BALTEK CORP
10-Q, EX-10.3, 2000-11-14
MILLWOOD, VENEER, PLYWOOD, & STRUCTURAL WOOD MEMBERS
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                               AMENDMENT TO LEASE


                This Amendment to Lease ("Amendment") dated , August 17, 2000 by
and between  Northvale 1997 Associates,  L.L.C., a New Jersey limited  liability
company,  with its address at 235 Moore  Street,  Hackensack,  New Jersey  07601
("Landlord") and Baltek Corporation, a Delaware corporation,  having its offices
at 10 Fairway Court, Northvale, New Jersey 07647 ("Tenant").


                                R E C I T A L S:

               A.  Landlord's  predecessors  and Tenant and/or its  predecessors
have  executed  and  delivered a certain  Lease  dated June 11, 1969  ("Original
Lease"),  as  amended  by a Lease  Amendment  dated  February  13,  1974  and an
Amendment  to Lease  dated May 20,  1992  (together  "Amendments")  for  certain
Demised Premises located at, and commonly known as, 10 Fairway Court, Northvale,
Bergen County,  New Jersey.  The Original  Lease and Amendments are  hereinafter
together referred to as "Lease".

               B.  Landlord  and  Tenant  desire  to amend  the  Lease to modify
certain provisions.

               Now, therefore,  in consideration of the mutual agreements herein
contained  and other good and  valuable  consideration,  the receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, it is mutually agreed as follows:

               1. The Recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into this
Amendment with the same force and effect as if they had been set forth herein at
length.  The words and  phrases  as  defined  in the Lease  shall  have the same
meaning in this Amendment.

               2.  Paragraph  2 of the  Original  Lease,  captioned  "Term",  as
previously  amended in the  Amendments  are hereby deleted in their entirety and
the following is inserted in its place and stead:

                        "The Lease  commenced on January 1, 1970  ("Commencement
                   Date"),  and the term of the Lease is hereby  extended  until
                   February  28, 2010  ("Termination  Date"),  on which date the
                   Lease shall terminate unless otherwise extended."

               3.  A new Paragraph 2.3 is hereby added to the Lease as follows:

                        "2.3  Upon  expiration  of the term of the  Lease as set
                   forth in Paragraph 2 (February 28,  2010),  Tenant shall have
                   the right and  option to extend the term of the Lease for one
                   period of five (5) years  ending on February  28,  2015.  The
                   right and  option to  extend  the term of the Lease  shall be
                   subject  to  and  contingent  upon  each  and  every  of  the
                   conditions set forth  hereinafter.  Tenant's right and option
                   to  extend  the term of the  Lease  shall be  exercisable  by
                   Tenant giving written notice of the exercise of the right and
                   option to Landlord before November 30, 2008. In the event

<PAGE>

                   Tenant  fails to give  written  notice  of its  intention  to
                   exercise  its right  and  option  as  provided  above and its
                   notice of  acceptance  of the rent  within  the  stated  time
                   periods,  Tenant's right and option to extend the term of the
                   Lease shall  (upon the date by which  written  notice  should
                   have been received by Landlord) be deemed to have been waived
                   by Tenant and shall be of no further force or effect.  In the
                   event  Tenant  exercises  its right and option in  accordance
                   with the  provisions  hereof  the term of the Lease  shall be
                   extended  accordingly,  and all  references  contained in the
                   Lease to the Termination  Date shall be construed to refer to
                   February 28, 2015. Unless otherwise expressly provided to the
                   contrary,  the  extended  term of the Lease shall be upon the
                   same  terms,  conditions  and  covenants  as set forth in the
                   Lease  except that there shall be no further  right or option
                   to extend the term of the Lease.  It is important to Landlord
                   that it know  whether or not the  options  are  exercised  by
                   Tenant so that it may seek a replacement tenant to avoid loss
                   of rent, and, therefore, the time within which the option and
                   acceptance  of the rent must be  exercised  is hereby made of
                   the  essence.  The right and option to extend the term of the
                   Lease shall be subject to and contingent  upon each and every
                   one of the following conditions:

                        (i) The Lease is in full force and effect;

                        (ii) Tenant shall not be in material  default  under any
                   of the terms,  provisions,  covenants  and  conditions of the
                   Lease; and

                        (iii) In lieu of the sums set forth in  Article 2 of the
                   Lease,  the monthly  installments  of base rent to be paid by
                   Tenant  monthly during the option period shall be the greater
                   of fair market rent or $37,380.44,  but in no event shall the
                   monthly rental be less than $37,380.44,  notwithstanding that
                   fair market rent shall be lower.  Rent shall be determined as
                   follows:

                        Within twenty (20) days after Landlord receives Tenant's
                   notice,  Landlord  shall  submit to Tenant,  in writing,  its
                   determination of fair market rent. Within ten (10) days after
                   Tenant  receives the fair market rental figure,  Tenant shall
                   have the right to dispute the rent by written notice received
                   by Landlord  within the ten (10) day time period.  Failure by
                   Tenant to dispute  the rent in this  manner  shall be deemed,
                   automatically  and  conclusively,  an acceptance by Tenant of
                   the rent  submitted.  Within  ten (10)  days  after  Landlord
                   receives  Tenant's  notice  disputing the rent,  Landlord and
                   Tenant  shall  each  designate  an   independent,   qualified
                   commercial  real estate  appraiser or expert,  who  regularly
                   conducts  business in Bergen  County and who is familiar with
                   Bergen County industrial  rentals,  for the purpose of having
                   them agree on the then fair market rent


                                        2

<PAGE>

                   for the Demised Premises which shall be the rental then being
                   collected  by owners of other  properties  for new  leases of
                   space reasonably comparable in type, size, location and usage
                   to the Demised Premises within Bergen County, New Jersey, for
                   a term  of  approximately  five  years  with  similar  tenant
                   expense assumptions and contributions.  In the event that the
                   two  designees  cannot  agree  upon  one  figure,   then  the
                   designees   shall  select  a  third  person  with  comparable
                   qualifications,  and  the  agreement  of  two  of  the  three
                   designees shall prevail,  or if two cannot agree, the average
                   of their three rents shall prevail. Landlord and Tenant shall
                   each pay the fees and  expenses  of their own  designee,  and
                   they  shall  share,  equally,  the fees and  expenses  of the
                   third;  and the greater of $37,380.44 or the fair market rent
                   so  determined  shall be the  fixed  minimum  rental  payable
                   monthly for the entire five-year option term. If Tenant gives
                   notice of the exercise of its option before November 1, 2008,
                   then  Landlord  shall have until  November 20, 2008 to submit
                   its determination of fair market rent.

                        (iv)  Within  seven (7) days after  Tenant has  received
                   written  notice  from  Landlord  of the fair  market  rent as
                   determined  pursuant to the preceding paragraph (iii), Tenant
                   shall  notify  Landlord,  in  writing,  whether or not Tenant
                   accepts  the  determination  that the base  rent  will be the
                   greater of the fair market rent so determined or  $37,380.44.
                   If Tenant so  accepts,  then the term shall be  extended  for
                   five (5) years at a monthly base rent equal to the greater of
                   the fair market rent so determined or  $37,380.44.  If Tenant
                   declines to accept or gives no notice at all, then the option
                   to extend will become null and void,  automatically,  and the
                   Lease  will   continue  in  full  force  and  effect  to  the
                   Termination  Date of  February  28,  2010.  If the  option to
                   extend becomes null and void, Tenant will pay to Landlord, as
                   additional  rent,  on the  first  day of the  next  following
                   month,  an  amount  equal to  Landlord's  share  of  expenses
                   incurred   and/or  owing  to   appraisers   and  experts  and
                   Landlord's reasonable attorney fee and related expenses.

                        (v) The Landlord and Tenant shall execute and deliver to
                   each other a written  statement  of the rent for the extended
                   term when determined as herein provided.

               4.  Paragraph  3.1 of the Original  Lease  captioned  "Rent",  as
                   previously  amended  by  the  Amendments  is  hereby  further
                   amended to add the following:

                        "Commencing  as of March 1, 2002,  Tenant  covenants and
                   agrees to pay the Landlord,  as and for the base rent for the
                   Demised Premises, in equal monthly installments,  in advance,
                   as set forth below,  on the first day of each and every month
                   of the term hereof:


                                        3

<PAGE>

                      Period of Term Lease            Monthly Rent
                      ------------------------------------------------
                      March 1, 2002 -                  $35,600.42
                       February 28, 2006

                      March 1, 2006 -                  $37,380.44
                       February 28, 2010

               5.  Paragraph 5.1 of the Lease, as previously amended, is further
                   amended to read as follows:

                        "5.1 Tenant may use and occupy the Demised  Premises for
                   any  use  permitted  by  the  ordinances  of the  Borough  of
                   Northvale,   with  Landlord's   consent  which  will  not  be
                   unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, however, Landlord
                   will not be  required  to give its consent to a use which (i)
                   involves the  production,  use and/or  storage of substantial
                   amounts  of  hazardous  substances  or  hazardous  wastes  as
                   defined  in  federal,   state  or  local   laws,   rules  and
                   regulations,  and/or (ii) the use can be reasonably  expected
                   to cause extraordinary  destruction,  wear and/or tear to all
                   or part of the Demised Premises."

               6.  A new Paragraph 11.3 is hereby added to the Lease as follows:

                        "11.3  Notwithstanding  anything  contained in Paragraph
                   11.1 to the contrary, in the event that it becomes reasonably
                   necessary to replace the roof and/or its  covering,  in whole
                   or in part,  Landlord will do so at its own cost and expense,
                   and,  prior  to any  such  replacement  and  after  any  such
                   replacement,  Tenant will be  responsible  for all repairs to
                   the roof covering (except for the replacement  which shall be
                   Landlord's  obligation) as provided in Paragraph 11.1 of this
                   Lease.  If the  parties  cannot  agree upon the need for roof
                   replacement, then each party will designate a representative,
                   and  the  representatives  together  will  select  either  an
                   engineer or a recognized roofing contractor to make the final
                   determination which will be final and binding on the parties.
                   A  replacement  roof  will  be what is  commonly  known  as a
                   "twelve year roof with a twelve year warranty".

               7.  Tenant  acknowledges  that it accepts the Demised Premises in
                   its "as is" condition and will continue to be responsible for
                   all  repairs  as  provided  in  Paragraph  11.1 of the Lease,
                   except for  Landlord's  obligation to replace the roof and/or
                   its  covering as provided in  Paragraph 6 of this  Amendment.
                   Paragraph  9 of the  Amendment  dated May 28,  1992 is hereby
                   amended to add the following:

                        "(9) If Landlord has reasonable  cause to believe that a
                   spill  or   discharge   has   occurred   which  is   Tenant's
                   responsibility pursuant to Paragraph 9.A. hereof and Landlord
                   makes written demand to Tenant setting forth the

                                        4

<PAGE>

                   basis of its cause,  Tenant will obtain,  at its own expense,
                   and furnish to Landlord,  without charge,  within thirty (30)
                   days   after   receipt  of   Landlord's   demand  a  Phase  I
                   environmental  report prepared by a recognized  environmental
                   engineer  which will show the status of the Demised  Premises
                   with  regard to all  environmental  conditions.  In the event
                   that  the  report   shows  or   indicates   the  presence  or
                   possibility  of the presence of any  environmental  condition
                   which violates the laws, rules,  regulations or ordinances of
                   the State of New Jersey or the United  States of America  and
                   which are  Tenant's  responsibility  under this  Lease,  then
                   Tenant will obtain such additional  inspections,  reports and
                   tests as may be required to determine the nature and scope of
                   the  environmental  condition  and what will be  required  to
                   remedy the  condition and the cost  thereof.  Tenant,  at its
                   expense,  will remediate the  environmental  condition to the
                   satisfaction of all  governmental  agencies,  etc. and to the
                   reasonable satisfaction of Landlord."

               8.  Paragraph  15.1 A. of the  Lease,  as  previously  amended is
                   further amended to change "twenty-five (25) business days" to
                   "ten (10) business days".

               9.  Paragraph  18, the subject of which is a Renewal  Option,  is
                   hereby  deleted in its entirety and nothing is substituted in
                   its place.

               10. Paragraph  22 of the  Amendment  dated May 28, 1992 is hereby
                   deleted in its  entirety  as Landlord is now the owner of the
                   fee interest in the Demised Premises.

               11. Paragraph  23 of the  Amendment  dated May 28, 1992 is hereby
                   amended to delete  Edward S.  Gordon  Company of New  Jersey,
                   Inc. as the broker and to  substitute  Charles  Klatskin  and
                   Company and James E. Hanson,  Inc.,  (together the "Broker").
                   Landlord will pay the  commissions  due to the Broker arising
                   from  this  Amendment,  the sale of the  Premises  to  Tenant
                   pursuant to Section 15 of this Amendment and/or the extension
                   of the term pursuant to Section 3 of this Amendment  pursuant
                   to their  separate  agreement.  Landlord  will save,  defend,
                   indemnify  and hold  harmless  Tenant  from and  against  any
                   liability  to any other  broker with whom  Landlord has dealt
                   relative to this Lease and this  Amendment,  except Edward S.
                   Gordon  Company of New Jersey,  Inc.  Landlord  represents to
                   Tenant that Landlord has not entered into any agreement with,
                   nor assumed any agreement  with,  Edward S. Gordon Company of
                   New Jersey,  Inc.  relative to this Lease and this Amendment,
                   and the indemnity set forth in the next preceding sentence of
                   this   paragraph   will   apply   to  any   breach   of  this
                   representation  by  Landlord.   Tenant  will  save,   defend,
                   indemnify  and hold  harmless  Landlord  from and against any
                   liability  to any other  broker  (other than the Broker) with
                   whom Tenant has dealt  relative to this  Amendment or to whom
                   Tenant has any  contractual  obligation  with  respect to the
                   Lease.

                                        5

<PAGE>



               12. A new Paragraph is hereby added to the Lease as follows:

                        "Anything in this Lease to the contrary notwithstanding,
                   Tenant  agrees that Tenant shall look solely to the estate of
                   Landlord in the  property  in which the  Demised  Premises is
                   located,  and subject to the prior rights of any mortgagee of
                   the  property,  for the  collection of any judgment (or other
                   judicial process)  requiring the payment of money by Landlord
                   in the  event of any  default  or  breach  by  Landlord  with
                   respect to any of the terms, covenants and conditions of this
                   lease to be observed  and/or  performed by  Landlord,  and no
                   other assets of Landlord nor its partners, members, managers,
                   trustees, officers, directors,  stockholders or beneficiaries
                   shall be  subject  to levy,  execution  or other  enforcement
                   procedure for the satisfaction of Tenant's remedies."

               13. A new Paragraph is hereby added to the Lease as follows:

                        "Each  party  agrees  at any time and from  time to time
                   upon not less than ten (10) days'  prior  notice by the other
                   party or any mortgagee to execute, acknowledge and deliver to
                   the requesting  party or such mortgagee,  as the case may be,
                   or any other party specified by the requesting  party or such
                   mortgagee,  a statement in writing certifying that this lease
                   is unmodified  and in full force and effect (or if there have
                   been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect
                   as modified and stating the  modifications)  and the dates to
                   which the rent and other  charges  have been paid in advance,
                   if any, and stating  whether or not to the best  knowledge of
                   the  signer  of such  certificate  Tenant or  Landlord  is in
                   default  in  performance   of  any  covenant,   agreement  or
                   condition  contained  in this lease,  and, if so,  specifying
                   each such default of which the signer may have knowledge,  it
                   being intended that any such statement  delivered pursuant to
                   this paragraph may be relied upon by any prospective assignee
                   of this Lease,  purchaser of the fee or any mortgagee thereof
                   or any assignee of any mortgage.  However,  Landlord will not
                   be  obligated  to give such  statement  to Tenant  and/or its
                   designee more than once in any twelve (12) month period."

               14. The following is hereby added to the Lease:

                        "In the event  Tenant  requests  from  Landlord  and its
                   mortgagees  consents,  waivers and/or  subordination of liens
                   with respect to Tenant's furniture,  fixtures,  equipment and
                   personal  property   installed  or  located  in  the  Demised
                   Premises,  Landlord's  consent  and/or  agreement will not be
                   unreasonably withheld or delayed. However, if Tenant requests
                   Landlord   to   obtain   such   consents,    waivers   and/or
                   subordinations from its mortgagee, Landlord will cooperate by
                   submitting such requests to its mortgagee, but Landlord makes
                   no  representation or agreement that its mortgagee will

                                        6
<PAGE>

                   grant such request.  In the event  Landlord's  mortgagee does
                   not grant such  request,  such event will not be a default by
                   Landlord  pursuant  to this  Lease  nor  terminate  or modify
                   Tenant's  obligations pursuant to this Lease, and Tenant will
                   have no further right or recourse against  Landlord  relating
                   to such requested  consents,  waivers  and/or  subordination.
                   Tenant  will be  responsible  for the payment of all fees and
                   expenses to the mortgagee and will reimburse Landlord for its
                   reasonable attorney's fees incurred."

               15. The following is hereby added to the Lease:

                        "A.  Landlord  (hereinafter  referred  to as "Seller" in
                   this Section) hereby grants, bargains and extends unto Tenant
                   (hereinafter  referred to as  "Purchaser"  in this  Section),
                   their  successors and assigns but subject to the  limitations
                   on the right of assignment  as provided in this Section,  the
                   exclusive  right,  privilege and option to purchase,  for the
                   consideration   and  subject  to  the  terms  and  conditions
                   hereinafter  set forth,  all of Landlord's  right,  title and
                   interest in and to the  Demised  Premises  together  with the
                   building  machinery,  equipment  and fixtures of the Landlord
                   located  thereon  or used in the  operation  thereof  (all of
                   which  is  hereinafter   collectively   referred  to  as  the
                   "Premises"), and together with all right, title and interest,
                   if any,  of Seller in and to any land lying in the bed of any
                   street, road or avenue opened or proposed, public or private,
                   in front of or adjoining  the  Premises and all right,  title
                   and  interest  of Seller in and to any  awards  made or to be
                   made in lieu  thereof,  and in and to any  unpaid  award  for
                   damage  to the  Premises  by reason of change of grade of any
                   street; and Seller will execute and deliver to Purchaser,  on
                   closing  of title,  or  thereafter,  on  demand,  all  proper
                   instruments   for  the  conveyance  of  such  title  and  the
                   assignment and collection of any such award.

                        B.  This  option  shall  begin  as of the  date  of this
                   Amendment,  and  shall  extend  for a period  ending  at five
                   o'clock in the evening on August 15, 2007,  unless  exercised
                   or extended as hereinafter provided.

                        C.  Purchaser  will not have the right to exercise  this
                   option if it is then in default of any material  provision of
                   this Lease.

                        D.  Exercise  of the option  shall be by written  notice
                   given  by  Purchaser  to  Seller  in the  manner  hereinafter
                   provided  and  received by Seller not  earlier  than June 15,
                   2007 nor later  than  August 15,  2007.  Time shall be of the
                   essence  with regard to the dates during which the option may
                   be exercised and the acceptance of the Purchase Price.

                        E. Upon  timely  and  proper  exercise  of the option as
                   herein provided,  the purchase and sale of the Premises shall

                                        7
<PAGE>


                   be  consummated  not less  than ten (10)  days nor more  than
                   forty-five  (45) days next  following  the date of receipt by
                   Seller of the  notice of  acceptance  of the  Purchase  Price
                   (defined  in  Paragraph  G.1.a.  hereof),  upon  such date as
                   Purchaser  shall  designate  in the  notice  of  exercise  of
                   option,  at the place and time  hereinafter set forth in this
                   Agreement.

                        F. During the period of this Agreement,  Seller will not
                   permit any lien or encumbrance on the Premises except (i) the
                   granting  of  utility  easements  for  the  sole  purpose  of
                   servicing the Premises or (ii) the extension, modification or
                   refinancing of the presently existing first mortgage provided
                   that the principal amount will not exceed $5,250,000.00.

                        G. Upon exercise of the option, the sale and purchase of
                   the  Premises  shall be made  upon the  following  terms  and
                   conditions:

                                1. Purchase  Price.  a. The purchase  price (the
                   "Purchase  Price") for the  Premises  shall be the greater of
                   $5,250,000.00  or its fair market  value at time of exercise,
                   which Purchase Price  Purchaser  agrees to pay at the closing
                   good  federal  bank  funds  transferred  by wire to  Seller's
                   account.

                                        b. Within fifteen (15) days after Seller
                   receives Purchaser's notice of exercise,  Seller shall submit
                   to Purchaser,  in writing,  its  determination of fair market
                   value. Within ten (10) days after Purchaser receives the fair
                   market  value  figure,  Purchaser  shall  have  the  right to
                   dispute  the fair  market  value  figure  by  written  notice
                   received  by  Seller  within  the ten (10)  day time  period.
                   Failure by  Purchaser to dispute the fair market value figure
                   in  this   manner   shall  be   deemed,   automatically   and
                   conclusively,  an  acceptance by Purchaser of the fair market
                   value  figure  submitted.  Within five (5) days after  Seller
                   receives  Purchaser's  notice disputing the fair market value
                   figure,   Seller  and  Purchaser   shall  each  designate  an
                   independent,  qualified  commercial real estate  appraiser or
                   expert,  who regularly conducts business in Bergen County and
                   who is  familiar  with  Bergen  County  industrial  sales and
                   values, for the purpose of having them agree on the then fair
                   market value for the  Premises  which shall be the value then
                   being  received  by  sellers  of  other  properties  for real
                   property  reasonably  comparable in type, size,  location and
                   usage to the Premises  within Bergen County,  New Jersey.  In
                   the  event  that  the two  designees  cannot  agree  upon one
                   figure,  then the designees  shall select a third person with
                   comparable  qualifications,  and the  agreement of two of the
                   three  designees shall prevail,  or if two cannot agree,  the
                   average of their  three fair  market  values  shall  prevail.
                   Seller and Purchaser  shall each pay the fees and expenses of

                                       8
<PAGE>

                   their own designee,  and they shall share,  equally, the fees
                   and expenses of the third.

                                        c. Within ten (10) days after  Purchaser
                   has received written notice from Seller of the  determination
                   of the  Purchase  Price in  accordance  with this  paragraph,
                   Tenant  shall  notify  Landlord,  in writing,  whether or not
                   Tenant accepts the Purchase  Price.  If Tenant  accepts,  the
                   sale and purchase of the Premises  will proceed to a closing.
                   If Tenant  declines to accept or gives no notice at all, then
                   the  option  to   purchase   will   become   null  and  void,
                   automatically,  and the Lease will continue in full force and
                   effect to the  Termination  Date,  subject  to  extension  as
                   provided  in  Paragraph  2.3 of the  Lease.  If the option to
                   purchase  becomes null and void,  the Lease will  continue in
                   full force and effect to the Termination Date of February 28,
                   2010 or February 28, 2015,  as  applicable.  If the option to
                   purchase becomes null and void,  Tenant will pay to Landlord,
                   as additional  rent,  on the first day of the next  following
                   month,  an  amount  equal to  Landlord's  share  of  expenses
                   incurred   and/or  owing  to   appraisers   and  experts  and
                   Landlord's reasonable attorney fee and related expenses.

                                2. Permitted  Exceptions.  The Premises are sold
                   subject only to the following (the "Permitted Exceptions"):

                                        a. Such state of facts that may be shown
                   by an accurate  survey or personal  inspection  made prior to
                   the closing hereunder may disclose, provided the latter facts
                   do not render title unmarketable;

                                        b.  This  Lease   between   Seller,   as
                   landlord, and Purchaser,  as tenant, for the entire Premises;
                   and

                                        c. The easements,  agreements, covenants
                   and  restrictions  as set  forth  on  Schedule  "A"  which is
                   attached  hereto  and made a part  hereof  and  such  utility
                   easements as may  hereinafter  be granted by Landlord  solely
                   for the purpose of servicing the Premises.

                                3. The  Closing.  The  closing  (the  "Closing")
                   shall take place at the  offices of  Purchaser's  attorney or
                   title insurance  company in Bergen County,  New Jersey at the
                   time and on the date set  forth in  Purchaser's  notice  (the
                   "Closing Date").  Time shall be of the essence with regard to
                   the Closing Date.

                                4.  Apportionment.   The  following  are  to  be
                   apportioned  as the  Closing  as of  11:59  P.M.  on the  day
                   immediately  preceding the date on which Seller  receives the
                   proceeds of the Purchase Price before 2:00 P.M.

                                        a.  Rental  payments  pursuant  to  this
                   Lease; and


                                        9
<PAGE>

                                        b. Taxes (as  hereinafter  defined),  to
                   the extent not included in Rents  pursuant to paragraph a. of
                   this paragraph 4, if any, on the basis of the fiscal year for
                   which assessed,  except if the Closing shall occur before the
                   tax rate is fixed,  the  apportionment of Taxes shall be upon
                   the basis of one  hundred ten percent of the tax rate for the
                   immediately  preceding  fiscal  year  applied  to the  latest
                   assessed  valuation and there shall be a  readjustment  after
                   Closing when the final tax bill for the current year has been
                   received. The term "Taxes" shall mean all taxes,  assessments
                   (except as otherwise  provided in this paragraph b.), use and
                   occupancy  taxes,  water and sewer charges,  rates and rents,
                   charges for public utilities,  excises,  levies,  license and
                   permit fees assessed,  levied, charged,  confirmed or imposed
                   upon or  payable  out of or which  have  become a lien on the
                   Premises or any part thereof,  the  appurtenances  thereto or
                   the sidewalks,  streets, or vaults adjacent thereto;  but the
                   term  "Taxes"  shall  not  include  any  municipal,  state or
                   federal  income  taxes,   assessed  against  Seller,  or  any
                   municipal, state or federal capital levy, estate, succession,
                   inheritance  or transfer  taxes of Seller,  or any  franchise
                   taxes  imposed upon any corporate  owner of the Premises,  or
                   any part  thereof,  or any income,  profits or revenues  tax,
                   assessment  or charge  imposed upon the rent received as such
                   by Seller with respect to the Premises.  Notwithstanding  the
                   foregoing, if at the time of the Closing, any ordinance, rule
                   or law is in existence which provides for  improvements to be
                   constructed,  the cost of which will be  assessed in whole or
                   in part against the  Premises,  or the  Premises  shall be or
                   shall have been  affected by any  assessment  which is or may
                   become payable in installments then, for the purposes of this
                   Agreement,  all unpaid  installments of any such assessments,
                   including those which are to become due and payable after the
                   Closing, shall not be deemed to be due and payable and not to
                   be liens upon the Premises  affected thereby and shall not be
                   paid  and   discharged   by  Seller  upon   delivery  of  the
                   Instruments of Conveyance (as hereinafter defined),  but will
                   be assumed by Purchaser without adjustment;

                                        c.  Seller will be  responsible  for the
                   payment of any realty  transfer fee or other tax on the deed;
                   and

                                        d. Other  costs,  expenses  and  charges
                   usually  involved  and  adjusted  with regard to similar type
                   property.

                                To the  extent  that  the  adjustments  in  this
                   paragraph  are not based on final  figures  at  Closing,  the
                   applicable provisions of this paragraph shall survive Closing
                   of title.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                                5. Additional  Conditions.  Seller and Purchaser
                   agree to perform  and comply  with the  following  additional
                   conditions:

                                        a. Title.  At the  Closing,  Seller will
                   deliver to  Purchaser  such good and  sufficient  Bargain and
                   Sale  Deed with  covenants  against  grantor's  acts and such
                   other  instruments   (collectively   called  "Instruments  of
                   Conveyance")  as shall be  reasonably  required  to convey to
                   Purchaser  good  and  marketable  fee  simple  title  to  the
                   Premises   (together  with  any  easements  or  other  rights
                   appurtenant to the Premises) free and clear of all mortgages,
                   liens,   or   right   to   liens,   charges,    encumbrances,
                   encroachments,  easements, conditions and right of reentry or
                   forfeiture and other defects of title,  except such as appear
                   as Permitted Exceptions under paragraph 2 hereof.

                                        b. The  Lease.  At the  Closing,  Seller
                   will deliver to Purchaser an assignment (the "Assignment") of
                   all  right,  title and  interest  of  Seller  under the Lease
                   together with any advance  rental  deposits paid or deposited
                   by the tenant  thereunder  and Seller's  original copy of the
                   Lease.  Purchaser  shall  assume the  landlord's  obligations
                   under said Lease.  The Assignment  shall contain a release of
                   Seller,  as  landlord,  by the then  tenant and all  previous
                   tenants under the Lease for any and all liability,  claims or
                   causes of action existing or thereafter  arising  pursuant to
                   the Lease.

                                        c.  Title   Insurance.   Purchaser   may
                   obtain, at Purchaser's cost and expense,  a current survey of
                   the  Premises  and an  interim  title  insurance  report  and
                   commitment  to  issue an ALTA  Form  owners  title  insurance
                   policy ("title policy") issued by the title insurance company
                   which insured  Seller's  title when it acquired  title to the
                   Premises and reasonably satisfactory in substance and form to
                   Purchaser's  attorney  insuring  Purchaser's  interest as the
                   holder of good and marketable  indefeasible  title in and fee
                   simple, insurable by a title insurance company licensed to do
                   business in the State of New Jersey at regular rates, subject
                   only to the Permitted  Exceptions under Section 2 hereof. The
                   survey  and  interim  title  insurance  commitment  shall  be
                   obtained by  Purchaser's  attorney not later than twenty (20)
                   days prior to the Closing.  If the Purchaser  finds the title
                   and survey do not  conform to the  provisions  of this Lease,
                   the  Purchaser  or its  attorney  shall  notify the Seller in
                   writing within said twenty-day period, specifying the defects
                   and the Seller  shall have  thirty  days from the  receipt of
                   such notice to cure the defects so specified. However, Seller
                   shall  pay in full and  discharge  at or before  Closing  all
                   judgments which it is not appealing and all mortgages  and/or
                   mechanics'  liens  created  by Seller  which are shown on the

                                       11
<PAGE>

                   interim title insurance commitment and on the continuation at
                   Closing,  except those which are  Permitted  Exceptions,  and
                   Seller  shall  be  permitted  to use a  portion  of the  cash
                   proceeds to be received at Closing to pay the same.  The cost
                   of the  interim  title  insurance  commitment  and the owners
                   title  insurance  policy and the survey  shall be paid by the
                   Purchaser.

                                        d.  Violations.  At the Closing,  Seller
                   shall  not be  required  to  comply  with and  discharge  any
                   notices of violations of law or municipal ordinances,  orders
                   or requirements  received by it and issued by the Departments
                   of Buildings,  Fire, Labor, Health or other federal, state or
                   municipal   departments   having   jurisdiction   against  or
                   affecting  the  Premises  at the  date  of  closing,  and the
                   Premises  shall  be  conveyed  subject  to the  same  without
                   adjustment between the parties.

                                        e.  Certificates.  Prior to the Closing,
                   Purchaser  will  obtain  and  deliver  (i) a  Certificate  of
                   Occupancy   or   Continued   Use,   (ii)  a  smoke   detector
                   certificate, and (iii) other permits and approvals if any one
                   or more are  required by the Borough  because of the transfer
                   of title.  Purchaser  will be  responsible  for any  repairs,
                   replacements  or   installations   required  to  obtain  such
                   certificates, permits and approvals.

                                        f.  Condition  of the  Premises.  At the
                   Closing,  the  Premises  shall  be in the  condition  as then
                   exists.

                                        g.  Affidavit of Title.  At the Closing,
                   Seller shall  execute and deliver to Purchaser  and its title
                   insurance company an affidavit of title in customary form but
                   with  representations  and  warranties  limited  to  Seller's
                   actions  during the period of its ownership and with recourse
                   for any matters  contained in the affidavit limited to Seller
                   and not the affiant personally.

                                        h.  Other  Documents.  At  the  Closing,
                   Seller shall deliver to Purchaser and to the title  insurance
                   company  satisfactory  evidence that all necessary company or
                   other  action  on the  part of  Seller  has been  taken  with
                   respect to the execution  and delivery of this  Agreement and
                   the  consummation of the transaction  contemplated  hereby so
                   that all of said  documents  are or will be validly  executed
                   and delivered and will be binding upon the Seller.

                                        i. Foreign  Investment  in Real Property
                   Tax Act ("FIRPTA") Compliance.

                                            (a) At  the  Closing,  Seller  shall
                   deliver to Purchaser a Certification  of Non-foreign  Status,
                   duly executed and containing such other information as may be

                                       12
<PAGE>

                   required  by  Internal  Revenue  Code  Section  1445  and the
                   regulations issued thereunder.

                                            (b) Anything herein contained to the
                   contrary  notwithstanding,  in the  event  that  Seller  is a
                   "foreign person" (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section
                   1445) or in the event that Seller fails or refuses to deliver
                   the Certification of Non-foreign  Status as aforesaid,  or in
                   the  event   that   Purchaser   receives   notice   from  any
                   Seller-transferor's  agent  or  Purchaser-transferee's  agent
                   (each as defined in Internal  Revenue  Code  Section 1445 and
                   the  regulations  issued  thereunder)  that, or Purchaser has
                   actual knowledge that, said Certification is false, Purchaser
                   shall deduct and withhold from the purchase  price under this
                   Contract  a tax equal to ten  percent  (10%)  thereof or such
                   other  amount,  as required by Internal  Revenue Code Section
                   1445.  In  the  event  of  any  such  withholding,   Seller's
                   obligation to deliver title hereunder shall not be excused or
                   otherwise  affected,  Purchaser  shall pay over such withheld
                   amount to the Internal  Revenue Service  together with filing
                   such form as may be required thereby, and Seller in the event
                   of any claimed over-withholding shall be limited solely to an
                   action against the Internal Revenue Service for a refund, and
                   hereby  waives  any  right of  action  against  Purchaser  on
                   account of such withholding. The provisions of this paragraph
                   shall survive the Closing.

                                6. Representations and Warranties of Seller. For
                   the purpose of inducing  Purchaser to accept this option, and
                   to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby pursuant
                   to the terms and  conditions  hereof,  Seller  represents and
                   warrants to Purchaser as follows:

                                        (a) Except  for the Lease,  there are no
                   agreements  of any nature  with any tenant,  whether  oral or
                   written, affecting the Premises;

                                        (b)  Seller  has not  entered  into  any
                   management,  service,  supply and maintenance  contracts with
                   respect  to the  Premises  which  will not be  terminated  by
                   Seller at the Closing.

                                        (c) Seller has the full right, power and
                   authority  to sell and convey the  Premises to  Purchaser  as
                   provided herein and to carry out its obligations hereunder.

                                        The  representations  and  warranties as
                   set forth in this Agreement  shall be continuing and shall be
                   true and correct on and as of the closing  date with the same
                   force and  effect  as if made at that time and shall  survive
                   Closing for a period of six (6) months.

                                7.  Condition  of  Premises.   Seller  makes  no
                   representations or warranties with regard to the condition of


                                       13
<PAGE>

                   the  Premises  or  its  components,  including  environmental
                   conditions  and matters.  Purchaser has occupied the Premises
                   as a tenant and has been given the opportunity to examine the
                   Premises. Purchaser will conduct such inspections,  tests and
                   investigations,  including  those  related  to  environmental
                   matters and  conditions,  as Purchaser  may want prior to its
                   exercise  of the  option to  purchase,  and there  will be no
                   conditions  to the  closing  of title  as a  result  thereof.
                   Purchaser's  sole  remedy  if it is not  satisfied  with  the
                   results of its inspections,  test and investigations  will be
                   to refuse to  exercise  its option to  purchase.  It shall be
                   conclusive evidence, as against Purchaser, that Purchaser has
                   accepted  the  Premises in "as is"  condition  on the Closing
                   Date,  and  that  the  Premises  and  its  components  are in
                   satisfactory  condition.  In the event  Purchaser  causes any
                   inspections  to be made,  Purchaser  will furnish Seller with
                   copies of all reports, without charge.

                                8.  Eminent  Domain or  Casualty.  If, after the
                   exercise of the option and prior to the  Closing,  all or any
                   portion of the Premises is taken by eminent domain (or is the
                   subject of a pending  or  contemplated  taking  which has not
                   been  consummated)  or damaged or  destroyed by fire or other
                   casualty and Purchaser has the right to terminate  this Lease
                   as a result thereof, Purchaser shall have the right to either
                   (i) terminate  this Lease and its  obligation to purchase the
                   Premises, or (ii) take title in such condition as then exists
                   without  any  obligation  on the part of  Seller  to  repair,
                   restore or rebuild the Premises. In the event that the damage
                   or taking is not  sufficient  to permit  Tenant to  terminate
                   this  Lease,  Purchaser  will  complete  the closing of title
                   without  adjustment  in the  Purchase  Price.  In  the  event
                   Purchaser elects to complete the purchase,  there shall be no
                   adjustment  in the  Purchase  Price  and  Purchaser  shall be
                   entitled  to  receive  all of the  proceeds  of the taking by
                   eminent domain or the insurance proceeds.

                                9.   Compliance   with   ISRA   Purchaser,    at
                   Purchaser's   expense,   will  comply  with  the  New  Jersey
                   Industrial  Site Recovery Act or such other law then existing
                   which  relates to  environmental  approvals  upon the sale of
                   real  property  and/or the  cessation of business  operations
                   (together "ISRA") as it applies to this sale.  Purchaser will
                   apply for and diligently  pursue the issuance of either (i) a
                   Letter of  Non-Applicability,  (ii) a  Negative  Declaration,
                   (iii) a No Further  Action  Letter or (iv) such  other  final
                   approvals as may then be required. Seller will cooperate with
                   Purchaser by furnishing  information  reasonably required and
                   will sign the application,  if required.  In the event of the
                   failure to obtain a Letter of  Non-Applicability,  a Negative
                   Declaration,  a No Further  Action  Letter or other  required
                   final  approval  prior to the Closing  Date,  (time is hereby
                   made of the essence  with regard to such time  period),  then
                   the right to purchase

                                       14
<PAGE>

                   will  be  deemed  null  and  void   absolutely  and  forever,
                   automatically,  and the remainder of this Lease will continue
                   in full and effect.

                                10.    Notices.    All    notices    and   other
                   communications  hereunder  shall be in  writing  and shall be
                   delivered or mailed by registered or certified  mail,  return
                   receipt  requested,  postage  prepaid  or by public  courier,
                   delivery charges prepaid,  addressed (a) if to Seller, at the
                   address hereinabove set forth and (b) if to Purchaser, at the
                   address  hereinabove  set forth.  Notices  shall be effective
                   only upon receipt or refusal of delivery by addressee. Either
                   party  may by  notice  as  aforesaid  designate  a  different
                   address for notices or other communications  intended for it.
                   Any  notice  given  under  this  Agreement  shall  also,  for
                   information purposes only, be sent to Purchaser's  attorneys,
                   Lowenstein  Sandler PC, 65 Livingston Avenue,  Roseland,  New
                   Jersey 07068-1791,  Attention:  R. Barry Stiger, Esq., and to
                   Seller's  attorneys,  Poley & Rich,  Esqs., 235 Moore Street,
                   Hackensack,  New Jersey  07601,  Attention:  M. Robert Poley,
                   Esq.

                                11. Brokerage.  Except for the Broker, Purchaser
                   and Seller  represent  that they have not dealt with any real
                   estate  broker or other party who may claim or be entitled to
                   a commission in connection with the sale contemplated hereby.
                   Seller will be responsible  for payment of commissions to the
                   Broker  pursuant  to their  separate  agreement.  Each  party
                   agrees to indemnify  and hold harmless the other from any and
                   all claims for any such brokerage commissions,  finder's fees
                   or the like made by any other broker or entity with whom such
                   party  dealt.  It is agreed that if any claims for  brokerage
                   commissions or fees are ever made against Seller or Purchaser
                   in connection with this transaction, all such claims shall be
                   handled  and paid by the party  whose  alleged  actions  were
                   alleged  commitments  for the  basis of such  claim,  and the
                   party whose alleged actions or alleged  commitments  form the
                   basis of such claim shall  indemnify  and hold  harmless  the
                   other from and against  any and all such claims and  demands,
                   including  reasonable  attorney's  fees incurred in defending
                   the same,  with  respect  to any  brokerage  fees or  agent's
                   commissions  or other  compensation  asserted  by any person,
                   firm  or  corporation  in  connection  with  this  option  to
                   purchase  or  the  transactions   contemplated   hereby.  The
                   provisions of this paragraph shall survive closing of title.

                                12.  Specific  Performance.  In the event either
                   party  hereto fails to comply with any of the  provisions  of
                   this Agreement, then, in addition to all other legal remedies
                   to which the other party hereto is entitled, such other party
                   shall have the right to specific performance.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                                13. Breach by Purchaser.  In the event Purchaser
                   shall fail to  consummate  the  purchase of the  Premises and
                   Purchaser  being in  default  and Seller not being in default
                   herein,  and Seller  having  complied  or being  prepared  to
                   comply at Closing with all conditions herein, Seller shall be
                   entitled  to  payment  of an amount  equal to its  reasonable
                   attorneys fees and other actual costs relating to the sale of
                   the Premises by  Purchaser  and any  penalties,  late charges
                   and/or  extension fees paid to its mortgagee,  such sum being
                   agreed  upon  as  liquidated   damages  for  the  failure  of
                   Purchaser to perform the duties, liabilities, and obligations
                   imposed  upon  it  by  the  terms  and   provisions  of  this
                   Agreement,  and Seller  agrees to accept and take said amount
                   as total damages and as Seller's sole remedy in such event.

                                14. Deed Tax.  Seller will pay all deed transfer
                   taxes and  documentary  stamps  and  similar  taxes,  without
                   reimbursement from Purchaser.

                                15. Like-Kind Exchange.  Purchaser  acknowledges
                   that Seller may desire to exchange  the Premises as part of a
                   like-kind  exchange  transaction  that  would  qualify  under
                   Sections  1031 and/or 1033 of the  Internal  Revenue Code for
                   non-recognition  treatment.  At Seller's election,  Purchaser
                   agrees,  at Seller's  expense and provided such exchange does
                   not cause the  acquisition of the Premises by Purchaser to be
                   delayed in any way, to  cooperate  with Seller in effecting a
                   qualifying  like-kind exchange through a trust or other means
                   determined  by  Seller,  and  Purchaser  shall  execute  such
                   documents as may be reasonably requested by Seller, provided:
                   (i) Purchaser  shall have no liability  under such documents,
                   and (ii) such  documents  contain no language  or  provisions
                   which  would cause  Purchaser  to become part of the chain of
                   title with respect to any other property which is part of the
                   exchange.   Purchaser  makes  no  representations  to  Seller
                   regarding  qualification  of the exchange under Sections 1031
                   and/or 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code, and Purchaser shall
                   not be  liable  to Seller  in any  manner  whatsoever  if the
                   exchange  completed in accordance with this paragraph  should
                   not qualify for any reasons  under  Sections 1031 and/or 1033
                   of the Internal  Revenue Code.  Seller  reserves the right to
                   assign  its rights but not its  obligations,  hereunder  to a
                   Qualified   Intermediary  as  provided  in  IRC  Reg.  1.1031
                   (k)-l(G)(4) on or before the Closing.

                                16.  Miscellaneous.   This  Agreement  shall  be
                   binding  upon and inure to the benefit of and be  enforceable
                   by  the  respective  parties  hereto  and  their  successors,
                   executors,  administrators,   personal  representatives,  and
                   assigns.  Purchaser  shall not have the right to assign  this
                   Agreement or any interest  herein  without the prior  written
                   consent  of Seller;  however,  Seller  will not  unreasonably

                                       16
<PAGE>

                   withhold  its  consent to an  assignment  (i) to a  permitted
                   assignee of the Lease or (ii) an assignment of only the right
                   to purchase  the  Premises to an entity  which is  affiliated
                   with  Purchaser  made after the option has been exercised and
                   prior to the Closing Date.  This Agreement shall be construed
                   in  accordance  with and governed by the laws of the State of
                   New Jersey.  No waiver by any party of any breach  under this
                   option  section  shall be  deemed a  waiver  of any  other or
                   subsequent breach."

        16. Tenant hereby affirms the validity of the Lease and confirms
that the Lease remains  enforceable  and in full force and effect as of the date
of execution of this Amendment.

               17. The  obligations  of  Landlord  and Tenant  pursuant  to this
Amendment  are  conditioned  upon the  Landlord  obtaining  the  consent  of its
mortgagee and the execution of a Subordination,  Non-Disturbance  and Attornment
Agreement with regard to this Amendment in the form required by the mortgagee on
or before thirty (30) days after Landlord has received a fully executed original
of this Amendment. Landlord will each pay to the mortgagee all fees and expenses
charged by the  mortgagee,  its attorneys  and a rating  agency  related to such
consent,  without  reimbursement by Tenant.  In the event this condition has not
been satisfied,  this Amendment will terminate automatically,  and the Lease, as
previously amended, will continue in full force and effect as originally stated.

               18.  Except as otherwise  provided  herein,  all of the terms and
provisions of the Lease shall continue in full force and effect. In the event of
any  conflict  between  the  provisions  of this  Amendment  and the Lease,  the
provisions of this Amendment shall govern and prevail.

               19.  This  Amendment  shall be binding  upon and shall be for the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

               The parties have executed this  Amendment on the date first above
written.

Witness:                                       Landlord:

                                               Northvale 1997 Associates, L.L.C.
                                               By: NV Northvale Management
                                                    Corp., a New Jersey
                                                    corporation, its Manager

 /s/ Sara Jane Wilson                       By:  /s/ Jon F. Hansen, Pres.
--------------------------------               ---------------------------
     Sara Jane Wilson                                Jon F. Hansen, Pres.



Witness:                                       Tenant:

                                               Baltek Corporation

 /s/ Harold Gutman                          By:  /s/ Ronald Tassello
---------------------------------              -----------------------------
Harold Gutman                                  Ronald Tassello
Vice President of Manufacturing                Chief Financial Officer


                                       17
<PAGE>

                                   Exhibit "A"




     1.   Facts shown on survey of the  property  dated July 28, 1997 by Kenneth
          J. Job, Licensed Professional Land Surveyor.

     2.   Right-of-way grant in Deed Book 5236 at page 265.

     3.   Right-of-way grant in Deed Book 5830 at page 313.




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