.P., dated 
    June 17, 1996. The Schedule 13D filed by TJS Partners, L.P. states that 
    TJS Management, L.P., TJS Corporation, and Thomas J. Salvatore may be 
    deemed to own beneficially the shares owned beneficially by TJS Partners, 
    L.P. 

(3) Excludes vested options to purchase 17,884 shares of Common Stock granted 
    to Mr. Besuchet under the Directors Plan. Such options have a current 
    exercise price of $13.97 per share, however, they become exercisable only 
    if the price per share of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market 
    or the Nasdaq National Market, as the case may be, is not less than 
    $24.45 for 30 consecutive trading days. Such condition had not been met 
    as of September 24, 1996. 

(4) Includes 1,515,886 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 
    685,714 shares of Common Stock owned by HP Partners L.P. Messrs. Hauser, 
    Mitchell and Spier are stockholders and directors of the general partner 
    of HP Partners L.P. and Messrs. Mitchell and Spier are also limited 
    partners of HP Partners L.P. Messrs. Hauser, Mitchell and Spier are also 
    the sole stockholders of the special limited partner of HP Partners L.P. 
    which is entitled to various rights relating to 285,714 of the 
    partnership's warrants. Pursuant to HP Partners L.P.'s partnership 
    agreement, Mr. Lyons has an arrangement to participate in any economic 
    benefit which Mr. Spier obtains as a result of Mr. Spier's shareholding 
    interest in such general partner. 

(5) Excludes vested options granted under the Executives Plan to each of 
    Messrs. Jaffe, Lestardo, Riker, Sholl and one other former executive 
    officer to purchase 2,656, 3,984, 2,656, 2,656 and 2,656 shares of Common 
    Stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $7.28 per share. These 
    options become exercisable only if the price per share of the Common 
    Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or the Nasdaq National Market, as the 
    case may be, is not less than $13.30 for 30 consecutive trading days. 
    Such condition had not been met as of September 24, 1996. 

(6) Excludes options granted under the 1996 Plan to each of Messrs. Besuchet, 
    Carroll, Glenn, Hauser, Lestardo, Lyons, Mitchell, Palmer and Spier to 
    purchase 25,000, 25,000, 25,000, 40,000, 15,000, 85,000, 55,000, 25,000 
    and 40,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively, at exercise prices 
    ranging from $5.50 to $5.56 per share. Also excludes options granted 
    under the 1996 Plan to each of Messrs. Flagg, Boehme and Irving to 
    purchase 260,000, 195,000 and 25,000 shares of Common Stock, 
    respectively, in accordance with their respective employment agreements. 
    The grant of all options under the 1996 Plan and terms thereof are 
    subject to and conditioned upon approval of such plan by stockholders at 
    the Company's 1996 annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 
    31, 1996. 

(7) The address of such stockholder is: c/o Holmes Protection Group, Inc., 
    440 Ninth Avenue, New York, New York 10001-1695. 
    

                                      51
<PAGE>

                             CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS 

   Mr. Eric F. Kohn joined the Company on September 24, 1991 as Chief 
Executive Officer and Director and ceased serving in such capacities on May 
4, 1993 and July 29, 1994, respectively. During such time period, Mr. Kohn 
was a director of Barons Financial Services SA ("BFSSA"). From late 1991 to 
May 1993 BFSSA received fees from the Company at the rate of $15,000 per 
month (paid three months in advance) for making the resources, equipment, 
services and expertise of its Geneva office available to the Company, and 
$20,000 per month (paid three months in advance) for making the services of 
Mr. Kohn available to the Company in the United States and Europe. In 
addition, the Company paid the costs of Mr. Kohn's accommodation in the New 
York area and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. During the same time period, 
Mr. Kohn was also a director of Barons (UK) Limited ("BUK"). From late 1991 
to May 1993 BUK received fees from the Company at the rate of $7,500 per 
month (paid three months in advance), for providing office facilities and 
services for Holmes in London. These arrangements were terminated by the 
Board on May 4, 1993. While the Company believed that the fee arrangements 
with BFSSA and BUK fairly reflected the value of the services provided to the 
Company, the Company is unable to determine whether the terms of its 
agreements with such parties were no less favorable than could have been 
obtained from an unaffiliated third party. The Company subsequently paid U.S. 
federal, state and local withholding taxes and related interest in an 
aggregate amount of $155,192 with respect to such fees paid in 1991, 1992 and 
1993 to BFSSA for Mr. Kohn's services. 

   In 1994, Mr. William Spier, a director of the Company, entered into an 
agreement with PremiTech, which is a limited partner of HP Partners L.P., to 
acquire PremiTech's limited partnership interest for approximately 
$2,000,000, at the option of PremiTech, in the event that PremiTech did not 
enter into an agreement for the provision of information technology services 
to the Company. Such information technology agreement was subsequently 
executed on April 4, 1995, thereby terminating PremiTech's option to sell its 
interest to Mr. Spier. 

   On December 4, 1995, each of Messrs. Hauser, Lyons, Mitchell and Spier, 
directors of the Company, were granted options under the 1996 Plan to 
purchase 15,000, 60,000, 30,000 and 15,000 shares of Common Stock, 
respectively, at an exercise price of $5.56 per share. Such grants were made 
in recognition of the extraordinary services that each of these individuals 
provided to the Company in connection with the management transition and 
reorganization that occurred during 1995. The grant of all options under the 
1996 Plan and the terms thereof are subject to and conditioned upon 
stockholder approval at the Company's 1996 annual meeting of stockholders, 
scheduled for October 31, 1996. 

                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES 
   
   The following summary of the terms of the Company's capital stock does not 
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 
applicable provisions of Delaware law, the Company's Restated Certificate of 
Incorporation and the Company's By-Laws. 

   As set forth in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, 
the Company's authorized capital stock consists of 12,000,000 shares of 
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which 4,563,062 shares were 
outstanding as of September 24, 1996, and 1,000,000 shares of undesignated 
Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which no shares are 
outstanding. 
    
   On March 27, 1995, the Company effected a reverse stock split pursuant to 
which one new share of Common Stock, $.01 par value, was exchanged for every 
fourteen (14) whole shares of Common Stock, $.25 par value, then issued or 
outstanding and shareholders received a cash payment in lieu of any 
fractional shares. All share amounts and related share price information in 
this Prospectus have been adjusted to give effect to such reverse stock 
split. 

                                      52
<PAGE>

COMMON STOCK 

   The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held 
of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to the 
prior right of any holders of Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, the 
holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as are 
declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor. In the event 
of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of Common 
Stock have the right to a ratable portion of assets remaining after payment 
of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares of 
Preferred Stock. Except with respect to the Institutions pursuant to the 
Exchange Agreement as described above under "Business-Historical 
Developments/The 1992 Restructuring," the holders of Common Stock have no 
preemptive rights or rights to convert their Common Stock into any other 
securities and are not subject to future calls or assessments by the Company. 
All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable. 

PREFERRED STOCK 
   
   The Board has the authority to issue the Preferred Stock in one or more 
series and to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, 
including the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting 
rights, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption 
price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares 
constituting any series or the designations of such series, without any 
further vote or action by the stockholders, except that (i) any voting rights 
conferred on such Preferred Stock require the consent of three-quarters of 
the entire Board and a majority of the shares of Common Stock then 
outstanding and (ii) no regular dividends may be paid with respect to the 
Preferred Stock without the consent of the holders of a majority of the 
shares of Common Stock then outstanding. These rights and privileges of the 
Preferred Stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of Common 
Stock or their rights to receive dividends or liquidation proceeds. The 
Company has no present plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock. It 
should be noted, however, that pursuant to the terms of the Institution 
Warrants and the Investor Warrants, the Company is prohibited from issuing 
any capital stock of any class which has the right to more than one vote per 
share or which is preferred as to dividends or as to the distribution of 
assets upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up 
of the Company. 
    
DELAWARE LAW 

   The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware 
General Corporate Law which prohibit publicly held Delaware corporations from 
engaging in certain business combinations with interested stockholders. See 
"Risk Factors-Possible Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law." 

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS 
   
   Certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation 
and By-Laws may make a change in control of the Company more difficult to 
effect. See "Business -- Historical Developments/Other Certificate of 
Incorporation and By-Law Provisions" and "Risk Factors -- Classified Board of 
Directors; No Stockholder Action by Written Consent; Supermajority Voting." 
    
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR 

   ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. serves as Transfer Agent and 
Registrar for the Company's Common Stock. 

                       SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE 
   
   Upon completion of this offering, the Company will have 5,663,062 shares 
of Common Stock outstanding (5,828,062 shares if the Underwriters' 
over-allotment option is exercised in full). An additional 878,864 shares of 
Common Stock may be issued upon the exercise of the outstanding Investor 
Warrants and Institution Warrants, 166,666 shares of Common Stock may be 
issued upon exercise of the outstanding New Bank Warrants, 223,275 shares of 
Common Stock may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and 
830,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance upon exercise of 
options which have been granted under the 1996 
    

                                      53
<PAGE>

Plan, subject to and conditioned upon stockholder approval at the Company's 
1996 annual meeting of stockholders, scheduled for October 31, 1996. 
Substantially all of these shares, including the 1,000,000 shares of Common 
Stock sold in this offering, will be freely tradeable without restriction 
under the Securities Act, except for (i) any such shares held at any time by 
an "affiliate" of the Company, as such term is defined under Rule 144 
promulgated under the Securities Act ("Rule 144"), (ii) certain shares 
subject to the Registration Rights Agreements and (iii) shares subject to the 
"lockup agreements" described below. 

   In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person who has 
beneficially owned shares for at least two years, including an "affiliate," 
as that term is defined in Rule 144, is entitled to sell, within any three- 
month period, a number of "restricted" shares that does not exceed the 
greater of 1% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock and the average 
weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. 
Sales under Rule 144 are subject to certain manner of sale limitations, 
notice requirements and the availability of current public information about 
the Company. Rule 144(k) provides that a person who is not deemed an 
"affiliate" during the three months preceding a sale and who has beneficially 
owned shares for at least three years is entitled to sell such shares at any 
time under Rule 144 without regard to the limitations described above. 

   The Company, its officers and directors and certain of its principal 
stockholders (who beneficially hold in the aggregate 4,031,495 shares of 
Common Stock, including shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 
outstanding options and warrants beneficially owned by them) have agreed not 
to sell, offer to sell, issue, distribute or otherwise dispose of any shares 
of Common Stock of the Company for a period of 90 days from the date of this 
Prospectus (subject, in the case of the Company, to certain limited 
exceptions), without the prior written consent of the Representative (as 
defined in "Underwriting"). 

   The Company is unable to estimate the number of shares that may be sold in 
the future by its existing stockholders or the effect, if any, that sales of 
such shares will have on the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from 
time to time. Sale of substantial amounts of Common Stock by existing 
stockholders could adversely affect prevailing market prices. See "Risk 
Factors-Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Registration Rights." 

                                      54
<PAGE>
                                 UNDERWRITING 
   
   Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement 
(the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Company has agreed to sell to each of the 
underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), for which Brean Murray & Co., 
Inc. is acting as representative (the "Representative"), and each of the 
Underwriters severally has agreed to purchase from the Company the aggregate 
number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below. 

       Underwriters                                     Number of Shares 
       ------------                                     ---------------- 
       Brean Murray & Co., Inc.......................         560,000
       Advest, Inc. .................................          30,000
       Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder, Inc. ............          30,000
       Cruttenden Roth Incorporated .................          30,000
       First Albany Corporation .....................          30,000
       First of Michigan Corporation ................          30,000
       Jefferies & Company, Inc. ....................          30,000
       Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co. Inc. ...............          30,000
       Laidlaw Equities Inc. ........................          30,000
       Morgan Keegan & Company, Incorporated ........          30,000
       Needham & Company, Inc. ......................          30,000
       Pennsylvania Merchant Group Ltd. .............          30,000
       Sands Brothers & Co., Ltd. ...................          30,000
       Scott & Stringfellow, Inc. ...................          30,000
       Southcoast Capital Corporation ...............          30,000
       Stephens Inc. ................................          30,000
       Unterberg Harris .............................          30,000
       Van Kasper & Company .........................          30,000
       Vector Securities International, Inc. ........          30,000
                                                        ---------------- 
              Total  ................................       1,100,000 
                                                        ================ 
    
   Under the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the Company 
is obligated to sell, and the Underwriters are obligated to purchase, all of 
the shares of Common Stock set forth in the above table if any of the shares 
of Common Stock are purchased. 
   
   The Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public 
initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this 
Prospectus, and to selected dealers at such public offering price less a 
concession not to exceed $0.50 per share. The Underwriters or such dealers may 
reallow a commission to certain other dealers not to exceed $0.10 per share. 
After the offering to the public, the offering price, the concessions to 
selected dealers and the reallowance to other dealers may be changed by the 
Representative. 
    
   In connection with this offering, certain Underwriters may engage in 
passive market making transactions in the Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap 
Market or Nasdaq National Market, as the case may be, immediately prior to 
the commencement of sales in this offering, in accordance with Rule 10b-6A 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Passive market making consists of 
displaying bids on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or Nasdaq National Market, as 
the case may be, limited by the bid prices of independent market makers and 
purchases limited by such prices and effected in response to order flow. Net 
purchases by a passive market maker on each day are limited to a specified 
percentage of the passive market maker's average daily trading volume in the 
Common Stock during a specified prior period and must be discontinued when 
such limit is reached. Passive market making may stabilize the market price 
of the Common Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail and, 
if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. 
   
   The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 
days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to 165,000 additional 
shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public 
offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth on 
the cover page of this Prospectus. If the Underwriters exercise this option, 
then each of the Underwriters will have a firm commitment, subject to certain 
conditions, to purchase a number of option shares proportionate to such 
Underwriters' initial commitment as indicated in the table above. The 
Underwriters may exercise such option only to cover over- allotments made in 
connection with the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. 
    
   The Company, its officers and directors and certain of its principal 
stockholders (who beneficially hold in the aggregate 4,031,495 shares of 
Common Stock, including shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of 
outstanding options and warrants beneficially owned by them) have agreed not 
to sell, offer to sell, issue, distribute or otherwise dispose of any shares 
of Common Stock of the Company for a period of 90 days from the date of this 
Prospectus (subject, in the case of the Company, to certain limited 
exceptions), without the prior written consent of the Representative. 

   The Company has agreed to reimburse the Underwriters for up to $150,000 of 
the Underwriters' out-of- pocket expenses (including fees of its counsel) in 
connection with the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. The Company has 
also agreed to indemnify the Underwriters or contribute to losses arising out 
of certain liabilities that may be incurred in connection with this offering, 
including liabilities under the Securities Act. 

                                      55
<PAGE>

                                LEGAL MATTERS 

   The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed 
upon for the Company by Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP, New 
York, New York. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the 
Underwriters by Piper & Marbury L.L.P., New York, New York. 

                                   EXPERTS 
   
   The financial statements and schedule of the Company as of December 31, 
1994 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 
31, 1995 included in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration 
Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public 
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are 
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in 
accounting and auditing in giving said report. 
    
                            AVAILABLE INFORMATION 

   The Company is subject to the information requirements of the Exchange 
Act, as amended, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements 
and other information with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and 
other information may be inspected without charge at the public reference 
facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., 
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional 
Offices at Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, 
Illinois 60661; and 13th Floor, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 
10048. Copies of such material may be obtained at prescribed rates from the 
Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., 
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission maintains a World 
Wide Web site on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, 
proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants 
that file electronically with the Commission. 

   The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to 
the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the 
information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and 
schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and 
the Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration 
Statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part thereof. Statements 
contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other 
document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, if 
such contract or document is filed as an exhibit to the Registration 
Statement, each such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference 
to such exhibit. The Registration Statement, including exhibits and schedules 
thereto, may be inspected without charge at the Commission's principal office 
at 450 Fifth Street, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of all or any 
part thereof may be obtained from such office after payment of fees 
prescribed by the Commission. 

   In addition, reports, proxy statements and other information concerning 
the Company may be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., 
1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. 

                                      56

<PAGE>

                        INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   

                                                                                                       Page 
                                                                                                     -------- 
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS  ........................................................     F-2 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: 
   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and as of June 30, 1996 
     (unaudited)  ................................................................................     F-3 
   Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and 
     for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)  ................................     F-4 
   Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 
     and 1993 and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited)  ............................     F-5 
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and 
     for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited)  ................................     F-6 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  ......................................................     F-7 
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS  ................................................     S-1 

    
</TABLE>











                                       F-1
<PAGE>

                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 

To Holmes Protection Group, Inc.: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Holmes 
Protection Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of 
December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of 
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years 
in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements and the 
schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial 
statements and schedule based on our audits. 

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above 
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Holmes 
Protection Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and 
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally 
accepted accounting principles. 

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, effective 
January 1, 1995, the Company changed its revenue recognition policy of 
accounting for non-refundable payments received from customers upon 
completion of installation of Company owned systems. 

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic 
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed on the Index to 
Financial Statements is presented for purposes of complying with the 
Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and is not part of the basic 
financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing 
procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in 
our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data 
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial 
statements taken as a whole. 

                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP 
New York, New York 
March 20, 1996 

                                       F-2
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
                               (000'S OMITTED) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   

                                                        June 30, 
                                                       (Unaudited)         December 31, 
                                                       -----------  ------------------------ 
                                                          1996          1995         1994 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>            <C>
                       ASSETS 
CURRENT ASSETS: 
     Cash and cash equivalents  ....................    $    539      $    435     $  1,409 
     Short-term investments  .......................          --         2,043        3,986 
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for 
        doubtful accounts of $1,097 in 1996, $1,340 
        in 1995 and $1,315 in 1994 .................       3,948         4,997        3,855 
     Inventories  ..................................       1,756         1,923        1,980 
     Prepaid expenses and other  ...................       2,597         3,320        3,660 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
               Total current assets  ...............       8,840        12,718       14,890 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
FIXED ASSETS, net  .................................      45,516        45,231       46,091 
SUBSCRIBER CONTRACTS, at cost, less accumulated 
   amortization of $23,814 in 1996, $22,522 in 1995 
   and $19,942 in 1994 .............................      17,602        18,894       21,515 
TRADENAMES, less accumulated amortization of $1,984 
   in 1996, $1,875 in 1995 and $1,705 in 1994 ......       4,137         4,234        4,404 
OTHER ASSETS  ......................................         506           552          248 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
                                                        $ 76,601      $ 81,629     $ 87,148 
                                                       ===========   ==========    ========== 
        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
CURRENT LIABILITIES: 
     Short-term borrowings  ........................    $     --      $    943     $     -- 
     Current maturities of long-term debt  .........       2,468         2,497        2,687 
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses  ........       7,640        10,110        7,040 
     Deferred revenue  .............................       3,007         2,664        4,535 
     Customer deposits  ............................       1,901         1,750        2,446 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
               Total current liabilities  ..........      15,016        17,964       16,708 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: 
     Long-term debt  ...............................       3,668         4,862        6,709 
     Other long-term liabilities  ..................         684           834        4,110 
     Deferred income taxes  ........................      10,297        10,297       11,201 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
               Total long-term liabilities  ........      14,649        15,993       22,020 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12) 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: 
     Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 
        authorized; none outstanding ...............          --            --           -- 
     Common stock, $0.01 par value; 12,000 
        authorized shares; 4,466 issued in 1996, 
        1995 and 1994 ..............................          45            45           45 
     Additional paid-in capital  ...................     120,763       120,763      120,763 
     Accumulated deficit  ..........................     (70,924)      (70,188)     (68,991) 
     Minimum pension liability adjustment  .........      (2,863)       (2,863)      (3,312) 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
                                                          47,021        47,757       48,505 
     Less- Treasury stock - 7 shares in 1996, 1995 
        and 1994 at cost ...........................         (85)          (85)         (85) 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
               Total shareholders' equity  .........      46,936        47,672       48,420 
                                                       -----------   ----------    ---------- 
                                                        $ 76,601      $ 81,629     $ 87,148 
                                                       ===========   ==========    ========== 
    
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes to financial statements
                  are an integral part of these balance sheets.

                                       F-3
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
               (000'S OMITTED, EXCEPT EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                          Six Months 
                                                        Ended June 30, 
                                                          (Unaudited)               Year Ended December 31, 
                                                    ----------------------   -------------------------------
                                                       1996        1995       1995       1994          1993 
                                                     ---------   ---------  ---------- ----------   --------
<S>          <C>                                                 <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
REVENUES: 
   Monitoring and service ........................    $18,012     $18,975   $37,912       $39,747   $41,004 
   Installation ..................................      4,482       4,267     8,155         8,425     9,141 
   Franchise royalties, product sales and other ..      1,989       1,881     4,008         3,230     3,355 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
          Total revenues  ........................     24,483      25,123    50,075        51,402    53,500 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
COST OF SALES (exclusive of depreciation expense 
   shown below): 
   Monitoring and service ........................      8,869       9,469    18,554        18,632    21,004 
   Installation ..................................      2,117       1,992     3,971         3,595     3,606 
   Franchise royalties, product sales and other ..      1,823       1,102     3,737         2,658     2,306 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
          Total cost of sales  ...................     12,809      12,563    26,262        24,885    26,916 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE  .............      6,844       7,760    16,668        15,051    17,837 
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION  ...................      5,432       5,095    10,390         9,736     8,919 

NON-RECURRING CHARGE  ............................         --          --     2,074            --        -- 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
                                                       25,085      25,418    55,394        49,672    53,672 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
     Income (Loss) from operations  ..............       (602)       (295)   (5,319)        1,730      (172) 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)  ..........................         11         (13)      247           193       902 
INTEREST EXPENSE (net of interest income of $17 
   and $108 in the six months ended June 30, 1996 
   and 1995, respectively, $276 in 1995, $70 in 
   1994 and $-0- in 1993) ........................       (318)       (365)     (721)         (941)     (585) 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE 
   EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE ......       (909)       (673)   (5,793)          982       145 
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES  ............       (173)        (33)   (2,119)          578       200 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
   Income (Loss) before cumulative effect of 
     change in accounting principle  .............       (736)       (640)   (3,674)          404       (55) 
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING 
   PRINCIPLE, net of income taxes of $1,942 ......         --       2,477     2,477            --        -- 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
          Net Income (Loss)  .....................      $(736)     $1,837   $(1,197)         $404     $ (55) 
                                                    =========   =========  =========    =========  ========= 
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: 
   Earnings (Loss) before cumulative effect of 
     change in accounting principle  .............     $(0.17)     $(0.14)  $ (0.82)        $0.11    $ (0.02) 
   Cumulative effect of change in accounting 
     principle  ..................................         --        0.55      0.55            --        -- 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
   Net Earnings (Loss) per common share ..........     $(0.17)     $ 0.41   $ (0.27)        $0.11    $ (0.02) 
                                                    ---------   ---------  ---------    --------- ---------- 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING  .............      4,459       4,459     4,459         3,580      2,944 
                                                    =========   =========  =========    =========  ========= 
    
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes to financial statements
                    are an integral part of these statements.

                                       F-4
<PAGE>

   
                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 
                             SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
                FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993 
                               (000'S OMITTED) 
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                                                Minimum 
                                                               Additional       Pension 
                                      Common      Treasury       Paid-In       Liability      Accumulated 
                                      Stock        Stock         Capital      Adjustment        Deficit        Total 
                                    ----------   ----------    ------------   ------------   -------------   ---------- 
<S>                                 <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
BALANCE, January 1, 1993  .......    $ 10,330       $(85)       $101,978        $(4,877)       $(69,340)      $38,006 
   Net loss for year ............          --         --              --             --             (55)          (55) 
   Change in minimum pension 
     obligation (net of taxes of 
     $1,076)  ...................          --         --              --          1,368              --         1,368 
                                    ----------   ----------    ------------   ------------   -------------   ---------- 
BALANCE, December 31, 1993  .....      10,330        (85)        101,978         (3,509)        (69,395)       39,319 
   Net income for year ..........          --         --              --             --             404           404 
   Proceeds from issuance of 
     shares of common stock  ....       5,305         --           4,695             --              --        10,000 
   Common stock issuance and 
     other related costs  .......          --         --          (1,500)            --              --        (1,500) 
   Change in minimum pension 
     obligation (net of taxes of 
     $155)  .....................          --         --              --            197              --           197 
   Effect of reverse stock split      (14,518)        --          14,518             --              --            -- 
   Effect of change in par value       (1,072)        --           1,072             --              --            -- 
                                    ----------   ----------    ------------   ------------   -------------   ---------- 
BALANCE, December 31, 1994  .....          45        (85)        120,763         (3,312)        (68,991)       48,420 
   Net loss for year ............          --         --              --             --          (1,197)       (1,197) 
   Change in minimum pension 
     obligation (net of taxes of 
     $307)  .....................          --         --              --            449              --           449 
                                    ----------   ----------    ------------   ------------   -------------   ---------- 
BALANCE, December 31, 1995  .....          45        (85)        120,763         (2,863)        (70,188)       47,672 
   Net loss (unaudited) .........          --         --              --             --            (736)         (736) 
                                    ----------   ----------    ------------   ------------   -------------   ---------- 
BALANCE, June 30, 1996 
   (unaudited) ..................    $     45       $(85)       $120,763        $(2,863)       $(70,924)      $46,936 
                                    ==========   ==========    ============   ============   =============   ========== 
    
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes to financial statements
                   are an integral part of these statements.

                                       F-5
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
                               (000'S OMITTED) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                      Six Months 
                                                    Ended June 30, 
                                                      (Unaudited)               Year Ended December 31, 
                                                ----------------------   -------------------------------------- 
                                                   1996        1995          1995         1994          1993 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
<S>          <C>                                             <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING 
  ACTIVITIES: 
   Net Income (Loss) .........................    $  (736)    $ 1,837      $(1,197)     $    404      $    (55) 
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) 
     to net cash provided by operating 
     activities- 
     Depreciation and amortization  ..........      5,432       5,095       10,390         9,736         8,919 
     Provision for doubtful accounts  ........        (58)        135          486           506           586 
     Cumulative effect of change in 
        accounting principle .................         --      (2,477)      (2,477)           --            -- 
     Non-recurring charge  ...................         --          --        2,074            --            -- 
     Deferred income taxes  ..................       (273)       (133)      (2,319)          484            -- 
     Changes in operating assets and 
        liabilities- 
        Decrease (increase) in accounts 
          receivable  ........................      1,107         (49)      (1,628)         (423)         (432) 
        Decrease (increase) in inventories ...        167         (18)          57           337          (441) 
        Decrease (increase) in prepaid 
          expenses and other current assets  .        737          68          140           957          (268) 
        Decrease in other assets .............         --          --           --            58           173 
        (Decrease) increase in accounts 
          payable and accrued expenses  ......     (1,811)       (890)       2,259        (2,812)       (1,769) 
        Increase (decrease) in customer 
          deposits  ..........................        151        (324)        (696)          376           672 
        Increase (decrease) in deferred 
          revenue  ...........................        343         295         (123)         (801)         (874) 
        Decrease in pension and other 
          liabilities  .......................       (536)       (504)        (822)       (2,658)       (4,176) 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
               Net cash provided by operating 
                  activities .................      4,523       3,035        6,144         6,164         2,335 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING 
   ACTIVITIES: 
   Purchase of fixed assets ..................     (4,296)     (3,440)      (7,494)       (7,361)       (7,883) 
   Purchase of subscriber contracts ..........         --         (71)          --        (1,840)       (2,415) 
   Purchase of short-term investments ........         --      (4,516)      (6,601)       (5,486)           -- 
   Maturities of short-term investments ......      2,043       4,850        8,544         1,500            -- 
   Other .....................................         --         (50)         (50)           --            -- 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
               Net cash used by investing 
                  activities .................     (2,253)     (3,227)      (5,601)      (13,187)      (10,298) 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING 
   ACTIVITIES: 
   Proceeds from secured note ................         --          --           --         3,405         9,037 
   Payments on secured note ..................     (1,125)     (1,125)      (2,250)       (3,681)       (1,837) 
   Payments on other long-term debt ..........        (98)        (92)        (210)         (449)           -- 
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock ....         --          --           --        10,000            -- 
   Transaction and other related costs .......         --          --           --        (1,500)           -- 
   Proceeds from short-term borrowings .......         --          --          943            --            -- 
   Payment on short-term borrowings ..........       (943)         --           --            --            -- 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
               Net cash provided (used) by 
                  financing activities .......     (2,166)     (1,217)      (1,517)        7,775         7,200 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
               Net increase (decrease) in 
                  cash and cash equivalents ..        104      (1,409)        (974)          752          (763) 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of 
   period ....................................        435       1,409        1,409           657         1,420 
                                                 ---------   ---------    -----------   ----------   ---------- 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period  ....    $   539     $    --      $   435      $  1,409      $    657 
                                                 =========   =========    ===========   ==========   ========== 
CASH PAYMENTS FOR: 
   Interest ..................................    $   337     $   489      $ 1,016      $    992      $    524 
   Income taxes ..............................    $   111     $    84      $   167      $    155      $    189 
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
   Capital lease obligations .................    $    --     $   189      $   234      $    302      $    511 

    
</TABLE>

                 The accompanying notes to financial statements
                    are an integral part of these statements.

                                       F-6
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
   
  (UNAUDITED WITH RESPECT TO JUNE 30, 1996 AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 
                                1996 AND 1995) 
    
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION 

   Holmes Protection Group, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, is 
the holding company for its subsidiaries which operate in the security alarm 
business primarily in the Northeastern United States. The consolidated 
financial statements incorporate all the accounts of the Company and its 
subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been 
eliminated. Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to 
conform to the 1995 presentation. 

INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

   
   The unaudited consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 1996 and the 
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows 
for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 include, in the opinion of 
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) 
necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position and the 
Company's results of operations and cash flows. 
    

REVENUE RECOGNITION 

   The Company's subsidiaries design, install, service and monitor security 
alarm systems, which are either sold outright ("customer owned") or the 
Company retains title to the equipment ("Company owned"). Installation 
revenue, and related cost under customer owned contracts, is recognized upon 
completion of installation. In contracts relating to Company owned equipment, 
the Company changed its method of accounting for installation revenue (see 
Note 3). In both cases, revenue from monitoring and servicing activities is 
recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. 

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS 

   Management reviews the collectibility of accounts receivables on a regular 
basis. Amounts, if any, which are determined to be uncollectible are provided 
for in the financial statements in the period such determination is made. 

FIXED ASSETS 

   Fixed assets are recorded at cost. The Company's equipment installed on 
the subscribers' premises is capitalized on the basis of the cost of 
materials, labor and overhead relating to the specific installation. The 
Company provides for depreciation of equipment on subscribers' premises, 
central stations and vaults using the straight-line method over an average 
life of 12 years. Periodically, management will review these lives to assess 
their adequacy given changes in its business. If circumstances warrant a 
significant change in lives, management will adjust such lives to those which 
are more representative of its business environment. The Company depreciates 
other equipment, including computers, utilizing the straight-line method over 
a period ranging between 5 to 12 years, and automotive equipment over the 
equipment's useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years. Leasehold improvements 
are depreciated utilizing the straight-line method over the asset's useful 
life or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter. Assets held under 
capital lease obligations are depreciated utilizing the straight line method 
over the life of the lease or asset, whichever is applicable. 

   Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. 

SUBSCRIBER CONTRACTS 

   The cost of acquired subscriber contracts is amortized, based upon average 
experience, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which 
has been determined to be 12 years. Such life is periodically reviewed by 
management in order to assess its reasonableness. When, in the opinion of the 
Company's manage- 

                                       F-7
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  - (Continued) 

ment, a permanent diminution in the value of subscriber contracts has 
occurred, the amount of the diminution would be included in the consolidated 
statements of operations. In order to determine whether a permanent 
diminution in value has occurred, management monitors the Company's 
cancellation rates. If an increasing trend in cancellation rates exists and 
is recurring, and such cancellation rates indicate nonrecoverability of the 
assets, a write down of assets is reflected in the consolidated statement of 
operations based upon the discounted future net cash flows of the remaining 
subscriber contracts or other method to determine fair market value of such 
assets. 

   
   Amortization expense was $1,292,000 and $1,295,000 for the six months 
ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and $2,580,000, $2,483,000 and 
$2,320,000 in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. 
    

TRADENAMES 

   
   Tradenames are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of forty 
years. Such life is periodically reviewed by management in order to assess 
its adequacy. When, in the opinion of the Company's management, a permanent 
diminution in the value of tradenames has occurred, the amount of the 
diminution would be included in the consolidated statements of operations. 
Amortization expense was $85,000 for each of the six months ended June 30, 
1996 and 1995 and $170,000 for each year presented. 
    

INVENTORIES 

   
   Inventories consist primarily of parts used in the installation and repair 
of equipment on subscribers' premises and equipment sold to franchise 
dealers. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being 
determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventories consist of the 
following (000's omitted): 

                            June 30,                     December 31, 
                           ----------           ------------------------------ 
                              1996                 1995                1994 
                           ----------            ---------           --------- 
Materials  .....             $1,334               $1,390              $1,495 
Work-in-process                 422                  533                 485 
                           ----------            ---------           --------- 
                             $1,756               $1,923              $1,980 
                           ==========            =========           ========= 
    
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

   Cash equivalents consist principally of short-term investments having 
original maturities of 90 days or less, and are carried at cost, which 
approximates market. 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 

   Short-term investments consist primarily of short-term U.S. Government 
obligations ($1,853,000 at December 31, 1995), which have an original 
maturity of greater than 90 days, as well as certificates of deposit 
($190,000 at December 31, 1995). The maturities of the short-term investments 
range from January 1996 to May 1996. 

   In May 1993, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments 
in Debt and Equity Securities". This Statement requires the classification of 
debt and equity securities based on whether the securities will be held to 
maturity, are considered trading securities or are available for sale. 
Classification within these categories may require the securities to be 
reported at their fair market value with unrealized gains and losses included 
either in current earnings or reported as a separate component of 
shareholders' equity, depending on the ultimate classification. The Company 
adopted the provisions of this statement effective January 1, 1994, the 
adoption of which had no impact on the 

                                       F-8
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  - (Continued) 

Company's consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 1995, all 
short-term investments used as part of the Company's investment management 
have been classified as held to maturity. These investments are stated at 
cost which approximates market. Interest is accrued as earned. 

INCOME TAXES 

   Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Deferred income 
taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting 
amounts at each year-end based on the enacted tax law rates. Valuation 
allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to 
the amount expected to be realized. 

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

   Earnings per common share calculations are based on the weighted average 
number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive common stock 
equivalents outstanding. All earnings per share amounts have been adjusted to 
give effect of the reverse stock split (Note 7). 

USE OF ESTIMATES 

   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally 
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and 
accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management's 
knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they 
may ultimately differ from actual results. 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

   In 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of 
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS 121"). 
The Company's required adoption date is January 1, 1996. SFAS 121 
standardizes the accounting practices for the recognition and measurement of 
impairment losses on certain long-lived assets. The Company anticipates the 
adoption of SFAS 121 will not have a material impact on its results of 
operations or financial position. 

2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AGREEMENT 

   On April 4, 1995, the Company entered into an information technology 
services agreement with PremiTech Corporation ("PremiTech"), a subsidiary of 
Electronic Data Systems Corporation. The ten year $51 million outsourcing 
agreement provides for PremiTech to consolidate and manage the Company's data 
processing, communications and certain administrative functions. In 
connection with the consolidation of the Company's operations, it will pay to 
PremiTech $3.3 million. This amount is to compensate PremiTech for the cost 
to construct a new central station facility and leasehold improvements. The 
Company negotiated a standby credit facility with its bank which allowed the 
Company to borrow $2 million in December 1995 to pay a portion of the $3.3 
million consolidation amount due PremiTech. No amounts were drawn upon this 
standby credit facility, which expired unused. The amount of $500,000 paid in 
1995 relating to the consolidation was obtained from existing internal cash 
of the Company. The remaining amount due for the consolidation will be paid 
in various installments through 1996. 

   PremiTech is a limited partner of the Investor (see Note 7), holding a 
partnership interest equivalent to approximately 6% of the Company's common 
stock. Payments made to PremiTech for managing the Company's data processing, 
communications and certain administrative functions amounted to $3,073,000 
during 1995. 

                                       F-9
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

3. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE 

   Effective January 1, 1995 the Company changed its method of accounting for 
installation revenue with respect to the recording of non-refundable payments 
received from customers upon the completion of the installation of Company 
owned systems. Previous to this change, the Company deferred the difference 
between these payments and estimated selling costs and amortized such 
difference over the life of the non-cancelable customer monitoring and 
service contract (generally five years). The Company believes that 
recognizing revenue upon completion of the installation results in a better 
matching of revenue and expenses, better reflects recorded installation 
revenues with the actual level of new business activity, and conforms with 
the dominant practice being followed by the security alarm industry. 
Excluding the cumulative effect, this change resulted in an increase in net 
loss of $443,000 or $0.10 net loss per share in 1995. The Company estimates 
that the effect of adopting this accounting principle would have resulted in 
a decrease in the results from operations of $470,000 or $0.13 per share in 
1994 and $470,000 or $0.16 per share in 1993. 

4. NON-RECURRING CHARGE 

   In connection with the Company entering into the information technology 
services agreement (see Note 2), the Company determined that certain existing 
asset and resource requirements were to be redeployed or no longer required. 
After analyzing numerous alternatives regarding its consolidation, during the 
fourth quarter, management determined that certain existing assets and 
personnel resources would no longer be necessary. Accordingly, the Company 
recorded a non-recurring charge of $2,074,000, which consists of severance 
and related benefit costs of $1,133,000 covering selected reductions in work 
force throughout the Company of approximately 70 employees, all of whom have 
been terminated, notified or identified at December 31, 1995 and writedowns 
of leasehold improvements and other fixed assets amounting to $941,000 which 
would no longer be utilized. As of December 31, 1995, the reserve for 
severance and related benefit costs was $1,020,000. 

5. FIXED ASSETS 

   
   Fixed assets consist of the following (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        June 30,           December 31, 
                                        ----------    ------------------------ 
                                          1996          1995          1994 
                                        ----------    ----------    ---------- 
<S>                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Subscriber installation costs  .....    $100,869      $ 97,558      $ 91,141 
Central station and other equipment        9,613         9,588         8,656 
Leasehold improvements  ............       5,232         4,087         5,671 
Furniture and fixtures  ............         921           917         1,312 
Construction in progress  ..........       1,544           615           721 
                                        ----------    ----------    ---------- 
                                         118,179       112,765       107,501 
Less- Accumulated depreciation  ....     (72,663)      (67,534)      (61,410) 
                                        ----------    ----------    ---------- 
                                        $ 45,516      $ 45,231      $ 46,091 
                                        ==========    ==========    ========== 
</TABLE>

   Depreciation expense relating to cost of sales is $3,180,000 and 
$3,197,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and 
$6,378,000, $6,507,000 and $5,056,000 for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. 
    

6. DEBT 

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS: 

   Short-term borrowings of $943,000 at December 31, 1995 consisted of 
borrowings from a margin account, which are secured against the value of the 
securities in the Company's short term investment account. The weighted 
average interest rate on the outstanding balances during 1995 was 8%. 

                                      F-10
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

6. DEBT  - (Continued) 

LONG-TERM DEBT: 

   
   The Company had the following long-term indebtedness outstanding (000's 
omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      June 30,         December 31, 
                                                     ----------  ---------------------- 
                                                        1996        1995         1994 
                                                     ----------   ---------    --------- 
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>           <C>
Term Note  .......................................     $5,063      $6,188       $8,438 
Capital lease obligations, interest rates ranging 
  from 7.4% to 10.9%, maturing through August 2000        915         981          958 
Other  ...........................................        158         190           -- 
                                                     ----------   ---------    --------- 
                                                        6,136       7,359        9,396 
Less- Current portion  ...........................      2,468       2,497        2,687 
                                                     ----------   ---------    --------- 
                                                       $3,668      $4,862       $6,709 
                                                     ==========   =========    ========= 
    
</TABLE>

   The maturities of long-term debt due within the next five years are as 
follows (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995 
                                                             --------- 
<S>                                                          <C>
1996 ..............................................           $2,497 
1997 ..............................................            2,506 
1998 ..............................................            1,952 
1999 ..............................................              260 
2000 ..............................................              144 
                                                             --------- 
                                                              $7,359 
                                                             ========= 
</TABLE>

   
   In 1993 the Company negotiated a credit facility of $12 million (the "loan 
agreement") with its bank. The loan agreement provides a $9 million five-year 
term note ("Term Note") and a $3 million revolving loan facility ("Credit 
Note"). These amounts were used in 1993 and 1994 to replace the Company's 
existing short-term borrowings, to finance acquisitions and to provide 
working capital. The Term Note bears interest on the outstanding balance at 
the bank's prime rate (8.5 percent at December 31, 1995) plus 2 percent. 
However, the Company has a separate agreement with its bank which provides 
for a minimum and a maximum interest rate on its term note of 8% and 10.25%, 
respectively, the fair market value of which was $6,300 at December 31, 1995. 
Principal payments of the Term Note began September 30, 1994, at $187,500 per 
month for 48 months. The Credit Note bears interest on any outstanding 
balance at the bank's prime rate (8.5 percent at December 31, 1995) plus 1 
percent and is subject to renewal at the option of the bank on May 31, 1996. 
The loan agreement includes a provision that any outstanding balance on the 
$3 million Credit Note be repaid in full for a minimum of 30 days prior to 
September 1, each year. The outstanding balance on the Term Note was 
$6,188,000 on December 31, 1995. The Company is currently unable to draw down 
on the Credit Note as its bank has informed the Company that there will be no 
further extensions of credit. The Company is presently discussing alternative 
arrangements with certain banks and other financial institutions. 
    

   The Company is subject to and was in compliance with certain covenants 
under the loan agreement. The covenants include, but are not limited to, 
requirements that the Company maintain both defined levels of net worth and 
specified financial ratios, and stay within defined limitations on capital 
expenditures and additional indebtedness. In addition, the Company is 
prohibited from paying cash dividends or making other distributions (i) if 
there is an Event of Default (as described therein) under the agreement or 
(ii) if the profits of the Company for the most recent fiscal year do not 
equal or exceed $1,000,000. In the event such profits exceed $1,000,000, 

                                      F-11
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

6. DEBT  - (Continued) 

the Company's dividends for such fiscal year cannot be greater than the 
amount by which tangible net worth (as defined therein) at fiscal year end 
for the previous fiscal year exceeded $26,500,000 in 1995 and increasing 
amounts thereafter. The Notes are secured principally against the Company's 
subscriber contracts and trade receivables. 

   The Company has an outstanding letter of credit amounting to $450,000. 
Letter of credit fees of 2% are payable on outstanding letters of credit. 

   The carrying amounts of the Company's short-term borrowings and long-term 
debt approximate their fair value. The fair value of the Company's long-term 
debt is estimated based on current rates offered to the Company for debt with 
similar remaining maturities. 

7. COMMON STOCK 

   On August 1, 1994, the Company sold to HP Partners L.P. (the "Investor") 
for $10,000,000 (i) 1,515,886 shares of common stock and (ii) warrants to 
purchase 685,714 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.58 per 
share. The warrants are exercisable at any time prior to their expiration 
date on August 1, 2004 and are subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive 
events. 

   
   On August 13, 1992, the Company issued warrants to purchase 193,150 shares 
of common stock, subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events, in 
connection with a restructuring of debt. These warrants expire on August 13, 
2002 and are exercisable at any time prior to expiration at an exercise price 
of $10.68, subject to adjustment upon certain dilutuve events. 
    

   On March 27, 1995, the Company effected a reverse stock split pursuant to 
which one share of common stock, $.01 par value, was exchanged for every 14 
shares of common stock, $.25 par value, then issued or outstanding. In 
addition, the Company reduced its authorized shares of preferred and common 
stock from 10,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares to 1,000,000 and 12,000,000 
shares, respectively. The share information included in the accompanying 
financial statements reflect the effect of the reverse stock split effected 
March 27, 1995. 

   
   At December 31, 1995, the Company has 604,151 shares of common stock 
reserved for share option plans and 878,864 for warrants. 

   Changes in common stock outstanding are as follows (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Common              Treasury 
                                                Stock                 Stock 
                                               --------             ---------- 
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>
January 1, 1993  ..................             2,951                   7 
 Additions  .......................                --                  -- 
                                               --------             ---------- 
December 31, 1993  ................             2,951                   7 
 Additions - Sales of common stock              1,515                  -- 
                                               --------             ---------- 
December 31, 1994  ................             4,466                   7 
 Additions  .......................                --                  -- 
                                               --------             ---------- 
December 31, 1995  ................             4,466                   7 
 Additions  .......................                --                  -- 
                                               --------             ---------- 
June 30, 1996  ....................             4,466                   7 
                                               ========             ========== 

</TABLE>
    
                                      F-12
<PAGE>

                 HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued)

  (Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                 1996 and 1995) 

   
8. STOCK OPTIONS 

   The Company, with the approval of its stockholders, adopted the 1992 
Senior Executives' Option Plan (the "Executives Plan") and the 1992 
Directors' Option Plan (the "Directors Plan"). The Executives Plan and the 
Directors Plan (collectively, the "Option Plans") took effect on August 13, 
1992. On such date, one-time grants of options were made to certain current 
and former directors under the Directors Plan. No additional grants are 
permitted under the Directors Plan. 
    

   On July 29, 1994 (the "Effective Date"), the Company's stockholders 
approved the amendment and restatement of the Executives Plan, which 
amendment and restatement, (i) replaced all options outstanding under the 
Plan with a like number of options at a reduced exercise price of $7.28 per 
share, (ii) commenced a new vesting period for such options, (iii) reduced 
the "hurdle rate" relating to the price at which the shares must trade prior 
to becoming exercisable and (iv) modified the provisions of the Plan to 
satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934. 

   The Option Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee (the 
"Committee") of the Board of Directors (the "Board") or, at the Board's 
discretion, a stock option committee consisting of not less than two 
directors of the Company who are selected by the Board. 

   Subject to the provisions of the Executives Plan and the terms of the 
initial option grants provided for therein, the Committee will determine when 
and to whom options will be granted, the number of shares to be covered by 
each option, the option price, the period during which each option shall be 
exercisable and certain other terms and conditions relating to the options 
under such plan. The Committee may also exercise all the powers and authority 
necessary or advisable in the administration of the Option Plans, subject to 
and not inconsistent with the provisions of the Option Plans. 

   Grants of options may be made under the Executives Plan to (i) certain 
designated senior executives (the "Designated Executives") and to (ii) 
selected executives of the Company and its subsidiaries. Under the Executives 
Plan, initial option grants to Designated Executives made on the Effective 
Date will become exercisable as to thirty percent (30%) of the option shares 
on the first anniversary of the Effective Date; twenty percent (20%) of the 
option shares on the second and third anniversaries of the Effective Date and 
as to fifteen percent (15%) of the option shares on each of the fourth and 
fifth anniversaries of the Effective Date. Options granted to all other 
executives will become exercisable over the exercise period, at such times 
and upon such conditions as the Committee may determine (as reflected in the 
agreement evidencing the option grant), and the Committee may accelerate the 
exercisability of any outstanding option under such circumstances as it deems 
appropriate. No option granted to any executive will become exercisable until 
the price of the shares subject thereto reaches or has reached a trading 
price of $13.30 and remains at or above such price for 30 consecutive trading 
days. The options will expire ten years after the date of grant. 

   Under the Directors Plan, all options vested on January 1, 1993, and no 
option will become exercisable until the price of the shares subject thereto 
reaches or has reached a trading price of not less than $24.45 and remains at 
or above such price for 30 consecutive trading days. The options will expire 
ten years after the date of grant. 

   
   On December 4, 1995, the Board approved the granting of various options to 
purchase the Company's common stock, under a proposed stock option plan (the 
"Plan") to be submitted for shareholder approval. The Board granted options 
to certain executives to purchase a total of 25,000 shares at an exercise 
price of $5.50. Also, under the Plan, each current director would be granted 
an option at the same exercise price of $5.50 to purchase 25,000 shares of 
the Company's common stock, vesting immediately and exercisable for five 
years; and all new directors, upon being appointed or elected, would receive 
a similar grant at the then quoted market price. A total of 150,000 shares 
were granted as of December 31, 1995 to existing directors. In addition, a 
special committee of the Board granted certain directors and a consultant a 
total of 125,000 options to purchase the Company's common stock under the 
Plan, vesting immediately at a $5.56 exercise price. 
    

                                      F-13
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued)
 
(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

8. STOCK OPTIONS  - (Continued) 

   Upon approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company, no further 
stock options or other awards shall be granted under the Executives Plan and 
the Directors Plan. All stock options outstanding under the Executives Plan 
and the Directors Plan shall continue to be governed by the terms of the 
respective plans, and the relevant stock option agreement pertaining to each 
such stock option. 

   Stock options issued under these plans are as follows: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                              Number of 
                                                Shares         Exercise Price 
                                              -----------       -------------- 
<S>                                           <C>              <C>
Options outstanding, January 1, 1993  .         265,637         $ 7.28-$13.97 
     Granted  .........................           8,854                $ 7.28 
     Canceled  ........................         (26,563)        $ 7.28-$13.97 
     Exercised  .......................              --                    -- 
                                              -----------       -------------- 
Options outstanding, December 31, 1993          247,928         $ 7.28-$13.97 
     Granted  .........................          73,930         $ 7.28-$13.97 
     Canceled  ........................         (29,515)               $13.97 
     Exercised  .......................              --                    -- 
                                              -----------       -------------- 
Options outstanding, December 31, 1994          292,343         $ 7.28-$13.97 
     Granted  .........................         308,854         $ 5.50- $7.28 
     Canceled  ........................         (56,672)        $ 5.50- $7.28 
     Exercised  .......................              --                    -- 
                                              -----------       -------------- 
Options outstanding, December 31, 1995          544,525         $ 5.50-$13.97 
     Granted  .........................         530,000         $ 6.00-$10.00 
     Canceled  ........................         (21,250)        $ 7.28-$13.30 
     Exercised  .......................              --                    -- 
                                              -----------       -------------- 
Options outstanding, June 30, 1996  ...       1,053,275         $ 5.50-$13.97 
                                              ===========       ============== 
    
</TABLE>

   At December 31, 1995, options to purchase 275,000 shares of common stock 
were exercisable at $5.50 to $5.56. There were 59,626 options available for 
future grant at December 31, 1995. 

9. INCOME TAXES 

   Income tax provision (benefit) include current and deferred taxes as 
follows (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    For the Years Ended December 31 
                          ---------------------------------------------------- 
                             1995                   1994                1993 
                          ----------               -------              ------ 
<S>                       <C>                      <C>                  <C>
Current: 
     Federal .........     $    --                 $  --               $  -- 
     State ...........         200                    94                 200 
                          ----------               -------              ------ 
                               200                    94                 200 
                          ----------               -------              ------ 
Deferred: 
     Federal .........      (1,764)                  301                  -- 
     State ...........        (555)                  183                  -- 
                          ----------               -------              ------ 
                            (2,319)                  484                  -- 
                          ----------               -------              ------ 
                           $(2,119)                 $578                $200 
                          ==========               =======              ====== 
</TABLE>

                                      F-14
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 
                                  and 1995) 

9. INCOME TAXES  - (Continued) 

   The types of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their financial reporting amounts that give rise to a 
significant portion of the deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset and 
their approximate tax effects are as follows at December 31 (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1995               1994 
                                                -----------         ---------- 
<S>                  <C>                                            <C>
Current deferred tax asset: 
     Accrued expenses  ................          $    414           $    604 
     Deferred revenues  ...............                --                769 
     Allowance for doubtful accounts  .               589                579 
     Other  ...........................               145                 31 
                                                -----------         ---------- 
               Net current deferred 
                  tax asset ...........             1,148              1,983 
                                                -----------         ---------- 
Noncurrent deferred tax liability: 
     Fixed assets  ....................           (11,867)           (12,336) 
     Subscriber contracts  ............            (4,990)            (5,757) 
     Net operating loss carryforward  .             7,418              5,830 
     Deferred revenues  ...............                --              1,173 
     Accrued expenses and other  ......              (858)              (111) 
                                                -----------         ---------- 
               Net noncurrent deferred 
                  tax liability .......           (10,297)           (11,201) 
                                                -----------         ---------- 
               Net deferred tax 
                  liability ...........          $ (9,149)          $ (9,218) 
                                                ===========         ========== 
</TABLE>

   The tax expense allocated to shareholders' equity related to the change in 
the minimum pension obligation was $307,000, $155,000 and $1,076,000 in 1995, 
1994 and 1993, respectively. Reconciliation of tax at the U.S. statutory 
income tax rate of 34% to the provision (benefit) for income taxes was as 
follows (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1995              1994           1993 
                                    ----------          -------         ------ 
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>             <C>
U.S. statutory rate  ......          $(1,970)            $334           $ 49 
Nondeductible amortization                58               58             -- 
State income taxes  .......             (234)             163            200 
Other  ....................               27               23            (49) 
                                    ----------          -------         ------ 
Tax provision (benefit)  ..          $(2,119)            $578           $200 
                                    ==========          =======         ====== 
</TABLE>

   The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes at 
December 31, 1995 of approximately $17,000,000 which expire through 2010, of 
which $4,500,000 is limited as to its utilization due to a prior change in 
ownership of the Company. Future changes in ownership, as defined by Section 
382 of the Internal Revenue Code, could limit the amount of net operating 
loss carryforwards in any one year. 

10. PENSION PLANS 

   The Company covers approximately 22 percent of its employees under two 
defined benefit pension plans which were frozen at June 30, 1987. The 
benefits under these plans are based upon compensation levels and length of 
service. The pension plans are being funded in accordance with the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. 

                                      F-15
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

10. PENSION PLANS  - (Continued) 

   The components of net periodic pension cost were as follows: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995            1994 
                                                      ---------        ------- 
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
Components: 
     Service cost - benefits earned during 
        period ...............................       $   150          $  150 
     Interest cost on projected benefit 
        obligation ...........................         1,623           1,598 
     Actual return on assets  ................        (3,174)           (660) 
     Net amortization and deferral  ..........         1,795            (725) 
                                                   ---------        --------- 
               Net periodic pension cost  ....       $   394          $  363 
                                                   =========        ========= 
Assumptions: 
     Discount rate for benefit obligations  ..           7.5%            8.5% 
     Expected long-term rate of return on 
        assets ...............................           8.5%            8.5% 
</TABLE>

   The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans at September 
30, 1995 and 1994 and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated 
balance sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995                 1994 
                                                     -------------------------    ------------ 
                                                         Over         Under          Under 
                                                        Funded       Funded         Funded 
                                                         Plan         Plan           Plans 
                                                      ----------   -----------    ------------ 
<S>           <C>                                                  <C>            <C>
Vested benefits  ..................................    $(1,601)     $(19,838)      $(19,822) 
                                                      ----------   -----------    ------------ 
Accumulated benefit obligation  ...................     (1,603)      (19,892)       (19,879) 
                                                      ----------   -----------    ------------ 
Project benefit obligation  .......................     (1,603)      (19,892)       (19,879) 
Plan assets at fair value  ........................      1,645        18,871         18,052 
                                                      ----------   -----------    ------------ 
          Plan assets in excess of (less than) 
             projected benefit obligation .........         42        (1,021)        (1,827) 
                                                      ----------   -----------    ------------ 
Unrecognized net (gain) loss  .....................        602         5,164          5,965 
Unrecognized prior service cost  ..................         --            --             -- 
Unrecognized net transition obligation (asset)  ...        (10)           (5)           (50) 
Fourth quarter contribution  ......................         18           203            243 
Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability          --        (5,159)        (5,915) 
                                                      ----------   -----------    ------------ 
          Prepaid (accrued) pension cost 
             recognized in the balance sheet ......    $   652      $   (818)      $ (1,584) 
                                                      ==========   ===========    ============ 
</TABLE>

   Pension plan assets are primarily invested in corporate common stocks and 
bonds and U.S. government securities. 

                                      F-16
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

11. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                          June 30,          December 31, 
                                          ----------   ----------------------- 
                                            1996          1995         1994 
                                          ----------   ----------    --------- 
                                                    (000's omitted) 
<S>                                       <C>          <C>           <C>
Prepaid expenses and other: 
     Prepaid insurance  ..............     $  698       $ 1,297       $1,312 
     Deferred tax assets  ............      1,148         1,148        1,983 
     Prepaid pension cost  ...........        652           652           -- 
     Other  ..........................         99           223          365 
                                          ----------   ----------    --------- 
                                           $2,597       $ 3,320       $3,660 
                                          ==========   ==========    ========= 
Accounts payable and accrued 
   expenses: 
     Accounts payable  ...............     $5,213       $ 3,975       $2,281 
     Accrued insurance  ..............        438         1,421        1,002 
     Accrued pension  ................        354           740        1,057 
     Accrued severance  ..............        790         1,020           -- 
     Accrued expenses  ...............        845         2,954        2,700 
                                          ----------   ----------    --------- 
                                           $7,640       $10,110       $7,040 
                                          ==========   ==========    ========= 
Other long-term liabilities: 
     Deferred installation revenue  ..     $   --       $    --       $2,667 
     Other  ..........................        684           834        1,443 
                                          ----------   ----------    --------- 
                                           $  684       $   834       $4,110 
                                          ==========   ==========    ========= 
    
</TABLE>
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

   The Company conducts its operations principally from leased facilities and 
has entered into capital lease arrangements for certain fixed assets. Future 
minimum lease payments with respect to leases in effect at December 31, 1995 
are as follows (000's omitted): 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Capital             Operating 
                                              ---------            ----------- 
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>
1996  .............................            $  309                $1,406 
1997  .............................               293                 1,194 
1998  .............................               274                 1,090 
1999  .............................               242                   857 
2000  .............................               103                   529 
2001 and thereafter  ..............                --                   471 
                                              ---------            ----------- 
                                                1,221                $5,547 
                                                                   =========== 
Less- Amount representing interest               (240) 
                                              --------- 
                                               $  981 
                                              ========= 
</TABLE>

   Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was 
approximately $1,084,000, $1,166,000, and $1,250,000, respectively. 

   Certain subsidiaries of the Company are defendants or co-defendants in 
various lawsuits, some of which claim damages in substantial amounts. 
Management of the Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of 
all these claims is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the 
consolidated financial condition of the Company, future results of operations 
or liquidity. 

   The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain of its 
employees which terminate through May 31, 1997. Future payments under these 
employment agreements are approximately $618,000. Ter- 

                                      F-17
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

(Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 
                                1996 and 1995) 

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  - (Continued) 

mination of employment for reasons other than (i) "Cause" (ii) such 
employee's "Disability" (each defined in the Employment Agreements), (iii) 
the employee's death, incompetence or bankruptcy or (iv) the expiration of 
the term of the employment agreement will obligate the Company to pay the 
employee's salary for periods ranging from three to six months and maintain 
certain benefits. The amount of this obligation would be approximately 
$218,000. In addition, the employment agreements grant these employees the 
right to receive their respective salaries and certain other benefits for a 
period of twelve months if the Company terminates any of such employees 
within twelve months of a change in control of the Company (as defined). Upon 
a change in control, the salary obligation would result in an aggregate 
payment of approximately $555,000 based upon such employees 1995 salary. 

13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

   The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the 
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Three Months Ended 
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------- 
                                           March 31*     June 30*     September 30*     December 31 
                                          -----------   ----------    ---------------   ------------- 
                                                       (000's omitted, except per share data) 
<S>                                          <C>         <C>             <C>               <C>
1995: 
     Revenue  ............................   $12,584     $12,539          $12,569          $12,383 
     Gross profit  .......................     6,405       6,155            5,787            5,466 
     Income (loss) before cumulative 
        effect of accounting change ......         5        (645)          (1,040)          (1,994) 
     Net income (loss)  ..................     2,482        (645)          (1,040)          (1,994) 
                                           ---------   ----------        ---------        --------- 
     Earnings (loss) per share before 
        cumulative effect of accounting 
        change ...........................   $   --      $ (0.14)         $ (0.23)         $ (0.45) 
     Earnings (loss) per share  ..........   $  0.55     $ (0.14)         $ (0.23)         $ (0.45) 
                                           =========   ==========      ==========        ========== 
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Three Months Ended 
                   --------------------------------------------------------- 
                    March 31     June 30      September 30     December 31 
                   ----------   ----------    --------------   ------------- 
                               (000's omitted, except per share data) 
<S>                   <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>
1994: 
     Revenue  .....   $12,865      $12,967        $12,942          $12,628 
     Gross profit       6,791        6,906          6,673            6,147 
     Net income                                                
        (**) ......       128          154             97               25 
                      ----------   ----------    ---------       ----------
     Earnings per                                              
        share .....   $  0.04      $  0.05        $  0.02          $  -- 
                      ==========   ==========    =========       ==========
</TABLE>                                                  

- ------ 
(*)  First, second and third quarter 1995 results have been restated for the 
     change in accounting principle (see Note 3). 

(**) The results for the first, second and third quarters have been restated 
     to record a reduction of $103,000, $135,000 and $66,000, respectively, 
     in previously reported net earnings in order to reflect a more accurate 
     effective tax rate. Accordingly, earnings per share for the first, 
     second and third quarters was reduced by $0.03, $0.05 and $0.02, 
     respectively. 

                                      F-18
<PAGE>

                  HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - (Continued) 

     (Unaudited with respect to June 30, 1996 and the six months ended June 
                                30, 1996 and 1995) 

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED) 

   
   The Company entered into a credit agreement dated as of August 30, 1996 
with Merita Bank Ltd and Bank of Boston Connecticut (together, the "New 
Banks") pursuant to which the New Banks have agreed, subject to the terms and 
conditions set forth therein, to provide a two-year $25 million revolving 
credit facility to the Company which converts into a five-year term loan on 
September 30, 1998 (the "Credit Facility"). Up to $12.5 million of the Credit 
Facility became available for borrowing upon the closing thereof on August 
30, 1996, and up to an additional $12.5 million will become available if the 
Company receives at least $10 million in gross proceeds from the sale of 
newly issued Common Stock by October 31, 1996. At September 24, 1996, the 
outstanding balance under the Credit Facility was $8.3 million. Such funds 
have been used to pay $4.7 million to its bank to repay the outstanding 
balance under the Term Note and to pay $1.0 million to PremiTech for its 
consolidation activities under the information technology services agreement, 
with the balance used to meet the Company's working capital needs. The 
remaining available proceeds of the Credit Facility will be used to finance 
capital expenditures and permitted acquisitions and for general corporate 
purposes. 

   The Credit Facility matures on September 30, 2003 with principal payments 
payable in increasing quarterly installments commencing December 31, 1998. 
Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company's option, 
at an annual rate equal to either a base rate, defined as the higher of the 
prime rate or a specified federal funds rate, or a specified Eurodollar rate 
plus, in each case, an applicable margin which varies with the Company's 
leverage (the ratio of total debt to EBITDA less capital expenditures). The 
Company is obligated to pay a commitment fee of 1/2 % per annum of any 
undrawn amounts. The New Banks also received warrants to purchase an 
aggregate of 166,666 shares of Common Stock at an initial exercise price of 
$9.75 per share (the "New Bank Warrants") and were granted certain 
registration rights in connection therewith. Mandatory prepayment of the 
Credit Facility will be required under certain conditions. 

   The Company is subject to certain covenants under the Credit Facility 
which include, but are not limited to, ratios of total debt to recurring 
monthly revenue, minimum debt service coverage, minimum net worth, maximum 
capital expenditures, maximum subscriber attrition rate (as defined in the 
Credit Facility), restrictions on additional indebtedness, certain 
acquisitions, dividends, investments, mergers and sales of assets, creation 
of liens, guarantees and issuance of capital stock by the Company's 
subsidiaries.

   The Credit Facility is secured by all current and future assets, and the 
pledge of the capital stock, of the Company's subsidiaries. 
    

                                      F-19
<PAGE>

                HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

                  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE 

               SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 

                               (000'S OMITTED) 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Charged 
                                     Balance at     to Costs      Charged                     Balance at 
                                     Beginning        and        to Other         (A)           End of 
           Description               of Period      Expenses     Accounts     Deductions        Period 
 --------------------------------   ------------   ----------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
<S>                                 <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts: 
   December 31- 
     1995  ......................      1,315          486           --            461           1,340 
     1994  ......................      1,240          506           --            431           1,315 
     1993  ......................      1,359          586           --            705           1,240 
</TABLE>

- ------ 
(A) Deductions represent the net effect of write-offs and recoveries. 










                                       S-1
<PAGE>

                                 LifeNET - A technically advanced 
                                 vehicle tracking system utilizing 
                                 both cellular and global 
                                 positioning satellite technology. 






                                 ProWATCH - With ProWATCH, an 
                                 integrated building security system, 
                                 tenants have access after hours by 
                                 using an access card at a convenient 
                                 building entrance, while after-hours 
                                 visitors use an entry phone. 








               Central Station - In our 
               state-of-the-art facility 
               trained professionals 
               monitor virtually all 
               security needs such as fire, 
               burglar, access control and 
               closed circuit television at 
               locations including 
               businesses and homes. 







                       Alarm Video Verification - 
                       When an alarm is triggered 
                       the system provides a visual 
                       transmission of the actual 
                       event to our central 
                       station. 







                       Patrol Service - Our patrol 
                       service patrols premises to 
                       ensure the integrity of the 
                       site and to facilitate 
                       emergency procedures as 
                       needed. 

                                     
<PAGE>

=============================================================================

   No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any 
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this 
Prospectus in connection with the offer made by this Prospectus, and, if 
given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as 
having been authorized by the Company or the Underwriters. This Prospectus 
does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy 
any security other than in connection with the offer made by this Prospectus, 
nor does it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to 
buy, the shares of Common Stock by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such 
an offer or solicitation is not authorized, or in which the person making 
such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to 
whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery 
of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any 
circumstances, create any implication that the information contained herein 
is correct as of any time subsequent to its date. 

                              ----------------- 
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS 
                              ----------------- 
   
                                                                       Page 
                                                                      -------- 
Prospectus Summary  .........................                             3 
Risk Factors  ...............................                             6 
Use of Proceeds  ............................                            11 
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend 
  Policy ....................................                            12 
Capitalization  .............................                            13 
Selected Financial Data  ....................                            14 
Management's Discussion and Analysis 
  of Financial Condition and Results of 
  Operations ................................                            16 
Business  ...................................                            22 
Management  .................................                            40 
Principal Stockholders  .....................                            50 
Certain Transactions  .......................                            52 
Description of Capital Stock  ...............                            52 
Shares Eligible for Future Sale  ............                            53 
Underwriting  ...............................                            55 
Legal Matters  ..............................                            56 
Experts  ....................................                            56 
Available Information  ......................                            56 
Index to Financial Statements  ..............                           F-1 


    

=============================================================================
<PAGE>
=============================================================================


   
                               1,100,000 Shares 
    






                              HOLMES PROTECTION 
                                 GROUP, INC. 







                                     LOGO 




   
                                 Common Stock 
                               ($.01 par value) 




                                  ---------- 
                                  PROSPECTUS 
                                  ----------




                           Brean Murray & Co., Inc. 





                               September 25, 1996
    


=============================================================================
<PAGE>


                                   PART II 

                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS 

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION. 

   The following is an itemization of all expenses (subject to future 
contingencies) incurred or expected to be incurred by the Company in 
connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being offered 
hereby (items marked with an asterisk (*) represent estimated expenses): 

   
SEC Registration Fee  ..................                        $  4,302.59 
Legal Fees and Expenses  ...............                         150,000.00(*) 
Blue Sky Fees (including counsel fees)                             5,000.00(*) 
NASD Filing Fee  .......................                           1,747.75 
NASDAQ Fee  ............................                           1,000.00(*) 
Accounting Fees and Expenses  ..........                         100,000.00(*) 
Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees  .....                           2,500.00(*) 
Printing and Engraving Expenses  .......                          50,000.00(*) 
Underwriting Expense Allowance  ........                         150,000.00 
Miscellaneous Expenses  ................                          35,449.66(*) 
                                                               --------------- 
   Total  ..............................                        $500,000.00 
                                                               =============== 
    

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. 

   Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), Section 102(b)(7), enables 
a corporation in its original certificate of incorporation, or an amendment 
thereto validly approved by stockholders, to eliminate or limit personal 
liability of members of its Board for violations of a director's fiduciary 
duty of care. However, the elimination or limitation shall not apply where 
there has been a breach of the duty of loyalty, failure to act in good faith, 
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of a law, the payment of a 
dividend or approval of a stock repurchase which is deemed illegal or an 
improper personal benefit is obtained. The Company's Restated Certificate of 
Incorporation eliminates the liability of directors to the extent permitted 
by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL. 

   Reference is made to Section 145 of the DGCL which provides that a 
corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees 
and individuals against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, 
fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, 
suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or 
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation (a 
"derivative action"); if they acted in good faith and in a manner they 
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the 
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no 
reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is 
applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification 
only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection 
with defense or settlement of such action, and the statute requires court 
approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking 
indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute 
provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be 
granted by a corporation's charter, by-laws, disinterested director vote, 
stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise. The Restated Certificate of 
Incorporation of the Company provides for such indemnification of its 
directors and officers as permitted by Delaware law. 

   Reference is made to Article Eleventh of the Restated Certificate of 
Incorporation of the Company for certain indemnification rights of officers 
and directors of the Company. 

   In addition, the Company maintains a directors' and officers' liability 
insurance policy. 

   The Underwriting Agreement provides for reciprocal indemnification among 
the Company and the Underwriters and their respective officers, directors and 
control persons against certain liabilities in connection with this 
Registration Statement, including liabilities under the Securities Act. 

                                      II-1
<PAGE>


ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. 

   
   Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, on August 1, 1994, the Company sold 
1,515,886 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 685,714 shares of 
Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.58 per share to the Investor for an 
aggregate cash consideration of $10 million. The Company believes that this 
issuance was exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities 
Act based on the limited nature of the offering and the representations made 
by the purchasing stockholder. 

   In connection with the Credit Facility, on August 30, 1996, the Company 
issued warrants to purchase 166,666 shares of Common Stock at an exercise 
price of $9.75 per share to the New Banks. The Company believes that this 
issuance was exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities 
Act based on the limited nature of the offering and the representations made 
by the New Banks. 

   As of September 19, 1996, the Company issued 103,805 shares of Common 
Stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of a non-public 
California corporation. The Company believes that this issuance was exempt 
from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act based on the 
limited nature of the offering and the representations made by the 
purchasers. 

   The purchaser of the securities described above has represented that it 
understands that the securities acquired may not be sold or otherwise 
transferred absent registration under the Act or the availability of an 
exemption from the registration requirements of the Act, and each certificate 
evidencing the securities owned by such purchaser bears or will bear upon 
issuance a legend to that effect. 

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. 
(A) EXHIBITS. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Exhibit 
     No. 
 ------------ 
    <S>         <C>
    1.1         Form of the Underwriting Agreement(**) 
    3.1         Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(*) 
    3.2         Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company(*) 
    4.1         Specimen of Common Stock Certificate(*) 
    4.3         Investor Warrant(*) 
    4.4         Form of Institution Warrant(*) 
    4.5         New Bank Warrants(**) 
    5.1         Opinion of Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld(**) 
    10.1        Investment Agreement between HP Partners L.P. ("Investor") and the Company dated as of June 29, 1994(*) 
    10.2        Registration Rights Agreement between Investor and the Company dated August 1, 1994(*) 
    10.3        Exchange Agreement, dated as of December 18, 1991, among the Company and a number of insurance companies 
                and other institutions listed therein ("Institutions")(*) 
    10.4        First Amendment to the Exchange Agreement dated January 31, 1992(*) 
    10.5        Second Amendment to the Exchange Agreement dated May 24, 1992(*) 
    10.6        Third Amendment to the Exchange Agreement dated June 30, 1992(*) 
    10.7(a)     Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated September 30, 1993, between the Company and NatWest Bank N.A. 
                n/k/a Fleet Bank, N.A. (formerly National Westminster Bank USA) ("Loan Agreement")(*) 
    10.7(b)     Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement dated October 10, 1994(*) 
    10.7(c)     Amendment and Supplement No. 2 to Loan Agreement dated as of March 10, 1995(*) 
    10.7(d)     Amendment No. 3 to Loan Agreement dated as of April 4, 1995(*) 
    10.8        Holmes Protection Group, Inc. 1992 Directors' Option Plan(*) 
    10.9        Amended and Restated Senior Executives Option Plan(*) 
    10.10       Master Lease Agreement No. 12223 dated December 18, 1992 between Data General Corporation and the Company(*) 
    10.11       Letter Agreement dated July 12, 1995 and Lease Schedule No. 006 dated July 26, 1995 to Master Lease Agreement 
                No. 12223 between Data General Corporation and the Company(*) 
</TABLE>
    
                                      II-2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
   Exhibit 
     No. 
 ------------ 
    <S>         <C>
  10.11(a)       Letter Agreement dated September 3, 1996 and Revised Lease Schedule No. 006 to Master Lease Agreement 
                 No. 12223 between Data General Corporation and the Company(**) 
  10.12          Software License and Sublicense Agreement dated April 4, 1995 among Monitoring Automation Systems, PremiTech 
                 Corporation and the Company(*) 
  10.13          Employment Agreement between the Company and Eugene G. Lestardo dated June 22, 1995(*) 
  10.14          Employment Agreement between the Company and Glenn C. Riker dated October 12, 1994(*) 
  10.15          Employment Agreement between the Company and Neville N. Rosemin dated October 12, 1994(*) 
  10.16          Employment Agreement between the Company and Brian H. Jaffe dated January 1, 1995(*) 
  10.17          Employment Agreement between the Company and William C. Sholl dated August 29, 1994(*) 
  10.18          Employment Agreement between the Company and George V. Flagg dated January 8, 1996(*) 
  10.19          Employment Agreement between the Company and James L. Boehme dated January 8, 1996(*) 
  10.19(a)       Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and James L. Boehme dated June 5, 1996(*) 
  10.20          Employment Agreement between the Company and Lawrence R. Irving dated May 13, 1996(*) 
  10.21          Lease Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1995, between Holmes Protection of New York Inc. ("HPNY") and Forty-Seventh- 
                 Fifth Company; Lease Guaranty by the Company dated as of July 1, 1995(*) 
  10.22(a)       Lease Agreement, dated March 2, 1987, between HPNY and Ninth Avenue Associates (including First Amendment 
                 dated August 9, 1988 thereto)(*) 
  10.22(b)       Second Amendment to Lease Agreement dated October 7, 1987(*) 
  10.22(c)       Third Amendment to Lease Agreement dated October 27, 1994(*) 
  10.22(d)       Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement dated November 13, 1995(*) 
  10.23          Lease Agreement, dated June 1992, among Holmes Protection of Long Island, Inc., Holmes Protection Group, 
                 Inc. and J&B Properties Ltd.(*) 
  10.24          Lease Agreement, dated January 31, 1974, between Holmes Protection of Philadelphia, Inc. and George Shapiro 
                 (including amendments thereto)(*) 
  10.25          Lease Agreement, dated August 15, 1989, between Dictograph Security Systems Inc. and Center Realty(*) 
  10.26          Lease Agreement, dated June 8, 1989, between Holmes Protection, Inc. and High Ridge Enterprises, Inc.(*) 
  10.27          Form of Registration Rights Agreement with Institutions(*) 
  10.28          Agreement For Information Technology Services dated as of April 4, 1995 between PremiTech Corporation 
                 (formerly Premisys Corporation) and the Company ("Outsourcing Agreement")(*) 
  10.29          First Amendment to Outsourcing Agreement dated as of August 1, 1995(*) 
  10.30          Second Amendment to Outsourcing Agreement dated as of December 14, 1995(*) 
  10.31          Third Amendment to Outsourcing Agreement dated as of January 19, 1996(*) 
  10.32          Parent Corporation Guarantee dated April 4, 1995 among Electronic Data Systems Corporation, PremiTech 
                 Corporation and the Company(*) 
  10.33          Credit Agreement, among Merita Bank Ltd., Bank of Boston Connecticut, Holmes Holding Company, Inc. and 
                 the Company, dated as of August 30, 1996 (**) 
  10.34          Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the New Banks, dated as of August 30, 1996(**) 
  18.1           Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP dated March 20, 1996 regarding change in accounting principle(*) 
  21.1           Subsidiaries of the Company(*) 
  23.1           Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP(**) 
  23.2           Consent of Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP (contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)(**) 
  24.1           Power of Attorney(*) 
</TABLE>

- ------ 
(*)  Previously filed. 

(**) Filed herewith. 
    

                                      II-3
<PAGE>


(B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. 

   Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS. 

   The Company hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriters at the 
closing specified in the Underwriting Agreement certificates in such 
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to 
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser. 

   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities 
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the 
Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has 
been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission 
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities 
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for 
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the 
Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling 
person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or 
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in 
connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in 
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling 
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether 
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. 


   
    

                                      II-4
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES 

   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New
York, on September 25, 1996.
    

                                          HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC. 


                                          By:/s/ George V. Flagg 
                                             -------------------------------- 
                                               George V. Flagg 
                                               President, Chief Executive 
                                               Officer 
                                               and Director 

   
    

   In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this 
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the 
capacities and on the dates stated. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
         Signatures                                 Title                                 Date 
 --------------------------   -------------------------------------------------   -------------------- 
<S>                          <C>                                                  <C>
/s/ George V. Flagg          President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal          September 25, 1996 
  -------------------------  Executive Officer) and Director 
  George V. Flagg 

/s/ Lawrence R. Irving       Vice President -- Finance (Principal Financial         September 25, 1996 
  -------------------------  and Accounting Officer) 
  Lawrence R. Irving 

/s/ Pierre Besuchet          Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  Pierre Besuchet 

/s/ Daniel T. Carroll        Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  Daniel T. Carroll 

/s/ Lawrence R. Glenn        Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  Lawrence R. Glenn 

/s/ Mark S. Hauser           Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  Mark S. Hauser 

/s/ William P. Lyons         Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  William P. Lyons 

/s/ David Jan Mitchell       Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  David Jan Mitchell 

/s/ Edward L. Palmer         Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  Edward L. Palmer 

/s/ William Spier            Director                                               September 25, 1996 
  ------------------------- 
  William Spier 
    
</TABLE>

                                      II-5
<PAGE>


                                EXHIBIT INDEX 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
   Exhibit 
     No.                                               Description                                                     Page 
 ------------   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            -------- 
    <S>          <C>                                                                                                    <C>
    1.1          Form of the Underwriting Agreement(**) 
    3.1          Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company(*) 
    3.2          Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company(*) 
    4.1          Specimen of Common Stock Certificate(*) 
    4.3          Investor Warrant(*) 
    4.4          Form of Institution Warrant(*) 
    4.5          New Bank Warrants(**) 
    5.1          Opinion of Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld(**) 
    10.1         Investment Agreement between HP Partners L.P. ("Investor") and the Company dated as of June 
                 29, 1994(*) 
    10.2         Registration Rights Agreement between Investor and the Company dated August 1, 1994(*) 
    10.3         Exchange Agreement, dated as of December 18, 1991, among the Company and a number of insurance 
                 companies and other institutions listed therein ("Institutions")(*) 
    10.4         First Amendment to the Exchange Agreement dated January 31, 1992(*) 
    10.5         Second Amendment to the Exchange Agreement dated May 24, 1992(*) 
    10.6         Third Amendment to the Exchange Agreement dated June 30, 1992(*) 
    10.7(a)      Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated September 30, 1993, between the Company and NatWest 
                 Bank N.A. n/k/a Fleet Bank, N.A. (formerly National Westminster Bank USA) ("Loan Agreement")(*) 
    10.7(b)      Amendment No. 1 to Loan Agreement dated October 10, 1994(*) 
    10.7(c)      Amendment and Supplement No. 2 to Loan Agreement dated as of March 10, 1995(*) 
    10.7(d)      Amendment No. 3 to Loan Agreement dated as of April 4, 1995(*) 
    10.8         Holmes Protection Group, Inc. 1992 Directors' Option Plan(*) 
    10.9         Amended and Restated Senior Executives Option Plan(*) 
    10.10        Master Lease Agreement No. 12223 dated December 18, 1992 between Data General Corporation and 
                 the Company(*) 
    10.11        Letter Agreement dated July 12, 1995 and Lease Schedule No. 006 dated July 26, 1995 to Master 
                 Lease Agreement No. 12223 between Data General Corporation and the Company(*) 
    10.11(a)     Letter Agreement dated September 3, 1996 and Revised Lease Schedule No. 006 to Master Lease 
                 Agreement No. 12223 between Data General Corporation and the Company(**) 
    10.12        Software License and Sublicense Agreement dated April 4, 1995 among Monitoring Automation Systems, 
                 PremiTech Corporation and the Company(*) 
    10.13        Employment Agreement between the Company and Eugene G. Lestardo dated June 22, 1995(*) 
    10.14        Employment Agreement between the Company and Glenn C. Riker dated October 12, 1994(*) 
    10.15        Employment Agreement between the Company and Neville N. Rosemin dated October 12, 1994(*) 
    10.16        Employment Agreement between the Company and Brian H. Jaffe dated January 1, 1995(*) 
    10.17        Employment Agreement between the Company and William C. Sholl dated August 29, 1994(*) 
    10.18        Employment Agreement between the Company and George V. Flagg dated January 8, 1996(*) 
    10.19        Employment Agreement between the Company and James L. Boehme dated January 8, 1996(*) 
    
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
   Exhibit 
     No.                                               Description                                                       Page 
 ------------   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------               -------- 
    <S>          <C>                                                                                                    <C>
  10.19(a)       Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and James L. Boehme dated June 5, 1996(*) 
  10.20          Employment Agreement between the Company and Lawrence R. Irving dated May 13, 1996(*) 
  10.21          Lease Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1995, between Holmes Protection of New York Inc. ("HPNY") 
                 and Forty-Seventh- Fifth Company; Lease Guaranty by the Company dated as of July 1, 1995(*) 
  10.22(a)       Lease Agreement, dated March 2, 1987, between HPNY and Ninth Avenue Associates (including First 
                 Amendment dated August 9, 1988 thereto)(*) 
  10.22(b)       Second Amendment to Lease Agreement dated October 7, 1987(*) 
  10.22(c)       Third Amendment to Lease Agreement dated October 27, 1994(*) 
  10.22(d)       Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement dated November 13, 1995(*) 
  10.23          Lease Agreement, dated June 1992, among Holmes Protection of Long Island, Inc., Holmes Protection 
                 Group, Inc. and J&B Properties Ltd.(*) 
  10.24          Lease Agreement, dated January 31, 1974, between Holmes Protection of Philadelphia, Inc. and 
                 George Shapiro (including amendments thereto)(*) 
  10.25          Lease Agreement, dated August 15, 1989, between Dictograph Security Systems Inc. and Center 
                 Realty(*) 
  10.26          Lease Agreement, dated June 8, 1989, between Holmes Protection, Inc. and High Ridge Enterprises, 
                 Inc.(*) 
  10.27          Form of Registration Rights Agreement with Institutions(*) 
  10.28          Agreement For Information Technology Services dated as of April 4, 1995 between PremiTech Corporation 
                 (formerly Premisys Corporation) and the Company ("Outsourcing Agreement")(*) 
  10.29          First Amendment to Outsourcing Agreement dated as of August 1, 1995(*) 
  10.30          Second Amendment to Outsourcing Agreement dated as of December 14, 1995(*) 
  10.31          Third Amendment to Outsourcing Agreement dated as of January 19, 1996(*) 
  10.32          Parent Corporation Guarantee dated April 4, 1995 among Electronic Data Systems Corporation, 
                 PremiTech Corporation and the Company(*) 
  10.33          Credit Agreement, among Merita Bank Ltd., Bank of Boston Connecticut, Holmes Holding Company, 
                 Inc. and the Company, dated as of August 30, 1996(**) 
  10.34          Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the New Banks, dated as of August 30, 
                 1996(**) 
  18.1           Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP dated March 20, 1996 regarding change in accounting principle(*) 
  21.1           Subsidiaries of the Company(*) 
  23.1           Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP(**) 
  23.2           Consent of Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP (contained in the opinion filed as 
                 Exhibit 5.1)(**) 
  24.1           Power of Attorney(*) 
</TABLE>
  
- ------ 
(*)  Previously filed. 
(**) Filed herewith. 
    




<PAGE>

                                1,000,000 Shares
                          HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC.
                                  Common Stock
                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

                                                          

                                                              September __, 1996

BREAN MURRAY & CO., INC.
As Representative of the several
Underwriters
570 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022



Ladies and Gentlemen:

         HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
proposes to sell an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares (the "Firm Shares") of the
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, to
you and the other underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (collectively, the
"Underwriters"), for whom you are acting as representative (the
"Representative"). The Company also has agreed to grant to you and the other
Underwriters an option (the "Option") to purchase up to an additional 150,000
shares of Common Stock (the "Option Shares") on the terms and for the purposes
set forth in Section l(b) hereto. The Firm Shares and the Option Shares are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Shares."

         As the Representative, you have advised the Company (a) that you are
authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the several Underwriters,
and (b) that the several Underwriters are willing, acting severally and not
jointly, to purchase the numbers of Firm Shares set forth opposite their
respective names in Schedule I, plus their pro rata portion of the Option Shares
if you elect to exercise the over-allotment option in whole or in part for the
accounts of the several Underwriters.

         The Company hereby confirms as follows its agreement with the
Representative and the several other Underwriters.

                                       1

<PAGE>



         1.       Agreement to Sell and Purchase

                  (a) On the basis of the representations, warranties and
agreements of the Company herein contained and subject to all the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter and
each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company
at a purchase price of $_________ per share, the number of Firm Shares set forth
opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule I hereto, plus such additional
number of Shares which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase
pursuant to Sections 1(b) or 10 hereof.

                  (b) Subject to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the Company grants the Option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally
and not jointly, the Option Shares at the same price per share as the
Underwriters shall pay for the Firm Shares. The Option may be exercised only to
cover over-allotments in the sale of the Firm Shares by the Underwriters and may
be exercised in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on or before
the 30th day after the date of this Agreement (or on the next business day if
the 30th day is not a business day), upon notice (the "Option Shares Notice") in
writing or by telephone (confirmed in writing) by the Representative to the
Company no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, at least two and no more
than five business days before the date specified for closing in the Option
Shares Notice (the "Option Closing Date") setting forth the aggregate number of
Option Shares to be purchased on the Option Closing Date. On the Option Closing
Date, the Company will sell to the Underwriters the number of Option Shares set
forth in the Option Shares Notice, and each Underwriter will purchase such
percentage of the Option Shares as is equal to the percentage of Firm Shares
that such Underwriter is purchasing, as adjusted by the Representative in such
manner as it deems advisable to avoid fractional shares.

         2. Delivery and Payment. Delivery of the Firm Shares shall be made to
the Representative for the accounts of the Underwriters at the office of Brean
Murray & Co., Inc., 570 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, and in
exchange therefor payment of the purchase price shall be made to the Company by
wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Company's account at
____________________ (the "Closing"). Such delivery and payment shall be made at
10:00 a.m., New York time, on the third full business day following the date of
this Agreement, or at such other time on such other date as may be agreed upon
by the Company and the Representative (such date is hereinafter referred to as
the "Closing Date"). (As used herein, "business day" means a day on which the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which banks in New York are
open for business and not permitted by law or executive order to be closed.)
Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified
pursuant to this Agreement is a further condition of the obligations of each
Underwriter hereunder.

         To the extent the Option is exercised, delivery of the Option Shares
against payment by the Underwriters (in the manner specified above) will take
place at the offices specified above for the Closing Date at the time and date
(which may be the Closing Date) specified in the Option Shares Notice.

                                       2
<PAGE>

         Certificates evidencing the Shares shall be in definitive form and
shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the
Representative shall request at least two business days prior to the Closing
Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, by written notice to the
Company. For the purpose of expediting the checking and packaging of
certificates for the Shares, the Company agrees to make such certificates
available for inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Date or the
Option Closing Date, as the case may be.

         3. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company
represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter that:

                  (a) A registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No.
333-9025) relating to the Shares, including a preliminary prospectus relating to
the Shares and such amendments to such registration statement as may have been
required to the date of this Agreement, has been prepared by the Company under
the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and the
rules and regulations (collectively referred to as the "Rules and Regulations")
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") promulgated
thereunder and has been filed with the Commission. The Commission has not issued
any order preventing or suspending the use of the Prospectus (as defined below)
or any Preliminary Prospectus (as defined below) or instituted or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened any proceeding for that purpose. The term
"Preliminary Prospectus" as used herein means a preliminary prospectus relating
to the Shares omitting therefrom such information as permitted in reliance upon
Rule 430A included at any time as part of the foregoing registration statement
or any amendment thereto before it became effective under the Act and any
prospectus filed with the Commission by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(a) of
the Rules and Regulations. Copies of such registration statement and amendments
and of each related Preliminary Prospectus have been delivered to the
Representative. If such registration statement has not become effective, a
further amendment to such registration statement, including a form of final
Preliminary Prospectus, necessary to permit such registration statement to
become effective will be filed promptly by the Company with the Commission. If
such registration statement has become effective, a final prospectus relating to
the Shares containing information permitted to be omitted at the time of
effectiveness by Rule 430A of the Rules and Regulations will be filed by the
Company with the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b) of the Rules and
Regulations promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement. The term
"Registration Statement" means the registration statement at the time such
registration statement becomes or became effective (the "Effective Date"),
together with any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Act, including all financial statements and schedules and all
exhibits, documents incorporated therein by reference and all information
contained in any final prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule
424(b) of the Rules and Regulations or in a term sheet described in Rule 434 of
the Rules and Regulations in accordance with Section 5 hereof and deemed to be
included therein as of the Effective Date by Rule 430A of the Rules and
Regulations. The term "Prospectus" means the prospectus relating to the Shares
as first filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and
Regulations or, if no such filing is required, the form of final prospectus
relating to the Shares included in the Registration Statement at the Effective
Date. References herein to any document or other information incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement shall include documents or other
information incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (or if the Prospectus is
not in existence, in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus). References herein
to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to include all
documents and information incorporated by reference therein.

                                       3

<PAGE>

                  (b) On the date that any Preliminary Prospectus was filed with
the Commission, the date the Prospectus is first filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations (if required), at all times
subsequent to and including the Closing Date and, if later, the Option Closing
Date and when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes
effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus is filed with the
Commission, the Registration Statement, each Preliminary Prospectus and the
Prospectus (as amended or as supplemented if the Company shall have filed with
the Commission any amendment or supplement thereto), including the financial
statements included in the Prospectus, did or will comply with all applicable
provisions of the Act and the Rules and Regulations and did or will contain all
statements required to be stated therein in accordance with the Act and the
Rules and Regulations. On the Effective Date and when any post-effective
amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective, no part of the
Registration Statement or any such amendment did or will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not
misleading. At the Effective Date, the date the Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement to the Prospectus is filed with the Commission and at the Closing
Date and, if later, the Option Closing Date, the Prospectus did not or will not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing representations and
warranties in this Section 3(b) do not apply to any statements or omissions made
in reliance on and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter as
set forth in Section 16 hereof furnished by such Underwriter in writing to the
Company by the Representative specifically for inclusion in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto. There are no
contracts or other documents required to be filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement by the Act or the Regulations that have not been so
filed. The documents which are incorporated by reference in any Preliminary
Prospectus or the Prospectus or from which information is so incorporated by
reference, when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the
case may be, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Act
and the Rules and Regulations or the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, as applicable, and did not, when such documents were so filed,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, and any documents so filed and incorporated by reference subsequent
to the effective date of the Registration Statement shall, when they are filed
with the Commission, conform in all material respects with the requirements of
the Act and the Rules and Regulations and the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, as applicable.

                                       4

<PAGE>

                  (c) The Company has the following subsidiaries: Holmes
Protection of New York, Inc., a New York corporation, Holmes Protection of Long
Island, Inc., a New York corporation, Holmes Protection of New Jersey, Inc., a
New Jersey corporation, Holmes Protection, Inc., a New York corporation, Holmes
Protection of Philadelphia, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, Dictograph
Franchise Corporation, a New Jersey corporation, Holmes Holding Company, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and Holmes Central Services, Inc., a New Jersey
corporation (collectively, the "Subsidiaries"). The Company does not own and, at
the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, will not own, an interest
in any corporation (except for the Subsidiaries), joint venture, trust,
partnership or other business entity. The Company has been and, at the Closing
Date and Option Closing Date, if any, will be, duly incorporated and validly
existing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and is, and at
the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, will be, in good standing
in the State of Delaware. The Company has all corporate power and authority
necessary to own its properties and conduct its business as currently being
carried on and as described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. The
Company is, and at the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, will
be, duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction in which the character or location of its properties (owned, leased
or licensed) or the nature or conduct of its business or use of its property and
assets makes such qualification necessary and in which the failure to so qualify
would have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or
properties of the Company.

                  (d) The outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company
have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable (except as disclosed in the Registration Statement) and are not
subject to any preemptive or similar rights, and the holders thereof, are not
subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders. The Firm Shares
to be sold hereunder to the Underwriters, and the Option Shares to be sold
hereunder to the Underwriters in the event the Option is exercised, will be duly
authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and the holders
thereof will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such
holders. The Company has, and, upon completion of the sale of the Shares, will
have, an authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus under the caption "Description of
Capital Stock" (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, in the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus). The description of the securities of the Company in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus under the caption "Description of
Capital Stock" (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus) is, and at the Closing Date and, if later, the Option
Closing Date, will be, complete and accurate in all respects. Neither the filing
of the Registration Statement nor the offering or sale of the Shares as
contemplated by this Agreement gives rise to any rights for or relating to the
registration of any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company,
except such rights as have been disclosed in the Registration Statement or as
have been satisfied, waived or terminated.


                                       5
<PAGE>


                  (e) The financial statements and the related notes of the
Company included in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus (or, if the
Prospectus is not in existence, in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus)
comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Act and the Rules
and Regulations, present fairly the financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows of the Company at the dates and for the periods covered thereby
and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") applied on a consistent basis throughout the entire periods
involved (except as otherwise stated therein). Arthur Andersen LLP (the
"Accountants"), who have reported on those of such financial statements and
related notes which are audited, are independent accountants with respect to the
Company as required by the Act and the related rules and regulations.

                  (f) The Company maintains a system of internal accounting
controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are
executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorization, (ii)
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets,
(iii) access to material assets is permitted only in accordance with
management's general or specific authorization and (iv) the recorded
accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable
intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

                  (g) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus), subsequent to the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and prior
to the Closing Date and, if later, the Option Closing Date, (i) there has not
been, and will not have been, any material adverse change in the business,
properties, key personnel, condition (financial or otherwise), net worth or
results of operations of the Company (ii) the Company has not, and will not
have, incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent,
or, entered into any material transactions not in the ordinary course of
business other than pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) the Company has not, and
will not have, paid or declared any dividends or other distributions of any kind
on any class of its capital stock, and (iv) there has not been, and will not
have been, any change in the capital stock, or a material change in the
short-term or long-term debt, or any issuance of options, warrants, convertible
securities or other rights to purchase capital stock of the Company, other than
changes in capital stock and issuances of rights, options and shares pursuant to
the Company's Amended and Restated Senior Executives' Option Plan, 1992
Directors' Option Plan and 1996 Stock Incentive Plan.

                  (h) The Company has good and marketable title to all
properties and assets described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus
(or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary
Prospectus), as owned by it, free and clear of all liens, security interests,
restrictions, pledges, encumbrances, charges, equities, claims, easements,
leases and tenancies (collectively, "Encumbrances") other than those described
in the Registration Statement and Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in
existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus) and those that will not
materially affect the value of such properties and assets and will not interfere
with the use made and proposed to be made of such properties and assets. The
Company has valid, subsisting and enforceable leases for the properties and
assets described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus (or, if the
Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus) as
leased by it, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than those described in
the Registration Statement and Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in
existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus), and those that will not
materially affect the value of such properties and assets and will not interfere
with the use made and proposed to be made of such properties and assets.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                  (i) The Company owns or possesses all material patents, patent
applications, trademarks, service marks, tradenames, trademark registrations,
service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and
rights necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company as currently
carried on and as described in the Registration Statement, and Prospectus (or,
if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus),
and except as stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus (or, if the
Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus), to the
Company's knowledge, no name which the Company uses and no other aspect of the
business of the Company may in the future involve or give rise to any
infringement of or license or similar fees for, any patents, patent
applications, trademarks, service marks, tradenames, trademark registrations,
service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets or
other similar rights of others material to the business or prospects of the
Company, and the Company has not received any notice alleging any infringement
or fee.

                  (j) Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus), there are no actions, suits, arbitrations, claims,
governmental or other proceedings (formal or informal), or investigations
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the
Company, or any of the properties or assets owned or leased by the Company,
before or by any Federal or state court, commission, regulatory body,
administrative agency or other governmental body, domestic or foreign
(collectively, a "Governmental Body"), which might result in any material
adverse change in the business, properties, prospects, condition (financial or
otherwise), net worth or results of operations of the Company. The Company is
not in violation of, or in default with respect to, any law, rule or regulation,
or any order, judgment or decree, except as described in the Prospectus (or if
the Prospectus is not in existence, in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus)
or such as in the aggregate do not now have and can reasonably be expected in
the future not to have a material adverse effect upon the operations, business,
properties or assets of the Company; nor is the Company presently required to
take any action in order to avoid any such violation or default.

                  (k) The Company has, and at the Closing Date and, if later,
the Option Closing Date will have, all material governmental licenses, permits,
consents, orders, approvals, franchises, certificates and other authorizations
(collectively, "Licenses") necessary to carry on its business and owns or leases
its properties as contemplated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus (or,
if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus),
and all such Licenses are, and at the Closing Date and, if later, the Option
Closing Date will be, in full force and effect. The Company has, and at the
Closing Date and, if later, the Option Closing Date will have, complied in all
material respects with all laws, regulations and orders applicable to it or its
business, assets and properties. The Company is not, nor at the Closing Date
and, if later, the Option Closing Date will it be, in violation of its Restated
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or in default (nor has any event occurred
which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) in the
due performance and observation of any term, covenant or condition of any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, voting trust agreement, loan agreement,
bond, debenture, note agreement or other evidence of indebtedness, lease,
contract or other agreement or instrument (collectively, a "contract or other
agreement") to which it is a party or by which its properties are bound or
affected, the violation of which would individually or in the aggregate have a
material adverse effect on the business, properties, condition (financial or
otherwise), net worth or results of operations of the Company. There are no
governmental proceedings or actions pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
threatened for the purpose of suspending, modifying or revoking any License held
by the Company.

                                       7

<PAGE>

                  (l) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or any
filing or declaration with, any Governmental Body is required for the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement or for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in connection with the sale of
the Shares by the Company, except such as have been obtained and such as may be
required under the Act, the Rules and Regulations, any state securities or Blue
Sky laws or the bylaws and rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") in connection with the purchase and distribution by
the Underwriters of the Shares to be sold hereby.

                  (m) The Company has full power (corporate and other) and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out all the terms and
provisions hereof to be carried out by it. This Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of the Company, and is enforceable against the Company in
accordance with the terms hereof, except as enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws now
or hereafter affecting creditors' rights generally or by general principles of
equity relating to the availability of remedies and except as rights to
indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal or state securities laws or
the public policy underlying such laws. Except as disclosed in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, the
most recent Preliminary Prospectus), the execution, delivery and the performance
of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance upon any of the
properties or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms or provisions of, or
result in a breach or violation of or conflict with any of the terms or
provisions of, or constitute a default under, or give any other party a right to
terminate any of its obligations under, or result in the acceleration of any
obligation under, (i) the Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
Company, in each case as amended, or (ii) any contract or other agreement to
which the Company is a party or by which it or any of the respective assets or
properties are bound or affected, the violation of which would individually or
in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the business, properties,
condition (financial or otherwise), net worth or results of operations of the
Company or (iii) any judgment, ruling, decree, order, law, statute, rule or
regulation of any Governmental Body applicable to the Company or its business or
properties, the violation of which would individually or in the aggregate have a
material adverse effect on the business, properties, condition (financial or
otherwise), net worth or results of operations of the Company.

                                       8
<PAGE>


                  (n) No statement, representation, warranty or covenant made by
the Company in this Agreement or made in any certificate or document required by
this Agreement to be delivered to the Representative was or will be, when made,
inaccurate, untrue or incorrect. Each certificate signed by an officer of the
Company and delivered to the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters
shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company to each
Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.

                  (o) Neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries nor, to the
Company's knowledge, any of its directors or officers has taken, nor will he,
she or it take, directly or indirectly, any action designed, or which might
reasonably be expected in the future, to cause or result in, under the Act or
otherwise, or which has constituted, stabilization or manipulation of the price
of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares or
otherwise.

                  (p) The Company is not involved in any labor dispute with its
employees nor is any such dispute threatened or imminent.

                  (q) Neither the Company nor, to the Company's best knowledge,
any employee or agent of the Company has made any payment of funds of the
Company or received or retained any funds of the Company in violation of any
law, rule or regulation or of a character required to be disclosed in the
Registration Statement and Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in
existence, in the most recent Preliminary Prospectus).

                  (r) The business, operations and facilities of the Company
have been and are being conducted in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, licenses, permits,
approvals, plans, authorizations or requirements relating to occupational safety
and health, or pollution, or protection of health or the environment (including,
without limitation, those relating to emissions, discharges, releases or
threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic
substances, materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, groundwater or
land, or relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport or handling of chemical substances, pollutants,
contaminants or hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, whether
solid, gaseous or liquid in nature) of any governmental department, commission,
board, bureau, agency or instrumentality of the United States or any state or
political subdivision thereof, and all applicable judicial or administrative
agency or regulatory decrees, awards, judgments and orders relating thereto; and
the Company has not received any notice from any governmental instrumentality or
any third party alleging any violation thereof or material liability thereunder
(including, without limitation, liability for costs of investigating or
remediating sites containing hazardous substances and/or damages to natural
resources). The intended use and occupancy of each of the facilities owned or
operated by the Company complies in all material respects with all applicable
codes and zoning laws and regulations, and there is no pending or, to the
Company's knowledge, threatened condemnation, zoning change, environmental or
other proceeding or action that will in any material respect adversely affect
the size of, use of, improvements on, construction on or access to such
facilities.
 
                                      9
<PAGE>


                  (s) The Company has filed all foreign, federal, state and
local tax returns that are required to be filed or has requested extensions
thereof and is not in default in any taxes which were payable pursuant to said
returns, other than any which the Company is contesting in good faith.

                  (t) Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company,
any of its directors or officers in such capacity is subject to any order or
directive of, or party to any agreement with, any regulatory agency having
jurisdiction with respect to its business or operations except as disclosed in
the Prospectus (or if the Prospectus is not in existence, in the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus).

                  (u) The Company, each officer and director of the Company and
certain of the principal stockholders of the Company have delivered to the
Representative an agreement to the effect that he, she or it will not, for a
period of 90 days after the date hereof, without the prior written consent of
the Representative, directly or indirectly, offer, sell or otherwise dispose (or
announce any offer, sale, grant of any option to purchase or other disposition)
of any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into, or exercisable or
exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock.

                  (v) The Company has not distributed and will not distribute
any prospectus or other offering material in connection with the offering and
sale of the Shares other than any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or
other materials permitted by the Act or the Rules and Regulations to be
distributed by the Company.

                  (w) The Common Stock of the Company is quoted on the NASD
Automated Quotation National Market System ("NASDAQ").

         4. Representations and Warranties of the Underwriters. Upon your
authorization of the release of the Firm Shares, the several Underwriters
propose to offer the Firm Shares for sale to the public upon the terms set forth
in the Prospectus. The Representative represents and warrants to the Company
that, assuming compliance by the Company with all relevant provisions of the Act
in connection with the Registration Statement, the Representative will conduct
all offers and sales of the Shares in compliance with the relevant provisions of
the Act and the Rules and Regulations, all applicable state securities laws and
regulations and the bylaws and rules of the NASD.

                                       10
<PAGE>

         5. Agreements of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees with
each of the several Underwriters as follows:

                  (a) The Company will not, either prior to the Effective Date
or thereafter during such period as the Prospectus is required by law to be
delivered in connection with sales of the Shares by an Underwriter or dealer,
file any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus, unless a copy thereof shall first have been submitted to the
Representative within a reasonable period of time prior to the filing thereof
and the Representative shall not have objected thereto in good faith within a
reasonable amount of time from receipt from the Company of such proposed
amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement.

                  (b) If the Registration Statement is not yet effective, the
Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become
effective not later than the time indicated in Section 7(a) hereof. The Company
will notify the Representative promptly, and will confirm such advice in
writing, (i) when the Registration Statement has become effective (if later than
the date hereof) and when any post-effective amendment thereto becomes
effective, (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements
to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information,
(iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings
for that purpose or the threat thereof, (iv) of the happening of any event
during the period mentioned in the third sentence of Section 5(f) that in the
judgment of the Company makes any statement made in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus untrue or that requires the making of any changes in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading
and (v) of receipt by the Company or any representative or attorney of the
Company during the period mentioned in the third sentence of Section 5(f) of any
other communication from the Commission relating to the Company, the
Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus. If at any
time the Commission shall issue any order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, the Company will make every reasonable effort to obtain
the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible moment. The Company will
prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by the Representative and will file
such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations not later
than the Commission's close of business on the second business day following the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or, if applicable, such earlier time as
may be required by Rule 430A(a)(3) of the Rules and Regulations. If the Company
has omitted any information from the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule
430A of the Rules and Regulations, the Company will use its best efforts to
comply with the provisions of and make all requisite filings with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 430A of the Rules and Regulations and to notify the
Representative promptly of all such filings.

                  (c) If, at any time when a Prospectus relating to the Shares
is required to be delivered under the Act, any event has occurred as a result of
which the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, would include any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order
to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, or the Registration Statement, as then amended
or supplemented, would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, or if for any other reason it is necessary at any such time to amend
or supplement the Prospectus or the Registration Statement to comply with the
Act or the Rules and Regulations, the Company will promptly notify the
Representative thereof and, subject to Section 5(b) hereof, will prepare and
file with the Commission, at the Company's expense, an amendment to the
Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to the Prospectus that
corrects such statement or omission or effects such compliance.

                                       11
<PAGE>

                  (d) The Company will furnish to the Representative, without
charge, two signed copies of the Registration Statement and of any
post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules,
and all exhibits thereto and will furnish to the Representative, without charge,
for transmittal to each of the other Underwriters, copies of the Registration
Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial
statements and schedules but without exhibits.

                  (e) The Company will comply with all the provisions of all
undertakings contained in the Registration Statement.

                  (f) On the Effective Date, and thereafter from time to time
for such period as the Prospectus is required by the Act to be delivered, the
Company will deliver to each of the Underwriters, without charge, as many copies
of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto as the Representative
may reasonably request. The Company consents to the use of the Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement thereto by the several Underwriters and by all dealers
to whom the Shares may be sold, both in connection with the offering or sale of
the Shares and for any period of time thereafter during which the Prospectus is
required by law to be delivered in connection therewith. If during such period
of time any event shall occur which in the judgment of the Company or counsel to
the Underwriters should be set forth in the Prospectus in order to make any
statement therein, in the light of the circumstances under which it was made,
not misleading, or in the Registration Statement in order to make any statement
therein not misleading, or if it is necessary to supplement or amend the
Prospectus or the Registration Statement to comply with law, the Company will
forthwith prepare and duly file with the Commission an appropriate supplement or
amendment thereto and will deliver to each of the Underwriters, without charge,
such number of copies thereof as the Representative may reasonably request.

                  (g) Prior to any public offering of the Shares by the
Underwriters, the Company will cooperate with the Representative and its counsel
in connection with the registration or qualification of the Shares for offer and
sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the
Representative may request; provided, that in no event shall the Company be
obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so
qualified or to take any action which would subject it to general service of
process in any jurisdiction where it is not now so subject or subject itself to
taxation as doing business in any jurisdiction.

                                       12
<PAGE>

                  (h) During the period of five years commencing on the
Effective Date, the Company will furnish to the Representative and each other
Underwriter who may so request in writing copies of such financial statements
and other periodic and special reports as the Company may from time to time
distribute generally to the holders of any class of its capital stock and will
furnish to the Representative and each other Underwriter who may so request in
writing a copy of each annual or other report it shall be required to file with
the Commission.

                  (i) The Company will make generally available to holders of
its securities, as soon as may be practicable, but in no event later than the
last day of the fifteenth full calendar month following the calendar quarter in
which the Effective Date falls, a consolidated earnings statement (which need
not be audited but shall be in reasonable detail) for a period of 12 months
commencing after the Effective Date, and satisfying the provisions of Section
11(a) of the Act (including Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations).

                  (j) The Company will not for a period of 90 days after the
date hereof, without the prior written consent of Representative, directly or
indirectly, offer, sell or otherwise dispose (or announce any offer, sale, grant
of any option to purchase or other disposition) of any shares of Common Stock or
any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of
Common Stock, except pursuant to Section 1 hereof and except that the Company
may grant options, and issue shares pursuant to the options granted, under the
Company's stock option and employee stock purchase plans.

                  (k) The Company will not at any time, directly or indirectly,
take any action intended, or which might reasonably be expected, to cause or
result in, or which will constitute, stabilization of the price of the shares of
Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares.

                  (l) The Company shall apply the net proceeds of the sale of
the Shares as set forth in the Prospectus.

                  (m) The Company shall not invest, or otherwise use, the
proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Shares to the Underwriters
in such a manner as would require the Company or any of its subsidiaries to
register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended.

                  (n) The Company will maintain a transfer agent and, if
necessary under the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company or if required
for NASDAQ designation, a registrar for its Common Shares.

                                       13

<PAGE>

                  6. Expenses. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Company will
pay, or reimburse if paid by the Representative, all costs and expenses incident
to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, but not limited to, costs and
expenses of or relating to (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the
Registration Statement and exhibits thereto, each Preliminary Prospectus, the
Prospectus, any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus, (ii) the preparation and delivery of certificates representing the
Shares, (iii) the printing of this Agreement, the Agreement among Underwriters,
any Dealer Agreements and any Underwriters' Questionnaire, (iv) furnishing
(including costs of shipping and mailing) such copies of the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus and any Preliminary Prospectus, and all amendments and
supplements thereto, as may be requested for use in connection with the offering
and sale of the Shares by the Underwriters or by dealers to whom Shares may be
sold, (v) the quotation of the Shares on The Nasdaq Stock Market, (vi) any
filings required to be made by the Underwriters with the NASD, (vii) the
registration or qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under the
securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions designated pursuant to Section
5(g), including the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of counsel
to the Underwriters in connection therewith, and the preparation and printing of
preliminary, supplemental and Blue Sky memoranda, (viii) counsel and accountants
to the Company and (ix) the transfer agent for the Shares. Whether or not the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated or if this Agreement
shall be terminated by the Company pursuant to any provisions hereof, the
Company will reimburse the Representative for all of its accountable
out-of-pocket fees and expenses including, among other things, its travel and
travel related expenses and its counsel fees and expenses, incurred by it in
connection herewith, up to an aggregate amount of $150,000.

         7. Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations
of each Underwriter hereunder are subject to the following conditions:

                  (a) Notification that the Registration Statement has become
effective shall be received by the Representative not later than 4:00 p.m., New
York time, on the date of this Agreement or at such later date and time as shall
be consented to in writing by the Representative and all filings required prior
to such effectiveness by Rule 424 of the Rules and Regulations and Rule 430A of
the Rules and Regulations shall have been made.

                  (b) (i) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that
purpose shall be pending or threatened by the Commission, (ii) no order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the qualification
or registration of the Shares under the securities or Blue Sky laws of any
jurisdiction shall be in effect, and no proceeding for such purpose shall be
pending before or threatened or contemplated by the authorities of any such
jurisdiction, (iii) any request for additional information on the part of the
staff of the Commission or any such authorities shall have been complied with to
the satisfaction of the staff of the Commission or such authorities and (iv)
after the date hereof no amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus shall have been filed unless a copy thereof was first
submitted to the Representative and the Representative did not object thereto in
good faith, and the Representative shall have received certificates, dated the
Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, and signed by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company
(who may, as to proceedings threatened, rely upon the best of their information
and belief), to the effect of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii).

                                       14

<PAGE>

                  (c) Since the respective dates as of which information is
given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (i) there shall not have
been a material adverse change in the general affairs, business, business
prospects, properties, management, condition (financial or otherwise) or results
of operations of the Company, whether or not arising from transactions in the
ordinary course of business, and (ii) the Company shall not have sustained any
material loss or interference with its business, assets or properties from fire,
explosion, flood or other casualty, whether or not covered by insurance, or from
any labor dispute or any court or legislative or other governmental action,
order or decree, which is not set forth in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, if in the judgment of the Representative any such development makes
it impracticable or inadvisable to consummate the sale and delivery of the
Shares by the Underwriters at the initial public offering price.

                  (d) Since the respective dates as of which information is
given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there shall have been no
litigation or other proceeding instituted against the Company or, to the
knowledge of the Company, any of its officers, directors or shareholders in
their capacities as such, or any of its assets or properties, before or by any
Governmental Body in which litigation or proceeding an unfavorable ruling,
decision or finding would materially and adversely affect the business,
properties, business prospects, condition (financial or otherwise), net worth or
results of operations of the Company.

                  (e) Each of the representations and warranties of the Company
contained herein shall be true and correct at the Closing Date and, with respect
to the Option Shares, if any, at the Option Closing Date, as if made on such
date, and all covenants and agreements herein contained to be performed on the
part of the Company and all conditions herein contained to be fulfilled or
complied with by the Company at or prior to the Closing Date and, with respect
to the Option Shares, if any, at or prior to the Option Closing Date, shall have
been fully performed, fulfilled or complied with.

                  (f) The Representative shall have received an opinion, dated
the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, from Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent &
Sheinfeld, LLP, New York, New York, counsel for the Company, to the following
effect:

                           (i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is
validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware. The
Company is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction in which the character or location of its properties (owned, leased
or licensed) or the nature or conduct of its business or use of its property and
assets makes such qualification necessary and in which the failure to so qualify
would have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or
properties of the Company;


                                       15

<PAGE>

                           (ii) The capital stock of the Company conforms as to
legal matters to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus under the
caption "Description of Capital Stock." The Company has an authorized
capitalization as set forth in the Prospectus; all of the issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued by the
Company, are fully paid and nonassessable and are free of any preemptive or
similar rights pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or
any agreement or other instrument known to such counsel to which the Company is
a party or by which it is bound, and the holders thereof are not subject to
personal liability by reason of being such holders; the Shares, when sold by the
Company and paid for in accordance with the terms hereof, will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will conform in all material respects
to the description thereof contained under the caption "Description of Capital
Stock" in the Prospectus and will not be subject to any preemptive, subscription
or similar rights pursuant to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or
any agreement or other instrument known to such counsel to which the Company is
a party or by which it is bound; to such counsel's knowledge, neither the filing
of the Registration Statement nor the offering or sale of the Shares as
contemplated hereby gives rise to any rights for or relating to the registration
of any Shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, except as
disclosed in the Registration Statement, or such rights as have been satisfied,
waived or terminated;

                           (iii) To such counsel's knowledge, except as
described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, there are no options,
warrants, agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to purchase or 
acquire from the Company any shares of capital stock of the Company;

                           (iv) The Registration Statement is effective under
the Act; any required filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the
Rules and Regulations has been made in the manner and within the time period
required by Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations; and, to such counsel's
knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement has been issued, and to such counsel's knowledge no proceedings for
that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the best knowledge of
such counsel, are threatened or contemplated under the Act;

                           (v) The Registration Statement originally filed with
respect to the Shares and each amendment thereto and the Prospectus and, if any,
each amendment and supplement thereto (except the financial statements,
schedules and other financial data contained therein, as to which such counsel
need not express any opinion), complied as to form in all material respects with
the requirements of the Act and the related rules and regulations thereunder;

                           (vi) Insofar as statements in the Prospectus purport
to summarize the status of litigation in which we are counsel to the Company or
the provisions of laws, rules, regulations, orders, judgments, decrees,
contracts, agreements, instruments, leases, or licenses, such statements have
been prepared or reviewed by such counsel and accurately reflect the status of
such litigation and provisions purported to be summarized and are correct in all
material respects;

                                       16
<PAGE>

                           (vii) To such counsel's knowledge, there are no
contracts or documents which are required by the Act to be described in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement which are not described therein or filed as required by
the Act and the Rules and Regulations;

                           (viii) To the knowledge of such counsel, there is not
pending or threatened against the Company any action, suit, arbitration, claim,
governmental or other proceeding (informal or formal) or investigation before or
by any Governmental Body of a character required to be disclosed in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus which is not so disclosed therein. To
the knowledge of such counsel, the Company is not in violation of, or in default
with respect to, any law, rule or regulation of the State of Delaware or the
United States of America, or any order, judgment or decree, except as described
in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or such as in the aggregate do not
now have and can reasonably be expected in the future not to have a material
adverse effect upon the operations, business, properties or assets of the
Company;

                           (ix) The Company has the corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
provided for herein; this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company; this Agreement, assuming due authorization, execution
and delivery by each other party hereto, is a valid and binding agreement of the
Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws now
or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors rights generally or by
general principles of equity relating to the availability of remedies and except
as rights to indemnity and contribution may be limited by federal or state
securities laws or the public policy underlying such laws;

                           (x) None of the Company's execution or delivery of
this Agreement, its performance hereof or its consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein conflicts or will conflict with or results or will result in
any breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a
default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance upon,
any property or assets of the Company pursuant to (A) the terms of the Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, in each case as amended; (B) the
terms of any material contract or other material agreement known to such counsel
without independent investigation to which the Company is a party or by which it
is or may be bound or to which any of its properties is or may be subject; (C)
any statute, rule or regulation of the State of Delaware or the United States of
America; or (D) the terms of any judgment, decree or order known to such counsel
of any arbitrator or Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Company; and
no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any
Governmental Body has been or is required for the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement or for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, except such as have been obtained under the Act or may be
required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase
and distribution by the Underwriters of the Shares; and

                                       17
<PAGE>

                           (xi) To such counsel's knowledge, the Company is not
in any breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or in default
under (nor has an event occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both
would constitute a default or acceleration under), (A) the terms of its Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws, in each case as amended; or (B) the terms of any
material contract or other material agreement known to such counsel to which the
Company is a party or by which the Company is bound or to which any of its
properties or assets is subject.

                           (xii) The Underwriters have acquired good, valid and
marketable title to the Shares free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
equities, claims and security interests.

                  In addition, such counsel shall state that, in the course of
the preparation of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, such counsel
has examined the documents referred to in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus and participated in conferences with officers and representatives of
the Company and with the Accountants, at which conferences such counsel made
inquiries of such officers, representatives and accountants and discussed the
contents of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and, solely on the
basis of the foregoing and such other actions as such counsel deemed
appropriate, no facts have come to such counsel's attention that causes such
counsel to believe that the Registration Statement as of the date it was
declared effective and as of the date of such opinion contained or contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement therein not
misleading or that the Prospectus as of the date thereof and as of the date of
such opinion, contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading (it being understood that such
counsel need not make any statement with respect to the financial statements,
schedules and other financial data included in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus).

                  In rendering any such opinion, such counsel may (i) state that
such counsel expresses no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than
the corporate laws of the State of Delaware, the laws of the State of New York
and federal law and (ii) may rely, as to matters of fact, to the extent such
counsel deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and
public officials and, as to matters involving the application of laws of any
other jurisdiction than the States of Delaware and New York and the United
States (to the extent reasonably satisfactory in form and scope to counsel for
the Underwriters) on the opinion of local counsel. The foregoing opinion shall
also state that the Underwriters are justified in relying upon such opinion of
local counsel, and copies of such opinion shall be delivered to the
Representative and its counsel.

                  References to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus in
this paragraph (f) shall include any amendment or supplement thereto at the date
of such opinion.

                                       18
<PAGE>

                  (g) The Representative shall have received an opinion, dated
the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, from Piper & Marbury L.L.P.,
counsel to the Underwriters, which opinion shall be satisfactory in all respects
to the Representative.

                  (h) Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, or, if the Company elects to rely on Rule 430A of the Rules and
Regulations, on the date of the Prospectus, the Accountants shall have furnished
to the Representative a letter, dated the date of its delivery (the "Original
Letter"), addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory
to the Representative, to the effect that:

                           (i) they are independent certified public accountants
with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Act, the Exchange Act and
the applicable rules and regulations thereunder;

                           (ii) in their opinion, the audited financial
statements and schedules audited by them and included in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects with the
applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the related published rules
and regulations thereunder;

                           (iii) on the basis of reading of the latest available
interim unaudited financial statements of the Company, carrying out certain
specified procedures (which do not constitute an audit made in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards) that would not necessarily reveal matters
of significance with respect to the comments set forth in this paragraph (iii),
a reading of the minute books of the shareholders, the board of directors and
any committees thereof of the Company and inquiries of certain officials of the
Company who have responsibility for financial and accounting matters, nothing
came to their attention that caused them to believe that at a specific date not
more than five business days prior to the date of such letter, there were any
changes in the shares of capital stock or indebtedness of the Company or any
decreases in total assets, current assets or shareholders' equity of the
Company, in each case compared with amounts shown on the June 30, 1996
consolidated balance sheet included in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, or for the period from July 1, 1996 to such specified date there
were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period of the preceding
fiscal year, in net revenues, net income before income taxes or total or per
share amounts or net income of the Company, except in all instances for changes,
decreases or increases set forth in such letter or as set forth in or
contemplated in the Prospectus; and

                           (iv) they have carried out certain specified
procedures, not constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts,
percentages and financial information that are derived from the general
accounting records of the Company and are included in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus, and have compared such amounts, percentages and financial
information with such records of the Company and with information derived from
such records and have found them to be in agreement, excluding any questions of
legal interpretation.

                                       19

<PAGE>

                  In the event that the letters referred to above set forth any
such changes, decreases or increases, it shall be a further condition to the
obligations of the Underwriters that (A) such letters shall be accompanied by a
written explanation of the Company as to the significance thereof, unless the
Representative deems such explanation unnecessary, and (B) such changes,
decreases or increases do not, in the sole judgment of the Representative, make
it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the purchase and delivery of the
Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement, as amended as of the date
hereof.

                  At the Closing Date and, as to the Option Shares, if any, the
Option Closing Date, the Accountants shall have furnished to the Representative
a letter, dated the date of its delivery, which shall confirm, on the basis of a
review in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Original Letter, that
nothing has come to their attention during the period from the date of the
Original Letter referred to in the prior sentence to a date (specified in such
letter) not more than five days prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing
Date, as the case may be, which would require any change in the Original Letter
if it were required to be dated and delivered at the Closing Date or the Option
Closing Date, as the case may be.

                  (i) At the Closing Date and, as to the Option Shares, if any,
the Option Closing Date, there shall be furnished to the Representative an
accurate certificate, dated the date of its delivery, signed by each of the
Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, in form
and substance satisfactory to the Representative, to the effect that:

                           (i) Each signer of such certificate has carefully
examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and (A) as of the date of
such certificate, (x) the Registration Statement does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not
misleading and (y) the Prospectus does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading, and (B) since the Effective Date, no
event has occurred as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement
the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not untrue or misleading
in any material respect;

                           (ii) Each of the representations and warranties of
the Company contained in this Agreement were, when originally made, and are, at
the time such certificate is delivered, true and correct in all respects; each
of the covenants required herein to be performed by the Company on or prior to
the date of such certificate has been duly, timely and fully performed and each
condition herein required to be complied with by the Company on or prior to the
delivery of such certificate has been duly, timely and fully complied with.

                           (iii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto and no order
directed at any document incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
or any amendment thereto or the Prospectus has been issued, and no proceedings
for that purpose have been instituted or threatened or, to the best of the
Company's knowledge, are contemplated by the Commission.

                                       20
<PAGE>

                           (j) The Shares shall be qualified for sale in such
states as the Representative may reasonably request and each such qualification
shall be in effect and not subject to any stop order or other proceeding on the
Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any.

                           (k) The Representative shall have received at or
prior to the Closing Date from Piper & Marbury L.L.P. a memorandum or summary,
in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, with respect to the
qualification for offering and sale by the Underwriters of the Shares under the
State securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative
may reasonably have designated to the Company.

                           (l) The Firm Shares, and Option Shares, if any, have
been approved for listing upon official notice of issuance on the NASDAQ.

                           (m) The Company shall have furnished to the
Representative such certificates, letters and other documents, in addition to
those specifically mentioned herein, as the Representative may have reasonably
requested as to the accuracy and completeness at the Closing Date, if any, and
the Option Closing Date, if any, of any statement in the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus, as to the accuracy at the Closing Date and the Option Closing
Date of the representations and warranties of the Company, as to the performance
by the Company of their obligations hereunder or as to the fulfillment of the
conditions concurrent and precedent to the obligations hereunder of the
Underwriters.

                  All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents
will be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are satisfactory
in form and substance to you. The Company will furnish you with such conformed
copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents as you shall
reasonably request.


                                       21

<PAGE>

         8.       Indemnification and Contribution.

                  (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees and agents of each Underwriter
and each person, if any, who controls each Underwriter within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any
and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several (and actions in
respect thereof), to which they, or any of them, may become subject under the
Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or
otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement made by the Company in Section 3 of this Agreement,
(ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in (A) any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or (B) any application or other document, or any amendment or
supplement thereto, executed by the Company or based upon written information
furnished by or on behalf of the Company filed in any jurisdiction in order to
qualify the Shares under the securities or Blue Sky laws thereof or filed with
the Commission or any securities association or securities exchange (each, an
"Application"), or (iii) the omission or alleged omission to state in any
Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any
Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse, as incurred, each
Underwriter and each such other person for any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or such other person in connection with
investigating, defending or appearing as a third-party witness in connection
with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that
the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such
loss, claim, damage or liability is based solely upon an untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission in any of such documents made
in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter
furnished by such Underwriter in writing to the Company by the Representative on
behalf of any Underwriter expressly for inclusion therein as set forth in
Section 16 hereof; provided, further, that such indemnity with respect to any
Preliminary Prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any
such other person) from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action purchased Shares which are the subject thereof to the extent
that any such loss, claim, damage or liability (i) results from the fact that
such Underwriter failed to send or give a copy of the Prospectus (as amended or
supplemented) to such person at or prior to the confirmation of the sale of such
Shares to such person in any case where such delivery is required by the Act and
(ii) arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or omission of a
material fact contained in such Preliminary Prospectus that was corrected in the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), unless such failure to
deliver the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) was the result of
noncompliance by the Company with Section 5(f). This indemnity agreement will be
in addition to any liability that the Company might otherwise have. The Company
will not, without the prior written consent of each Underwriter, settle or
compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending of threatened
claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification may be
sought hereunder (whether or not such Underwriter or any person who controls
such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of
the Exchange Act is a party to each claim, action, suit or proceeding), unless
such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each
Underwriter and each such other person from all liability arising out of such
claim, action, suit or proceeding.
                                       22
<PAGE>

                  (b) Each Underwriter will indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, each director of the
Company and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement
against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) to which the Company and any such director, officer or controlling
person may become subject under the Act or other federal or state statutory law
or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or any Application, or (ii) the omission or the alleged omission to
state in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the
Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus, or any Application, a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the
extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter
through the Representative specifically for use therein as set forth in Section
16 hereof; and, subject to the limitation set forth immediately preceding this
clause, will reimburse, as incurred, any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by the Company and any such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with investigating, defending or appearing as a third party witness
in connection with any such loss, claim, damage, liability or any action in
respect thereof. The Company acknowledges that, for all purposes under this
Agreement, the statements set forth under the heading "Underwriting" and the
information set forth in the last paragraph on the front cover page and the last
two paragraphs on the inside front cover of any Preliminary Prospectus and the
Prospectus (insofar as such information relates to the Underwriters) constitute
the only information relating to any Underwriter furnished in writing to the
Company by the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters expressly for
inclusion in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the
Prospectus. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that
each Underwriter might otherwise have. No Underwriter will, without the prior
written consent of the Company settle or compromise or consent to the entry of
any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in
respect of which indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not the
Company or any person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15
of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act is a party to each claim, action,
suit or proceeding), unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an
unconditional release of the Company from all liability arising out of such
claim, action, suit or proceeding.

                                       23
<PAGE>

                  (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party
or parties under this Section 8, notify such indemnifying party or parties of
the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party
or parties will not relieve it or them from any liability which it or they may
have to any indemnified party under the foregoing provisions of this Section 8
or otherwise unless, and only to the extent that, such omission results in the
forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses by the indemnifying party. If any
such action is brought against an indemnified party and it notifies an
indemnifying party or parties of its commencement, the indemnifying party or
parties against which a claim is made will be entitled to participate therein
and, to the extent that it or they may wish, to assume the defense thereof with
counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however,
that if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and
the indemnifying party or parties and the indemnified party shall have
reasonably concluded that there may be one or more legal defenses available to
it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to
those available to the indemnifying party or parties, the indemnifying party or
parties shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf
of such indemnified party or parties and such indemnified party or parties shall
have the right to select separate counsel to defend such action on behalf of
such indemnified party or parties. After notice from the indemnifying party or
parties to such indemnified party of its or their election so to assume the
defense thereof and approval by such indemnified party of counsel appointed to
defend such action, the indemnifying party or parties will not be liable to such
indemnified party under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses other
than reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred by such indemnified
party in connection with the defense thereof, unless (i) the indemnified party
shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the next
preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that in connection with such
action the indemnifying party or parties shall not be liable for the expenses of
more than one separate counsel (in addition to local counsel) in any one action
or separate but substantially similar actions in the same jurisdiction arising
out of the same general allegations or circumstances, designated by the
Representative in the case of paragraph (a) of this Section 8, representing the
indemnified parties under such paragraph (a) who are parties to such action or
actions), or (ii) the indemnifying party has authorized in writing the
employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the
indemnifying party or parties. After such notice from the indemnifying party or
parties to such indemnified party, the indemnifying party or parties will not be
liable for the costs and expenses of any settlement of such action effected by
such indemnified party without the consent of the indemnifying party or parties,
unless such indemnified party waived its rights under this Section 8 in which
case the indemnified party may effect such a settlement without such consent.

                                       24

<PAGE>
                  (d) If the indemnification provided for in the foregoing
paragraphs of this Section 8 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an
indemnified party under paragraph (a) or above in respect of any losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then
each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereof) (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties, on the one
hand, and the indemnified party, on the other, from the offering of the Shares
or (ii) if, but only if, the allocation provided by the foregoing clause (i) is
not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the
relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand, and the
indemnified party, on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions
or alleged statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages
or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the
one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, shall be deemed to be in the same
proportion as the total proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before
deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting
discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set
forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. Relative fault shall be
determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by the Company or the Representative on behalf
of the Underwriters, the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable
if contributions pursuant to this Section 8(d) were to be determined by pro rata
allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account
the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by
an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or
actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this Section 8(d) shall be
deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action
or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8(d), no Underwriter
shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the
total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public
were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such
Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay in respect of the same or any
substantially similar claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section
8(d), the Company shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of
the amount by which the total proceeds received by it from the sale of the
Shares under this Agreement, before deducting expenses, exceeds the aggregate
amount of any damages that the Company has otherwise been required to pay in
respect of the same or any substantially similar claim. No person found guilty
of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act)
will be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute as
provided in this Section 8(d) are several in proportion to their respective
underwriting obligations and not joint. For purposes of this Section 8(d), each
person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of
the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act will have the same rights to
contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer
of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any,
who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section
20 of the Exchange Act, will have the same rights to contribution as the
Company, subject in each case to the provisions of this Section 8(d). Any party
entitled to contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement
of any action, suit or proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim
for contribution may be made under this Section 8(d), notify any such party or
parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission so to notify will
not relieve the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any
other obligation(s) it or they may have hereunder or otherwise than under this
Section 8(d) or to the extent that such party or parties were not adversely
affected by such omission. The contribution agreement set forth above shall be
in addition to any liabilities which any indemnifying party may otherwise have.
No party will be liable for contribution with respect to any action or claim
settled without its written consent (which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld).
                                       25
<PAGE>

         9. Termination. The obligations of the several Underwriters under this
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date (or, with
respect to the Option Shares, if any, on or prior to the Option Closing Date),
by notice to the Company from the Representative, without liability on the part
of any Underwriter to the Company, if, prior to delivery and payment for the
Firm Shares (or the Option Shares, if any, as the case may be), (i) the Company
shall have failed, refused or been unable, at or prior to such Closing Date, to
perform all obligations on its part to be performed hereunder, (ii) trading in
the Common Stock or securities generally shall have been suspended by the
Commission or by The Nasdaq Stock Market, (iii) minimum or maximum prices shall
have been established for the Common Stock or securities generally on either The
Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange, or additional material
governmental restrictions, not in force on the date of this Agreement, shall
have been imposed upon trading in securities generally by any of such market or
exchange or by order of the Commission or any court or other governmental
authority, (iv) a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by the
United States or New York State authorities, or (v) any material adverse change
in the financial or securities markets in the United States or any outbreak or
material escalation of hostilities or declaration by the United States of a
national emergency or war or other calamity or crisis shall have occurred, the
effect of any of which is such as to make it, in the sole judgment of the
Representative, impracticable or inadvisable to market the Shares on the terms
and in the manner contemplated by the Prospectus. Any termination pursuant to
Section 9 shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as
provided in Sections 6 and 8.

         10. Default of Underwriters. If one or more Underwriters default in
their obligations to purchase Firm Shares or Option Shares hereunder and the
aggregate number of such Shares that such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
agreed but failed to purchase is ten percent (10%) or less of the aggregate
number of Firm Shares or Option Shares, as the case may be, to be purchased by
all of the Underwriters at such time hereunder, the other Underwriters may make
arrangements satisfactory to the Representative for the purchase of such Shares
by other persons (who may include one or more of the non-defaulting
Underwriters, including the Representative), but if no such arrangements are
made by the Closing Date or the related Option Closing Date, as the case may be,
the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in proportion to their
respective commitments hereunder to purchase the Firm Shares or Option Shares
that such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase.
If one or more Underwriters so default with respect to an aggregate number of
Shares that is more than ten percent of the aggregate number of Firm Shares or
Option Shares, as the case may be, to be purchased by all of the Underwriters at
such time hereunder, and if arrangements satisfactory to the Representative are
not made within 36 hours after such default for the purchase by other persons
(who may include one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, including the
Representative) of the Shares with respect to which such default occurs, this
Agreement will terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting
Underwriter or the Company other than as provided in Section 11 hereof. In the
event of any default by one or more Underwriters as described in this Section
10, the Representative shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or the
Option Closing Date, as the case may be, established as provided in Section 2
hereof for not more than seven (7) business days in order that any necessary
changes may be made in the arrangements or documents for the purchase and
delivery of the Firm Shares or Option Shares, as the case may be. As used in
this Agreement, the term "Underwriter" includes any person substituted for an
Underwriter under this Section 10. Nothing herein shall relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability for its default.

                                       26

<PAGE>

         11. Survival. The respective representations, warranties, agreements,
covenants, indemnities and other statements of the Company, its officers and the
several Underwriters set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of
them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company,
any of its officers or directors, any Underwriter or any controlling person
referred to in Section 8 hereof and (ii) delivery of and payment for the Shares.
The respective agreements, covenants, indemnities and other statements set forth
in Sections 5 and 8 hereof shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of
any termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

         12. Notices. Notice given pursuant to any of the provisions of this
Agreement shall be in writing and, unless otherwise specified, shall be mailed
or delivered (a) if to the Company, at the office of the Company, 440 Ninth
Avenue, New York, New York 10001-1695, Attention: Mr. George V. Flagg,
Telephone: (212) 629-1213 and Facsimile: (212) 563-0129, with a copy to
Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New
York 10176, Attention: Jeffrey W. Rubin, Esquire, Telephone: (212) 476-8224 and
Facsimile: (212) 697-6686 or (b) if to the Underwriters, to the Representative
at the offices of Brean Murray & Co., Inc., 570 Lexington Avenue, New York, New
York 10022 Attention: Mr. A. Brean Murray, Telephone: (212) 476-0700 and
Facsimile: (212) 476-0798, with a copy to Piper & Marbury L.L.P., 1251 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, New York 10020-1104, Attention: Michael Hirschberg,
Esq., Telephone: (212) 835-6270 and Facsimile: (212) 835-6001. Any such notice
shall be effective only upon receipt. Any notice under Section 8 or 9 may be
made by telephone or facsimile but if so made shall be subsequently confirmed in
writing.

         13. Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall
be binding upon the several Underwriters, the Company and their respective
successors and legal representatives, and nothing expressed or mentioned in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any legal
or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement, or
any provisions herein contained, this Agreement and all conditions and
provisions hereof being intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive
benefit of such persons and for the benefit of no other person except that (i)
the indemnities of the Company contained in Section 8 of this Agreement shall
also be for the benefit of any person or persons who control any Underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act
and (ii) the indemnities of the Underwriters contained in Section 8 of this
Agreement shall also be for the benefit of the directors of the Company, the
officers of the Company who have signed the Registration Statement and any
person or persons who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of
the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act. No purchaser of Shares from any
Underwriter shall be deemed a successor because of such purchase. This Agreement
shall not be assignable by any party hereto without the prior written consent of
the other parties.

                                       27

<PAGE>

         14. APPLICABLE LAW. THE VALIDITY AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT,
AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH HEREIN, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING
EFFECT TO ANY PROVISIONS RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

         15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         16. Information Provided by Underwriters. The Company and the
Underwriters acknowledge and agree that the only information furnished or to be
furnished by any Underwriter to the Company for inclusion in any Prospectus or
the Registration Statement consists of the information set forth in the last
paragraph on the front cover page and the last two paragraphs on the inside
front cover of the Prospectus (insofar as such information relates to the
Underwriters) and under the caption "Underwriting" in the Prospectus.

         Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement
among the Company and the several Underwriters.

                                 Very truly yours,

                                 HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC.

                                 By:
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                 Name: George V. Flagg
                                 Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

Confirmed as of the date first above mentioned:

BREAN MURRAY & CO., INC.


By:
   --------------------------------
   Name:  A. Brean Murray
   Title: Chairman

Acting on its behalf and as the Representative of the other several Underwriters
named in Schedule I hereof.

                                       28
<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE I

                                  UNDERWRITERS

                                                                     Aggregate
                                                                     Number of
                                                                     Shares to
                                                                     be
                                                                     Purchased
                                                                    ----------


Brean Murray & Co., Inc. ......................................
                                                                    ----------
            Total .............................................      1,000,000
                                                                    ==========



<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.5


                  THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (THIS "WARRANT") AND ANY
SECURITIES ACQUIRED UPON THE EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES LAWS AND NEITHER THIS WARRANT, THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST
THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF
EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT OR SUCH
LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS THAT, IN THE
OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THIS COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.


                         -------------------------------

                          HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC.

                          Common Stock Purchase Warrant

                         -------------------------------



DATE OF ISSUANCE: August 30, 1996

                  This certifies that, for good and valuable consideration,
HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), grants to
AMERICAN SCANDINAVIAN BANKING CORPORATION, a New York corporation (the
"Warrantholder"), the right to subscribe for and purchase from the Company One
Hundred Thousand (100,000) validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares
(the "Warrant Shares") of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"), at the purchase price per share of $9.75 (the "Exercise
Price"), at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date, all subject to the terms, conditions and adjustments herein set forth.

                  This Warrant was issued in connection with the Credit
Agreement, dated August 30, 1996, among the Company, the Warrantholder and Bank
of Boston Connecticut (the "Credit Agreement"). The Warrantholder is entitled to
the rights and subject to the obligations contained in the Registration Rights
Agreement, dated August 30, 1996, among the Company, Merita Bank Ltd. and Bank
of Boston Connecticut.
<PAGE>


               1. Duration and Exercise of Warrant; Limitation on Exercise;
                  Payment of Taxes

                  1.1 Duration and Exercise of Warrant.

                  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, this
Warrant may be exercised, in whole or in part and at any time(s), by the
Warrantholder by:

                  (a) the surrender of this Warrant to the Company, with a duly
executed Exercise Form specifying the number of Warrant Shares to be purchased,
during normal business hours on any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date;
and

                  (b) the delivery of payment to the Company, for the account of
the Company, by cash, wire transfer, certified or official bank check or any
other means approved by the Company, of the Exercise Price for the number of
Warrant Shares specified in the Exercise Form in lawful money of the United
States of America and/or by surrender to the Company of shares of Common Stock
then owned by the Warrantholder and valued for purposes hereof at their Current
Market Value at the time of exercise.

                  The Company agrees that such Warrant Shares shall be deemed to
be issued to the Warrantholder as the record holder of such Warrant Shares as of
the close of business on the date on which this Warrant shall have been
surrendered and payment made for the Warrant Shares as aforesaid (or as provided
in Section 1.2 below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such surrender shall be
effective to constitute the Person entitled to receive such shares as the record
holder thereof while the transfer books of the Company for the Common Stock are
closed for any purpose (but not for any period in excess of five days); but any
such surrender of this Warrant for exercise during any period while such books
are so closed shall become effective for exercise immediately upon the reopening
of such books, as if the exercise had been made on the date this Warrant was
surrendered and for the number of shares of Common Stock and at the Exercise
Price in effect at the date of such surrender.

                  1.2 Conversion Right.

                  (a) In lieu of the payment of the Exercise Price, the
Warrantholder shall have the right (but not the obligation), to require the
Company to convert this Warrant, in whole or in part, into shares of Common
Stock (the "Conversion Right") as provided for in this Section 1.2. Upon
exercise of the Conversion Right, the Company shall deliver to the Warrantholder
(without payment by the Warrantholder of any of the Exercise Price) in
accordance with Section 1.1 that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
quotient obtained by dividing (i) the value of the number of Warrant Shares
being converted at the time the Conversion Right is exercised (determined by
subtracting the aggregate Exercise Price for all such Warrant Shares in effect
immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right from the aggregate
Current Market Value (as defined herein) for the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of the Warrant immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion
Right) by (ii) the Current Market Value of one share of Common Stock immediately
prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                  (b) The Conversion Right may be exercised by the Warrantholder
on any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date by delivering the Warrant
Certificate, with a duly executed Exercise Form with the conversion section
completed, to the Company, exercising the Conversion Right and specifying the
total number of shares of Common Stock that the Warrantholder will be issued
pursuant to such conversion.

                  1.3 Warrant Shares Certificate.

                  A stock certificate or certificates for the Warrant Shares
specified in the Exercise Form shall be delivered to the Warrantholder within
ten Business Days after receipt of the Exercise Form by the Company and, if the
Conversion Right is not exercised, payment of the purchase price. If this
Warrant shall have been exercised only in part, the Company shall, at the time
of delivery of the stock certificate or certificates, deliver to the
Warrantholder a new Warrant evidencing the rights to purchase the remaining
Warrant Shares, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with
this Warrant.

                  1.4 Payment of Taxes.

                  The issuance of certificates for Warrant Shares shall be made
without charge to the Warrantholder for any stock transfer or other issuance tax
in respect thereto; provided, however, that the Warrantholder shall be required
to pay any and all taxes that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issuance and delivery of any certificate in a name other than that of the
then Warrantholder as reflected upon the books of the Company.


               2. Restrictions on Transfer; Restrictive Legends.

                  2.1 Restrictions on Transfer.

                  This Warrant may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of, in whole or in part, to any Person other than an
Affiliate of the Warrantholder without the prior written consent of the Company,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>


                  2.2 Restrictive Legends.

                  Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 2, each Warrant
(and each Warrant issued in substitution for any Warrant pursuant to Section 4)
shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the
following form:

                                    THIS WARRANT AND ANY SECURITIES ACQUIRED
                           UPON THE EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN
                           REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
                           AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS,
                           AND NEITHER THE WARRANT NOR THE SECURITIES NOR ANY
                           INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED,
                           PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO
                           AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT OR
                           SUCH LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER
                           SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS THAT, IN THE OPINION OF
                           COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE
                           REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THIS COMPANY,
                           IS AVAILABLE.

Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 2, each stock certificate for
Warrant Shares issued upon the exercise of any Warrant and each stock
certificate issued upon the direct or indirect transfer of any such Warrant
Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially
the following form:

                                    THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS
                           CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
                           SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR
                           THE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. THE
                           SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED,
                           PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO
                           AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT OR
                           SUCH LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER
                           SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS THAT, IN THE OPINION OF
                           COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE
                           REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THIS COMPANY,
                           IS AVAILABLE.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Warrantholder may require
the Company to issue a Warrant or a stock certificate for Warrant Shares, in
each case without a legend, if either (i) such Warrant or such Warrant Shares,
as the case may be, have been registered for resale under the Securities Act,
(ii) the Warrantholder has delivered to the Company an opinion of legal counsel
(from a firm reasonably satisfactory to the Company) which opinion shall be
addressed to the Company and be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
the Company's counsel, to the effect that such registration is not required with
respect to such Warrant or such Warrant Shares, as the case may be or (iii) such
Warrant or Warrant Shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor
provision then in effect) under the Securities Act.


               3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Company

                  3.1 Covenants of the Company

                  The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

                  (a) All Warrant Shares that are issued upon the exercise of
this Warrant shall, upon issuance, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable shares, not subject to any preemptive rights, and free
from all taxes payable by the Company, liens, security interests, charges, and
other encumbrances with respect to the issuance thereof, other than taxes in
respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue.

                  (b) During the period within which this Warrant may be
exercised, the Company shall at all times have authorized and reserved, and keep
available free from preemptive rights, a sufficient number of shares of Common
Stock to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant.

                  (c) The Company shall not, by amendment of its Certificate of
Incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation,
merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other action, avoid or
seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant,
and shall at all times in good faith assist in performing and giving effect to
the terms hereof and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or
appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Warrantholder against dilution
or other impairment. In no event shall the Company transfer all or substantially
all of its assets to any other person or consolidate with or merge into any
other entity where the Company is not the surviving entity or person, unless the
other entity or person acquiring such properties and assets or surviving after
such consolidation or merger shall assume, by operation of law or otherwise, all
the terms of this Warrant.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>


                  (d) The Company shall take no action which would cause any
changes in the Common Stock as to which an appropriate adjustment in the number
of Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price could not be readily made pursuant to
the intention of Section 6 below.


                  (e) At all times prior to the Expiration Date, the Company
will promptly deliver to the Warrantholder all notices, reports and other
communications delivered to the Company's shareholders, including all public
notices, reports, filings and other information submitted to the Commission,
such delivery to the Warrantholder to be made contemporaneously with such
delivery to the Company's shareholders.

                  (f) The Company will not permit the par value, if any, of any
shares of stock receivable upon the exercise of this Warrant to exceed the
amount payable therefor upon such exercise.

                  3.2 Representations and Warranties of the Company

                  The Company hereby represents and warrants to the
Warrantholder as follows:

                  (a) The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has the
corporate power and authority to conduct its business as presently conducted,
has the corporate power and authority to execute, issue and deliver this Warrant
and to perform its obligations under this Warrant, has the corporate power and
authority and legal right to own and lease its properties and is duly qualified
and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which it
owns or leases real property or in which the conduct of its business requires
such qualification, except where failure to be so qualified could not be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  (b) The execution, delivery, issuance and performance by the
Company of this Warrant and the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon exercise of
this Warrant have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do
not and will not violate, or result in a breach of, or constitute a default
under, or require any consent under, or result in the creation of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon the assets of the Company pursuant to any law,
statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order or decree of any court, governmental
body or regulatory authority or administrative agency having jurisdiction over
the Company or its subsidiaries or any contract, mortgage, loan agreement, note,
lease or other instrument binding upon the Company or its subsidiaries or by
which their properties are bound.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>


                  (c) This Warrant has been duly executed, issued and delivered
by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable
obligation of the Company.

                  (d) The Company has authorized capital stock consisting of
12,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of which 4,459,257 shares are
issued and outstanding as of July 15, 1996. Except for the securities listed on
Schedule 5.7(b) of the Credit Agreement, there are outstanding no options,
warrants or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into
shares of capital stock of the Company.

                  (e) No holder of securities of the Company has any right to
the registration of such securities under the Securities Act and any applicable
state securities laws, except as set forth in Schedule 5.7(b) of the Credit
Agreement.


               4. Loss or Destruction of Warrant.

                  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, upon receipt by
the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and, in the case of loss, theft or
destruction, of such bond or indemnification as the Company may reasonably
require, and, in the case of such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of
this Warrant, the Company will execute and deliver a new Warrant of like tenor.


               5. Ownership of Warrant.

                  The Company may deem and treat the person in whose name this
Warrant is registered as the holder and owner hereof (notwithstanding any
notations of ownership or writing hereon made by anyone other than the Company)
for all purposes and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary, until
presentation of this Warrant for registration of transfer.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

               6. Certain Adjustments.

                  6.1 Stock Dividends, Splits, Combinations of Stock

                  If at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) the
Company shall pay a stock dividend payable in shares of Common Stock; (ii) the
number of shares of Common Stock shall have been increased by a subdivision or
split-up of shares of Common Stock; or (iii) the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding at any time after the date of the issuance of this Warrant
shall have been decreased by a combination of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock; then, on the date of the payment of such dividend, or immediately after
the effective date of subdivision, split up, or combination, as the case may be,
the number of shares to be delivered upon exercise of this Warrant will be
increased or decreased, as the case may be, so that the Warrantholder will be
entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock that such Warrantholder
would have owned immediately following such action had this Warrant been
exercised immediately prior thereto, and the Exercise Price will be adjusted as
provided below in Section 6.8.

                  6.2 Liquidating Dividends, etc.

                  If at any time while this Warrant is outstanding the Company
makes a distribution of its property to the holders of its Common Stock as a
dividend in liquidation or partial liquidation or by way of return of capital
other than as a dividend payable out of funds legally available for dividends
under the laws of the State of Delaware, the Warrantholder shall, upon exercise,
be entitled to receive, in addition to the number of shares of Warrant Shares
receivable thereupon, and without payment of any consideration therefor, a sum
equal to the amount of such property as would have been payable to the
Warrantholder as owner of that number of shares of Warrant Shares of the Company
receivable by exercise of this Warrant, had the Warrantholder been the holder of
record of such Warrant Shares on the record date for such distribution; and an
appropriate provision therefor shall be made a part of any such distribution.

                  6.3 Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock

                  If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding,
shall issue any Additional Shares (otherwise than as provided elsewhere in this
Section 6), at a price per share less than the Exercise Price then in effect or
less than the Current Market Value then in effect or without consideration, then
the Exercise Price upon each such issuance shall be adjusted to that price
determined by multiplying the Exercise Price then in effect by a fraction:


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                  (i) the numerator of which shall be equal to the sum of (a)
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
issuance of such Additional Shares plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock
which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such Additional Shares
so issued would purchase at a price per share equal to the Current Market Value
then in effect or the Exercise Price then in effect (whichever is greater), and

                  (ii) the denominator of which shall be equal to the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the issuance of such
Additional Shares.

                  For the purposes of any adjustment of the Exercise Price
pursuant to this Section 6.3, the following provisions shall be applicable:

                  (a) In the case of the issuance of Common Stock by the Company
to third parties for cash, the consideration shall be deemed to be the amount of
cash paid therefor, without deducting therefrom any discounts, commissions or
other expenses allowed, paid or incurred by the Company for any underwriting or
otherwise in connection with the issuance and sale thereof;

                  (b) In the case of the issuance of Common Stock by the Company
to third parties for a consideration in whole or in part other than cash, the
consideration other than cash shall be deemed to be the fair value thereof as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company; provided,
however, that the aggregate fair market value of such non-cash and cash
consideration as so determined shall not exceed the aggregate Current Market
Value of the shares of Common Stock being issued; and

                  (c) In the case of the issuance after the date hereof of (i)
warrants or options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock, (ii)
securities by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or
(iii) options to purchase or rights to subscribe for such convertible or
exchangeable securities:

                  (i) The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock
deliverable upon exercise of such options to purchase or rights to subscribe for
Common Stock shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such options or
rights were issued and for a consideration equal to the consideration
(determined in the manner provided in subsections (a) and (b) above, if any,
received by the Company upon the issuance of such options or rights plus the
minimum purchase price provided in such options or the rights for the Common
Stock covered thereby;

                  (ii) The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock
deliverable upon conversion of or in exchange for any such convertible or
exchangeable securities or upon the exercise of options to purchase or rights to
subscribe for such convertible or exchangeable securities and subsequent
conversions or exchanges thereof shall be deemed to have been issued at the time
such securities were issued or such options or rights were issued and for a

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

consideration equal to the consideration received by the Company for any such
securities and related options or rights (excluding any cash received on account
of accrued interest or accrued dividends), plus the additional consideration, if
any, to be received by the Company upon the conversion or exchange of such
securities or the exercise of any related options or rights (the consideration
in each case to be determined in the manner provided in subsections (a) and (b)
above);

                  (iii) Upon any change in the exercise price of Common Stock
deliverable upon exercise of any such options or rights or conversion of or
exchange for such convertible or exchangeable securities, other than a change
resulting from the antidilution provisions thereof, the Exercise Price shall
forthwith be readjusted to such Exercise Price as would have obtained had the
adjustment made upon the issuance of such options, rights or securities not
converted prior to such change or options or rights related to such securities
not converted prior to such change been made upon the basis of such change; and

                  (iv) Upon the expiration of any such options or rights, the
termination of any such rights to convert or exchange or the expiration of any
options or rights related to such convertible or exchangeable securities, the
Exercise Price shall forthwith be readjusted to such Exercise Price as would
have obtained had the adjustment made upon the issuance of such options, rights
securities or options or rights related to such securities been made upon the
basis of the issuance of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually
issued upon the exercise of such options or rights, upon the conversion or
exchange of such securities or upon the exercise of the options or rights
related to such securities and subsequent conversion or exchange thereof.

The provisions of this Section 6.3 shall not apply under any of the
circumstances for which an adjustment is provided in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 or
6.5.

                  6.4 Reorganization, etc.

                  If any capital reorganization of the Company, or any
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any consolidation of the Company with
or merger of the Company with or into any other Person (other than a
consolidation or merger in which the Company is the resulting or surviving
Person and which does not result in any reclassification or change of
outstanding Common Stock) or any sale, lease or other transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company to any other Person, shall be
effected in such a way that the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive stock, other securities or assets (whether such stock, other securities
or assets are issued or distributed by the Company or another Person) with
respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, then, upon exercise of this Warrant,
the Warrantholder shall have the right to receive the kind and amount of stock,

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

other securities or assets receivable upon such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale, lease or other transfer by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock that such Warrantholder would
have been entitled to receive upon exercise of this Warrant had this Warrant
been exercised immediately before such reorganization, reclassification,
consolidation, merger or sale, lease or other transfer, subject to adjustments
that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments
provided for in this Section 6.

                  6.5 Certain Distributions.

                  In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time
distribute to all holders of shares of its Common Stock (including any such
distribution made in connection with a merger or consolidation in which the
Company is the resulting or surviving Person and the Common Stock is not changed
or exchanged) cash, evidences of indebtedness of the Company or another Person,
securities of the Company or another Person or other assets (excluding dividends
payable in shares of Common Stock for which adjustment is made under Section 6.1
above or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase securities of the
Company), then, and in each such case, the Exercise Price then in effect shall
be adjusted (and any other appropriate actions shall be taken by the Company) so
that the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive the amount of cash,
evidences of indebtedness, securities, other assets, subscription or purchase
rights or warrants so distributed that such Warrantholder would have owned or
would have been entitled to receive upon or by reason of any such events, had
this Warrant been exercised immediately prior to the occurrence of such event;
provided, however, that no adjustment shall be made with respect to any
distribution of rights to purchase securities of the Company if the
Warrantholder would otherwise be entitled to receive such rights upon exercise
at any time of this Warrant. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such
distribution is made and shall become effective retroactively to a date
immediately following the close of business on the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

                  6.6 Purchase of Common Stock by the Company.

                  If the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding
shall, directly or indirectly through an Affiliate or otherwise, purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Common Stock at a price per share greater
than the Current Market Value then in effect, then the Exercise Price upon each
such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be adjusted to that price
determined by multiplying such Exercise Price by a fraction (i) the numerator of
which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such purchase, redemption or acquisition minus the number of shares of
Common Stock which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such
shares of Common Stock so purchased, redeemed or acquired would purchase at the

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

Current Market Value; and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such purchase, redemption
or acquisition. For the purposes of this Section 6.6, the date as of which the
Current Market Value shall be computed shall be the earlier of (x) the date on
which the Company shall enter into a firm contract for the purchase, redemption
or acquisition of such Common Stock, or (y) the date of actual purchase,
redemption or acquisition of such Common Stock.

                  6.7 Carryover.

                  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6, no
adjustment shall be made to the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered
to the Warrantholder (or to the Exercise Price) if such adjustment represents
less than 1% of the number of shares to be so delivered, but any lesser
adjustment shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time and together
with the next subsequent adjustment that together with any adjustments so
carried forward shall amount to 1% or more of the number of shares to be so
delivered.

                  6.8 Exercise Price Adjustment.

                  Whenever the number of Warrant Shares purchasable upon the
exercise of the Warrant is adjusted as provided pursuant to this Section 6, the
Exercise Price payable upon the exercise of this Warrant shall be adjusted by
multiplying such Exercise Price immediately prior to such adjustment by a
fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of Warrant Shares
purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrant immediately prior to such
adjustment, and of which the denominator shall be the number of Warrant Shares
purchasable immediately thereafter; provided, however, that the Exercise Price
for each Warrant Share shall in no event be less than the par value of such
Warrant Share.

                  6.9 No Adjustment for Dividends.

                  Except as provided in Section 6.1, no adjustment in respect of
any dividends shall be made during the term of this Warrant or upon the exercise
of this Warrant. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no adjustment shall
be made on Warrant Shares issuable on the exercise of this Warrant for any cash
dividends paid or payable to holders of record of Common Stock prior to the date
as of which the Warrantholder shall be deemed to be the record holder of such
Warrant Shares.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

                  6.10 Notice of Adjustment.

                  Whenever the number of Warrant Shares or the Exercise Price of
such Warrant Shares is adjusted, as herein provided, the Company shall promptly
mail by first class, postage prepaid, to the Warrantholder, notice of such
adjustment or adjustments and certificate of a firm of independent public
accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Board of Directors
of the Company (who shall be appointed at the Company's expense and who may be
the independent public accountants regularly employed by the Company) setting
forth the number of Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price of such Warrant Shares
after such adjustment, setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring
such adjustment and setting forth the computation by which such adjustment was
made.


               7. Amendments.

                  Any provision of this Warrant may be amended and the
observance thereof waived only with the written consent of the Company and the
Warrantholder.


               8. Notices of Corporate Action.

                  In case at any time the Company proposes:

                  (a) to pay any dividend payable in capital stock (of any class
or classes) or in convertible securities upon Common Stock or make any
distribution to the holders of Common Stock;

                  (b) to make an offer for subscription to the holders of Common
Stock of any Additional Shares or to grant to the holders of Common Stock
generally any rights or options;

                  (c) to effect any capital reorganization or reclassification
of the capital stock of the Company or consolidation or merger of the Company
with, or sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets to, another
corporation;

                  (d) to issue any shares of its capital stock as part or full
consideration for the purchase of assets or stock; or

                  (e) to effect a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation or winding-up of the Company;

then, in any one or more such cases, the Company shall give written notice to
the Warrantholder of the date on which: (i) the transfer books of the Company
shall close or a record shall be taken for such dividend, distribution,
subscription rights or grant; and (ii) a record shall be taken to determine
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders at
which any such proposed reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger,
sale or transfer of assets, dissolution, liquidation or winding up shall take
place, as the case may be. Such notice shall also specify the date as of which
the holders of Common Stock of record shall participate in such dividend,
distribution or subscription rights, or shall be entitled to vote on or exchange
their Common Stock for securities or other property deliverable upon such
reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

assets, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, as the case may be. Such written
notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty
(60) days prior to such date on which the transfer books of the Company shall
close or a record shall be taken or the relevant event shall occur, as the case
may be, and such notice may state that any action will be taken only if certain
events specified in such notice (such as the clearing of proxy material by the
Commission or an affirmative vote of stockholders) occur prior thereto.


               9. Definitions.

                  As used herein, unless the context otherwise required, the
following terms have the following respective meanings:

                  "Additional Shares" means (i) all shares of Common Stock
issued by the Company after the date of this Warrant except (x) Warrant Shares
and (y) shares of Common Stock issued after August 30, 1996 pursuant to the
exercise of stock options granted prior to that date under the Company's
employee stock option or other benefit plans or (2) shares of Common Stock
issued after August 30, 1996 pursuant to the exercise of stock options granted
after that date under the Company's employee stock option or other benefit
plans, provided, however, that the number of shares issued as described in
clause (2) shall not exceed 250,000 in the aggregate (as adjusted pursuant to
Section 6 above); and (ii) any capital stock of the Company of any class which
shall be authorized at any time after the date of this Warrant (other than
Common Stock) and which shall have the right to participate in the distribution
of earnings and assets of the Company without limitation as to amount.

                  "Affiliate" with respect to any Person shall mean any Person
who is an "affiliate" as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
Regulations under the Exchange Act.

                  "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
a day on which national banks are authorized by law to close in the State of New
York.

                  "Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>


                  "Common Stock" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
Warrant.

                  "Company" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
Warrant.

                  "Credit Agreement" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant.

                  "Current Market Value" means, at any date and with respect to
one share of Common Stock, the average of the daily closing prices for the 30
consecutive business days ending no more than 15 Business Days before the day in
question (as adjusted for any stock dividend, split, combination or
reclassification that took effect during such 30 Business Day period). The
closing price for each day shall be the last reported sales price regular way,
or in case no such reported sales took place on such day, the average of the
last reported bid and asked prices on regular way, in either case on the
principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or
admitted to trading (or if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted for
trading on any such exchange, on any day in question, then such price as shall
be equal to the average on the last bid and asked prices, as reported by the
NASDAQ on such day, or if, on any day in the question, the Common Stock shall
not be quoted on the NASDAQ, then such price shall be equal to the last reported
bid and asked prices on such day as reported by the National Quotation Bureau,
Inc. or any similar reputable quotation and reporting service, if such quotation
is not reported by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc.); provided, however, that
if the Common Stock is not traded in such manner that the quotations referred to
above are available for the period required hereunder, the Current Market Value
shall be determined in good faith by the mutual agreement of the Board of
Directors of the Company and the holder hereof or, if such determination cannot
be agreed to, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm
selected mutually by the holder of this Warrant and the Company (or if such
selection cannot be made, by a nationally recognized independent investment
banking firm selected by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with
its rules). In connection with a determination of Current Market Value by an
investment banking firm, Current Market Value shall be determined based on the
value of the Company as a going-concern, without any discount for (a) control
premiums which could be allocated to other shareholders or (b) any illiquidity
in the Common Stock.

                  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (or any successor statute thereto), and the rules and regulations of the
Commission promulgated thereunder.

                  "Exercise Form" means an Exercise Form in the form annexed
hereto as Exhibit A.


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

                  "Exercise Price" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant.

                  "Expiration Date" means the later of: (i) August 30, 2002; or
(ii) one year after the date on which repayment is made in full on any
indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                  "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association,
joint venture, joint stock company, governmental authority or other entity of
any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such
entity.

                  "Securities Act" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.
Reference to a particular section of the Securities Act shall include a
reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such similar federal
statute.

                  "Warrantholder" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
Warrant.

                  "Warrant Shares" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant.


              10. Miscellaneous

                  10.1 Entire Agreement.

                  This Warrant constitutes the entire agreement between the
Company and the Warrantholder with respect to the Warrants.

                  10.2 Binding Effect; Benefits.

                  This Warrant shall inure to the benefit of and shall be
binding upon the Company and the Warrantholder and their respective permitted
successors and assigns. Nothing in this Warrant, express or implied, is intended
to or shall confer on any person other than the Company and the Warrantholder,
or their respective permitted successors or assigns, any rights, remedies,
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Warrant.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>


                  10.3 Section and Other Headings.

                  The section and other headings contained in this Warrant are
for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Warrant
or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Warrant.

                  10.4 Notices.

                  All notices, demands and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be by registered or
certified first-class mail, return receipt requested, telecopier, courier
service, overnight mail or personal delivery:

                  (a)      if to the Company:

                           Holmes Protection Group, Inc.
                           440 9th Avenue
                           New York, New York 10001-1695
                           Attn: Lawrence Irving
                           Telephone:       (212) 760-0630
                           Telecopy:        (212) 563-0129

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Buchanan Ingersoll
                           College Centre
                           500 College Road
                           Princeton, New Jersey 08540
                           Attn: Dennis M. Stern, Esq.
                           Telephone:       (609) 987-6800
                           Telecopy:        (609) 520-0360

                  (b)      if to American Scandinavian Banking Corporation:

                           c/o Merita Bank Ltd.
                           437 Madison Avenue
                           21st Floor
                           New York, New York 10022
                           Attn:  Charles J. Lansdown
                           Telephone:       (212) 318-9562
                           Telecopy:        (212) 421-4420

                           with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:


                                      -17-
<PAGE>


                           Merita Bank Ltd.
                           437 Madison Avenue
                           21st Floor
                           New York, New York 10022
                           Attn: Rossella Perna
                           Telephone:       (212) 318-9345
                           Telecopy:        (212) 421-4420

                           and

                           Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
                           Columbia Square
                           555 Thirteenth Street, N.W.
                           Washington, D.C. 20004-1109
                           Attn: Claudette M. Christian
                           Telephone:       (202) 637-5650
                           Telecopy:        (202) 637-5910

                  All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have
been duly given when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when delivered
by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or
overnight mail; five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail,
postage prepaid, if mailed; and when receipt is mechanically acknowledged, if
telecopied. Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section 10.4
designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

                  10.5 Severability.

                  Any term or provision of this Warrant which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the terms and provisions of this Warrant or affecting the
validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Warrant in
any other jurisdiction.

                  10.6 Governing Law.

                  This warrant shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the choice of law rules
thereof).


                                      -18-
<PAGE>

                  10.7 No Rights or Liabilities as Stockholder.

                  Nothing contained in this Warrant shall be determined as
conferring upon the Warrantholder any rights as a stockholder of the Company or
as imposing any liabilities on the Warrantholder to purchase any securities
whether such liabilities are asserted by the Company or by creditors or
stockholders of the Company or otherwise.

                  10.8 Continued Validity.

                  A holder of Common Stock received upon exercise of this
Warrant ("Exercised Shares") shall continue to be entitled with respect to such
Exercised Shares to all rights and subject to all obligations to which it would
have been entitled or subject as a holder hereof under Sections 1.4, 3.1, 7, and
10.6 of this Warrant. The Company will, at the time of each exercise of this
Warrant, in whole or in part, upon the request of the holder of the Exercised
Shares issued upon such exercise, acknowledge in writing, in form reasonably
satisfactory to such holder, its continuing obligation to afford to such holder
all such rights; provided, however, that if such holder shall fail to make any
such request, such failure shall not affect the continuing obligation of the
Company to afford to such holder all such rights.


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be
signed by its duly authorized officer.


                                  HOLMES PROTECTION
                                    GROUP, INC.


                                  By:  /s/ Lawrence R. Irving
                                       -----------------------------
                                  Name:  Lawrence R. Irving
                                  Title:    Vice President - Finance


                                      -19-
<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit A
                                                                     ---------


                                  EXERCISE FORM
                                  -------------

                 (To be executed upon exercise of this Warrant)


                  The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the
right represented by this Warrant to purchase _________ of the Warrant Shares
and [herewith tenders payment for such Warrant Shares to the order of Holmes
Protection Group, Inc.] [hereby exercises its Conversion Right] in accordance
with the terms of this Warrant. The undersigned requests that a certificate for
[such Warrant Shares] [that number of Warrant Shares to which the undersigned is
entitled as calculated pursuant to Section 1.2] be registered in the name of the
undersigned and that such certificates be delivered to the undersigned's address
below.

                  The undersigned represents that it is acquiring such Warrant
Shares for its own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in
connection with any distribution thereof (subject, however, to any requirement
of law that the disposition thereof shall at all times be within its control).

Dated:
      ----------------------------


                                   Signature:
                                             ----------------------------------

                                             ----------------------------------
                                             (Print name)

                                             ----------------------------------
                                             (Street address)

                                             ----------------------------------
                                             (City)  (State)  (Zip code)


Signed in the presence of:


- ------------------------------



<PAGE>

                                   Schedule A
                                   ----------







<PAGE>


                  THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (THIS "WARRANT") AND ANY
SECURITIES ACQUIRED UPON THE EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES LAWS AND NEITHER THIS WARRANT, THE SECURITIES NOR ANY INTEREST
THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF
EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT OR SUCH
LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS THAT, IN THE
OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THIS COMPANY, IS AVAILABLE.


                            -------------------------

                          HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC.

                          Common Stock Purchase Warrant

                            -------------------------



DATE OF ISSUANCE: August 30, 1996

                  This certifies that, for good and valuable consideration,
HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), grants to
BANK OF BOSTON CONNECTICUT, a Connecticut State Savings Bank (the
"Warrantholder"), the right to subscribe for and purchase from the Company
Sixty-Six Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Six (66,666) validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable shares (the "Warrant Shares") of Common Stock, par value $.01
per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock"), at the purchase price per share
of $9.75 (the "Exercise Price"), at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the Expiration Date, all subject to the terms, conditions and
adjustments herein set forth.

                  This Warrant was issued in connection with the Credit
Agreement, dated August 30, 1996, among the Company, the Warrantholder and
Merita Bank Ltd. (the "Credit Agreement"). The Warrantholder is entitled to the
rights and subject to the obligations contained in the Registration Rights
Agreement, dated August 30, 1996, among the Company, Merita Bank Ltd. and Bank
of Boston Connecticut.

<PAGE>

              1.  Duration and Exercise of Warrant; Limitation on Exercise; 
                  Payment of Taxes

                  1.1      Duration and Exercise of Warrant.

                  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, this
Warrant may be exercised, in whole or in part and at any time(s), by the
Warrantholder by:

                  (a) the surrender of this Warrant to the Company, with a duly
executed Exercise Form specifying the number of Warrant Shares to be purchased,
during normal business hours on any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date;
and

                  (b) the delivery of payment to the Company, for the account of
the Company, by cash, wire transfer, certified or official bank check or any
other means approved by the Company, of the Exercise Price for the number of
Warrant Shares specified in the Exercise Form in lawful money of the United
States of America and/or by surrender to the Company of shares of Common Stock
then owned by the Warrantholder and valued for purposes hereof at their Current
Market Value at the time of exercise.

                  The Company agrees that such Warrant Shares shall be deemed to
be issued to the Warrantholder as the record holder of such Warrant Shares as of
the close of business on the date on which this Warrant shall have been
surrendered and payment made for the Warrant Shares as aforesaid (or as provided
in Section 1.2 below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such surrender shall be
effective to constitute the Person entitled to receive such shares as the record
holder thereof while the transfer books of the Company for the Common Stock are
closed for any purpose (but not for any period in excess of five days); but any
such surrender of this Warrant for exercise during any period while such books
are so closed shall become effective for exercise immediately upon the reopening
of such books, as if the exercise had been made on the date this Warrant was
surrendered and for the number of shares of Common Stock and at the Exercise
Price in effect at the date of such surrender.

                  1.2 Conversion Right.

                  (a) In lieu of the payment of the Exercise Price, the
Warrantholder shall have the right (but not the obligation), to require the
Company to convert this Warrant, in whole or in part, into shares of Common
Stock (the "Conversion Right") as provided for in this Section 1.2. Upon
exercise of the Conversion Right, the Company shall deliver to the Warrantholder
(without payment by the Warrantholder of any of the Exercise Price) in
accordance with Section 1.1 that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
quotient obtained by dividing (i) the value of the number of Warrant Shares
being converted at the time the Conversion Right is exercised (determined by
subtracting the aggregate Exercise Price for all such Warrant Shares in effect
immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right from the aggregate
Current Market Value (as defined herein) for the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of the Warrant immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion
Right) by (ii) the Current Market Value of one share of Common Stock immediately
prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>


                  (b) The Conversion Right may be exercised by the Warrantholder
on any Business Day prior to the Expiration Date by delivering the Warrant
Certificate, with a duly executed Exercise Form with the conversion section
completed, to the Company, exercising the Conversion Right and specifying the
total number of shares of Common Stock that the Warrantholder will be issued
pursuant to such conversion.

                  1.3 Warrant Shares Certificate.

                  A stock certificate or certificates for the Warrant Shares
specified in the Exercise Form shall be delivered to the Warrantholder within
ten Business Days after receipt of the Exercise Form by the Company and, if the
Conversion Right is not exercised, payment of the purchase price. If this
Warrant shall have been exercised only in part, the Company shall, at the time
of delivery of the stock certificate or certificates, deliver to the
Warrantholder a new Warrant evidencing the rights to purchase the remaining
Warrant Shares, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with
this Warrant.

                  1.4 Payment of Taxes.

                  The issuance of certificates for Warrant Shares shall be made
without charge to the Warrantholder for any stock transfer or other issuance tax
in respect thereto; provided, however, that the Warrantholder shall be required
to pay any and all taxes that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issuance and delivery of any certificate in a name other than that of the
then Warrantholder as reflected upon the books of the Company.


               2. Restrictions on Transfer; Restrictive Legends.

                  2.1      Restrictions on Transfer.

                  This Warrant may not be offered, sold, transferred, pledged or
otherwise disposed of, in whole or in part, to any Person other than an
Affiliate of the Warrantholder without the prior written consent of the Company,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

                  2.2 Restrictive Legends.

                  Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 2, each Warrant
(and each Warrant issued in substitution for any Warrant pursuant to Section 4)
shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially the
following form:

                                    THIS WARRANT AND ANY SECURITIES ACQUIRED
                           UPON THE EXERCISE OF THIS WARRANT HAVE NOT BEEN
                           REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
                           AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS,
                           AND NEITHER THE WARRANT NOR THE SECURITIES NOR ANY
                           INTEREST THEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED,
                           PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO
                           AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT OR
                           SUCH LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER
                           SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS THAT, IN THE OPINION OF
                           COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE
                           REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THIS COMPANY,
                           IS AVAILABLE.

Except as otherwise permitted by this Section 2, each stock certificate for
Warrant Shares issued upon the exercise of any Warrant and each stock
certificate issued upon the direct or indirect transfer of any such Warrant
Shares shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in substantially
the following form:

                                    THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS
                           CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
                           SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "ACT"), OR
                           THE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. THE
                           SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED,
                           PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO
                           AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT OR
                           SUCH LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER
                           SUCH ACT AND SUCH LAWS THAT, IN THE OPINION OF
                           COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION ARE
                           REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL FOR THIS COMPANY,
                           IS AVAILABLE.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Warrantholder may require
the Company to issue a Warrant or a stock certificate for Warrant Shares, in
each case without a legend, if either (i) such Warrant or such Warrant Shares,
as the case may be, have been registered for resale under the Securities Act,
(ii) the Warrantholder has delivered to the Company an opinion of legal counsel
(from a firm reasonably satisfactory to the Company) which opinion shall be
addressed to the Company and be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
the Company's counsel, to the effect that such registration is not required with
respect to such Warrant or such Warrant Shares, as the case may be or (iii) such
Warrant or Warrant Shares may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor
provision then in effect) under the Securities Act.


               3. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Company

                  3.1 Covenants of the Company

                  The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

                  (a) All Warrant Shares that are issued upon the exercise of
this Warrant shall, upon issuance, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable shares, not subject to any preemptive rights, and free
from all taxes payable by the Company, liens, security interests, charges, and
other encumbrances with respect to the issuance thereof, other than taxes in
respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue.

                  (b) During the period within which this Warrant may be
exercised, the Company shall at all times have authorized and reserved, and keep
available free from preemptive rights, a sufficient number of shares of Common
Stock to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant.

                  (c) The Company shall not, by amendment of its Certificate of
Incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation,
merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other action, avoid or
seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant,
and shall at all times in good faith assist in performing and giving effect to
the terms hereof and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or
appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Warrantholder against dilution
or other impairment. In no event shall the Company transfer all or substantially
all of its assets to any other person or consolidate with or merge into any
other entity where the Company is not the surviving entity or person, unless the
other entity or person acquiring such properties and assets or surviving after
such consolidation or merger shall assume, by operation of law or otherwise, all
the terms of this Warrant.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>


                  (d) The Company shall take no action which would cause any
changes in the Common Stock as to which an appropriate adjustment in the number
of Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price could not be readily made pursuant to
the intention of Section 6 below.


                  (e) At all times prior to the Expiration Date, the Company
will promptly deliver to the Warrantholder all notices, reports and other
communications delivered to the Company's shareholders, including all public
notices, reports, filings and other information submitted to the Commission,
such delivery to the Warrantholder to be made contemporaneously with such
delivery to the Company's shareholders.

                  (f) The Company will not permit the par value, if any, of any
shares of stock receivable upon the exercise of this Warrant to exceed the
amount payable therefor upon such exercise.

                  3.2 Representations and Warranties of the Company

                  The Company hereby represents and warrants to the
Warrantholder as follows:

                  (a) The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has the
corporate power and authority to conduct its business as presently conducted,
has the corporate power and authority to execute, issue and deliver this Warrant
and to perform its obligations under this Warrant, has the corporate power and
authority and legal right to own and lease its properties and is duly qualified
and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which it
owns or leases real property or in which the conduct of its business requires
such qualification, except where failure to be so qualified could not be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole.

                  (b) The execution, delivery, issuance and performance by the
Company of this Warrant and the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon exercise of
this Warrant have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do
not and will not violate, or result in a breach of, or constitute a default
under, or require any consent under, or result in the creation of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon the assets of the Company pursuant to any law,
statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order or decree of any court, governmental
body or regulatory authority or administrative agency having jurisdiction over
the Company or its subsidiaries or any contract, mortgage, loan agreement, note,
lease or other instrument binding upon the Company or its subsidiaries or by
which their properties are bound.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

                  (c) This Warrant has been duly executed, issued and delivered
by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid, binding and enforceable
obligation of the Company.

                  (d) The Company has authorized capital stock consisting of
12,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of which 4,459,257 shares are
issued and outstanding as of July 15, 1996. Except for the securities listed on
Schedule 5.7(b) of the Credit Agreement, there are outstanding no options,
warrants or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into
shares of capital stock of the Company.

                  (e) No holder of securities of the Company has any right to
the registration of such securities under the Securities Act and any applicable
state securities laws, except as set forth in Schedule 5.7(b) of the Credit
Agreement.


               4. Loss or Destruction of Warrant.

                  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, upon receipt by
the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of this Warrant and, in the case of loss, theft or
destruction, of such bond or indemnification as the Company may reasonably
require, and, in the case of such mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of
this Warrant, the Company will execute and deliver a new Warrant of like tenor.


               5. Ownership of Warrant.

                  The Company may deem and treat the person in whose name this
Warrant is registered as the holder and owner hereof (notwithstanding any
notations of ownership or writing hereon made by anyone other than the Company)
for all purposes and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary, until
presentation of this Warrant for registration of transfer.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

               6. Certain Adjustments.

                  6.1 Stock Dividends, Splits, Combinations of Stock

                  If at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) the
Company shall pay a stock dividend payable in shares of Common Stock; (ii) the
number of shares of Common Stock shall have been increased by a subdivision or
split-up of shares of Common Stock; or (iii) the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding at any time after the date of the issuance of this Warrant
shall have been decreased by a combination of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock; then, on the date of the payment of such dividend, or immediately after
the effective date of subdivision, split up, or combination, as the case may be,
the number of shares to be delivered upon exercise of this Warrant will be
increased or decreased, as the case may be, so that the Warrantholder will be
entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock that such Warrantholder
would have owned immediately following such action had this Warrant been
exercised immediately prior thereto, and the Exercise Price will be adjusted as
provided below in Section 6.8.

                  6.2 Liquidating Dividends, etc.

                  If at any time while this Warrant is outstanding the Company
makes a distribution of its property to the holders of its Common Stock as a
dividend in liquidation or partial liquidation or by way of return of capital
other than as a dividend payable out of funds legally available for dividends
under the laws of the State of Delaware, the Warrantholder shall, upon exercise,
be entitled to receive, in addition to the number of shares of Warrant Shares
receivable thereupon, and without payment of any consideration therefor, a sum
equal to the amount of such property as would have been payable to the
Warrantholder as owner of that number of shares of Warrant Shares of the Company
receivable by exercise of this Warrant, had the Warrantholder been the holder of
record of such Warrant Shares on the record date for such distribution; and an
appropriate provision therefor shall be made a part of any such distribution.

                  6.3 Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock

                  If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding,
shall issue any Additional Shares (otherwise than as provided elsewhere in this
Section 6), at a price per share less than the Exercise Price then in effect or
less than the Current Market Value then in effect or without consideration, then
the Exercise Price upon each such issuance shall be adjusted to that price
determined by multiplying the Exercise Price then in effect by a fraction:


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                  (i) the numerator of which shall be equal to the sum of (a)
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
issuance of such Additional Shares plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock
which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such Additional Shares
so issued would purchase at a price per share equal to the Current Market Value
then in effect or the Exercise Price then in effect (whichever is greater), and

                  (ii) the denominator of which shall be equal to the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the issuance of such
Additional Shares.

                  For the purposes of any adjustment of the Exercise Price
pursuant to this Section 6.3, the following provisions shall be applicable:

                  (a) In the case of the issuance of Common Stock by the Company
to third parties for cash, the consideration shall be deemed to be the amount of
cash paid therefor, without deducting therefrom any discounts, commissions or
other expenses allowed, paid or incurred by the Company for any underwriting or
otherwise in connection with the issuance and sale thereof;

                  (b) In the case of the issuance of Common Stock by the Company
to third parties for a consideration in whole or in part other than cash, the
consideration other than cash shall be deemed to be the fair value thereof as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company; provided,
however, that the aggregate fair market value of such non-cash and cash
consideration as so determined shall not exceed the aggregate Current Market
Value of the shares of Common Stock being issued; and

                  (c) In the case of the issuance after the date hereof of (i)
warrants or options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock, (ii)
securities by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or
(iii) options to purchase or rights to subscribe for such convertible or
exchangeable securities:

                  (i) The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock
deliverable upon exercise of such options to purchase or rights to subscribe for
Common Stock shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such options or
rights were issued and for a consideration equal to the consideration
(determined in the manner provided in subsections (a) and (b) above, if any,
received by the Company upon the issuance of such options or rights plus the
minimum purchase price provided in such options or the rights for the Common
Stock covered thereby;

                  (ii) The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock
deliverable upon conversion of or in exchange for any such convertible or
exchangeable securities or upon the exercise of options to purchase or rights to
subscribe for such convertible or exchangeable securities and subsequent
conversions or exchanges thereof shall be deemed to have been issued at the time

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

such securities were issued or such options or rights were issued and for a
consideration equal to the consideration received by the Company for any such
securities and related options or rights (excluding any cash received on account
of accrued interest or accrued dividends), plus the additional consideration, if
any, to be received by the Company upon the conversion or exchange of such
securities or the exercise of any related options or rights (the consideration
in each case to be determined in the manner provided in subsections (a) and (b)
above);

                  (iii) Upon any change in the exercise price of Common Stock
deliverable upon exercise of any such options or rights or conversion of or
exchange for such convertible or exchangeable securities, other than a change
resulting from the antidilution provisions thereof, the Exercise Price shall
forthwith be readjusted to such Exercise Price as would have obtained had the
adjustment made upon the issuance of such options, rights or securities not
converted prior to such change or options or rights related to such securities
not converted prior to such change been made upon the basis of such change; and

                  (iv) Upon the expiration of any such options or rights, the
termination of any such rights to convert or exchange or the expiration of any
options or rights related to such convertible or exchangeable securities, the
Exercise Price shall forthwith be readjusted to such Exercise Price as would
have obtained had the adjustment made upon the issuance of such options, rights
securities or options or rights related to such securities been made upon the
basis of the issuance of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually
issued upon the exercise of such options or rights, upon the conversion or
exchange of such securities or upon the exercise of the options or rights
related to such securities and subsequent conversion or exchange thereof.

The provisions of this Section 6.3 shall not apply under any of the
circumstances for which an adjustment is provided in Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 or
6.5.

                  6.4 Reorganization, etc.

                  If any capital reorganization of the Company, or any
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any consolidation of the Company with
or merger of the Company with or into any other Person (other than a
consolidation or merger in which the Company is the resulting or surviving
Person and which does not result in any reclassification or change of
outstanding Common Stock) or any sale, lease or other transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company to any other Person, shall be
effected in such a way that the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive stock, other securities or assets (whether such stock, other securities
or assets are issued or distributed by the Company or another Person) with
respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, then, upon exercise of this Warrant,

                                      -10-
<PAGE>


the Warrantholder shall have the right to receive the kind and amount of stock,
other securities or assets receivable upon such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale, lease or other transfer by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock that such Warrantholder would
have been entitled to receive upon exercise of this Warrant had this Warrant
been exercised immediately before such reorganization, reclassification,
consolidation, merger or sale, lease or other transfer, subject to adjustments
that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments
provided for in this Section 6.



                  6.5 Certain Distributions.

                  In case the Company shall at any time or from time to time
distribute to all holders of shares of its Common Stock (including any such
distribution made in connection with a merger or consolidation in which the
Company is the resulting or surviving Person and the Common Stock is not changed
or exchanged) cash, evidences of indebtedness of the Company or another Person,
securities of the Company or another Person or other assets (excluding dividends
payable in shares of Common Stock for which adjustment is made under Section 6.1
above or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase securities of the
Company), then, and in each such case, the Exercise Price then in effect shall
be adjusted (and any other appropriate actions shall be taken by the Company) so
that the Warrantholder shall be entitled to receive the amount of cash,
evidences of indebtedness, securities, other assets, subscription or purchase
rights or warrants so distributed that such Warrantholder would have owned or
would have been entitled to receive upon or by reason of any such events, had
this Warrant been exercised immediately prior to the occurrence of such event;
provided, however, that no adjustment shall be made with respect to any
distribution of rights to purchase securities of the Company if the
Warrantholder would otherwise be entitled to receive such rights upon exercise
at any time of this Warrant. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such
distribution is made and shall become effective retroactively to a date
immediately following the close of business on the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

                  6.6 Purchase of Common Stock by the Company.

                  If the Company at any time while this Warrant is outstanding
shall, directly or indirectly through an Affiliate or otherwise, purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Common Stock at a price per share greater
than the Current Market Value then in effect, then the Exercise Price upon each
such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be adjusted to that price
determined by multiplying such Exercise Price by a fraction (i) the numerator of
which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such purchase, redemption or acquisition minus the number of shares of
Common Stock which the aggregate consideration for the total number of such
shares of Common Stock so purchased, redeemed or acquired would purchase at the
Current Market Value; and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such purchase, redemption

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

or acquisition. For the purposes of this Section 6.6, the date as of which the
Current Market Value shall be computed shall be the earlier of (x) the date on
which the Company shall enter into a firm contract for the purchase, redemption
or acquisition of such Common Stock, or (y) the date of actual purchase,
redemption or acquisition of such Common Stock.

                  6.7 Carryover.

                  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6, no
adjustment shall be made to the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered
to the Warrantholder (or to the Exercise Price) if such adjustment represents
less than 1% of the number of shares to be so delivered, but any lesser
adjustment shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time and together
with the next subsequent adjustment that together with any adjustments so
carried forward shall amount to 1% or more of the number of shares to be so
delivered.

                  6.8 Exercise Price Adjustment.

                  Whenever the number of Warrant Shares purchasable upon the
exercise of the Warrant is adjusted as provided pursuant to this Section 6, the
Exercise Price payable upon the exercise of this Warrant shall be adjusted by
multiplying such Exercise Price immediately prior to such adjustment by a
fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of Warrant Shares
purchasable upon the exercise of the Warrant immediately prior to such
adjustment, and of which the denominator shall be the number of Warrant Shares
purchasable immediately thereafter; provided, however, that the Exercise Price
for each Warrant Share shall in no event be less than the par value of such
Warrant Share.

                  6.9 No Adjustment for Dividends.

                  Except as provided in Section 6.1, no adjustment in respect of
any dividends shall be made during the term of this Warrant or upon the exercise
of this Warrant. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no adjustment shall
be made on Warrant Shares issuable on the exercise of this Warrant for any cash
dividends paid or payable to holders of record of Common Stock prior to the date
as of which the Warrantholder shall be deemed to be the record holder of such
Warrant Shares.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

                  6.10 Notice of Adjustment.

                  Whenever the number of Warrant Shares or the Exercise Price of
such Warrant Shares is adjusted, as herein provided, the Company shall promptly
mail by first class, postage prepaid, to the Warrantholder, notice of such
adjustment or adjustments and certificate of a firm of independent public
accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Board of Directors
of the Company (who shall be appointed at the Company's expense and who may be
the independent public accountants regularly employed by the Company) setting
forth the number of Warrant Shares and the Exercise Price of such Warrant Shares
after such adjustment, setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring
such adjustment and setting forth the computation by which such adjustment was
made.


               7. Amendments.

                  Any provision of this Warrant may be amended and the
observance thereof waived only with the written consent of the Company and the
Warrantholder.


               8. Notices of Corporate Action.

                  In case at any time the Company proposes:

                  (a) to pay any dividend payable in capital stock (of any class
or classes) or in convertible securities upon Common Stock or make any
distribution to the holders of Common Stock;

                  (b) to make an offer for subscription to the holders of Common
Stock of any Additional Shares or to grant to the holders of Common Stock
generally any rights or options;

                  (c) to effect any capital reorganization or reclassification
of the capital stock of the Company or consolidation or merger of the Company
with, or sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets to, another
corporation;

                  (d) to issue any shares of its capital stock as part or full
consideration for the purchase of assets or stock; or

                  (e) to effect a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation or winding-up of the Company;

then, in any one or more such cases, the Company shall give written notice to
the Warrantholder of the date on which: (i) the transfer books of the Company
shall close or a record shall be taken for such dividend, distribution,
subscription rights or grant; and (ii) a record shall be taken to determine
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders at
which any such proposed reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger,
sale or transfer of assets, dissolution, liquidation or winding up shall take
place, as the case may be. Such notice shall also specify the date as of which

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

the holders of Common Stock of record shall participate in such dividend,
distribution or subscription rights, or shall be entitled to vote on or exchange
their Common Stock for securities or other property deliverable upon such
reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of
assets, dissolution, liquidation or winding up, as the case may be. Such written
notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty
(60) days prior to such date on which the transfer books of the Company shall
close or a record shall be taken or the relevant event shall occur, as the case
may be, and such notice may state that any action will be taken only if certain
events specified in such notice (such as the clearing of proxy material by the
Commission or an affirmative vote of stockholders) occur prior thereto.


               9. Definitions.

                  As used herein, unless the context otherwise required, the
following terms have the following respective meanings:

                  "Additional Shares" means (i) all shares of Common Stock
issued by the Company after the date of this Warrant except (x) Warrant Shares
and (y) shares of Common Stock issued after August 30, 1996 pursuant to the
exercise of stock options granted prior to that date under the Company's
employee stock option or other benefit plans or (2) shares of Common Stock
issued after August 30, 1996 pursuant to the exercise of stock options granted
after that date under the Company's employee stock option or other benefit
plans, provided, however, that the number of shares issued as described in
clause (2) shall not exceed 250,000 in the aggregate (as adjusted pursuant to
Section 6 above); and (ii) any capital stock of the Company of any class which
shall be authorized at any time after the date of this Warrant (other than
Common Stock) and which shall have the right to participate in the distribution
of earnings and assets of the Company without limitation as to amount.

                  "Affiliate" with respect to any Person shall mean any Person
who is an "affiliate" as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
Regulations under the Exchange Act.

                  "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
a day on which national banks are authorized by law to close in the State of New
York.

                  "Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>


                  "Common Stock" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
Warrant.

                  "Company" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
Warrant.

                  "Credit Agreement" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant.

                  "Current Market Value" means, at any date and with respect to
one share of Common Stock, the average of the daily closing prices for the 30
consecutive business days ending no more than 15 Business Days before the day in
question (as adjusted for any stock dividend, split, combination or
reclassification that took effect during such 30 Business Day period). The
closing price for each day shall be the last reported sales price regular way,
or in case no such reported sales took place on such day, the average of the
last reported bid and asked prices on regular way, in either case on the
principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or
admitted to trading (or if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted for
trading on any such exchange, on any day in question, then such price as shall
be equal to the average on the last bid and asked prices, as reported by the
NASDAQ on such day, or if, on any day in the question, the Common Stock shall
not be quoted on the NASDAQ, then such price shall be equal to the last reported
bid and asked prices on such day as reported by the National Quotation Bureau,
Inc. or any similar reputable quotation and reporting service, if such quotation
is not reported by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc.); provided, however, that
if the Common Stock is not traded in such manner that the quotations referred to
above are available for the period required hereunder, the Current Market Value
shall be determined in good faith by the mutual agreement of the Board of
Directors of the Company and the holder hereof or, if such determination cannot
be agreed to, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm
selected mutually by the holder of this Warrant and the Company (or if such
selection cannot be made, by a nationally recognized independent investment
banking firm selected by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with
its rules). In connection with a determination of Current Market Value by an
investment banking firm, Current Market Value shall be determined based on the
value of the Company as a going-concern, without any discount for (a) control
premiums which could be allocated to other shareholders or (b) any illiquidity
in the Common Stock.

                  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (or any successor statute thereto), and the rules and regulations of the
Commission promulgated thereunder.

                  "Exercise Form" means an Exercise Form in the form annexed
hereto as Exhibit A.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>


                  "Exercise Price" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant.

                  "Expiration Date" means the later of: (i) August 30, 2002; or
(ii) one year after the date on which repayment is made in full on any
indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                  "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association,
joint venture, joint stock company, governmental authority or other entity of
any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such
entity.

                  "Securities Act" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.
Reference to a particular section of the Securities Act shall include a
reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such similar federal
statute.

                  "Warrantholder" has the meaning specified on the cover of this
Warrant.

                  "Warrant Shares" has the meaning specified on the cover of
this Warrant.


              10. Miscellaneous

                  10.1 Entire Agreement.

                  This Warrant constitutes the entire agreement between the
Company and the Warrantholder with respect to the Warrants.

                  10.2 Binding Effect; Benefits.

                  This Warrant shall inure to the benefit of and shall be
binding upon the Company and the Warrantholder and their respective permitted
successors and assigns. Nothing in this Warrant, express or implied, is intended
to or shall confer on any person other than the Company and the Warrantholder,
or their respective permitted successors or assigns, any rights, remedies,
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Warrant.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>


                  10.3 Section and Other Headings.

                  The section and other headings contained in this Warrant are
for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Warrant
or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Warrant.

                  10.4 Notices.

                  All notices, demands and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be by registered or
certified first-class mail, return receipt requested, telecopier, courier
service, overnight mail or personal delivery:

                  (a)      if to the Company:

                           Holmes Protection Group, Inc.
                           440 9th Avenue
                           New York, New York 10001-1695
                           Attn: Lawrence Irving
                           Telephone:       (212) 760-0630
                           Telecopy:        (212) 563-0129

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Buchanan Ingersoll
                           College Centre
                           500 College Road
                           Princeton, New Jersey 08540
                           Attn: Dennis M. Stern, Esq.
                           Telephone:       (609) 987-6800
                           Telecopy:        (609) 520-0360

                  (b)      if to Bank of Boston Connecticut:

                           Bank of Boston Connecticut
                           c/o BancBoston Capital, Inc.
                           100 Federal Street
                           Boston, MA 02110
                           Mail Stop 01-31-08
                           Attn:  Mary J. Reilly
                           Telephone: (617) 434-7890
                           Telecopy: (617) 434-1153

                                      -17-
<PAGE>


                  All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have
been duly given when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when delivered
by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or
overnight mail; five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail,
postage prepaid, if mailed; and when receipt is mechanically acknowledged, if
telecopied. Any party may by notice given in accordance with this Section 10.4
designate another address or Person for receipt of notices hereunder.

                  10.5 Severability.

                  Any term or provision of this Warrant which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the terms and provisions of this Warrant or affecting the
validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Warrant in
any other jurisdiction.

                  10.6 Governing Law.

                  This warrant shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding the choice of law rules
thereof).

                  10.7 No Rights or Liabilities as Stockholder.

                  Nothing contained in this Warrant shall be determined as
conferring upon the Warrantholder any rights as a stockholder of the Company or
as imposing any liabilities on the Warrantholder to purchase any securities
whether such liabilities are asserted by the Company or by creditors or
stockholders of the Company or otherwise.

                  10.8 Continued Validity.

                  A holder of Common Stock received upon exercise of this
Warrant ("Exercised Shares") shall continue to be entitled with respect to such
Exercised Shares to all rights and subject to all obligations to which it would
have been entitled or subject as a holder hereof under Sections 1.4, 3.1, 7, and
10.6 of this Warrant. The Company will, at the time of each exercise of this
Warrant, in whole or in part, upon the request of the holder of the Exercised
Shares issued upon such exercise, acknowledge in writing, in form reasonably

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

satisfactory to such holder, its continuing obligation to afford to such holder
all such rights; provided, however, that if such holder shall fail to make any
such request, such failure shall not affect the continuing obligation of the
Company to afford to such holder all such rights.


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be
signed by its duly authorized officer.


                                        HOLMES PROTECTION
                                         GROUP, INC.


                                        By:  /s/ Lawrence R. Irving
                                             --------------------------------
                                        Name:  Lawrence R. Irving
                                        Title:    Vice President - Finance


                                      -19-
<PAGE>
                                                              Exhibit A
                                                              ---------

                                  EXERCISE FORM
                                  -------------

                 (To be executed upon exercise of this Warrant)


                  The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the
right represented by this Warrant to purchase _________ of the Warrant Shares
and [herewith tenders payment for such Warrant Shares to the order of Holmes
Protection Group, Inc.] [hereby exercises its Conversion Right] in accordance
with the terms of this Warrant. The undersigned requests that a certificate for
[such Warrant Shares] [that number of Warrant Shares to which the undersigned is
entitled as calculated pursuant to Section 1.2] be registered in the name of the
undersigned and that such certificates be delivered to the undersigned's address
below.

                  The undersigned represents that it is acquiring such Warrant
Shares for its own account for investment and not with a view to or for sale in
connection with any distribution thereof (subject, however, to any requirement
of law that the disposition thereof shall at all times be within its control).

Dated:
      -------------------------

                                   Signature:
                                             ----------------------------------

                                             ----------------------------------
                                             (Print name)

                                             ----------------------------------
                                             (Street address)

                                             ----------------------------------
                                             (City)  (State)  (Zip code)


Signed in the presence of:


- -----------------------------




<PAGE>

                                   Schedule A
                                   ----------
























<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 5.1
                         [SQUADRON, ELLENOFF LETTERHEAD]

                                                              September 20, 1996

Holmes Protection Group, Inc.
440 Ninth Avenue
New York, New York 10001



     Re: Registration Statement of Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-9025)
         --------------------------------------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

       You have requested our opinion, as counsel for Holmes Protection Group,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the
registration statement of the Company on Form S-1 (No. 333-9025), as amended
(the "Registration Statement"), filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").

       The Registration Statement relates to the offering by the Company of
1,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the
"Common Stock"), and up to 150,000 shares of Common Stock to be issued solely to
cover over-allotments (collectively, the "Shares").

       We have examined such records and documents and made such examinations of
law as we have deemed relevant in connection with this opinion. Based upon such
examinations, it is our opinion that, when there has been compliance with the
Act and the applicable state securities laws, the Shares to be sold by the
Company, when issued, delivered, and paid for in the manner described in the
form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration
Statement, will be validly issued, and the Shares, when so issued, delivered and
paid for will also be fully paid and nonassessable.

       We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement. In so doing, we do not admit that we are
in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act
or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
promulgated thereunder.

                                  Very truly yours,


                                  /s/   Squadron, Ellenoff, Present &
                                         Sheinfeld, LLP






<PAGE>

[LOGO] Data General

DATA GENERAL CORPORATION
4400 Computer Drive.  Westboro, MA 01580
Telephone (508)366-8911


                                                  September 3, 1996


Mr. Larry Irving
Holmes Protection Group
440 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001-1695

Dear Mr. Irving,

       This letter serves as an acknowlegement that the equipment list on your
Lease Schedule 12223-006 has been changed, per the attached new configuration.
Please sign both the letter and the revised configuration and return to me at
the above address.

       As consideration for the configuration change in your lease, the payment
amount on your lease will be reduced from $32,184.89 to $24,387.23 as of October
1, 1996. Per our previous assignment of your rental payments to Newcourt
Financial, please acknowledge below that you will remit your new monthly payment
of $24,387.23 per month for 45 months, beginning October 1, 1996 to:

                             Newcourt Financial
                             201 Merritt Seven
                             Norwalk, CT 06856

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

                                           DATA GENERAL CORPORATION

                                           /s/ Lee Kaemmerlen
                                           ----------------------------
                                           Lee Kaemmerlen
                                           Leasing Account Coordinator
                                           Data General Leasing

Acknowledged and Agreed



/s/ Lawrence R. Irving
- ---------------------------------
Authorized Representative




VP -- Finance          9/16/96
- ---------------------------------
Title                    Date



Holmes Protection Group, Inc.

Enclosure: Revised Configuration for Lease 12223-006

<PAGE>





             Revised Configuration for Lease Agreement No. 12223-006

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ITEM#    QTY        MODEL#              DESCRIPTION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           SEE ATTACHED CONFIGURATIONS




INVOICES PAID BY HOLMES PROTECTION TO BE RE-IMBURSED TO HOMES BY DATA GENERAL
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              
ACCUNETICS, INC.                INVOICE #'S I2665, I2668
EGGHEAD SOFTWARE                INVOICE #'S 16054550, 17204157, 17493956
GLASGAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.    INVOICE # 315852
INMAC                           INVOICE # 30780390

MANCHESTER EQUIPMENT CO. INC.   INVOICE #'S 232192, 232605, 233101, 233104,
                                233423, 233660, 233661, 233808, 235844, 237308,
                                238040, 245367, 246244, 246666, 246786, 246887,
                                247351, 249282, 249283, 249979, 249980, 251167,
                                251173, 251347, 252872,
MONITORING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS   INVOICE #25789
MICRO INNOVATION COMPUTER CTR.  INVOICE #'S 314263, 314416, 315205

                                SALES TAX (NEW JERSEY)

ROLLOVER/REFINANCING OF LEASE SCHEDULES NOS. 12223-001,-002,-003,-004, & -005
(ASSUMES LAST PAYMENT TO BE MADE ON THOSE LEASES TO COVER THE PERIOD OF 7/l/95
THROUGH 7/31/95)






LESSEE HAS SELECTED THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ON THIS SCHEDULE BASED UPON ITS
OWN JUDGEMENT AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY RELIANCE UPON STATEMENTS MADE BY
LESSOR.  LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE LEASE IMPOSES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR
LIABILITY UPON LESSOR FOR PERFORMANCE OR OPERATION OF THE SCHEDULED PRODUCTS.
THE LEASE GRANTS NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY OPERATION OF LAW OR
OTHERWISE, WITH RESPECT TO THE SCHEDULED PRODUCTS AND LESSOR DISCLAIMS ALL
APPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PURPOSE.  HOWEVER, THE
LEASE PRESERVES LESSEE'S RIGHTS AGAINST THE VENDORS OF THE SCHEDULED PRODUCTS
AND LESSEE SHALL LOOK TO THE VENDORS OF THE PRODUCTS CONCERNING PERFORMANCE AND
OPERATION OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PRODUCTS.


Data General Corporation                      Holmes Protection Group, Inc.
- --------------------------------              ---------------------------------
Lessor                                        Lessee

/s/ Lee Kaemmerlen                            /s/ Lawrence R. Irving
- --------------------------------              ---------------------------------
Authorized Representative                     Authorized Representative

TITLE:                                        TITLE:VP -- Finance
      --------------------------                    ---------------------------


DATE:   9/20/96                                DATE:   9/15/96
     ---------------------------                    ---------------------------














<PAGE>

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


                                  by and among


                                MERITA BANK LTD,
                         a Finnish banking corporation,
                       acting through its New York branch

                                       and

                           BANK OF BOSTON CONNECTICUT,
                           a Connecticut savings bank

                                     Lenders

                                     - and -

                          HOLMES HOLDING COMPANY, INC.,
                             a Delaware corporation

                                    Borrower

                                     - and -

                         HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC.,
                             a Delaware corporation

                                     Parent

                                     - and -

                                MERITA BANK LTD,
                         a Finnish banking corporation,
                       acting through its New York branch

                                   Agent Bank


                                 August 30, 1996


<PAGE>



                                   

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.2A                   Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 1.2B                   Description of Restructuring
Schedule 3.1                    Indebtedness Permitted to be Repaid by Letter
                                of Credit Proceeds
Schedule 4.5(f)                 Form of Officer's Certificate
Schedule 5.1(a)                 Foreign Qualifications of Borrower
Schedule 5.1(b)                 Foreign Qualifications of Parent
Schedule 5.2                    Subsidiaries Information
Schedule 5.7(a)                 Borrower Outstanding Options/Warrants or Other
                                Rights
Schedule 5.7(b)                 Parent Outstanding Options, Warrants or Other
                                Rights
Schedule 5.10                   Taxes
Schedule 5.12                   Debt Instruments; Defaults
Schedule 5.13                   Bank Accounts
Schedule 5.15(a)                Pending Litigation
Schedule 5.15(b)                Threatened Litigation
Schedule 5.16                   Restrictive Agreements
Schedule 5.17                   Licenses
Schedule 5.19                   Location of Assets
Schedule 5.21                   Fictitious, Trade and Assumed Names
Schedule 5.24                   Pension and Benefit Plans
Schedule 5.25                   Compliance with Laws
Schedule 5.26                   Affiliate Transactions
Schedule 5.30                   Material Agreements
Schedule 6.15                   Leased Real Property
Schedule 7.1(j)                 Indebtedness Remaining on the Closing Date
Schedule 7.2                    Liens of Record on the Closing Date
Schedule 7.3                    Investments and Loans
Schedule 7.19                   Attrition


<PAGE>



EXHIBITS


Exhibit A-1                     Form of Merita Note
Exhibit A-2                     Form of BKBCT Note
Exhibit B                       Form of Loan Request
Exhibit C                       Form of Blocked Account Agreement
Exhibit D                       Form of Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement
Exhibit E                       Form of Pledge Agreement
Exhibit F                       Form of Security Agreement
Exhibit G                       Legal Opinion
Exhibit H                       Landlord's Waiver and Consent


<PAGE>




                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                  This Credit Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of
August 30, 1996, by and among (i) Merita Bank Ltd, a Finnish banking
corporation, acting through its New York branch ("Merita"); (ii) Bank of Boston
Connecticut, a Connecticut savings bank ("BKBCT" and together with Merita, the
"Lenders"); (iii) Holmes Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower"); (iv) Holmes Protection Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Parent"); and (v) Merita, as the agent bank (the "Agent Bank").


                                    RECITALS

                  The Lenders have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, to extend loans to the Borrower up to an aggregate principal
amount of $25,000,000.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties, intending to be legally bound,
acknowledge the receipt of sufficient consideration and agree as follows:


SECTION 1. CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

                  1.1 General Interpretive Principles. If the context requires,
the use of any gender shall also refer to any other gender, and the use of the
singular or plural shall also refer to the other. All terms which are defined by
the New York Uniform Commercial Code (the "U.C.C.") have the same meanings
assigned to them by the U.C.C., as amended from time to time. All accounting
terms not specifically defined have the meanings determined by reference to
United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
("GAAP"). The word "including" is not exclusive; if exclusion is intended, the
word "comprising" is used instead. The word "or" shall be construed to mean
"and/or" unless the context clearly prohibits that construction. Defined terms
shall also mean in the singular number the plural and in the plural the
singular.

                  1.2 Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall
have the meanings herein specified unless the context otherwise requires.

                  Additional Indebtedness: the categories of Indebtedness
identified in Section 7.1(b), (c), (d) and (g).

                  Additional Requirements: defined in Section 2.4(b)(ii)(6).
<PAGE>

                  Affiliate: a spouse or relative (by blood, adoption or
marriage) of any Person within the second degree, any director or employee of
any Person, any other Person with which any Person is a partner, member,
director, officer or employee, and any other Person directly or indirectly
controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with any
Person. "Control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlled
by" and "under common control with"), means the possession, direct or indirect,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of
such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or
otherwise.

                  Agent Bank: Merita Bank Ltd, and any other Person which
becomes the Agent Bank, in such Person's capacity as the Agent Bank.

                  Agreement: this Credit Agreement and the Exhibits and
Schedules attached hereto (all of which Exhibits and Schedules are hereby
incorporated by reference and made a part hereof), as amended, supplemented or
modified.

                  Annualized Interest Expense: as of the date of determination,
Interest Expense for the most recent Quarter multiplied by four.

                  Annualized Quarterly Consolidated EBITDA: as of the date of
determination, Consolidated EBITDA for the most recent Quarter multiplied by
four.

                  Applicable Margin:  defined in Section 2.4.

                  Approved Debt:  defined in Section 7.1(e).

                  Assignments of Tenant's Interest Under Leases: the collateral
assignments of the leases of the offices of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries
required under Section 6.15, which assignments shall be in proper recordable
form as required by the laws of the states in which such offices are located and
otherwise in form and substance acceptable to the Agent Bank.

                  Assignment and Acceptance:  defined in Section 10.7(b).

                  Attrition:  defined in Section 7.19(d).

                  Available Commitment:  defined in Section 2.1(a).

                  Availability Period: the twenty-four month period commencing
on the Closing Date and ending on the second anniversary thereof.

                  Base Rate: for any day, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if
necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to the higher of (a) the Prime Rate in



                                      -2-
<PAGE>

effect on such day and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such
day plus 0.5 of 1%. If for any reason the Agent Bank shall have determined
(which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that it is
unable to ascertain the Federal Funds Effective Rate for any reason, including
the inability or failure of the Agent Bank to obtain sufficient quotations in
accordance with the terms thereof, the Base Rate shall be determined without
regard to clause (b) of the preceding sentence until such time as the
circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer exist. Any change in the
Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate
shall be effective as of the opening of business on the effective date of such
change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.

                  BKBCT: Bank of Boston Connecticut, a Connecticut savings bank,
and its successors and assigns.

                  BKBCT Commitment:  defined in Section 2.1(a).

                  BKBCT Note:  defined in Section 2.1(d).

                  Blocked Account Agreements: Blocked Account Agreements
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C.

                  Borrower: Holmes Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its successors and permitted assigns.

                  Borrowing Date: the date of any advance of funds to the
Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

                  Business Day: a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day
on which commercial banks are authorized or permitted to close in New York, New
York.

                  Capital Expenditures: an expenditure by a Person for property
classified as a "fixed asset" under GAAP.

                  Capital Lease: any lease of any property (whether real,
personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee which would, in accordance with
GAAP, be classified as a capital lease on a balance sheet. For purposes of this
Agreement, any Person shall be deemed to be the owner of any property which it
has acquired or holds subject to a Capital Lease or conditional sale agreement
or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the property has been retained
by or vested in some other person for security purposes.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

                  Capital Lease Obligation: with respect to any Capital Lease,
the amount of the obligation of the lessee which would, in accordance with GAAP,
appear on the lessee's balance sheet.

                  CERCLA:  defined in Section 6.13(c).

                  Change of Control: any Person or two or more Persons acting in
concert which shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the
Parent (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing forty
percent (40%) or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the
Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors.

                  Closing Date: the date on which all of the conditions
specified in Section 4 have been met to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agent
Bank and the Lenders have made the first advance of the Loans to the Borrower.

                  Code: the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
successor(s) and any Treasury regulations, revenue rulings or technical
information releases issued thereunder.

                  Collateral: the property of the Borrower, the Parent and the
Subsidiaries in which the Agent Bank, on behalf of the Lenders, is taking a
security interest, as more fully defined in the Security Agreements, the Pledge
Agreements, the Assignments of Tenant's Interest Under Leases and the Blocked
Account Agreements.

                  Commitment: the Merita Commitment or the BKBCT Commitment, as
the context indicates.

                  Commitment Fee:  defined in Section 2.3(a).

                  Commonly Controlled Entity: an entity, whether or not
incorporated, which is under common control with the Borrower within the meaning
of Section 414(c) of the Code.

                  Consolidated Debt: consolidated Debt of the Parent, the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries, computed in accordance with GAAP.

                  Consolidated EBITDA: without duplication, net income for the
period (excluding extraordinary items) before deductions for Interest Expense
and taxes, minority interest, depreciation expense and amortization expense, all
as determined in accordance with GAAP, on a consolidated basis.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                  Consolidated Net Worth: consolidated net worth of the Parent,
the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, computed in accordance with GAAP.

                  Conversion Date:  September 30, 1998.

                  Customer Lists:  defined in Section 6.23.

                  Debt: as applied to any Person and without duplication, all
Indebtedness of a Person which is (a) an obligation for borrowed money or a
direct or contingent reimbursement obligation arising on account of the issuance
of a letter of credit (irrespective of whether a draw has been made thereunder),
purchase money Indebtedness, and the Loans, whether evidenced by bonds, notes,
debentures or other written obligations or evidenced by a loan agreement,
reimbursement agreement, indenture or other agreement, (b) unfunded pension and
retiree health care liabilities, (c) a Capital Lease Obligation, (d)
Indebtedness secured by a Lien on any property or asset owned or held by such
Person subject thereto, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby shall
have been assumed by such Person, and (e) a Guaranty (regardless of the maturity
of the underlying obligation, but not including any Guaranty that has terminated
or expired).

                  Environmental Laws:  defined in Section 6.13(c).

                  ERISA: the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
the same from time to time may be amended, supplemented or modified.

                  Eurocurrency Liabilities:  defined in Section 2.4(b)(ii)(4).

                  Eurodollar Business Day: any Business Day on which the
relevant London international financial markets are open for the transaction of
business contemplated in this Agreement.

                  Eurodollar Loan: any Loan as to which the applicable rate of
interest is based on the Eurodollar Rate.

                  Eurodollar Rate:  defined in Section 2.4(b)(ii)(3).

                  Event of Default: any of the events specified in Section 8.1
hereof.

                  Excess Cash Flow: for any fiscal year, Consolidated EBITDA
minus the sum of (i) Capital Expenditures made during the period, (ii) scheduled
amortization of Indebtedness paid during such period, (iii) income taxes paid in
cash during the period, and (iv) interest paid in cash during the period.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

                  Existing Indebtedness: the Indebtedness described on Schedule
1.2A.

                  Federal Funds Effective Rate: for any day, the weighted
average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the
Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published on the
next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if
such rate is not published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of
the quotations for the day of such transactions received by the Agent Bank from
three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

                  Fees:  the Commitment Fee and the Letter of Credit Fees.
        
                  Financial Information:  defined in Section 6.12(d).

                  GAAP:  defined in Section 1.1.

                  Governmental Authority: any nation or government, any federal,
state or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or
pertaining to any government or any federal, state or other political
subdivision thereof, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled
(through stock or capital ownership or otherwise) by any of the foregoing.

                  Guarantors: the Parent, the Subsidiaries, and their respective
successors and assigns.

                  Guaranty: as applied to any Person, any direct or indirect
liability, contingent or otherwise, of such Person with respect to any
indebtedness, lease, dividend or other obligation of another, including any such
obligation directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed (otherwise than for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business) or discounted or sold
with recourse by such Person, or in respect of which such Person is otherwise
directly or indirectly liable, including any such obligation in effect
guaranteed by such Person through any agreement (contingent or otherwise) to
purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire such obligation or any security
therefor, or to provide funds for the payment or discharge of such obligation
(whether in the form of loans, advances, stock purchases, capital contributions
or otherwise), or to maintain the solvency or any balance sheet or other
financial condition of the obligor of such obligation, or to make payment for
any products, materials or supplies or for any transportation or services
regardless of the non-delivery or non-furnishing thereof, in any such case if
the purpose or intent of such agreement is to provide assurance that such
obligation will be paid or discharged, or that any agreements relating 


                                      -6-
<PAGE>


thereto will be complied with, or that the holders of such obligation will be 
protected against loss in respect thereof.

                  Guaranty Agreement: a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement,
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D hereto.

                  Indebtedness: as applied to any Person and without
duplication, (a) all items (except items of (i) capital stock, capital or
surplus or, (ii) reserves for deferred income taxes or (iii) reserves for losses
incurred in connection with any occurrence which the Borrower is permitted to
self-insure pursuant to Section 6.14(c)), which in accordance with GAAP would be
included in determining total liabilities as shown on the liability side of a
balance sheet of a Person as of the date on which Indebtedness is to be
determined, (b) all Capital Lease Obligations, obligations to the holders of
minority interests, if any, in the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary for the
purchase by such Person of such interests, unfunded pension liabilities and
direct or contingent reimbursement obligations arising upon the issuance of a
letter of credit, (c) all indebtedness secured by any consensual Lien on any
property or asset owned or held by such Person subject thereto, whether or not
the indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by such Person, (d) all
indebtedness of others with respect to which such Person has become liable by
way of a Guaranty, (e) any obligation under any interest rate protection
agreement, and (f) fifty percent (50%) of the amount in holdback or similar
accounts established in connection with Permitted Acquisitions by such Person;
provided, that "Indebtedness" shall not include the amounts of such Person's
insurance premiums which are financed by a third party.

                  Indemnified Liabilities:  defined in Section 10.15.

                  Indemnitees:  defined in Section 10.15.

                  Interest Expense: as of the date of determination, the
aggregate amount of interest due on the Loans, Additional Indebtedness and
Approved Debt, if any, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

                  Interest Period: the elected period for any Loan as to which
the Eurodollar Rate applies.

                  Interest Rate Protection Agreement: any interest rate swap
agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other
similar agreement or arrangement executed in connection with this Agreement,
designed to protect the Borrower against fluctuations in interest rates.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

                  Investment: as applied to any Person, any direct or indirect
purchase or other acquisition by such Person of stock or other securities of any
other Person, or any direct or indirect loan, advance (other than advances to
employees for moving and travel expenses, drawing accounts and expenditures in
the ordinary course of business) or capital contribution by such Person to any
other Person, including all Indebtedness and accounts receivable from such other
Person which are not current assets or did not arise from sales or the provision
of services to such other Person in the ordinary course of business.

                  Landlord's Waiver and Consent: a waiver and consent document
respecting statutory liens on personalty, ingress and egress and related or
incidental matters, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit H hereto,
executed by the lessor of real estate to the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

                  Leased Real Property: the locations identified on Schedule
6.15 hereto and all other real property in which the Borrower or a Subsidiary
has a leasehold interest after Closing.

                  Lenders: Merita, BKBCT and any other Person which becomes an
assignee of any of the foregoing or a participant in the Loans; Lender means any
one of the Lenders.

                  Letter of Credit:  defined in Section 3.1.

                  Letter of Credit Fees:  defined in Section 3.7.

                  Letter of Credit Liability:  defined in Section 3.11.

                  Letter of Credit Request:  defined in Section 3.2.

                  Leverage Ratio:  defined in Section 2.4(a).

                  Lien: as to any Person, any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge,
hypothecation, assignment, assigned deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien
(statutory or other), claim, option, reservation, right of way, easement,
covenant, lease, condition, restriction, charge or defect of any kind, or
preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of
any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, any conditional
sale or other title retention agreement, any financing lease having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, and the filing
of any financing statement under the U.C.C. or comparable law of any
jurisdiction).

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                  Loan Documents: this Agreement, the Notes, the Guaranty
Agreements, the Security Agreements, the Pledge Agreements, the Blocked Account
Agreements, the Interest Rate Protection Agreement, the Assignment of Tenant's
Interest Under Leases and all certificates, documents and instruments required
by, referred to in or delivered pursuant to any of the foregoing documents.

                  Loan Request:  defined in Section 2.1(e).

                  Loans:  defined in Section 2.1(b).

                  Majority Lenders: Lenders whose percentages of the Available
Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case may be, exceed sixty seven
percent (67%).

                  Material Adverse Effect: (a) a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, affairs, condition (financial or otherwise), assets,
properties or financial prospects of the Borrower, the Parent or any of the
Subsidiaries, (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrower, the
Parent or any of the Subsidiaries to perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents, or (c) an adverse effect, material or otherwise, on the validity or
enforceability of any Loan Document.

                  Maturity Date: the earlier of (i) September 30, 2003 or (ii)
such date on which the Loans become due and payable, whether by declaration,
optional or mandatory prepayments or otherwise.

                  Merita Commitment:  defined in Section 2.1(a).

                  Merita Note:  defined in Section 2.1(d).

                  Mortgagee's Waiver: an executed waiver document respecting
certain rights as a mortgagee in real estate owned by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary, in form and content satisfactory to the Agent Bank.

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

                  Non-U.S. Subsidiaries: Holmes Protection S.A., an entity
organized under the laws of Switzerland, and Holmes Protection (UK) Limited, an
entity organized under the laws of the United Kingdom.

                  Notes: the Merita Note and the BKBCT Note, and all other
notes, if any, executed in substitution for, or in connection with a Note;
"Note" means one of the Notes.

                  Officer: any executive officer of the Borrower or the Parent.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

                  Officer's Certificate: a certificate executed on behalf of the
Borrower or the Parent, as the case may be, by an Officer thereof.

                  Operating Licenses: all licenses, permits, authorizations or
approvals issued by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the
Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary required for the operation of any business
of such Person.

                  Owned Real Property: any real estate owned or to be acquired
in fee by the Borrower or a Subsidiary at any time during the term of the Loans.

                  PBGC: the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established
pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA, or any governmental agency or
instrumentality succeeding to the functions thereof.

                  Permitted Acquisitions:  defined in Section 7.16.

                  Permitted Indebtedness:  defined in Section 7.1.

                  Permitted Liens:  defined in Section 7.2.

                  Permitted Uses:  defined in Section 2.1(c).

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

                  PESA:  defined in Section 6.13(a)(i).

                  Plan: any plan of a type described in Section 3(3) of ERISA in
respect of which the Borrower or a Commonly Controlled Entity is an "employer"
as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

                  Pledge Agreement: a Pledge Agreement substantially in the form
attached as Exhibit E hereto.

                  Pledgors: the Parent, and each other Person executing and
delivering a Pledge Agreement pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or a
Pledge Agreement.

                  Potential Event of Default: any condition or event which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

                  Premises:  defined in Section 6.13(a).

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

                  Prime Rate: the rate of interest from time to time established
and publicly announced by the Agent Bank, in its sole discretion, as its Prime
Rate of interest to be used as an index in determining actual interest rates to
be charged to certain of its borrowers. The Prime Rate may not be the lowest
rate charged by the Agent Bank to its borrowers. The Agent Bank shall certify
the Prime Rate and such certification shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error.

                  Quarter: a calendar quarter of the Borrower, commencing with
the first full calendar quarter following execution of this Agreement.

                  Quarterly Payment Date:  defined in Section 2.2.

                  Records:  defined in Section 6.12(b).

                  Recurring Monthly Revenue: the total recurring monthly amount
of alarm service revenue billed by or on behalf of the Borrower or a Subsidiary
to customers for alarm services in connection with Recurring Security Services
Contracts owned by the Borrower or such Subsidiary and which are in full force
and effect. Monthly amounts shall include charges for monitoring services,
maintenance, inspection services and leased equipment. Quarterly, semi-annual
and annual billings shall be divided by three, six and twelve, respectively, to
determine the monthly amount. Recurring Monthly Revenue shall not include any
amounts derived from (i) reimbursement or prepayment of telephone lines, radio
transmission facilities, and other utility company charges associated directly
with the installation, monitoring, maintenance or furnishing of alarm services;
(ii) reimbursement for or prepayment of any false alarm assessments; (iii)
reimbursement for or prepayment of any amounts equal to taxes (other than income
taxes), fees or other charges which may be payable to any governmental authority
or public utility relative to the furnishing of alarm services; (iv)
non-recurring non-regular services incurred by a customer; (v) monitoring
services provided under any contract for which the Borrower's or Subsidiary's
customer is in arrears in payment for a period in excess of ninety (90) days
after the last date for which services were provided and billed; and (vi)
contracts which have not yet been "cut in". For purposes of this Agreement, the
term "cut in" shall mean the first date on which an alarm system at a customer's
premises is on line to the central station or operational.

                  Recurring Security Services Contracts: all contracts and
agreements, whether now owned or held or hereinafter acquired or generated by
the Borrower or any Subsidiary, under which the Borrower or such Subsidiary will
provide any form of recurring Security Services for a fee, and all such other
recurring revenue contracts or agreements entered into by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary during the term of the Loans.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

                  Reimbursement Obligation: as of any date of determination, the
obligations of the Borrower then outstanding, or which may thereafter arise, in
respect of Letters of Credit then outstanding, to reimburse the Agent Bank for
the amount paid by the Agent Bank in respect of any drawing under Letters of
Credit.

                  Reportable Event: any of the events set forth in Section
4043(b) of ERISA, or the regulations thereunder.

                  Reserve Percentage:  defined in Section 2.4(b)(ii)(4).

                  Restricted Payment: (a) any dividend or other distribution,
direct or indirect, on account of any shares of any class of stock or ownership
interest of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, now or hereafter
outstanding, except (i) a dividend payable solely in shares of stock of the
Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (ii) any other dividend payable by
the Borrower or a Subsidiary to its parent corporation which owns all the issued
and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (b)
any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition, direct or indirect,
of any shares of any class of stock or ownership interest of the Parent, the
Borrower or any Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding, or of any warrants,
rights or options to acquire any such shares or interests, except to the extent
that the consideration therefor consists of shares of stock or ownership
interests, or any warrants, rights or options to acquire any such shares or
interests, of the Parent, the Borrower or a Subsidiary; and (c) any sinking
fund, other required prepayment or mandatory installment payment on account of
any shares of stock of the Parent, the Borrower or a Subsidiary.

                  Restructuring: the proposed restructuring of the Parent, the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries described on Schedule 1.2B.

                  Security Agreement: a Security Agreement substantially in the
form attached as Exhibit F hereto.

                  Security Services: burglar alarm services, fire alarm
services, closed circuit television and electronic access control services, all
central station monitoring services, maintenance services, leases, fire testing
and all other similar security services provided to commercial, residential and
other customers.

                  Special Purpose Subsidiary: any Person acquired by the Parent,
the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the Closing Date as permitted under Section
7.16.

                  Stamped: the process by which the originals of all Recurring
Security Services Contracts will be manually stamped by an authorized

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

representative of the Borrower, which stamp shall state that a security interest
in each such Recurring Security Services Contract has been granted to the Agent
Bank.

                  Subsidiary: (a) a corporation of which at least a majority of
the outstanding Voting Stock is owned, directly or indirectly, now or in the
future, by the Parent or the Borrower and (b) a general or limited partnership
of which at least a majority of the partnership interests are owned, directly or
indirectly, now or in the future, by the Parent or the Borrower. A general
partnership includes a joint venture for the purposes of this definition.

                  Total Commitment:  defined in Section 2.1(a).

                  Total Consolidated Debt: as of the date of determination, the
sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of the Loans, (b) to the extent not
included in (a), the face amount of all Letters of Credit, if any, then
outstanding, (c) the outstanding principal amount of Additional Indebtedness,
and (d) the outstanding principal amount of Approved Debt, if any.

                  Total Projected Debt Service: for any period, all scheduled
principal amortization and interest payments on Total Consolidated Debt.

                  U.C.C.:  defined in Section 1.1.

                  U.C.P.:  defined in Section 3.10.

                  Variable Rate: the Base Rate, plus the Applicable Margin, as
determined pursuant to Section 2.4(a).


                  Voting Control: with respect to any Person which is a business
entity acting alone, the power to elect a majority of the directors of such
business entity or to effectuate and cause the direction of the management and
policies of such business entity.

                  Voting Stock: stock of any class or classes (or equivalent
interests) of a Person which is a business entity, if the holders of the stock
of such class or classes (or equivalent interests) are ordinarily, in the
absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of a majority of the
directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such business entity,
even though the right to so vote has been suspended by the happening of such a
contingency.

                  1.3 Use of "Subsidiary". With respect to any representation or
warranty set forth in this Agreement, the term 


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

"Subsidiary" shall refer to each Subsidiary in existence at the time the
representation or warranty is made or deemed to be made. Covenants and other
provisions shall apply to Subsidiaries actually in existence from time to time.


SECTION 2. LOANS


                       2.1 Loans.

                           (a) Establishment. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, in reliance upon the representations, warranties
and covenants of the Borrower contained herein and upon satisfaction of the
conditions precedent set forth in Section 4, the Lenders severally agree to
establish on a pro rata basis a credit in favor of the Borrower in the aggregate
principal amount of $25,000,000 (the "Total Commitment"), consisting of an
aggregate principal amount of $15,000,000 to be extended by Merita (the "Merita
Commitment") and an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 to be extended by
BKBCT (the "BKBCT Commitment"); provided, however, that the aggregate amount of
the Total Commitment available to the Borrower shall be limited to $12,500,000
(the "Available Commitment"), unless by October 31, 1996 the Borrower has
received an amount equal to at least $10,000,000 gross cash proceeds through the
issuance by the Parent of newly issued shares of common stock, in which event
the Available Commitment shall be increased and shall be equal to the Total
Commitment. Until such time as the Available Commitment equals the Total
Commitment, all references in this Agreement to the Merita Commitment shall mean
$7,500,000 and all references to the BKBCT Commitment shall mean $5,000,000.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall any
Lender be obligated to lend any amount in excess of its Commitment.

                           (b) Availability. Subject to the satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 4, the Borrower may borrow during the
Availability Period from time to time from each Lender, severally and not
jointly, an aggregate principal amount at any time not in excess of such
Lender's Commitment (each such borrowing, a "Loan", and collectively, the
"Loans").

                           (c) Purpose. The proceeds of the Loans shall be used
by the Borrower (i) to repay Existing Indebtedness, (ii) to finance Capital
Expenditures, (iii) to finance Permitted Acquisitions, and (iv) for general
corporate purposes ("Permitted Uses").

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

                           (d) Notes. The Loan made by each Lender shall be
evidenced by a promissory note of the Borrower in a principal amount equal to
such Lender's Commitment and in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A-1 with
respect to the Merita Commitment (the "Merita Note") and in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A-2 with respect to the BKBCT Commitment (the "BKBCT Note").
Each Note shall bear interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof at the
applicable rate or rates set forth in Section 2.4.

                           (e) Loan Requests. Each request by the Borrower for a
Loan (a "Loan Request") shall be made in writing to the Agent Bank and to each
Lender, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B. Each Loan
Request shall be submitted at least three (3) Business Days before the requested
Borrowing Date if the request is for a Eurodollar Rate Loan and two (2) Business
Days before the requested Borrowing Date if the request is for a Base Rate Loan,
unless and to the extent such Loan Request is in the form of a Letter of Credit
Request, in which event the notice requirements set forth in Section 3.2 shall
be applicable. Each Loan Request shall cover a requested Loan in the minimum
principal amount of $1,000,000 (or less if the unused portion of the Available
Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case may be, is less) and shall be
made pro rata between Merita and BKBCT. Each Loan Request shall contain the
information and other evidence reasonably required by the Agent Bank and the
Lenders to establish that all conditions precedent to the requested Loan have
been satisfied. Each Loan Request shall include an express representation and
warranty (and shall be deemed to include the representation and warranty if it
is not expressly included) by the Borrower that (i) all of the representations
and warranties made in Section 5 continue to be true and correct in all material
respects as of the date of such Loan Request, (ii) all conditions precedent have
been satisfied, as of the time the Loan Request is submitted, (iii) the business
and financial ratios and covenants set out in Section 7.19 have been met as of
the last test date, and (iv) no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default
exists.

                  2.2 Repayment of Loans. The outstanding principal amount of
the Notes shall be repaid in consecutive quarterly installments of principal due
on the last Business Day of each Quarter (the "Quarterly Payment Dates"),
commencing on September 30, 1998. The principal amount to be repaid on each
Quarterly Payment Date shall be the following percentages of the principal
amount of the Loans outstanding on the Conversion Date:

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

                                                   Percentage of
           Quarterly Payment Dates                Principal Repaid
           -----------------------                ----------------

              December 31, 1998                       3.75%
              March 31, 1999                          3.75%
              June 30, 1999                           3.75%
              September 30, 1999                      3.75%
              December 31, 1999                        5.0%
              March 31, 2000                           5.0%
              June 30, 2000                            5.0%
              September 30, 2000                       5.0%
              December 31, 2000                        5.0%
              March 31, 2001                           5.0%
              June 30, 2001                            5.0%
              September 30, 2001                       5.0%
              December 31, 2001                        5.0%
              March 31, 2002                           5.0%
              June 30, 2002                            5.0%
              September 30, 2002                       5.0%
              December 31, 2002                       6.25%
              March 31, 2003                          6.25%
              June 30, 2003                           6.25%
              September 30, 2003                      6.25%

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the outstanding principal
amount under the Notes and all accrued interest thereon and all other amounts
due and owing by the Borrower hereunder shall become immediately due and payable
on the Maturity Date.


                  2.3  Fees.

                       (a) Commitment Fee. The Borrower shall pay the Lenders,
on a pro rata basis, commitment fees (the "Commitment Fee") of one-half of one
percent (1/2%) per annum (computed on the basis of the actual number of days
elapsed over a 365 or 366 (as the case may be) day year) of the average daily
unused portion of the Available Commitment, payable quarterly in arrears on each
Quarterly Payment Date after the Closing Date, commencing September 30, 1996.

                       (b) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower shall pay the
Agent Bank and the Lenders the Letter of Credit Fees in accordance with the
provisions of Section 3.7.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

                  2.4  Interest. The outstanding principal amount of the Notes
shall bear interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof until paid in full at
a rate or rates per annum as provided in this Section 2.4. The applicable
interest rate shall, at the option of the Borrower, be the Base Rate or the
Eurodollar Rate, plus the applicable margin specified herein -- the "Applicable
Margin", and shall be determined in the following manner.

                       (a) Base Rate Option. If the Borrower selects the Base
Rate option, interest on the outstanding principal amount of the Notes shall be
payable monthly in arrears on the last Business Day of each month, commencing on
the last Business Day of the first full month following the Closing Date.
Interest shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed
over a 365 or 366 (as the case may be) day year and shall be equal to the Base
Rate, plus the Applicable Margin (the "Variable Rate"), determined quarterly
based on the ratio (the "Leverage Ratio") of Total Consolidated Debt to
Consolidated EBITDA for the preceding four Quarters minus Capital Expenditures
as follows:

          Total Consolidated Debt/
Consolidated EBITDA (for the preceding four                  Applicable Margin
  Quarters) minus Capital Expenditures                          (per annum)
- -------------------------------------------                  -----------------
  Greater than or equal to 2.00                                     1.50%

  Less than 2.00 but greater than or equal to 1.00                  1.00%

  Less than 1.00                                                    0.75%



Quarterly changes, if any, in the Applicable Margin under this Section 2.4(a)
shall become effective as follows:

                  The Borrower shall provide the Agent Bank with Quarterly
Financial Statements (duly certified by an Officer of the Borrower) and an
Officer's Certificate within forty-five (45) days after the close of each
Quarter other than the fourth Quarter of each year, and within ninety (90) days
after the close of the fourth Quarter of each year, setting forth the
computations and information as of the end of the preceding Quarter necessary to
adjust the Applicable Margin. Any change to the Applicable Margin with respect
to the Base Rate shall be effective as of the next succeeding Business Day
following the day on which the Quarterly Financial Statements and applicable
Officer's Certificate are delivered. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
that the Quarterly Financial Statements and applicable Officer's Certificate are
not delivered within forty-five (45) days (or within ninety (90) days with
respect to the fourth Quarter), the Variable Rate shall be the Base Rate plus
one and one half percent (1.5%) per annum, effective on the


                                      -17-
<PAGE>


expiration of such forty-five (45) day or ninety (90) day period, as the case
may be, and continuing until such Quarterly Financial Statements and applicable
Officer's Certificate are delivered to the Agent Bank as aforesaid.

                       (b) Eurodollar Rate Option. (i) Notwithstanding the
foregoing, upon receipt by the Agent Bank of at least three (3) Eurodollar
Business Days' written notice from the Borrower, the Borrower may elect with
respect to a principal amount of the Loans designated in such notice and equal
to at least $2,000,000 or an integral multiple thereof, for the Interest Period
next ensuing, which period shall equal one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6)
months as designated by the Borrower, an interest rate based on the Eurodollar
Rate (computed on the basis of a 360 day year). Interest on Eurodollar Loans
shall be equal to the Eurodollar Rate, plus the Applicable Margin computed with
reference to the Leverage Ratio as follows:

  Total Consolidated Debt/Consolidated 
    EBITDA (for the preceding four                            Applicable Margin 
  Quarters) minus Capital Expenditures                        ----------------- 
  ------------------------------------                          (per annum)    
                                                             
   Greater than or equal to 2.00                                    2.50%

   Less than 2.00 but greater than or equal to 1.00                 2.00%

   Less than 1.00                                                   1.75%

                  Quarterly changes, if any, in the Applicable Margin under this
Section 2.4(b) shall become effective as follows:

                  The Borrower shall provide the Agent Bank with Quarterly
Financial Statements (duly certified by an Officer of the Borrower) and an
Officer's Certificate within forty-five (45) days after the close of each
Quarter other than the fourth Quarter of each year, and within ninety (90) days
after the close of the fourth Quarter of each year, setting forth the
computations and information as of the end of the preceding Quarter necessary to
adjust the Applicable Margin. Any change to the Applicable Margin with respect
to the Eurodollar Rate shall be effective as of the next succeeding Business Day
following the day on which the Quarterly Financial Statements and the applicable
Officer's Certificate are delivered. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
that the Quarterly Financial Statements and applicable Officer's Certificate are
not delivered within forty-five (45) days (or within ninety (90) days with
respect to the fourth Quarter), interest on Eurodollar Loans shall be the
Eurodollar Rate plus two and one-half percent (2.50%) per annum, effective on
the expiration of such forty-five (45) or ninety (90) day period, as the case
may be, and continuing until such Quarterly Financial Statements 



                                      -18-
<PAGE>

and applicable Officer's Certificate are delivered to the Agent Bank as
aforesaid.

                          (ii)  Provisions Applicable to Eurodollar Loans.

                                    (1) The Borrower may not convert any
outstanding Loan to a borrowing based on the Eurodollar Rate or extend a
Eurodollar Rate pricing option if either prior to or after giving effect to such
conversion or extension there shall exist an Event of Default. The interest rate
so designated shall remain in effect for the Interest Period. If an Interest
Period would otherwise commence on a day which is not a Eurodollar Business Day,
such Interest Period shall commence on the next Eurodollar Business Day. (The
principal accruing interest pursuant to such election shall be deemed
re-borrowed on the last day of the Interest Period, and shall bear interest in
the manner designated in this Section 2.4(b)). Notwithstanding any provisions of
this Agreement to the contrary, no more than four (4) Eurodollar Rate options
may be elected by the Borrower and be outstanding at any time.

                                    (2) In the event that the Borrower elects a
Eurodollar Rate pricing option, interest shall be payable on the last day of
each relevant Interest Period, except that if the Borrower has selected an
Interest Period equal to six (6) months, interest shall be payable on the 90th
day and on the 180th day of such Interest Period. It is further agreed that (A)
if an Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Loan would otherwise end on a
day which is not a Eurodollar Business Day, such Interest Period shall be
extended to the next Eurodollar Business Day, unless such next Eurodollar
Business Day shall fall in the next calendar month in which event such Interest
Period shall end on the immediately preceding Eurodollar Business Day, (B) the
principal amount designated in the notice requesting a Eurodollar Rate pricing
option, when added to the principal amount of all then outstanding Loans bearing
interest at a Eurodollar Rate shall not exceed the outstanding principal amount
of the Notes reduced by any installment of principal falling due within any
Interest Period or Periods and (C) no Interest Period beginning prior to the
Conversion Date or the Maturity Date shall end later than the Conversion Date or
the Maturity Date, as the case may be.

                                    (3) As used herein, the term "Eurodollar
Rate" shall mean the rate per annum (rounded upwards if necessary to the nearest
1/100 of 1%) determined by the Agent Bank to be equal to the quotient of (A) the
offered rate for deposits in U.S. Dollars (having a term comparable to the
Interest Period designated by the Borrower and in an amount comparable to the
principal amount of the Loan to be borrowed at such alternate rate during such
Interest Period) in the London interbank market which appears



                                      -19-
<PAGE>

on the Telerate Screen two (2) Eurodollar Business Days prior to the first day
of the relevant Interest Period, divided by (B) 1.00 minus the Reserve
Percentage for Loans to be borrowed at such alternate rate for the relevant
Interest Period. "Telerate Screen" means the display designated as page 3750 on
the Telerate Service (or such other page as may replace such page for the
purpose of displaying Eurodollar Rates of major banks).

                                    (4) "Reserve Percentage" shall mean the
maximum applicable percentage rate stated in Regulation D of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System at which reserves are required to be
maintained during such Interest Period against "Eurocurrency Liabilities" (or if
more than one such percentage rate is applicable during such period, the maximum
percentage rate for such period) or, if such regulations or the definition of
"Eurocurrency Liabilities" is modified, and as long as a Lender may be required
to maintain reserves against a category of liabilities which includes Eurodollar
deposits or a category of assets which includes Eurodollar loans, the maximum
percentage rate at which reserves are required or elected generally in respect
of such liabilities or assets to be maintained on such category. As of the date
of this Agreement, the Reserve Percentage is zero. The Borrower agrees to pay
each Lender on demand such additional sums as will compensate such Lender for
the effect of any change in such reserve requirements. The affected Lender shall
certify the amount of such cost to the Borrower and such certification shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

                                    (5) It is hereby acknowledged that the
Borrower may call the Agent Bank on or before the date on which notice of an
elective interest rate is to be delivered by the Borrower in order to receive an
indication of the Eurodollar Rates then in effect but that such projection shall
not be binding upon the Borrower, the Agent Bank or any Lender or affect the
Eurodollar Rates actually in effect two (2) Eurodollar Business Days prior to
the first day of said Interest Period. Unless subsequent notice is received by
the Agent Bank, the interest rate shall return to the interest rate based on the
Variable Rate applicable to such Loan after the end of any relevant Interest
Period for which the Eurodollar Rate pricing option was elected by the Borrower.

                                    (6) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay each
Lender or the Agent Bank on demand such additional sums as are necessary to
reimburse each such Lender or the Agent Bank for such Lender's or Agent Bank's
costs directly relating to the Loans or the Letters of Credit in complying
during the term of this Agreement with all present and future laws, executive
orders and regulations of the governments of the United States and the United
Kingdom and of any regulatory or administrative agency thereof (including the
Bank of England and the Board of Governors of 




                                      -20-
<PAGE>

the Federal Reserve System) which after the date of this Agreement impose,
modify or deem applicable any reserve, asset, special deposit, deposit insurance
or assessment, capital or similar requirements relating to (A) any category of
liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which a Eurodollar Rate is
to be determined as provided in the definition of such term or (B) any category
of extensions of credit or other assets which include any portion of the Loans
as to which an alternate rate has been elected (hereinafter "Additional
Requirements"), or which in the future subject a Lender or the Agent Bank to any
tax with respect to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or change the
basis of taxation of payments to a Lender or the Agent Bank of principal or
interest or fees payable under this Agreement (except for changes in the rate of
tax on the net income of such Lender or the Agent Bank imposed by the United
States or any other government having jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or taxing authority thereof) (hereinafter included in Additional Requirements).
A Lender or the Agent Bank shall certify the amount of such cost to the Borrower
and such certification shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

                                    (7) In the event that the Borrower shall
have requested Loans based on a Eurodollar Rate and the Agent Bank, or any
Lender after consultation with the Agent Bank, shall have reasonably determined
that quotations of interest rates for the relevant deposits referred to in the
definition of Eurodollar Rate are not being provided in the relevant amounts or
for the relevant Interest Periods for purposes of determining Eurodollar Rates,
or that, by reason of circumstances affecting the London Inter-Bank Eurocurrency
Market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining Eurodollar
Rates applicable to such deposits for the specified Interest Period, the Agent
Bank shall promptly give notice of such determination to the Borrower and no
Loans based on Eurodollar Rates shall be available for the specified Interest
Period. Such determination by the Agent Bank hereunder shall be conclusive and
binding upon the Lenders and the Borrower in the absence of manifest error.

                                    (8) Further, in the event that by reason of
any change in any law, regulation or official directive, or in the
interpretation thereof by any governmental body charged with the administration
thereof, a Lender becomes subject to restrictions on the amount of any category
of deposits or other liabilities of such Lender which includes deposits by
reference to which Eurodollar Rates are determined as provided herein or a
category of extensions of credit or other assets of such Lender which includes
any portion of the Loans as to which Eurodollar Rates have been elected, then,
if such Lender so elects by notice to the Borrower setting out the basis of such
election, the obligation of the Lenders to make additional Loans based on
Eurodollar Rates shall be suspended until such change ceases to be



                                      -21-
<PAGE>

in effect, and during such suspension a Lender's portion of all Loans requested
to be made based on Eurodollar Rates shall instead bear interest at the
applicable Variable Rate.

                                    (9) Notwithstanding anything herein
contained to the contrary, if, prior to or during any Interest Period with
respect to which a Eurodollar Rate is in effect, any change in any law,
regulation or official directive, or in the interpretation thereof, by any
governmental body charged with the administration thereof, shall make it
unlawful for a Lender to fund or maintain its funding in Eurodollars of any
portion of the principal amount of a Note or otherwise to give effect to such
Lender's obligations as contemplated hereby, (A) the Agent Bank may by written
notice to the Borrower declare the Lenders' obligations in respect of the
Eurodollar Rate pricing option to be terminated forthwith, (B) the Eurodollar
Rate option with respect to the Lenders shall forthwith cease to be in effect,
and interest shall from and after such date be calculated at the interest rate
based on the Base Rate otherwise applicable and (C) the Borrower hereby agrees
to indemnify each Lender against any loss or expense suffered by it in
liquidating prior to maturity Eurodollar deposits which correspond, directly or
indirectly, to its pro rata share of the principal amount of the Note to which a
Eurodollar Rate was applicable. Each Lender shall certify the amount of such
loss or expense to the Borrower and such certification shall be conclusive in
the absence of manifest error.

                                    (10) The Lenders have indicated that if the
Borrower elects a Eurodollar Rate, the Lenders may wish to purchase in the
London Inter-Bank Eurocurrency Market one or more Eurodollar deposits in order
to fund or maintain their funding of their pro rata shares of the principal
amount of the Note to which a Eurodollar Rate pricing option is applicable
during the Interest Period in question; it being understood that the provisions
of this Agreement relating to such funding are included only for the purpose of
determining the rate of interest to be paid under a Eurodollar Rate pricing
option and any other amounts owing under this Section 2 with respect to
Eurodollar Loans.

                           (c) Default Rate. After (i) maturity of the Loans,
whether scheduled, by acceleration or otherwise, and whether prior to or after a
judgment against the Borrower or (ii) the occurrence of, and during the
continuance of, an Event of Default under Section 8.1, the Borrower shall pay to
the Lenders, on demand, an additional amount as a premium on all unpaid amounts
from the due date until paid in full at a rate or rates per annum equal to two
(2) percentage points above the rate or rates otherwise applicable in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement.

                                      -22-
<PAGE>

                  2.5 Reserve Requirements; Change in Circumstances. If, during
the term of this Agreement, a Lender shall reasonably have determined that the
adoption after the date hereof of any applicable law, rule or regulation
regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or compliance by a Lender with any request or directive regarding
capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority,
central bank or comparable agency has or would have the effect of reducing the
rate of return on such Lender's capital as a consequence of its obligations
hereunder to a level below that which such Lender could have achieved but for
such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration such Lender's
policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Lender to
be material, then from time to time, after submission by such Lender to the
Borrower (with a copy to the Agent Bank) of a written request therefor (which
shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), the Borrower shall
promptly pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate
such Lender for such reduction.


                  2.6 Voluntary and Mandatory Prepayments; Commitment Reductions

                           (a) Voluntary Prepayments; Commitment Reductions. The
Borrower shall be permitted to prepay the Loans from and after the Conversion
Date in whole or in part, without penalty or premium, or reduce or terminate the
Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case may, be at any time,
without penalty or premium except as otherwise stated herein, upon the following
terms:

                                    (i) The Borrower shall provide the Agent
Bank with at least one (1) Business Day's prior written notice of its intention
to prepay.

                                    (ii) Each prepayment shall be made on a pro
rata basis to the Lenders.

                                    (iii) The Available Commitment or the Total
Commitment, as the case may be, may be reduced (pro rata between the Lenders) or
terminated upon at least one (1) Business Day's notice; provided, however, that
such Commitment may not be reduced below the outstanding principal amounts of
the Loans on such date.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>

                           (b) Mandatory Prepayments. In addition to the
Borrower's right of voluntary prepayment:

                                    (i) From and after the Conversion Date, the
Borrower shall make mandatory prepayments of the Loans to the Lenders, on a pro
rata basis, in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of Excess Cash Flow for
the immediately preceding fiscal year. Such payments shall be made annually, no
later than May 1 of each year in respect of the prior fiscal year, commencing on
May 1, 2,000 in respect of fiscal year 1999.

                                    (ii) If at any time the outstanding
principal amount of the Loans exceeds the Available Commitment or the Total
Commitment, as the case may be, the Borrower shall make mandatory prepayments of
the Loans to the Lenders, on a pro rata basis, within two (2) Business Days
thereof, in such amounts as may be necessary to eliminate such excess.

                                    (iii) The Borrower shall make mandatory
prepayments of the Loans to the Lenders, on a pro rata basis, in an amount equal
to 100% of the net cash proceeds (after payment of related taxes and expenses)
from the sale of its assets outside the ordinary course of business.

                                    (iv) From and after the Conversion Date, the
Borrower shall make mandatory prepayments of the Loans to the Lenders, on a pro
rata basis, in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds obtained by the
Borrower through the issuance of Approved Debt.

                           (c) Application of Prepayments. Voluntary and
mandatory prepayments made to the Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be
made on a pro rata basis. All prepayments shall be applied by each Lender first
to late charges and other costs, then to accrued but unpaid fees, then to
accrued but unpaid interest and thereafter in reduction of outstanding principal
amounts in the inverse order of maturity.

                           (d) Prepayment of Eurodollar Loans. In the event that
the Borrower makes a prepayment (whether voluntary or mandatory) of any portion
of a Eurodollar Loan on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period with
respect thereto, the Borrower will pay to the Lenders, upon demand, an amount or
amounts equal to the amount, if any, by which the interest which would have been
payable on the last day of the relevant Interest Period exceeds the amount of
interest (as reasonably determined by each such Lender) that each such Lender
would have obtained by placing its pro rata share of the amount so prepaid on
deposit in the London Inter-Bank Eurocurrency market for a period commencing on
the date following such prepayment and ending on the last day of such Interest
Period. The 



                                      -24-
<PAGE>

respective Lender's calculation of such amounts shall be conclusive in the
absence of manifest error.

                           (e) Permanent Reduction of Commitment. Any mandatory
prepayment shall permanently reduce the Available Commitment or Total
Commitment, as the case may be, on a pro rata basis, by the amount of such
prepayment.

                  2.7 Reimbursement of Certain Expenses. In addition to amounts
hereinabove set forth, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Lenders with respect to
the Loans, on a pro rata basis, an amount certified by the Agent Bank to be
sufficient to compensate the Lenders for all actual losses, reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, funding expenses or costs incurred in connection with
the Borrower's (a) failure to borrow or prepay a Eurodollar Loan pursuant to a
written notice given hereunder with respect thereto or (b) repayment upon
acceleration or prepayment of principal bearing interest at a Eurodollar Rate.
The certification by the Agent Bank hereunder shall be conclusive in the absence
of manifest error.

                  2.8 Security. The Notes and other obligations of the Borrower
shall be secured by and entitled to the benefits of (i) the Security Agreements,
(ii) the Guaranty Agreements, (iii) the Pledge Agreements, (iv) the Blocked
Account Agreements and (v) the Assignments of Tenant's Interest Under Leases.

                       2.9 Payments Among the Agent Bank and the Lenders.

                  (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower agrees
that: (A) each Loan hereof will be made by the Lenders to the Agent Bank for the
account of the Borrower and each payment of the Commitment Fee shall be made to
the Agent Bank for the account of the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their
respective percentages of the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as
the case may be, (B) payments and prepayments of principal or interest will be
made by the Borrower to the Agent Bank for the account of the Lenders pro rata
in accordance with the unpaid principal amount of the Loans, as applicable, and
(C) any reduction in the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the
case may be, shall reduce each Lender's Commitment pro rata in accordance with
its percentage of the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case
may be.

In the event any payments to the Lenders by the Agent Bank described in Section
2.9(a)(B) is not received by any Lender from the Agent Bank on the Business Day
immediately following the date the Agent Bank receives such payment from the
Borrower, the Agent Bank shall owe such Lender the 



                                      -25-
<PAGE>

amount of such payment, together with interest thereon, for each day from the
date such amount is in possession of the Agent Bank on behalf of the Lenders
until the date such amount is paid by the Agent Bank to the Lenders, at the rate
computed by taking the Base Rate in effect from time to time and increasing it
by 1.5%. The Agent Bank shall be deemed to be delinquent with respect to such
payment until all payments to the Lenders have been paid in full.

                  (b) The Agent Bank shall have no obligation to fund any
amounts to the Borrower pursuant to a Loan Request unless such amounts are
actually received from the Lenders. In the event funds are not received from a
Lender on the Business Day immediately prior to a Borrowing Date, the Agent Bank
may assume that such Lender will make such funds available to the Agent Bank on
the Borrowing Date (if such Lender has not notified the Agent Bank that it will
not make funds available to the Agent Bank) and the Agent Bank, in its sole
discretion, may, but shall not be obligated to, in reliance upon such
assumption, make available to the Borrower on the Borrowing Date a corresponding
amount. If and to the extent such Lender shall not have so made such funds
available to the Agent Bank and the Agent Bank has made a corresponding amount
available to the Borrower, such Lender (a "Delinquent Lender") agrees to repay
to the Agent Bank such corresponding amount within one (1) Business Day of such
advance to the Borrower. Such amount shall be paid by the Delinquent Lender,
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is
advanced to the Borrower by the Agent Bank on behalf of such Delinquent Lender
until the date such amount is repaid to the Agent Bank, at the rate computed by
taking the Base Rate in effect from time to time and increasing it by 1.5%. If
such Delinquent Lender shall repay to the Agent Bank such corresponding amount,
such amount so repaid shall constitute a Loan under such Delinquent Lender's
Commitment. If such Delinquent Lender does not pay such corresponding amount
within one (1) Business Day, the Agent Bank shall be entitled to all interest
earned thereon through the date of the payment of any such amount by such
Delinquent Lender. A Delinquent Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and
all payments due to it from the Borrower, whether on account of outstanding
principal, interest, fees or otherwise to the nondelinquent Lenders for
application to, and reduction of, their respective pro rata share of all
outstanding Loans to the extent of the delinquency. The Delinquent Lender hereby
authorizes the Agent Bank to distribute such payments to the nondelinquent
Lenders in proportion to their respective pro rata shares of all outstanding
Loans. A Delinquent Lender shall be deemed to have satisfied in full a
delinquency when and if, as a result of application of the assigned payment to
all outstanding Loans of the nondelinquent Lenders, the Lenders' respective pro
rata shares of all outstanding Loans have returned to those in effect



                                      -26-
<PAGE>

immediately prior to such delinquency and without giving effect to the
nonpayment causing such delinquency.

                  (c) Nothing contained in this Section 2.9 shall be construed
to relieve any Lender of its obligation to make funds available to the Agent
Bank under this Agreement except as otherwise expressly provided herein, nor to
relieve the Borrower of its obligation to make any payment when due.


SECTION 3.  LETTERS OF CREDIT

                  3.1 Availability of Letters of Credit. In addition to cash
advances under the Loans, the Borrower may draw on the Available Commitment or
the Total Commitment, as the case may be, by requesting the issuance by the
Agent Bank, for the account of the Borrower, of one or more letters of credit
(individually, a "Letter of Credit" and collectively the "Letters of Credit")
upon terms and in form reasonably satisfactory to the Agent Bank; provided that
the Agent Bank shall have no obligation to issue a Letter of Credit if, after
giving effect to such issuance the aggregate principal amount of all
Reimbursement Obligations would, when added to the then outstanding principal
amount of the Loans, exceed the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as
the case may be. The Letters of Credit shall have terms which do not extend
beyond the Maturity Date and shall not be issued or renewed for the purpose of
supporting or permitting repayment of any Indebtedness for borrowed money or
similar obligations of the Borrower (except for those set forth in Schedule 3.1
or those reasonably acceptable to the Agent Bank). At no time shall the
aggregate principal amount of all Reimbursement Obligations in respect of all
outstanding Letters of Credit exceed $4,000,000.

                  3.2 Letter of Credit Request. Each request by the Borrower for
the issuance of a Letter of Credit (a "Letter of Credit Request") shall be made
in writing, in a form prescribed by the Agent Bank from time to time. Each
Letter of Credit Request shall be submitted at least five (5) Business Days
before the day on which the Letter of Credit is to be issued. Each Letter of
Credit Request shall contain the information and other evidence reasonably
required by the Agent Bank to establish that all conditions precedent to the
requested Letter of Credit have been satisfied. Each Letter of Credit Request
shall include an express representation and warranty (and shall be deemed to
include the representation and warranty if it is not expressly included) by the
Borrower that (i) all of the representations and warranties set forth in Section
5 hereof continue to be true and correct in all material respects on the date of
the Letter of Credit Request, (ii) all conditions precedent to the requested
Letter of Credit have been satisfied as of the time the Letter of Credit Request
is submitted to the Agent Bank and 



                                      -27-
<PAGE>

(iii) the business and financial ratios and covenants set forth in Section 7.19
have been met and (iv) no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default exists.
The Borrower shall attach to each Letter of Credit Request a form of the Letter
of Credit, issuance of which is requested by the Borrower, which form shall have
been substantially agreed upon by the intended beneficiary of such Letter of
Credit.

                  3.3 Utilization of Commitment. Upon the issuance of any
Letters of Credit, on each day during the period commencing with the issuance by
the Agent Bank of any such Letters of Credit and until the time on which such
Letters of Credit shall have expired or have been terminated or until all
Reimbursement Obligations of the Borrower have been paid, whichever is earlier,
the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case may be, shall be
reduced by the amount of the face amount of the Letters of Credit for all
purposes hereof.

                  3.4 Reimbursement Obligations. Amounts paid by the Agent Bank
upon any drawing under a Letter of Credit shall be reimbursed by the Borrower on
or before 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the date of honoring such drawing (the
"Reimbursement Time") as provided in Section 3.5. The Borrower's obligation to
reimburse the Agent Bank under this Section 3.4 for payments and disbursements
made by the Agent Bank in respect of each drawing shall be absolute and
unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any set-off,
counterclaim or defense to payment which the Borrower may have or have had
against the Agent Bank or the Lenders (other than any set-off, counterclaim or
defense arising out of an act or acts of gross negligence or willful misconduct
by the Agent Bank or the Lenders), including any defense based on (a) the
failure of any presentation or demand for payment under any Letter of Credit to
conform to the terms of any Letter of Credit if the Borrower has requested in
writing that the Agent Bank honor such Letter of Credit despite the
non-conformance; (b) any nonapplication or misapplication by any beneficiary of
the proceeds of any Letter of Credit; (c) the legality, validity, regularity or
enforceability of any Letter of Credit; (d) any amendment or waiver of or any
consent to or departure from this Agreement; (e) any exchange, release or
non-perfection of any Collateral, or any release, amendment or waiver of or
consent to or departure from any guaranty; (f) the existence of any claim,
set-off, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against
the beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any entities for
whom such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), or any other
Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transaction in respect of
which such Letter of Credit was issued, or any unrelated transaction; (g) any
presentation or demand under or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any
statement or other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be
unauthorized, forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient 




                                      -28-
<PAGE>

in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any
respect whatsoever; and (h) any law, order, regulation or custom in effect in
the places of negotiation or payment of any Letter of Credit.

                  3.5 Fulfillment of Reimbursement Obligations. The Borrower's
obligation to reimburse the Lenders under Section 3.4 for any amounts paid in
respect of a drawing shall be fulfilled as follows:

                  (a) Subject to fulfillment of each and every condition
         provided in Section 4 hereof by the Reimbursement Time, the amounts
         paid by the Agent Bank under such drawing shall be treated as a Loan
         under this Agreement and in such event the Lenders agree to fund such
         Loan pro rata.

                  (b) If clause (a) above cannot apply because the conditions of
         Section 4 are not met, the Borrower shall make a payment in cash to the
         Agent Bank, to be applied pro rata among the Lenders in accordance with
         Section 3.11, on or before the Reimbursement Time, in an amount equal
         to the drawing under the Letters of Credit.

                  3.6 Interest on Amounts Advanced under Letter of Credit
Drawings. On each day during the period commencing with the issuance by the
Agent Bank of any Letter of Credit and until such Letter of Credit shall have
expired or been terminated and until all Reimbursement Obligations have been
paid, the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case may be,
shall be deemed to be utilized for all purposes hereof, in an amount equal to
each Lender's percentage of the Available Commitment or the Total Commitment, as
the case may be, of the then undrawn face amount of each Letter of Credit and
any unpaid Reimbursement Obligation. The interest rate applicable to such
amounts shall be determined by reference to Section 2.4 hereof.

                  3.7 Letter of Credit Fees. Upon the issuance of each Letter of
Credit, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent Bank a letter of credit issuance fee
(the "Issuance Fee") of $500. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent Bank, for the
benefit of the Lenders, on a pro rata basis, an additional Letter of Credit fee
(the "Maintenance Fee", together with the Issuance Fee, the "Letter of Credit
Fees") quarterly in advance, beginning with the last day of the first Quarter in
which the Agent Bank has issued a Letter of Credit. The Letter of Credit Fee
shall be paid to the Agent Bank on the daily undrawn face amount of each Letter
of Credit outstanding for the period from and including the date of issuance of
such Letter of Credit to and including the date of expiration or termination
thereof, at a rate per annum based upon the Leverage Ratio as follows:

                                      -29-
<PAGE>

       Total Consolidated Debt/                               Fee as a % of
         Consolidated EBITDA                                Face Amount of
(for the preceding four Quarters) minus                     Letter of Credit
        Capital Expenditures                                ----------------
- ---------------------------------------                        (per annum)

    Greater than or equal to 2.00                                 2.25%

    Less than 2.00 but
      greater than or equal to 1.00                               1.75%

    Less than 1.00                                                1.50%

                  3.8 Additional Conditions to Issuance of Letters of Credit.
The issuance by the Agent Bank of each Letter of Credit shall further be subject
to the conditions precedent that (a) such Letter of Credit be in such form and
contain such terms as reasonably required by the Agent Bank and be used only for
Permitted Uses and (b) the Borrower shall have paid to the Agent Bank for its
own account the Issuance Fee in connection with issuing each such Letter of
Credit.

                  3.9 Additional Costs in Respect of Letters of Credit. If as a
result of any new law, rule or regulation or any change in an existing law, rule
or regulation there shall be imposed, modified or deemed applicable any tax
(except for taxes imposed on a Lender's or Agent Bank's net income by the United
States or any other government having jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or taxing authority thereof), reserve, special deposit or similar requirement
against or with respect to or measured by reference to any Letter of Credit
issued or to be issued by the Agent Bank hereunder and the result shall be to
increase the cost to the Agent Bank of issuing or maintaining such Letter of
Credit or such participation, or reduce any amount receivable by the Agent Bank
hereunder in respect of such Letter of Credit or such participation, then, upon
demand by the Agent Bank, the Borrower agrees to pay immediately to the Agent
Bank such additional amounts as the Agent Bank shall from time to time specify
as necessary to compensate the Agent Bank for such increased costs or reductions
in amounts. A statement as to such increased costs or reductions in amounts
incurred by the Agent Bank, submitted to the Borrower, shall be conclusive,
absent manifest error, provided that such costs or reductions are determined on
a reasonable basis.

                  3.10 Commercial Practices in Respect of Letters of Credit.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Agent Bank shall
have no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if, in its sole determination,
such issuance would conflict with or violate any applicable law. All Letters of
Credit shall be construed in accordance with 



                                      -30-
<PAGE>

and shall be governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary
Credits, International Chamber of Commerce, Publication 500 (1993 revision) (the
"UCP") and, to the extent not inconsistent with the UCP, the U.C.C. Without
affecting any rights the Agent Bank or the Lenders may have under applicable law
(including the UCP), the Borrower agrees that neither any Lender or the Agent
Bank nor any of their respective officers or directors shall be liable or
responsible for, and the obligations of the Borrower to the Agent Bank or the
Lenders hereunder shall not in any manner be affected by: (a) the use which may
be made of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof by the beneficiary
thereof or any other Person; (b) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of
documents other than the Letters of Credit, or of any endorsement(s) thereon,
even if such documents should, in fact, prove to be in any or all respects,
invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; or (c) any other circumstances
whatsoever in making or failing to make payment under any Letter of Credit
except that the Borrower shall have a claim against the Agent Bank, and the
Agent Bank shall be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the
extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential, damages suffered by the
Borrower which the Borrower proves are caused by the Agent Bank's willful
misconduct or gross negligence in determining whether documents presented under
any Letter of Credit complied with the terms of such Letter of Credit or the
Agent Bank's willful failure to pay under such Letter of Credit after the
presentation to it of documents strictly complying with the terms and conditions
of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing,
the Agent Bank may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order
without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or
information to the contrary.

                  3.11 Lender's Participation in Liability. Each Lender hereby
agrees that upon the issuance by the Agent Bank of any Letter of Credit, such
Lender will automatically acquire a participation under such Letter of Credit in
an amount equal to the product of the face amount of the Letter of Credit,
multiplied by such Lender's percentage of the Available Commitment or the Total
Commitment, as the case may be (the amount of liability of each Lender to the
Agent Bank as calculated pursuant to this Section 3.11 being referred to herein
as the "Letter of Credit Liability"). Each Lender hereby unconditionally agrees
to pay to the Agent Bank at the address of the Agent Bank set forth in this
Agreement in immediately available funds (not later than 4:00 p.m. New York City
time on the Business Day on which the Agent Bank will send a notice to such
Lender that the Agent Bank has paid amounts in respect of a drawing under any
Letter of Credit) the amount of such Lender's Letter of Credit Liability
specified in such notice, provided that such notice is received by such Lender
by not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time, on such Business Day.
Simultaneously with the making of each payment by a Lender to the Agent Bank
pursuant to 



                                      -31-
<PAGE>

the preceding sentence, the Agent Bank will, automatically and without any
further action on the part of the Agent Bank or such Lender, acquire a
participation in an amount equal to such payment in the Reimbursement Obligation
owing by the Borrower in respect of such drawing and a participation in a
percentage equal to such Lender's percentage of the Available Commitment or the
Total Commitment, as the case may be, in any interest payable by the Borrower in
respect of such Reimbursement Obligation. Each payment received by the Agent
Bank in respect of any Reimbursement Obligation (including by way of set-off or
application of proceeds or any collateral security for such Reimbursement
Obligation) will be promptly paid by the Agent Bank to the Lenders entitled
thereto, pro rata, in accordance with the amounts of the Lenders' respective
participation in such Reimbursement Obligation.


SECTION 4.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

                  No Lender shall be required to make any Loan or to make any
other advance in connection therewith and the Agent Bank shall not be required
to issue any Letter of Credit to the Borrower unless the following conditions
have been satisfied prior thereto:

                  4.1 Representations and Warranties; Compliance. All
representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Parent in this
Agreement or in the other Loan Documents or otherwise made in writing in
connection herewith or therewith shall be true and correct on and as of the
Borrowing Date with the same force and effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of the Borrowing Date. All of the agreements,
terms, covenants and conditions required by this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents to be complied with and performed by the Parent, the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries shall have been complied with and performed.

                  4.2 No Default. No Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing on and as of the Borrowing Date.

                  4.3 No Adverse Change; No Litigation. No adverse change in the
business, operations, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the
Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and no other event
shall have occurred which creates a Material Adverse Effect. No actions, suits,
claims, arbitrations, litigation, proceedings or investigations before or by any
arbitrator or Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened to
restrain, prohibit, invalidate or otherwise affect the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

                                      -32-
<PAGE>

                  4.4 Authorizations Obtained. All approvals, licenses,
authorizations, consents, filings and registrations of or with all Governmental
Authorities and other Persons which shall be necessary or which in the
reasonable judgment of the Agent Bank or counsel to the Agent Bank shall be
desirable in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby, shall have been obtained, shall be in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Agent Bank and counsel to the Agent Bank, shall have been
delivered to the Agent Bank and shall be in full force and effect at and as of
such Borrowing Date.

                  4.5 Documentation and Proceedings. All corporate and legal
proceedings and all instruments delivered in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent Bank and counsel to the Agent
Bank, and the Agent Bank and such counsel shall have received all information
and copies of all documents (including records of corporate proceedings) which
the Agent Bank and such counsel may have reasonably requested in connection
herewith or therewith, such documents where appropriate to be certified by
proper corporate or Governmental Authorities, including, without limitation, the
following:

                           (a) Resolutions of Borrower. Certified copies of
resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing the borrowing
contemplated hereby, the creation of a security interest in favor of the Agent
Bank in the Collateral owned by the Borrower, and the execution and delivery by
the Borrower of this Agreement, the Notes, its Security Agreement and of all
other instruments and documents called for hereunder and thereunder to be
executed and delivered by the Borrower.

                           (b) Resolutions of Parent. Certified copies of
resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Parent authorizing the creation of
a security interest in favor of the Agent Bank in the Collateral owned by the
Parent, and authorizing the execution and delivery by the Parent of this
Agreement, its Guaranty Agreement and its Pledge Agreement, and of all other
instruments and documents called for hereunder and thereunder to be executed and
delivered by the Parent.

                           (c) Resolutions of Subsidiaries. Certified copies of
resolutions of the Board of Directors of each Subsidiary authorizing the
creation of a security interest in favor of the Agent Bank in the Collateral
owned by each such Subsidiary, and authorizing the execution and delivery by
each Subsidiary of its Guaranty Agreement and Security Agreement, and of all
other instruments and documents called for hereunder and thereunder to be
executed and delivered by each such Subsidiary.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>

                           (d) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Copies of
the articles of incorporation and bylaws of each of the Borrower, the Parent and
the Subsidiaries, certified by each such corporation's respective corporate
secretary to be true and complete.

                           (e) Certificates of Good Standing. Certificates of
good standing of each of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries in the
state in which it is incorporated and in each of the states listed on Schedules
5.1(a), 5.1(b) and 5.2, respectively, dated as of a date within fifteen (15)
days prior to the Closing Date.

                           (f) Officer's Certificates of Borrower and Parent. An
Officer's Certificate of each of the Borrower and the Parent, dated the
Borrowing Date and substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule 4.5(f),
certifying in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent Bank that the
conditions precedent specified in Sections 4.1 through 4.5 hereof have been
satisfied, and that the representations and warranties specified in Sections 5.1
through 5.35 hereof are true and correct at and as of such Borrowing Date.

                           (g) Incumbency Certificates. Certificates of
incumbency showing the signatures and corporate authority of the persons
executing Loan Documents on behalf of each of the Borrower, the Parent and any
Subsidiary.

                           (h) Opinions of Counsel. The opinions of counsel to
the Borrower, the Parent, and the Subsidiaries dated the Closing Date and
addressed to the Agent Bank, substantially in the forms of Exhibit G hereto. On
subsequent Borrowing Dates, the Borrower shall deliver updates of such opinions
in the event the funding on such Borrowing Date (i) is in an amount equal to or
greater than $5,000,000, (ii) is in an amount greater than $2,000,000 and is for
the purpose of making a Permitted Acquisition or (iii) is being made within one
hundred and eighty (180) days after the occurrence of an Event of Default which
has been cured in accordance with this Agreement.

                           (i) Notes. The fully executed Notes.

                           (j) Guaranty Agreements. The fully executed Guaranty
Agreements from the Parent and each of the Subsidiaries.

                           (k) Pledge Agreements. The fully executed Pledge
Agreements (together with the original stock certificates and assignment powers
required thereunder and any appropriate Federal Reserve Forms U-1) from the
Parent and the Borrower.

                                      -34-
<PAGE>

                           (l) Security Agreements. The fully executed Security
Agreements from the Parent, the Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries.

                           (m) Blocked Account Agreements. The fully executed
Blocked Account Agreements from the Parent, the Borrower and each of the
Subsidiaries.

                           (n) U.C.C Financing Statements. U.C.C.-1 financing
statements required under the Security Agreements, all of which financing
statements shall be filed in the appropriate jurisdictions.

                           (o) U.C.C., Tax Lien and Judgment Searches. Such
title reports and lien and judgment searches as are necessary to demonstrate
that the title of each of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries to the
Collateral is free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens, that all
U.C.C.-1 financing statements required to perfect the security interests of the
Agent Bank have been duly filed in the appropriate offices, and that all pledges
of uncertificated securities, if any, included in the Collateral have been duly
registered, so that, when the Loans are advanced, the security interests of the
Agent Bank in the Collateral will be valid, perfected and of first priority.

                           (p) Insurance Policies or Certificates. Insurance
binders evidencing that the insurance required by Sections 6.14 and 6.22 has
been obtained.

                           (q) Mortgage and Collateral Assignments of Leases.
Assignments of Tenant's Interest under Leases with respect to the offices of the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries. If the Agent Bank requests, any Assignment of 
Tenant's Interest Under Leases shall be recorded in the appropriate land record 
offices unless to do so would cause a breach of a lease subject to such 
Assignment of Tenant's Interest Under Leases. The Borrower shall have executed 
and delivered a mortgage in favor of the Agent Bank as the first mortgagee, 
covering each parcel of Owned Real Property, which such mortgage shall be 
recorded among the land records of the jurisdiction(s) in which the Owned Real 
Property is located.

                           (r) Landlords'/Mortgagees' Waivers. A Landlord's
Waiver and Consent, executed by each landlord of the offices of the Borrower and
the Subsidiaries, subject to the provisions of Section 6.15. The waiver shall
include a consent to the Assignment of the Tenant's Interest Under Leases and
shall assure the Agent Bank of its ability to gain access to such premises and
remove the Collateral without interference by the landlord, even if the Borrower
is in default under any leases or mortgages (or deeds of trust) affecting such
premises.

                                      -35-
<PAGE>

                           (s) Collateral Audit Report. An audit report prepared
by an independent certified public accounting firm selected by the Agent Bank as
to the existence and value of the Collateral, which audit report shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Agent Bank.

                           (t) Repayment of Existing Indebtedness. Written
evidence satisfactory to the Agent Bank that (i) all of the Existing
Indebtedness, including, without limitation, all principal, interest, costs and
expenses thereon, has been fully and finally paid, (ii) no obligations are due
and owing by the Borrower to any holder of Existing Indebtedness and (iii) all
liens in connection with the Existing Indebtedness have been fully released by
appropriate UCC-3 termination statements.

                  4.6 Recurring Security Services Contracts. The Agent Bank
shall be satisfied that all of the Recurring Security Services Contracts have
been Stamped within sixty (60) days after the Closing Date.

                  4.7 Non-U.S. Subsidiaries. The Agent Bank shall be satisfied
that the Non-U.S. Subsidiaries have been fully dissolved on or before December
31, 1996.


SECTION 5.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

                  In order to induce the Lenders and the Agent Bank to enter
into this Agreement and to make the Loans and issue the Letters of Credit as
herein provided, the Borrower and the Parent, jointly and severally, hereby make
the following representations and warranties, which representations and
warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and of the
Notes and shall not be affected or waived by any inspection or examination made
by or on behalf of the Agent Bank or the Lenders:


                  5.1 Corporate Status.

                  (a) The Borrower is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has
the full power and authority, corporate and otherwise, to own, operate and lease
its properties, to carry on its business as currently conducted, to execute and
deliver this Agreement, the Notes, its Security Agreement and the other Loan
Documents to which it is a party, and to perform all of its obligations under
all such agreements and documents. The Borrower is duly qualified to conduct
business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in the states listed
on Schedule 5.1(a) hereto. The Borrower is not qualified to conduct business in
any other jurisdiction and there is no state, country or 



                                      -36-
<PAGE>

territory wherein the absence of licensing or qualification as a foreign
corporation has had or would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (b) The Parent is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has
the full power and authority, corporate and otherwise, to own, operate and lease
its properties, to carry on its business as currently conducted, to execute and
deliver this Agreement, its Guaranty Agreement, its Pledge Agreement and the
other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and to perform all of its
obligations under all such agreements and documents. The Parent is duly
qualified to conduct business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing
in the states listed on Schedule 5.1(b) hereto. The Parent is not qualified to
conduct business in any other jurisdiction, and there is no state, country or
territory wherein the absence of licensing or qualification as a foreign
corporation has had or would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  5.2 Subsidiaries. Neither the Parent nor the Borrower has any
subsidiaries, any equity investment or other interest in, or has made advances
to any corporation, association, partnership, joint venture or other entity,
except as described on Schedule 5.2 hereto, which Schedule 5.2 sets forth (a)
the authorized capital stock of each Subsidiary and the percentage of the
outstanding capital stock of each Subsidiary owned by the Parent or the
Borrower, as the case may be, (b) the nature and amount of any such equity
investment, other interest or advance, and (c) the state of incorporation of
each Subsidiary. All of such shares owned by the Parent or the Borrower, as the
case may be, have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable. Other than the Non-U.S. Subsidiaries, each Subsidiary is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of its state of incorporation, and has the full power and authority, corporate
and otherwise, to own, operate and lease its properties, to carry on its
business as currently conducted, to execute and deliver its Security Agreement
and its Guaranty Agreement, and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party,
and to perform all of its obligations under all such agreements and documents.
Each Subsidiary is duly qualified to conduct business as a foreign corporation
and is in good standing in the states listed on Schedule 5.2 hereto. The
Subsidiaries are not qualified to conduct business in any other jurisdictions
and there is no state, country or territory wherein the absence of licensing or
qualification as a foreign corporation has had or would result in a Material
Adverse Effect. The Parent or the Borrower, as the case may be, owns all of the
outstanding capital stock of each Subsidiary, free and clear of any Liens,
except for Permitted Liens.

                  5.3 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Borrower has
furnished to the Agent Bank a complete and correct copy of the Articles 



                                      -37-
<PAGE>

of Incorporation of each of the Borrower, the Parent and each Subsidiary (other
than the Non-U.S. Subsidiaries), as presently in effect, certified as of a
recent date by the Secretary of State of their respective states of
incorporation, and a complete and correct copy of the bylaws of each of the
Borrower, the Parent and each Subsidiary (other than the Non-U.S. Subsidiaries),
as currently in effect, certified by their respective corporate secretaries.

                  5.4 Authorization; No Violations. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Notes, and the other Loan Documents by the
Borrower, the Parent and any Subsidiary party thereto, the fulfillment of and
the compliance with the respective terms and provisions hereof and thereof, and
the due consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have
been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part
of the Borrower, the Parent and such Subsidiary (none of which actions have been
modified or rescinded, and all of which actions are in full force and effect),
and do not and will not:

                           (a) Require any consent or approval of any Person,
other than the stockholders of the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary;

                           (b) Conflict with, or violate any provision of, any
statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction,
decree, determination or award of any arbitrator or Governmental Authority
having applicability to the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary or any of
their respective properties, or any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
or bylaws of the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary;

                           (c) Conflict with, or result in any breach of, or
constitute a default under, any indenture loan credit agreement, deed of trust,
mortgage, note or other instrument or any material agreement, commitment, lease
or contract to which the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary is a party or by
which it or any of its properties may be bound or affected; provided, however,
that the parties understand that certain agreements and leases to which the
Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary may be a party, none of which agreements
and leases is material to the respective businesses of the Parent, the Borrower
or such Subsidiary prohibit assignment of such agreements and leases by the
Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary; or

                           (d) Result in or require the creation or imposition
of or result in the acceleration of any Indebtedness or any Lien of any nature
upon, or with respect to, the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary or any of
the properties now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower, the Parent or
any Subsidiary.

                                      -38-
<PAGE>

                  5.5 Governmental Approvals. No consent, approval or
authorization of, or declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority or
any state, county, or municipal agency, authority, commission or council, and,
if applicable, public utility commissions and other entities exercising
jurisdiction over the sale, lease (or rental), installation, servicing or
monitoring of Security Services, on the part of the Borrower, the Parent or any
Subsidiary is required for the valid execution, delivery or performance of any
of the Loan Documents.

                  5.6 Validity and Binding Nature. This Agreement constitutes,
and each of the Notes and the other Loan Documents when executed and delivered
hereunder will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Borrower, the Parent and each Subsidiary party thereto, enforceable against the
Borrower, the Parent and such Subsidiary, as the case may be, in accordance with
its respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or affecting
generally the enforcement of creditors' rights.


                  5.7 Capitalization.

                  (a) The authorized capital stock of the Borrower consists
solely of 2,000 shares of common stock, no par value, of which 2,000 shares have
been duly authorized and validly issued and are outstanding, fully paid and
nonassessable. No shares of capital stock have been reserved for any purpose.
There are no outstanding securities convertible into or exchangeable for, and no
outstanding options, warrants or other rights to purchase or to subscribe for,
any shares of stock or other securities of the Borrower or of any of the
Subsidiaries, other than as set forth on Schedule 5.7(a). There are no
outstanding agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, of any kind
affecting or relating to the voting, issuance, purchase, redemption, repurchase
or transfer of the Borrower's common stock, any other securities of the
Borrower, or any securities of any Subsidiary, other than as set forth on
Schedule 5.7(a).

                  (b) The authorized capital stock of the Parent consists solely
of 12,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.1 per share, of which, as of
July 15, 1996, 4,459,257 shares have been duly authorized and validly issued and
are outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable. No shares of capital stock have
been reserved for any purpose. There are no outstanding securities convertible
into or exchangeable for, and no outstanding options, warrants or other rights
to purchase or to subscribe for, any shares of stock or other securities of the
Parent, other than as set forth on Schedule 5.7(b). There are no outstanding
agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings of any kind affecting or
relating to the voting, issuance, 



                                      -39-
<PAGE>

purchase, redemption, repurchase or transfer of the Parent's common stock or any
other securities of the Parent, other than as set forth on Schedule 5.7(b).

                  5.8 Financial Statements. The Borrower has delivered to the
Agent Bank complete and correct copies of audited financial statements for the
year ending December 31, 1995 and unaudited financial statements for the Quarter
ending June 30, 1996. All such financial statements delivered to the Agent Bank
including the notes thereto, (i) are true, correct and complete, (ii) are in
accordance with the books and records of the Borrower, the Parent and the
Subsidiaries, (iii) present fairly the financial condition, assets, liabilities
and stockholders' equity as of the respective dates indicated, and the results
of operations and changes in financial position for the respective periods
indicated, of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries, and (iv) are
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on
a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. Except as reflected in such
balance sheets, there exist no liabilities of the Borrower, the Parent or any
Subsidiary of a type customarily reflected in a balance sheet in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, contingent or absolute, matured or
unmatured, known or unknown. Officer's Certificates delivered to the Agent Bank
after the date hereof which certify the truth and accuracy of the
representations shall be deemed to apply to financial statements which the
Borrower has most recently delivered to the Agent Bank as of the time of such
certification.

                  5.9 Conduct of Business; Absence of Material Adverse Change.
Since the date of the most recent balance sheet delivered hereto, there has been
no material adverse change in the business, operations, affairs, condition
(financial or otherwise), assets, properties or assets of the Borrower, the
Parent and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as shown on the balance sheet as
of such date, other than changes which are disclosed in the other Schedules
attached hereto, and no fact or condition exists or is contemplated or
threatened which might cause such material adverse change in the future.

                  5.10 Taxes. The amounts reserved as a liability for income and
other taxes payable in each balance sheet delivered pursuant to this Agreement
will be sufficient for the payment of all unpaid federal, state, county and
local income and other taxes, whether or not disputed, of the Borrower, the
Parent and of each Subsidiary accrued for or applicable to the period ended on
the dates of such balance sheet(s) and all years and periods prior thereto and
for which the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary may be liable in its own
right or as transferee of the assets of, or as successor to, any other Person.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.10, the Borrower, the Parent and each
Subsidiary has filed all federal, state, county and local 



                                      -40-
<PAGE>

income, excise, property and other tax returns which are required to be filed by
it and such returns are true and correct. Each of the Borrower, the Parent and
each Subsidiary has paid all taxes, estimated taxes, interest, penalties,
assessments and deficiencies which have become due pursuant to such returns or
without returns or pursuant to any assessments received by it, and none of the
Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary is required to pay any additional taxes
or other governmental charges. Neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any
Subsidiary is a party to any pending action or proceeding, and there is no
action or proceeding threatened by any Governmental Authority against the
Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary for assessment or collection of taxes,
and no unresolved claim for assessment or collection of taxes has been asserted
against the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary. There are no outstanding
agreements or waivers with any Governmental Authority extending the statutory
period of limitation applicable to any tax return for any period, other than
those relating to the extension of time to file tax returns.

                  5.11 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of the
Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries shown on the most recent balance sheet
delivered hereto, or thereafter acquired by any of them, have been collected or
are good and collectible in amounts not less than the amounts thereof carried on
the books of the respective owners except to the extent of the allowance for
doubtful accounts shown on such balance sheet.

                  5.12 Debt Instruments. Attached hereto as Schedule 5.12 is a
list and brief description of the material terms, provisions and conditions of
all mortgages, indentures, notes, guarantees and other obligations for or
relating to any Indebtedness to which the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary
is a party or which have been assumed by the Borrower, the Parent or any
Subsidiary or to which any properties or assets of the Borrower, the Parent or
any Subsidiary are subject which equal or exceed $100,000 for any single item of
Indebtedness or in the aggregate equal or exceed $100,000, including the
principal amount, interest rate, original and maturity dates and any sinking
fund installments, prepayment premiums, restrictive covenants and any other
material provisions. Except as described on Schedule 5.12, each of the Borrower,
the Parent and each Subsidiary has performed all the obligations required to be
performed by it to the date hereof and is not in default in any respect under
any of the foregoing, and there has not occurred any event which (whether with
or without notice, lapse of time or the happening or occurrence of any other
event) would constitute such a default.

                  5.13 Bank Accounts. Attached hereto as Schedule 5.13 is a
complete list showing the name of each bank in which the Borrower has accounts
(including a description of the account), certificates of deposit or 



                                      -41-
<PAGE>

safe deposit boxes, and the names of all Persons authorized to draw thereon or
to have access thereto. Such list also shows the name of any Person holding a
power of attorney from the Borrower and a brief description thereof.

                  5.14 Books and Records. The books of account, stock records,
minute books and other records of the Borrower, the Parent and of each
Subsidiary are in all material respects complete and correct and have been
maintained in accordance with good business practices, and the matters contained
in the books of account are appropriately and accurately reflected in the
financial statements described in Section 5.8.

                  5.15 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.15(a),
there are no actions, suits, protests, reconsiderations or proceedings pending,
against or affecting the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary before or by any
arbitrator or Governmental Authority. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.15(b),
there are no actions, suits, protests, reconsiderations or proceedings
threatened against the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary which would, if
actually pursued and liability is determined against the Borrower, the Parent or
such Subsidiary, result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower nor
the Parent nor any Subsidiary (i) is operating under, subject to or in default
with respect to any order, writ, injunction, decree or judgment of any
arbitrator or Governmental Authority or (ii) is in default with respect to the
requirements of any Operating License held by any such Person.

                  5.16 No Restrictive Agreements. Except as set forth on
Schedule 5.16, neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary is a party
to any agreement or subject to any corporate, governmental, or other legal
restrictions which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  5.17 Licenses. The Borrower, the Parent and each Subsidiary
have duly secured all necessary Operating Licenses, and have filed all required
registrations, applications, reports and other documents with the entities
exercising jurisdiction over the sale, lease (or rental), installation,
servicing and monitoring of Security Services, the absence of which Operating
Licenses and filings would result in a Material Adverse Effect. All such
Operating Licenses are listed on Schedule 5.17. Each Operating License is in
full force and effect and the Borrower, the Parent and each Subsidiary have
performed all of their respective obligations with respect thereto which are
required to have been performed prior to the applicable date. No event has
occurred which permits, or after notice or lapse of time (if not renewed within
required time limits) or both would permit, revocation or termination of any
such Operating License or which materially adversely affects or will materially
adversely affect the rights of such holder or which has or will have a Material
Adverse Effect.

                                      -42-
<PAGE>

                  5.18 Fees. Each of the Borrower, the Parent and each
Subsidiary has paid all franchise, license or other material fees and charges
which it is obligated to pay and which have become due pursuant to any Operating
License.

                  5.19 Title to Property. Each of the Borrower, the Parent and
the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of its properties and
assets, and none of such properties or assets is subject to any Liens, other
than Permitted Liens. As of the date hereof, only the Borrower, the Parent or a
Subsidiary, as the case may be, has legal and beneficial title to, and is the
only Person who operates, all of such properties and assets. Schedule 5.19 is a
correct and complete listing of the locations of all the assets and properties
of each of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries. Each of the Borrower,
the Parent and the Subsidiaries enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession under
all leases necessary for the operation of such properties and assets, and all
such leases are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect; none of
such leases contains any provision restricting the incurrence of indebtedness by
the lessee or any unusual or burdensome provision materially adversely affecting
the current or proposed operations of such lessee. The Borrower has provided to
each landlord of the Leased Real Property listed on Schedule 6.15, the form of
Landlord's Waiver and Consent.

                  5.20 Patents, Trademarks, Licenses. Each of the Borrower, the
Parent and the Subsidiaries has rights to or has agreed to purchase all material
patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, and franchises, and
all rights with respect to the foregoing, necessary for the conduct of its
business as now conducted, without any known conflict with the rights of others
and subject only to Permitted Liens.

                  5.21 Names. Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.21, none of
the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary nor any of their respective
predecessors operates or does business or within the past five years, has
operated or done business, under a fictitious, trade or assumed name or has had
a corporate or partnership name other than its current name.

                  5.22 Federal Reserve Regulations. No part of the proceeds of
the Loans will be used to purchase or carry any "margin stock" (as defined in
Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or any
"margin securities" (as defined in Regulation G of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying any such "margin stock" or "margin securities", or for
the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally
incurred for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such "margin securities"
or "margin stock", or for any purpose which would cause this 



                                      -43-
<PAGE>

Agreement to violate Regulation G, Regulation U, Regulation T or Regulation X of
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

                  5.23 Investment Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor the
Parent nor any Subsidiary is an "investment company," or a company "controlled"
by an "investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

                  5.24 Pension and Benefit Plans. There are no Plans maintained
by the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary, or under which the Borrower, the
Parent or any Subsidiary has any liability, other than those described on
Schedule 5.24 attached hereto. No Plan or trust forming a part thereof has been
terminated. All Plans and the trusts forming a part thereof have been
administered and enforced in accordance with their terms, and no disputes are
pending or threatened with respect thereto. All Plans and any trusts forming
parts thereof which are subject to ERISA are and have been administered in
compliance with ERISA and all applicable rules and regulations issued
thereunder, and no Reportable Event has heretofore occurred with respect
thereto. No person has participated in any "prohibited transaction" (as defined
in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) that could subject the
Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary to any tax, penalty or liability. No
accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) and no
liability to the PBGC has been or is expected to be incurred with respect to any
Plan. All Plans which are "employee pension benefit plans" as defined in Section
312 of ERISA since their adoption have qualified and do qualify under Section
401 of the Code. All trusts established under any Plans are exempt from taxation
pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Code.

                  5.25 Compliance with Applicable Laws. Except as set forth on
Schedule 5.25, the Borrower, the Parent and each Subsidiary has complied and is
in full compliance with all statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, rules,
determinations, orders, judgments and decrees applicable to them and to the
assets, properties and business of the Borrower, the Parent, and each
Subsidiary, including, without limitation, all applicable federal and state
securities laws and regulations, and all federal, state and local statutes,
laws, ordinances, regulations, rules, orders, judgments and decrees pertaining
to the sale, leasing, ownership or management of real property, pertaining to
employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, and
wages and hours, and pertaining to safety, health, fire prevention,
environmental protection, building standards, zoning and other matters. The
Borrower, the Parent, the Subsidiaries and all employees, agents, distributors,
representatives or other persons acting on the express, implied or apparent
authority of the Borrower, the Parent or of any Subsidiary have not paid or
received any bribe or other unlawful, 



                                      -44-
<PAGE>

questionable or unusual payment of money or other thing of value, granted or
accepted any extraordinary discount, or furnished or been given any other
unlawful and unusual inducement to or from any Person in the United States or
elsewhere in connection with or in furtherance of the business of the Borrower,
the Parent or of any Subsidiary.

                  5.26 Transactions with Related Parties. Except as set forth on
Schedule 5.26 or any other Schedule attached hereto, no present or former
officer or director of the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary, and no
Affiliate of such an officer or director is currently a party to any transaction
with the Borrower, the Parent or with any Subsidiary, including, without
limitation, any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the
employment of, furnishing of services by, rental of real or personal property
from or otherwise requiring payments to any such officer, director or Affiliate
where the amount involved is in excess of $25,000 for each such transaction or
in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate for any series of related transactions.

                  5.27 Public Utility Holding Company Act. Neither the Borrower
nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary
company" of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company," or a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company," as such terms are defined in the
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

                  5.28 Capital Stock. Neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor
any Subsidiary (i) is subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire any shares of its capital
stock or (ii) is required to file a registration statement relating to its
common stock.

                  5.29 No Limitations on Dividends. Except pursuant to this
Agreement, neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary is subject or
party to any agreement, lien or encumbrance, charter or by-law, regulatory or
other provision (except for applicable statutory corporate law) restricting,
directly or indirectly, the payment of dividends or the making of advances or
other cash payments.

                  5.30 Material Agreements. Except as set forth on Schedule
5.30, neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary is a party to any
material lease, contract, agreement, understanding or commitment of any kind
(including employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, powers of
attorney, distribution agreements, patent license agreements, contracts for
future purchase or delivery of goods or rendering of services, bonus, pension
and retirement plans or accrued vacation pay, insurance and welfare agreements).
To the best knowledge of 



                                      -45-
<PAGE>

each of the Borrower and the Parent, all parties to such agreements have
complied with all material provisions thereof, and, to the best knowledge of the
Borrower and the Parent, no such party is in default thereunder.

                  5.31 Compliance with Environmental Laws. Each of the Borrower,
the Parent and each Subsidiary is in material compliance with all applicable
statutes, laws, rules, regulations and orders of all governmental authorities
relating to environmental protection and pollution control with respect to the
conduct of their respective businesses and the ownership of their respective
properties.

                  5.32 Disclosure. All facts of material importance to the
condition (financial or otherwise), assets, properties, liabilities, business,
operations and financial prospects of the Borrower, the Parent and of each
Subsidiary have been fully and truthfully disclosed to the Agent Bank and the
Lenders in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. No representation or
warranty by the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary in this Agreement or in
the other Loan Documents, and no document, statement, certificate, opinion
letter or exhibit to be furnished or delivered to the Agent Bank or a Lender
pursuant to the Loan Documents, or in connection herewith or therewith or with
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, contains or will contain any
untrue or misleading statement of material fact or omits or will omit any
material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading.


                  5.33  Solvency.

                           (a) The fair saleable value of the assets of the
Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will exceed the
probable amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the
existing debts and other liabilities (including liabilities under the Loan
Documents) of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries as they mature.

                           (b) The capital of each of the Borrower, the Parent
and each of the Subsidiaries does not constitute unreasonably small capital for
such entity to carry out its business as now conducted and as proposed to be
conducted including the capital needs of such entity, taking into account the
particular capital requirements of the businesses conducted by such entity, and
projected capital requirements and capital availability thereof.

                           (c) Neither the Borrower nor the Parent intends to,
or intends to permit any Subsidiary to, incur debts beyond such Person's ability
to pay its probable liability in respect of its debts as they mature (taking
into account the timing and amounts of cash to be received by such Person and
the amounts to be payable on or in respect of debt of such Person). The cash


                                      -46-
<PAGE>

flow of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries, after taking into account
all anticipated uses of the cash of the Borrower, the Parent and the
Subsidiaries, shall at all times be sufficient to pay all such probable amounts
on or in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower, the Parent or such
Subsidiaries when such amounts are required to be paid.

                  5.34 Restructuring. The Restructuring shall be completed no
later than December 31, 1996.

                  5.35 Non-U.S. Subsidiary. The Borrower has filed all documents
with the appropriate governmental authorities, and has taken all such other
necessary or appropriate action, to fully dissolve each of the Non-U.S.
Subsidiaries.

SECTION 6.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

                  The Borrower and the Parent covenant that from the date of
this Agreement and thereafter until all of the Loans, and the Letters of Credit
and all other amounts due and owing under the Loan Documents have been fully,
finally and indefeasibly paid, discharged and retired (and the Commitments of
the Lenders have expired or been terminated in full):

                  6.1 Payment of Notes. The Borrower shall punctually pay the
principal of and interest on the Notes at the times and places and in the manner
specified therein.

                  6.2 Corporate Existence. The Borrower and the Parent shall
each preserve, maintain, and keep, and, except as otherwise contemplated by the
Restructuring, cause each Subsidiary, to preserve, maintain, and keep, in full
force and effect its corporate existence in the jurisdiction of its
incorporation, and all rights, franchises, and privileges necessary or desirable
in the normal conduct of its business, and shall qualify and remain qualified,
and shall cause each Subsidiary to qualify and remain qualified, as a foreign
corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary or
desirable in view of its business and operations and the ownership of its
properties; provided, however, that the obligations set forth in this Section
6.2 shall not apply to any Special Purpose Subsidiary which is dissolved within
one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of its acquisition or to any
Non-U.S. Subsidiary.

                  6.3 Payment of Taxes and Claims. The Borrower and the Parent
shall each pay and discharge, and shall cause each Subsidiary to pay and to
discharge, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed
upon it or any Subsidiary or upon its income or profits or the income or profits
of any Subsidiary, or upon any of its properties or any properties of any
Subsidiary or any part thereof, prior to the date on which penalties



                                      -47-
<PAGE>

attach thereto, and all lawful claims, including, without limitation, claims for
labor, materials or supplies, which, if unpaid, might become a Lien upon any
properties of the Borrower, the Parent or of any Subsidiary, provided that
neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary shall be required to pay
any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being contested in good
faith and by proper proceedings if the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary,
as the case may be, sets aside on its books reserves which are in conformity
with GAAP.

                  6.4 Payment of Obligations. The Borrower and the Parent shall
each pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy and shall cause each Subsidiary to pay,
discharge or otherwise satisfy at or before maturity or before they become
delinquent, as the case may be, all of the Indebtedness and other obligations of
whatever nature of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries, provided that
neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary shall be required to pay,
discharge or otherwise satisfy any Indebtedness or other obligation when the
amount or validity thereof is being contested in good faith and by proper
proceedings if such Person sets aside on its books reserves which are in
conformity with GAAP.

                  6.5 Conduct of Business. The Borrower and the Parent shall
each continue to engage, and shall cause each Subsidiary to continue to engage,
in business of the same general type as now conducted by it, and shall conduct,
and shall cause each Subsidiary to conduct, such business in an orderly,
efficient and regular manner consistent with the conduct of its business prior
to the date of this Agreement.

                  6.6 Maintenance of Property. The Borrower and the Parent shall
each keep all property used or useful in its business, and shall cause each
Subsidiary to keep all property used or useful in its business, in good repair,
working order and condition, and from time to time make all necessary or
desirable repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof, taking into
account normal obsolescence.

                  6.7 Performance of Contractual Obligations. The Borrower and
the Parent shall each perform in accordance with its terms and conditions, and
comply with all provisions of, and shall cause each Subsidiary to perform in
accordance with its terms and conditions, and to comply with all provisions of,
each and every security issued by the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary,
and each and every mortgage, deed of trust, indenture, note, lease, commitment,
contract or other agreement, instrument or undertaking to which the Borrower,
the Parent or any Subsidiary is or is purported to be a party or by which it or
any of its property is or is purported to be bound, except to the extent that
the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, is contesting
the 




                                      -48-
<PAGE>

provisions thereof in good faith and by proper proceedings if required (and
such Person has set aside on its books reserves which are in conformity with
GAAP) and the failure to comply therewith does not, and will not, in the
aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
prospects, assets, property or condition (financial or otherwise) of the
Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                  6.8 Compliance with Laws. The Borrower and the Parent shall
each comply, and shall cause each Subsidiary to comply, with the requirements of
all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, determinations,
judgments, decrees and orders of any Governmental Authority, non-compliance with
which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  6.9 ERISA. The Borrower and the Parent shall each maintain,
and shall cause each Subsidiary to maintain, each of its and each Subsidiary's
Plans in compliance with all applicable requirements of ERISA and of the Code
and with all applicable rulings and regulations issued under the provisions of
ERISA and of the Code.

                  6.10 Books and Records. The Parent shall keep and maintain
adequate and proper records and books of account for itself, the Borrower and
the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, in which complete entries are made in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied and in accordance with all applicable
statutes, laws, rules, regulations, determinations, judgments, decrees and
orders of any Governmental Authority, reflecting all financial and other
transactions of the Borrower, the Parent and of each Subsidiary, as the case may
be, normally or customarily included in records and books of account of
companies engaged in the same or similar businesses and activities as the
Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.

                  6.11 Examination Rights. The Borrower and the Parent shall
each, upon reasonable advance notice, permit the Agent Bank, the Lenders and any
agents or representatives thereof to visit with reasonable frequency and to
inspect the properties of the Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries,
including the Collateral wherever located, and to examine and make abstracts
from any of their respective books and records at any reasonable time and as
often as the Agent Bank or such Lenders or such agents or representatives may
desire, and to discuss the business, operations, properties, Collateral and
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower, the Parent and the
Subsidiaries with any of their respective officers, directors, and, upon
supervision or direction of senior management, their respective employees,
agents or representatives (including, without limitation, the independent
certified public accountants).

                                      -49-
<PAGE>

                   6.12  Financial Data.

                           (a) Notice to the Agent Bank. The Borrower shall
promptly advise the Agent Bank and each of the Lenders in writing of any
condition, event or act which comes to its attention that (i) would, with notice
or lapse of time, or both, become an Event of Default, (ii) constitutes an Event
of Default or (iii) constitutes a material adverse change to the assets,
business, properties, or financial prospects of the Borrower, the Parent or the
Subsidiaries.

                           (b) Books and Records. The Parent shall maintain true
and complete books, records, and accounts in which true and correct entries
shall be made of all transactions of the Parent, the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (the "Records"),
and permit access to and reproduction of such Records by the Agent Bank, the
Lenders and their respective agents, as the Agent Bank or such Lenders shall
request. The Borrower and the Parent shall maintain their Records in such
detail, form and scope as the Agent Bank shall reasonably require and shall
ensure that the Subsidiaries maintain their Records accordingly. Upon the
occurrence and during continuance of an Event of Default, the Borrower shall
mark all Records relating to accounts receivable with notations satisfactory to
the Agent Bank disclosing that such accounts receivable have been pledged,
assigned and transferred to the Agent Bank and that the Borrower has granted a
security interest in such accounts receivable to the Agent Bank.

                           (c) Financial Statements and Other Information. The
Borrower shall furnish to the Lenders:

                                    (i) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as
practicable and in any event within ninety (90) days after the close of each
fiscal year:

                                            (1) consolidated balance sheets and
consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Parent, the Borrower and
the Subsidiaries, as at the end of and for the fiscal year just closed, setting
forth the corresponding figures for the previous fiscal year in comparative
form, all in accordance with GAAP and certified (without any qualification
deemed material by the Agent Bank) by independent certified public accountants
selected by the Borrower and satisfactory to the Majority Lenders:

                                            (2) balance sheets and statements of
income of each of the Parent and the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as at the end
of and for the fiscal year just closed, setting forth the corresponding figures
for the previous fiscal year in comparative form;

                                      -50-
<PAGE>

                                            (3) concurrently with such financial
statements, supplementary consolidating balance sheets and consolidating
statements of income of the Parent and the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as at
the end of and for the fiscal year just closed, setting forth the corresponding
figures for the previous fiscal year in comparative form; and

                                            (4) concurrently with the financial
statements described in sub-clause (1) above, a written statement signed by such
accountants to the effect that, in performing the audit necessary for their
certification of such financial statements, they have not obtained any knowledge
of any Event of Default or the violation of any of the financial ratios and
covenants set out in Section 7.19 or, if such accountants have obtained any such
knowledge, they shall disclose in such written statement their observations with
respect to such matters (in furnishing such written statement such accountants
shall not be required to exceed the scope of the audit in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards).

                                    (ii) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon
as practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the close of
each of the first, second and third Quarters, quarterly financial statements
including unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and
cash flows of the Parent as of the end of and for the period commencing at the
end of the previous fiscal year and ending with such Quarter, setting forth (A)
the comparative figures for the appropriate periods of the preceding fiscal year
and (B) the comparative figures for the appropriate periods as against the
budget estimates for the current fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and
certified by the chief financial officer of the Parent to be true and complete,
subject to normal recurring year-end audit adjustments, it being understood that
such statements may omit footnotes.

                                    (iii) Quarterly Certification. As soon as
practicable and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the close of each
Quarter an Officer's Certificate of the Borrower:

                                            (1) stating that there existed
during such Quarter or fiscal year no Event of Default and no Potential Event of
Default or if any such Event of Default or Potential Event of Default existed,
specifying the nature thereof, the period of existence thereof and what action
the Borrower proposes to take, or has taken, with respect thereto;

                                            (2) setting forth in reasonable
detail the required information with respect to compliance by the Borrower with
the provisions of Section 7.19 hereof and specifying the financial computations
with respect thereto;

                                      -51-
<PAGE>

                                            (3) stating that the representations
and warranties continue to be true and correct in all material respects;

                                            (4) setting forth a general
statement projecting the amounts and general categories of Capital Expenditures
to be made during the remainder of the fiscal year; and

                                            (5) stating that all information
required to have been delivered during such period has been so delivered.

                                    (iv) Monthly Financial Statements. As soon
as practicable and in any event within thirty (30) days after each calendar
month, the following:

                                            (1) except for those months at the
end of each Quarter, a consolidated statement of income of the Parent, the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the
previous fiscal year and ending with such month, setting forth with respect to
the Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries the comparative figures for the
appropriate period of the preceding fiscal year and the variance as against the
corresponding month of the prior year of each line item stated as a percentage,
all in reasonable detail; and

                                            (2) a report showing the Attrition
for such month.

                                    (v) Data Supplied by Auditors. To the extent
not delivered pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section 6.12(c), promptly upon
their becoming available (but in any event within fifteen (15) days of receipt),
copies of all balance sheets, statements of income and cash flow, management
letters and other material financial reports or material written
recommendations, if any, submitted to the Parent or the Borrower by its auditors
in connection with each annual or interim audit or examination by such auditors.

                                    (vi) Notice of Default. As soon as possible
and in any event within five (5) days after the occurrence of any Potential
Event of Default or Event of Default, a statement of the chief financial officer
of the Borrower setting forth the details of such Potential Event of Default or
Event of Default and the action which the Borrower proposes to take with respect
thereto.

                                    (vii) Notice of Other Defaults. As soon as
possible and in any event within five (5) days after the occurrence of any
default or event of default under any security issued by the Parent or the
Borrower or any Subsidiary or under any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or
other 


                                      -52-
<PAGE>

agreement, instrument or undertaking to which the Parent or the Borrower or any
Subsidiary is or is purported to be a party or by which it or any of its
property is or is purported to be bound, which default or event of default could
have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, prospects, assets,
properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Parent or the Borrower
or any Subsidiary, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower
setting forth the details thereof and the action which the Borrower proposes to
take with respect thereto.

                                    (viii) Notice of Litigation. Promptly after
the commencement thereof, notice of all actions, suits and proceedings before
any arbitrator or Governmental Authority affecting the Parent or the Borrower or
any Subsidiary and involving the lesser of (A) $500,000 and (B) that amount
which such Person is required to report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                    (ix) Notice of ERISA Problems. As soon as
possible and in any event within thirty (30) days after the Borrower knows
(provided, however, that with respect to any Multiemployer Plan in which neither
the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity is a "substantial employer," the
Borrower shall be deemed to have knowledge only of facts concerning which it has
actual knowledge) of (i) the occurrence or expected occurrence of any Reportable
Event with respect to any Plan, or (ii) the institution of proceedings or the
taking or expected taking of any other action by PBGC or the Borrower or any
Commonly Controlled Entity to terminate or withdraw from any Plan, whichever of
the following may be applicable: (A) a notice of the Reportable Event and a
certificate of the chief financial officer of the Borrower setting forth the
details of such Reportable Event and the action which the Borrower or Commonly
Controlled Entity proposes to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of
any notice of such Reportable Event that may be required to be filed with PBGC,
or (B) a notice with respect to any termination or withdrawal from any Plan and
a copy of any notice delivered by PBGC evidencing its intent to institute such
proceedings or any notice to PBGC that such Plan is to be terminated or
withdrawn from, as the case may be.

                                    (x) Notice of Adverse Developments.
Immediately upon obtaining knowledge thereof notice of:

                                            (1) Any citation, petition to deny,
order to show cause or other legal process or order, or protest, or
reconsideration directly affecting an Operating License.

                                            (2) Any (A) refusal or failure by
any issuer to renew or extend any Operating License, (B) proposed abandonment

                                      -53-
<PAGE>

or proposed or actual revocation, termination or materially adverse modification
of any Operating License, (C) dispute or other action with respect to any
Operating License, (D) denial or threatened denial or revocation or modification
by applicable state regulatory authority of any operating permit or any other
applicable state license and permit, (E) notice from the applicable state
regulatory authority of the imposition of any fines or penalties or forfeitures
or (F) written notices or written requests by private parties with respect to
any of the foregoing.

                                            (3) Any dispute concerning, or any
threatened non-renewal or modification of, any material lease for real or
personal property to which the Parent, the Borrower or a Subsidiary is a party.

                                            (4) Any actions, proceedings or
claims which are commenced or asserted against the Borrower, the Parent or a
Subsidiary in which the amounts involved are in the aggregate $500,000 or more
and which are not fully covered by insurance.

Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.12(c)(x) may be given orally and shall
immediately thereafter be confirmed by a written statement of an Officer of the
Borrower setting forth details of the matter referred to therein and stating
what action the affected Person has taken, is taking or proposes to take with
respect thereto.

                                    (xi) Evidence of Insurance. Upon request,
evidence of the insurance coverage described in Sections 6.14 and 6.22 hereof.

                                    (xii) Notice of Uninsured or Partially
Insured Loss. Promptly upon the occurrence thereof, notice of any uninsured or
partially insured loss affecting the Parent, the Borrower or any of the
Subsidiaries through fire, theft, liability, property damage, or other cause, in
excess of $250,000.

                                    (xiii) Reports. Promptly after the sending
or filing thereof, copies of all financial statements and reports which the
Parent and the Borrower send to their respective stockholders, and copies of all
regular, periodic and special reports and all registration statements which the
Borrower or the Parent files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or
any Governmental Authority which may be substituted therefor, or with any
national securities exchange.

                                    (xiv) Budget. No later than December 31 of
each of the Borrower's fiscal years, a budget showing in reasonable detail the
Borrower's good faith estimate of the projected income and expenses, Capital




                                      -54-
<PAGE>

Expenditures, Capital Lease Obligations and general and administrative expenses
for the next succeeding fiscal year, allocated by Quarter.

                                    (xv) Other Information. Such other
information respecting the business, operations, prospects, assets, properties
or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Parent, the Borrower or any
Subsidiary as the Agent Bank from time to time reasonably may request.

                           (d) Authority to Provide Information. The Agent Bank
and the Lenders are hereby authorized to provide a copy of any financial
statement or any other information relating to the business, operations or
financial condition of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary which may be
furnished to the Agent Bank or a Lender or come to its attention pursuant to
this Agreement or otherwise (the "Financial Information") (i) to any regulatory
body or agency having supervisory jurisdiction over the Agent Bank or a Lender,
(ii) to any person or entity which shall or shall have any right or obligation
to succeed to all or any part of the Agent Bank's or a Lender's interest in any
of the Loan Documents, (iii) upon the order of any court or administrative
agency, (iv) in connection with any litigation to which the Agent Bank, a
Lender, the Parent, the Borrower or a Subsidiary may be a party, (v) to the
extent reasonably required in connection with the exercise of any remedy
hereunder, (vi) to legal counsel for the Agent Bank or a Lender and independent
auditors or to accountants retained by the Agent Bank or a Lender in connection
with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, (vii) to the extent it
has already been publicly disclosed or (viii) to any person not identified
herein with the prior written consent of the Borrower. Such information in the
event that it is not public information shall be disclosed on a confidential
basis, to the extent permitted by law.


                  6.13  Environmental Matters.

                           (a) Prior to owning or leasing any material real
property interest (the "Premises"), the Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall
cause the Subsidiaries to, perform due diligence regarding environmental matters
for the Premises as follows:

                                    (i) When the Borrower, the Parent or a
Subsidiary plans to (x) own the Premises or (y) lease the Premises other than as
provided in Section 6.13(a)(ii), the term "due diligence" shall mean that such
Person shall hire an environmental consultant, subject to the approval of the
Agent Bank, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to perform a
preliminary environmental site assessment ("PESA"). The scope of the PESA shall
be determined by the Borrower, in consultation with the Agent Bank, taking into
consideration, inter alia, the physical characteristics and historical uses of
the Premises and the nature of the ownership or 



                                      -55-
<PAGE>

leasehold interest therein, as applicable. The final specifications of the scope
of the PESA shall be subject to the approval of the Agent Bank, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The term "due diligence" shall
also mean that the Borrower shall provide to the Agent Bank any information
regarding any violation of Environmental Laws, as hereinafter defined, with
respect to the Premises of which the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary has
actual knowledge or has actual information which would cause such Person to
know, outside of the information contained in the PESA.

                                    (ii) When the Borrower, the Parent or a
Subsidiary plans to lease space for administrative offices, central monitoring
services or storage of inventory, the term "due diligence" shall mean that the
Borrower shall provide to the Agent Bank any information regarding any violation
of Environmental Laws with respect to the Premises of which the Borrower, the
Parent or such Subsidiary has actual knowledge or has actual information which
would cause such Person to know. "Due diligence" shall not require a PESA under
this provision.

                           (b) When a PESA is finalized, both the Borrower and
the Agent Bank shall concurrently receive and review a copy of the PESA. The
Borrower and the Agent Bank shall discuss the contents of the PESA. The decision
to purchase or lease the Premises shall be subject to the Agent Bank's approval
based on the results of the due diligence. If the Agent Bank fails to advance
Loan funds based on the due diligence results, the Agent Bank reserves the right
as a condition to any funding to require the Borrower to provide representations
and warranties, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent Bank, as to such
environmental matters with respect to the Premises.

                           (c) The Borrower and the Parent will not, and will
cause the Subsidiaries and any Tenants of Owned Real Property not to, use any of
the real property occupied by any of them for the purpose of treating,
producing, handling, transferring, processing, transporting, disposing, storing
or otherwise releasing "hazardous substances" (as the term "hazardous
substances" is defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq., as amended ("CERCLA")), and
by applicable state statutes and any regulations promulgated thereunder), in
violation of any federal, state or local law or regulation relating to
environmental or health and safety matters (the "Environmental Laws"). The
Borrower and the Parent further covenant that they will not cause or permit to
exist as the result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on
their part, or on the part of any of the Subsidiaries the releasing, spilling,
leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting or dumping from, on or about any real
property occupied by the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary or on or about any
Owned Real Property of any hazardous substance in violation of any federal,
state or local law or regulation. Should there be any discharge, spill,
injection, escape, emission, disposal, leak or other release of hazardous
substances on any real property occupied by the Borrower, the



                                      -56-
<PAGE>

Parent, a Subsidiary or on or about any Owned Real Property, if required by
applicable law, the Borrower shall promptly notify the Environmental Protection
Agency National Response Center and any applicable local governmental authority,
and shall take all steps necessary to promptly clean such discharge, spill,
injection, escape, emission, disposal, leak or other release in accordance with
the provisions of CERCLA, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal National
Contingency Plan and any applicable local requirements, if required by
applicable law, and shall apply for a certification from the Federal
Environmental Protection Agency or from any applicable local governmental
authority that said premises have been cleaned up to the satisfaction of those
agencies.

                  6.14  Insurance.

                           (a) The Borrower and the Parent shall maintain, and
shall cause each Subsidiary to maintain with respect to their respective
properties and businesses, insurance policies as required by the Agent Bank from
time to time in accordance with the following general rules:

                                    (i) Loss or Casualty to Collateral. All
tangible Collateral shall be fully insured against loss or damage by theft or
casualty and such other risks as the Agent Bank may require. The amount of the
insurance shall be at least equal to the replacement value of such Collateral,
and in any case in amounts sufficient to prevent the Borrower, the Parent or a
Subsidiary from becoming a co-insurer. The deductibles applicable to the
insurance shall not exceed amounts reasonably acceptable to the Agent Bank.

                                    (ii) Loss or Casualty to Real Property. The
Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries shall maintain all risk property
insurance covering any Owned Real Property in an amount not less than 100% of
the full replacement cost of the improvements on the Owned Real Property. The
full replacement cost of such improvements shall be determined from time to time
as required by the Agent Bank, by appraisal or another method acceptable to the
Agent Bank. The Borrower, the Parent and the Subsidiaries shall maintain all
risk property insurance covering the Leased Real Property to the extent that
such Person has any obligation to restore the improvements on such Leased Real
Property if a casualty occurs. The amount of such insurance shall be at least
equal to the amount for which such Person may be obligated, and in any case in
amounts sufficient to prevent such Person from becoming a co-insurer. The
deductibles applicable 


                                      -57-
<PAGE>

to all insurance required by this paragraph (ii) shall not exceed amounts
acceptable to the Agent Bank.

                                    (iii) Business Interruption Insurance.
Subject to its availability at reasonable costs, the Borrower and the Parent
shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain business income
interruption insurance against loss of income by reason of any casualty which
causes the temporary or permanent cessation of the business of each such Person.

                                    (iv) Other Insurance. The Borrower and the
Parent shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain such other insurance
as the Agent Bank may require from time to time so that such Persons are at all
times adequately insured to the extent customary for companies in similar
businesses and of similar size as such Person.

                                    (v) Form of Policies. Any insurance policies
carried in accordance with this Section 6.14 shall be written by companies
acceptable to the Agent Bank, and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction
in which the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary is located.

                                    (vi) Delivery of Policies, Certificates and
Paid Receipts. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent Bank original
certificates of insurance for all insurance policies required to be maintained
under this Section 6.14 (and, if the Agent Bank requests, original policies of
insurance). If the Agent Bank so requests, such certificates (and policies, if
applicable) shall list the Agent Bank as an additional insured. The Borrower
shall deliver a current policy to the Agent Bank whenever any such policies are
renewed, changed or replaced. If the Agent Bank requests, the Borrower shall
deliver to the Agent Bank paid receipts (or other evidence of payment
satisfactory to the Agent Bank) evidencing full and timely payment of all
premiums on all insurance policies required to be maintained under this Section
6.14.

                                    (vii) Payment of Proceeds. Casualty
insurance proceeds shall be payable directly to the insured party, who shall use
such proceeds to repair the damage caused by the casualty; provided, however,
upon the occurrence and during the continuance of, an Event of Default or
Potential Event of Default, all proceeds payable shall be paid to the Agent
Bank.

                                    (viii) Application of Insurance Proceeds.
All insurance proceeds received by the Agent Bank under the provisions of this
Section 6.14 shall be applied as follows: (i) if, at the time in question, there
exists any Event of Default, or a Potential Event of Default, toward payment of
the Loans, whether or not the Agent Bank accelerates or takes any other remedial
action pursuant to Section 8 or (ii) otherwise, in accordance with 



                                      -58-
<PAGE>

reasonable withdrawal procedures prescribed by the Agent Bank, to repair or
replace the Collateral, Leased Real Property or Owned Real Property which has
suffered a casualty.

                           (b) The Borrower shall maintain or cause to be
maintained all insurance available through the PBGC or insurers acceptable to
the Agent Bank against all obligations to the PBGC.

                           (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that
the Borrower delivers to the Agent Bank written evidence reasonably satisfactory
to the Agent Bank that it has adequate reserves to cover insurable losses, the
Borrower may self-insure with respect to its insurable properties, workers'
compensation, medical claims, errors and omissions and general liability in an
amount up to the amount of such reserves but in no event in an amount exceeding
$1,000,000 per occurrence or $5,000,000 in the aggregate during any policy year.
Insurance coverage for amounts over $1,000,000 per occurrence or $5,000,000 in
the aggregate shall be provided by the companies referred to in Section 6.14 if
the Borrower is obligated to maintain such higher coverage limits pursuant to
any other provision of this Section 6.14.

                  6.15 Landlord's/ Mortgagee's Waivers. Within sixty (60) days
of the Closing Date, for each lease of Leased Real Property identified on
Schedule 6.15, the Borrower shall provide to the Agent Bank either (a) a
Landlord's Waiver and Consent, executed by the landlord of such Leased Real
Property or (b) a certificate duly executed by the chief executive officer and
the chief financial officer of the Borrower stating that the Borrower and its
officers and employees have taken and diligently pursued all appropriate actions
in order to obtain a Landlord's Waiver and Consent. The Borrower shall provide
to the Agent Bank, a Landlord's Waiver and Consent executed by each landlord of
Leased Real Property leased after the Closing Date, and, if the Agent Bank
requests, a waiver of all mortgagees of any premises (including the Owned Real
Property) at which any Collateral is located. These waivers shall include a
consent to each Assignment of Tenant's Interest Under Leases, in the case of
Leased Real Property, and shall assure the Agent Bank of its ability to gain
access to such premises and remove the Collateral without interference by the
landlord, even if the Borrower or the Subsidiary party thereto is in default
under any leases or mortgages (or deeds of trust) affecting such premises.

                  6.16 Exchange of Note. Upon receipt of a written notice of
loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Note and of a bond or letter of
indemnity from the Agent Bank, upon surrendering for cancellation a Note if
mutilated (in which event no indemnity shall be required), the Borrower shall
execute and deliver a new Note of like tenor in lieu of any such lost, 



                                      -59-
<PAGE>

stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note, as the case may be. A Note issued pursuant
to this Section 6.16 shall be dated so that neither gain nor loss of interest
shall result therefrom.

                  6.17 Other Agreements. Each of the Borrower and the Parent
will cause each Subsidiary, immediately upon its formation, to enter into and
execute a Guaranty Agreement and a Security Agreement. Each of the Borrower and
the Parent will, immediately upon formation of such new Subsidiary, execute a
Pledge Agreement wherein it grants a security interest to the Agent Bank in all
the outstanding capital stock of such Subsidiary or the Borrower's ownership
interest in such Subsidiary, as appropriate. The Borrower and the Parent will,
and will cause each such Subsidiary to, comply with all provisions of any other
agreement between the Borrower or the Parent and the Agent Bank and the Lenders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of this Section 6.17 shall not
apply to any Non-U.S. Subsidiary nor any Special Purpose Subsidiary; provided,
however, that the Borrower and the Parent shall cause any Non-U.S. Subsidiary
which is not dissolved on or before December 31, 1996, and any Special Purpose
Subsidiary which is not dissolved within one hundred and eighty (180) days after
the date of its acquisition or formation, as applicable, to comply with the
provisions of this Section 6.17 upon the earlier of (x) the date on which a
determination has been made that such Non-U.S. Subsidiary or Special Purpose
Subsidiary will not be dissolved or (y) ten (10) Business Days after the
expiration of such time periods.

                  6.18 Further Assurances. At the Borrower's sole cost and
expense, upon request of the Agent Bank, the Borrower and the Parent will duly
execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, to the Agent
Bank such further instruments and do or cause to be done such further acts as
may be reasonably necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Lenders to carry
out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

                  6.19 Consistent Action. The Borrower and the Parent shall, and
shall cause the Subsidiaries to, exercise any and all voting or similar rights
which they hold in any Person in a manner consistent with the provisions of this
Agreement.

                  6.20 Control. The Borrower shall conduct, and shall cause the
Subsidiaries to conduct, their respective businesses and acquire and operate
monitoring assets and Recurring Security Services Contracts and related
businesses directly and not through any other structure or entity. Neither the
Borrower nor the Parent nor any Subsidiary shall enter into any agreement with
any Person which shall confer upon such Person the right or authority to control
or direct the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary.

                                      -60-
<PAGE>

                  6.21 Change in Documents. The Borrower and the Parent will
give, and will cause each Subsidiary to give, the Agent Bank at least ten (10)
Business Days' prior written notice of any proposed change of name or address or
material amendment or supplement to its or their bylaws, articles of
incorporation or partnership agreements, as appropriate. Except as consented to
by the Majority Lenders, the Borrower and the Parent will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, amend or consent to any amendment or supplement to its
partnership agreement, articles of incorporation or by-laws, as appropriate.

                  6.22 Key Man Life Insurance. Within thirty (30) days of the
Closing Date, the Borrower shall obtain, and the Borrower shall thereafter
maintain, key man life insurance for George Flagg in an amount no less than
$2,000,000. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent Bank, for the account of the
Lenders, an original certificate of such insurance. The proceeds payable under
such insurance shall be used by the Borrower to hire a replacement for George
Flagg as chief executive officer of the Borrower; provided, however, that upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all proceeds
payable under such insurance shall be paid to the Agent Bank, for the account of
the Lenders.

                  6.23 Updating of Customer Lists. The Borrower shall, and shall
cause all Subsidiaries to, maintain complete and accurate lists of the parties
to the Recurring Security Services Contracts ("Customer Lists"). No Customer
List shall be sold or rented by the entity generating a Customer List except in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

                  6.24 Reserve for Accounts Receivable. The Borrower shall adopt
a consistent policy for the treatment of reserves for its accounts receivable,
and shall ensure that the Subsidiaries adopt and implement such policy. Neither
the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall vary from such treatment without prior
written notice to the Agent Bank.

                  6.25 Interest Rate Protection Agreement. The Borrower shall
maintain in effect an interest rate protection agreement which will cover at
least fifty percent (50%) of the entire outstanding amount of the Loans. Each
such agreement (a) shall be in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Majority
Lenders, (b) shall be for a term not less than three (3) years, (c) shall
provide for all-in-costs, including hedging costs, of not greater than such
maximum rate as may be agreeable to the Majority Lenders, and (d) shall provide
that the individual hedging transactions shall be completed within sixty (60)
days of the respective Borrowing Date.

                  6.26 Stamping of Recurring Security Services Contracts. Within
sixty (60) days after the date of this Agreement, the Borrower shall 



                                      -61-
<PAGE>

have Stamped all of the Recurring Security Services Contracts, and shall have
delivered to the Agent Bank a certificate of an officer of the Borrower stating
that all of the Recurring Security Services Contracts have been so Stamped. The
Borrower shall maintain as Stamped all originals and copies of the Recurring
Security Services Contracts at the principal offices of the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries located in New York, New York, Edison, New Jersey, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania and Central Islip, New York. The Borrower shall, and shall cause
the Subsidiaries to Stamp all future Recurring Security Services Contracts
purchased, acquired or generated by or on behalf of the Borrower or a Subsidiary
within three (3) Business Days thereof.

                  6.27 Restructuring. Before the Parent or the Borrower enter
into or permit the Restructuring, the Borrower and the Parent shall execute and
deliver, and shall cause each of the Subsidiaries to execute and deliver,
appropriate amendments to the Loan Documents and all other agreements,
instruments, opinions and other documents the Agent Bank and the Lenders may
request.


SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

                  The Borrower and the Parent covenant that from the date of
this Agreement and thereafter and until all of the Loans and the Letters of
Credit and any other amounts due and owing under the Loan Documents have been
fully, finally and indefeasibly paid, discharged and retired (and the
Commitments of the Lenders have expired or been terminated in full):

                  7.1 Indebtedness.7.1 Indebtedness. The Borrower and the Parent
will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create,
incur, assume, enter into a Guaranty or otherwise become or remain directly or
indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness, except that the Borrower,
the Parent and the Subsidiaries may become or remain liable with respect to the
following ("Permitted Indebtedness"):

                           (a) In the case of the Borrower only, the Loans.

                           (b) In the case of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries,
Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness in the aggregate
amount of $2,500,000 incurred with respect to the lease, hire or use by the
Borrower of operating office equipment in the ordinary course of business.

                           (c) In the case of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries,
purchase money obligations in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 incurred with
respect to the purchase of real property on which is situated all or any 



                                      -62-
<PAGE>

part of the equipment or facilities of the Parent, the Borrower or a Subsidiary
and for which a first mortgage in favor of the Agent Bank is executed and
delivered.

                           (d) In the case of the Parent, the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries only, subordinated unsecured promissory notes in the aggregate
amount of $10,000,000 which are issued in connection with Permitted
Acquisitions; provided, however, that the terms of such notes shall include
subordination provisions satisfactory to the Agent Bank and shall otherwise be
on terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the Agent Bank.

                           (e) Such other Indebtedness as the Lenders, in their
sole and absolute discretion, shall approve ("Approved Debt").

                           (f) In the case of the Parent and the Subsidiaries,
the Guaranty Agreements.

                           (g) In the case of Special Purpose Subsidiaries only,
Indebtedness existing on the date of such Subsidiary's acquisition, which
Indebtedness is (i) unsecured or secured only by real estate, fixed assets or
equipment and (ii) in an aggregate amount which does not exceed $2,000,000;
provided, however, that such Indebtedness must be repaid on the earlier of (A)
the date on which such Special Purpose Subsidiary is dissolved or (B) sixty (60)
days after such Special Purpose Subsidiary is acquired, unless the Majority
Lenders otherwise consent in writing or such Indebtedness would otherwise be
Permitted Indebtedness under a subsection of this Section 7.1 other than this
Section 7.1(g).

                           (h) Guaranties given by the Borrower, the Parent or
any Subsidiary in favor of any of the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary
with respect to Indebtedness otherwise permitted by this Section 7.1.

                           (i) In the case of the Borrower only, self-insurance
subject to the provisions of Section 6.14(c).

                           (j) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date, as set
forth on Schedule 7.1(j).

                  7.2 Liens. The Borrower and the Parent will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or
permit to exist any Lien on or with respect to any property, asset or revenues
(including any document or instrument in respect of goods or accounts
receivable) of the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, except the following ("Permitted Liens"):

                           (a) Liens in favor of the Agent Bank or the Lenders.

                                      -63-
<PAGE>

                           (b) In the case of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries,
liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen or other similar
Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue for a
period of more than thirty (30) days or which are being contested in good faith
and by proper proceedings.

                           (c) In the case of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries,
leases or subleases granted to others, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions
and other similar charges or encumbrances, in each case incidental to, and not
interfering in a material respect with, the ordinary conduct of the business of
the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary.

                           (d) In the case of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries,
Liens incurred in connection with the Indebtedness relating to purchase money
obligations permitted under Sections 7.1(b) and (c), provided that (i) such
Liens shall be limited to any equipment financed thereby and (ii) no such lien
may be spread to cover other or additional Indebtedness or property of the
Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary.

                           (e) Pledges or deposits in connection with workmen's
compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security legislation.

                           (f) Restrictions, easements and minor irregularities
in title which do not and will not interfere in a material respect with the
occupation, use and enjoyment by the Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries
of their properties and assets in the normal course of their businesses as
presently conducted or materially impair the value of their properties and
assets for the purpose of their businesses.

                           (g) Liens arising pursuant to Section 412(n) of the
Code or ERISA Section 4068(a) if (i) the delinquent payments to which the Lien
relates are made within ten (10) days after a responsible officer of the Parent,
the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries learns of the failure to make payment or
(ii) the obligation to make such payments is being contested in good faith and
by appropriate proceedings, diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with
respect thereto are maintained on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary,
as the case may be, in accordance with GAAP.

                           (h) Liens currently of record listed on Schedule 7.2.

                           (i) Liens on real estate, fixed assets or equipment
in connection with Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.1(g).

                           (j) Liens for taxes or assessments and similar
charges either (i) not delinquent or (ii) being contested in good faith by
appropriate 



                                      -64-
<PAGE>

proceedings, and as to which the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary, as the
case may be, shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves; provided,
however, that any obligations giving rise to such Lien shall be paid immediately
upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose such Lien unless such
proceedings shall have been stayed or adequate evidence of a surety bond
satisfactory to the Lenders shall have been delivered to the Lenders.

                  7.3 Investments and Loans. The Borrower and the Parent will
not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make or own
any Investment in any Person, other than a Subsidiary (including without
limitation the contribution or transfer of ownership or possession of any of its
cash, property rights or other assets to any Subsidiary) without the prior
written consent of the Agent Bank, except that the Borrower may make and own
Investments (a) set forth on Schedule 7.3, (b) in marketable direct obligations
issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any
agency thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof,
(c) in open market commercial paper maturing within one year currently having
the highest rating obtainable from either Standard & Poor's Corporation or
Moody's Investors Service, Inc., (d) in certificates of deposit maturing within
one year from the date of issuance thereof issued by commercial banks
incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, each having
combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000,
(e) in repurchase agreements with commercial banks incorporated under the laws
of the United States of America, each having combined capital, surplus and
undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000 and fully secured by securities
of the types listed in (b) and (c), (f) in deposits, federal funds or commercial
paper sold by the Agent Bank or its Affiliates, (g) in reputable money market
funds with assets in excess of $500,000,000, (h) in deposits in accounts in the
Borrower's local banks for payroll and accounts payable in the ordinary course
of business; and (i) in Special Purpose Subsidiaries.

                  7.4 Fundamental Changes. Other than in connection with the
Restructuring, the Borrower and the Parent will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation or
amalgamation, or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve itself (or suffer any
liquidation or dissolution), or convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or a substantial
part of its business or assets, or other than as permitted by Section 7.16,
acquire by purchase or otherwise all or substantially all of the business or
assets of, or stock or other evidence of beneficial ownership of, any Person, or
make any material change in its present business or in its present method of
conducting business, except that:

                                      -65-
<PAGE>

                           (a) any Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any or all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or
otherwise) to the Borrower; and

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

                  7.5 Sale of Assets. The Borrower and the Parent will not, and
will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease, assign, pledge, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any of their assets (including, without limitation,
accounts receivable and leasehold interests), whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, except that the Borrower may sell tangible assets if the total amount
of the sale would be less than five (5%) of the Borrower's tangible assets in
any one year and such sale would not impair the going concern value of the
Borrower.

                  7.6 Compliance with ERISA. The Borrower and the Parent will
not (a) terminate or withdraw from any Plan so as to result in any material
liability to PBGC, (b) engage in or permit any Person to engage in any
"prohibited transaction" (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of
the Code) involving any Plan which would subject the Parent, the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries to any material tax, penalty or other liability, (c) incur
or suffer to exist any material "accumulated funding deficiency" (as defined in
Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, involving any Plan, or (d) allow
or suffer to exist any event or condition which presents a material risk of
incurring a material liability to PBGC.

                  7.7 Lease Obligations. The Borrower and the Parent will not,
and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist
any lease, excluding any real property lease, or other obligation to pay rent
with a term of one year or more if by reason thereof the aggregate of all rental
payments payable by such parties during any fiscal year would exceed $2,000,000.

                  7.8 Transactions With Affiliates. Except as otherwise
permitted by this Agreement and as set forth on Schedule 5.26, the Borrower and
the Parent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or
indirectly, (a) make any loan, advance, extension of credit or capital
contribution to or other investment in any Affiliate, (b) transfer, sell, assign
or otherwise dispose of any assets to any Affiliate (excluding payment to an
Affiliate of dividends payable in capital stock and otherwise permitted by this
Agreement), (c) merge or consolidate with or purchase or acquire assets from any
Affiliate, or (d) enter into any other transaction with or for the benefit of
any Affiliate.

                                      -66-
<PAGE>

                  7.9 Retirement of Debt. The Borrower and the Parent will not
purchase, acquire, redeem or retire, or make any payment on account of principal
of, any Indebtedness of the Borrower, the Parent or of any Subsidiary except as
expressly permitted by Section 7.1.

                  7.10 Use of Proceeds. The Borrower and the Parent will not use
or permit any proceeds of the Loans to be used, either directly or indirectly,
for any purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, which would be
inconsistent with this Agreement.

                  7.11 Other Agreements. The Borrower and the Parent will not,
and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any agreement, contract or
undertaking containing any provision which would be violated or breached by the
performance by the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary, as the case may be,
of its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

                  7.12 Restricted Payments. Except for (a) Restricted Payments
in the ordinary course of business to Subsidiaries that are 100% owned by the
Parent, (b) Restricted Payments from the Borrower to the Parent for the ordinary
operating needs of the Parent, and then only in the ordinary course of business,
and (c) annual dividend payments by the Parent after the Conversion Date in an
amount not to exceed the remaining Excess Cash Flow after mandatory prepayment
of Excess Cash Flow has been made to the Lenders in accordance with Section
2.6(b), the Borrower and the Parent will not, and will cause the Subsidiaries
not to, declare, order, pay, make or set apart any sum or property for any
Restricted Payment.


                  7.13  Restricted Leases: Sharing of Facilities.

                           (a) The Borrower and the Parent will not, and will
not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, become or remain liable as
lessee or as guarantor or other surety with respect to any agreement for the
lease, hire or use of any real estate or personal property other than as
expressly permitted by Section 7.1 or for inter-company guarantees of lease
obligations otherwise permitted by this Agreement; provided, however, that
sublets of leased property in the ordinary course of business and on terms and
conditions no less favorable than that imposed on the lessee/sublessor shall be
permitted.

                           (b) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Borrower and the Parent will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to,
directly or indirectly, become or remain liable as lessee or as guarantor or
other surety with respect to any material lease of any property (whether real,
personal or mixed) (i) whether now owned or hereafter acquired which has 



                                      -67-
<PAGE>

been or is to be sold or transferred (otherwise than by lease) by such Person to
any other Person or (ii) which the Borrower, the Parent, or any Subsidiary
intends to use for substantially the same purpose as any other property now
owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower, the Parent, or any Subsidiary which
has been or is to be sold or transferred (otherwise than by lease) by such
person to any other Person in connection with such lease.

                  7.14 Operating Licenses. The Borrower and the Parent will not
and will not, permit any Subsidiary to, violate any material laws, ordinances or
governmental rules and regulations to which any of them is subject or the
provisions or conditions of any Operating Licenses which they hold, and will not
fail to obtain any licenses (including Operating Licenses), permits, franchises
or other governmental authorizations or approvals necessary to the ownership,
construction, operation, acquisition or disposition of their respective
properties or to the conduct of their respective businesses, the failure of
which to obtain would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  7.15 Type of Business. The Borrower and the Parent will not,
and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any business which is
substantially different from the sale and monitoring of alarm systems and the
provision of security services or make any substantial change in the nature of
its businesses or operations other than expansion to the extent not prohibited
hereunder; provided, that the business of each such Person shall at all times
primarily be the sale, lease (or rental), installation, maintenance and
monitoring of alarm systems for residential, industrial, commercial or
governmental customers, or in the case of Dictograph Franchise Corporation, the
sale of franchises and/or dealerships of its Security Services business to
independent dealers, for whom Dictograph Franchise Corporation agrees to provide
for a fee all or a portion of the Security Services for such Person's customers.

                  7.16 Permitted Acquisitions. The Borrower and the Parent will
not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, through
joint ventures or any other means, enter into or consummate the acquisition of
assets or stock or other ownership interests of another Person after the date of
this Agreement, except that the Borrower may enter into and consummate
acquisitions in accordance with the following restrictions and limitations
("Permitted Acquisitions"):

                           (a) Prior to making any such acquisition, the
Borrower shall have delivered to the Lenders, and the Majority Lenders shall
have approved, an Officer's Certificate representing that both before and after
giving effect to such acquisition, the Borrower and the Parent remain in full
compliance with the covenants set forth in Sections 6 and 7 hereof and there
exists no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default.

                                      -68-
<PAGE>

                           (b) With respect to any acquisition of assets or of
another Person whose purchase price exceeds (i) $4 million or (ii) 35 times the
Recurring Monthly Revenue to be acquired, the Lenders shall have provided their
prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).

                           (c) The Borrower shall have submitted to the Lenders
a copy of the proposed purchase contract and the due diligence reports prepared
by the Borrower for acquisitions falling under the requirements of clause (b)
above and those acquisitions whose aggregate purchase price equals or exceeds $4
million, and the approval of the Majority Lenders shall have been received with
respect thereto.

For purposes of determining the "purchase price" hereunder, (i) payment solely
in shares of capital stock of the Parent shall not be included in any such
determination and (ii) the amount of cash paid and the amount of liabilities, if
any, assumed in such acquisition shall be aggregated.

                  7.17 Ownership Interests and Indebtedness.

                  (a) The Borrower and the Parent will not, and will not permit
any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly sell, assign, pledge or otherwise
dispose of any Indebtedness or any shares of stock of (or warrants, rights or
options to acquire stock of) or ownership interests in any Person other than the
Parent.

                  (b) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary
to, directly or indirectly, create, authorize or issue any additional capital
stock or other equity security (or options to acquire such shares, stock or
other equity security).

                  7.18 Fiscal Year. Neither the Borrower nor the Parent shall
change its fiscal year without the prior written consent of the Agent Bank or
change its method of accounting (other than immaterial changes in methods or
changes permitted by GAAP in which such Person's auditors concur, or changes
required by a change in GAAP).


                  7.19 Financial Covenants.

                           (a) Ratio of Total Consolidated Debt/Annualized
Quarterly Consolidated EBITDA. On the Closing Date and thereafter at the end of
each Quarter set forth below, the ratio of Total Consolidated Debt to Annualized
Quarterly Consolidated EBITDA shall not exceed:

                                      -69-
<PAGE>

          Period                                                 Ratio
          ------                                                 -----
          Closing Date                                            1.95
          All Quarters of 1996                                    1.95
          Quarter ending March 31, 1997                           1.95
          Quarter ending June 30, 1997
            through Quarter ending March 30, 1998                 1.50
          Quarter ending June 30, 1998
             through Quarter ending March 30, 1999                1.30
          Quarter ending June 30, 1999
             and thereafter                                       1.00

                  (b) Ratio of Total Consolidated Debt/Annualized Quarterly
Consolidated EBITDA Minus Capital Expenditures. At the end of each Quarter
ending in the fiscal year set forth below, the ratio of (i) Total Consolidated
Debt to (ii) Annualized Quarterly Consolidated EBITDA minus the cumulative
Capital Expenditures for all completed Quarters of such fiscal year shall not
exceed:



           Period                                                Ratio
           ------                                                -----
           1996                                                   --
           Quarter ending March 31, 1997                          --
           All other Quarters of 1997                            3.00
           1998                                                  2.50
           1999                                                  2.00
           2000                                                  1.50
           2001                                                  1.25
           2002                                                  1.25
           2003                                                  1.25


                  (c) Ratio of Total Consolidated Debt/Recurring Monthly
Revenue. On the Closing Date and thereafter at the end of each Quarter, the
ratio of Total Consolidated Debt to Recurring Monthly Revenue shall not exceed
20.0.

                  For purposes of calculating the financial covenants set forth
in Sections 7.19(a), (b) and (c) only, "Total Consolidated Debt" shall not
include unfunded pension liabilities which existed as of December 31, 1995.

                  (d) Maximum Attrition. On a monthly basis, Attrition shall not
exceed twelve percent (12%) per annum, tested at the end of two consecutive
Quarters, commencing with the Quarters ending December 31, 



                                      -70-
<PAGE>

1997. For purposes of this Section 7.19(d), "Attrition" shall be calculated in
accordance with Schedule 7.19.

                  (e) Minimum Interest Coverage. On the Closing Date and
thereafter at the end of each Quarter, the ratio of Annualized Quarterly
Consolidated EBITDA to Interest Expense shall not be less than 4.0.

                  (f) Minimum Consolidated Net Worth. On the Closing Date and
thereafter at the end of each Quarter, the Consolidated Net Worth of the Parent,
the Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall be at least $45,000,000, plus the amount
of net proceeds received through issuance of common stock of the Parent referred
to in Section 2.1.

                  (g) Minimum Debt Service. On the Conversion Date and
thereafter at the end of each Quarter, the ratio of Annualized Quarterly
Consolidated EBITDA to Total Projected Debt Service during the twelve month
period following such date shall not fall below 1.15.

                  (h) Maximum Capital Expenditures. On the Closing Date and
thereafter at the end of each Quarter ending in the fiscal year set forth below,
the aggregate maximum amount of Capital Expenditures for the Parent, the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries shall not exceed:

         Fiscal Year                                     Amount
         -----------                                     ------
             1996                                      $12,000,000
             1997                                      $ 8,500,000
             1998                                      $ 8,500,000
             1999                                      $ 8,500,000
             2000                                      $ 9,000,000
             2001                                      $ 9,500,000
             2002                                      $ 9,500,000
             2003                                      $10,000,000

For purposes of determining compliance with the financial covenants set forth in
this Section 7.19, (i) Consolidated EBITDA contributed to the Borrower through
Permitted Acquisitions will be accounted for on a pro forma basis for the
Quarter during which the Permitted Acquisitions were consummated and (ii) the
terms "Debt" and "Indebtedness" shall not include any Guaranty of the Borrower,
the Parent or any Subsidiary in favor of the Borrower, the Parent or any
Subsidiary.

                                      -71-
<PAGE>

SECTION 8.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT


                  8.1 Event of Default.

                  "Event of Default" means any of the following events:

                           (a) If the Borrower (i) fails to pay interest on the
Notes when the same becomes due and payable or (ii) fails to pay the principal
of or premium, if any, on the Notes when the same becomes due and payable,
whether at the maturity thereof, on a date fixed for payment or for a
prepayment, or otherwise.

                           (b) If the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary shall
default (as payor or guarantor or other surety) in any payment of any principal
or premium or interest on any Indebtedness in respect of borrowed money with an
unpaid principal amount in excess of $1,000,000, or if any event shall occur or
condition shall exist in respect of any such Indebtedness or under any evidence
of any such Indebtedness or of any mortgage, indenture or other agreement
relating thereto, and any such default shall continue for more than the period
of grace, if any, specified therein and shall not have been waived pursuant
thereto.

                           (c) If the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary
shall default in payment or performance of any material obligation (except
Indebtedness, which is covered in subsection (b) above), whether now or
hereafter incurred, and such default shall continue for more than the period of
grace, if any, specified in the agreement or other documents setting forth the
terms of such obligation, or shall not have been waived pursuant thereto, and in
the Agent Bank's sole and absolute discretion, either individually or together
with any other defaults hereunder, materially jeopardizes or could reasonably be
expected to materially jeopardize repayment of any of the Notes, consummation of
the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, properties,
operation or condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or the Parent.

                           (d) If any representation and warranty made by any of
the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary in any Loan Document to which it is a
party or in any document, certificate or statement furnished to the Agent Bank
or a Lender pursuant to this Agreement is false in any material respect when
made or deemed to be made.

                           (e) If there has been a breach of any term, covenant,
or agreement contained in Section 6 or Section 7 hereof.

                                      -72-
<PAGE>

                           (f) If any defaults occur under any other Loan
Documents and continue beyond any cure period provided therein.

                           (g) If custody or control of any substantial part of
the property of the Borrower, the Parent or a Subsidiary shall be assumed by any
governmental agency or any court of competent jurisdiction at the instance of
any governmental agency or if any governmental regulatory authority shall take
any final action the effect of which would be to affect materially and adversely
the operations of the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary as now or then
conducted.

                           (h) If the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary
shall suspend or discontinue its business, shall make an assignment for the
benefit of creditors or a composition with creditors, shall generally not pay
its debts as they mature, shall institute a case or proceeding in bankruptcy,
shall become insolvent (however such insolvency may be evidenced), shall be
adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt, shall petition or apply to any tribunal for
the appointment of any receiver, liquidator or trustee of or for it or any
substantial part of its property or assets, shall commence any proceeding
relating to it under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment
of debt, receivership, dissolution or liquidation law or statute of any
jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect; or if there shall be commenced
against the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary any such case or proceeding
and the same shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days or if the Borrower,
the Parent or any Subsidiary shall by any act or failure to act indicate its
consent to, approval of or acquiescence in, any such case or proceeding or any
appointment of any receiver, liquidator or trustee of or for it or for any
substantial part of its property or assets, or shall suffer the appointment of
any receiver, liquidator or trustee, or shall take any corporate action for the
purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or if any court of competent
jurisdiction shall assume jurisdiction with respect to any such case or
proceeding and the same shall not be dismissed within ninety (90) days or if a
receiver or a trustee or other officer or representative of a court or of
creditors, or if any court, governmental office or agency shall, under color of
legal authority, take and hold possession of any substantial part of the
property or assets of the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary or if the
Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary shall have concealed, removed or
permitted to be concealed or removed any part of its property with intent to
hinder, delay or defraud its creditors, or any of them, or shall have knowingly
made or knowingly suffered a transfer of any of its property which is fraudulent
under any bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance or similar law or if the Borrower,
the Parent or any Subsidiary, while insolvent, shall have made any transfer of
its property to or for the benefit of a creditor at a time when other creditors
similarly situated have not been paid, or if the 




                                      -73-
<PAGE>

Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary shall have suffered or permitted, any
creditor to obtain a lien upon any of its property through legal proceedings.

                           (i) If there has been a denial, forfeiture,
revocation, or nonrenewal by the pertinent Governmental Authority of any
Operating License or other authorization required by law of the Borrower, the
Parent or any Subsidiary (or the expiration without renewal of any such
authorization) and such denial, forfeiture, revocation, non-renewal or
expiration has a material adverse effect on the financial condition, operations
or business of the Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                           (j) The Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary shall
be dissolved (except (A) Persons dissolved in connection with the Restructuring,
(B) Special Purpose Subsidiaries dissolved within one hundred and eighty (180)
days of their acquisition and (C) Non-U.S. Subsidiaries dissolved by December
31, 1996) or shall lose its corporate or legal status by forfeiture or by any
judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise; or

                           (k) A Reportable Event shall occur with respect to,
or proceedings shall commence to have a trustee appointed to administer or to
terminate, any Plan under which there are unfunded vested benefits that are
material in relation to the business, operations, prospects, assets, properties
or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower, the Parent or any
Subsidiary, which Reportable Event or institution of proceedings is, in the
opinion of the Agent Bank, likely to result in the termination of such Plan for
purposes of Title IV of ERISA, and, in the case of a Reportable Event, the
continuance of such Reportable Event unremedied for a period of ten (10) days
after notice of such Reportable Event pursuant to Section 4043(a), (c) or (d) of
ERISA is given or the continuance of such proceedings for a period of ten (10)
days after commencement thereof, as the case may be; a trustee shall be
appointed by PBGC or any Federal Court to administer any such Plan; or any such
Plan shall terminate for purposes of Title IV of ERISA.

                           (l) If judgments for the payment of money in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower,
the Parent or a Subsidiary and such judgments remain either unstayed or
unsatisfied for a period of thirty (30) days.

                           (m) If any property of the Borrower, the Parent or a
Subsidiary is attached, levied upon, seized under authority of a court, or
otherwise taken in satisfaction of judgments in an aggregate amount not to
exceed $50,000 against the Borrower, the Parent or such Subsidiary.

                           (n) If a Change of Control shall have occurred.

                                      -74-
<PAGE>

                           (o) If, at any time before the Conversion Date, the
employment of George Flagg shall have been involuntarily terminated without
cause, unless such termination had been previously disclosed to the Agent Bank
and the Agent Bank had not objected thereto.

                           (p) Other than as specified in Sections 8.1(a)
through 8.1(o), the occurrence of any other default in the due performance or
observance of any term, covenant or agreement to be performed or observed
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and such default continues for
thirty (30) days after notice of such default by the Borrower. The grace period
described in this Section 8.1(p) is not applicable to any default referred to in
Sections 8.1(a) through 8.1(o).


                  8.2  Acceleration; Remedies.

                           (a) Acceleration. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuation of any Event of Default, the entire unpaid principal balance of the
Notes and interest accrued thereon, all Reimbursement Obligations and any unpaid
expenses payable under this Agreement shall be immediately due and payable by
the Borrower and the Commitment of the Lenders to fund and to issue Letters of
Credit shall immediately terminate. Such principal and interest and all
Reimbursement Obligations shall become and be immediately due and payable,
without presentation, demand, protest, notice of protest or other notice of
dishonor of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

                           (b) Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default, the Lenders and the Agent Bank may protect and enforce their rights
hereunder or realize on any or all security granted pursuant hereto or pursuant
to the other Loan Documents in any manner or order they deem expedient without
regard to any equitable principles of marshalling or otherwise. In addition to
all other rights hereunder or under law, the Lenders and the Agent Bank shall
have the right to institute proceedings in equity or other appropriate
proceedings for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement made
herein or in any document executed in connection herewith or for an injunction
against the violation of any of the terms hereof or thereof or in aid of the
exercise of any power granted hereby or thereby or by law or otherwise. Further,
upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Lenders and the Agent Bank
shall be entitled, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, to the
appointment of a trustee or receiver for all or any part of the business of the
Borrower or the Parent, which trustee or receiver shall have such powers as may
be conferred by the appointing authority, and the Borrower and the Parent, on
behalf of themselves and the Subsidiaries, hereby consent to such appointment.
All rights and remedies given by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents




                                      -75-
<PAGE>

are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies available to
the Lenders and the Agent Bank, and no course of dealing between the Borrower,
the Parent, the Agent Bank or a Lender or any delay or omission in exercising
any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of any right or remedy, and every
right and remedy may be exercised from time to time and as often as shall be
deemed appropriate by the Lenders and the Agent Bank.

                           (c) Waiver. The Lenders may, by notice to the
Borrower, at any time and from time to time waive, in whole or in part, any
Event of Default. Any such waiver shall be for such period and subject to such
conditions or limitations as may be specified in any such notice. In the case of
any such waiver, the rights of the Agent Bank and the Lenders shall be otherwise
unaffected and any Event of Default so waived shall be deemed to be cured and
not continuing only to the extent and on the conditions or limitations, if any,
set forth in such waiver (unless such waiver shall state to the contrary), but
no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Event of Default.

                           (d) Governmental Consent. If counsel to the Agent
Bank reasonably determines that the consent of any Governmental Authority is
required in connection with any of the actions which may be taken by the Agent
Bank in the exercise of its rights under the Loan Documents, each of the
Borrower and the Parent, at its sole cost and expense, agrees to use its best
efforts to secure such consent and to cooperate with the Agent Bank in any
action commenced by the Agent Bank to secure such consent. Upon the occurrence
and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Borrower and the Parent,
subject to the provisions of applicable law, shall promptly execute or cause the
execution of all applications, certificates, instruments and other documents and
papers that the Agent Bank may be required to file in order to obtain any
necessary governmental consent, approval or authorization, and if the Borrower
or the Parent refuses to execute such documents, the clerk of the court with
jurisdiction may execute such documents on behalf of the Borrower or the Parent,
as the case may be. The Borrower agrees to assist the Agent Bank to obtain any
required Operating Licenses. The Borrower and the Parent further recognize that
a violation of this covenant would result in irreparable harm to the Agent Bank
for which monetary damages are not readily ascertainable. Therefore, in addition
to any other remedy which may be available to the Agent Bank, at law or in
equity, the Agent Bank shall have the remedy of specific performance of the
provisions of this subsection.

                                      -76-
<PAGE>

SECTION 9.  AGENCY

                  9.1 Authority. In order to expedite the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, Merita is hereby appointed to act as Agent Bank
on behalf of the Lenders. Each of the Lenders and any subsequent holder of any
Note by its acceptance thereof, irrevocably authorizes the Agent Bank to execute
and take such action on its behalf under the provisions of the Loan Documents
and to exercise such powers hereunder and thereunder as are specifically
delegated to the Agent Bank by the terms hereof and thereof and such powers as
are reasonably incidental thereto. The Agent Bank is hereby expressly authorized
on behalf of the Lenders, without limiting any implied authority, (i) to receive
on behalf of each of the Lenders any payment of principal or interest on the
Notes outstanding hereunder and all other amounts, including fees, payable
hereunder, and to promptly distribute to each Lender its proper share of all
payments so received, (ii) to distribute to each Lender copies of all notices,
agreements and other material as provided for in this Agreements or in the
Security Agreement and (iii) to take all actions with respect to the Loan
Documents as are specifically delegated to the Agent Bank.

                  9.2 Expenses. Each Lender agrees (a) to reimburse the Agent
Bank in the amount of such Lender's pro rata share (based on its percentage of
the Total Commitment hereunder) for any expenses incurred by the Agent Bank for
the benefit of the Lenders, including counsel fees and compensation of agents
and employees, and all other amounts paid by the Agent Bank respectively, for
services rendered on behalf of the Lenders, to the extent not reimbursed by the
Borrower and (b) to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent Bank and any of its
directors, officers, employees or agents, on demand, in the amount of its pro
rata share, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against it in its capacity as the Agent Bank or any of its directors,
officers, employees or agents in any way relating to or arising out of the Loan
Documents or any action taken or omitted by the Agent Bank or any of its
directors, officers, employees or agents under the Loan Documents, to the extent
not reimbursed by the Borrower; provided, however, that no Lender shall be
liable to the Agent Bank for any portion of such liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgment, suits, costs, expenses or
disbursements resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
Agent Bank, or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents.

                  9.3 Exculpatory Provisions. Neither the Agent Bank nor any of
its officers, directors, employees or agents will be liable to the Lenders for
any action taken or omitted hereunder or in connection herewith or in 

                                      -77-
<PAGE>

connection with any document or instrument now or hereafter executed in
connection herewith unless caused by its gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The Agent Bank will not be responsible for any recitals, warranties or
representations herein or in any such other document or instrument. The Lenders
acknowledge that they have reviewed this Agreement, the Notes, the Security
Agreements, the Pledge Agreements, the Guaranty Agreements and all of the other
Loan Documents and are fully aware of the terms hereof and thereof. The Agent
Bank may execute any of its duties by or through agents or employees and will be
entitled to advice of counsel, accountants or other professionals of its
selection concerning all matters pertaining to the Loan Documents or such other
documents and instruments and its duties hereunder and thereunder. The Agent
Bank will be entitled to rely upon any writing or other document, telegram or
telephone conversation believed by it to have been signed, sent or made by the
proper person or persons and, in respect of legal matters, upon the advice of
counsel selected by the Agent Bank. The Agent Bank shall be fully justified in
failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the
Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required hereby or by the relevant other
Loan Document, all the Lenders) as it deems appropriate or it shall first be
indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and
expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take
any such action except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The
Agent Bank shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining
from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents in accordance
with a request of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required hereby, all
the Lenders), and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant
thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders and all future holders of the
Notes.

                  9.4 Investigation by Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that the
Agent Bank has not made any representation or warranty to it and that no act
taken by the Agent Bank will be deemed to constitute a representation or
warranty by the Agent Bank to any Lender. Each Lender further acknowledges that
it has taken and will continue to take such action and to make such
investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself of the affairs of the
Parent or the Borrower and that it has made and will continue to make its own
independent investigation of the creditworthiness and the business and
operations of the Borrower and the Parent. In making an advance hereunder, each
Lender represents that it has not relied and will not rely upon any information
or representations furnished or given by the Agent Bank. The Agent Bank will be
under no duty or responsibility to the Lenders to ascertain or to inquire into
the performance or observance by the Borrower or the Parent of any of the
provisions of this Agreement or any document or instrument now or hereafter
executed in connection herewith. The Agent 



                                      -78-
<PAGE>

Bank will not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any
credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or
business of the Borrower, the Parent or any Subsidiary which may come into the
possession of the Agent Bank. The Lenders understand and agree that the Agent
Bank will not be deemed to have knowledge of the existence, occurrence or
continuance of an Event of Default, unless the officers of the Agent Bank
immediately responsible for matters concerning this Agreement will have actual
knowledge of such occurrence or will have been notified in writing by any Lender
or Borrower that the Lender or the Borrower, as applicable, considers that an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and specifying the nature
thereof.

                  9.5 Action Upon Default.

                  (a) Anything in Section 8 of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of
Default hereunder, the Agent Bank upon (i) the request of the Majority Lenders,
and (ii) the providing by the Majority Lenders of an indemnity in form and
substance satisfactory to the Agent Bank (in proportion to their respective
portions of the Loans) of all expenses to the extent not reimbursed by the
Borrower (including attorneys' fees of the Agent Bank's counsel) and
disbursements, will declare the Notes to be due and payable and will proceed to
enforce the rights of the holders of the Notes by such proceedings as the Agent
Bank may deem appropriate, whether at law or in equity. Upon any request
aforesaid, the Agent Bank will declare the Notes to be due and payable, but the
Agent Bank will be justified in failing or refusing to take any further action
unless it will be indemnified to its satisfaction as aforesaid. It is agreed
that if the Agent Bank, having been so indemnified, or not having been
indemnified to its satisfaction, will fail to so proceed, any Lender will be
entitled to take such action as it will deem appropriate to enforce its rights.

                  (b) The Agent Bank, on behalf of all the Lenders, will hold in
accordance with the Security Agreements and the Pledge Agreements all items of
collateral or interest therein received or held by the Agent Bank. Subject to
the Agent Bank's and the Lenders' rights to reimbursement for their costs and
expenses hereunder and subject to the application of payments in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement, each Lender will have an interest in any collateral
or interests therein in the same proportions that the aggregate outstanding
principal obligations owed such Lender bear to the aggregate outstanding
principal obligations owed to all the Lenders, without priority or preference
among the Lenders.

                  9.6 Instructions. The Agent Bank will in all cases be fully
protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder or in connection


                                      -79-
<PAGE>

with any other documents or instruments now or hereafter executed in connection
herewith in accordance with written instructions of the Lenders.

                  9.7 Resignation as Agent. Subject to the appointment and
acceptance of a successor Agent Bank as provided below, the Agent Bank may
resign at any time by notifying the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such
resignation, the Lenders will have the right to appoint a successor Agent Bank.
If no successor Agent Bank will have been so appointed by the Lenders and will
have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Agent
Bank gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Agent Bank may, on
behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent Bank which will be a bank with
an office (or an affiliate with an office) in New York, New York, having a
combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000. Upon the acceptance of
any appointment as Agent Bank hereunder by a successor bank, such successor will
thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges
and duties of the retiring Agent Bank and the retiring Agent Bank will be
discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the Security
Agreements and the Pledge Agreements. After any Agent Bank's resignation
hereunder, the provisions of this Section 9 will continue in effect for its
benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it
was acting as Agent Bank.

SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS


                  10.1  Notices.

                  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be given
in writing and shall be deemed to have been delivered when delivered personally
(including by means of telex, telecopier or telefax systems), or the day
following delivery to a reputable overnight courier service which guarantees
delivery within 24 hours, charges prepaid (or upon the date mailed, if sent
certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, and delivery is
refused or returned as undeliverable), to the respective parties to this
Agreement as follows:

                  (a)      If to the Borrower:

                           Holmes Holding Company, Inc.
                           440 9th Avenue
                           New York, New York  10001-1695
                           Attention:       Lawrence R. Irving
                           Telephone:       (212) 760-0630
                           Telecopy:        (212) 563-0129

                                      -80-
<PAGE>

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Buchanan Ingersoll
                           500 College Road East
                           Princeton, New Jersey  08540
                           Attention:       Dennis M. Stern, Esq.
                           Telephone:       (609) 987-6800
                           Telecopy:        (609) 520-0360


                  (b)      If to the Guarantor:

                           Holmes Protection Group, Inc.
                           440 9th Avenue
                           New York, New York  10001-1695
                           Attention:       Lawrence R. Irving
                           Telephone:       (212) 760-0630
                           Telecopy:        (212) 563-0129

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Buchanan Ingersoll
                           500 College Road East
                           Princeton, New Jersey  08540
                           Attention:       Dennis M. Stern, Esq.
                           Telephone:       (609) 987-6800
                           Telecopy:        (609) 520-0360


                  (c)      If to Merita or the Agent Bank:

                           Merita Bank Ltd
                           437 Madison Avenue
                           21st Floor
                           New York, New York  10022
                           Attention:       Charles J. Lansdown
                           Telephone:       (212) 318-9562
                           Telecopy:        (212) 421-4420



                                      -81-
<PAGE>

                           with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Merita Bank Ltd
                           437 Madison Avenue
                           21st Floor
                           New York, New York  10022
                           Attention:       Rossella Perna
                           Telephone:       (212) 318-9345
                           Telecopy:        (212) 421-4420

                           and

                           Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
                           Columbia Square
                           555 Thirteenth Street, N.W.
                           Washington, D.C.  20004-1109
                           Attention:       Claudette M. Christian, Esq.
                           Telephone:       (202) 637-5650
                           Telecopy:        (202) 637-5910

                  (d)      If to BKBCT:

                           Bank of Boston Connecticut
                           100 Pearl Street
                           Hartford, Connecticut  06103
                           Attention:       Roger J. Roche, Jr., Director
                           Telephone:       (860) 727-6568
                           Telecopy:        (860) 727-6975

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                           Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
                           One State Street
                           P.O. Box 231277
                           Hartford, Connecticut  06123-1277
                           Attention:       John F. Wolter, Esq.
                           Telephone:       (860) 548-2628
                           Telecopy:        (860) 548-2680

                  The designation of the person to be so notified or the address
of such person for the purposes of such notice may be changed from time to time
by similar notice in writing.

                  10.2 Payment of Expenses. The Borrower shall pay and save the
Agent Bank and the Lenders harmless against liability for the payment of all
expenses arising in connection with the administration of the 



                                      -82-
<PAGE>

Loan Documents (including any insurance premiums relating to insurance required
to be maintained hereunder paid by the Agent Bank and the Lenders on behalf of
the Borrower in case the Borrower fails to maintain such insurance, any
modification of, or any consent or waiver under, the Loan Documents, all
expenses, if any, in connection with the Borrower's failure to make any
repayment when due, and any enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights
under, the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the fees of counsel to
the Agent Bank and the Lenders) and against liability for the payment of all
expenses arising in connection, with the preparation, execution and delivery of
the Loan Documents, the transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents, and
expenses of the Agent Bank and the Lenders (including reasonable fees of counsel
to the Agent Bank and the Lenders). The obligations of the Borrower under this
Section 10.2 shall survive the termination of the Loan Documents and the payment
of the Notes.

                  10.3 Stamp or Other Tax. Should any stamp or excise tax be
payable in respect of any of the Loan Documents or any modification hereof or
thereof, the Borrower agrees to pay the same (including interest and penalties,
if any) and to hold the Agent Bank and the Lenders harmless with respect
thereto.

                  10.4 Fees and Commissions. The Borrower agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless the Agent Bank and the Lenders in respect of any commissions,
fees, judgments or expenses of any nature and kind which they may become liable
to pay by reason of any claims by or on behalf of brokers, finders or agents in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
litigation or similar proceeding arising from such claims. The Borrower
represents and warrants that there are no valid bases for any such claims
against the Agent Bank and the Lenders.

                  10.5 No Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of the Agent
Bank or a Lender or the holder of the Notes in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder, and no course of dealing between the Borrower and the Agent
Bank or a Lender or the holder of any of the Notes, will operate as a waiver
thereof; nor will any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the
exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein
expressly provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies
which the Agent Bank or a Lender or any subsequent holder of any of the Notes
would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on the Borrower or the Parent in
any case will entitle the Borrower or the Parent to any other or further notice
or demand in similar or other circumstances or will constitute a waiver of the
right of the Agent Bank or a Lender to take any other or further action in any
circumstances without notice or demand.

                                      -83-
<PAGE>

                  10.6 Entire Agreement and Amendments. The Loan Documents
represent the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the
Loans, the Letters of Credit and the transactions contemplated hereunder and,
except as expressly provided herein, will not be affected by reference to any
other documents. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed,
waived, discharged or terminated orally, but such may be accomplished only by an
instrument in writing signed by the Borrower, the Majority Lenders and the Agent
Bank; provided, however, that any amendment which would have the effect of (a)
changing the nature of or releasing any or all of the Collateral, as defined in
the Security Agreements or the Pledge Agreements, (b) extending the time of any
payment of any amounts which are payable by the Borrower hereunder, (c)
increasing the amount of the Merita Commitment or the BKBCT Commitment, or
increasing the permitted aggregate amount of Reimbursement Obligations in
respect of outstanding Letters of Credit above $4,000,000, (d) changing the
amount of interest, fees, or other payments payable to any of the Lenders or the
Agent Bank or (e) amending the term "Majority Lenders" or this Section 10.6,
must be signed by the Borrower, the Parent, the Agent Bank and each of the
Lenders.

                  10.7 Benefit of Agreement; Assignments and Participations.

                           (a) This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the Borrower, the Parent, the Agent Bank and the Lenders and
their respective successors and assigns and all subsequent holders of any of the
Notes or any portion thereof.

                           (b) Each Lender may assign its rights and interests
and delegate its obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any
financial institution or institution with capital and surplus in excess of
$500,000,000 reasonably acceptable to the Agent Bank and the Borrower. Any such
assignment will be pursuant to an assignment and acceptance which conforms in
substance with this Section 10.7 (the "Assignment and Acceptance"). The parties
to each such assignment will execute and deliver the Assignment and Acceptance
together with any Note or Notes subject to such assignment. Upon such execution
and delivery, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and
Acceptance, which effective date will be at least five (5) Business Days after
the execution thereof, (i) the assignee thereunder will be a party hereto and,
to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and
obligations of the assigning Lender hereunder and (ii) the assigning Lender
will, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from
its obligations under this Agreement.

                                      -84-
<PAGE>

                           (c) By executing and delivering the Assignment and
Acceptance, each Lender and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree as
follows: (i) other than the representation and warranty that it is the legal and
beneficial owner of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any
adverse claim, the assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and
assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
representations made in or in connection with any Loan Document or the
execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value
of any Loan Document; (ii) the assigning Lender makes no representation or
warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition
of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its
obligations under any of the Loan Documents; (iii) such assignee confirms that
it has received a copy of this Agreement together with such other documents and
information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and
decision to enter into the Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will,
independently and without reliance upon the assigning Lender, and based on such
documents and information as it will deem appropriate at the time, continue to
make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this
Agreement; and (v) such assignee agrees that it will perform all of the
obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by
the assigning Lender, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance.

                           (d) Upon execution of the Assignment and Acceptance
by the assigning Lender and the assignee, together with any Note or Notes
subject to such assignment, the Agent Bank will give prompt notice thereof to
the Borrower. Within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such notice, the
Borrower will execute and deliver to the assigning Lender (at the cost and
expense of the assigning Lender) in exchange for the surrendered Note or Notes a
new Note or Notes to the order of such assignee in an amount equal to that
portion of the principal amount outstanding under the Note being surrendered and
being assumed by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance and, a new Note
or Notes to the order of the assigning Lender in an amount, if any, equal to
that portion of the principal amount of the Note being surrendered which is
being retained by such assigning Lender hereunder. Such new Note or Notes will
be in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of
such surrendered Note or Notes, will be dated the effective date of such
Assignment and Acceptance and will otherwise be in substantially the form of
Exhibit A-1 or A-2, as the case may be. Canceled Notes will be promptly returned
to the Borrower simultaneously with the execution of such new Notes.

                           (e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Lender may
sell participations to one or more commercial banks, each of which have capital
and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, in all or a portion of its rights 



                                      -85-
<PAGE>

and obligations under this Agreement. Each such Lender shall provide written
notice to the other Lenders, the Agent Bank and the Borrower of any such
participation.

                           (f) Without the prior written consent of the Majority
Lenders, neither the Borrower nor the Parent may assign any of its rights or
delegate any of its duties or obligations hereunder.

                           (g) Any party hereto which assigns its rights and
obligations hereunder shall pay to the Agent Bank an administrative fee of
$5,000.

                  10.8 Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or
construction of any of the provisions hereof.

                  10.9 Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and
obligations of the parties hereunder and under the Notes shall be construed in
accordance with and shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York
(without regard to the laws as to conflict of law).

                  10.10 Consent to Jurisdiction, Service and Venue; Waiver of
Jury Trial. For the purpose of enforcing this Agreement, payment of the Notes
and performance of the obligations hereunder and thereunder or otherwise in
connection herewith, the Borrower and the Parent hereby consent to the
jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of New York or of any federal
court located in such state. In the event either the Borrower or the Parent
changes its principal office to an address which is not located in the State of
New York, within five (5) days of such change, such Person shall appoint and
maintain an agent for service of process. If an agent is so appointed, such
Person agrees to accept such agent for all service of process in connection with
any such matter (provided that at the same time a copy of such service is also
sent to the Borrower and the Parent at the address and in the manner set forth
in Section 10.1 hereof). The Borrower and the Parent hereby waive the right to
contest the jurisdiction and venue of the courts located in the State of New
York on the ground of inconvenience or otherwise. The provisions of this Section
10.10 shall not limit or otherwise affect the right of the Borrower or the
Parent to institute and conduct action in any other appropriate manner,
jurisdiction or court. Neither the Borrower nor the Parent nor any other Person
liable for the Indebtedness to the Agent Bank or the Lenders referred to herein,
nor any assignee, successor, heir or personal representative of the Borrower or
the Parent or any such other Person shall seek a jury trial in any proceeding
based upon or arising out of this Agreement, any Note, any other document
executed in connection herewith, any collateral for the payment hereof or the
dealings or the 



                                      -86-
<PAGE>

relationship between or among such Persons, or any of them. Neither the Borrower
nor the Parent nor any such Person will seek to consolidate any such action with
any action in which a jury trial cannot be or has not been waived. Except as
prohibited by law, each party hereto waives any rights it may have to claim or
recover in any litigation referred to in this Section 10.10 any special,
exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or any damages other than, or in
addition to, direct damages. Each party hereto (a) certifies that no
representative, agent or attorney of the Agent Bank or a Lender has represented,
expressly or otherwise, that the Agent Bank or a Lender would not, in the event
of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waivers and (b) acknowledges that
it has been induced to enter into this Agreement or any other document executed
in connection herewith, as applicable, by, among other things, the mutual
waivers and certifications herein. The provisions of this Section 10.10 have
been fully disclosed by the parties hereto and the provisions hereof shall be
subject to no exceptions. No party has in any way agreed with or represented to
any other party that the provisions of this Section 10.10 will not be fully
enforced in all instances.

                  10.11 Holidays. Whenever any payment of interest or principal
to be made hereunder or pursuant to the Notes shall become due and payable on a
day which is not a Business Day (or, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan,
Eurodollar Business Day), such payment may be made on the next succeeding
Business Day (or, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, the next succeeding
Eurodollar Business Day unless the result of the extension would be to extend
such payment into another calendar month, in which event such payment shall be
made on the immediately preceding Eurodollar Business Day) and such extension of
time for a principal payment shall in such case be included in computing
interest on such payment.

                  10.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  10.13 Maximum Lawful Interest Rate. Notwithstanding any
provision contained herein, liability of the Borrower for payment of interest
pursuant hereto, including late charges, shall not exceed the maximum amount of
such interest permitted by law to be charged, collected or received from the
Borrower, and if any payments by the Borrower include interest in excess of such
a maximum amount, the Lenders shall apply such excess to the reduction of the
unpaid principal amount due pursuant hereto, or if none is due, such excess
shall be refunded to the Borrower.

                  10.14 Severability. Every provision of this Agreement and the
Notes is intended to be severable and, if any term or provision hereof or
thereof shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, the validity,

                                      -87-
<PAGE>

legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or thereof shall
not be affected or impaired thereby, and any invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or
enforceability of any such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. In the
event that any provisions affecting the Agent Bank's or a Lender's remedies or
their security interests shall be held illegal, invalid or unenforceable in a
final judgment of a court having competent jurisdiction, the Agent Bank and the
Lenders shall be entitled, among other things, to reduce the Available
Commitment or the Total Commitment, as the case may be, to the lesser of (a) the
outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Loans, as of the date of the
rendering of such decision as to illegality, invalidity or unenforceability or
(b) the amount of such outstanding principal as of the date on which such
reduction is made. Such Lender or the Agent Bank, as the case may be, shall
provide notice to the other Lenders and to the Borrower of any such event.

                  10.15 Indemnity. In addition to the payments contemplated by
Section 10.2 and 10.4, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby shall
be consummated, the Borrower agrees to defend, indemnify, pay and hold the Agent
Bank and each of the Lenders and any holder of the Notes, and the shareholders,
officers, directors, employees and agents of the Agent Bank and each of the
Lenders and such holders (collectively called the "Indemnitees") harmless from
and against, any and all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements
of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for such Indemnitees in connection with any
investigative, administrative, judicial proceeding or other proceedings, whether
commenced or threatened and whether or not such Indemnitee shall be designated a
party thereto) (collectively, "Claims"), which may be imposed on, incurred by,
or asserted against that Indemnitee, in any manner relating to or arising out of
(a) the use or intended use of the proceeds of the Loans, or (b) any funding or
proposed funding, or arrangements to obtain funding, made available, or proposed
to have been made available, under and as contemplated by this Agreement to the
Borrower (collectively, the "Indemnified Liabilities"); provided that the
Borrower shall have no obligation to an Indemnitee hereunder with respect to
Indemnified Liabilities arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of that Indemnitee in connection with its responsibilities hereunder. The Agent
Bank and the Lenders agree to provide the Borrower with notice of any such
Claims. To the extent that the undertaking to defend, indemnify, pay and hold
harmless set forth in the preceding sentence may be unenforceable because it is
violative of any law or public policy, the Borrower shall contribute the maximum
portion which it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law to the
payment and satisfaction of all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the
Indemnitees.

                                      -88-
<PAGE>

                  10.16 Application of and Modifications to GAAP. Whenever this
Agreement requires disclosure of Financial Information in accordance with GAAP,
the Borrower and each other Person in making such disclosure shall include any
notes required by GAAP to be made on statements included in such Financial
Information, except that notes shall not be provided in connection with
quarterly or monthly financial statements. In the event that any change in GAAP
has the effect of changing the result of any financial calculations required to
be made under this Agreement other than as expressly permitted in this
Agreement, the Agent Bank and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith
concerning an appropriate amendment to the provisions of this Agreement
requiring such calculation; if the Agent Bank and the Borrower are unable to
agree on such amendment, the affected Person shall continue to make such
financial calculation based upon GAAP as applicable prior to such change. If
there is more than one permissible treatment of any financial calculation under
GAAP, the affected Person shall seek the advice of its auditors and use the
treatment so recommended.




                                      -89-
<PAGE>




                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower, the Parent, the Lenders and
the Agent Bank have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their
respective, duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

                                 BORROWER

                                 Holmes Holding Company, Inc.


                                 By: /s/ Lawrence R. Irving
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Vice President and Treasurer
                                     -------------------------------------


                                 PARENT

                                 Holmes Protection Group, Inc.


                                 By: /s/ Lawrence R. Irving
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Vice President - Finance
                                     -------------------------------------


                                 LENDERS

                                 Merita Bank Ltd, a Finnish banking corporation
                                 acting through its New York branch


                                 By: /s/ Eric Mann
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Vice President
                                     -------------------------------------

                                 By: /s/ Charles J. Lansdown
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Vice President
                                     -------------------------------------

                                 Bank of Boston Connecticut


                                 By: /s/ Roger J. Roche, Jr.
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Director
                                     -------------------------------------


                                      -90-
<PAGE>

                                 AGENT BANK

                                 Merita Bank Ltd, a Finnish banking corporation
                                 acting through its New York branch



                                 By: /s/ Eric Mann
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Vice President
                                     -------------------------------------


                                 By: /s/ Charles J. Lansdown
                                     -------------------------------------
                                 Its:  Vice President
                                     -------------------------------------


                                      -91-



<PAGE>
                                                                      EX 10.34

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

         THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of
August 30, 1996, among Holmes Protection Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), American Scandinavian Banking Corporation, a New York
corporation (the "Bank") and Bank of Boston Connecticut, a Connecticut State
Savings Bank ("Bank of Boston"). The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
the parties hereto is partial consideration for the extension of loans from the
Bank and Bank of Boston to the Company pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement
dated as of even date herewith among the Company, Merita Bank Ltd. and Bank of
Boston (the "Credit Agreement") and in connection with Common Stock Purchase
Warrants dated as of even date herewith (the "Warrants") pursuant to which the
Company has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Warrants, to
issue and sell to the Bank and Bank of Boston shares, par value $.01 per share,
of common stock of the Company.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

         1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement the following terms have the
meanings indicated:

            "Affiliate" shall mean any Person who is an "affiliate" as defined
in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.

            "Approved Underwriter" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(f) of
this Agreement.

            "Bank" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recital to this
Agreement.

            "Bank of Boston" has the meaning assigned to such term in the
recital to this Agreement.

            "Common Stock" means the Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of
the Company or any other equity securities of the Company into which such
securities are converted, reclassified, reconstituted or exchanged.

            "Company" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recital to
this Agreement.

            "Company Underwriter" has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) of
this Agreement.

            "Demand Registration" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) of
this Agreement.

            "Designated Holder" means each of the Bank and Bank of Boston and
any transferee of either of them to whom Registrable Securities have been
transferred in accordance with the provisions of Section 9(f) of this Agreement,
other than a transferee to whom such securities have been transferred pursuant
to a registration statement under the Securities Act or Rule 144 or Regulation S
under the Securities Act.

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

            "Holders' Counsel" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(i) of
this Agreement.

            "Incidental Registration" has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)
of this Agreement.

            "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c) of
this Agreement.
<PAGE>

            "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 7(c) of
this Agreement.

            "Initiating Holder" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) of
this Agreement.

            "Inspector" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(viii) of this
Agreement.

            "NASD" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(xiv) of this
Agreement.

            "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association,
joint venture, joint stock company, limited liability company, government (or an
agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind, and shall
include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

            "Public Offering" means any offer for sale of shares of Common Stock
pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act.

            "Records" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a)(viii) of this
Agreement.

            "Registrable Securities" means each of the following: (a) any and
all shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise of any of the
Warrants and (b) any securities issued or issuable by the Company with respect
to shares of Common Stock referred to in the foregoing clause (a) by way of
stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination of shares,
recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization or otherwise and
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange thereof.

            "Registration Expenses" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(d) of
this Agreement.

            "Registration Statement" means a registration statement filed
pursuant to the Securities Act.

            "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any similar
agency then having jurisdiction to enforce the Securities Act.

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

            "Warrants" has the meaning assigned to such term in the recital to
this Agreement.

         2. General: Securities Subject to this Agreement.

            (a) Grant of Rights. The Company hereby grants registration rights
to the Bank and Bank of Boston upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.

                                       2

<PAGE>

            (b) Registrable Securities. For the purposes of this Agreement,
Registrable Securities will cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a
registration statement covering such Registrable Securities has been declared
effective under the Securities Act by the SEC and such Registrable Securities
have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement, (ii)
the entire amount of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in a single
sale, in the opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company and the Designated
Holder, each in their reasonable judgment, may be distributed to the public
without any limitation as to volume pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor
provision then in effect) under the Securities Act or (iii) the Registrable
Securities are proposed to be sold or distributed by a Person not entitled to
the registration rights granted by this Agreement.

            (c) Holders of Registrable Securities. A Person is deemed to be a
holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns of record Registrable
Securities, or holds an option to purchase, or a security convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for, Registrable Securities whether or not such
acquisition or conversion has actually been effected and disregarding any legal
restrictions upon the exercise of such rights. If the Company receives
conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two or more Persons with
respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company may act upon the basis
of the instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of
such Registrable Securities. Registrable Securities issuable upon exercise of an
option or upon conversion of another security shall be deemed outstanding for
the purposes of this Agreement.

         3. Demand Registration.

            (a) Request for Demand Registration. Commencing on the date hereof,
each of the Bank or Bank of Boston (the "Initiating Holder") may make one
written request to the Company to register, under the Securities Act (other than
pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor
thereto) and under the securities or "blue sky" laws of any jurisdiction
designated by such holder or holders (a "Demand Registration"), the number of
Registrable Securities stated in such request; provided, however, that neither
the Bank nor the Bank of Boston shall exercise the right to a Demand
Registration until the earlier of (i) June 30, 1997; or (ii) 180 days after the
effective date of the registration statement on Form S-1 currently contemplated
by the Company and disclosed to the Bank and Bank of Boston by the Company (the
"Holdback Date"). If at the time of any request to register Registrable
Securities pursuant to this Section 3(a), the Company is engaged in, or has
fixed plans to engage in within forty-five (45) days of the time of such
request, a registered public offering or is engaged in any other activity which,
in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors of the Company, would
be materially adversely affected by the requested registration to the material
detriment of the Company, then the Company may at its option direct that such
request be delayed for a reasonable period not in excess of ninety (90) days
from the effective date of such offering or the date of completion of such other
material activity, as the case may be, such right to delay a request to be
exercised by the Company not more than once in any one-year period. In addition,
the Company shall not be required to effect any registration within sixty (60)
days after the effective date of any other Registration Statement of the
Company. A request for a Demand Registration shall state the amount of the
Registrable Securities proposed to be sold and the intended method of
disposition thereof. Upon a request for a Demand Registration, the Company shall
promptly take such steps as are necessary or appropriate to prepare for the
registration of the Registrable Securities to be registered.

            (b) Incidental or "Piggy-Back" Rights with Respect to a Demand
Registration. Any Designated Holder (other than the Initiating Holder) may offer
its Registrable Securities under any Demand Registration pursuant to this
Section 3; provided, however, that neither the Bank nor Bank of Boston shall


                                       3


<PAGE>

have any right to registration under this Section 3(b) unless the Incidental
Registration rights granted to the Bank and Bank of Boston under Section 4 below
have become effective as provided in Section 4(c), or the Bank or Bank of Boston
participates in such registration pursuant to the rights granted to the Bank or
Bank of Boston under Section 4(g) below. If such incidental registration rights
are available under this Section 3(b), the Company shall, within ten (10) days
after the receipt of a request for a Demand Registration, (i) give written
notice thereof to all of the Designated Holders and (ii) subject to Section
3(e), include in such registration all of the Registrable Securities held by
such Designated Holders from whom the Company has received a written request for
inclusion therein within ten (10) days of the receipt by such Designated Holders
of such written notice referred to clause (i) above. Each such request by such
Designated Holders shall specify the number of Registrable Securities proposed
to be registered and the intended method of disposition thereof.

            (c) Effective Demand Registration. A registration shall not
constitute a Demand Registration until it has become effective and remains
continuously effective for the lesser of (i) the period during which all
Registrable Securities registered in the Demand Registration are sold and (ii)
120 days; provided, however, that a registration shall not constitute a Demand
Registration if (x) after such Demand Registration has become effective, such
registration or the related offer, sale or distribution of Registrable
Securities thereunder is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other
order or requirement of the SEC or other governmental agency or court for any
reason not attributable to the Bank or Bank of Boston and such interference is
not thereafter eliminated or (y) the conditions to closing specified in the
underwriting agreement, if any, entered into in connection with such Demand
Registration are not satisfied or waived other than by reason of a failure by
the Initiating Holder or (z) the Company sells for its account at least one half
of the shares included in the registration.

            (d) Expenses. In any registration initiated as a Demand
Registration, the Company shall pay all Registration Expenses (other than
underwriting discounts and commissions) in connection therewith, whether or not
such Demand Registration becomes effective.

            (e) Underwriting Procedures. If the Initiating Holder so elects, the
offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Demand Registration shall be in
the form of a firm commitment underwritten offering and the managing underwriter
or underwriters selected for such offering shall be the Approved Underwriter (as
hereinafter defined) selected in accordance with Section 3(f). In connection
with any Demand Registration under this Section 3 involving an underwriting,
none of the Registrable Securities held by any Designated Holder making a
request for inclusion of such Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3(b)
hereof shall be included in such underwriting unless such Designated Holder
accepts the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon by the Company, the
Initiating Holder and the Approved Underwriter, and then only in such quantity
as will not, in the opinion of the Approved Underwriter, jeopardize the success
of such offering by the Initiating Holder. If the Approved Underwriter advises
the Company in writing that in its opinion the aggregate amount of such
Registrable Securities requested to be included in such offering is sufficiently
large to have a material adverse effect on the success of such offering, then
the Company shall include in such registration only the aggregate amount of
Registrable Securities that in the opinion of the Approved Underwriter may be
sold without any such material adverse effect and shall reduce, first as to the
Designated Holders ( who requested to participate in such registration pursuant
to Section 3(b) hereof) as a group, if any; and second as to the Initiating
Holder, pro rata based on the number of Registrable Securities included in the
request for Demand Registration, the amount of Registrable Securities to be
included in such registration.


                                       4
<PAGE>


            (f) Selection of Underwriters. If any Demand Registration of
Registrable Securities is in the form of an underwritten offering, the
Initiating Holder shall be authorized to select and obtain an investment banking
firm of national reputation to act as the managing underwriter of the offering
(the "Approved Underwriter"); provided, however, that the Approved Underwriter
shall be acceptable to the Company in its reasonable judgment. 

            (g) Temporary Additional Demand Registration Rights. Until such time
as the rights to Incidental Registration under Section 4 become effective, each
of the Bank and Bank of Boston shall be granted three (3) additional Demand
Registrations, exercisable in the manner set forth in Section 3(a) above. The
Bank and Bank of Boston shall be co-participants with respect to three of the
four of such Demand Registrations. If either the Bank or Bank of Boston chooses
not to participate in a Demand Registration initiated by the other party, the
non-initiating party shall be deemed to have waived one of the additional Demand
Registrations available to such party under this Section 3(g). In no event shall
either the Bank or Bank of Boston be deemed to have waived more than two (2)
Demand Registrations under this Section 3(g). The registration rights under this
Section 3(g) shall terminate upon effectiveness of the Incidental Registration
rights under Section 4.

         4. Incidental or "Piggy-Back" Registration.

            (a) Request for Incidental Registration. Subject to Section 4(c)
below, at any time after the Holdback Date the Company proposes to file a
Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering by
the Company for its own account or for another selling shareholder (other than a
registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor thereto), then the
Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to each of the
Designated Holders of Registrable Securities at least thirty (30) days before
the anticipated filing date, and such notice shall describe the proposed
registration and distribution and offer such Designated Holders the opportunity
to register the number of Registrable Securities as each such holder may request
(an "Incidental Registration"). The Company shall use its best efforts (within
ten (10) days of the notice provided for in the preceding sentence) to cause the
managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering (the
"Company Underwriter") to permit each of the Designated Holders who have
requested in writing to participate in the Incidental Registration to include
its Registrable Securities in such offering on the same terms and conditions as
the securities of the Company included therein. In connection with any
Incidental Registration under this Section 4(a) involving an underwriting, the
Company shall not be required to include any Registrable Securities in such
underwriting unless the holders thereof accept the terms of the underwriting as
agreed upon between the Company and the Company Underwriter, and then only in
such quantity as will not, in the opinion of the Company Underwriter, jeopardize
the success of the offering by the Company. If in the written opinion of the
Company Underwriter the registration of all or part of the Registrable
Securities which the Designated Holders have requested to be included would
materially adversely affect such offering, then the Company shall be required to
include in such Incidental Registration, to the extent of the amount that the
Company Underwriter believes may be sold without causing such adverse effect,
first, all of the securities to be offered for the account of the Company;
second, the Registrable Securities to be offered for the account of the
Designated Holders pursuant to this Section 4, pro rata based on the amount
recommended by the Company Underwriter (and as between the Designated Holders
pro rata based on the amounts requested to be included in the registration); and
third, any other securities requested to be included in such underwriting.

            (b) Expenses. The Company shall bear all Registration Expenses
(other than underwriting discounts and commissions) in connection with any
Incidental Registration pursuant to this Section 4, whether or not such
Incidental Registration becomes effective; provided, however, that each
Designated Holder participating in such registration shall bear the costs of its
own legal counsel.

                                       5

<PAGE>

            (c) Effectiveness of Incidental Registration Rights. The incidental
registration rights granted in Section 4(a) above shall not be effective until
such time as the Company has obtained consent to the grant of such Incidental
Registration rights from other shareholders (other than the Designated Holders)
who have been granted registration rights by the Company with respect to the
Company's securities. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to
obtain such consent as soon as is reasonably practicable after the execution of
this Agreement.

         5. Restrictions on Public Sale by the Company. The Company agrees not
to effect any public sale or distribution of any of its securities, or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities
(except pursuant to registrations on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor thereto),
during the period beginning on the effective date of any Demand Registration and
ending on the earlier of (i) the date on which all Registrable Securities
registered on such registration statement are sold and (ii) 120 days after the
effective date of such registration statement pursuant to a Demand Registration.

         6. Registration Procedures.

            (a) Obligations of the Company. Whenever registration of Registrable
Securities has been requested pursuant to Section 3 or Section 4 of this
Agreement, the Company shall use its best efforts to effect the registration and
sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of
distribution thereof as quickly as practicable, and in connection with any such
request, the Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

                (i) use its best efforts to prepare and file with the SEC a
registration statement on any form for which the Company then qualifies or which
counsel for the Company shall deem appropriate and which form shall be available
for the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended
method of distribution thereof, and use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to become effective; provided, however, that (x) before
filing a registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements
thereto, the Company shall provide counsel selected by the Designated Holders
holding a majority of the Registrable Securities being registered in such
registration ("Holders' Counsel") and any other Inspector (as hereinafter
defined) with an adequate and appropriate opportunity to participate in the
preparation of such registration statement and each prospectus included therein
(and each amendment or supplement thereto) to be filed with the SEC, which
documents shall be subject to the review of Holders' Counsel, and (y) the
Company shall notify the Holders' Counsel and each seller of Registrable
Securities of any stop order issued or threatened by the SEC and take all
reasonable action required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove
it if entered;

                (ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and
supplement to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection
therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for
the lesser of (x) twelve (12) months and (y) such shorter period which will
terminate when all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement
have been sold, and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with
respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration
statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of
disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement;

                (iii) as soon as reasonably possible, furnish to each seller of
Registrable Securities, prior to filing a registration statement, copies of such
registration statement as is proposed to be filed, and thereafter such number of
copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in
each case including all exhibits thereto), the prospectus included in such
registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other
documents as each such seller may reasonably request in order to facilitate the
disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller;

                
                                       6

<PAGE>

                (iv) use its best efforts to register or qualify such
Registrable Securities under such other securities or "blue sky" laws of such
jurisdictions as any seller of Registrable Securities may request, and to
continue such qualification in effect in such jurisdiction for as long as
permissible pursuant to the laws of such jurisdiction, or for as long as any
such seller requests or until all of such Registrable Securities are sold,
whichever is shortest, and do any and all other acts and things which may be
reasonably necessary or advisable to enable any such seller to consummate the
disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such
seller; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to (w) qualify
generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be
required to qualify but for this Section 6(a)(iv), (x) subject itself to
taxation in any such jurisdiction, (y) consent to general service of process in
any such jurisdiction, or (z) if the registration statement covers less than 50%
of the Registrable Securities, qualify such Registrable Securities in more than
ten jurisdictions under the securities or "blue sky" laws of those
jurisdictions.

                (v) use its best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities
covered by such registration statement to be registered with or approved by such
other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the
business and operations of the Company to enable the seller or sellers of
Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable
Securities;

                (vi) notify each seller of Registrable Securities at any time
when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the
Securities Act, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a
result of which, the prospectus included in such registration statement contains
an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made, and the
Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus and
furnish to each seller a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an
amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, after delivery to the
purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus shall not contain an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading
in light of the circumstances under which they were made;

                (vii) enter into and perform customary agreements (including an
underwriting agreement in customary form with the Approved Underwriter or
Company Underwriter, if any, selected as provided in Section 3 or Section 4, as
the case may be) and take such other actions as are prudent and reasonably
required in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable
Securities;

                (viii) make available for inspection by any seller of
Registrable Securities, any managing underwriter participating in any
disposition pursuant to such registration statement, Holders' Counsel and any
attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such seller or any managing
underwriter (each, an "Inspector" and collectively, the "Inspectors"), all
financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the
Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Records") as shall be
reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence
responsibility, and cause the Company's and its subsidiaries' officers,
directors and employees, and the independent public accountants of the Company,
to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in
connection with such registration statement. Records that the Company
determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the
Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless (x)
the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement


                                       7

<PAGE>

or omission in the registration statement, (y) the release of such Records is
ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent
jurisdiction or (z) the information in such Records was known to the Inspectors
on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure by the Company or has been
made generally available to the public. Each seller of Registrable Securities
agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in
a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the
Company, at the Company's expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent
disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;

                (ix) if such sale is pursuant to an underwritten offering, use
its best efforts to obtain a "cold comfort" letter from the Company's
independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of
the type customarily covered by "cold comfort" letters as Holders' Counsel or
the managing underwriter reasonably request;

                (x) use its best efforts to furnish, at the request of any
seller of Registrable Securities on the date such securities are delivered to
the underwriters for sale pursuant to such registration or, if such securities
are not being sold through underwriters, on the date the registration statement
with respect to such securities becomes effective, an opinion, dated such date,
of counsel representing the Company for the purposes of such registration,
addressed to the underwriters, if any, and to the seller making such request,
covering such legal matters with respect to the registration in respect of which
such opinion is being given as such seller may reasonably request and are
customarily included in such opinions;

                (xi) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all
applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and make available to its security
holders, as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than fifteen (15) months
after the effective date of the registration statement, an earnings statement
covering a period of twelve (12) months beginning after the effective date of
the registration statement, in a manner which satisfies the provisions of
Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;

                (xii) cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each
securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then
listed, provided that the applicable listing requirements are satisfied;

                (xiii) keep Holders' Counsel advised in writing as to the
initiation and progress of any registration under Section 3 or Section 4
hereunder;

                (xiv) cooperate with each seller of Registrable Securities and
each underwriter participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities
and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made
with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"); and

                (xv) use best efforts to take all other steps necessary to
effect the registration of the Registrable Securities contemplated hereby.

            (b) Seller Information. The Company may require each seller of
Registrable Securities as to which any registration is being effected to furnish
to the Company such information regarding the distribution of such securities as
the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing.

                                       8

<PAGE>

            (c) Notice to Discontinue. Each Designated Holder of Registrable
Securities agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the
happening of any event of the kind described in Section 6(a)(vi), such
Designated Holder shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable
Securities pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registrable
Securities until such Designated Holder's receipt of the copies of the
supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 6(a)(vi) and, if so
directed by the Company, such Designated Holder shall deliver to the Company (at
the Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such
Designated Holder's possession, of the prospectus covering such Registrable
Securities which is current at the time of receipt of such notice. If the
Company shall give any such notice, the Company shall extend the period during
which such registration statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this
Agreement (including, without limitation, the period referred to in Section
6(a)(ii)) by the number of days during the period from and including the date of
the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 6(a)(vi) to and including the date
when the Designated Holder shall have received the copies of the supplemented or
amended prospectus contemplated by and meeting the requirements of Section
6(a)(vi).

            (d) Registration Expenses. The Company shall pay all expenses (other
than as set forth in Sections 3(d) and 4(b)) arising from or incident to the
performance of, or compliance with, this Agreement, including, without
limitation, (i) SEC, stock exchange and NASD registration and filing fees, (ii)
all fees and expenses incurred in complying with securities or "blue sky" laws
(including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel in connection
with "blue sky" qualifications of the Registrable Securities), (iii) all
printing, messenger and delivery expenses, (iv) the fees, charges and
disbursements of counsel to the Company and of its independent public
accountants and any other accounting fees, charges and expenses incurred by the
Company (including, without limitation, any expenses arising from any special
audits incident to or required by any registration or qualification) and any
legal fees, charges and expenses incurred by the Company and, in the case of a
Demand Registration, the Initiating Holder (provided, however, that the Company
shall not be liable for payment of legal fees incurred by the Initiating Holder
in excess of $25,000) and (v) any liability insurance or other premiums for
insurance obtained by the Designated Holders in connection with any Demand
Registration or Incidental Registration pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
regardless of whether such registration statement is declared effective. All of
the expenses-described in this Section 6(d) are referred to herein as
"Registration Expenses."

         7. Indemnification: Contribution.

            (a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Designated
Holder, its officers, directors, trustees, partners, employees, advisors and
agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or
the Exchange Act) such Designated Holder from and against any and all losses,
claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable costs of
investigation) arising out of or based upon any untrue, or allegedly untrue,
statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus
or preliminary prospectus or notification or offering circular (as amended or
supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements
thereto) or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as the same are caused by
or contained in any information concerning such Designated Holder furnished in
writing to the Company by such Designated Holder expressly for use therein. The
Company shall also provide customary indemnities to any underwriters of the
Registrable Securities, their officers, directors and employees and each Person
who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the
indemnification of the Designated Holders of Registrable Securities.

            
                                       9
            
<PAGE>

            (b) Indemnification by Designated Holders. In connection with any
registration statement in which a Designated Holder is participating pursuant to
Section 3 or Section 4 hereof, each such Designated Holder shall furnish to the
Company in writing such information with respect to such Designated Holder as
the Company may reasonably request or as may be required by law for use in
connection with any such registration statement or prospectus and each
Designated Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, the Company, any underwriter retained by the Company and their
respective directors, officers, employees and each Person who controls the
Company or such (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act)
to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the Designated
Holders, but only with respect to (i) any such information with respect to such
Designated Holder furnished in writing to the Company by such Designated Holder
expressly for use therein or (ii) a breach of any covenant herein made by the
Designated Holder; provided, however, that the total amount to be indemnified by
such Designated Holder pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall be limited to the net
proceeds received by such Designated Holder in the offering to which the
registration statement or prospectus relates.

            (c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Any Person entitled to
indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnified Party") agrees to give prompt
written notice to the indemnifying party (the "Indemnifying Party") after the
receipt by the Indemnified Party of any written notice of the commencement of
any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing
for which the Indemnified Party intends to claim indemnification or contribution
pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that the failure so to notify the
Indemnifying Party shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability
that it may have to the Indemnified Party hereunder. If notice of commencement
of any such action is given to the Indemnifying Party as above provided, the
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in and, to the extent it may
wish, jointly with any other Indemnifying Party similarly notified, to assume
the defense of such action at its own expense, with counsel chosen by it and
satisfactory to such Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall have the
right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the
defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel (other than
reasonable costs of investigation) shall be paid by the Indemnified Party unless
(i) the Indemnifying Party agrees to pay the same, (ii) the Indemnifying Party
fails to assume the defense of such action with counsel satisfactory to the
Indemnified Party in its reasonable judgment or (iii) the named parties to any
such action (including any impleaded parties) have been advised by such counsel
that either (x) representation of such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying
Party by the same counsel would be inappropriate under applicable standards of
professional conduct or (y) there may be one or more legal defenses available to
it which are different from or additional to those available to the Indemnifying
Party. In either of such cases, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right
to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Party. No
Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any settlement entered into without its
written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

            (d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this
Section 7 from the Indemnifying Party is unavailable to an Indemnified Party
hereunder in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses
referred to therein, then the Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such
Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of
the Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party in connection with the actions
which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative faults of such
Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Party shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by,
such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Party, and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include,
subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c), any legal
or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in
connection with any investigation or proceeding, provided that the total amount
to be indemnified by such Designated Holder shall be limited to the net proceeds
received by such Designated Holder in the offering.

            The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 7(d) were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person.

                                       10

<PAGE>

         8. Rule 144. The Company covenants that it shall file (a) any reports
required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act and (b) take such further
action as each Designated Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably
request (including providing any information necessary to comply with Rules 144
and 144A under the Securities Act), all to the extent required from time to time
to enable such Designated Holder to sell Registrable Securities without
registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions
provided by (i) Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended
from time to time, or (ii) any similar rules or regulations hereafter adopted by
the SEC. The Company shall, upon the request of any Designated Holder of
Registrable Securities, deliver to such Designated Holder a written statement as
to whether it has complied with such requirements.

         9. Miscellaneous.

            (a) Recapitalizations, Exchanges, etc. The provisions of this
Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to (i)
the shares of Common Stock and (ii) any and all equity securities of the Company
or any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation,
sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in conversion
of, in exchange for or in substitution of, the shares of Common Stock and shall
be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividends, splits, reverse splits,
combinations, recapitalizations and the like occurring after the date hereof.
The Company shall cause any successor or assign (whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise) to enter into a new registration rights agreement
with the Designated Holders on terms substantially similar to this Agreement as
a condition of any such transaction.

            (b) No Inconsistent Agreements. Except as set forth in Schedule
5.7(b) of the Credit Agreement, the Company has not and shall not enter into any
agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights
granted to the Designated Holders in this Agreement or grant any additional
registration rights to any Person or with respect to any securities which are
not Registrable Securities which are prior in right to or inconsistent with the
rights granted in this Agreement. The Bank and Bank of Boston acknowledge that
the Company is at the date hereof a party to registration rights agreements with
other shareholders of the Company.

            (c) Remedies. The Designated Holders, in addition to being entitled
to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, shall be
entitled to specific performance of their rights under this Agreement. The
Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any
loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement
and hereby agrees to waive in any action for specific performance the defense
that a remedy at law would be adequate.

            (d) Amendments and Waivers. Except as otherwise provided herein, the
provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and
waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given,
unless consented to in writing by the parties hereto.

            (e) Notices. All notices, demands and other communications provided
for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be made by
registered or certified first-class mail, return receipt requested, telecopier,
courier service, overnight mail or personal delivery:


                                       11
 
<PAGE>

                       (i)  if to the Company:

                            Holmes Protection Group, Inc.
                            440 9th Avenue 
                            New York, New York 10001-1695 
                            Attn: Lawrence Irving
                            Telephone: (212) 760-0630
                            Telecopy:  (212) 563-0129

                            with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                            Buchanan Ingersoll
                            College Centre 
                            500 College Road
                            Princeton, New Jersey 08540 
                            Attn: Dennis M. Stern, Esq. 
                            Telephone: (609) 987-6800 
                            Telecopy:  (609) 520-0360

                      (ii)  if to the Bank:

                            American Scandinavian Banking Corporation
                            c/o Merita Bank Ltd.
                            437 Madison Avenue
                            21st Floor
                            New York, New York  10022
                            Attention: Charles J. Lansdown

                            Telephone: (212) 318-9562
                            Telecopy:  (212) 421-4420

                            with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                            Merita Bank Ltd.
                            437 Madison Avenue
                            21st Floor
                            New York, New York  10022
                            Attn:  Rossella Perna
                            Telephone:  (212) 318-9345
                            Telecopy:   (212) 421-4420

                            and

                            Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
                            Columbia Square
                            555 Thirteenth Street, N.W.
                            Washington, D.C.  20004-1109
                            Attn:  Claudette M. Christian, Esq.
                            Telephone:  (202) 637-5650
                            Telecopy:   (202) 637-5910

                     (iii)  If to Bank of Boston:

                            Bank of Boston Connecticut
                            c/o BancBoston Capital, Inc.
                            100 Federal Street
                            Boston, Massachusetts 02110
                            Mail Stop 01-31-08
                            Attn: Mary J. Reilly
                            Telephone: (617) 434-7890
                            Telecopy:  (617) 434-1153

                      (iv)  if to any other Designated Holder, at its address as
                            it appears on the record books of the Company.


                                       12
 
<PAGE>

         All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when delivered by courier
or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail;
five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if
mailed; and when receipt is mechanically acknowledged, if telecopied.

            (f) Successors and Assigns: Third Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and
assigns of each of the parties hereto. The Demand Registration rights of the
Bank and Bank of Boston contained in Section 3 hereof and the other rights of
the Bank and Bank of Boston with respect thereto shall be, with respect to any
Registrable Security, (i) automatically transferable to any Affiliate of the
Bank or Bank of Boston, respectively, and (ii) in all other cases, transferred
only with the consent of the Company. The incidental or "piggy-back"
registration rights of the Designated Holders contained in Sections 3(b) and 4
hereof and the other rights of each of the Designated Holders with respect
thereto shall be, with respect to any Registrable Security, automatically
transferred by such Designated Holder to any Person who is the transferee of
such Registrable Security. All of the obligations of the Company hereunder shall
survive any such transfer. No Person other than the parties hereto and their
successors and permitted assigns is intended to be a beneficiary of any of the
rights granted hereunder.

            (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

            (h) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

            (i) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THEREOF.

            (j) Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained
herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality
and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the
remaining provisions hereof shall not be in any way impaired, it being intended
that all of the rights and privileges of the Designated Holders shall be
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

            (k) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a
final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive
statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of
the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises,
warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein, in
the Credit Agreement and in the Warrants. This Agreement supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject
matter.

            (l) Further Assurances. Each of the parties shall execute such
documents and perform such further acts as may be reasonably required or
desirable to carry out or to perform the provisions of this Agreement.


                                       13
<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed, or have caused to be
executed, this Agreement on the date first written above.


                                   HOLMES PROTECTION GROUP, INC.

                                   By:  /s/ Lawrence R. Irving
                                        ----------------------
                                        Name:  Lawrence R. Irving
                                        Title: Vice President - Finance
                                         

                                   AMERICAN SCANDINAVIAN BANKING
                                     CORPORATION

                                   By:  /s/ Gerard S. Murphy
                                        --------------------
                                        Name:  Gerard S. Murphy
                                        Title: Senior Vice President


                                   By:  /s/ Leonard O'Dea
                                        -----------------
                                        Name:  Leonard O'Dea
                                        Title: Vice President


                                   BANK OF BOSTON CONNECTICUT

                                   By:  /s/ Roger J. Roche, Jr.
                                        -----------------------
                                        Name:  Roger J. Roche, Jr.
                                        Title: Director


  

                                       14



<PAGE>


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
(and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement (File No. 333-9025).


                                                         /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


New York, New York
September 23, 1996




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