BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA INC
S-3, 1997-05-23
PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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<PAGE>
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 23, 1997.
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                ---------------
 
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ---------------
                           BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
        DELAWARE                     3968                    47-0587703
     (STATE OR OTHER           (PRIMARY STANDARD          (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
     JURISDICTION OF              INDUSTRIAL             IDENTIFICATION NO.)
    INCORPORATION OR          CLASSIFICATION CODE
      ORGANIZATION)                 NUMBER)
                                ---------------
                             4350 MCKINLEY STREET
                             OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68112
                                (402) 453-4444
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
            AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                JOHN P. WILMERS
                           BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC.
                             4350 MCKINLEY STREET
                             OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68112
                                (402) 453-4444
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                  INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                                ---------------
                                  COPIES TO:
      DANIEL A. ETNA, ESQ.                           WILLIAM N. DYE, ESQ.
     GORDON ALTMAN BUTOWSKY                        WILLKIE FARR & GALLAGHER
     WEITZEN SHALOV & WEIN                           ONE CITICORP CENTER
      114 WEST 47TH STREET                           153 EAST 53RD STREET
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036                       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
         (212) 626-0800                                 (212) 821-8000
                                ---------------
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
  If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [_]
  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, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, 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 effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
  If the delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [_]
                                ---------------
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          PROPOSED
                                          MAXIMUM
       TITLE OF EACH                      OFFERING    PROPOSED
         CLASS OF                          PRICE      MAXIMUM      AMOUNT OF
     SECURITIES TO BE       AMOUNT TO BE    PER      AGGREGATE    REGISTRATION
        REGISTERED          REGISTERED(1) UNIT(2)  OFFERING PRICE     FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>
Common Stock, $0.01 Par
 Value Per Share...........   2,258,600    $15.50  $35,008,300.00  $10,608.58
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
(1) Includes 294,600 shares which the Underwriters have the option to purchase
    to cover over-allotments, if any.
 
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
    these amounts are used solely for the purpose of calculating the
    registration fee and are based upon the average of the per share high and
    low prices of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on May 22,
    1997.
 
  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>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY STATE.                                                                    +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Dated May 23, 1997
 
                                1,964,000 Shares
 
                                      BALLANTYNE
                                          OF OMAHA, INC.
 
                                  Common Stock
 
                                 -------------
 
  ARC Ice Corp., a Delaware corporation ("ARC Ice"), and certain other selling
stockholders herein named (collectively, the "Selling Stockholders") of
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ballantyne" or the
"Company"), hereby offer 1,964,000 shares (the "Offering") of the Company's
common stock, $0.01 par value (the "Common Stock"). See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders." The Company will not receive any portion of the proceeds from
the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby and will not pay any of
the expenses of the Offering. The Common Stock is listed and traded on the
American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX") under the symbol "BTN." The last sale
price of the Common Stock on May 22, 1997, as reported by the AMEX, was $15.50
per share. See "Price Range of Common Stock."
 
  ARC Ice is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of ARC International
Corporation, an Ontario corporation ("ARC"). ARC intends to use the proceeds
realized by ARC Ice from the sale of 1,705,000 shares of Common Stock in the
Offering to further develop ARC's business and to repay certain indebtedness.
 
                                 -------------
 
                 THIS OFFERING INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
           SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                 -------------
 
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.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Underwriting     Proceeds to
                                          Price to     Discounts and      Selling
                                           Public     Commissions (1) Stockholders (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>             <C>
Per Share.............................     $              $                $
Total (3)............................. $              $                $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Company, certain Selling Stockholders, ARC and Canrad of Delaware Inc.,
    a Delaware corporation and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ARC
    ("Canrad Delaware"), have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against
    certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses, estimated to be $400,000, payable by ARC Ice.
(3) ARC Ice has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30 days
    of the date hereof, to purchase an aggregate of up to 294,600 additional
    shares of Common Stock at the Price to Public less Underwriting Discounts
    and Commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any. If all such additional
    shares are purchased, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and
    Commissions and Proceeds to Selling Stockholders will be $         ,
    $        and $         , respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
                                 -------------
 
  The Common Stock is offered by the several Underwriters named herein when, as
and if received and accepted by them, subject to their right to reject orders
in whole or in part and subject to certain other conditions. It is expected
that delivery of certificates for the shares will be made at the offices of
Cowen & Company, New York, New York, on or about        , 1997.
 
                                 -------------
 
COWEN & COMPANY                               PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
 
     , 1997
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 [PICTURE OF A PROJECTOR SURROUNDED BY PICTURES OF DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL
                               MOVIE THEATRES.]
 
 
 
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING
AND MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET. FOR
A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
  "Strong(TM)," "Simplex(TM)," "Century(R)," "Optimax(R)," "Ballantyne(TM),"
"Super Trouper(R)," "Gladiator(TM)," "Roadie(TM)," "Britelights(R),"
"Xenotech(R)," "Flavor Crisp(R)" and "Flavor Pit(R)" are trademarks of the
Company. ISCO-Optic is a trademark of ISCO-Optic GmbH.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in
conjunction with, the more detailed information and the Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Except as otherwise noted, all information in this Prospectus: (i) gives effect
to the 10% stock distribution effected on March 8, 1996, (ii) gives effect to
the 3-for-2 stock split effected on March 5, 1997 and (iii) assumes no exercise
of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. Unless otherwise indicated, all
references in this Prospectus to the "Company" or "Ballantyne" mean Ballantyne
of Omaha, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Ballantyne is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of commercial
motion picture equipment and long-range follow spotlights in the U.S. and
abroad. The Company's product lines are distributed on a worldwide basis
through a network of over 200 domestic and international dealers to major movie
exhibitors, ride simulation operators, and sports arena and amusement park
operators. The Company's broad range of both standard and custom-made equipment
can completely outfit and automate a motion picture projection booth and is
currently being used by major motion picture exhibitors such as AMC
Entertainment, Inc., Regal Cinemas, Inc., Act III Theatres, Inc., Cinemark USA,
Inc. and Cineplex Odeon Corporation. As a major supplier of motion picture
equipment to the theatre exhibitors, Ballantyne has benefited directly from
both the domestic and international growth in motion picture screens.
Additionally, the Company has increased its profitability by maintaining
internal cost controls and achieving manufacturing and distribution
efficiencies.
 
  Ballantyne believes that its position as a fully-integrated equipment
manufacturer enables it to be more responsive to its customers' specific design
requirements, thereby giving it a competitive advantage over other
manufacturers who rely more on outsourced components. In addition, the Company
believes its expertise in engineering and manufacturing high-quality, reliable
and innovative products, prompt order fulfillment and delivery, and after-sale
technical support and emergency service have allowed the Company to build and
maintain strong customer relationships.
 
  The motion picture theatre industry has experienced competition from in-home
sources of entertainment in recent years, forcing theatre exhibitors to build
higher quality theatres with more screens per location in order to lure
consumers to theatres. More recently, domestic theatre exhibitors have
accelerated the addition of new screens and in many cases, have begun
developing "multiplex" or "megaplex" theatres which have an even larger number
of screens per location (sometimes as many as 30 screens). According to Global
Film Exhibition and Distribution ((C) 1996), published by the Baskerville
Communications Corporation ("Baskerville"), a media and communications market
research firm, there were more than 28,500 screens in the U.S. at the end of
1996 and this number is expected to increase by approximately 1,900 net new
screens through the year 2000. In addition, the international marketplace has
historically been underserved. According to Baskerville, in 1996 the number of
motion picture screens per million people was 107.9 for the U.S. as compared to
8.5 for Asia Pacific, 12.5 for Latin America and 43.5 for Europe. U.S.-based
theatre exhibitors are rapidly entering the international markets with plans to
build modern multiplexes and megaplexes in response to increased movie theatre
attendance. The Company believes that its leading market share in the U.S. and
its established international presence have positioned the Company to benefit
directly from these positive trends in the motion picture theatre industry.
 
  The Company also manufactures customized motion picture projection equipment
for use in special venues, such as motion simulation rides, large screen format
presentations and other forms of motion picture-based entertainment requiring
visual and multimedia special effects. These customers include Imax
Corporation, The
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Walt Disney Company and Electrosonic Systems, Inc. The Company helped pioneer
the special venue market more than 20 years ago by working with its customers
to design and build customized projection systems featuring special effects.
 
  Ballantyne's long-range follow spotlights are used for both permanent
installations and touring applications. In April 1997, Ballantyne complemented
its long-range follow spotlights product line with the acquisition of
substantially all of the net assets of Xenotech, Inc. ("Xenotech"). Xenotech is
a leading manufacturer and supplier of high intensity searchlights and
computer-based lighting systems for the motion picture production, television,
live entertainment, theme park and architectural industries. The Company also
manufactures commercial food service equipment, which is sold to convenience
store and fast food restaurant operators, and to equipment suppliers for resale
on a private label basis.
 
  The Company's principal objective is to increase profitably its leading U.S.
market share and its established international presence. In order to achieve
this objective, the Company is pursuing a number of strategies including (i)
expanding its presence outside the U.S. by leveraging its relationships with
domestic customers who are aggressively expanding internationally and building
relationships with international theatre exhibitors, (ii) developing and
maintaining strong customer relationships through fully understanding customer
needs and furnishing value-added services and (iii) making strategic
acquisitions of complementary or related niche market products.
 
  The Company was incorporated in 1976. The Company's principal executive
offices and manufacturing facility are located at 4350 McKinley Street, Omaha,
Nebraska 68112, and its telephone number is (402) 453-4444.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
Common Stock offered by the Selling Stock-
 holders................................... 1,964,000 shares (1)
Common Stock outstanding after the Offer-
 ing....................................... 8,850,269 shares (2)
Use of proceeds............................ The Company will not receive any proceeds from the
                                            Offering.
AMEX symbol................................ BTN
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes 247,750 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
    outstanding options and a warrant held by certain Selling Stockholders,
    which will be exercised concurrently with the Offering and included in the
    Offering. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Description of
    Capital Stock--Warrant and Options to Purchase Common Stock."
(2) Excludes 573,000 shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding options
    issued under the Company's stock option plans, 48,750 shares of Common
    Stock underlying outstanding stock options issued outside of the Company's
    stock option plans and 215,400 shares of Common Stock underlying a warrant.
    See "Management--Employee Benefit Plans."
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THREE MONTHS
                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED MARCH 31,
                          --------------------------------------- ---------------
                           1992    1993    1994    1995    1996    1996    1997
                          ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Net sales...............  $18,214 $22,631 $28,758 $38,441 $51,754 $11,363 $14,725
Cost of sales...........   13,363  15,864  20,127  27,451  36,397   8,175  10,369
Gross profit............    4,851   6,767   8,631  10,990  15,357   3,188   4,356
Income from operations..    1,831   2,944   4,189   5,309   8,310   1,614   2,415
Net income..............      876   1,500   2,355   3,040   5,037     862   1,568
Net income per share
 (1)....................                  $  0.30 $  0.42 $  0.62 $  0.13 $  0.17
Weighted average number
 of shares outstanding
 (1)....................                    6,600   6,654   8,094   6,881   9,341
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               MARCH 31, 1997
                                                             -------------------
                                                                         AS
                                                             ACTUAL  ADJUSTED(2)
                                                             ------- -----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<S>                                                          <C>     <C>
Working capital............................................. $20,977   $21,993
Total assets................................................  33,812    34,828
Total debt..................................................      --        --
Total stockholders' equity..................................  25,597    26,613
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) As adjusted data reflect the issuance of 247,750 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and a warrant held by certain
    Selling Stockholders, which will be exercised concurrently with the
    Offering and included in the Offering. See "Principal and Selling
    Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock--Warrant and Options to
    Purchase Common Stock."
 
           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
  STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN ANY DOCUMENT INCORPORATED OR
DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN THAT RELATE TO THE COMPANY'S
BELIEFS OR EXPECTATIONS AS TO FUTURE EVENTS RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
THE GROWTH IN MOTION PICTURE SCREENS, THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO EXPAND ITS
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET SHARES, MAINTAIN COST CONTROLS AND ACHIEVE
MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCIES, MAKE FURTHER STRATEGIC
ACQUISITIONS, OBTAIN CERTAIN COMPONENTS IT DOES NOT MANUFACTURE, OFFSET
INFLATIONARY EFFECTS, AND BUILD AND MAINTAIN STRONG CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS ARE
NOT STATEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FACT AND ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE
MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS
AMENDED (THE "EXCHANGE ACT"), AND ARE SUBJECT TO THE "SAFE HARBOR" CREATED
THEREBY. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY BELIEVES THAT THE ASSUMPTIONS UPON WHICH SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ARE REASONABLE WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF ITS
KNOWLEDGE OF ITS BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS, IT CAN GIVE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE
ASSUMPTIONS WILL PROVE TO HAVE BEEN CORRECT. REFERENCE TO SECTIONS IN THIS
PROSPECTUS WHICH CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT
COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY FROM THE
COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS AND BELIEFS ARE SET OUT UNDER "RISK FACTORS." THESE
FACTORS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY POTENTIAL INVESTORS.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In addition to the other information in this Prospectus, the following risk
factors should be considered carefully in evaluating an investment in the
Company before purchasing the shares of Common Stock offered hereby.
 
DEPENDENCE ON MOTION PICTURE SCREEN GROWTH
 
  Because the Company's commercial motion picture projectors have an estimated
useful life of approximately 20 years, the Company's net sales and
profitability are dependent primarily upon growth in the number of motion
picture screens and the renovation and replacement of commercial motion
picture projection equipment in existing theatres. For 1994, 1995 and 1996,
approximately 80%, 87% and 91%, respectively, of the Company's total net sales
were derived from sales of its commercial motion picture projection equipment.
Although industry analysts foresee continued growth in the number of motion
picture screens as a result of the trend toward multiplexing and megaplexing
and the introduction of new forms of motion picture-based entertainment, there
can be no assurance that this expectation will prove accurate. In addition,
growth in the number of new motion picture screens may be adversely affected
by the availability of home entertainment systems. A lack of motion picture
screen growth would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Business--Motion Picture
Exhibition Industry Overview."
 
UNCERTAINTIES REGARDING INTERNATIONAL SALES; FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
 
  For 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company generated net sales to foreign
customers of $6.4 million, $11.3 million and $14.1 million, respectively,
which accounted for approximately 22%, 29% and 27% of the Company's total net
sales for each of such years, respectively. These amounts include net sales of
Westrex Company, Asia ("Westrex") which was acquired in December 1994, but
exclude sales to domestic export dealers of both theatre and restaurant
products and domestic theatre chains of products which are ultimately
exported. The Company expects that international sales will continue to
account for a substantial portion of its revenues. International sales may be
subject to political and economic risks, including political instability,
currency controls, fluctuating exchange rates with respect to sales not
denominated in U.S. dollars and changes in import/export regulations, tariffs
and freight rates. To date, all of the Company's international sales have been
denominated in U.S. dollars, exclusive of Westrex sales ($2.8 million in 1996)
which are denominated in Hong Kong dollars. A weakening in the value of
foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar could have an adverse impact on
the Company by increasing the effective price of the Company's products in its
international markets. In addition, there can be no assurance that the
Company's international customers will continue to accept orders denominated
in U.S. dollars. To the extent that orders are denominated in foreign
currencies, the Company's reported sales and earnings are more directly
subject to foreign exchange fluctuations. There can be no assurance that these
factors will not adversely affect the Company's international sales in the
future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
COMPETITION
 
  The market for commercial motion picture projection equipment is highly
competitive. In the international market, where the Company has a smaller
market share than in the domestic market, the Company believes that its
largest competitor has significantly greater market share than the Company. In
addition to existing commercial motion picture projection equipment
manufacturers, the Company may also encounter competition from new
competitors, as well as from new types of equipment. No assurance can be given
that the commercial motion picture projection equipment manufactured by the
Company will not become obsolete as technology advances. In addition, the
markets for the Company's long-range follow spotlight and other illumination
and restaurant products are highly competitive. Competitors of the Company may
also have significantly greater financial resources than the Company which may
impede the ability of the Company to compete effectively. See "Business--
Competition."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY MANAGEMENT
 
  The Company's success depends, in substantial part, on the efforts and
abilities of John P. Wilmers, the Company's President and Chief Executive
Officer and Ray F. Boegner, the Company's Senior Vice President. In January
1997, Mr. Wilmers entered into a new employment contract with the Company
which provides for an initial term of five years. In November 1996, Mr.
Boegner entered into a new employment contract with the Company which provides
for an initial term of five years. Failure to retain the services of Messrs.
Wilmers and Boegner could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The
Company does not maintain key man life insurance on the life of Mr. Wilmers or
Mr. Boegner. See "Management--Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal
Year and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Values--Employment Contracts."
 
LIMITED SOURCES FOR CERTAIN COMPONENTS
 
  The Company does not manufacture certain of its components, including film
platters, lenses and intermittent movement components for its commercial
motion picture projection equipment and the aluminum kettles for its pressure
fryers. Each such component is sourced by the Company from a single contract
manufacturer. Although to date the Company has not experienced any significant
difficulty in obtaining these components, there can be no assurance that
shortages will not arise in the future. The loss of one or more of the current
suppliers of any such components would have an adverse effect on the Company's
business until alternative supplies could be secured. See "Business--
Manufacturing."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  The Company's operations involve the handling and use of substances that are
subject to Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that
impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the soil, air and water
and establish standards for their discharge and disposal. Although the Company
believes it is in material compliance with these laws, the violation of these
laws could have a material adverse effect on the Company. There can be no
assurance that additional environmental or remediation obligations will not be
incurred in the future, that existing or future environmental liabilities
could not have a material adverse effect on the Company, or that currently
unknown matters, new laws and regulations or stricter interpretations of
existing laws or regulations will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business. See "Business--Environmental Matters."
 
SIGNIFICANT STOCKHOLDER
 
  Upon completion of the Offering, ARC will be the beneficial owner of 29.6%
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (26.3% if the Underwriters' over-
allotment option is exercised in full). As a result of the level of its
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock, ARC is in a position to exercise
substantial influence over all corporate matters requiring stockholder
approval, including the election of directors and merger and consolidation
proposals. In addition, two members of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of
the Company are directors and employees of ARC or its affiliates (other than
the Company), and one of such directors has substantial shareholdings in ARC.
In connection with the Company's initial public offering, Canrad Delaware,
agreed with the managing underwriters of such offering to vote, until
September 12, 1997, all shares of voting capital stock of the Company
beneficially owned by it in the same proportion as the votes cast by non-
affiliates with respect to any liquidation, and certain mergers or business
combinations involving the Company. See "Management--Directors and Executive
Officers" and "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT ON MARKET PRICE
 
  Future sales of Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that
such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the Common
Stock or the Company's ability to raise additional capital through sales of
its equity securities. Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have:
(i) 2,618,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding owned by Canrad Delaware,
(ii) 647,750 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company's
stock option plans, of which 573,000 shares are issuable pursuant to currently
outstanding options thereunder, (iii) 264,150 shares of Common Stock issuable
pursuant to an outstanding warrant and other outstanding options to purchase
Common Stock and (iv) 140,305 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
pursuant to the Company's employee stock purchase plan. Of the shares
outstanding,
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
subject to outstanding options or the outstanding warrant, upon completion of
the Offering, 6,748,974 will be immediately eligible for resale in the public
market without restriction under the Securities Act and substantially all of
the remaining shares will be eligible for resale in the public market subject
to compliance with the applicable provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities
Act. The Company is unable to predict the effect that sales made under Rule
144, or otherwise, may have on the then prevailing market price of the Common
Stock.
 
  All of the shares of Common Stock owned by Canrad Delaware, 89,564 shares
owned by certain officers and directors of the Company following the Offering,
337,000 shares issuable to certain officers and directors of the Company
pursuant to the Company's stock option plans following the Offering, and
264,150 shares issuable pursuant to an outstanding warrant and other options
to purchase Common Stock are subject to "lock-up" agreements under which the
holders thereof have agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of such
securities without the prior written consent of Cowen & Company, on behalf of
the Underwriters, for a period of 90 days after the date of the final
Prospectus.
 
  All of the shares of Common Stock owned by Canrad Delaware, as well as the
stock of certain other subsidiaries of ARC (including Cabletel Communications
Corp. ("Cabletel")), have been pledged to BNY Financial Corporation and BNY
Financial Corporation--Canada (collectively, "BNY") to secure indebtedness
incurred by certain subsidiaries of ARC, including Canrad Delaware and ARC
Ice, under two revolving credit facilities (collectively, the "BNY Credit
Facility"). The Company has been advised by ARC, Canrad Delaware and ARC Ice
that, as of May 22, 1997, the principal amount of indebtedness outstanding
under the BNY Credit Facility was approximately $9.5 million. In the event of
a default under the BNY Credit Facility, BNY has certain rights as a secured
creditor under the terms of the BNY Credit Facility to vote and to sell or
otherwise dispose of all or a portion of the pledged shares, including the
Common Stock pledged by Canrad Delaware. Although such shares of Common Stock
are subject to the "lock-up" agreements, Cowen & Company has agreed to consent
to sales thereof by BNY in the event of a default under the BNY Credit
Facility. See "Management--Employee Benefit Plans," "Description of Capital
Stock--Warrant and Options to Purchase Common Stock" and "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."
 
UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE ACQUISITIONS
 
  Although the Company does not currently have any specific acquisition under
consideration, the Company may make acquisitions in the future. The
significant uncertainties which accompany any acquisition and its integration
into the Company's existing operations could have an adverse effect on the
Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to locate
appropriate acquisition candidates, that any identified candidates will be
acquired or that acquired operations will be effectively integrated or prove
profitable. The Company's revolving credit facility (the "Norwest Facility")
with Norwest Bank Nebraska, N.A. ("Norwest Bank") currently prohibits the
Company from making acquisitions without the consent of Norwest Bank.
 
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
  The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for, among other things,
the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share
("Preferred Stock"). The Board is authorized, without stockholder approval, to
cause the Company to issue such preferred stock in one or more series and to
fix the voting powers and the designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other rights and restrictions thereof. Accordingly,
the Company may issue a series of preferred stock in the future that will have
preference over the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and
upon the Company's liquidation, dissolution or winding up or have voting or
conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power and ownership
percentages of the holders of Common Stock. The Company's Certificate of
Incorporation also provides for the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of
all outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, voting as a single class, to change certain provisions
of such Certificate of Incorporation and the Company's By-Laws, and to change
the authority of the Board, without further action by stockholders, to cause
the Company to issue shares of preferred stock. The Company's Certificate of
Incorporation further provides for the division of the Board into three
classes. One class of directors is elected at each annual meeting of
stockholders for three-year terms. The Company's By-Laws contain certain
advance notice requirements relating to stockholder proposals and stockholder
nomination of directors. These provisions may have the effect of making more
difficult or discouraging transactions that could give stockholders of the
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Company the opportunity to realize a premium over the then prevailing market
price for their shares of Common Stock. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock--Preferred Stock" and "--
Certain Provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws."
 
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE; LIMITED TRADING VOLUME
 
  The trading price of the Common Stock may be highly volatile and could be
subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in the Company's
quarterly operating results, general conditions in the industries in which the
Company operates and other factors. In addition, the stock market is subject
to price and volume fluctuations affecting the market price for the stock of
many companies generally, which fluctuations often are unrelated to operating
performance. Although the Common Stock is listed on the AMEX, daily trading
volume of the Common Stock has generally been limited and accordingly the
trading price is more vulnerable to significant fluctuations. See "Price Range
of Common Stock."
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Common Stock
offered hereby. The Company will not pay any of the fees and expenses of the
Offering.
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
  The Common Stock is listed and traded on the AMEX under the symbol "BTN."
The following table sets forth the high and low per share sale prices for the
Common Stock as reported by the AMEX for the periods indicated (rounded to the
nearest 1/8):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 HIGH     LOW
                                                                ------- -------
      <S>                                                       <C>     <C>
      1995
        Third Quarter (from September 6)....................... $ 4 5/8 $ 4 1/8
        Fourth Quarter.........................................   4 7/8   4
      1996
        First Quarter..........................................   6 1/8   4 5/8
        Second Quarter.........................................  11 3/4   5 3/4
        Third Quarter..........................................  10 7/8   7 3/8
        Fourth Quarter.........................................  13 1/4   9 1/4
      1997
        First Quarter..........................................  16 3/8  12 1/4
        Second Quarter (through May 22) .......................  17      14 3/8
</TABLE>
 
  On May 22, 1997, the last reported per share sale price for the Common Stock
was $15.50. At May 22, 1997, there were 103 holders of record of the Common
Stock.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company intends to retain its earnings to assist in financing its
business and does not anticipate paying any dividends on its Common Stock in
the foreseeable future. The Norwest Facility contains certain prohibitions on
the payment of cash dividends. In addition, the underwriting agreement
relating to the Company's initial public offering restricts the payment of
cash dividends until September 1997. The declaration and payment of dividends
by the Company are also subject to the discretion of the Board. Any
determination by the Board as to the payment of dividends in the future will
depend upon, among other things, business conditions and the Company's
financial condition and capital requirements, as well as any other factors
deemed relevant by the Board. The Company paid an $8.0 million dividend to
Canrad Delaware in September 1995 in connection with its initial public
offering. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at March
31, 1997. The table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            MARCH 31, 1997
                                                        -----------------------
                                                          ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED
                                                        ----------- -----------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
Total long-term debt................................... $        -- $        --
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value--1,000,000 shares
   authorized,
   none issued or outstanding..........................          --          --
  Common stock, $0.01 par value--10,000,000 shares
   authorized,
   8,569,769 shares issued and outstanding
   (8,817,519 shares as adjusted) (1)..................      85,698      88,175
  Additional paid-in capital...........................  18,906,556  19,920,384
Retained earnings......................................   6,604,893   6,604,893
                                                        ----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity.............................  25,597,147  26,613,452
                                                        ----------- -----------
Total capitalization................................... $25,597,147 $26,613,452
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Excludes 573,000 shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding options
    issued under the Company's stock option plans, 48,750 shares of Common
    Stock underlying outstanding stock options issued outside of the Company's
    stock option plans and 215,400 shares of Common Stock underlying a
    warrant. As adjusted data reflect the issuance of 247,750 shares of Common
    Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and a warrant held by
    certain Selling Stockholders, which will be exercised concurrently with
    the Offering and included in the Offering. See "Management--Employee
    Benefit Plans," "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Description of
    Capital Stock--Warrant and Options to Purchase Common Stock."
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following selected historical consolidated financial data of the Company
as of December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and for the years then
ended, have been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company which have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
accountants. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 1995 and
1996 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1996, and the report of the independent public accountants thereon, are
included elsewhere in the Prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data
presented as of March 31, 1997 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
1997 have been derived from the Company's unaudited consolidated financial
statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial
statements for such periods include all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated
financial position and results of operations for these periods. Results of
operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be
expected for the full year. The information should be read in conjunction with
the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS
                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           ENDED MARCH 31,
                         --------------------------------------- -------------------
                          1992    1993    1994    1995    1996    1996      1997
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -----------
                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME
 DATA:
Net sales............... $18,214 $22,631 $28,758 $38,441 $51,754 $11,363   $14,725
Cost of sales...........  13,363  15,864  20,127  27,451  36,397   8,175    10,369
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------   -------
 Gross profit...........   4,851   6,767   8,631  10,990  15,357   3,188     4,356
Operating expenses......   3,020   3,823   4,442   5,681   7,047   1,574     1,941
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------   -------
 Income from
  operations............   1,831   2,944   4,189   5,309   8,310   1,614     2,415
Net interest (income)
 expense................     316     406     239     277     364     186       (53)
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------   -------
 Income before income
  taxes.................   1,515   2,538   3,950   5,032   7,946   1,428     2,468
Income taxes............     639   1,038   1,595   1,992   2,909     566       900
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------   -------
 Net income............. $   876 $ 1,500 $ 2,355 $ 3,040 $ 5,037 $   862   $ 1,568
                         ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======   =======
Net income per share
 (1)....................                 $  0.30 $  0.42 $  0.62 $  0.13   $  0.17
Weighted average number
 of shares
 outstanding(1).........                   6,600   6,654   8,094   6,881     9,341
<CAPTION>
                                      DECEMBER 31,                 MARCH 31, 1997
                         --------------------------------------- -------------------
                                                                             AS
                          1992    1993    1994    1995    1996   ACTUAL  ADJUSTED(3)
                         ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -----------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital......... $ 3,827 $ 4,773 $ 7,079 $ 8,625 $19,742 $20,977   $21,933
Total assets............  11,127  15,919  16,674  19,828  32,462  33,812    34,828
Total debt (2)..........   1,160   2,317   1,607   8,059     458      --        --
Total stockholders'
 equity (2).............   6,160   7,660  10,015   5,055  24,029  25,597    26,613
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Total debt and total stockholders' equity at December 31, 1995 reflect the
    Company's incurrence of $8.0 million of indebtedness under the Norwest
    Facility and the payment by the Company of an $8.0 million dividend to
    Canrad Delaware with the proceeds of such indebtedness in connection with
    the Company's initial public offering in September 1995.
(3) As adjusted data reflect the issuance of 247,750 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and a warrant held by
    certain Selling Stockholders, which will be exercised concurrently with
    the Offering and included in the Offering. See "Principal and Selling
    Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock--Warrant and Options to
    Purchase Common Stock."
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in
this Prospectus. The following discussion and analysis contains certain
forward-looking statements. For a discussion of important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking
statements, including, without limitation, a lack of continued growth in the
number of new motion picture screens, both domestically and internationally,
and political and economic factors associated with international sales, see
"Risk Factors."
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of
net sales represented by certain items reflected in the Company's statement of
income:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               THREE MONTHS
                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED MARCH 31,
                           ---------------------------------  ----------------
                           1992   1993   1994   1995   1996    1996     1997
                           -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -------  -------
<S>                        <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>
Net sales................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales.............  73.4   70.1   70.0   71.4   70.3     71.9     70.4
Gross profit..............  26.6   29.9   30.0   28.6   29.7     28.1     29.6
Operating expenses........  16.6   16.9   15.4   14.8   13.6     13.9     13.2
Income from operations....  10.0   13.0   14.6   13.8   16.1     14.2     16.4
Net income................   4.8    6.6    8.2    7.9    9.7      7.6     10.7
</TABLE>
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
1996
 
 
  Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 1997 (the "1997 Period")
increased $3.4 million or 29.6% to $14.7 million from $11.4 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1996 (the "1996 Period"). The following table
sets forth comparative consolidated net sales of theatre products and
restaurant products for the respective periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                MARCH 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1996        1997
                                                         ----------- -----------
      <S>                                                <C>         <C>
      Theatre Products.................................. $10,882,300 $14,112,100
      Restaurant Products...............................     480,400     612,700
                                                         ----------- -----------
      Total Net Sales................................... $11,362,700 $14,724,800
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Net sales of theatre products increased $3.2 million or 29.7% for the 1997
Period as compared to the 1996 Period. Net sales of commercial motion picture
projection equipment increased $3.1 million or 30.0%, and net sales of follow
spotlights increased $114,000 or 23.4%. The majority of increase in net sales
of commercial motion picture projection equipment was attributable to
increased sales of such equipment to domestic customers. Net sales of
replacement parts increased $146,000 or 10.0% to $1.6 million for the 1997
Period from $1.5 million in the 1996 Period.
 
  Net sales of restaurant products increased by $132,300 or 27.5%, mainly due
to an increase in sales of pressure fryers.
 
  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 29.6% for the 1997
Period from 28.1% for the 1996 Period. The increase was attributable to
improved efficiencies realized by purchasing and manufacturing due to an
increase in production volume.
 
  Operating expenses increased $367,100 for the 1997 Period as compared to the
1996 Period. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to
13.2% for the 1997 Period from 13.9% for the 1996 Period, as a result of a
greater increase in net sales without a proportional significant increase in
selling costs (which includes advertising, travel and personnel expenses).
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  Net interest income was $53,200 for the 1997 Period as compared to interest
expense of $186,100 for the 1996 Period. The decrease in interest expense
reflects the repayment of the Company's Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
(the "IDRBs") in March 1997 and the absence of borrowings under the Norwest
Facility.
 
  The effective tax rate was 36.4% for the 1997 Period as compared to the
statutory rate of 34.0%. The difference relates to the effects of state income
taxes and the non-deductibility of certain intangible expenses, principally
goodwill.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
  Net sales for 1996 increased $13.3 million or 34.6% to $51.8 million from
$38.4 million for 1995. The following table shows comparative net sales of
theatre products and restaurant products for the respective periods:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1995        1996
                                                         ----------- -----------
      <S>                                                <C>         <C>
      Theatre Products.................................. $35,440,400 $49,387,700
      Restaurant Products...............................   3,001,000   2,366,200
                                                         ----------- -----------
      Total Net Sales................................... $38,441,400 $51,753,900
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Net sales of theatre products increased $13.9 million or 39.4% for 1996 as
compared to 1995. Net sales of commercial motion picture projection equipment
increased $13.8 million or 41.1% and follow spotlights increased $183,900 or
9.3%. The majority of the increase in net sales of commercial motion picture
projection equipment was attributable to increased sales of such equipment to
domestic customers. Net sales of replacement parts increased $1.2 million or
24.5% to $6.1 million for 1996 from $4.9 million in 1995.
 
  Net sales of restaurant products decreased $634,800. This decrease was due
in part to the loss of two customer accounts.
 
  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 29.7% in 1996 from
28.6% in 1995. The increase was attributable to improved efficiencies realized
by purchasing and manufacturing due to an increase in production volume.
 
  Operating expenses increased $1.4 million or 24.1% for 1996 as compared to
1995. However, as a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to
13.6% in 1996 from 14.8% in 1995, as a result of a greater increase in net
sales without a proportional significant increase in selling costs. In terms
of the dollar increase in such expenses, 1996 included amounts paid under the
Company's profit sharing plan which reflects increased operating income and
additional expenses incurred for a full year operating as a public company.
See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Also included in
these amounts was a management fee paid by the Company to Canrad Inc., an
indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ARC, of $300,000 for 1996 and 1995.
 
  Interest expense amounted to $363,500 for 1996 as compared to $277,300 for
1995. Included in interest expense was interest incurred from the Norwest
Facility.
 
  The effective tax rate was 36.6% for 1996 as compared to the statutory rate
of 34.0%. The difference relates to the effects of state income taxes and the
non-deductibility of certain intangible expenses, principally goodwill.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
  Net sales for 1995 increased 33.7% to $38.4 million from $28.8 million for
1994. The following table sets forth comparative consolidated net sales of
theatre products and restaurant products for the respective periods:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1994        1995
                                                         ----------- -----------
      <S>                                                <C>         <C>
      Theatre Products.................................. $25,731,200 $35,440,400
      Restaurant Products...............................   3,027,200   3,001,000
                                                         ----------- -----------
      Total Net Sales................................... $28,758,400 $38,441,400
                                                         =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  Net sales of theatre products increased $9.7 million or 37.7% for 1995 as
compared to 1994. Net sales of commercial motion picture projection equipment
increased $10.2 million or 43.8%, and net sales of follow spotlights decreased
$485,000 or 19.7%. The majority of the increase in sales of commercial motion
picture projection equipment was attributable to increased sales of such
equipment to domestic customers. Net sales of replacement parts increased from
$4.7 million in 1994 to $4.9 million in 1995. Net sales of theatre products in
1995 included a full year of net sales of Westrex, which was acquired on
December 2, 1994.
 
  Net sales of restaurant products remained relatively consistent between the
respective periods, which was due in part to the Company's historical focus on
the growth of its theatre products business.
 
  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 28.6% in 1995 from
30.0% in 1994. The decrease was primarily due to a full year of net sales of
Westrex, whose products have a lower gross profit margin than the Company's
non-Westrex theatre products.
 
  Operating expenses increased $1.2 million or 27.9% for 1995 as compared to
1994. However, as a percentage of net sales, such expenses decreased to 14.8%
in 1995 from 15.4% in 1994 as a result of an increase in net sales of theatre
products without a proportional significant increase in selling costs. In
terms of the dollar increase in such expenses, 1995 included a full twelve
months of operating expenses of Westrex, and also included amounts paid under
the Company's profit sharing plan which reflects increased operating income.
See Note 14 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Also included in
these amounts was a management fee paid by the Company to Canrad Inc. of
$300,000 for 1995 and $241,200 for 1994.
 
  Interest expense was $227,300 for 1995 as compared to $238,700 for 1994.
Included in interest expense for 1994 was $129,700 of an allocation of
interest charged by Canrad Inc. relating to the collar agreement which expired
on October 2, 1994. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Non-allocated interest expense increased to $277,300 for 1995 from $109,000
for 1994. This increase resulted from $8.0 million of indebtedness incurred in
September 1995 under the Norwest Facility in connection with the Company's
initial public offering.
 
  The effective tax rate was 39.6% for 1995 as compared to the statutory rate
of 34.0%. The difference relates to the effect of state income taxes and the
non-deductibility of certain intangible expenses, principally goodwill.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  As of March 31, 1997, the Company had no outstanding borrowings. The
principal reason for the decrease in borrowings from December 31, 1996 relates
to the repayment of the IDRBs in March 1997 and a final payment of $100,000
pursuant to a non-compete agreement with Optical Radiation Corporation
("ORC").
 
  In September 1995, the Company entered into the Norwest Facility with
Norwest Bank. The Norwest Facility initially provides for a borrowing
commitment of up to $10.0 million. The commitment will reduce by $500,000 on
the first and second anniversary dates of such facility and $1.0 million on
the third and fourth anniversary dates thereof. The entire amount outstanding
under the Norwest Facility matures on August 30,
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
2000. At March 31, 1997, $9.5 million was available for borrowing under the
Norwest Facility. Amounts repaid under the Norwest Facility will be available
for reborrowing. Borrowings outstanding under the Norwest Facility bear
interest, payable monthly, at a rate equal to Norwest Bank's National Money
Market Rate, as announced from time to time (8.5% at March 31, 1997). All of
the Company's assets secure the Norwest Facility. The Norwest Facility
agreement contains certain restrictive covenants which include, among other
things, a prohibition on the payment of cash dividends and requirements
relating to current, debt service coverage and total debt to tangible net
worth ratios and tangible net worth.
 
  Historically, the Company has funded its working capital requirements
through cash flow generated by its operations. Net cash provided by operating
activities for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $3.4
million, $2.4 million and $944,200, respectively. For the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and 1997, net cash used by operating activities was $(936,600)
and $979,200, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by operating
activities for the three months ended March 31, 1997 was due primarily to
increases in net income and income taxes payable and a decrease in trade
receivables offset by an increase in inventories.
 
  The Company anticipates that internally generated funds and borrowings under
the Norwest Facility will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs. The
Company expects that it will have capital expenditures of $1.7 million in 1997
which include manufacturing equipment and expansion of its current facility.
 
  The Company does not engage in any currency hedging activities in connection
with its foreign sales and operations. To date, all of the Company's
international sales have been denominated in U.S. dollars, exclusive of
Westrex sales, which are denominated in Hong Kong dollars.
 
SEASONALITY
 
  Generally, the Company's business exhibits a moderate level of seasonality
as sales of theatre products typically increase during the second and fourth
quarters. The Company believes that such increased sales reflect seasonal
increases in the construction of new motion picture screens in anticipation of
the summer and Christmas movie seasons.
 
INFLATION
 
  The Company believes that the relatively moderate rates of inflation in
recent years have not had a significant impact on its net sales or
profitability. Historically, the Company has been able to offset any
inflationary effects by either increasing prices or improving cost
efficiencies.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
  The FASB issued Statement No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," which revises the
calculation and presentation provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion
15 and related interpretations. Statement No. 128 is effective for the
Company's fiscal year ending December 31, 1997. Retroactive application will
be required. The Company believes that the adoption of Statement No. 128 will
not have a significant effect on its reported earnings per share.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of
commercial motion picture equipment and long-range follow spotlights in the
U.S. and abroad. The Company's product lines are distributed on a worldwide
basis through a network of over 200 domestic and international dealers to
major movie exhibitors, ride simulation operators, and sports arena and
amusement park operators. The Company's broad range of both standard and
custom-made equipment can completely outfit and automate a motion picture
projection booth and is currently being used by major motion picture
exhibitors such as AMC Entertainment, Inc., Regal Cinemas, Inc., Act III
Theatres, Inc., Cinemark USA, Inc. and Cineplex Odeon Corporation. As a major
supplier of motion picture equipment to the theatre exhibitors, Ballantyne has
benefited directly from both the domestic and international growth in motion
picture screens. Additionally, the Company has increased its profitability by
maintaining internal cost controls and achieving manufacturing and
distribution efficiencies.
 
  Ballantyne believes that its position as a fully-integrated equipment
manufacturer enables it to be more responsive to its customers' specific
design requirements, thereby giving it a competitive advantage over other
manufacturers who rely more on outsourced components. In addition, the Company
believes its expertise in engineering and manufacturing high-quality, reliable
and innovative products, prompt order fulfillment and delivery, and after-sale
technical support and emergency service have allowed the Company to build and
maintain strong customer relationships.
 
  The motion picture theatre industry has experienced competition from in-home
sources of entertainment in recent years, forcing theatre exhibitors to build
higher quality theatres with more screens per location in order to lure
consumers to theatres. More recently, domestic theatre exhibitors have
accelerated the addition of new screens and in many cases, have begun
developing "multiplex" or "megaplex" theatres which have an even larger number
of screens per location (sometimes as many as 30 screens). According to Global
Film Exhibition and Distribution ((C) 1996), published by Baskerville, a media
and communications market research firm, there were more than 28,500 screens
in the U.S. at the end of 1996 and this number is expected to increase by
approximately 1,900 net new screens through the year 2000. In addition, the
international marketplace has historically been underserved. According to
Baskerville, in 1996 the number of motion picture screens per million people
was 107.9 for the U.S. as compared to 8.5 for Asia Pacific, 12.5 for Latin
America and 43.5 for Europe. U.S.-based theatre exhibitors are rapidly
entering the international markets with plans to build modern multiplexes and
megaplexes in response to increased movie theatre attendance. The Company
believes that its leading market share in the U.S. and its established
international presence have positioned the Company to benefit directly from
these positive trends in the motion picture theatre industry.
 
  The Company also manufactures customized motion picture projection equipment
for use in special venues, such as motion simulation rides, large screen
format presentations and other forms of motion picture-based entertainment
requiring visual and multimedia special effects. These customers include Imax
Corporation, The Walt Disney Company and Electrosonic Systems, Inc. The
Company helped pioneer the special venue market more than 20 years ago by
working with its customers to design and build customized projection systems
featuring special effects.
 
  Ballantyne's long-range follow spotlights are used for both permanent
installations and touring applications. In April 1997, Ballantyne complemented
its long-range follow spotlights product line with the acquisition of
substantially all of the net assets of Xenotech. Xenotech is a leading
manufacturer and supplier of high intensity searchlights and computer-based
lighting systems for the motion picture production, television, live
entertainment, theme park and architectural industries. The Company also
manufactures commercial food service equipment, which is sold to convenience
store and fast food restaurant operators, and to equipment suppliers for
resale on a private label basis.
 
  The Company's principal objective is to increase profitably its leading U.S.
market share and its established international presence. In order to achieve
this objective, the Company is pursuing a number of strategies
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
including (i) expanding its presence outside the U.S. by leveraging its
relationships with domestic customers who are aggressively expanding
internationally and building relationships with international theatre
exhibitors, (ii) developing and maintaining strong customer relationships
through fully understanding customer needs and furnishing value-added services
and (iii) making strategic acquisitions of complementary or related niche
market products.
 
  The Company's business was founded in 1932. Since that time, the Company has
manufactured and supplied equipment and services to the commercial motion
picture projection industry. In 1983, the Company acquired the assets of the
Simplex Projector Division of the National Screen Services Corporation,
thereby expanding its commercial motion picture projection equipment business.
The Company further expanded its commercial motion picture projection
equipment business with the 1993 acquisition of the business of the Cinema
Products Division of ORC. This division designs, manufactures and sells
commercial motion picture projection equipment on a worldwide basis and
distributes ISCO-Optic lenses to the theatre and audio visual industries in
North America. In December 1994, the Company increased its presence in the
international marketplace with the acquisition of Westrex, which provides the
Company with a strategic Far Eastern location and greater access to the
expanding economies of the Pacific Rim. In April 1997, the Company
complemented its long-range follow spotlights product line with the
acquisition of substantially all of the net assets of Xenotech.
 
MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
  The motion picture theatre industry has experienced competition from in-home
sources of entertainment in recent years, forcing theatre exhibitors to build
higher quality theatres with more screens per location in order to lure
consumers to theatres. As a result, U.S. theatre exhibitors have begun
developing multiple screen theatres to provide a more consumer friendly
destination and a wider range of film choices than traditional single screen
theatres. More recently, domestic theatre exhibitors have accelerated the
addition of new screens and in many cases, have begun developing "multiplex"
or "megaplex" theatres which have an even larger number of screens per
location (sometimes as many as 30 screens). Coupled with wide body seats and
stadium seating, these new generation theatres offer patrons a new and
invigorating moviegoing experience. The outlook for such multiplexing and
megaplexing remains promising as many domestic markets still lack modern, high
quality theatre complexes, and commercial real estate developers increasingly
view such facilities as attractive anchor tenants that enhance consumer
traffic. The success from the megaplexes opened to date confirms that
customers desire a quality, out-of-home entertainment experience.
 
  Domestically, the theatre exhibitors' strategy is to focus on growth and
increased market share by building new, multiplex theatres in their key
markets, while expanding and refurbishing their existing high traffic
locations. According to Global Film Exhibition and Distribution ((C) 1996),
published by Baskerville, there were more than 28,500 screens in the U.S at
the end of 1996 and this number is expected to increase by approximately 1,900
net new screens through the year 2000. Internationally, as box office revenues
from abroad continue to grow at a rapid rate, domestic theatre exhibitors are
building multiplex theatres in strategic international markets. According to
Dodona Research, a U.K.-based media market research firm, there were more than
20,000 screens in Europe at the end of 1996 and the number of net new screens
is expected to increase by approximately 2,000 through the year 2000.
 
  According to Baskerville, annual box office revenues outside of North
America now exceed box office revenues generated in the domestic marketplace.
Internationally, there are many markets which have either an undersupply of
screens or existing screens which are not consistent with today's high
standards of multiplex design and amenities. There are also emerging markets
with improving demographics and economic growth that present opportunities for
the development of theatrical exhibition. Theatre exhibitors are trying to
leverage their expertise as a premier film exhibition company and capitalize
on the vast opportunities for growth that exist in the global marketplace.
 
  The trend toward multiplexing or megaplexing is also accelerating
internationally. The international marketplace is one which has historically
been underserved. According to Baskerville, in 1996 the number of motion
picture screens per million people was 107.9 for the U.S. as compared to 8.5
for Asia Pacific, 12.5 for
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
Latin America and 43.5 for Europe. U.S.-based theatre exhibitors are rapidly
entering the international markets with plans to build modern multiplexes and
megaplexes in response to increased movie theatre attendance. According to
Screen Digest Limited, a U.K.-based media and consulting firm, the number of
multiplex theatres in Europe in 1997 will increase to approximately 3,900, as
compared to only 2,200 multiplexes in 1993, representing a four-year
compounded annual growth rate of 15.4%.
 
  Special venue-based entertainment is an emerging market for exhibitors.
These special venues require sophisticated display equipment which provide
state-of-the-art visual and multimedia experiences. Special venues include
virtual reality motion simulation rides for sites such as location-based
entertainment centers, shopping malls, casinos, theme parks and expositions
and large screen formats for sites such as multiplexes and megaplexes,
museums, zoos, national parks and theme parks.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's principal objective is to increase profitably its leading U.S.
market share and its established international presence. The Company's
strategy combines the following key elements:
 
  Expand International Presence. As rapid construction of new multiple screen
motion picture theatres has extended to the international market, sales of the
Company's products to international end users are becoming increasingly
important to the Company. Net sales to foreign customers, primarily of theatre
products, increased from $6.4 million in 1994 to $14.1 million in 1996
including sales by Westrex (excluding sales to domestic export dealers of both
theatre and restaurant products and domestic theatre chains of products which
are ultimately exported). The Company believes that its smaller international
market share represents an attractive growth opportunity, as the Company
intends to seek a greater market share for its products internationally by
working with its domestic dealers and U.S.-based motion picture exhibitor
customers as they expand abroad. In addition, the Company is seeking to
continue to strengthen and develop its international presence through its
international dealer network, and the Company's sales force will continue to
travel extensively worldwide to market the Company's products. The Company
believes that as a result of these efforts, it is well-positioned to expand
its brand name recognition and international market share.
 
  Emphasize Customer Service. The Company seeks to develop and maintain strong
customer relationships by offering a wide variety of standardized commercial
theatre and restaurant equipment, working closely with its customers to fully
understand their needs and furnishing value-added services such as (i)
expertise in engineering and manufacturing high-quality, reliable and
innovative products (often designed to customer specifications), (ii) prompt
order fulfillment and delivery and (iii) after-sale technical support and
emergency service. The Company further supports its products through its
replacement parts business, which represents an additional source of recurring
income that is less dependent on new screen construction. The Company believes
that one of its competitive advantages is its superior customer service which
has resulted in strong, long-lasting customer relationships.
 
  Leverage Manufacturing and Design Expertise. The Company's position as a
fully integrated manufacturer enables it to develop, design and customize its
products to meet customer specifications, and to respond quickly to customers'
requests for replacement parts and repair. The Company believes that its
integrated manufacturing capabilities allow it to rapidly increase its
manufacturing capacity, thereby providing it with a competitive advantage in
meeting its customers' accelerating delivery schedules. In addition, its
manufacturing capabilities, combined with its emphasis on customer service,
have contributed to retaining strong customer relationships and developing new
business opportunities and products in both the traditional theatre equipment
market and the special venue market.
 
  Explore Strategic Acquisitions. The Company has historically been successful
in identifying and acquiring complementary businesses, which have been
profitable for its core operations. The Company plans to continue to explore
opportunities to acquire companies which complement its sales and marketing
and manufacturing expertise, as well as companies which provide opportunities
for geographical expansion of its dealer network and product line expansion.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  Expand Special Venue Business. The Company believes that there is increasing
consumer demand for motion simulation rides, large screen format presentations
and other forms of motion picture-based entertainment which use visual and
multimedia special effects. The Company is seeking to become a leading
provider of state-of-the-art special venue products by capitalizing on its
ability to customize such products as a result of its in-house design
capabilities and its integrated manufacturing operations. Although sales of
special venue products currently represent only a small percentage of the
Company's net sales, the Company believes that increasing public demand for
such products and the increased publicity generally associated with special
venue products create an attractive opportunity for future growth.
 
THEATRE AND RESTAURANT PRODUCTS
 
  THEATRE PRODUCTS
 
  Motion Picture Projection Equipment
 
  The Company is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of
commercial motion picture projection equipment in the U.S. and abroad. The
Company's commercial motion picture projection equipment consists of 35mm and
70mm motion picture projectors, combination 35/70mm projectors, xenon
lamphouses and power supplies, a console system combining a lamphouse and
power supply into a single cabinet, soundhead reproducers and related products
such as film handling equipment and sound systems. The Company's commercial
motion picture projection equipment is marketed under the industrywide
recognized trademarks of Strong(TM), Simplex(TM), Century(R), Optimax(R) and
Ballantyne(TM). The Company's commercial motion picture projection equipment
may be sold individually or as an integrated system with other components
manufactured by the Company. The Company's commercial motion picture
projection equipment can fully outfit and automate a motion picture projection
booth.
 
  The Company's lamphouse consoles are unique to the industry in that they
incorporate a solid state power supply which allows for a broader range of
wattages, thereby reducing operating costs, as compared to inefficient copper
and iron power transformers. The Company's lamphouse consoles incorporate all
elements required for quality film presentations while requiring minimum booth
floor space.
 
  The Company's film handling equipment consists of either a three- or five-
deck platter and a make-up table which allow the reels of a full length motion
picture to be spliced together, thereby eliminating the need for an operator
to change reels during the showing of the motion picture.
 
  Pursuant to a distribution agreement with ISCO-Optic GmbH of Germany, the
Company has the exclusive right to distribute ISCO-Optic lenses in North
America. Under the distribution agreement, the Company's exclusive right
continues through 2001, subject to the attainment of minimum sales quotas
(which the Company has historically exceeded), and thereafter is automatically
renewed for successive two-year periods until terminated by either party upon
12 months' prior notice. ISCO-Optic lenses have developed a reputation for
delivering high-image quality and resolution over the entire motion picture
screen. In addition to incorporating the ISCO-Optic lenses into its own
equipment, the Company distributes ISCO-Optic lenses to customers with
operations in the theatre and audio visual industries. ISCO-Optic lenses have
a leading market share in the U.S. commercial motion picture projector lens
market and have won two Academy Awards for technical achievement.
 
  In 1995 and 1996, National Cinema Supply accounted for more than 10% of the
Company's total net sales. No customer accounted for 10% of the Company's
total net sales in 1994.
 
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  Replacement Parts
 
  The Company has a significant installed base of motion picture projectors.
Although these projectors have an average useful life in excess of 20 years,
periodic replacement of components is required as a matter of routine
maintenance, in most cases with parts manufactured by the Company. The Company
believes that growth in the installed base of commercial motion picture
projectors should result in increased net sales of replacement parts for the
Company's commercial motion picture projection equipment. Replacement part
sales represent a recurring revenue source for the Company which is less
dependent on new screen construction. Net sales of the Company's replacement
parts were approximately $4.7 million, $4.9 million, $6.1 million and $1.6
million for 1994, 1995, 1996 and the three months ended March 31, 1997,
respectively.
 
  Special Venue Products
 
  The Company is becoming increasingly involved in the development of
commercial projection equipment for incorporation into special venue products
such as virtual reality motion simulation rides and large screen format
presentations. The Company has sold customized commercial motion picture
equipment directly to special venue customers such as Imax Corporation, The
Walt Disney Company and Electrosonic Systems, Inc. for use at special venue
sites such as the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, IMAX Ridefilm Simulators,
Universal Studios and Busch Gardens. The Company works closely with its
customers to develop, design and engineer customized projection equipment to
accommodate various formats required for the special venue industry. The
Company manufactures 4, 5, 8 and 10 perforation 35mm and 70mm projection
systems for large-screen, simulation ride and planetarium applications and for
other venues that require special effects. The Company's ability as a fully
integrated manufacturer enables it to work closely with its customers from
initial concept and design through manufacturing to the customers'
specifications. The Company believes that its reputation for quality and
responsiveness provides a competitive advantage in these growing markets.
 
  Spotlights and Other Illumination Products
 
  The Company is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of long-
range follow spotlights in the U.S. and abroad. These spotlights are high-
intensity general use illumination products designed for both permanent
installations and touring applications. The Company's long-range follow
spotlights consist of eight basic models ranging in output from 400 watts to
3,000 watts. The Company's 400 watt spotlight model, which has a range of 20
to 150 feet, is compact, portable and appropriate for small venues and truss
mounting. The Company's 3,000 watt spotlight model, which has a range of 300
to 600 feet, is a high-intensity xenon light spotlight appropriate for large
theatres, arenas and stadiums. All of the Company's long-range follow
spotlights employ a variable focal length lens system which increases the
intensity of the light beam as it is narrowed from flood to spot. The
Company's long-range follow spotlights are marketed under the Strong(TM)
trademark under recognized brand names such as Super Trouper(R), Gladiator(TM)
and Roadie(TM).
 
  The Company sells its long-range follow spotlights through dealers to
equipment rental companies, arenas, stadiums, theme parks, theatres and
auditoriums. The Company's spotlight products are used in, among other venues,
the Toronto SkyDome, the United Center in Chicago, the RCA Dome in
Indianapolis, the Continental Airlines Arena in the New Jersey Meadowlands and
the Sheffield Arena in the United Kingdom, as well as at special venue sites
such as the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and in world tours by,
among others, the Rolling Stones, R.E.M. and Pink Floyd.
 
  In April 1997, the Company complemented its long-range follow spotlights
product line with the acquisition of substantially all of the net assets of
Xenotech. Xenotech is a leading manufacturer and supplier (through both rental
and outright sale) of high intensity searchlights and computer-based lighting
systems for the motion picture production, television, live entertainment,
theme park and architectural industries.
 
  Since its founding in 1986, Xenotech's specialty illumination products have
been used in numerous feature films including Batman, Terminator I, Terminator
II and Independence Day. Xenotech's products have also been
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
used at live performances such as the 1993 and 1994 Super Bowl half-time shows
and are currently illuminating such venues as the Luxor Hotel and Casino and
the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Xenotech markets its
products directly to customers in North America, Europe, South America and the
Pacific Rim. Although there can be no assurance, the Company believes that it
can expand Xenotech's sales without incurring significant additional expense
by utilizing the Company's existing international dealer network to sell
Xenotech products. In addition, certain previously outsourced components for
Xenotech products are expected to be manufactured by the Company at its
facility in Omaha, Nebraska beginning in the third quarter of 1997. The
Company's Xenotech products are marketed under the Xenotech(R) and
Britelights(R) trademarks.
 
  RESTAURANT PRODUCTS
 
  The Company's restaurant product line consists of commercial food service
equipment, principally pressure fryers, barbecue/slow roast ovens and
rotisserie ovens. The Company's pressure fryers account for the majority of
its commercial food service equipment net sales. The Company's restaurant
product line is marketed under the Flavor Crisp(R) and Flavor Pit(R)
trademarks. The Company's commercial food service equipment is supplemented by
seasonings, marinades and barbecue sauces manufactured to the Company's
specifications by The Golden Dipt Company and other food product contractors,
and by mesquite and hickory woods, paper serving products and point of
purchase displays.
 
  The Company sells its restaurant product line through dealers primarily to
independent convenience store/fast food restaurant operators. The Company also
sells its pressure fryers to equipment suppliers directly, on a private label
basis, for resale to major chains such as Pathmark and Wal-Mart for use in
their delicatessens and sit-down eateries.
 
SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
  The Company markets and sell its products primarily through a network of
over 200 domestic and international dealers to major movie exhibitors, ride
simulation operators, and sports arena and amusement park operators. The
Company also sells directly to end users. The Company employs seven sales and
marketing professionals, six customer service personnel and two technical
support personnel, based in the U.S., and two sales and marketing
professionals and six customer service/technical support personnel based at
Westrex in Hong Kong. The Company also services its customers in large part
through its dealer network. Sales and marketing professionals principally
develop business by maintaining regular, personal customer contact, including
conducting site visits, while customer service and technical support functions
are primarily centralized and dispatched when needed. The Company anticipates
that it will add one to two sales and marketing professionals as it executes
its international sales plan. In addition, the Company also markets its
products in trade publications such as Film Journal and Box Office and by
participating in annual major industry trade shows such as ShowWest in Las
Vegas, ShowEast in Atlantic City, CineAsia in Singapore and Cinema Expo in
Europe.
 
  The Company's sales and marketing professionals have extensive experience
with the Company's product lines. Each of the Company's U.S.-based commercial
motion picture projection equipment sales and marketing professionals have at
least 15 years of industry experience and have long-term relationships with
many current and potential customers. By virtue of these relationships, the
Company can anticipate marketplace demand, and alter its production schedule
accordingly. The Company believes that its continuing sales and marketing
focus on anticipating and addressing customer needs and providing consistent,
high-level service has enabled it to become the industry market leader.
 
 
  The Company provides a warranty to end users of substantially all of its
products, which generally covers a period of twelve months, but may be
extended under certain circumstances and for certain products. Under the
Company's warranty policy, the Company will repair or replace defective
products or components at its election. Costs of warranty service and product
replacements have not been material to the Company's financial results.
 
BACKLOG
 
  At December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company had backlogs of $4.9 million and
$10.0 million, respectively. At March 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company had a
backlog of $6.3 million and $16.4 million, respectively. Such
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
backlogs consisted of orders received with a definite shipping date. The
Company believes that its backlog is not seasonal in nature. Backlog figures
are not necessarily indicative of sales or income for any full twelve-month
period.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
  All of the Company's manufacturing operations, except for those relating to
Xenotech products, are conducted at its Omaha, Nebraska manufacturing
facility. The Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds realized from an
offering of shares of its Common Stock in August 1996 to recently convert
10,000 square feet of its Omaha, Nebraska manufacturing facility which was
unusable for manufacturing into usable space and added 20,000 square feet of
manufacturing space to such facility. The Company's manufacturing operations
consist primarily of engineering, quality control, testing, material planning,
machining, fabricating, assembly, and packaging and shipping. The Company
believes that Omaha's central location has served to reduce the Company's
transportation costs and delivery times of products to the East and West
Coasts of the U.S. The Company's manufacturing strategy is to (i) minimize
costs through manufacturing efficiencies, (ii) employ flexible assembly
processes that allow the Company to customize certain of its products and
adjust the relative mix of theatre and restaurant products to meet demand,
(iii) reduce labor costs through the increased use of computerized numerical
control machines for the machining of products and (iv) use outside
contractors as necessary to meet increased customer demand. In order to react
effectively to customer demand and to avoid shipment delays, the Company seeks
to maintain an inventory of components, materials and assembled products in
quantities sufficient to meet approximately four months of expected sales.
 
  The Company currently manufactures the majority of the components used in
its products. The Company believes that its integrated manufacturing
operations help maintain the high quality of its products and its ability to
customize products to customer specifications. The principal raw materials and
components used in the Company's manufacturing processes include aluminum,
solid state electronic sub-assemblies and sheet metal. The Company utilizes a
single contract manufacturer for each of its film platters, intermittent
movement components and lenses for its commercial motion picture projection
equipment and aluminum kettles for its pressure fryers. See "Risk Factors--
Limited Sources for Certain Components."
 
QUALITY CONTROL
 
  The Company believes that its design standards, quality control procedures,
and the quality standards for the materials and components used in its
products have contributed significantly to the reputation of its products for
high performance and reliability. The Company has implemented a quality
control program for its theatre and restaurant product lines which is designed
to ensure compliance with the Company's manufacturing and assembly
specifications and the requirements of its customers. Essential elements of
this program are the inspection of materials and components received from
suppliers and the monitoring and testing of all of the Company's products
during various stages of production and assembly.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  The Company's ability to compete successfully depends, in part, upon its
continued close work with its existing and new customers. The Company focuses
its research and development efforts on the development of new products based
on its customers' requirements, including the development of products used for
special venues. The Company believes that the introduction of more special
venue products will provide opportunity for further growth, both domestically
and internationally.
 
COMPETITION
 
  Although the Company has a leading position in the domestic motion picture
projection equipment market, the domestic and international markets for
commercial motion picture projection equipment are highly competitive. Major
competitors for the Company's motion picture projection equipment include
Christie Electric Corporation, Cinemeccanica SpA and Kinoton GmbH. In addition
to existing motion picture equipment
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
manufacturers, the Company may also encounter competition from new
competitors, as well as from new types of equipment. No assurance can be given
that the equipment manufactured by the Company will not become obsolete as
technology advances. Certain of the Company's competitors for its motion
picture projection equipment have significantly greater resources than the
Company. The Company competes in the commercial motion picture projection
equipment industry primarily on the basis of quality, fulfillment and
delivery, price, after-sale technical support and product customization
capabilities.
 
  The markets for the Company's long-range follow spotlight, other
illumination and restaurant products are highly competitive. The Company
competes in the illumination industry primarily on the basis of quality, price
and product line variety. The Company competes in the restaurant products
industry primarily on the basis of price and equipment design. Certain of the
Company's competitors for its long-range follow spotlights, other illumination
and restaurant products have significantly greater resources than the Company.
Competitors for the Company's long-range follow spotlight products include
Lycian, Ushio, Pani and Kupo.
 
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
 
  The Company owns or otherwise has rights to trademarks used in conjunction
with the sale of its products. The following trademarks are considered
significant in terms of the current and contemplated operations of the
Company: "Strong(TM)," "Simplex(TM)," "Century(R)," "Optimax(R),"
"Ballantyne(TM)," "Super Trouper(R)," "Gladiator(TM)," "Roadie(TM),"
"Britelights(R)," "Xenotech(R)," "Flavor Crisp(R)" and "Flavor Pit(R)." These
trademarks are protected by registration or common law in the U.S.The
"Century(R)" trademark is also protected by registration and common law in the
People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom and Australia. The Company's
registered trademarks expire between the years 1999 and 2008. ISCO-Optic is a
trademark of ISCO-Optic GmbH.
 
  The Company believes that its success will not be dependent upon patent
protection, but rather upon its scientific and engineering "know-how" and
research and production techniques. To the knowledge of the Company, there are
no claims or suits threatened, pending or contemplated against it for
infringement of any patents or trademarks.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  The Company's headquarters and main manufacturing facility are located at
4350 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska, where it owns a building consisting of
approximately 160,000 square feet on approximately 10.5 acres. The premises
are used for offices and for the manufacture, assembly and distribution of its
products, other than those included within the Xenotech product line. The
Company recently converted 10,000 square feet of such facility which was
unusable for manufacturing into usable space and added 20,000 square feet of
manufacturing space to such facility. The Company's manufacturing facility for
Xenotech products is located at 7348 Bellaire Avenue, North Hollywood,
California, where it leases a building consisting of approximately 24,500
square feet on approximately one acre. The Company also leases a sales office
in San Dimas, California and a marketing, distribution and service facility in
Hong Kong.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  At May 22, 1997, the Company had a total of 275 employees of which three
were executive officers, 21 were managerial or supervisory personnel, 146 were
manufacturing or production personnel, 19 were product engineering, design and
development personnel, and 86 were administrative, sales, service or
warehousing and shipping employees. The Company is not a party to any
collective bargaining agreement and believes that its relationship with its
employees is good.
 
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is involved from time to time in litigation arising out of its
operations in the normal course of business. As of the date of this
Prospectus, there were no material pending legal proceedings to which the
Company was a party or to which any of its properties were subject.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  The Company's operations involve the handling and use of substances that are
subject to Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that
impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the soil, air and water
and establish standards for their storage and disposal. A risk of
environmental liabilities is inherent in manufacturing activities. The Company
believes that it is in material compliance with environmental laws, but there
can be no assurance that future additional environmental compliance or
remediation obligations will not arise or that such operations could not have
material adverse effect on the Company. The Company does not anticipate any
material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities during
1997. See "Risk Factors--Environmental Matters."
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  The directors and executive officers of the Company at May 23, 1997 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                 AGE POSITION
                ----                 --- --------
<S>                                  <C> <C>
Arnold S. Tenney (1)................  54 Chairman of the Board and Director
Ronald H. Echtenkamp................  63 Vice Chairman of the Board and Director
John P. Wilmers (1).................  52 President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                          Director
Ray F. Boegner......................  47 Senior Vice President
Brad J. French......................  44 Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
                                          Treasurer
Colin G. Campbell (1)(2)............  41 Director
Jeffrey D. Chelin (2)...............  45 Director
Marshall S. Geller..................  58 Director
Yale Richards (1)(2)................  75 Director
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of the Compensation Committee
(2) Member of the Audit Committee
 
  Arnold S. Tenney has been a director of the Company since 1988 and its
Chairman of the Board since 1992. Mr. Tenney has been a director, the
President and Chairman of the Board of ARC since 1978 and a director and the
Chairman of the Board of Cabletel since 1985. Cabletel, a leading broadline
supplier of equipment for the cable television industry in Canada and a
subsidiary of ARC. ARC and Cabletel are both publicly-traded companies. Mr.
Tenney is also Chairman of the Board of Canrad Inc., ARC Ice and Canrad
Delaware.
 
  Ronald H. Echtenkamp has been a director of the Company since 1993, its
President from 1981 until February 28, 1997 and its Chief Executive Officer
from 1991 until February 28, 1997. Mr. Echtenkamp resigned as President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company on February 28, 1997 and terminated his
full-time employment with the Company on May 1, 1997. In connection with his
resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr.
Echtenkamp was elected Vice Chairman of the Board. Mr. Echtenkamp joined the
Company as National Sales Manager for Restaurant Products in 1969 and was
appointed Vice President of Marketing for Restaurant and Theatre Products in
1979. Mr. Echtenkamp is a member of the Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers, Motion Picture Pioneers, Nebraska Variety Club, Theatre
Equipment Association, National Restaurant Association and National Food
Equipment Manufacturers.
 
  John P. Wilmers has been a director of the Company since September 1995 and
served as Executive Vice President, Sales from 1992 until February 28, 1997.
On March 1, 1997, Mr. Wilmers was elected President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company. Mr. Wilmers joined the Company in 1981 as National
Sales Manager for Theatre Products. He was promoted to Vice President in 1988.
He is the past President of the Theatre Equipment Association, a member of the
Nebraska Variety Club and a sustaining member of the Society of Motion Picture
and Television Engineers.
 
  Ray F. Boegner has held various sales and marketing positions with the
Company since January 1985. In November 1996, Mr. Boegner was elected Senior
Vice President of the Company. He is responsible for and supervises the
Company's global sales and marketing activities. Mr. Boegner became an
executive officer of the Company on May 22, 1997.
 
  Brad J. French joined the Company in 1990 as Controller and was named
Secretary and Treasurer in 1992. Mr. French was named Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in January 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. French held
several accounting positions with UTBHL, Inc. (f/k/a Hanovia Lamp Inc.), a
subsidiary of Canrad Inc.
 
  Colin G. Campbell has been a director of the Company since August 1995. Mr.
Campbell is a self-employed businessman based in Toronto, Ontario who has
provided financial advisory and consulting services through his company, The
Castlestone Company, to corporate clients since September 1993. From August
1990 to August
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
1993, Mr. Campbell provided similar services through another consulting firm,
The Highbridge Group, a company of which Mr. Campbell was an owner. Prior to
becoming self-employed in August 1990, Mr. Campbell spent eleven years in
various commercial and investment banking positions with several Canadian
financial institutions, including Citibank Canada's venture capital
subsidiary.
 
  Jeffrey D. Chelin has been a director of the Company since June 1995. Mr.
Chelin is the Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of ARC and
has served in that capacity since March 1992. From 1986 until February 1992,
Mr. Chelin served as Controller and Assistant Secretary of ARC. Mr. Chelin has
been a member of the board of directors of ARC since October 1986. He is
responsible for the overall financial management of ARC and its subsidiaries.
Mr. Chelin also serves as (i) a director and the Treasurer and Secretary of
Cabletel and (ii) a director, Vice President and the Secretary of Canrad Inc.,
ARC Ice and Canrad Delaware.
 
  Marshall S. Geller has been a director of the Company since January 1996.
Mr. Geller is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Geller & Friend Capital
Partners, Inc. ("Geller & Friend"), a merchant banking firm, and has served in
such capacity since 1995. Mr. Geller was managing partner of Golenberg &
Geller, Inc. from 1991 through 1995. On May 31, 1995, Las Vegas Major League
Sports, Inc., a corporation of which Mr. Geller was a director and a
controlling shareholder, filed a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Mr. Geller currently serves as a director of
Hexcel Corp., Players International, Inc., Styles on Video, Inc., Dycam, Inc.
and Value Vision, International, Inc.
 
  Yale Richards has been a director of the Company since September 1995. Since
October 1994, Mr. Richards has been a senior partner in the law firm of Marks
Clare & Richards located in Omaha, Nebraska. From 1979 to September 1994, Mr.
Richards was a partner in the law firm of Richards Riekes & Zabin located in
Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Richards has been engaged in the private practice of law
in Nebraska since 1947. Mr. Richards also has served as counsel to the Theatre
Equipment Association since 1971.
 
  Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is divided into
three classes. Messrs. Tenney and Geller are Class I directors, Messrs.
Echtenkamp, Chelin and Richards are Class II directors, and Messrs. Wilmers
and Campbell are Class III directors. The terms of the Class I, Class II and
Class III directors expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in
1999, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Officers are elected annually by the Board
and serve at the discretion of the Board.
 
BOARD POLICY REGARDING RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Board has adopted a policy providing that (i) any contract or
transaction material to the Company, between the Company or any of its
subsidiaries and ARC or any of its Affiliates, or in which ARC or any of its
Affiliates has a financial interest, and any decisions regarding the
modification, renewal or enforcement of the terms of any such contract or
transaction, to the extent such contract or transaction is executed or such
modification, renewal or enforcement is effected subsequent to July 10, 1996
or (ii) the declaration of any dividend on the Common Stock of the Company
subsequent to July 10, 1996, must be approved by a majority of the Company's
Independent Directors. For the purpose of such policy, an "Affiliate" of ARC
means (a) any individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust, estate
or other entity or organization that directly or indirectly controls, is
controlled by or is under direct or indirect common control with ARC
(excluding the Company or any of its subsidiaries) or (b) any officer,
director or employee of ARC or any of its Affiliates (excluding the Company or
any of its subsidiaries), and "Independent Director" means a director of the
Company who is not an Affiliate of ARC.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  Directors who are employees of the Company or ARC are not compensated for
serving as directors. Directors who are not employees of the Company or ARC
are paid $600 for attendance at meetings of the Board and $300 for all
meetings of the Board held by teleconference. Directors of the Company are
reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in carrying out their duties as
directors. Outside directors are entitled to participate in the Company's
Outside Directors Stock Option Plan. See "--Employee Benefit Plans--Outside
Directors Plan."
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  There are no reportable compensation committee interlocks or insider
participation transactions. See "--Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last
Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Values--Employment Contracts."
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation paid to the
Chief Executive Officer and three other executive officers of the Company
whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for each of the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ANNUAL COMPENSATION               LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                         -------------------------------------- ------------------------------
                                                                       AWARDS          PAYOUTS
                                                                ---------------------  -------
                                                                           SECURITIES
                                                      OTHER     RESTRICTED UNDERLYING              ALL
   NAME AND PRINCIPAL                                 ANNUAL      STOCK     OPTIONS/    LTIP      OTHER
        POSITION         YEAR  SALARY      BONUS   COMPENSATION  AWARD(S)     SARS     PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
   ------------------    ---- --------    -------- ------------ ---------- ----------  ------- ------------
<S>                      <C>  <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>     <C>
Ronald H. Echtenkamp,... 1996 $178,500(1) $320,676    $ --        $ --      123,750     $ --      $ --
 President, Chief Execu- 1995  202,500(1)  215,000      --          --      123,750       --        --
  tive                   1994  202,500(1)  175,000      --          --       25,000(4)    --        --
  Officer and Direc-
  tor(2)(3)
John P. Wilmers,........ 1996  152,269     215,000      --          --       66,000       --        --
 Executive Vice Presi-   1995  139,050     100,786      --          --       66,000       --        --
  dent, Sales and
  Director(2)(5)
                         1994  131,325      85,000      --          --          --        --        --
Ray F. Boegner,......... 1996   95,275      80,000      --          --       33,000       --        --
 Senior Vice President   1995   88,164      50,000      --          --       33,000       --        --
  (2)(6)
                         1994   83,430      35,000      --          --          --        --        --
Brad J. French,......... 1996   88,065      60,000      --          --       33,000       --        --
 Chief Financial         1995   81,370      40,000      --          --       33,000       --        --
  Officer,
 Secretary and Treasur-  1994   77,250      35,000      --          --          --        --        --
  er(2)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Salary includes $24,000 for 1996 and $48,000 for 1995 and 1994 which has
    been deferred pursuant to Mr. Echtenkamp's employment contract.
(2) Salary includes amounts paid by the Company pursuant to the Retirement and
    Savings Plan equal to $4,500 per annum for Mr. Echtenkamp, $4,269, $4,050
    and $3,825 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for Mr. Wilmers, $2,775,
    $2,664 and $2,430 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for Mr. Boegner
    and $2,565, $2,370 and $2,250 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for
    Mr. French. See "--Employee Benefit Plans--Retirement and Savings Plan."
(3) Mr. Echtenkamp served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
    Company during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.
    Mr. Echtenkamp continued to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer
    of the Company until his resignation on February 28, 1997. In connection
    with his resignation, Mr. Echtenkamp was elected to the office of Vice
    Chairman of the Board and remains as a part-time consultant of the
    Company.
(4) Award consists of an option to purchase common shares of ARC at an
    exercise price of $3.00 per share through February 14, 1998.
(5) Mr. Wilmers served as Executive Vice President, Sales of the Company
    during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. Mr.
    Wilmers continued to serve as Executive Vice President, Sales of the
    Company until February 28, 1997. On March 1, 1997, Mr. Wilmers was elected
    President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
(6) Mr. Boegner served as Vice President of Sales of the Company during the
    fiscal years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and from January 1, 1996
    until November 19, 1996. On November 20, 1996, Mr. Boegner became Senior
    Vice President of the Company. On May 22, 1997, Mr. Boegner became an
    executive officer of the Company.
 
  There were no stock options granted during fiscal year 1996.
 
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END
OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to exercised and
unexercised options and SARs, if any, during 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                           UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED   VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                              OPTIONS/SARS AT     IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS
                          SHARES            FISCAL YEAR END (#)    AT FISCAL YEAR END ($)
                         ACQUIRED          ---------------------- -------------------------
                            ON     VALUE     EXERCISABLE ("EX")      EXERCISABLE ("EX")
          NAME           EXERCISE REALIZED  UNEXERCISABLE ("UN")    UNEXERCISABLE ("UN")
- ------------------------ -------- -------- ---------------------- -------------------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>                    <C>
Ronald H. Echtenkamp....     0        0       25,000 ("Ex")(1)           18,750 ("Ex")(1)
                                                123,750 ("Ex")        1,152,113 ("Ex")
John P. Wilmers.........     0        0          66,000 ("Ex")          614,460 ("Ex")
Ray F. Boegner..........     0        0          33,000 ("Ex")          307,230 ("Ex")
Brad J. French..........     0        0          33,000 ("Ex")          307,230 ("Ex")
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Award consists of option to purchase common shares of ARC at an exercise
    price of $3.00 per share through February 14, 1998.
 
  There were no awards granted during 1996 under any long term incentive plan.
The Company does not maintain any defined benefit or actuarial plan.
 
  Employment Contracts
 
  Mr. Echtenkamp's employment agreement with the Company expired on March 31,
1997. This agreement entitles Mr. Echtenkamp to receive deferred compensation
in the amount of $5,000 per month for twenty-four months ending May 1, 1999.
The agreement restricts Mr. Echtenkamp from competing against the Company in
the U.S. until March 31, 2000 and further contains certain anti-solicitation
and confidentiality provisions.
 
  Mr. Echtenkamp resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company on February 28, 1997 and terminated his full-time employment with the
Company on May 1, 1997. In connection with his resignation as President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Echtenkamp was elected Vice
Chairman of the Board and entered into a part-time consulting agreement with
the Company on March 3, 1997. Mr. Echtenkamp is required under the consulting
agreement to devote forty days of his time toward identifying potential
acquisition targets for the Company. As compensation for his services, Mr.
Echtenkamp receives $4,500 per month plus reimbursement for all out-of-pocket
expenses incurred on behalf of the Company. In the event that Mr. Echtenkamp
devotes more than forty days of his time under the consulting agreement, he
will receive additional compensation at the rate of $700 per day. Mr.
Echtenkamp's consulting agreement expires on December 31, 1997.
 
  Mr. Wilmers entered into an employment agreement in January 1997, whereby he
became employed full-time as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. The agreement is for a term of five years, subject to automatic
renewal for successive one-year periods and to earlier termination as provided
therein. The agreement, among other things, provides for an annual base salary
of $165,000 and entitles Mr. Wilmers to receive up to 40% of the annual bonus
pool established pursuant to the Profit Sharing Plan. The agreement also
contains a salary continuation provision in the event of a sale of the
Company, whether by a sale of stock or assets. Under the salary continuation
provision, if at the time of such sale the remaining term of the agreement is
less than three years, the purchaser of the Company has ninety days from the
closing date of the sale of the Company to elect to extend the term of the
agreement for a period of three years measured from the closing date of such
sale. In the event such election is not timely made, Mr. Wilmers is entitled
to receive his base salary following the termination of the agreement until
the expiration of three years following the closing date of the sale of the
Company.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  Mr. Boegner entered into an employment agreement in November 1996, whereby
he became employed full-time as Senior Vice President of the Company. The
agreement is for a term of five years, subject to automatic renewal for
successive one-year periods and to earlier termination as provided therein.
The agreement provides for, among other things, an annual base salary of
$105,000 beginning in 1997 and participation in the Profit Sharing Plan. The
agreement restricts Mr. Boegner from competing against the Company in the U.S.
for a period of three years following the termination or expiration of such
agreement and further contains certain anti-solicitation and confidentiality
provisions.
 
  The Company does not maintain any other employment contracts, termination of
employment or change in control arrangements for named executive officers.
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Profit Sharing Plan
 
  Mr. Echtenkamp participated during 1996 and Messrs. Wilmers, Boegner and
French participate in a management and sales bonus plan (the "Profit Sharing
Plan") pursuant to which such employees are entitled to earn annual cash
bonuses if the Company achieves specific levels of operating profit that are
established by the Board. The Profit Sharing Plan is calculated at 14% of
operating income (income before income taxes, but after management fees,
amortization of goodwill, other costs associated with acquisitions, and
interest on debt incurred with respect to acquisitions of businesses or of
plant and capital equipment) in excess of the Equity Threshold. For purposes
of the Profit Sharing Plan, the term "Equity Threshold" is defined as 20% of
the Company's book value at the beginning of the year for which the bonuses
are calculated. The calculation of the annual bonus pool is subject to the
approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board. The distribution of the
pool among members of management is determined by Mr. Wilmers subject to
approval by the Compensation Committee. The Chief Executive Officer, currently
Mr. Wilmers, is entitled to receive no more than 40% of the pool. The
restriction that no participant may receive an amount in excess of 150% of
such participant's base salary was eliminated retroactive to January 1, 1996
and Mr. Echtenkamp's employment contract was also revised to eliminate this
provision retroactive to January 1, 1996. Amounts paid to Messrs. Echtenkamp,
Wilmers, Boegner and French pursuant to the Profit Sharing Plan are included
in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
  Retirement and Savings Plan
 
  The Company has adopted a Retirement and Savings Plan (the "Retirement and
Savings Plan"), which is a combination savings and profit sharing plan
designed to qualify under Section 401 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), including the provisions of Section 401(k). All
full-time employees of the Company who are at least twenty-one years old and
who have completed one year of service are eligible to participate in the
Retirement and Savings Plan.
 
  Each participant may contribute an amount up to 6% of such participant's
salary to the matching portion of the Retirement and Savings Plan, and such
participant may make supplemental contributions up to an additional 9% of such
participant's salary. These supplemental contributions are not eligible for
matching contributions from the Company. The Company's matching contribution
is $0.50 for each dollar contributed by the participant to the matching
portion of the Retirement and Savings Plan. In addition, the Company may
elect, in the discretion of the Board, to contribute an additional amount. All
contributions to the Retirement and Savings Plan are nonforfeitable. For 1996,
no participant was permitted to contribute more than $9,500 to the Retirement
and Savings Plan.
 
  Benefits may be distributed to participants or their beneficiaries, as the
case may be, in the event of a participant's death, retirement or other
termination of service, or, if the participant so requests, on reaching age 59
1/2. Participants may be eligible to withdraw benefits in case of hardship.
 
  Contributions to the Retirement and Savings Plan made by the Company on
behalf of Messrs. Echtenkamp, Wilmers, Boegner and French are included in the
Summary Compensation Table.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
  Stock Option Plan
 
  In September 1995, the Company adopted a stock option plan which provides
for the granting of incentive stock options ("ISOs") within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Code and for the granting of non-qualified stock options
("NQSOs") to employees, officers and directors and such other persons
rendering substantial services to the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Stock
Option Plan"). Only employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries are
eligible to receive ISOs.
 
  The Stock Option Plan is administered by a committee (the "Stock Option Plan
Committee") consisting of not less than a number of "disinterested persons"
(as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) who are also
"outside directors" (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code) so as
to qualify the Stock Option Committee to administer the Stock Option Plan as
contemplated by Rule 16b-3 and Section 162(m), respectively. The members of
the Stock Option Plan Committee are not permitted to participate in the Stock
Option Plan.
 
  Subject to the express terms of the Stock Option Plan, the Stock Option Plan
Committee has the authority to administer the Stock Option Plan in its sole
and absolute discretion, including, but not limited to, the authority to
construe and interpret the Stock Option Plan and the authority to determine
the eligible individuals who shall be granted options and the number of
options to be granted, the vesting period, if any, for all options granted,
the date on which any option becomes first exercisable, the number of shares
of Common Stock subject to each option, the exercise price for the shares of
Common Stock subject to each option and whether the option to be granted is an
ISO or a NQSO.
 
  The per share exercise price of ISOs granted under the Stock Option Plan
cannot be less than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the
date of grant (110% of fair market value in the case of an ISO granted to any
person who, at the time the ISO is granted, owns (or is considered as owning
within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than
10% of the total combined voting powers of all classes of stock of the Company
or any parent or subsidiary (a "10% Owner")). With respect to NQSOs, the per
share exercise price will be determined by the Stock Option Plan Committee on
the date of grant, but will not be less than 85% of the fair market value of a
share of Common Stock on the date of grant. Each option shall vest and become
first exercisable as determined by the Stock Option Plan Committee. The terms
of options granted under the Stock Option Plan may not exceed ten years (or
five years for any incentive stock option granted to a 10% Owner).
 
  In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Stock Option Plan),
unless otherwise determined by the Stock Option Plan Committee at the time of
grant or by amendment (with the holder's consent) of such grant, all options
not vested on or prior to the effective time of any such Change of Control
shall immediately vest as of such effective time. The Stock Option Plan
Committee in its discretion may make provisions for the assumption of
outstanding options, or the substitution for outstanding options of new
incentive awards covering the stock of a successor corporation or a parent or
subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of
shares and prices so as to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights. The
Stock Option Plan contains customary anti-dilution provisions which provide
that in the event of a recapitalization, a change in the outstanding capital
stock of the Company or certain other events, an adjustment shall be made, as
determined by the Stock Option Plan Committee in its sole discretion, in the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the
Stock Option Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock available for any
individual awards, and the number and exercise price of shares of Common Stock
subject to outstanding options under the Stock Option Plan.
 
  Options granted under the Stock Option Plan are not assignable or
transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Stock
Option Plan may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Board, except
that: (i) any revision or amendment that would cause the Stock Option Plan to
fail to comply with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, Sections 422 or 162(m) of
the Code or any other requirement of applicable law or regulation if not
approved by stockholders shall not be effective until such stockholder
approval is obtained; and (ii) no such action may impair rights under a
previously granted option unless consented to in writing by such option
holder. No options may be granted under the Stock Option Plan after its tenth
anniversary but options theretofore granted may extend beyond such date.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
  At May 22, 1997, options covering an aggregate of 573,500 shares were
outstanding under the Stock Option Plan and 25,200 shares of Common Stock
remained available for issuance under the Stock Option Plan. On April 2, 1997,
the Board adopted, subject to stockholder approval, amendments to the Stock
Option Plan which would increase the number of shares of Common Stock that may
be issued under the Stock Option Plan from 660,000 shares to 1,060,000 shares
and limit the number of shares of Common Stock underlying options that may be
awarded to any participant in any calendar year to 75,000.
 
  Outside Directors Plan
 
  In September 1995, the Company adopted an outside directors stock option
plan (the "Outside Directors Plan") which provides for the granting of NQSOs
to each director of the Company who: (i) is neither an employee nor an officer
of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company on the date of
the grant of an option and (ii) has not elected to decline to participate in
the Outside Directors Plan pursuant to an irrevocable one-time election made
within 30 days after first becoming a director. Three directors currently
qualify as participants under the Outside Directors Plan. The Company has
reserved for issuance 165,000 shares of Common Stock under the Outside
Directors Plan (subject to adjustment as described below). At May 22, 1997,
options covering an aggregate of 74,250 shares were outstanding under the
Outside Directors Plan and 90,750 shares of Common Stock remained available
for issuance under the Outside Directors Plan.
 
  The Outside Directors Plan is administered by a committee (the "Outside
Directors Plan Committee") currently consisting of two individuals, Messrs.
Chelin and French. Members of the Outside Directors Plan Committee are not
entitled to participate in the Outside Directors Plan. Subject to the limits
imposed by the terms of the Outside Directors Plan, the Outside Directors Plan
Committee has the power to administer the Outside Directors Plan in its sole
and absolute discretion; provided, however, that the Outside Directors Plan
Committee has no authority to grant NQSOs, to determine the number of shares
of Common Stock subject to NQSOs or the price at which each share of Common
Stock covered by a NQSO may be purchased pursuant to the Outside Directors
Plan.
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Outside Directors Plan, amendments to which
were approved June 11, 1996, any person who is a non-employee director after
the effective date of the Outside Directors Plan shall be granted NQSOs to
purchase 24,750 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as described
below) on the business day following such effective date. With respect to any
non-employee director who first becomes a member of the Board after the
effective date of the Outside Directors Plan, NQSOs shall be granted to
purchase 24,750 shares of Common Stock on the business day following his
election to the Board. Additional NQSOs to purchase 24,750 shares of Common
Stock will be granted automatically to each non-employee director on the next
business day after the third consecutive Annual Meeting of the Company's
Stockholders ("Annual Meeting") following his initial election to the Board
and on the next business day after every third Annual Meeting thereafter,
provided that the non-employee director is a member of the Board on the date
of such grant. NQSOs shall be granted in the aforesaid manner until the date
on which shares of Common Stock available for grant shall no longer be
sufficient to permit grants of NQSOs covering 24,750 shares of Common Stock to
be made to each non-employee director entitled to a grant as of such date, in
which event the shares of Common Stock then available for grant shall be
allocated on a pro rata basis among the non-employee directors entitled to a
grant of NQSOs as of such date. All NQSOs granted to non-employee directors
vest and become first exercisable at the rate of (i) 8,250 shares of Common
Stock on the next succeeding business day following such non-employee
director's initial election to the Board and (ii) 8,250 at the next business
day after each Annual Meeting thereafter. Each NQSO will have a term of five
years from the date of grant and will have a per share exercise price equal to
the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. This
provision may not be amended more than once every six months, other than to
comply with changes in the Code or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.
 
  In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Outside Directors
Plan), unless otherwise determined by the Outside Directors Plan Committee at
the time of grant or by amendment (with the holder's consent) of such grant,
all NQSOs not vested on or prior to the effective time of any such Change of
Control shall immediately vest as of such effective time. The Outside
Directors Plan Committee in its discretion may make provisions for the
assumption of outstanding NQSOs, or the substitution for outstanding NQSOs of
new incentive
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
awards covering the stock of a successor corporation or a parent or subsidiary
thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and
prices so as to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights; provided, however,
that no such adjustment shall be made if the adjustment would cause the
Outside Directors Plan to fail to comply with the "formula award" exception,
as set forth in Rule 16b-3(c)(2)(ii) under the Exchange Act, for grants of
NQSOs to non-employee directors. The Outside Directors Plan contains customary
anti-dilution provisions which provide that in the event of any
recapitalization, change in the Company's outstanding capital stock, or
certain other events, an adjustment shall be made, as determined by the
Outside Directors Plan Committee in its sole discretion, in the aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Outside
Directors Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock available for any
individual awards, and the number and exercise price of shares of Common Stock
subject to outstanding NQSOs under the Outside Directors Plan, provided,
however, that no such adjustment shall be made if the adjustment would cause
the Outside Directors Plan to fail to comply with the "formula award"
exception, as set forth in Rule 16b-3(c)(2)(ii) under the Exchange Act.
 
  NQSOs are not assignable or transferable except by will or the laws of
descent and distribution. The Outside Directors Plan may be amended, suspended
or terminated by the Board, except that: (i) any revision or amendment that
would cause the Outside Directors Plan to fail to comply with Rule 16b-3 of
the Exchange Act or any other requirement of applicable law or regulation if
not approved by stockholders shall not be effective until stockholder approval
is obtained and (ii) no such action may impair rights under a previously
granted NQSO unless consented to in writing by such option holder. No options
may be granted under the Outside Directors Plan after its tenth anniversary
but NQSOs theretofore granted may extend beyond such date.
 
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
  In October 1995, the Company adopted an employee stock purchase plan (the
"Employee Stock Purchase Plan") which qualifies as an "employee stock purchase
plan" under Section 423 of the Code. The purpose of the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan is to provide a method by which employees may purchase shares of
Common Stock on a discounted basis through payroll deductions. The Company has
reserved for issuance 150,000 shares of Common Stock under the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (subject to adjustment as described below), of which 9,695
shares have been issued thereunder. All employees of the Company whose
customary employment is twenty hours or more per week and who have been in the
continuous employ of the Company for at least ninety days are eligible to
participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, employees who own 5% or more of the Common Stock of the Company are
not eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
  The Employee Stock Purchase Plan will be comprised of five consecutive
twelve-month offering periods (each, an "Offering Period"), each commencing on
the first business day in November for each of the years 1995 through 1999 and
ending on the last business day in October for each of the years 1996 through
2000. At the end of each Offering Period, each eligible employee who has
elected to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan shall receive
shares of Common Stock in an amount determined by dividing the employee's
accumulated payroll deductions made during the Offering Period (which
deductions are restricted to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of an employee's
salary) by 85% of the average high and low market prices of a share of Common
Stock on the AMEX on the first day or the last day of the Offering Period,
whichever is lower. The maximum number of shares that may be purchased by an
employee in any Offering Period is 1,000 (subject to adjustment as described
below).
 
  The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is administered by a committee (the
"Employee Stock Purchase Plan Committee") consisting of no less than two
members of the Board. Members of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Committee
who are eligible employees will be permitted to participate in the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan contains customary anti-
dilution provisions which provide that in the event of a recapitalization, a
change in the outstanding capital stock of the Company and certain other
events, an adjustment shall be made, as determined by the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan Committee, in the number and/or kind of shares which are subject
to purchase under outstanding options, the stock price applicable to such
outstanding options, and the number and/or kind of shares which may be offered
in each subsequent Offering Period.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
                      PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership at May 22, 1997, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the Common
Stock offered hereby, by: (i) all persons known by the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the Common Stock, (ii) each director and
executive officer of the Company, (iii) all directors and executive officers
of the Company as a group and (iv) each Selling Stockholder. Except as
otherwise noted, the Company believes that the persons listed below have sole
investment and voting power with respect to the Common Stock owned by them.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               SHARES                                SHARES
                            BENEFICIALLY                          BENEFICIALLY
                           OWNED PRIOR TO                        OWNED AFTER THE
                            THE OFFERING                            OFFERING
                               (2)(3)                               (2)(3)(4)
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND   --------------------- SHARES BEING    ---------------------
5% STOCKHOLDERS (1)        NUMBER       PERCENT OFFERED (4)      NUMBER       PERCENT
- -----------------------   ---------     ------- ------------    ---------     -------
<S>                       <C>           <C>     <C>             <C>           <C>
ARC International Corpo-
 ration.................  4,323,000(5)   50.3%   1,705,000      2,618,000      29.6%
 4000 Chesswood Drive
 Downsview, Ontario
 Canada M3J 2B9
Arnold S. Tenney........    183,975(6)    2.1       50,000(7)     133,975       1.5
Ronald H. Echtenkamp....    146,673(8)    1.7          --         146,673       1.6
John P. Wilmers.........    105,989(9)    1.2          --         105,989       1.2
Ray F. Boegner..........     61,989(10)     *          --          61,989         *
Brad J. French..........     43,971(11)     *          --          43,971         *
Colin G. Campbell.......     16,500(12)     *       12,000         12,750(13)     *
Jeffrey D. Chelin.......     24,750(14)     *       12,000         12,750         *
Marshall S. Geller......     79,054(15)     *       12,000(16)     28,590(17)     *
Yale Richards...........     18,300(18)     *          --          26,550(19)     *
All Directors and Execu-
 tive Officers as a
 group (9 persons)......    681,201(20)   7.4       86,000        573,237       6.1
<CAPTION>
OTHER SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS (21)
- -----------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>     <C>             <C>           <C>
Merita Bank Ltd.........    323,400(22)   3.8      108,000        215,600       2.4
 437 Madison Avenue
 New York, New York
  10022
Geller & Friend Capital
 Partners, Inc..........     46,714(23)     *       46,714            --        --
 1875 Century Park East
 Suite 2200
 Los Angeles, California
  90067
Anthony Mazzarella......     17,500(24)     *       10,000          7,500       --
Steve Weinress..........      1,130(25)     *        1,130            --        --
Carl Frankson...........      3,503(26)     *        3,503            --        --
Greg Presson............      3,503(27)     *        3,503            --        --
Kenneth Fader...........         75(28)     *           75            --        --
Marge Goddard...........         75(29)     *           75            --        --
</TABLE>
- --------
  *  Less than 1%
 (1) The business address of Messrs. Tenney and Chelin is c/o ARC
     International Corporation, 4000 Chesswood Drive, Downsview, Ontario,
     Canada M3J 2B9. The business address of Messrs. Echtenkamp, Wilmers,
     Boegner and French is c/o Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., 4350 McKinley
     Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112. The business address of Marshall S. Geller
     is c/o Geller & Friend Capital Partners, Inc., 1875 Century Park East,
     Suite 2200, Los Angeles, California 90067. The business address of Mr.
     Richards is c/o Marks Clare & Richards, 11605 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite
     300, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.
 (2) Based upon 8,602,519 shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the
     Offering and 8,850,269 shares of Common Stock outstanding after the
     Offering. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities
     that can be acquired by such person within 60 days from the date of this
     Prospectus upon exercise of options or warrants. Each beneficial owner's
     percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options or warrants
     that are held by such person and that are exercisable within 60 days from
     the date of this
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
     Prospectus have been exercised. However, the shares of Common Stock so
     issuable upon such exercise by any such person are not included in
     calculating the percentage of Common Stock beneficially owned by any other
     stockholder.
 (3) In connection with the Company's initial public offering, Canrad Delaware
     and Messrs. Tenney, Echtenkamp, Wilmers, Campbell, Chelin and Richards
     entered into an agreement with the managing underwriters of such offering
     to vote, during the two-year period ending September 12, 1997, all shares
     of voting capital stock of the Company beneficially owned by him or it in
     the same proportion as the votes cast by persons other than such named
     person's voting shares of the same class or series with respect to any
     liquidation, merger or business combination in which the Company is not
     the surviving entity, or the sale by the Company of all or substantially
     all of its assets.
 (4) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. If the
     over-allotment option is exercised in full, the number of Shares Being
     Offered, the number of Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering and
     the percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering for ARC
     would be 1,999,600, 2,323,400 and 26.3%, respectively.
 (5) Such shares of Common Stock are owned directly by ARC Ice, a direct,
     wholly-owned subsidiary of ARC, and Canrad Delaware, an indirect, wholly-
     owned subsidiary of ARC.
 (6) Consists of 41,250 shares of Common Stock held indirectly by Mr. Tenney
     through Arnmart Investments Limited ("Arnmart"), a corporation controlled
     by Mr. Tenney and members of his family, 16,500 shares of Common Stock
     owned directly by Mr. Tenney, 2,475 shares of Common Stock owned
     indirectly by Mr. Tenney through his wife and 123,750 shares of Common
     Stock underlying presently exercisable options. Does not include
     4,323,000 shares of Common Stock owned beneficially by ARC.
 (7) Consists of 38,750 shares of Common Stock underlying presently
     exercisable options and 11,250 shares of Common Stock owned by Arnmart.
 (8) Consists of 22,923 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr.
     Echtenkamp and 123,750 shares of Common Stock underlying presently
     exercisable options.
 (9) Consists of 5,989 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Wilmers
     and 100,000 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable
     options.
(10) Consists of 11,989 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Boegner
     and 50,000 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable
     options.
(11) Consists of 4,971 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. French and
     39,000 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable options.
(12) Consists of 16,500 shares of Common Stock underlying presently
     exercisable options.
(13) Includes 8,250 shares of Common Stock underlying an option to be granted
     under the Outside Directors Plan on June 11, 1997.
(14) Consists of 24,750 shares of Common Stock underlying presently
     exercisable options.
(15) Consists of 15,840 shares of Common Stock held directly by Mr. Geller,
     46,714 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable option
     granted to Geller & Friend, of which Mr. Geller is the Chief Executive
     Officer and Chairman and 16,500 shares of Common Stock underlying
     presently exercisable options.
(16) Consists of 12,000 shares of Common Stock underlying presently
     exercisable options.
(17) Includes 8,250 shares of Common Stock underlying an option to be granted
     under the Outside Directors Plan on June 11, 1997.
(18) Consists of 1,800 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Richards
     and 16,500 shares of Common Stock underlying presently exercisable
     options.
(19) Includes 8,250 shares of Common Stock underlying an option to be granted
     under the Outside Directors Plan on June 11, 1997.
(20) Consists of 123,737 shares of Common Stock owned by directors and
     executive officers and 557,464 shares of Common Stock underlying
     presently exercisable options.
(21) The business address of Messrs. Mazzarella, Weinress, Frankson, Presson
     and Fader and Ms. Goddard is c/o Geller & Friend Capital Partners, Inc.,
     1875 Century Park East, Suite 2200, Los Angeles, California 90067.
(22) Consists of 323,400 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently
     exercisable warrant.
(23) Consists of 46,714 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently
     exercisable option.
(24) Consists of 17,500 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently
     exercisable option originally granted to Geller & Friend.
(25) Consists of 1,130 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently
     exercisable option originally granted to Geller & Friend.
(26) Consists of 3,503 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently
     exercisable option originally granted to Geller & Friend.
(27) Consists of 3,503 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently
     exercisable option originally granted to Geller & Friend.
(28) Consists of 75 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently exercisable
     option originally granted to Geller & Friend.
(29) Consists of 75 shares of Common Stock underlying a presently exercisable
     option originally granted to Geller & Friend.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
                             CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
  The Company is a party to a management agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with Canrad Inc., pursuant to which Canrad Inc. provides services
to the Company relating to overall management and strategic planning and
direction, banking negotiations, treasury functions, investor relations,
securities regulatory compliance, employee and general business insurance
programs and asset acquisitions and sales. Pursuant to the Management
Agreement, Canrad Inc. makes available to the Company the services of Arnold
S. Tenney, as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Tenney shares primary responsibility
with the Company's Chief Executive Officer with respect to overall management
and strategic planning and direction, the identification, analysis and
consummation of acquisitions and investor relations. As compensation for its
services, Canrad Inc. receives a monthly fee of $25,000 and reimbursement for
its identifiable reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
the performance of services under the Management Agreement. The Management
Agreement provides for an initial term of five years and thereafter is
automatically renewed for successive one-year periods until terminated by
either party upon 90 days' prior notice. During the initial term of the
Management Agreement, which expires on September 12, 2000, the payment terms
thereof may not be amended without the consent of the managing underwriters of
the Company's initial public offering. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements. In the event that the Offering is consummated, the
Management Agreement will be amended, effective as of July 1, 1997, to reduce
the monthly fee due thereunder from $25,000 to $12,500.
 
CANRAD DIVIDEND
 
  Concurrently with the Company's initial public offering in September 1995,
the Company paid a cash dividend of $8.0 million to Canrad Delaware, the
Company's former sole stockholder, which amount was used to repay Canrad
Inc.'s outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit facility with
Merita Bank Ltd.
 
THE GELLER OPTION
 
  The Company granted to Geller & Friend an option on December 22, 1995,
expiring on December 22, 2000, to purchase 82,500 shares of Common Stock at a
per share exercise price of $4.39 as consideration for strategic financial
services provided to the Company by Geller & Friend. A portion of this option
has been assigned to certain employees of Geller & Friend. A Form S-3
registration statement filed under the Securities Act registering the resale
of the 82,500 shares of Common Stock underlying the option was declared
effective on March 6, 1997. The option has been exercised to the extent of
10,000 shares of Common Stock. A portion of the shares of Common Stock
underlying the option granted to Geller & Friend are being sold in the
Offering. Marshall S. Geller, a director of the Company, is Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of Geller & Friend. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders" and "Description of Capital Stock--Warrant and Options to
Purchase Common Stock."
 
INSURANCE COVERAGE
 
  The Company is included in group health and business insurance programs
maintained by ARC and Canrad Inc. for all companies controlled by ARC and
Canrad Inc. The group health insurance plan is a self-insured minimum premium
plan that is administered through the Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company. The group health insurance plan provides for specific stop loss
coverage in the amount of $75,000 per employee per plan year and aggregate
stop loss based upon the head count of those covered under the plan, including
the Company's employees and certain ARC retirees. The aggregate stop loss
level for the group health insurance plan for the May 1, 1997 to April 30,
1998 plan year is approximately $933,000. The Company is charged premiums
which are a set dollar amount based on its monthly head count for the minimum
premium, stop loss and plan administration portions of the program and its
aggregate salary for long-term disability and term life coverage. The Company
is also charged for its claims incurred pursuant to the program.
 
  The business insurance program provides coverage for workers' compensation
and employers liability, general liability, including products and completed
operations, property, automobile, umbrella and directors and officers
liability. The Company's portion of the business insurance premium is
calculated and charged to
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
operations based upon its allocated share of the coverage provided to that of
the entire Canrad Inc. group. Such allocations are based primarily upon
aggregate payrolls, net sales, asset values and number of automobiles. Most of
the policies require annual audit and adjustment of deposit premiums for
differences between estimated values upon which deposit premiums have been
calculated and actual results. An additional premium is assessed in
circumstances where actual values exceed estimated values and a premium credit
is issued for instances where the estimated values exceed the actual values.
 
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE
 
  The Company, has been charged, for certain allocated expenses, including,
management fees, interest expense and income taxes, totalling approximately
$1.9 million, $1.5 million and $0.3 million for 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The Company reimburses these items using cash generated from its
operations.
 
OTHER
 
  Yale Richards, a director of the Company, is a senior partner of Marks Clare
& Richards, a law firm which performs legal services for the Company from time
to time.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The total number of shares the Company is authorized to issue is 11,000,000,
consisting of 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share,
and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share. At the
annual meeting of stockholders on June 10, 1997, the stockholders of the
Company will be asked to approve an amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the authorized Common Stock from 10,000,000 shares
to 25,000,000 shares. At May 22, 1997, there were 8,602,519 shares of Common
Stock outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders. There is no
cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result
that the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock voting for the
election of directors can elect all of the directors then up for election. The
holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends, subject to the
senior rights of preferred stockholders, when, as and if declared by the Board
out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are
entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining which are available for
distribution to them after payment of liabilities and after provision has been
made for each class of stock having preference over the Common Stock. Holders
of shares of Common Stock, as such, have no conversion, preemptive or other
subscription rights, and there are no redemption provisions applicable to the
Common Stock. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and, upon
completion of the Offering, all shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be,
duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
  The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that stockholders may take
action without the holding of a meeting by written consent or consents signed
by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of
the Company entitled to vote thereon. Prompt notice of the taking of any
action without a meeting by less than unanimous consent of the stockholders
will be given to those stockholders who do not consent in writing to the
action. The purposes of this provision are to facilitate action by
stockholders and to reduce the corporate expense associated with annual and
special meetings of stockholders. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Commission, if stockholder action is taken by written consent, the Company
will be required to send each stockholder entitled to vote on the matter acted
on, but whose consent was not solicited, an information statement containing
information substantially similar to that which would have been contained in a
proxy statement.
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
WARRANT AND OPTIONS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
 
  As partial consideration for providing certain financial assistance in
connection with the Company's acquisition of the Cinema Products Division of
ORC, on September 12, 1995, the Company issued to Merita Bank Ltd a warrant
(the "Merita Warrant") to purchase up to 323,400 shares of Common Stock at a
per share exercise price equal to $3.94. The Merita Warrant first became
exercisable on October 12, 1996 and expires on September 12, 2000. The Company
has granted Geller & Friend an option, expiring on December 22, 2000, to
purchase 82,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.39 per share
as consideration for strategic financial services provided to the Company by
Geller & Friend. At May 23, the option had been exercised to the extent of
10,000 shares of Common Stock. The Company has granted to Jaffoni & Collins
Incorporated an option to purchase 41,250 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $4.24 per share as consideration for investor relations and
financial relations services provided to the Company. The option is currently
exercisable and terminates on October 7, 1999. A Form S-3 registration
statement filed under the Securities Act registering the resale of all of the
shares of Common Stock underlying the Merita Warrant and each of the aforesaid
options was declared effective on March 6, 1997. A portion of the shares of
Common Stock underlying the Merita Warrant and the option granted to Geller &
Friend are being sold in the Offering. See "Certain Transactions--The Geller
Option," "Principal and Selling Stockholders" and "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Board is authorized, without further approval or action by the
stockholders, to issue shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to
determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof,
including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of
redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and number of shares
constituting any series of Preferred Stock or the designation of such series.
 
  The rights of the holders of Common Stock will generally be subject to the
prior rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock with
respect to dividends, liquidation preferences and other matters. Among other
things, the Preferred Stock could be issued by the Company to raise capital or
finance acquisitions. The Preferred Stock could have certain anti-takeover
effects under certain circumstances. The issuance of shares of Preferred Stock
could enable the Board to render more difficult or discourage an attempt to
obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer or other
business combination transaction directed at the Company by, among other
things, placing shares of Preferred Stock with investors who might align
themselves with the Board, issuing new shares to dilute stock ownership of a
person or entity seeking control of the Company or creating a class or series
of Preferred Stock with class voting rights.
 
  The Company has no current plans to issue any shares of its Preferred Stock.
 
DELAWARE ANTI-TAKEOVER LAW
 
  The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law. Section 203 provides, with certain exceptions, that a
Delaware corporation may not engage in certain business combinations with a
person or affiliate or associate of such person who is an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years from the date such person became an
interested stockholder unless: (i) the transaction resulting in the acquiring
person's becoming an interested stockholder, or the business combination, is
approved by the board of directors of the corporation before the person
becomes an interested stockholder, (ii) the interested stockholder acquires
85% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation in the same
transaction which makes it an interested stockholder (excluding shares owned
by directors who are also officers, and excluding certain employee stock
option plans) and (iii) on or after the date the person becomes an
interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by the
corporation's board of directors and by the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the
corporation's outstanding voting stock at an annual or special meeting,
excluding shares owned by the interested stockholder. Except as otherwise
specified in Section 203, an "interested stockholder" is defined as (a) any
person that is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation, (b) any person that is an affiliate or associate of the
corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock
of the corporation at any time within the three year period immediately prior
to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is an
interested stockholder or (c) the affiliates and associates of any such
person. By restricting the ability of the Company to engage in business
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
combinations with an interested person, the application of Section 203 to the
Company may provide a barrier to hostile or unwanted takeovers. Under Delaware
law, the Company could have opted out of Section 203 but elected to be subject
to its provisions.
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
 
  Classified Board of Directors. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and By-Laws provide that the Board shall be divided into three classes of
directors serving staggered terms. One class of directors will be elected at
each annual meeting of stockholders for a three-year term. See "Management--
Directors and Executive Officers." Thus, at least two annual meetings of
stockholders, instead of one, generally will be required to change the
majority of the Board. Directors can be removed from office only for cause and
only by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the then outstanding
shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors, voting as a single class. Vacancies on the Board may be filled only
by the remaining directors and not the stockholders. The foregoing provisions
may have the effect of making it more difficult to acquire control of the
Company by means of a hostile tender offer, open market purchases, a proxy
contest or otherwise.
 
  Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nomination and
Proposals. The Company's By-Laws require 60 to 90 days' notice to the Company
with regard to stockholder proposals and the nomination, other than by or at
the direction of the Board or a committee thereof, of candidates for election
as directors. Such notice must provide specified information, including
information regarding the ownership of Common Stock by the person giving the
notice, information regarding the proposal or the nominees and information
regarding the interest of the proponent in the proposal or the nominations.
 
  Special Meetings of Stockholders. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and By-Laws provide that special meetings of stockholders of the Company may
only be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a majority of
the then authorized number of directors. This provision precludes stockholders
from calling a special meeting and taking actions opposed by the Board.
 
  Limitation of Director Liability. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation
limits the liability of directors to the Company or its stockholders to the
fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Specifically, under current Delaware
law, a director will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach
of the director's fiduciary duty of care as a director, except liability (i)
for a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions by a director not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for
liability arising under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(relating to the declaration of dividends and purchase or redemption of shares
in violation of the Delaware General Corporation Law) or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The
inclusion of this provision in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation may
have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against
directors and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing
a lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care.
 
  Supermajority Provisions. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation
provides that the vote of the Board or the affirmative vote of at least 66
2/3% of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors, voting as a single class, is required
to amend, repeal or alter any of the Company's By-Laws or the foregoing
provisions contained in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, LLC whose address is 85 Challenger Road, Overpeck
Center, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Future sales of Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that
such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the Common
Stock or the Company's ability to raise additional capital through sales of
its equity securities. Upon completion of this Offering, the Company will
have: (i) 2,618,000 shares owned by Canrad Delaware, (ii) 647,750 shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options under the
Stock Option Plan and the Outside Directors Plan, of which 573,000 are subject
to options outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus, (iii) an aggregate
of 264,150 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merita Warrant, the
option held by Geller & Friend and the option held by Jaffoni & Collins
Incorporated and (iv) 140,305 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Of the shares outstanding or
subject to outstanding options, upon completion of the Offering, 6,748,974
will be immediately eligible for resale in the public market without
restriction under the Securities Act, and substantially all of the remaining
shares will be eligible for resale in the public market subject to compliance
with the applicable provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
 
  All of the shares owned by Canrad Delaware, 89,564 shares currently owned by
certain officers and directors of the Company following the Offering, 337,000
shares issuable to certain officers and directors of the Company pursuant to
the Company's stock option plans following the Offering and 264,150 shares
issuable pursuant to an outstanding warrant and other options to purchase
Common Stock are subject to "lock-up" agreements under which the holders
thereof have agreed not, directly or indirectly, to offer, sell, pledge,
contract to sell or otherwise dispose of such securities without the prior
written consent of Cowen & Company, on behalf of the Underwriters, for a
period of 90 days after the date of the final Prospectus.
 
  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a stockholder, including
an "affiliate" of the Company as that term is defined in Rule 144
("Affiliate"), who has beneficially owned his or her restricted securities (as
that term is defined in Rule 144) for at least one year from the later of the
date such securities were acquired from the Company or (if applicable) the
date they were acquired from an Affiliate is entitled to sell, within any
three-month period, a number of such shares that does not exceed the greater
of 1% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (       shares
immediately after this Offering) or the average weekly trading volume in the
Common Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice
of such sale was filed under Rule 144, provided certain requirements
concerning availability of public information, manner of sale and notice of
sale are satisfied. In addition, under Rule 144(k), if a period of at least
two years has elapsed between the later of the date restricted securities were
acquired from the Company or (if applicable) the date they were acquired from
an Affiliate of the Company, a stockholder who is not an Affiliate of the
Company at the time of sale and has not been an Affiliate of the Company for
at least three months prior to the sale is entitled to sell the shares
immediately without compliance with the foregoing requirements under Rule 144.
 
  A Form S-8 registration statement filed under the Securities Act registering
all shares of Common Stock issuable under the Stock Option Plan, Outside
Directors Plan and Stock Purchase Plan has been declared effective. A Form S-3
registration statement filed under the Securities Act registering the resale
of the shares of Common Stock issuable under the Merita Warrant and the
options granted to Geller & Friend and Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated has been
declared effective. Shares issued upon the exercise of the Merita Warrant and
the aforesaid options will be eligible for resale in the public market without
restriction, subject to Rule 144 limitations applicable to Affiliates and the
"lock-up" agreements noted above.
 
  All of the shares of Common Stock owned by Canrad Delaware, as well as the
stock of certain other subsidiaries of ARC (including Cabletel) have been
pledged to BNY to secure outstanding indebtedness under the BNY Facility. The
Company has been advised by ARC Ice and Canrad Delaware that, as of May 22,
1997, the principal amount of indebtedness outstanding under the BNY Facility
was approximately $9.5 million. In the event of a default under the BNY
Facility, BNY has certain rights as a secured creditor under the terms of the
BNY Facility to vote and to sell or otherwise dispose of the pledged shares,
including all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock. Although such shares
are subject to the "lock-up" agreements, Cowen & Company has agreed to consent
to sales thereof by BNY in the event of a default under the BNY Facility.
 
  The Company can make no prediction as to the effect, if any, that sales of
shares of Common Stock or the availability of shares for sale will have on the
market price prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial
amounts of the Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect the
market price of the Common Stock and could impair the Company's future ability
to raise capital or make acquisitions through an offering of its equity
securities.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  Subject to the terms and conditions of an underwriting agreement dated as of
June  , 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Selling Stockholders have
agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters named below, for whom Cowen &
Company and Prudential Securities Incorporated are acting as representatives
(the "Representatives"), and each of the Underwriters has severally agreed to
purchase from the Selling Stockholders the respective number of shares of
Common Stock set forth opposite the name of such Underwriters below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     NUMBER OF
                                                                     SHARES OF
      NAME                                                          COMMON STOCK
      ----                                                          ------------
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Cowen & Company..............................................
      Prudential Securities Incorporated...........................
                                                                     ---------
        Total......................................................
                                                                     =========
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters are
committed to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (other
than those covered by the over-allotment option described below), if any of
such shares are purchased.
 
  The Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock directly to the
public at the price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and to
certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $     per
share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession
not in excess of $     per share to certain brokers and dealers. After the
shares of Common Stock are released for sale to the public, the offering price
and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the
Representatives.
 
  ARC Ice has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable for up to 30
days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
294,600 additional shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any. If
the Underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, the Underwriters have
severally
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
agreed, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
percentage thereof that the number of shares to be purchased by each of them
as shown in the foregoing table bears to the 1,964,000 shares of Common Stock
offered hereby. The Underwriters may exercise such option only to cover over-
allotments made in connection with the sale of the 1,964,000 shares of Common
Stock offered hereby.
 
  The Company, ARC Ice, Canrad Delaware, ARC and Messrs. Tenney and Chelin
have, jointly and severally, agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act
and to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be required to make in
respect thereof.
 
  The Company, the Selling Stockholders, the Company's officers and directors
and certain stockholders and option holders have agreed not, directly or
indirectly, to offer, sell, pledge, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of
any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable
or exchangeable for Common Stock or any right to acquire Common Stock for a
period of 90 days after the date of this Prospectus without the prior written
consent (which consent may be given without notice to the Company's
shareholders or other public announcement) of Cowen & Company. Except as
described with respect to shares of Common Stock pledged in connection with
the BNY Facility, Cowen & Company has advised the Company and the Selling
Stockholders that it has no present intention of releasing any of the
Company's stockholders or option holders from such lock-up agreements until
the expiration of such 90-day period. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
  In order to facilitate the Offering of the Common Stock, the Underwriters
may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the
price of the Common Stock. Specifically, the Underwriters may overallot in
connection with the Offering, creating a short position in the Common Stock
for their own account. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize
the price of the Common Stock, the Underwriters may bid for, and purchase,
shares of the Common Stock in the open market. The Underwriters may also
reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for
distributing the Common Stock in the Offering, if the Underwriters repurchase
previously distributed Common Stock in transactions to cover their short
positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Finally, the
Underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of the Common Stock in market
making transactions and impose penalty bids. These activities may stabilize or
maintain the market price of the Common Stock above market levels that may
otherwise prevail. The Underwriters are not required to engage in these
activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The legality of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company and the Selling Stockholders by Gordon Altman Butowsky
Weitzen Shalov & Wein, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection
with the Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Willkie Farr &
Gallagher, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Ballantyne of Omaha,
Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and for each of the years in the three-
year period ended December 31, 1996, have been included herein and in the
registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  Incorporated herein by reference are the following documents on file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"):
 
    (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
  31, 1996;
 
    (b) All other reports filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant
  to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal
  year covered by the Annual Report referred to above; and
 
    (c) The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
  Company's registration statement filed with the Commission pursuant to
  Section 12 of the Exchange Act and all amendments or reports thereto filed
  for the purpose of updating such description.
 
  All reports and other documents hereafter filed by the Company pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of
a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold,
shall hereby be deemed to be incorporated in and to be a part of this
Prospectus by reference from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained herein or in a document or report incorporated or deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained herein or
in any subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered upon the written or oral request
of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents that have been or
may be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, other than exhibits to
such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference in such documents). Requests for such copies should be directed to
Brad J. French, c/o the Company, 4530 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112,
Telephone No.: (402) 453-4444.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act
and in accordance therewith, is required to file reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Commission. Copies of such reports and other
information as filed by the Company can be inspected and copied 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 following
regional offices of the Commission: Midwest Regional Office, Citicorp Center,
Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Northeastern
Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048.
Copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549. Such material may also be accessed electronically by means of the
Commission's home page on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. The Common Stock
is listed on the AMEX. Reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company may be inspected at the AMEX, 86 Trinity Place, New
York, New York 10006.
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (together with all amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements
thereto, the "Registration Statement"), of which this Prospectus forms a part,
covering the Common Stock to be sold pursuant to this Offering. As permitted
by the rules and regulations of the Commission, this Prospectus omits certain
information, exhibits and undertakings contained in the Registration
Statement. Such additional information, exhibits and undertakings can be
inspected at and obtained from the Commission at the above-referenced address.
For additional information with respect to the Company, the Common Stock and
related matters and documents, reference is made to the Registration
Statement. Statements contained herein concerning any such document are not
necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                   BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Report of Independent Auditors........................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and
 (unaudited) March 31, 1997.............................................. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1994,
 1995 and 1996 and (unaudited) three months ended March 31, 1996 and
 1997.................................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
 December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and (unaudited) three months ended
 March 31, 1997.......................................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
 1994, 1995 and 1996 and (unaudited) three months ended March 31, 1996
 and 1997................................................................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December
 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and (unaudited) three months ended March 31,
 1996 and 1997........................................................... F-7
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ballantyne
of Omaha, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the
related statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ballantyne
of Omaha, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Omaha, Nebraska
January 10, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                   BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                            -----------------------  MARCH 31,
                                               1995        1996        1997
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
                  ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash..................................... $   204,172 $ 6,042,593 $ 6,258,708
  Trade receivables, less allowance for
   doubtful receivables of $118,003 in
   1995, $143,000 in 1996 and $150,461 in
   1997....................................   5,713,141   9,090,616   8,343,123
  Inventories..............................   9,306,157  11,901,123  13,670,586
  Deferred income taxes....................     515,926     501,025     501,025
  Other current assets.....................      51,873     103,702      32,210
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
      Total current assets.................  15,791,269  27,639,059  28,805,652
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
  Land.....................................     313,500     313,500     313,500
  Buildings and improvements...............   1,596,281   1,958,772   4,321,702
  Machinery and equipment..................   3,193,963   4,230,702   2,195,315
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                              5,103,744   6,502,974   6,830,517
  Less accumulated depreciation............   2,169,125   2,639,165   2,764,505
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
      Net property, plant and equipment....   2,934,619   3,863,809   4,066,012
  Goodwill, other intangibles and other as-
   sets, net...............................   1,102,314     959,352     940,800
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                            $19,828,202 $32,462,220 $33,812,464
                                            =========== =========== ===========
   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Intercompany payable to parent........... $   135,588 $    93,140 $   141,566
  Current installments of long-term debt...     839,508     308,107         --
  Accounts payable.........................   3,680,020   5,759,722   5,447,882
  Accrued expenses.........................   1,444,937   1,655,883   1,330,141
  Income taxes payable.....................   1,066,532      79,754     909,256
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
      Total current liabilities............   7,166,585   7,896,606   7,828,845
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
Deferred income taxes......................     386,472     386,472     386,472
Long-term debt, excluding current install-
 ments.....................................   7,219,930     150,195         --
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per
   share; authorized 1,000,000 shares......         --          --          --
  Common stock, par value $0.01 per share;
   authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and
   outstanding--6,599,993 shares in 1995,
   8,569,785 shares in 1996 and 1997.......      66,000      85,698      85,698
  Additional paid-in capital...............   4,989,215  18,906,556  18,906,556
  Retained earnings........................         --    5,036,693   6,604,893
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
      Total stockholders' equity...........   5,055,215  24,028,947  25,597,147
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
Commitments and contingencies..............         --          --          --
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                            $19,828,202 $32,462,220 $33,812,464
                                            =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                   BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 MARCH 31,
                          -------------------------------------  ------------------------
                             1994         1995         1996         1996         1997
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales...............  $28,758,446  $38,441,396  $51,753,864  $11,362,637  $14,724,814
Cost of sales...........   20,127,039   27,450,688   36,396,527    8,174,415   10,368,767
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                            8,631,407   10,990,708   15,357,337    3,188,222    4,356,047
Selling expenses........    2,298,961    2,401,337    2,711,744      652,936      563,544
General and
 administrative
 expenses...............    1,902,137    2,979,738    4,035,709      845,744    1,302,224
Management fee charged
 by affiliate...........      241,188      300,000      300,000       75,000       75,000
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Income from
   operations...........    4,189,121    5,309,633    8,309,884    1,614,542    2,415,279
Net interest income
 (expense)..............     (108,977)    (277,323)    (363,508)    (186,105)      53,180
Interest expense charged
 by affiliate...........     (129,690)         --           --           --           --
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Income before income
   taxes................    3,950,454    5,032,310    7,946,376    1,428,437    2,468,459
Income taxes............    1,595,614    1,991,985    2,909,683      566,263      900,259
                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net income............  $ 2,354,840  $ 3,040,325  $ 5,036,693  $   862,174  $ 1,568,200
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Net income per share....  $      0.30  $      0.42  $      0.62  $      0.13  $      0.17
                          ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                   BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
               AND THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           ADDITIONAL
                         PREFERRED COMMON    PAID-IN    RETAINED
                           STOCK    STOCK    CAPITAL    EARNINGS      TOTAL
                         --------- ------- ----------- ----------  -----------
<S>                      <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31,
 1993...................     --    $60,000 $ 3,602,714 $3,997,336  $ 7,660,050
Net income..............     --        --          --   2,354,840    2,354,840
                           -----   ------- ----------- ----------  -----------
Balance at December 31,
 1994...................     --     60,000   3,602,714  6,352,176   10,014,890
Cash dividend paid......     --        --          --  (8,000,000)  (8,000,000)
Net income..............     --        --          --   3,040,325    3,040,325
Issuance of 10% stock
 distribution declared
 January 23, 1996, pay-
 able March 8, 1996.....     --      6,000   1,386,501 (1,392,501)         --
                           -----   ------- ----------- ----------  -----------
Balance at December 31,
 1995...................     --     66,000   4,989,215        --     5,055,215
Issuance of 1,897,500
 shares of common stock
 August 1, 1996, net of
 offering expenses......     --     18,975  13,631,812        --    13,650,787
Issuance of 57,750
 shares of common stock
 upon exercise of stock
 options................     --        578     226,922        --       227,500
Issuance of 14,543
 shares of Common Stock
 under the Employees
 Stock Purchase Plan....     --        145      58,607        --        58,752
Net income..............     --        --          --   5,036,693    5,036,693
                           -----   ------- ----------- ----------  -----------
Balance at December 31,
 1996 ..................     --     85,698  18,906,556  5,036,693   24,028,947
Net Income..............     --        --          --   1,568,200    1,568,200
                           -----   ------- ----------- ----------  -----------
Balance at March 31,
 1997...................     --    $85,698 $18,906,556 $6,604,893  $25,597,147
                           =====   ======= =========== ==========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                   BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               MARCH 31,
                         ----------------------------------  ----------------------
                            1994        1995        1996        1996        1997
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Cash flows from
 operating activities:
  Net income............ $2,354,840  $3,040,325  $5,036,693  $  862,174  $1,568,200
  Adjustments to
   reconcile net income
   to net cash provided
   by operating
   activities:
    Depreciation of
     plant and
     equipment..........    344,434     371,818     470,040     110,875     150,997
    Other amortization..    186,909     139,919     137,080      33,926      37,175
    Deferred income
     taxes..............    (86,821)   (172,189)     14,901         --          --
  Changes in assets and
   liabilities of net
   assets acquired:
    Trade receivables...    276,012  (1,720,755) (3,377,475) (1,578,462)    747,493
    Inventories.........   (175,335) (1,443,621) (2,594,966) (1,325,736) (1,769,463)
    Other current
     assets.............      9,502       2,499     (51,829)     16,786      71,492
    Accounts payable....     21,135   1,210,988   2,083,256   1,632,728    (311,840)
    Accrued expenses....    492,813     118,227     207,392    (325,086)   (325,742)
    Income taxes
     payable............     10,076     882,015    (986,778)   (345,295)    829,502
    Other assets........    (15,918)     (7,039)      5,882     (18,468)    (18,623)
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash provided by
     (used in) operating
     activities.........  3,417,647   2,422,187     944,196    (936,558)    979,191
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from
 investing activities:
  Purchase of net
   assets...............   (100,000)        --          --          --          --
  Capital expenditures..   (246,784)   (244,108) (1,016,930)    (34,596)   (353,200)
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash used in
     investing
     activities.........   (346,784)   (244,108) (1,016,930)    (34,596)   (353,200)
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from
 financing activities:
  Repayments of long-
   term debt and
   revolving credit
   facility............. (1,282,960) (1,676,635) (7,983,436)  1,118,587    (458,302)
  Cash dividend paid....        --   (8,000,000)        --          --          --
  Proceeds from
   revolving credit
   facility.............        --    8,000,000         --          --          --
  Net proceeds from
   equity offering......        --          --   13,650,787         --          --
  Proceeds from employee
   stock purchase.......        --          --       58,752         --          --
  Proceeds from exercise
   of options...........        --          --      227,500         --          --
  Change in intercompany
   payable to parent.... (1,555,048)   (557,278)    (42,448)    (11,532)     48,426
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash used in
     financing
     activities......... (2,838,008) (2,233,913)  5,911,155   1,107,055    (409,876)
Net increase (decrease)
 in cash................    232,855     (55,834)  5,838,421     135,901     216,115
Cash at beginning of
 period.................     27,151     260,006     204,172     204,172   6,042,593
                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash at end of period... $  260,006  $  204,172  $6,042,593  $  340,073  $6,258,708
                         ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
  (INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 31, 1997 AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
                          1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1. THE COMPANY
 
  Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ballantyne" or the
"Company"), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Strong International Inc.,
Ballantyne Fabricators, Inc., Xenotech Rental Corp. and Flavor Crisp of
America Inc., develop, manufacture and distribute commercial motion picture
equipment, follow spotlights and restaurant equipment. The Company's products
are distributed worldwide through a domestic and international dealer network
and are sold to major movie exhibition companies, sports arenas, auditoriums,
amusement parks, special venues, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience
food stores. A majority (50.4%) of the Company's common stock is owned by
Canrad of Delaware Inc. ("Canrad"), which is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of ARC International Corporation.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  The principal accounting policies upon which the accompanying consolidated
financial statements are based are summarized as follows:
 
 a. Basis of Presentation
 
  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
  The unaudited information as of March 31, 1997 and for the three months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 have been prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles and include all adjustments which are, in the
opinion of management, necessary to a fair presentation of the results for the
interim periods presented. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of
management, of a normal, recurring nature.
 
 b. Inventories
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market
and include appropriate elements of material, labor and manufacturing
overhead.
 
 c. Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
  The excess of cost over the fair value of assets of business acquired is
stated at cost less accumulated amortization and is being amortized on a
straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, 5 to 25 years.
Accumulated amortization as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 amounted to $584,875
and $632,983, respectively, and $645,010 as of March 31, 1997. The Company
assesses and would recognize any deficiency of the recoverability of this
intangible asset by determining whether the amortization of the asset balance
over its remaining life can be recovered through undiscounted future operating
cash flows of the acquired operations.
 
  Other intangibles, including a noncompete agreement, are stated at cost less
accumulated amortization and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful lives or stated contract terms which include periods ranging
from 4 to 17 years. Accumulated amortization as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
amounted to $324,705 and $419,559, respectively, and $444,707 as of March 31,
1997.
 
 d. Depreciation
 
  Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided over the estimated useful
lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Charges are
made to operations in amounts sufficient to write off the cost of such assets
over their estimated useful lives.
 
 e. Income Taxes
 
  Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and
operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
 
 f. Revenue Recognition
 
  The Company recognizes revenue from product sales upon shipment to the
customer.
 
 g. Research and Development
 
  Research and development costs are charged to operations in the period
incurred. Such costs charged to operations amounted to $326,338, $362,690 and
$484,527 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively,
and $103,925 and $143,651 for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
 h. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 107 "Disclosure about
Fair Value of Financial Instruments," defines the fair value of a financial
instrument as the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged into a
current transaction between willing parties. Cash, trade receivables,
intercompany payable to parent, debt and accounts payable reported in the
consolidated balance sheet equal or approximate fair values.
 
 i. Use of Estimates
 
  Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions
relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
 
3. COMMON STOCK
 
 a. Equity Offering
 
  On August 1, 1996, the Company completed an offering of its shares of
capital stock pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 ("the
Offering"). Pursuant to the Offering, the Company sold 1,100,000 shares of
Common Stock to the public at the price of $12.125 per share. In addition, the
Company granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable until August 31, 1996
to purchase an aggregate of up to 165,000 additional shares of Common Stock at
$12.125 price per share less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover
over-allotments, if any. The underwriters purchased all 165,000 shares on
August 16, 1996. The net proceeds to the Company from the Offering were
$13,650,787.
 
 b. Initial Public Offering
 
  On September 6, 1995, the Company completed the initial public offering of
its shares of capital stock pursuant to its Registration Statement on Form S-1
(the "IPO"). Pursuant to the IPO, Canrad, the holder of record of all of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of Ballantyne, sold 1,200,000 shares of
Ballantyne common stock to the public at an IPO price of $6.50. In connection
with the IPO, on June 30, 1995, the Company effected a 400,000-to-1 stock
exchange which has been given retroactive effect in the accompanying
consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. The authorized common stock
of Ballantyne was increased from 100,000 shares to 10,000,000 shares and the
10 issued shares increased to 4,000,000 shares. As a result, $40,000 was
transferred from additional paid-in capital to common stock. In addition, the
Company is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$0.01 par value.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  On October 2, 1995, an additional 180,000 shares of Ballantyne were sold by
Canrad at the IPO price of $6.50.
 
  Share information and per share prices have not been adjusted for the stock
distribution or stock split for the above offerings.
 
4. INVENTORIES
 
  Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                             ----------------------  MARCH 31,
                                                1995       1996        1997
                                             ---------- ----------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
      <S>                                    <C>        <C>         <C>
      Raw materials and supplies............ $6,708,016 $ 8,888,123 $10,220,419
      Work in process.......................  1,167,433   2,184,945   1,981,160
      Finished goods........................  1,430,708     828,055   1,469,007
                                             ---------- ----------- -----------
                                             $9,306,157 $11,901,123 $13,670,586
                                             ========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                -------------------  MARCH 31,
                                                   1995      1996      1997
                                                ---------- -------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>      <C>
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, bearing
 interest at 7.9%, due in monthly installments
 of $19,336 including principal and interest,
 maturing October 1998. The bonds are secured
 by the Company's facility and letters of
 credit paid in full at March 31, 1997......... $  556,194 $361,193      --
$10,000,000 revolving credit facility with
 Norwest Bank Nebraska, N.A., bearing interest
 at prime (8.25% at December 31, 1996) due
 September 30, 2000. The credit facility is
 secured by all of the Company's assets. Paid
 in full.......................................  7,090,000       --      --
Capital lease obligations bearing interest
 rates ranging from 8.125% to 8.9%. Paid in
 full..........................................    225,229       --      --
Note payable to Optical Radiation Corporation,
 with imputed interest of 10%, payable in
 annual installments of $100,000 including
 principal and interest, matured March 1997....    188,015   97,109      --
                                                ---------- --------    ----
    Total long-term debt.......................  8,059,438  458,302      --
Less current installments of long-term debt....    839,508  308,107      --
                                                ---------- --------    ----
Long-term debt, excluding current
 installments.................................. $7,219,930 $150,195      --
                                                ========== ========    ====
</TABLE>
 
  The Norwest Bank Nebraska, N.A. revolving credit facility (the "Norwest
Facility") initially provides for a borrowing commitment of up to $10,000,000.
The commitment will reduce by $500,000 on the first and second anniversary
dates of such facility and $1,000,000 on the third and fourth anniversary
dates thereof. The entire amount outstanding under the Norwest Facility will
mature on August 30, 2000. At December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997, $9,500,000
was available for borrowing under the Norwest Facility. Amounts repaid under
the Norwest Facility are available for reborrowing. The Company initially
borrowed $8,000,000 under the Norwest Facility for a dividend payment to
Canrad. The Norwest Facility contains certain restrictive covenants which
include, among other matters, a prohibition on the payment of dividends and
requirements relating to working capital, current ratios, debt service ratios,
total debt to tangible net worth ratios and tangible net worth. At December
31, 1996, the Company was in compliance with the covenants.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The Industrial Development Revenue Bonds agreement and the letter of credit
securing the agreement contain certain restrictive covenants which include,
among other matters, requirements relating to working capital, net worth,
maintenance of debt-to-equity, interest coverage and current ratios and a
restriction on the payment of cash dividends. The Company was in compliance
with such covenants. The letter of credit is for $603,324 at December 31,
1996. Such amount reduces as monthly payments are made. The annual commission
with respect to the letter of credit is 1.375% of the average outstanding
balance.
 
  Annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1996 are as follows:
1997--$308,107 and 1998--$150,195.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              THREE MONTHS
                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED MARCH 31,
                         ---------------------------------- -----------------
                            1994        1995        1996      1996     1997
                         ----------  ----------  ---------- -------- --------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>
Current:
  Federal............... $1,350,460  $1,846,255  $2,623,375 $496,557 $834,996
  State.................    331,975     292,639     267,400   66,850   74,054
  Foreign...............        --       25,280       4,007    2,856   (8,791)
  Deferred--Federal.....    (86,821)   (172,189)     14,901      --       --
                         ----------  ----------  ---------- -------- --------
                         $1,595,614  $1,991,985  $2,909,683 $566,263 $900,259
                         ==========  ==========  ========== ======== ========
 
  Actual tax expense differs from the "expected" tax expense (computed by
applying the U.S. Federal corporate tax rate of 34% to income before income
taxes) as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                              THREE MONTHS
                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         ENDED MARCH 31,
                         ---------------------------------- -----------------
                            1994        1995        1996      1996     1997
                         ----------  ----------  ---------- -------- --------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>
Computed "expected" tax
 expense................ $1,343,154  $1,710,985  $2,701,768 $485,669 $839,276
State income taxes, net
 of Federal benefit.....    219,105     193,142     176,484   44,121   48,876
Goodwill and other non-
 deductible
 amortization...........     33,355      16,356      16,356    4,089    4,089
Other...................        --       71,502      15,075   32,384    8,018
                         ----------  ----------  ---------- -------- --------
                         $1,595,614  $1,991,985  $2,909,683 $566,263 $900,259
                         ==========  ==========  ========== ======== ========
</TABLE>
  The deferred tax liability and deferred tax assets were comprised of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31,     MARCH 31,
                                                   ----------------- -----------
                                                     1995     1996      1997
                                                   -------- -------- -----------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
Deferred tax liability--Depreciation.............. $386,472 $386,472  $386,472
Deferred tax assets:
  Inventory reserves..............................  326,641  299,025   299,025
  Accounts receivable reserve.....................   40,131   48,620    48,620
  Other...........................................  149,154  153,380   153,380
                                                   -------- --------  --------
                                                    515,926  501,025   501,025
                                                   -------- --------  --------
Net deferred tax asset............................ $129,454 $114,553  $114,553
                                                   ======== ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  There was no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of December 31,
1995, 1996 or March 31, 1997. Based upon the scheduled reversal of deferred
tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies,
management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the
benefits of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 1996.
 
7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
  Supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          MARCH 31,
                            -------------------------------- -------------------
                               1994       1995       1996      1996      1997
                            ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
   Interest paid........... $  238,667 $  225,773 $  353,039 $ 186,105 $ 11,182
                            ========== ========== ========== ========= ========
   Income taxes paid....... $1,578,104 $1,282,159 $3,878,500 $ 908,500 $ 70,757
                            ========== ========== ========== ========= ========
 
  Other noncash activities in 1994 included the incurrence of approximately
$476,200 of long-term debt for the purchase of Westrex Company, Asia
("Westrex"). In addition, the Company incurred approximately $96,000 of
additional capital lease obligations in exchange for equipment. Other noncash
activities in 1995 included approximately $129,400 of additional capital lease
obligations in exchange for equipment. Other noncash activities in 1996
included approximately $382,300 of additional capital lease obligations in
exchange for equipment.
 
8. RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan (the "Plan") for all
employees. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, employees may defer up to
6% of their compensation. The Company will match 50% of the amount deferred.
An additional amount of up to 9% of the employee's compensation for the year
may also be deferred with no matching contribution by the Company. The
contributions made to the Plan by the Company for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996 amounted to $83,625, $91,984 and $99,826, respectively,
and $22,493 and $27,355 for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  The following amounts were charged to operations of Ballantyne by Canrad:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          MARCH 31,
                            -------------------------------- -------------------
                               1994       1995       1996      1996      1997
                            ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
   Management fees......... $  241,188 $  300,000 $  300,000    75,000   75,000
   Interest expense........    129,690        --         --        --       --
   Federal and Nebraska
    state income taxes.....  1,553,639  1,225,211        --        --       --
</TABLE>
 
  One of the Board of Directors, who was appointed during 1995, serves as
General Counsel for the Company. Fees paid to the Board member's firm in 1995
and 1996 were not significant.
 
10. ACQUISITIONS
 
 a. Purchase of Westrex Company, Asia
 
  On December 2, 1994, the Company acquired certain assets, primarily accounts
receivable and inventories, of Westrex, a wholly owned subsidiary of Litton
Systems Inc. ("Litton"), for a purchase price of approximately $576,200. The
purchase was made for $100,000 in cash and a note in the amount of
approximately $476,200 to Litton. From its Hong Kong location, Westrex sells
and services theater equipment in Hong Kong and other
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
countries of the Pacific Rim. Annual revenues of Westrex are approximately
$2,800,000. No goodwill was recorded in connection with the acquisition. This
acquisition has been treated as a purchase and, accordingly, the Company's
consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of Westrex beginning
December 1, 1994.
 
 b. Purchase of Xenotech, Inc. (Unaudited)
 
  On April 30, 1997, the Company purchased certain net assets, primarily
accounts receivable, inventories and fixed assets of Xenotech, Inc.
("Xenotech") for a purchase price of approximately $1,000,000. The purchase,
which was effective as of April 1, 1997, was paid for through cash flow from
operations. The purchase price has been assigned to the assets acquired based
upon the fair market value of such assets. No goodwill was recorded in
connection with the acquisition. Xenotech produces, sells and rents a complete
line of stationary searchlights and computer operated lighting systems for the
motion picture production, television, live entertainment, theme parks and
architectural industries.
 
  In addition, the Company entered into a five-year non-compete agreement with
Richard Hart, Xenotech's founder and sole proprietor. The agreement is for a
total of $250,000 payable by the Company in equal installments of $50,000. The
present value of the noncompete payments has been included as part of the
total purchase price.
 
11. INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
  The Company's operations are conducted principally through two segments:
Theatre and Restaurant. Theatre operations include the design, manufacture,
assembly and sale of motion picture projectors, xenon lamphouses and power
supplies, sound systems, follow spotlights and the sale of film handling
equipment and lenses. Restaurant includes the design, manufacture, assembly
and sale of pressure fryers, smoke ovens and rotisseries and sale of
seasonings, marinades and barbeques sauces, mesquite and hickory woods and
point of purchase displays.
 
  Export sales principally to customers in Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia
were $6,150,800, $8,390,200 and $11,304,800 for 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, and $1,851,800 and $3,309,000 for the three months ended March
31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. No one customer represented more than 10% of
consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 1994. For the year
ended December 31, 1995, sales to one customer represented approximately ten
percent (10%) of consolidated net sales. The balance in trade accounts
receivables owed by this customer was $957,000 at December 31, 1995. Sales to
one customer represented approximately sixteen percent (16%) of consolidated
net sales in the year ended December 31, 1996. The balance in trade accounts
receivable owed by this customer was $1,062,100 at December 31, 1996.
Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to a concentration
of credit risk principally consist of accounts receivable. The Company sells
products to a large number of customers in many different geographic regions.
To minimize credit concentration risk, the Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers' financial condition.
 
  It should be noted that industry segment information may be of limited
usefulness in comparing an industry segment of the Company with a similar
industry segment of another enterprise.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Selected information by major industry segment is summarized below for 1994.
The restaurant segment does not represent ten percent (10%) of combined
revenue, operating profit or identifiable assets in 1995, or 1996 or in the
three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             DECEMBER 31, 1994                 THEATRE   RESTAURANT    TOTAL
             -----------------               ----------- ---------- -----------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>        <C>
Net sales................................... $25,731,253 $3,027,193 $28,758,446
                                             =========== ========== ===========
Operating income............................ $ 4,123,846 $   65,275 $ 4,189,121
                                             =========== ========== ===========
Interest expense............................                        $   238,667
                                                                    ===========
Income before income taxes..................                        $ 3,950,454
                                                                    ===========
Depreciation and amortization:
  Plant and equipment....................... $   309,991 $   34,443 $   344,434
                                             =========== ========== ===========
  Other..................................... $   181,677 $    5,232 $   186,909
                                             =========== ========== ===========
Identifiable assets......................... $14,915,128 $1,759,273 $16,674,401
                                             =========== ========== ===========
Capital expenditures........................ $   212,502 $   34,282 $   246,784
                                             =========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
12. CAPITAL STOCK
 
a. Option Plans
 
  The Company has adopted a 1995 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan
and a 1995 Non-Employee Directors Non-Incentive Stock Option Plan
(collectively, the "Plans"). A total of 825,000 shares of Ballantyne common
stock have been reserved for issuance pursuant to these Plans. The 1995 Stock
Option Plan provides for the granting of incentive and non-incentive stock
options. The 1995 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan provides for the
granting of non-incentive stock options only. The per share exercise price of
incentive stock options may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of
a share of Ballantyne common stock on the date of grant (110% of fair market
value in the case of an incentive stock option granted to any person who, at
the time the incentive stock option is granted, owns (or is considered as
owning within the meaning of Section 424 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting
powers of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary).
With respect to non-incentive stock options, the per share exercise price may
not be less than 85% of the fair market value of a share of Ballantyne common
stock on the date of grant.
 
  Information as to shares subject to the Plans is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       WEIGHTED
                                                                       AVERAGE
                                              NUMBER OF EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISE
                                               OPTIONS    PER OPTION    PRICE
                                              --------- -------------- --------
<S>                                           <C>       <C>            <C>
Options outstanding at December 31, 1994.....      --            --       --
Granted......................................  750,750   $3.94-$4.39    $4.01
                                               -------   -----------    -----
Options outstanding at December 31, 1995.....  750,750     3.94-4.39     4.01
Granted......................................   24,750          4.85     4.85
Exercised....................................  (57,750)         3.94     3.94
                                               -------   -----------    -----
Options outstanding at December 31, 1996.....  717,750   $3.94-$4.85    $4.04
                                               =======   ===========    =====
Exercisable options at December 31, 1996.....  717,750   $3.94-$4.85    $4.04
                                               =======   ===========    =====
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The Company has also adopted the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The 1995
Employee Stock Purchase Plan provides for the purchase of shares of Ballantyne
common stock by eligible employees at a per share purchase price equal to 85%
of the fair market value of a share of Ballantyne common stock at either the
beginning or end of the offering period, as defined, whichever is lower.
Purchases are made through payroll deductions of up to 10% of each
participating employee's salary and participants are limited to purchasing
1,000 shares of Ballantyne common stock in any offering period. 150,000 shares
of Ballantyne common stock have been reserved pursuant to the 1995 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan.
 
  The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for its plan and the exercise price of all options issued have
equaled the market value of the stock on the date of grant. Accordingly, no
compensation cost has been recognized for any of the aforementioned stock
compensation plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock compensation
plans been determined consistent with FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's
net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma
amounts indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ---------------------
                                                             1995       1996
                                                          ---------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Net income:
  As reported............................................ $3,040,325 $5,036,693
  Pro forma.............................................. $2,062,200 $3,059,454
Primary earnings per share:
  As reported............................................ $     0.42 $     0.62
  Pro forma.............................................. $     0.19 $     0.29
</TABLE>
 
  The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in 1995 and 1996: dividend yield of 0.0 percent;
expected volatility of 75 percent; risk-free interest rate of 6.15 percent;
and expected lives of ten years for the 1995 Incentive and Non-Incentive Stock
Option Plan options and three to five years for the other stock compensation
plans.
 
  All per share and number of share information has been adjusted for the 10%
stock distribution issued on March 8, 1996 as well as the 3-for-2 stock split
issued on March 5, 1997.
 
b. Warrants
 
  The Company has granted Merita Bank Ltd, the primary lending bank of Canrad,
a warrant to purchase 323,400 shares of Ballantyne common stock. The warrant
is exercisable at a per share price of $3.94. All shares subject to the
warrant are exercisable at March 31, 1997. The number of shares under warrant
and the per share price have been adjusted for the effect of the 10% stock
distribution issued on March 8, 1996 and the 3-for-2 stock split issued on
March 5, 1997.
 
c. Change of Control
 
  A substantial portion of the shares of Ballantyne common stock owned by
Canrad are pledged to secure Canrad's obligation under a credit facility
provided by Merita Bank Ltd. During the period, if any, that one or more
events of default shall have occurred and are continuing under such credit
facility, Merita Bank Ltd. shall have the right to sell all or any portion of
such pledged shares at one or more public or private sales called and
conducted in any manner permitted by the New York Uniform Commercial Code. The
sale of all or a substantial portion of such pledged shares could result in a
change of control of Ballantyne.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
13. NET INCOME PER SHARE
 
  Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. The effects of the assumed exercise of outstanding stock
options and warrants have been included in the income per share calculation
for the period that the shares were assumed issued using the treasury stock
method. Net income per share also reflects the effect of the assumed interest
expense less related tax effects of the $8,000,000 borrowing pursuant to the
Norwest Bank revolving credit facility which is assumed to be outstanding as
of the beginning of the earliest period presented, with no repayment being
made during 1994 and 1995.
 
  Weighted average shares outstanding amounted to 6,600,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1994, 6,654,344 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
8,094,417 for the year ended December 31, 1996 and 6,880,731 and 9,340,702 for
the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  The Company's Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split of the
Company's common stock on January 29, 1997. The stock split was in the form of
a 50% common stock dividend payable March 5, 1997 to shareholders of record on
February 10, 1997. As a result of the stock split, Ballantyne's outstanding
shares of common stock increased to approximately 8,569,785 at December 31,
1996. Per share data have been restated to reflect this stock split as of the
earliest period presented. The Company's Board of Directors declared a 10%
stock distribution on January 23, 1996, which was issued on March 8, 1996, to
shareholders of record on February 9, 1996. This stock distribution resulted
in the issuance of 600,000 shares of common stock. Per share data have been
restated to reflect these stock distributions as of the earliest period
presented. The stock distribution is not considered a distribution of earnings
except to the extent that the Company has retained earnings, but rather had
the effect of increasing the number of outstanding shares.
 
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Company has in place a profit sharing plan for key management employees.
Amounts due pursuant to the plan are based upon the attainment of specific
operating levels that are established by the Board of Directors. Amounts
charged to operations pursuant to the profit sharing plan amounted to
$425,052, $538,247 and $913,676 for 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively and
$142,501 and $232,400 for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. The amounts payable of $538,247 and $913,676 at December 31,
1995 and 1996, respectively, and $232,400 at March 31, 1997 are included in
accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
  During 1994, the Company entered into a deferred compensation agreement with
its President and Chief Executive Officer providing for monthly payments of
$5,000 commencing with his date of retirement or death and continuing for
twenty-four months thereafter. Deferred compensation expense was approximately
$48,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and $24,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1996 and $12,000 and $0 for the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. No amounts payable under the agreement
are vested.
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations in connection with the Offering
other than those contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company, any of the Selling Stockholders or the Underwriters.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an
offer to buy any securities other than the shares of Common Stock offered
hereby, nor does it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to buy any of the securities offered hereby, to any person in any jurisdiction
in which such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful. Neither the delivery
of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstance,
create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the
Company or that the information contained herein is correct as of any date
subsequent to the date hereof.
 
                                --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary ........................................................   3
Risk Factors...............................................................   6
Use of Proceeds............................................................  10
Price Range of Common Stock................................................  10
Dividend Policy............................................................  10
Capitalization.............................................................  11
Selected Consolidated Financial Data ......................................  12
Management's Discussion and Analysis
 of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations................................................................  13
Business...................................................................  17
Management.................................................................  26
Principal and Selling Stockholders.........................................  34
Certain Transactions.......................................................  36
Description of Capital Stock...............................................  37
Shares Eligible for Future Sale............................................  40
Underwriting...............................................................  41
Legal Matters..............................................................  42
Experts....................................................................  42
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
 Reference.................................................................  43
Additional Information.....................................................  43
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements................................. F-1
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                1,964,000 Shares
 
                                  BALLANTYNE
                                      OF OMAHA, INC.
 
                                  Common Stock
 
 
 
                                --------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                                --------------
 
 
 
                                COWEN & COMPANY
 
                       PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
 
                                        , 1997
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  Estimated expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions)
expected to be incurred in connection with the sale of the Common Stock
described in this Registration Statement are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
       <S>                                                             <C>
       SEC Registration Fee........................................... $ 10,609
       NASD Filing Fee................................................    4,001
       Printing and Engraving Expenses................................  125,000
       Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.....................................    5,000
       Legal Fees and Expenses........................................  200,000
       Accounting Fees and Expenses...................................   50,000
       Miscellaneous Expenses.........................................    5,390
                                                                       --------
         Total........................................................ $400,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  The Company is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "DGCL"),
Article EIGHTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Article VIII
of the Company's By-Laws contains indemnification provisions. Set forth below
is the text of Article EIGHTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
and Article VIII of the Company's By-Laws (which contains the mandatory
indemnification provisions of Section 145 of the DGCL).
 
  Article EIGHTH of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
provides as follows:
 
  EIGHTH: A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of the law; (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived
an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is
amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the
personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the
Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by
the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.
 
  Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of
the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a
director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or
modification.
 
  Article VIII of the Company's By-Laws provides as follows:
 
 Section 1. Right to Indemnification.
 
  Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party
to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with
respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "indemnitee"), whether the
basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a
director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as
a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless
by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the
case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the
Corporation to provide broader indemnification
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such
amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys'
fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in
settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection
therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 3 of this
ARTICLE VIII with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification,
the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a
proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such
proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.
 
 Section 2. Right to Advancement of Expenses.
 
  The right to indemnification conferred in Section 1 of this ARTICLE VIII
shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its
final disposition (hereinafter an "advancement of expenses"); provided,
however, that, if the Delaware General Corporation Law requires, an
advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a
director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is
rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an
employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of
an undertaking (hereinafter an "undertaking"), by or on behalf of such
indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be
determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to
appeal (hereinafter a "final adjudication") that such indemnitee is not
entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 2 or
otherwise. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses
conferred in Sections 1 and 2 of this ARTICLE VIII shall be contract rights
and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a
director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
indemnitee's heirs, executors and administrators.
 
 Section 3. Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit.
 
  If a claim under Section 1 or 2 of this ARTICLE VIII is not paid in full by
the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received
by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of
expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the
indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to
recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in
any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an
advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the
indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or
defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a
right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the
indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a
defense that, and (ii) in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an
advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the
Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final
adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for
indemnification set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law. Neither the
failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent
legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the
commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in
the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of
conduct set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law, nor an actual
determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors,
independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not
met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the
indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of
such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit
brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an
advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an
advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of
proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such
advancement of expenses, under this ARTICLE VIII or otherwise shall be on the
Corporation.
 
 Section 4. Non-Exclusivity of Rights.
 
  The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred
in this ARTICLE VIII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise.
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
 Section 5. Insurance.
 
  The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself
and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any
expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the
power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under
the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
 Section 6. Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation.
 
  The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board
of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of
expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of
the provisions of this Article with respect to the indemnification and
advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.
 
  The Company is included under a directors and officers liability insurance
policy (the "Policy") issued to ARC International Corporation by CIGNA
Insurance Company of Canada which insures against losses suffered by directors
and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries (i.e., an entity in which the
Company owns at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting shares) in respect of
claims made against the directors and officers for acts committed while acting
on behalf of the Company. The Policy also provides an indemnity for the
Company against losses suffered by it as a result of the Company having
indemnified, pursuant to applicable corporate indemnity statutes, persons
insured under the Policy.
 
  Coverage under the Policy is limited to $3,000,000 (Canadian) in respect of
each loss (including defense costs) and $3,000,000 (Canadian) in respect of
each Policy year. The Policy is subject to a deductible for each loss ranging
from $0 to $500,000 (Canadian) depending upon the type of loss; all claims
resulting from a single act are considered to be one loss. Losses resulting
from claims made in connection with a public offering of securities by the
Company are subject to a deductible of $500,000 (Canadian).
 
  Exclusions from coverage include, among other things, profits made from the
purchase or sale of securities of the Company prohibited by Section 16(b) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
  The Underwriters will undertake to indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
its directors, each of its officers who signed this Registration Statement,
and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, against any and all
loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the Underwriting
Agreement (to be filed as Exhibit 1 to this Registration Statement), as
incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged
untrue statements or omissions, made in this Registration Statement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by the Underwriters expressly for use in this Registration Statement.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT NO.                            DESCRIPTION
 -----------                            -----------
 <C>         <S>
     1.1     Form of Underwriting Agreement.
     5.1     Opinion of Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein.*
    23.1     Consent of Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein (included
              in Opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).*
    23.2     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
    24.1     Power of Attorney (included on the signature page).
    27       Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- --------
* To be filed by amendment.
 
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 14 above or otherwise,
the registrant 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 registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant 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 registrant
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.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
  this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the
  form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
  of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
  shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
  time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section
  13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where
  applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
  pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
  incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to
  be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
  initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby further undertakes to provide to the
underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements
certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by
the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF OMAHA, STATE OF NEBRASKA, ON MAY 23, 1997.
 
                                         Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.
 
                                                   /s/ John P. Wilmers
                                         By: __________________________________
                                                    JOHN P. WILMERS
                                                       PRESIDENT
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Arnold S. Tenney, John P. Wilmers, Brad J.
French and Daniel A. Etna, and each and any of them his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective documents
in connection therewith) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
  PURSUANT TO 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 INDICATED.
 
             SIGNATURE                       TITLE                 DATE
 
     /s/ Arnold S. Tenney             Chairman of the          May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------   Board and Director
           ARNOLD S. TENNEY
 
     /s/ Ronald H. Echtenkamp         Vice Chairman of         May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------   the Board and
           RONALD H. ECHTENKAMP        Director
 
     /s/ John P. Wilmers              President, Chief         May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------   Executive Officer
           JOHN P. WILMERS             and Director
                                       (Principal
                                       Executive Officer)
 
     /s/ Ray F. Boegner               Senior Vice              May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------   President
           RAY F. BOEGNER
 
     /s/ Brad J. French               Secretary,               May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------   Treasurer and
           BRAD J. FRENCH              Chief Financial
                                       Officer (Principal
                                       Financial and
                                       Accounting
                                       Officer)
 
     /s/ Colin G. Campbell            Director                 May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------
           COLIN G. CAMPBELL
 
     /s/ Jeffrey D. Chelin            Director                 May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------
           JEFFREY D. CHELIN
 
     /s/ Marshall S. Geller           Director                 May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------
           MARSHALL S. GELLER
 
     /s/ Yale Richards                Director                 May 23, 1997
- ------------------------------------
           YALE RICHARDS
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
                           BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           BALANCE
                                             AT     CHARGED TO AMOUNTS BALANCE
                                          BEGINNING COSTS AND  WRITTEN AT END
                                           OF YEAR   EXPENSES  OFF (1) OF YEAR
                                          --------- ---------- ------- -------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>        <C>     <C>
Year ended December 31, 1994 -
 Allowance for doubtful accounts          $107,827    14,442   22,269  100,000
                                          ========    ======   ======  =======
Year ended December 31, 1995 -
 Allowance for doubtful accounts          $100,000    21,600    3,567  118,003
                                          ========    ======   ======  =======
Year ended December 31, 1996 -
 Allowance for doubtful accounts          $118,003    63,995   38,998  143,000
                                          ========    ======   ======  =======
Three months ended March 31, 1997 (unau-
 dited) -
 Allowance for doubtful accounts          $143,000     9,000    1,539  150,461
                                          ========    ======   ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
(1) The deductions from reserves are net of recoveries.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                              -----------
 <C>     <S>
   1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement.
   5.1   Opinion of Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein.*
  23.1   Consent of Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein (included in
          Opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).*
  23.2   Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
  24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
  27     Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
- --------
* To be filed by amendment.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1

                                1,964,000 Shares

                            BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC.

                                  Common Stock

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
                             ----------------------

                                                            June __, 1997

COWEN & COMPANY
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
  As Representatives of the several Underwriters

c/o Cowen & Company
   Financial Square
   New York, New York 10005

Dear Sirs:

          1.  Introductory. The selling shareholders named in Schedule B hereto
              ------------
(collectively, the "Selling Shareholders") propose to sell, pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement, to the several underwriters named in Schedule A hereto
(the "Underwriters," or, each, an "Underwriter"), an aggregate of 1,964,000
shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of
Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). The aggregate
of 1,964,000 shares so proposed to be sold is hereinafter referred to as the
"Firm Stock." The Selling Shareholders also propose to sell to the Underwriters,
upon the terms and conditions set forth in Section 4 hereof, up to an additional
294,600 shares of Common Stock (the "Optional Stock"). The Firm Stock and the
Optional Stock are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Stock." Cowen &
Company ("Cowen") and Prudential Securities Incorporated ("Prudential") are
acting as representatives of the several Underwriters and in such capacity are
hereinafter referred to as the "Representatives."

          2.  Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company
              ---------------------------------------------
represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Underwriters that:

                    (a)  A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
          _____) in the form in which it became or becomes effective and also in
          such form as it may be when any post-effective amendment thereto shall
          become effective with respect to the Stock, including any preeffective
          prospectuses included as part of the registration statement as
          originally filed or as part of any amendment or supplement thereto, or
          filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
          amended (the "Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations (the
          "Rules and Regulations") of the
<PAGE>
 
          Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder,
          copies of which (including all documents incorporated by reference
          therein) have heretofore been delivered to you, has been carefully
          prepared by the Company in conformity with the requirements of the
          Securities Act and has been filed with the Commission under the
          Securities Act; one or more amendments to such registration statement,
          including in each case an amended preeffective prospectus, copies of
          which amendments (including all documents incorporated by reference
          therein) have heretofore been delivered to you, have been so prepared
          and filed. If it is contemplated, at the time this Agreement is
          executed, that a post-effective amendment to the registration
          statement will be filed and must be declared effective before the
          offering of the Stock may commence, the term "Registration Statement"
          as used in this Agreement means the registration statement as amended
          by said post-effective amendment. The term "Registration Statement" as
          used in this Agreement shall also include any registration statement
          relating to the Stock that is filed and declared effective pursuant to
          Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act. The term "Prospectus" as used in
          this Agreement means the prospectus in the form included in the
          Registration Statement, or (A) if the prospectus included in the
          Registration Statement omits information in reliance on Rule 430A
          under the Securities Act and such information is included in a
          prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the
          Securities Act, the term "Prospectus" as used in this Agreement means
          the prospectus in the form included in the Registration Statement as
          supplemented by the addition of the Rule 430A information contained in
          the prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) and
          (B) if prospectuses that meet the requirements of Section 10(a) of the
          Securities Act are delivered pursuant to Rule 434 under the Securities
          Act, then (i) the term "Prospectus" as used in this Agreement means
          the "prospectus subject to completion" (as such term is defined in
          Rule 434(g) under the Securities Act) as supplemented by (a) the
          addition of Rule 430A information or other information contained in
          the form of prospectus delivered pursuant to Rule 434(c)(2) under the
          Securities Act or (b) the information contained in the abbreviated
          term sheets described in Rule 434(c)(3) under the Securities Act and
          (ii) the date of such prospectuses shall be deemed to be the date of
          the abbreviated term sheets. The term "Preeffective Prospectus" as
          used in this Agreement means the prospectus subject to completion in
          the form included in the Registration Statement at the time of the
          initial filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission, and
          as such prospectus shall have been

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          amended from time to time prior to the date of the Prospectus. Any
          reference herein to any Preeffective Prospectus or the Prospectus
          shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by
          reference therein pursuant to Form S-3 under the Securities Act, as of
          the date of such Preeffective Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case
          may be, and any reference to any amendment or supplement to any
          Preeffective Prospectus or Prospectus, as the case may be, and any
          reference to any amendment or supplement to any Preeffective
          Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include
          any documents filed after such date under the Securities Exchange Act
          of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and so incorporated by
          reference.

                       (b)   The Commission has not issued or threatened to
               issue any order preventing or suspending the use of any
               Preeffective Prospectus, and, at its date of issue, each
               Preeffective Prospectus conformed in all material respects with
               the requirements of the Securities Act and did not include any
               untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
               fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
               statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
               they were made, not misleading; and, when the Registration
               Statement becomes effective and at all times subsequent thereto
               up to and including the Closing Dates, the Registration Statement
               and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto
               contained and will contain all material statements and
               information required to be included therein by the Securities Act
               and conformed and will conform in all material respects to the
               requirements of the Securities Act and neither the Registration
               Statement nor the Prospectus, nor any amendment or supplement
               thereto, included or will include any 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, in
               light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
               misleading; provided, however, that the foregoing
               representations, warranties and agreements shall not apply to
               information contained in or omitted from any Preeffective
               Prospectus or the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any
               such amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon, and in
               conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by
               or on behalf of any Underwriter, directly or through you,
               specifically for use in the preparation thereof; there is no
               franchise, lease, contract, agreement or document required to be
               described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be
               filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement which is not
               described or filed therein as 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
               required; and all descriptions of any such franchises, leases,
               contracts, agreements or documents contained in the Registration
               Statement are accurate and complete descriptions of such
               documents in all material respects.
               
                       (c)  Subsequent to the respective dates as of which
               information is given in the Registration Statement and
               Prospectus, and except as set forth or contemplated in the
               Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has
               incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or
               contingent, nor entered into any transactions not in the ordinary
               course of business, and there has not been any material adverse
               change in the condition (financial or otherwise), properties,
               business, management, prospects, net worth or results of
               operations of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a
               whole, or, except for the exercise of outstanding options or
               warrants described in the Prospectus, any change in the capital
               stock, short-term or long-term debt of the Company and its
               subsidiaries considered as a whole.

                       (d)   The financial statements, together with the related
               notes and schedules, set forth in the Prospectus and elsewhere in
               the Registration Statement fairly present, on the basis stated in
               the Registration Statement, the financial position and the
               results of operations and changes in financial position of the
               Company and its consolidated subsidiaries at the respective dates
               or for the respective periods therein specified. Such statements
               and related notes and schedules have been prepared in accordance
               with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
               consistent basis except as may be set forth in the Prospectus.
               The selected financial and statistical data set forth in the
               Prospectus under the caption "Selected Consolidated Financial
               Data" and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 fairly present, on the basis
               stated in the Registration Statement and such Annual Report, the
               information set forth therein.

                       (e)    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, who have expressed their
               opinion on the audited financial statements and related schedules
               included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are
               independent public accountants as required by the Securities Act
               and the Rules and Regulations.

                       (f)    The Company and each of its subsidiaries have been
               duly organized and are validly existing and in good standing as
               corporations under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of
               organization, with 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
               power and authority (corporate and other) to own or lease their
               properties and to conduct their businesses as described in the
               Prospectus. The Company is and each of its subsidiaries are in
               possession of and operating in compliance with all franchises,
               grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, consents,
               certificates and orders required for the conduct of its business,
               all of which are valid and in full force and effect; and the
               Company is and each of such subsidiaries are duly qualified to do
               business and in good standing as foreign corporations in all
               other jurisdictions where their ownership or leasing of
               properties or the conduct of their businesses requires such
               qualification where the failure to so qualify would have a
               material adverse effect on the Company or such subsidiary or
               constitute a waiver of material rights of the Company or such
               subsidiary. The Company has and each of its subsidiaries have all
               requisite power and authority, and all necessary consents,
               approvals, authorizations, orders, registrations, qualifications,
               licenses and permits of and from all public regulatory or
               governmental agencies and bodies to own, lease and operate its
               properties and conduct its business as now being conducted and as
               described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and
               no such consent, approval, authorization, order, registration,
               qualification, license or permit contains a materially burdensome
               restriction not adequately disclosed in the Registration
               Statement and the Prospectus. The Company owns all of the issued
               and outstanding capital stock of Strong International Inc.,
               Flavor Crisp of America, Inc., Ballantyne Fabricators, Inc. and
               Xenotech, Inc., and does not own or control, directly or
               indirectly, any other corporations, partnerships, limited
               liability companies, associations or other entities.

                       (g)   The Company's authorized and outstanding capital
               stock is on the date hereof, and will be on the Closing Dates, as
               set forth under the heading "Capitalization" in the Prospectus;
               the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company conform to
               the description thereof in the Prospectus, have been duly
               authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
               nonassessable, are duly listed on the American Stock Exchange and
               have been issued in compliance with all federal and state
               securities laws and were not issued in violation of or subject to
               any preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or
               purchase securities. Except as disclosed in and or contemplated
               by the Prospectus and the financial statements of the Company and
               related notes thereto included in the Prospectus, the Company
               does not have outstanding any options or warrants to purchase, or
               any preemptive rights or other 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
               rights to subscribe for or to purchase any securities or
               obligations convertible into, or any contracts or commitments to
               issue or sell, shares of its capital stock or any such options,
               rights, convertible securities or obligations, except for options
               granted subsequent to the date of information provided in the
               Prospectus pursuant to the Company's employee and non-employee
               director stock option and employee stock purchase plans as
               disclosed in the Prospectus. The description of the Company's
               stock option, stock purchase and other stock plans or
               arrangements, and the options or other rights granted or
               exercised thereunder, as set forth in the Prospectus, accurately
               and fairly presents the information required to be shown with
               respect to such plans, arrangements, options and rights. All
               outstanding shares of capital stock of each subsidiary have been
               duly authorized and validly issued, and are fully paid and
               nonassessable and are owned directly by the Company or by another
               wholly owned subsidiary of the Company free and clear of any
               liens, encumbrances, equities or claims .

                       (h)  Except as set forth in the Prospectus, there are no
               legal or governmental proceedings pending to which the Company or
               any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is a party or of which any
               property of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate is
               subject, which, if determined adversely to the Company or any
               such subsidiary or affiliate, might individually or in the
               aggregate (i) prevent or adversely affect the transactions
               contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) suspend the effectiveness of
               the Registration Statement, (iii) prevent or suspend the use of
               the Preeffective Prospectus in any jurisdiction or (iv) result in
               a material adverse change in the condition (financial or
               otherwise), properties, business, management, prospects, net
               worth or results of operations of the Company and its
               subsidiaries considered as a whole; and to the best of the
               Company's knowledge no such proceedings are threatened or
               contemplated against the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate
               by governmental authorities or others. Neither the Company nor
               any of its subsidiaries is a party or subject to the provisions
               of any material injunction, judgment, decree or order of any
               court, regulatory body or other governmental agency or body. The
               description of the Company's litigation under the heading "Legal
               Proceedings" in the Prospectus is true, complete and correct and
               complies with the Rules and Regulations.

                       (i)   The execution, delivery and performance of this
               Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein
               contemplated will not result in a 

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
               breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of or
               constitute a default under any indenture, mortgage, deed of
               trust, note agreement or other agreement or instrument to which
               the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it,
               any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their properties is or
               may be bound, the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation, By-
               laws or other organizational documents of the Company or any of
               its subsidiaries, or any law, order, rule or regulation of any
               court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the
               Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties or
               will result in the creation of a lien.

                       (j)  No consent, approval, authorization or order of any
               court or governmental agency or body is required for the
               consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by
               this Agreement, except such as may be required by the National
               Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") or under the
               Securities Act or the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of any
               jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution of
               the Stock by the Underwriters.

                       (k)  The Company has the full corporate power and
               authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its
               obligations hereunder, and this Agreement has been duly and
               validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and is
               a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
               against the Company in accordance with its terms, except to the
               extent that rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder may be
               limited by federal or state securities laws or the public policy
               underlying such laws.

                       (l)  The Company and its subsidiaries are in all
               material respects in compliance with, and conduct their
               businesses in conformity with, all applicable federal, state,
               local and foreign laws, rules and regulations or any court or
               governmental agency or body; to the knowledge of the Company,
               otherwise than as set forth in the Registration Statement and the
               Prospectus, no prospective change in any of such federal or state
               laws, rules or regulations has been adopted which, when made
               effective, would have a material adverse effect on the operations
               of the Company and its subsidiaries. In the ordinary course of
               business, employees of the Company conduct periodic reviews of
               the effect of Environmental Laws (as defined below) on the
               business operations and properties of the Company and its
               subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of which they seek to
               identify and evaluate associated costs and liabilities. Except as
               disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Company and its

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
               subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable existing
               federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating
               to the protection of human health or the environment or imposing
               liability or requiring standards of conduct concerning any
               Hazardous Materials ("Environmental Laws"), except for such
               instances of noncompliance which, either singly or in the
               aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect. The term
               "Hazardous Material" means (i) any "hazardous substance" as
               defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
               and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, (ii) any "hazardous waste"
               as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as
               amended, (iii) any petroleum or petroleum product, (iv) any
               polychlorinated biphenyl and (v) any pollutant or contaminant or
               hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material, waste or
               substance regulated under or within the meaning of any other
               Environmental Law.

                       (m)  The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all
               necessary federal, state, local and foreign income, payroll,
               franchise and other tax returns and have paid all taxes shown as
               due thereon or with respect to any of their properties, and there
               is no tax deficiency that has been, or to the knowledge of the
               Company is likely to be, asserted against the Company or any of
               its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets
               that would adversely affect the financial position, business or
               operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.

                       (n)  No person or entity has the right to require
               registration of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the
               Company because of the filing or effectiveness of the
               Registration Statement, except for persons and entities who have
               expressly waived such right or who have been given proper notice
               and have failed to exercise such right within the time or times
               required under the terms and conditions of such right. Except as
               described in the Prospectus, no person or entity has the right to
               require registration of shares of Common Stock or other
               securities of the Company.

                       (o)  Neither the Company nor any of its officers,
               directors or affiliates has taken or will take, directly or
               indirectly, any action designed or intended to stabilize or
               manipulate the price of any security of the Company, or which
               caused or resulted in, or which might in the future reasonably be
               expected to cause or result in, stabilization or manipulation of
               the price of any security of the Company.

                       (p)  The Company has provided you with all financial
               statements since December 31, 1991 to the 

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
               date hereof that are available to the officers of the Company,
               including financial statements for the three months ended March
               31, 1997 and the months of April and May 1997.

                       (q)  The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess
               rights to use all patents, trademarks (including "Strong,"
               "Simplex," "Century," "Optimax," "Ballantyne," "Super Trouper,"
               "Gladiator," "Roadie," "Flavor Crisp," "Flavor Pit",
               "Britelights," "Xenotech" and "ISCO-Optic"), trademark
               registrations, service marks, service mark registrations,
               tradenames, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and
               rights described in the Prospectus as being owned by them or any
               of them or necessary for the conduct of their respective
               businesses, and the Company is not aware of any claim to the
               contrary or any challenge by any other person to the rights of
               the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to the foregoing.
               The Company's business as now conducted and as proposed to be
               conducted does not and will not infringe or conflict with in any
               material respect patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names,
               copyrights, trade secrets, licenses or other intellectual
               property or franchise rights of any person. No claim has been
               made against the Company alleging the infringement by the Company
               of any patent, trademark, service mark, tradename, copyright,
               trade secret, license in or other intellectual property right or
               franchise right of any person.

                       (r)  The Company and its subsidiaries have performed all
               material obligations required to be performed by them under all
               contracts required by Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the
               Securities Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration
               Statement, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries
               nor any other party to such contract is in default under or in
               breach of any such obligations. Neither the Company nor any of
               its subsidiaries has received any notice of such default or
               breach.

                       (s)  The Company is not involved in any labor dispute
               nor is any such dispute threatened. The Company is not aware that
               (A) any executive, key employee or significant group of employees
               of the Company or any subsidiary plans to terminate employment
               with the Company or any such subsidiary or (B) any such executive
               or key employee is subject to any noncompete, nondisclosure,
               confidentiality, employment, consulting or similar agreement that
               would be violated by the present or proposed business activities
               of the Company and its subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any
               subsidiary has or expects to have any liability for any

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
               prohibited transaction or funding deficiency or any complete or
               partial withdrawal liability with respect to any pension, profit
               sharing or other plan which is subject to the Employee Retirement
               Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), to which the
               Company or any subsidiary makes or ever has made a contribution
               and in which any employee of the Company or any subsidiary is or
               has ever been a participant. With respect to such plans, the
               Company and each subsidiary are in compliance in all material
               respects with all applicable provisions of ERISA.

                       (t)  The Company has obtained the written agreement
               described in Section 9(h)(vii) of this Agreement from each of its
               officers, directors and holders of Common Stock or options to
               purchase Common Stock listed on Schedule C hereto.

                       (u)  The Company and its subsidiaries have, and the
               Company and its subsidiaries as of the Closing Dates will have,
               good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property and
               good and marketable title to all personal property owned or
               proposed to be owned by them which is material to the business of
               the Company or of its subsidiaries, in each case free and clear
               of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are
               described in the Prospectus or such as would not have a material
               adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries considered as
               a whole; and any real property and buildings held under lease by
               the Company and its subsidiaries or proposed to be held after
               giving effect to the transactions described in the Prospectus
               are, or will be as of the Closing Dates, held by them under
               valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as
               would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
               subsidiaries considered as a whole, in each case except as
               described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.

                       (v)  Except to the extent the Company and its affiliates
               are self-insured as described in the Prospectus, the Company and
               its subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial
               responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts
               as are customary in the businesses in which they are engaged or
               propose to engage after giving effect to the transactions
               described in the Prospectus; and neither the Company nor any
               subsidiary of the Company has any reason to believe that it will
               not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when
               such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar
               insurers as may be necessary to continue their business at a cost
               that would not materially and adversely affect the condition,

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
               financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business or operations
               of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a whole, except
               as described in or contemplated by the Prospectus.

                       (w)  Other than as contemplated by this Agreement, there
               is no broker, finder or other party that is entitled to receive
               from the Company any brokerage or finder's fee or other fee or
               commission as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by
               this Agreement.

                       (x)  The Company has complied with all provisions of
               Section 517.075 Florida Statutes (Chapter 92-198; Laws of
               Florida).

                       (y)  The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintains
               a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide
               reasonable assurances 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 generally accepted
               accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets;
               (iii) access to 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.

                       (z)  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor
               any employee or agent of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
               has made any payment of funds of the Company or any of its
               subsidiaries or received or retained any funds in violation of
               any law, rule or regulation, which payment, receipt or retention
               of funds is of a character required to be disclosed in the
               Prospectus.

                       (aa)  Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is
               an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an
               "investment company" as such terms are defined in the Investment
               Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                       (bb)  To the best of the Company's knowledge, the Company
               and each of its subsidiaries has paid all tariff, custom, import,
               export and other duties required to be paid by it (if any) in
               connection with the exportation of products from the country of
               manufacture, the importation of products into the United States,
               the exportation of products from the 

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
               United States and the importation of products into another
               country and has provided all appropriate authorities with the
               requisite information, all of which, to the best of the Company's
               knowledge, is true and correct, necessary for the proper
               determination of the foregoing.

                       (cc)  Each certificate signed by any officer of the
               Company and delivered to the Underwriters or counsel for the
               Underwriters shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty
               by the Company as to the matters covered thereby.

              3. Representations and Warranties and Agreements of the Selling
                 ------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders. Each Selling Shareholder represents and warrants to, and agrees
- ------------
with, the several Underwriters that such Selling Shareholder:

                       (a)  Now has, and on the Closing Dates will have, valid
               and marketable title to the Stock to be sold by such Selling
               Shareholder, free and clear of any lien, claim, security interest
               or other encumbrance, including, without limitation, any
               restriction on transfer, and has full right, power and authority
               to enter into this Agreement, the Power of Attorney and the
               Custody Agreement (each as hereinafter defined), and, to the
               extent such Selling Shareholder is a corporation, has been duly
               organized and is validly existing and in good standing as a
               corporation under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization.

                       (b)  Now has, and on each of the Closing Dates will
               have, upon delivery of and payment for each share of Stock
               hereunder, full right, power and authority, any approval required
               by law to sell, transfer, assign and deliver the Stock being sold
               by such Selling Shareholder hereunder, and each of the several
               Underwriters will acquire valid and marketable title to all of
               the Stock being sold to the Underwriters by such Selling
               Shareholder, free and clear of any liens, encumbrances, equities
               claims, restrictions on transfer or other defects whatsoever.

                       (c)  For a period of 90 days after the date of this
               Agreement, without the consent of Cowen, such Selling Shareholder
               will not offer to sell, sell, contract to sell or otherwise
               dispose of any Stock or securities convertible into or
               exchangeable for Stock, including, without limitation, Stock
               which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such Selling
               Shareholder in accordance with the Rules and Regulations, except
               for the Stock being sold hereunder.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
                       (d)  Has duly executed and delivered a power of
               attorney, in substantially the form heretofore delivered by the
               Representatives (the "Power of Attorney"), appointing
               ___________, ___________ and ___________, and each of them, as
               attorney-in-fact (the "Attorneys-in-fact") with authority to
               execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of such Selling
               Shareholder, to authorize the delivery of the shares of Stock to
               be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder and otherwise to
               act on behalf of such Selling Shareholder in connection with the
               transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                       (c)  Has duly executed and delivered a custody
               agreement, in substantially the form heretofore delivered by the
               Representatives (the "Custody Agreement"), with ___________ as
               custodian (the "Custodian"), pursuant to which certificates in
               negotiable form for the shares of Stock to be sold by such
               Selling Shareholder hereunder have been placed in custody for
               delivery under this Agreement.

                       (f)  Has, by execution and delivery of each of this
               Agreement, the Power of Attorney and the Custody Agreement,
               created valid and binding obligations of such Selling
               Shareholder, enforceable against such Selling Shareholder in
               accordance with its terms, except to the extent that rights to
               indemnity hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities
               laws or the public policy underlying such laws.

                       (g)  The performance of this Agreement, the Custody
               Agreement and the Power of Attorney, and the consummation of the
               transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not result in a
               breach or violation by such Selling Shareholder of any of the
               terms or provisions of, or constitute a default by such Selling
               Shareholder under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, trust
               (constructive or other), loan agreement, lease, franchise,
               license or other agreement or instrument to which such Selling
               Shareholder is a party or by which such Selling Shareholder or
               any of its properties is bound, or any judgment of any court or
               governmental agency or body applicable to such Selling
               Shareholder or any of its properties, or to such Selling
               Shareholder's knowledge, any statute, decree, order, rule or
               regulation of any court or governmental agency or body applicable
               to such Selling Shareholder or any of its properties.

Each Selling Shareholder agrees that the shares of Stock represented by the
certificates held in custody under the Custody Agreement are for the benefit of
and coupled with and subject to the interests of the Underwriters, the other
Selling Shareholders

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
and the Company hereunder, and that the arrangement for such custody and the
appointment of the Attorneys-in-fact are irrevocable; that the obligations of
such Selling Shareholder hereunder shall not be terminated by operation of law,
whether by the death or incapacity, liquidation or distribution of such Selling
Shareholder, or any other event, that if such Selling Shareholder should die or
become incapacitated or is liquidated or dissolved or any other event occurs,
before the delivery of the Stock hereunder, certificates for the Stock to be
sold by such Selling Shareholder shall be delivered on behalf of such Selling
Shareholder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and
the Custody Agreement, and action taken by the Attorneys-in-fact or any of them
under the Power of Attorney shall be as valid as if such death, incapacity,
liquidation or dissolution or other event had not occurred, whether or not the
Custodian, the Attorneys-in-fact or any of them shall have notice of such death,
incapacity, liquidation or dissolution or other event.

        4.   Purchase by, and Sale and Delivery to, Underwriters--Closing
             ------------------------------------------------------------
Dates. The Selling Shareholders agree to sell to the Underwriters the Firm
- -----
Stock, and on the basis of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase the Firm
Stock from the Selling Shareholders, the number of shares of Firm Stock to be
purchased by each Underwriter being set opposite its name in Schedule A, subject
to adjustment in accordance with Section 13 hereof. The number of shares of
Stock to be purchased by each Underwriter from each Selling Shareholder
hereunder shall bear the same proportion to the total number of shares of Stock
to be purchased by such Underwriter hereunder as the number of shares of Stock
being sold by each Selling Shareholder bears to the total number of shares of
Stock being sold by all Selling Shareholders, subject to adjustment by the
Representatives to eliminate fractions.

        The purchase price per share to be paid by the Underwriters to the
Selling Shareholders will be $_____ per share (the "Purchase Price").

        The Selling Shareholders will deliver the Firm Stock to the
Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters in the
form of definitive certificates, issued in such names and in such denominations
as the Representatives may direct by notice in writing to the Company given at
or prior to 12:00 Noon, New York Time, on the second full business day preceding
the First Closing Date (as defined below) or, if no such direction is received,
in the names of the respective Underwriters or in such other names as Cowen may
designate (solely for the purpose of administrative convenience) and in such
denominations as Cowen may determine, against payment of the aggregate Purchase
Price therefor by certified or official bank check or checks in Clearing House
funds (next day funds), payable to the order of the 

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
Company, all at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, One Citicorp Center,
153 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022. The time and date of the
delivery and closing shall be at 10:00 a.m., New York Time, on June __, 1997, in
accordance with Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act. The time and date of such
payment and delivery are herein referred to as the "First Closing Date." The
First Closing Date and the location of delivery of, and the form of payment for,
the Firm Stock may be varied by agreement between the Company and Cowen. The
First Closing Date may be postponed pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.

        The Selling Shareholders shall make the certificates for the Stock
available to the Representatives for examination on behalf of the Underwriters
not later than 10:00 a.m., New York Time, on the business day preceding the
First Closing Date at the offices of Cowen & Company, Financial Square, New
York, New York 10005.

        It is understood that Cowen or Prudential, individually and not as
Representatives of the several Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to)
make payment to the Company on behalf of any Underwriter or Underwriters, for
the Stock to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters. Any such payment
by Cowen or Prudential shall not relieve such Underwriter or Underwriters from
any of its or their other obligations hereunder.

        The several Underwriters agree to make an initial public offering of the
Firm Stock at the initial public offering price as soon after the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement as in their judgment is advisable. The
Representatives shall promptly advise the Company and the Selling Shareholders
of the making of the initial public offering.

        For the purpose of covering any over-allotments in connection with the
distribution and sale of the Firm Stock as contemplated by the Prospectus, each
of the Selling Shareholders hereby grants to the Underwriters an option to
purchase, severally and not jointly, up to the aggregate number of shares of
Optional Stock set forth opposite each such Selling Shareholder's name on
Schedule B hereto, for an aggregate of up to 294,600 shares. The price per share
to be paid for the Optional Stock shall be the Purchase Price. The option
granted hereby may be exercised as to all or any part of the Optional Stock at
any time, and from time to time, not more than thirty (30) days subsequent to
the effective date of this Agreement. No Optional Stock shall be sold and
delivered unless the Firm Stock previously has been, or simultaneously is, sold
and delivered. The right to purchase the Optional Stock or any portion thereof
may be surrendered and terminated at any time upon notice by the Underwriters to
the Selling Shareholders.

        The option granted hereby may be exercised by the Underwriters by giving
written notice from Cowen to the Selling Shareholders setting forth the number
of shares of the Optional 

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
Stock to be purchased by them and the date and time
for delivery of and payment for the Optional Stock. Each date and time for
delivery of and payment for the Optional Stock (which may be the First Closing
Date, but not earlier) is herein called the "Option Closing Date" and shall in
no event be earlier than two (2) business days nor later than ten (10) business
days after written notice is given. (The Option Closing Date and the First
Closing Date are herein called the "Closing Dates.") All purchases of Optional
Stock from the Selling Shareholders shall be made on a pro rata basis. Optional
Stock shall be purchased for the account of each Underwriter in the same
proportion as the number of shares of Firm Stock set forth opposite such
Underwriter's name in Schedule A hereto bears to the total number of shares of
Firm Stock (subject to adjustment by the Underwriters to eliminate odd lots).
Upon exercise of the option by the Underwriters, the Company agrees to sell to
the Underwriters the number of shares of Optional Stock set forth in the written
notice of exercise and the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly and
subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, to purchase the number of
such shares determined as aforesaid.

               The Selling Shareholders will deliver the Optional Stock to the
Underwriters in the form of definitive certificates, issued in such names and in
such denominations as the Representatives may direct by notice in writing to the
Company given at or prior to 12:00 Noon, New York Time, on the second full
business day preceding the Option Closing Date or, if no such direction is
received, in the names of the respective Underwriters or in such other names as
Cowen may designate (solely for the purpose of administrative convenience) and
in such denominations as Cowen may determine, against payment of the aggregate
Purchase Price therefor by certified or official bank check or checks in
Clearing House funds (next day funds), payable to the order of the Company all
at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, One Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd
Street, New York, New York 10022. The Selling Shareholders shall make the
certificates for the Optional Stock available to the Underwriters for
examination not later than 10:00 a.m., New York Time, on the business day
preceding the Option Closing Date at the offices of Cowen & Company, Financial
Square, New York, New York 10005. The Option Closing Date and the location of
delivery of, and the form of payment for, the Option Stock may be varied by
agreement among the Company, the Selling Shareholders and Cowen. The Option
Closing Date may be postponed pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.

        5.     Covenants and Agreements of the Company. The Company covenants
               ---------------------------------------
and agrees with the several Underwriters that:

                      (a)       The Company will (i) if the Company and the
               Representatives have determined not to proceed pursuant to Rule
               430A, use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to
               become effective, (ii) if the Company and the Representatives
               have determined to proceed pursuant to Rule 430A, use its best
               efforts to

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
               comply with the provisions of and make all requisite
               filings with the Commission pursuant to Rule 430A and Rule 424 of
               the Rules and Regulations and (iii) if the Company and the
               Representatives have determined to deliver Prospectuses pursuant
               to Rule 434 of the Rules and Regulations, to use its best efforts
               to comply with all the applicable provisions thereof. The Company
               will advise the Representatives promptly as to the time at which
               the Registration Statement becomes effective, will advise the
               Representatives promptly of the issuance by the Commission of any
               stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
               Statement or of the institution of any proceedings for that
               purpose, and will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of
               any such stop order and to obtain as soon as possible the lifting
               thereof, if issued. The Company will advise the Representatives
               promptly of the receipt of any comments of the Commission or any
               request by the Commission for any amendment of or supplement to
               the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional
               information and will not at any time file any amendment to the
               Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus which
               shall not previously have been submitted to the Representatives a
               reasonable time prior to the proposed filing thereof or to which
               the Representatives shall reasonably object in writing or which
               is not in compliance with the Securities Act and the Rules and
               Regulations.

                       (b)   The Company will prepare and file with the
               Commission, promptly upon the request of the Representatives, any
               amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the
               Prospectus which in the opinion of the Representatives may be
               necessary to enable the several Underwriters to continue the
               distribution of the Stock and will use its best efforts to cause
               the same to become effective as promptly as possible. The Company
               will promptly file all reports and any definitive proxy or
               information statements required to be filed with the Commission
               pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
               subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so long as the
               delivery of a prospectus is required in connection with the
               offering or sale of the Stock.

                       (c)   If at any time after the effective date of the
               Registration Statement when a prospectus relating to the Stock is
               required to be delivered under the Securities Act any event
               relating to or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries
               occurs as a result of which the Prospectus or any other
               prospectus as then in effect would include an untrue statement of
               a material fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary to
               make the statements therein, in light of 

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
               the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or
               if it is necessary at any time to amend the Prospectus to comply
               with the Securities Act, the Company will promptly notify the
               Representatives thereof and will prepare an amended or
               supplemented prospectus or make on appropriate filing pursuant to
               Section 13 or 14 of the Exchange Act which will correct such
               statement or omission; and in case any Underwriter is required to
               deliver a prospectus relating to the Stock nine (9) months or
               more after the effective date of the Registration Statement, the
               Company upon the request of the Representatives and at the
               expense of such Underwriter will prepare promptly such prospectus
               or prospectuses as may be necessary to permit compliance with the
               requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act.

                      (d)    The Company will deliver to the Representatives, at
               or before the Closing Dates, signed copies of the Registration
               Statement, as originally filed with the Commission, and all
               amendments thereto and all documents theretofore incorporated by
               reference therein, including all financial statements and
               exhibits thereto and will deliver to the Representatives such
               number of copies of the Registration Statement, including such
               financial statements and all documents theretofore incorporated
               by reference therein but without exhibits, and all amendments
               thereto, as the Representatives may reasonably request. The
               Company will deliver or mail to or upon the order of the
               Representatives, from time to time until the effective date of
               the Registration Statement, as many copies of the Preeffective
               Prospectus as the Representatives may reasonably request. The
               Company will deliver or mail to or upon the order of the
               Representatives on the date of the initial public offering, and
               thereafter from time to time during the period when delivery of a
               prospectus relating to the Stock is required under the Securities
               Act, as many copies of the Prospectus, in final form or as
               thereafter amended or supplemented as the Representatives may
               reasonably request; provided, however, that the expense of the
               preparation and delivery of any prospectus required for use nine
               (9) months or more after the effective date of the Registration
               Statement shall be borne by the Underwriters required to deliver
               such prospectus.

                      (e)    The Company will make generally available to its
               shareholders as soon as practicable, but not later than fifteen
               (15) months after the effective date of the Registration
               Statement, an earnings statement which will be in reasonable
               detail (but which need not be audited) and which will comply 

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
               with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, covering a period of at
               least twelve (12) months beginning after the "effective date" (as
               defined in Rule 158 under the Securities Act) of the Registration
               Statement.

                      (f)    The Company will cooperate with the Representatives
               to enable the Stock to be registered or qualified for offering
               and sale by the Underwriters and by dealers under the securities
               laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate
               and at the request of the Representatives will make such
               applications and furnish such consents to service of process or
               other documents as may be required of it as the issuer of the
               Stock for that purpose; provided, however, that the Company shall
               not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general
               consent (other than that arising out of the offering or sale of
               the Stock) to service of process in any such jurisdiction where
               it is not now so subject. The Company will, from time to time,
               prepare and file such statements and reports as are or may be
               required of it as the issuer of the Stock to continue such
               qualifications in effect for so long a period as the
               Representatives may reasonably request for the distribution of
               the Stock. The Company will advise the Representatives promptly
               after the Company becomes aware of the suspension of the
               qualifications or registration of (or any such exception relating
               to) the Common Stock of the Company for offering, sale or trading
               in any jurisdiction or of any initiation or threat of any
               proceeding for any such purpose, and in the event of the issuance
               of any orders suspending such qualifications, registration or
               exception, the Company will, with the cooperation of the
               Representatives use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal
               thereof.

                      (g)    The Company will furnish to its shareholders annual
               reports containing financial statements certified by independent
               public accountants and with quarterly summary financial
               information in reasonable detail which may be unaudited. During
               the period of five (5) years from the date hereof, the Company
               will deliver to the Representatives and, upon request, to each of
               the other Underwriters, as soon as they are available, copies of
               each Annual Report of the Company (containing the balance sheet
               of the Company as of the close of such fiscal year and statements
               of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then
               ended and the opinion thereon of the Company's independent public
               accountants) and each other report or communication furnished by
               the Company to its shareholders and will deliver to the
               Representatives, (i) as soon as they are available, copies of any
               other reports (financial or other) which 

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
               the Company shall publish or otherwise make available to any of
               its shareholders as such, (ii) as soon as they are available,
               copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K,
               Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Report on Form 8-K or other report
               or financial statements furnished to or filed with the
               Commission, the NASD or securities exchange and (iii) from time
               to time such other information concerning the Company as you may
               reasonably request. So long as the Company has active
               subsidiaries, such financial statements will be on a consolidated
               basis to the extent the accounts of the Company and its
               subsidiaries are consolidated in reports furnished to its
               shareholders generally. Separate financial statements shall be
               furnished for all subsidiaries whose accounts are not
               consolidated but which at the time are significant subsidiaries
               as defined in the Rules and Regulations.

                      (h)    The Company will use its best efforts to list the
               Stock, subject to official notice of issuance, on the American
               Stock Exchange concurrently with the effectiveness of the
               Registration Statement.

                      (i)    The Company will maintain a transfer agent and
               registrar for its Common Stock.

                      (j)    The Company will not offer, sell, assign, transfer,
               encumber, contract to sell, grant an option to purchase or
               otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or securities
               convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock
               (including, without limitation, Common Stock of the Company which
               may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in
               accordance with the Rules and Regulations) during the ninety (90)
               days following the date on which the price of the Common Stock to
               be purchased by the Underwriters is set, other than (i) the
               Company's issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of warrants
               and stock options which are presently outstanding and described
               in the Prospectus and (ii) the Company's issuance of Common Stock
               pursuant to its stock purchase plan as described in the
               Prospectus.

                      (k)    The Company will supply you with copies of all
               correspondence to and from, and all documents issued to and by,
               the Commission in connection with the registration of the Stock
               under the Securities Act.

                      (l)    Prior to the Closing Dates the Company will furnish
               to you, as soon as they have been prepared, copies of any
               unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the
               Company and its subsidiaries for any periods subsequent to the
               periods 

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
               covered by the financial statements appearing in the
               Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

                     (m)     Prior to the Closing Dates the Company will issue
               no press release or other communications directly or indirectly
               and hold no press conference with respect to the Company or any
               of its subsidiaries, the financial condition, results of
               operation, business, prospects, assets or liabilities of any of
               them, or the offering of the Stock, without your prior written
               consent. For a period of twelve (12) months following the Closing
               Date, the Company will use its best efforts to provide to you
               copies of each press release or other public communications with
               respect to the financial condition, results of operations,
               business, prospects, assets or liabilities of the Company
               reasonably promptly after the public issuance thereof.

               6.     Payment of Expenses. (a) The Company will pay (directly or
by reimbursement), for itself or on behalf of the Selling Shareholders, all
costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with expenses incident to the
performance of the obligations of the Company and of the Selling Shareholders
under this Agreement and in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, including but not limited to (i) all expenses and taxes incident to the
issuance and delivery of the Stock to the Representatives; (ii) all expenses
incident to the registration of the Stock under the Securities Act; (iii) the
costs of preparing stock certificates (including printing and engraving costs);
(iv) all fees and expenses of the registrar and transfer agent of the Stock; (v)
all necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the
issuance and sale of the Stock to the Underwriters; (vi) fees and expenses of
the Company's counsel and the Company's independent accountants; (vii) all costs
and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing filing,
shipping and distribution of the Registration Statement, each Preeffective
Prospectus and the Prospectus (including all exhibits and financial statements)
and all amendments and supplements provided for herein, the Selling
Shareholders' Powers of Attorney, the Custody Agreement, the "Agreement Among
Underwriters" between the Representatives and the Underwriters, the Master
Selected Dealers' Agreement, the Underwriters' Questionnaire and the Blue Sky
memoranda and this Agreement; (viii) all filing fees, attorneys' fees and
expenses incurred by the Company or the Underwriters in connection with
exemptions from the qualifying or registering (or obtaining qualification or
registration of) all or any part of the Stock for offer and sale and
determination of its eligibility for investment under the Blue Sky or other
securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may designate; (ix)
all fees and expenses paid or incurred in connection with filings made with the
NASD; and (x) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of their

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this
Section.

              (b)     Each Selling  Shareholder  will pay (directly or by  
reimbursement) all fees and expenses incident to the performance of such Selling
Shareholder's obligations under this Agreement which are not otherwise
specifically provided for herein, including but not limited to any fees or
expenses of counsel for such Selling Shareholder, such Selling Shareholder's pro
rata share of fees and expenses of the Attorneys-in-fact and the Custodian and
all expenses and taxes incident to the sale and delivery of the Stock to be sold
by such Selling Shareholder to the Underwriters hereunder.

              (c)     In addition  to their other  obligations  under  
Sections 7(a) and 7(b) hereof, the Company, each Selling Shareholder and ARC
International Corporation, an Ontario corporation and the parent of Canrad of
Delaware Inc. (one of the Selling Shareholders) ("ARC"), jointly and severally
agree that, as an interim measure during the pendency of any claim, action,
investigation, inquiry or other proceeding arising out of or based upon (i) any
statement or omission or any alleged statement or omission or (ii) any breach or
inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling
Shareholders, they will reimburse each Underwriter on a quarterly basis for all
reasonable legal or other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or
defending any such claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding,
notwithstanding the absence of a judicial determination as to the propriety and
enforceability of the Company's, each Selling Shareholder's and ARC's obligation
to reimburse each Underwriter for such expenses and the possibility that such
payments might later be held to have been improper by a court of competent
jurisdiction. To the extent that any such interim reimbursement payment is so
held to have been improper, each Underwriter shall promptly return it to the
Company, each Selling Shareholder and ARC, as the case may be, together with
interest, compounded daily, determined on the basis of the prime rate (or other
commercial lending rate for borrowers of the highest credit standing) announced
from time to timed by Citibank, N.A., New York, New York (the "Prime Rate"). Any
such interim reimbursement payments which are not made to an Underwriter in a
timely manner as provided below shall bear interest at the Prime Rate from the
due date for such reimbursement. This expense reimbursement agreement will be in
addition to any other liability which the Company may otherwise have. The
request for reimbursement will be sent to the Company with a copy to each
Selling Shareholder. In the event the Company fails to make such reimbursement
payment within thirty (30) days of the reimbursement request, the
Representatives shall notify the Selling Shareholders of their obligation to
make such reimbursement payments within fifteen (15) days; provided, however,
that each Selling Shareholder shall be required to advance at such time only its
pro rata portion of the reimbursement payment. To the extent any Selling
Shareholder fails to pay its pro rata portion in timely

                                      -22-
<PAGE>
 
response to the Underwriters' request, the other Selling Shareholders shall be
jointly and severally liable for such reimbursement payment and each shall
render such payment to the Representatives within fifteen (15) days of written
demand therefor by the Representatives.

            (d)       In addition to its other  obligations  under  Section 
7(c) hereof, each Underwriter severally agrees that, as an interim measure
during the pendency of any claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other
proceeding arising out of or based upon any statement or omission, or any
alleged statement or omission, described in Section 7(c) hereof which relates to
information furnished to the Company pursuant to Section 7(c) hereof, it will
reimburse the Company (and, to the extent applicable, each officer, director,
controlling person or Selling Shareholder) on a quarterly basis for all
reasonable legal or other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or
defending any such claim, action, investigation, inquiry or other proceeding,
notwithstanding the absence of a judicial determination as to the propriety and
enforceability of the Underwriters' obligation to reimburse the Company (and, to
the extent applicable, each officer, director, controlling person or Selling
Shareholder) for such expenses and the possibility that such payments might
later be held to have been improper by a court of competent jurisdiction. To the
extent that any such interim reimbursement payment is so held to have been
improper, the Company (and, to the extent applicable, each officer, director,
controlling person or Selling Shareholder) shall promptly return it to the
Underwriters together with interest, compounded daily, determined on the basis
of the Prime Rate. Any such interim reimbursement payments which are not made to
the Company within thirty (30) days of a request for reimbursement shall bear
interest at the Prime Rate from the date of such request. This indemnity
agreement will be in addition to any liability which such Underwriter may
otherwise have.

            (e)       It is agreed that any  controversy  arising out of the  
operation of the interim reimbursement arrangements set forth in paragraph (c)
and/or (d) of this Section 6, including the amounts of any requested
reimbursement payments and the method of determining such amounts, shall be
settled by arbitration conducted under the provisions of the Constitution and
Rules of the Board of Governors of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or pursuant
to the Code of Arbitration Procedure of the NASD. Any such arbitration must be
commenced by service of a written demand for arbitration or written notice of
intention to arbitrate, therein electing the arbitration tribunal. In the event
the party demanding arbitration does not make such designation of an arbitration
tribunal in such demand or notice, then the party responding to said demand or
notice is authorized to do so. Such an arbitration would be limited to the
operation of the interim reimbursement provisions contained in paragraph (c)
and/or (d) of this Section 6 and would not resolve the ultimate propriety or

                                      -23-
<PAGE>
 
enforceability of the obligation to reimburse expenses which is created by the
provisions of Section 7.

         7.    Indemnification and Contribution. (a) The Company agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person, if any, who
controls such Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and the
respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents
of each of such Underwriter (collectively, the "Underwriter Indemnified Parties"
and, each, an "Underwriter Indemnified Party"), against any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating
and defending against any claims therefor and counsel fees incurred in
connection therewith), joint or several, which may be based upon the Securities
Act, or any other statute or at common law, on the ground or alleged ground that
any Preeffective Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or
any Preeffective Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as
from time to time amended or supplemented) includes or allegedly includes an
untrue statement of a material fact or omits 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, unless
such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with,
written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter, directly or
through the Representatives, specifically for use in the preparation thereof;
provided, that with respect to any untrue statement or omission or alleged
untrue statement or omission made in any Preeffective Prospectus, the indemnity
agreement contained in this subsection (a) shall not inure to the benefit of any
Underwriter Indemnified Party from whom the person asserting any such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses purchased the shares of Stock concerned
to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense of such
Underwriter Indemnified Party results from the fact that a copy of the
Prospectus excluding documents incorporated by reference therein was not sent or
given to such person at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such
shares of Stock to such person as required by the Securities Act and if the
untrue statement or omission concerned has been corrected in the Prospectus,
unless such failure to deliver was the result of the breach by the Company of
Sections 5(c) or 5(d) hereof. The Company will be entitled to participate at its
own expense in the defense or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any
suit brought to enforce any such liability, but if the Company elects to assume
the defense, such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it. In the
event the Company elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such
counsel, any Underwriter Indemnified Parties, defendant or defendants in the
suit, may retain additional counsel but shall bear the fees and expenses of such
counsel unless (i) the Company shall have specifically authorized the retaining
of such counsel or (ii) the parties to such suit include any such Underwriter
Indemnified Parties, and the Company and such Underwriter Indemnified Parties at
law or in  

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
 
equity have been advised by counsel to the Underwriters that one or more legal
defenses may be available to it or them which may not be available to the
Company, in which case the Company shall not be entitled to assume the defense
of such suit notwithstanding its obligation to bear the fees and expenses of
such counsel. This indemnity agreement is not exclusive and will be in addition
to any liability which the Company might otherwise have and shall not limit any
rights or remedies which may otherwise be available at law or in equity to each
Underwriter Indemnified Party.

            (b)       Each  Selling  Shareholder  (which term for the purposes 
of this Section 7(b) shall include ARC) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
each Underwriter Indemnified Party against any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses (including, unless such Selling Shareholder elects to
assume the defense, the reasonable cost of investigating and defending against
any claims therefor and counsel fees incurred in connection therewith), joint or
several, which may be based upon the Securities Act, or any other statute or at
common law, on the ground or alleged ground that any Preeffective Prospectus,
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any Preeffective Prospectus,
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as from time to time amended and
supplemented) includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits 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, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and
in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by any
Underwriter, directly or through the Representatives, specifically for use in
the preparation thereof; provided, that with respect to any untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in any Preeffective
Prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this subsection (b) shall not
inure to the benefit of any Underwriter Indemnified Party from whom the person
asserting any such losses, claims, damages or liabilities purchased the shares
of Stock concerned to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability
of such Underwriter Indemnified Party results from the fact that a copy of the
Prospectus excluding documents incorporated by reference therein was not sent or
given to such person at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such
shares of Stock to such person as required by the Securities Act and if the
untrue statement or omission concerned has been corrected in the Prospectus,
unless such failure to deliver was the result of the breach by the Company of
Sections 5(c) or 5(d) hereof. Such Selling Shareholder shall be entitled to
participate at its or his own expense in the defense, or, if such Selling
Shareholder so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any
such liability, but, if such Selling Shareholder elects to assume the defense,
such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it or him. In the event
that any Selling Shareholder elects to assume the defense of any such suit and
retain such counsel, the Underwriter Indemnified Parties, defendant or
defendants in the suit, may retain additional counsel 

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
but shall bear the fees and expenses of such counsel unless (i) such Selling
Shareholder shall have specifically authorized the retaining of such counsel or
(ii) the parties to such suit include such Underwriter Indemnified Parties and
such Selling Shareholder and such Underwriter Indemnified Parties have been
advised by counsel that one or more legal defenses may be available to it or
them which may not be available to such Selling Shareholder, in which case such
Selling Shareholder shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such suit
notwithstanding its obligation to bear the fees and expenses of such counsel.
This indemnity agreement is not exclusive and will be in addition to any
liability which such Selling Shareholder might otherwise have and shall not
limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available at law or in
equity to each Underwriter Indemnified Party. The Company and the Selling
Shareholders may agree, as among themselves and without limiting the rights of
the Underwriters under this Agreement, as to their respective amounts of such
liability for which they each shall be responsible.

            (c)       Each Underwriter  severally and not jointly agrees to 
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its
officers who have signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who
controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, the
"Company Indemnified Parties") and each Selling Stockholder and each person, if
any, who controls a Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the Securities Act
(collectively, the "Shareholder Indemnified Parties") against any losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including, unless the Underwriter or
Underwriters elect to assume the defense, the reasonable cost of investigating
and defending against any claims therefor and counsel fees incurred in
connection therewith), joint or several, which arise out of or are based in
whole or in part upon the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any other federal,
state, local or foreign statute or regulation, or at common law, on the ground
or alleged ground that any Preeffective Prospectus, the Registration Statement
or the Prospectus (or any Preeffective Prospectus, the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus, as from time to time amended and supplemented) includes an
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, but only
insofar as any such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in
conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by such
Underwriter, directly or through the Representatives, specifically for use in
the preparation thereof; provided, however, that in no case is such Underwriter
to be liable with respect to any claims made against any Company Indemnified
Party or Shareholder Indemnified Party against whom the action is brought unless
such Company Indemnified Party or Shareholder Indemnified Party shall have
notified such Underwriter in writing within a reasonable time after the summons
or other first legal process giving information of the nature of the claim shall
have been served upon the Company 

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
Indemnified Party or Shareholder Indemnified Party, but failure to notify such
Underwriter of such claim shall not relieve it from any liability which it may
have to any Company Indemnified Party or Shareholder Indemnified Party otherwise
than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph. Such
Underwriter shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense,
or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any
such liability, but, if such Underwriter elects to assume the defense, such
defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it. In the event that any
Underwriter elects to assume the defense of any such suit and retain such
counsel, the Company Indemnified Parties or Shareholder Indemnified Parties and
any other Underwriter or Underwriters or controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any
additional counsel retained by them, respectively. The Underwriter against whom
indemnity may be sought shall not be liable to indemnify any person for any
settlement of any such claim effected without such Underwriter's consent. This
indemnity agreement is not exclusive and will be in addition to any liability
which such Underwriter might otherwise have and shall not limit any rights or
remedies which may otherwise be available at law or in equity to any Company
Indemnified Party or Shareholder Indemnified Party.

            (d) If the indemnification  provided for in this Section 7 is 
unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under
subsection (a), (b) or (c) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to herein, then
each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling
Shareholders (which term for the purposes of this Section 7(d) shall include
ARC) on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the
Stock. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding
sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying party shall
contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also
the relative fault of the Company and the Selling Shareholders on the one hand
and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions
which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling
Shareholders on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed
to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before
deducting expenses) received by the Company and the Selling Shareholders 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. The
relative fault shall be determined by

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
reference to, among other things, 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, the Selling Shareholders or the
Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company,
the Selling Shareholders and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just
and equitable if contribution were 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 account of the equitable considerations
referred to above. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a
result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or actions in
respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
investigating, defending, settling or compromising any such claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (c), no Underwriter shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the shares of the Stock underwritten by it and distributed to the
public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such
Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The Underwriters'
obligations to contribute are several in proportion to their respective
underwriting obligations and not joint. 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 who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.

            (e) Each party  indemnified  under the  provisions  of Sections 
7(b) or 7(c) agrees that, upon the service of a summons or other initial legal
process upon it in any action or suit instituted against it or upon its receipt
of written notification of the commencement of any investigation or inquiry of,
or proceedings against, it in respect of which indemnity may be sought on
account of any indemnity agreement contained in such paragraphs, it will
promptly give written notice (herein called the "Notice") of such service or
notification to the party or parties from whom indemnification may be sought
hereunder. No indemnification provided for in such paragraphs shall be available
to any party who shall fail so to give the Notice if the party to whom such
Notice was not given was unaware of the action, suit, investigation, inquiry or
proceedings to which the Notice would have related to the extent such
indemnifying party was materially prejudiced by the failure to give the Notice,
but the omission to notify such indemnifying party or parties of any such
service or notification shall not relieve such indemnifying party or parties
from any liability which it or they may have to the indemnified party for
contribution or otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained
in Sections 7(a), 7(b) or 7(c).

                                      -28-
<PAGE>
 
         8.    Survival of Indemnities, Representations, Warranties, etc. The
respective indemnities, covenants, agreements, representations, warranties and
other statements of the Company, the Selling Shareholders, ARC and the several
Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by them respectively,
pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of
any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, the Selling
Shareholders, the Company or any of its officers or directors or any controlling
person, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Stock.

         9.    Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations. The respective
obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder shall be subject to the
accuracy, at and (except as otherwise stated herein) as of the date hereof and
at and as of the Closing Dates, of the representations and warranties made
herein by the Company and the Selling Shareholders, to compliance at and as of
the Closing Dates by the Company and the Selling Shareholders with their
covenants and agreements herein contained and other provisions hereof to be
satisfied at or prior to the Closing Dates, and to the following additional
conditions:

                      (a)    The Registration Statement shall have become
               effective and no stop order suspending the effectiveness thereof
               shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall
               have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or the
               Representatives, shall be threatened by the Commission, and any
               request for additional information on the part of the Commission
               (to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
               or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the reasonable
               satisfaction of the Representatives. Any filings of the
               Prospectus, or any supplement thereto, required pursuant to Rule
               424(b) or Rule 434 of the Rules and Regulations, shall have been
               made in the manner and within the time period required by Rule
               424(b) and Rule 434 of the Rules and Regulations, as the case may
               be.

                      (b)    The Representatives shall have been satisfied that
               there shall not have occurred any change prior to the Closing
               Dates in the condition (financial or otherwise), properties,
               business, management, prospects, net worth or results of
               operations of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a
               whole, or any change in the capital stock, short-term or
               long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as
               a whole, such that (i) the Registration Statement or the
               Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, contains an
               untrue statement of fact which, in the opinion of the
               Representatives, is material, or omits to state a fact which, in
               the opinion of the Representatives, is required to be stated
               therein or is necessary to make the statements 

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
 
               therein not misleading, or (ii) it is unpracticable in the
               reasonable judgment of the Representatives to proceed with the
               public offering or purchase the Stock as contemplated hereby.

                      (c)    The Representatives shall be satisfied that no
               legal or governmental action, suit or proceeding affecting the
               Company which is material and adverse to the Company or which
               affects or may affect the Company's or the Selling Shareholders'
               ability to perform their respective obligations under this
               Agreement shall have been instituted or threatened and there
               shall have occurred no material and adverse development in any
               existing such action, suit or proceeding.

                      (d)    At the time of execution of this Agreement, the
               Representatives shall have received from KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
               independent certified public accountants, a letter, dated the
               date hereof, in form and substance satisfactory to the
               Underwriters.

                      (e)    The Representatives shall have received from KPMG
               Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants,
               letters, dated the Closing Dates, to the effect that such
               accountants reaffirm, as of the Closing Dates, and as though made
               on the Closing Dates, the statements made in the letter furnished
               by such accountants pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section 9.

                      (f)    The Representatives shall have received opinions,
               dated the Closing Dates, which shall be in forms satisfactory to
               counsel for the Underwriters, from (i) Gordon Altman Butowsky
               Weitzen Shalov & Wein, counsel for the Company, the Selling
               Shareholders and ARC, to the effect set forth in Exhibit I
               hereto, and (ii) Foley and Lardner, special intellectual property
               counsel for the Company, to the effect set forth in Exhibit II
               hereto.

                      (g)    The Representatives shall have received from
               Willkie Farr & Gallagher, counsel for the Underwriters, their
               opinion or opinions dated the Closing Dates with respect to the
               incorporation of the Company, the validity of the Stock, the
               Registration Statement and the Prospectus and such other related
               matters as it may reasonably request, and the Company, the
               Selling Shareholders and ARC shall have furnished to such counsel
               such documents as they may request for the purpose of enabling
               them to pass upon such matters.

                      (h)    The Representatives shall have received a
               certificate, dated the Closing Dates, of the chief 

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
 
               executive officer or the President and the chief financial or
               accounting officer of the Company to the effect that:

                                      (i) No stop order suspending the
                      effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been
                      issued, and, to the best of the knowledge of the signers,
                      no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or
                      are pending or contemplated under the Securities Act;

                                    (ii) Neither any Preeffective Prospectus, as
                      of its date, nor the Registration Statement nor the
                      Prospectus, nor any amendment or supplement thereto, as of
                      the time when the Registration Statement became effective
                      and at all times subsequent thereto up to the delivery of
                      such certificate, included any untrue statement of a
                      material fact or omitted to state any material fact
                      required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
                      statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
                      which they were made, not misleading;

                                    (iii) Subsequent to the respective dates as
                      of which information is given in the Registration
                      Statement and the Prospectus, and except as set forth or
                      contemplated in the Prospectus, neither the Company nor
                      any of its subsidiaries has incurred any material
                      liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, nor
                      entered into any material transactions not in the ordinary
                      course of business and there has not been any material
                      adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise),
                      properties, business, management, prospects, net worth or
                      results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries
                      considered as a whole, or, except for the exercise of
                      outstanding options or warrants described in the
                      Prospectus in accordance with past practice, any change in
                      the capital stock, short-term or long-term debt of the
                      Company and its subsidiaries considered as a whole;

                                    (iv) The representations and warranties of
                      the Company in this Agreement are true and correct at and
                      as of the Closing Dates, and the Company has complied with
                      all the agreements and performed or satisfied all the
                      conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or
                      prior to the Closing Dates; and

                                    (v) Since the respective dates as of which
                      information is given in the Registration 

                                      -31-
<PAGE>
 
                      Statement and the Prospectus, and except as disclosed in
                      or contemplated by the Prospectus, (i) there has not been
                      any material adverse change or a development involving a
                      material adverse change in the condition (financial or
                      otherwise), properties, business, management, prospects,
                      net worth or results of operations of the Company and its
                      subsidiaries considered as a whole; (ii) the business and
                      operations conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries
                      have not sustained a loss by strike, fire, flood, accident
                      or other calamity (whether or not insured) of such a
                      character as to interfere materially with the conduct of
                      the business and operations of the Company and its
                      subsidiaries considered as a whole; (iii) no legal or
                      governmental action, suit or proceeding is pending or
                      threatened against the Company which is material to the
                      Company, whether or not arising from transactions in the
                      ordinary course of business, or which may materially and
                      adversely affect the transactions contemplated by this
                      Agreement; and (iv) the Company has not declared or paid
                      any dividend, or made any other distribution, upon its
                      outstanding capital stock payable to stockholders of
                      record on a date prior to the Closing Date.

                      (i)    The Representatives shall have received a
               certificate or certificates, dated each of the Closing Dates, of
               each of the Selling Shareholders to the effect that as of each of
               the Closing Dates, its representations and warranties in this
               Agreement are true and correct as if made on and as of each of
               the Closing Dates, and that it has performed all its obligations
               and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or
               satisfied at or prior to the Closing Dates.

                      (j)    The Company and each of the Selling Shareholders
               shall have furnished to the Representatives such additional
               certificates as the Representatives may have reasonably requested
               as to the accuracy, at and as of the Closing Dates, of the
               representations and warranties made herein by them and as to
               compliance at and as of the Closing Dates by them with their
               covenants and agreements herein contained and other provisions
               hereof to be satisfied at or prior to the Closing Dates, and as
               to satisfaction of the other conditions to the obligations of the
               Underwriters hereunder.

                      (k)    Cowen shall have received the written agreements,
               substantially in the forms heretofore provided to the Company, of
               the officers, directors and

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
 
               holders of Common Stock or warrants or options to purchase Common
               Stock listed in Schedule B that each will not offer, sell,
               assign, transfer, encumber, contract to sell, grant an option to
               purchase or otherwise dispose of (except for certain exceptions
               provided therein upon the foreclosure of shares pledged to Merita
               Bank, as described in the Prospectus) any shares of Common Stock
               or warrants or options to purchase Common Stock (including,
               without limitation, Common Stock of the Company which may be
               deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance
               with the Rules and Regulations) during the ninety (90) days
               following the date of the final Prospectus except for the Stock
               being sold hereunder by the Selling Shareholders.

               The American Stock Exchange shall have approved the Stock for
listing, subject only to official notice of issuance.

               All opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be
in compliance with the provisions hereunder only if they are reasonably
satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives. The Company will
furnish to the Representatives conformed copies of such opinions, certificates,
letters and other documents as the Representatives shall reasonably request. If
any of the conditions hereinabove provided for in this Section shall not have
been satisfied when and as required by this Agreement, this Agreement may be
terminated by the Representatives by notifying the Company of such termination
in writing or by telegram at or prior to the Closing Dates, but Cowen shall be
entitled to waive any of such conditions.

         10.   Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective immediately
as to Sections 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 and, as to all
other provisions, at 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the first full business
day following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or at such earlier
time after the Registration Statement becomes effective as the Representatives
may determine on and by notice to the Company or by release of any of the Stock
for sale to the public. For the purposes of this Section 10, the Stock shall be
deemed to have been so released upon the release for publication of any
newspaper advertisement relating to the Stock or upon the release by you of
telegrams (i) advising Underwriters that the shares of Stock are released for
public offering or (ii) offering the Stock for sale to securities dealers,
whichever may occur first.

         11.   Termination. This Agreement (except for the provisions of Section
6) may be terminated by the Company at any time before it becomes effective in
accordance with Section 10 by notice to the Representatives and may be
terminated by the Representatives at any time before it becomes effective in
accordance with Section 10 by notice to the Company. In the event of any
termination of this Agreement under this or any other 

                                      -33-
<PAGE>
 
provision of this Agreement, there shall be no liability of any party to this
Agreement to any other party, other than as provided in Sections 6, 7 and 12 and
other than as provided in Section 13 as to the liability of defaulting
Underwriters.

               This Agreement may be terminated after it becomes effective by
the Representatives by notice to the Company (i) if at or prior to the First
Closing Date or the Option Closing Date trading in securities on any of the New
York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ National Market System,
Chicago Board of Options Exchange, Chicago Mercantile Exchange or Chicago Board
of Trade shall have been suspended or minimum or maximum prices shall have been
established on any such exchange or market, or a banking moratorium shall have
been declared by New York or United States authorities; (ii) trading of any
securities of the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any
over-the-counter market; (iii) if at or prior to the First Closing Date or the
Option Closing Date there shall have been (A) an outbreak or escalation of
hostilities between the United States and any foreign power or of any other
insurrection or armed conflict involving the United States or (B) any change in
financial markets or any calamity or crisis which, in the reasonable judgment of
the Representatives, makes it impractical or inadvisable to offer or sell the
Firm Stock or Optional Stock, as applicable on the terms contemplated by the
Prospectus; (iv) if there shall have been any development or prospective
development involving particularly the business or properties or securities of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries or the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, which, in the reasonable judgment of the Representatives, makes it
impracticable or inadvisable to offer or deliver the Firm Stock or the Optional
Stock, as applicable on the terms contemplated by the Prospectus; (v) if there
shall be any litigation or proceeding, pending or threatened, which, in the
reasonable judgment of the Representatives, makes it impracticable or
inadvisable to offer or deliver the Firm Stock or Optional Stock, as applicable,
on the terms contemplated by the Prospectus; or (vi) if there shall have
occurred any of the events specified in the immediately preceding clauses (i) -
(v) together with any other such event that makes it, in the reasonable judgment
of the Representatives, impractical or inadvisable to offer or deliver the Firm
Stock or Optional Stock, as applicable on the terms contemplated by the
Prospectus.

         12.   Reimbursement of Underwriters. Notwithstanding any other
provisions hereof, if this Agreement shall not become effective by reason of any
election of the Company pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 11 or shall
be terminated by the Representatives under Section 9 or Section 11, the Company
and the Selling Shareholders will bear and pay the expenses specified in Section
6 hereof and, in addition to their obligations pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the
Company and the Selling Shareholders will reimburse the reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses of the several Underwriters (including reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters) incurred in connection with this

                                      -34-
<PAGE>
 
Agreement and the proposed purchase of the Stock, and promptly upon demand the
Company and the Selling Shareholders will pay such amounts to you as
Representatives.

         13.   Substitution of Underwriters. If any Underwriter or Underwriters
shall default in its or their obligations to purchase shares of Stock hereunder
and the aggregate number of shares which such defaulting Underwriter or
Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase does not exceed ten percent (10%) of
the total number of shares underwritten, the other Underwriters shall be
obligated severally, in proportion to their respective commitments hereunder, to
purchase the shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but
failed to purchase. If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall so default and the
aggregate number of shares with respect to which such default or defaults occur
is more than ten percent (10%) of the total number of shares underwritten and
arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives, the Company and the Selling
Shareholders for the purchase of such shares by other persons are not made
within forty-eight (48) hours after such default, this Agreement shall
terminate.

               If the remaining Underwriters or substituted Underwriters are
required hereby or agree to take up all or part of the shares of Stock of a
defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters as provided in this Section 13, (i) the
Company and the Selling Shareholders shall have the right to postpone the
Closing Dates for a period of not more than five (5) full business days in order
that the Company and the Selling Shareholders may effect whatever changes may
thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in
any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees promptly to file any
amendments to the Registration Statement or supplements to the Prospectus which
may thereby be made necessary, and (ii) the respective numbers of shares to be
purchased by the remaining Underwriters or substituted Underwriters shall be
taken as the basis of their underwriting obligation for all purposes of this
Agreement. Nothing herein contained shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter of
its liability to the Company, the Selling Shareholders or the other Underwriters
for damages occasioned by its default hereunder. Any termination of this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 13 shall be without liability on the part of
any non-defaulting Underwriter, the Selling Shareholders or the Company, except
for expenses to be paid or reimbursed pursuant to Section 6 and except for the
provisions of Section 7.

         14.   Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and, if
sent to the Underwriters shall be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed
to you, as their Representatives c/o Cowen & Company at Financial Square, New
York, New York 10005, with a copy to counsel to Willkie Farr & Gallagher, One
Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022, Attention:
William N. Dye, except that notices given to an Underwriter pursuant to Section
6 hereof shall be sent 

                                      -35-
<PAGE>
 
to such Underwriter at the address furnished by the Representatives, in each
case, with a copy as provided above, or, if sent to the Company, shall be
mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed c/o Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.,
4350 McKinley Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68112, Attention: Chief Executive Officer,
with a copy to Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen Shalov & Wein, 114 West 47th
Street, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Daniel A. Etna.

         15.   Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the several Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholders
and their respective successors and legal representatives. Nothing expressed or
mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person
other than the persons mentioned in the preceding sentence 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 the representations,
warranties, covenants, agreements and indemnities of the Company and the Selling
Shareholders contained in this Agreement shall also be for the benefit of the
person or persons, if any, who control any Underwriter or Underwriters within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange
Act, and the indemnities of the several Underwriters shall also be for the
benefit of each director of the Company, each of its officers who has signed the
Registration Statement and the person or persons, if any, who control the
Company or any Selling Shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act.

         16.   Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its
principles of conflicts of laws.

         17.   Authority of the Representatives. In connection with this
Agreement, you will act for and on behalf of the several Underwriters, and any
action taken under this Agreement by Cowen, as Representative, will be binding
on all the Underwriters; and any action taken under this Agreement by any of the
Attorneys-in-fact will be binding on all the Selling Shareholders.

         18.   Partial Unenforceability. The invalidity or unenforceability of
any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of any other Section, paragraph or provision hereof.
If any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such
minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid
and enforceable.

         19.   General. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the
parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and all
contemporaneous oral agreements, 

                                      -36-
<PAGE>
 
understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof.

               In this Agreement, the masculine, feminine and neuter genders and
the singular and the plural include one another. The section headings in this
Agreement are for the convenience of the parties only and will not affect the
construction or interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended
or modified, and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived,
only by a writing signed by the Company, the Selling Shareholders and the
Representatives.

         20.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in two (2) or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

               Any person executing and delivering this Agreement as
Attorney-in-fact for a Selling Shareholder represents by so doing that he or she
has been duly appointed as Attorney-in-fact by such Selling Shareholder pursuant
to a validly existing and binding Power of Attorney which authorizes such
Attorney-in-fact to take such action.

                                      -37-
<PAGE>
 
               If the foregoing correctly sets forth our understanding, please
indicate your acceptance thereof in the space provided below for that purpose,
whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall constitute a binding agreement
between us.

                                  Very truly yours,
                                  
                                  BALLANTYNE OF OMAHA, INC.
                                  
                                  By:  ____________________________
                                         Name:      John P. Wilmers
                                         Title:      President and Chief
                                                      Executive Officer
                                  
                                  ARC INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                                  
                                  By:  ____________________________
                                         Name:      Arnold S. Tenney
                                         Title:      Chairman
                                  
                                  SELLING SHAREHOLDERS LISTED IN 
                                  SCHEDULE B

                                  By:  ____________________________
                                         Attorney-in-fact
                                         Acting on his own
                                         behalf and on behalf of the
                                         Selling Shareholders listed
                                         in Schedule B

Accepted and delivered in 
  New York, New York as of the 
  date first above written.

COWEN & COMPANY
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED

  Acting on their own behalf 
  and as Representatives of several 
  Underwriters referred to in the 
  foregoing Agreement.

By:  Cowen Incorporated,
    its general partner

    By _________________________
       Name:      Jack P. Dunphy
       Title:     Managing Director

                                      -38-
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE A

                                                Number of      Number of    
                                                Shares of      Shares of    
                                               Firm Stock    Optional Stock 
                                                  To Be          To Be      
                       Name                     Purchased      Purchased   
                       ----                     ---------    -------------- 
Cowen & Company...........................                   
Prudential Securities                                        
                                                             
   Incorporated...........................                   
                                                             
                                                ---------    -------------- 
   Total..................................       
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE B

                                               Number of            Number of
                                               Shares of            Shares of
                                              Firm Stock          Optional Stock
                       Name                   To Be Sold            To Be Sold
                       ----                   ----------          --------------
ARC International Corporation                   1,705,000              294,600
Merita Bank Ltd                                   108,000                   __
Arnold S. Tenney                                   50,000                   __
Geller & Friend Capital Partners, Inc.             46,714                   __
Colin G. Campbell                                  12,000                   __
Jeffrey D. Chelin                                  12,000                   __
Marshall S. Geller                                 12,000                   __
Anthony Mazzarella                                 10,000                   __
Carl Frankson                                       3,503                   __
Greg Presson                                        3,503                   __
Steve Weinress                                      1,130                   __
Kenneth Fader                                          75                   __
Marge Goddard                                          75                   __
                                              ----------          --------------
   Total.....................................  1,964,000              294,600
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE C

ARC International Corporation
ARC U.S.A., Inc.
Arnold S. Tenney
Arnmart Investments Limited
BNY Financial Corporation
BNY Financial Corporation - Canada
Ray F. Boegner
Canrad Inc.
Canrad Of Delaware Inc.
Colin G. Campbell
Jeffrey D. Chelin
Brad J. French
Marshall S. Geller
Geller & Friend Capital Partners, Inc.
Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated
Merita Bank Ltd.
Yale Richards
John P. Wilmers

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2
 
   INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
 
The Board of Directors Ballantyne of Omaha, Inc.:
 
  The audits referred to in our report, dated January 10, 1997, included the
related financial statement schedule for each of the years in the three-year-
period ended December 31, 1996, included in and incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement. This financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audits. In our
opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
  We consent to the use of our reports included and incorporated by reference
herein and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
Prospectus.
 
                                       KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Omaha, Nebraska
May 23, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED
FROM FORM S-3 DATED MAY 23, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                           6,259
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    8,494
<ALLOWANCES>                                       151
<INVENTORY>                                     13,671
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                28,806
<PP&E>                                           6,831
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,765
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  33,812
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            7,829
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            86
<OTHER-SE>                                      25,511
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    33,812
<SALES>                                         14,725
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                14,725
<CGS>                                           10,369
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   10,369
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 1,932
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     9
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  11
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,469
<INCOME-TAX>                                       901
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,568
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,568
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .17
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .17
        

</TABLE>


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