THERMO ELECTRON CORP
S-4/A, 1997-03-05
MEASURING & CONTROLLING DEVICES, NEC
Previous: TENNESSEE GAS PIPELINE CO, 424B5, 1997-03-05
Next: TRANS LUX CORP, SC 13D/A, 1997-03-05



<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 5, 1997
 
                                             FORM S-4 REGISTRATION NO. 333-19633
                                          FORM S-4 REGISTRATION NO. 333-19633-01
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
                  AS TO THE UNITS:                                   AS TO THE GUARANTEES:
                   AMENDMENT NO. 2                                      AMENDMENT NO. 2
                         TO                                                   TO
                      FORM S-4                                             FORM S-4
               REGISTRATION STATEMENT                               REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER                                                UNDER
             THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
              ------------------------                             ------------------------
               THERMOLASE CORPORATION                             THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
    (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS        (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS
                       CHARTER)                                            CHARTER)
                      DELAWARE                                             DELAWARE
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR     (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR
                     ORGANIZATION)                                       ORGANIZATION)
              ------------------------                             ------------------------
                        7299                                                 3829
  (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE     (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION CODE
                        NUMBER)                                             NUMBER)
                     06-1360302                                           04-2209186
        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)                 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
             10455 PACIFIC CENTER COURT                                 81 WYMAN STREET
          SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121-4339                               P.O. BOX 9046
                   (619) 578-5885                              WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02254-9046
 (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,                    (617) 622-1000
                 INCLUDING AREA CODE,
    OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)      (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                                                                     INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                                                         OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
                          SANDRA L. LAMBERT, SECRETARY
                           THERMOLASE CORPORATION AND
                          THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
                                81 WYMAN STREET
                                 P.O. BOX 9046
                       WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02254-9046
                                 (617) 622-1000
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                   OF AGENT FOR SERVICE FOR BOTH REGISTRANTS)
                            ------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
             SETH H. HOOGASIAN, ESQUIRE                            DAVID E. REDLICK, ESQUIRE
         VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL                            HALE AND DORR LLP
               THERMOLASE CORPORATION                                   60 STATE STREET
           AND THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION                        BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
                   81 WYMAN STREET                                      (617) 526-6000
          WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02254-9046
                   (617) 622-1000
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: Upon
consummation of the Offer described herein.
 
     If the securities being registered on the Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
                            ------------------------
 
     THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
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 THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2


                             THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
   ONE UNIT CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND ONE REDEMPTION RIGHT
                                    FOR EACH
                   ONE OUTSTANDING SHARE OF COMMON STOCK PLUS
                             $3.00 (PAYABLE IN CASH
                                       OR
                            SHARES OF COMMON STOCK)
 
                  NO MORE THAN 2,000,000 UNITS WILL BE ISSUED
                            ------------------------
   REDEMPTION PAYMENTS GUARANTEED ON A SUBORDINATED BASIS BY THERMO ELECTRON
                                  CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
THE OFFER, WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS AND PRORATION PERIOD WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON APRIL 2, 1997, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
                            ------------------------
    ThermoLase Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("ThermoLase", or the
"Company"), hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Offer to Exchange and the accompanying letter of transmittal (the
"Letter of Transmittal", and together with this Offer to Exchange, the "Offer"),
to exchange one unit (a "Unit") consisting of one share of common stock, $.01
par value per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") and one redemption
right (each, a "Redemption Right"), for each share of Common Stock (each, a
"Share") plus an additional payment of $3.00 (the "Additional Payment"), validly
tendered and accepted for exchange in the Offer. The Additional Payment may be
made either (i) in cash (such cash payment being hereinafter referred to as the
"Additional Cash Payment", and an exchange in which an Additional Cash Payment
is made being hereinafter referred to as a "Share and Cash Exchange"), or (ii)
by delivery to the Company of additional Shares having a value equal to the
aggregate required Additional Payment (the Shares being tendered in satisfaction
of the Additional Payment being hereinafter referred to as the "Additional Share
Payment", and an exchange in which an Additional Share Payment is made being
hereinafter referred to as a "Share Only Exchange"). Shares tendered in
satisfaction of the Additional Share Payment will be valued at $20.25;
accordingly, for each Share tendered for exchange in a Share Only Exchange, the
tendering shareholder will receive .871 Units. No fractional Units will be
issued, and the number of Units issued will be rounded down to the nearest whole
number.
                                                  (Cover continued on next page)
                            ------------------------
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY SHAREHOLDERS OF THERMOLASE IN EVALUATING THE OFFER.
                            ------------------------
 
   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 OFFER TO EXCHANGE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                    THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
                                   IMPORTANT
 
    Any shareholder desiring to tender all or any portion of such shareholder's
Shares should either (1) complete and sign the enclosed Letter of Transmittal in
accordance with the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, have such
shareholder's signature thereon guaranteed if required by Instruction 1 of the
Letter of Transmittal, mail or deliver the Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile
thereof), any Additional Cash Payment (in the manner set forth herein) and any
other required documents to the Exchange Agent (as defined herein), and either
deliver the certificates representing the tendered Shares or tender such Shares
pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer set forth in this Offer to
Exchange, or (2) request such shareholder's broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee to effect the transaction for such shareholder.
 
    Shareholders having Shares registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee must contact such broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if they desire to tender
such Shares.
 
    If a shareholder desires to tender Shares and any required Additional Cash
Payment pursuant to the Offer but time will not permit the required deliveries
to be made to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date, or the procedure
for a book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be
effected in accordance with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth herein.
 
    Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of this Offer
to Exchange, the Letter of Transmittal and all other exchange offer materials
may be directed to National Westminster Bank Plc -- New York Branch (the
"Information Agent") at its address and telephone number set forth on the back
cover of this Offer to Exchange. Additional copies of this Offer to Exchange,
the Letter of Transmittal and all other tender offer materials may also be
obtained from brokers, dealers, commercial banks or trust companies.
                            ------------------------
                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:
                NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC -- NEW YORK BRANCH
 
              The date of this Offer to Exchange is March 6, 1997.
<PAGE>   3
 
(continued from previous page)
 
    Shareholders may make either a Share and Cash Exchange or a Share Only
Exchange, but not a combination thereof.
 
    No more than 2,000,000 Units will be issued. Shares not accepted for
exchange, because of prorations or otherwise, will be returned. The Offer is
subject to certain conditions, including there being validly tendered and not
withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer such number of Shares and related
Additional Cash Payments, if applicable, as would result in the issuance of at
least 500,000 Units (the "Minimum Condition"), and the listing of the Units on
the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX"), subject to official notice of issuance. If
all tendering shareholders make a Share Only Exchange, a maximum of 2,296,212
Shares will be tendered. The Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City
time, on April 2, 1997, unless extended (as so extended, the "Expiration Date").
The Expiration Date will not be extended beyond April 30, 1997.
 
    The Board of Directors is not making any recommendations to its shareholders
as to whether they should exchange or refrain from exchanging any or all of
their shares of Common Stock. Each shareholder must make his or her own decision
as to whether to exchange any shares of Common Stock owned. HOLDERS OF COMMON
STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN MAKING A DECISION
ON WHAT ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
    Each Redemption Right will entitle the holder thereof to sell the related
share of Common Stock to the Company for $20.25 during the first 20 business
days after the fourth anniversary of the Expiration Date (as defined herein).
The Redemption Right will not detach or trade separately from the related share
of Common Stock (but instead will trade together with the related share of
Common Stock as a Unit) and will expire and become worthless if the closing
price of the Company's Common Stock is at least $26.00 for 20 of any 30
consecutive trading days after the Expiration Date. In the event of the
expiration of the Redemption Right, each Unit will automatically become, and
will trade as, one share of Common Stock. The Company's obligations under the
Redemption Rights will be guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Thermo Electron
Corporation, the Company's ultimate parent corporation ("Thermo Electron"). For
a description of the other terms of the Offer, see "The Offer to Exchange."
 
    Prior to this Offer, there has been no public market for the Units. The
Company has applied for the listing of the Units on AMEX under the symbol "TLZ
U."
<PAGE>   4
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     ThermoLase and Thermo Electron are subject to the informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The
reports, proxy statements and other information filed by ThermoLase and Thermo
Electron with the Commission can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices located at 7
World Trade Center, 13th floor, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material also can be
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, ThermoLase and Thermo
Electron are each required to file electronic versions of such material with the
Commission through the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and
Retrieval (EDGAR) system. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site at
http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission. ThermoLase's Common Stock is listed on AMEX. Reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning ThermoLase can also be inspected at
the offices of AMEX, 86 Trinity Place, New York, New York 10006. Thermo
Electron's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning Thermo Electron can also be
inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     ThermoLase and Thermo Electron have each filed with the Commission a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statements") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") with respect to the
Units to be issued by ThermoLase pursuant to the Offer and the guarantees (the
"Guarantees") by Thermo Electron of ThermoLase's obligations under the
Redemption Rights. In addition, ThermoLase has filed an Issuer Tender Offer
Statement on Schedule 13E-4 with respect to the Offer (the "Schedule 13E-4").
This Offer to Exchange does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statements or the Schedule 13E-4. For further information with
respect to ThermoLase, Thermo Electron, the Units, the Guarantees and the Offer,
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statements and the Schedule 13E-4
(including the exhibits and schedules thereto). Statements contained in this
Offer to Exchange or in any document incorporated by reference in this Offer to
Exchange as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein
or therein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made
to the copy of such contract or other document (if any) filed as an exhibit to
the applicable Registration Statement or the Schedule 13E-4 or such other
document, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents of ThermoLase filed with the Commission are
incorporated by reference in this Offer to Exchange:
 
          1. Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended on Forms 10-K/A for the
     fiscal year ended September 28, 1996;
 
          2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as amended on Form 10-Q/A for the
     quarter ended December 28, 1996; and
 
          3. The description of ThermoLase's capital stock contained in
     ThermoLase's Registration Statements on Form 8-A.
 
     The following documents of Thermo Electron filed with the Commission are
incorporated by reference in this Offer to Exchange:
 
          1. Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended on Form 10-K/A for the
     fiscal year ended December 30, 1995;
 
                                        i
<PAGE>   5
 
          2. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 30,
     1996, June 29, 1996 (as amended on Form 10-Q/A) and September 28, 1996;
 
          3. Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 3, 1996, January 19,
     1996, April 16, 1996, October 24, 1996 and January 21, 1997; and
 
          4. The description of Thermo Electron's capital stock contained in
     Thermo Electron's Registration Statements on Form 8-A.
 
     All documents and reports subsequently filed by ThermoLase or Thermo
Electron pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after
the date of this Offer to Exchange and prior to the Expiration Date (as defined
herein) shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Offer to
Exchange and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents or
reports. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Offer to Exchange to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Offer to Exchange.
 
     This Offer to Exchange incorporates documents by reference which are not
presented herein or delivered herewith. Such documents (other than exhibits to
such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference)
are available to any person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Offer
to Exchange is delivered, on written or oral request, without charge, directed
to Thermo Electron Corporation, 81 Wyman Street, P.O. Box 9046, Waltham,
Massachusetts 02254-9046 (telephone number (617) 622-1000), Attention: Investor
Relations. In order to ensure timely delivery of any of such documents, any
request should be made not later than five business days prior to the Expiration
Date.
 
     NO PERSONS HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS OFFER TO EXCHANGE IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE HEREBY AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THERMOLASE, THERMO ELECTRON OR ANY OTHER PERSON. THIS OFFER TO
EXCHANGE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY, ANY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS NOT
LAWFUL TO MAKE ANY SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS OFFER TO EXCHANGE NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THERMOLASE OR THERMO ELECTRON SINCE THE DATE
HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO
ITS DATE.
 
     "SoftLight" and "Spa Thira" are trademarks or service marks of ThermoLase.
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
     Certain statements in this Offer to Exchange and in the documents
incorporated herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. For
this purpose, any statements contained herein or incorporated herein that are
not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking
statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates,"
"plans," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could
cause the results of the Company and Thermo Electron to differ materially from
those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including among others, the
following: uncertainties in market demand and acceptance and intellectual
property rights, changes in and compliance with government regulation; the
impact of competitive products and pricing; risks associated with management of
growth; the Company's limited operating history; and technology and product
development, as well as commercialization; the failure of an active trading
market to develop for the Units; and the volatility generally in the stock and
other financial markets. In addition, these factors include those set forth in
"Risk Factors" herein and the discussion of the important risk factors and other
uncertainties identified under the caption "Forward looking Statements"
incorporated by reference into the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as
amended, for the fiscal year ended September 28, 1996 and the important factors
identified under the caption "Other Information" in Thermo Electron's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1996, which are
incorporated by reference herein.
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   6
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                       <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION...................................................................   (i)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................................   (i)
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.........................................   (i)
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION......................................  (ii)
SUMMARY.................................................................................     1
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- THERMOLASE CORPORATION................................     6
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION...........................     8
RISK FACTORS............................................................................    10
THE OFFER TO EXCHANGE...................................................................    11
MARKET PRICE INFORMATION................................................................    24
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES...............................................................    28
TRANSACTIONS IN SECURITIES..............................................................    31
LEGAL MATTERS...........................................................................    31
EXPERTS.................................................................................    31
</TABLE>
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   7
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in
this Offer to Exchange. Reference is made to, and this summary is qualified in
its entirety by, the more detailed information contained, or incorporated by
reference, in this Offer to Exchange. Unless otherwise defined herein,
capitalized terms used in this summary have the respective meanings ascribed to
them elsewhere in this Offer to Exchange. Shareholders are urged to read this
Offer to Exchange hereto in its entirety.
 
THERMOLASE CORPORATION.....  ThermoLase has developed a proprietary system for
                             the removal of unwanted hair (the "SoftLight
                             system"). In April 1995, the Company received
                             clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug
                             Administration to commercially market services
                             using this system. The Company is marketing the
                             SoftLight system in the United States through its
                             "Spa Thira" salons and through licensing agreements
                             with doctors and others. The Company is marketing
                             the SoftLight system in foreign countries by
                             engaging in joint ventures and other licensing
                             arrangements with companies or individuals that are
                             experienced in those locations. ThermoLase also
                             manufactures and markets skin-care and body
                             products through its CBI Laboratories, Inc.
                             subsidiary, which also manufactures the lotion used
                             in the SoftLight system.
 
                             As of December 28, 1996, an aggregate of 40,583,874
                             shares of the Company's Common Stock were
                             outstanding, of which, 25,960,996 shares
                             (approximately 64% of the outstanding shares) were
                             beneficially owned by ThermoTrex Corporation
                             ("ThermoTrex"). ThermoTrex is a publicly traded,
                             majority-owned subsidiary of Thermo Electron.
 
                             ThermoLase's principal executive offices are
                             located at 10455 Pacific Center Court, San Diego,
                             California 92121-4339. Its telephone number is
                             (619) 646-5700.
 
THERMO ELECTRON
CORPORATION................  Thermo Electron develops, manufactures and markets
                             environmental monitoring and analysis instruments,
                             biomedical products including heart-assist systems,
                             mammography systems and respiratory care products,
                             paper-recycling and papermaking equipment,
                             alternative-energy systems, industrial process
                             equipment, and other specialized products. Thermo
                             Electron also provides environmental and
                             metallurgical services and conducts advanced
                             technology research and development. Thermo
                             Electron performs its business through its
                             divisions and wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as
                             majority-owned subsidiaries that are partially
                             owned by the public or by private investors.
 
                             Thermo Electron's principal executive offices are
                             located at 81 Wyman Street, P.O. Box 9046, Waltham,
                             Massachusetts. Its telephone number is (617)
                             622-1000.
 
RISK FACTORS...............  Shareholders should consider certain risk factors
                             in evaluating whether to exchange their Shares and
                             Additional Payments for Units. See "Risk Factors."
 
THE OFFER TO EXCHANGE
 
SECURITIES OFFERED.........  Units consisting of one share of Common Stock and
                             one Redemption Right. The Redemption Right entitles
                             the holder thereof to sell the related share of
                             Common Stock to the Company for $20.25 during the
                             first 20 business days after the fourth anniversary
                             of the Expiration Date. The Redemption Right will
                             not detach or trade separately from the
<PAGE>   8
 
                             related share of Common Stock (but instead will
                             trade together with the related share of Common
                             Stock as a Unit) and will expire and become
                             worthless if the closing price of the Common Stock
                             is at least $26.00 for 20 of any 30 consecutive
                             trading days following the Expiration Date. In the
                             event of the expiration of the Redemption Right,
                             each Unit will automatically become, and will trade
                             as, one share of Common Stock. The Company's
                             obligations under the Redemption Rights will be
                             guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Thermo
                             Electron. See "The Offer to Exchange -- Terms of
                             the Offer to Exchange" and "Description of
                             Securities."
 
THE OFFER..................  One Unit is being offered in exchange for each
                             Share, plus the Additional Payment of $3.00,
                             validly tendered and accepted for exchange. The
                             Additional Payment may be made either (i) in the
                             form of an Additional Cash Payment; or (ii) by
                             delivery of an Additional Share Payment, in either
                             case equal in aggregate value to $3.00 times the
                             number of Shares tendered for exchange. Shares
                             tendered in satisfaction of the Additional Share
                             Payment will be valued at $20.25 per share;
                             accordingly, for each Share tendered for exchange
                             in a Share Only Exchange, the tendering shareholder
                             will receive .871 Units. No fractional Units will
                             be issued, and the number of Units issued will be
                             rounded down to the nearest whole number.
 
                             Shareholders may make either a Share and Cash
                             Exchange or a Share Only Exchange, but not a
                             combination thereof.
 
                             No more than 2,000,000 Units will be issued. If the
                             number of Shares and, if applicable, Additional
                             Cash Payments validly tendered pursuant to the
                             Offer and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration
                             Date would result in the issuance of more than
                             2,000,000 Units, acceptances will be cut back pro
                             rata (with adjustments to avoid issuance of
                             fractional Units), based on the total number of
                             Units that would have been issued to such tendering
                             shareholders had no such cutback been made.
                             ThermoTrex, the Company's principal shareholder,
                             has notified the Company that it does not intend to
                             tender any of its Shares pursuant to the Offer. See
                             "The Offer to Exchange -- Terms of the Offer to
                             Exchange."
 
PURPOSE OF THE OFFER.......  The Company does not believe that the market price
                             of the Common Stock accurately reflects its
                             intrinsic value. The purpose of the Offer is to
                             give to shareholders who are considering selling
                             their Shares the opportunity to reduce the risk
                             associated with the continued ownership of the
                             Common Stock.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSION;
  TERMINATION..............  The Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York
                             City time, on April 2, 1997, unless extended (as so
                             extended, the "Expiration Date"). The Expiration
                             Date will not be extended beyond April 30, 1997.
                             The Company expressly reserves the right (i) to
                             extend, amend or modify the terms of the Offer in
                             any manner; and (ii) if certain conditions are not
                             satisfied, to withdraw or terminate the Offer, and
                             not accept for exchange any Shares. See "The Offer
                             to Exchange -- Expiration Date; Extension;
                             Termination," and "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Conditions to the Consummation of the
                             Offer."
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS..........  Tenders of Shares and Additional Cash Payments, if
                             applicable, pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn
                             at any time prior to the Expiration
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   9
 
                             Date. Thereafter, such tenders are irrevocable,
                             except that they may be withdrawn after April 30,
                             1997, unless theretofore accepted for exchange. See
                             "The Offer to Exchange -- Withdrawal Rights."
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING...  To be tendered properly, (i) certificates
                             representing the tendered Shares, (ii) a certified
                             or official bank check made payable to American
                             Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company's
                             exchange agent for the Offer (the "Exchange Agent")
                             or wire transfer in the amount of the Additional
                             Cash Payment, if applicable, and (iii) a properly
                             completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal
                             (or facsimile thereof) and any other documents
                             required by the Letter of Transmittal, must be
                             received by the Exchange Agent at the address set
                             forth on the back cover page of this Offer to
                             Exchange prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City
                             time, on the Expiration Date. Special arrangements
                             are provided for book-entry transfers of Shares.
                             See "The Offer to Exchange -- Procedure for
                             Tendering Shares."
 
                             Shareholders having Shares registered in the name
                             of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company
                             or other nominee must contact such broker, dealer,
                             commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if
                             they desire to tender such Shares.
 
                             If a holder desires to accept the Offer and time
                             will not permit the required deliveries to be made
                             to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date,
                             or the procedure for a book-entry transfer cannot
                             be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be
                             effected in accordance with guaranteed delivery
                             procedures. See "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedure."
 
ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERED
SHARES AND ADDITIONAL CASH
  PAYMENTS; PRORATION......  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
                             Offer (including satisfaction of the Minimum
                             Condition), the Company will accept for exchange up
                             to the number of Shares and related Additional Cash
                             Payments validly tendered and not withdrawn prior
                             to the Expiration Date that would result in the
                             issuance of not more than 2,000,000 Units. Upon the
                             terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer,
                             if the number of Shares and, if applicable,
                             Additional Cash Payments, validly tendered and not
                             withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date would result
                             in the issuance of more than 2,000,000 Units,
                             acceptances will be cut back pro rata (with
                             adjustments to avoid the issuance of fractional
                             Units), based on the total number of Units that
                             would have been issued to such tendering
                             shareholders had no such cutback been made.
 
DELIVERY OF UNITS..........  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer,
                             the delivery of the Units to be issued pursuant to
                             the Offer will occur as promptly as practicable
                             following the Expiration Date. See "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Acceptance of Tendered Shares and
                             Additional Cash Payments; Proration; Delivery of
                             Units."
 
                             If proration of Shares and Additional Cash
                             Payments, if applicable, is required, the Company
                             does not expect to be able to announce the final
                             proration factor or to commence the exchange for
                             any Shares pursuant to the Offer until
                             approximately five business days after the
                             Expiration Date, due to the difficulty in
                             determining the number of Shares validly tendered
                             (including shares tendered pursuant to the
                             guaranteed delivery
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   10
 
                             procedure described in "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedure").
                             Preliminary results of the proration will be
                             announced by press release as promptly as
                             practicable after the Expiration Date. Holders of
                             Common Stock may obtain such preliminary
                             information from the Information Agent and may also
                             be able to obtain such information from their
                             brokers.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
  CONSEQUENCES.............  Because of the unique features of the Offer and the
                             Units, the tax treatment of the exchange is
                             unclear. See "The Offer to Exchange -- Certain
                             Federal Income Tax Consequences." Assuming that the
                             Redemption Rights are treated as integral parts of
                             the Units, both the Share and Cash Exchange and the
                             Share Only Exchange should be treated as
                             reorganizations under Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the
                             Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
                             "Code") and, therefore, (i) should not result in
                             the recognition of income by shareholders making a
                             Share and Cash Exchange, and (ii) should result in
                             the recognition of income by shareholders who make
                             a Share Only Exchange up to the fair market value
                             of the Guarantee (estimated by the Company to be
                             $1.00 per Unit). However, if the Internal Revenue
                             Service were to successfully challenge the
                             treatment of the exchange as a reorganization under
                             the Code, shareholders who make a Share Only
                             Exchange could be required to recognize income up
                             to the fair market value of the Redemption Right
                             (including the Guarantee). In general, shareholders
                             who make a Share and Cash Exchange should not be
                             required to recognize gain even if the Internal
                             Revenue Service were to successfully challenge the
                             Company's treatment of the exchange. However, if
                             the Internal Revenue Service were to treat a Unit
                             as debt, rather than equity, the exchange would be
                             taxable, whether a shareholder made a Share and
                             Cash Exchange or a Share Only Exchange. See "The
                             Offer to Exchange -- Certain Federal Income Tax
                             Consequences" and "Risk Factors -- Risk of
                             Uncertain Tax Treatment."
 
CONDITIONS TO THE OFFER....  The Offer is subject to certain conditions,
                             including there being validly tendered and not
                             withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer such
                             number of Shares and Additional Cash Payments, if
                             applicable, as would result in the issuance of at
                             least 500,000 Units and the listing of the Units on
                             AMEX. There can be no assurance that such
                             conditions will be met. See "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Conditions to the Consummation of the
                             Offer."
 
UNTENDERED SHARES..........  Holders of Shares who do not tender their Shares in
                             the Offer or whose Shares are not accepted for
                             exchange will continue to hold such Shares, which
                             are listed on AMEX, and will be entitled to all the
                             rights, and will be subject to all of the
                             limitations, applicable thereto. See "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Effect on Non-Tendering Shareholders."
 
LISTING OF THE UNITS.......  The Company has applied for the listing of the
                             Units on the American Stock Exchange. In order to
                             be listed, the Company must meet certain minimum
                             listing requirements (the "AMEX Listing
                             Requirements"). Even if the Units are initially
                             listed, there can be no assurance that the Units
                             will meet the requirements for continued listing on
                             AMEX. See "Risk Factors -- No Assurance as to
                             Liquidity or Trading Market," and "The Offer to
                             Exchange -- Listing of the Units."
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   11
 
PAYMENT OF FEES AND
EXPENSES; TRANSFER TAXES...  Tendering shareholders will not be required to pay
                             brokerage fees or, except as otherwise provided in
                             the Instructions of the Letter of Transmittal,
                             transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of
                             Shares and the Additional Cash Payment, if
                             applicable, pursuant to the Offer. The Company will
                             pay all transfer taxes, other than certain
                             applicable taxes or as set forth in the Letter of
                             Transmittal, in connection with the Offer. See "The
                             Offer to Exchange -- Payment of Fees and Expenses;
                             Transfer Taxes."
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   12
 
            SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
     The selected financial information presented below as of and for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1994, the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and the
fiscal year ended September 28, 1996 has been derived from ThermoLase's
Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their report incorporated
by reference into this Registration Statement. The selected financial
information as of and for the fiscal years ended January 2, 1993 and January 1,
1994 has been derived from ThermoLase's Consolidated Financial Statements, which
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, but have not been incorporated by
reference into this Registration Statement. This information should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes
incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement. The selected
financial information for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 and the
three-month periods ended December 30, 1995 and December 28, 1996 has not been
audited but, in the opinion of ThermoLase, includes all adjustments (consisting
only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly such
information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied
on a consistent basis. The results of operations for the three-month period
ended December 28, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire
year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NINE MONTHS                                  THREE MONTHS 
                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED              ENDED         FISCAL YEAR ENDED               ENDED
                                ------------------------------    -----------    ----------------------    --------------------
                                JAN. 2,    JAN. 1,    DEC. 31,     SEPT. 30,     SEPT. 30,    SEPT. 28,    DEC. 30,    DEC. 28,
                                 1993      1994(1)    1994(2)     1995(3)(4)       1995         1996         1995        1996
                                -------    -------    --------    -----------    ---------    ---------    --------    --------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues.....................   $    --    $  625     $18,682       $17,544       $23,348      $27,812     $ 7,400     $ 8,610
                                -------    -------    -------       -------       -------      -------     -------     -------
Costs and Operating Expenses:
  Cost of revenues...........        --       438      10,785        11,424        14,714       20,027       5,160       6,827
  Selling, general and
    administrative
    expenses.................        25       208       5,744         6,158         8,128        9,761       2,599       4,214
  Research and development
    expenses.................       315       536       2,324         3,151         3,774        3,470         525         909
                                -------    -------    -------       -------       -------      -------     -------     -------
                                    340     1,182      18,853        20,733        26,616       33,258       8,284      11,950
                                -------    -------    -------       -------       -------      -------     -------     -------
Operating Loss...............      (340)     (557)       (171)       (3,189)       (3,268)      (5,446)       (884)     (3,340) 
Interest and Other Income....        --       542         437           789           930        3,597         938         616
                                -------    -------    -------       -------       -------      -------     -------     -------
Income (Loss) Before Income
  Taxes and Cumulative Effect
  of Change in Accounting
  Principle..................      (340)      (15)        266        (2,400)       (2,338)      (1,849)         54      (2,724) 
Income Tax (Provision)
  Benefit....................       125        (1)       (260)          721           663          463        (136)      1,335
                                -------    -------    -------       -------       -------      -------     -------     -------
Income (Loss) Before
  Cumulative Effect of Change
  in Accounting Principle....      (215)      (16)          6        (1,679)       (1,675)      (1,386)        (82)     (1,389) 
Cumulative Effect of Change
  in Accounting Principle,
  Net of Tax.................        --        --           9            --            --           --          --          --
                                -------    -------    -------       -------       -------      -------     -------     -------
Net Income (Loss)............   $  (215)   $  (16)    $    15       $(1,679)      $(1,675)     $(1,386)    $   (82)    $(1,389) 
                                =======    =======    =======       =======       =======      =======     =======     =======
Earnings (Loss) per Share
  Before Cumulative Effect of
  Change in Accounting
  Principle..................   $  (.01)   $   --     $    --       $  (.04)      $  (.04)     $  (.03)    $    --     $  (.03) 
                                =======    =======    =======       =======       =======      =======     =======     =======
Earnings (Loss) per Share....   $  (.01)   $   --     $    --       $  (.04)      $  (.04)     $  (.03)    $    --     $  (.03) 
                                =======    =======    =======       =======       =======      =======     =======     =======
Weighted Average Shares......    26,168    31,141      35,767        38,005        37,880       40,353      40,091      40,685
                                =======    =======    =======       =======       =======      =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   13
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  NINE MONTHS                                  THREE MONTHS 
                                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED              ENDED         FISCAL YEAR ENDED               ENDED
                                ------------------------------    -----------    ----------------------    --------------------
                                JAN. 2,    JAN. 1,    DEC. 31,     SEPT. 30,     SEPT. 30,    SEPT. 28,    DEC. 30,    DEC. 28,
                                 1993      1994(1)    1994(2)     1995(3)(4)       1995         1996         1995        1996
                                -------    -------    --------    -----------    ---------    ---------    --------    --------
                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
  PERIOD):
Working Capital..............   $    --    $3,610     $16,325     $  68,691                   $ 47,197     $68,019     $35,485
Total Assets.................        71    23,551      33,570        89,463                     95,520      89,554      92,948
Long-term Obligations........        --        --          --            --                         --          --          --
Common Stock Subject to
  Redemption.................        --    14,511          --            --                         --          --       2,613
Shareholders' Investment.....        71      (189)     28,997        82,218                     79,037      82,246      72,985
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Reflects the net proceeds of ThermoLase's March 1993 private placement and
    the December 1993 acquisition of CBI Laboratories.
 
(2) Reflects the net proceeds of ThermoLase's July 1994 initial public offering
    and the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
    "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."
 
(3) In September 1995, ThermoLase changed its fiscal year end from the Saturday
    nearest December 31 to the Saturday nearest September 30. Accordingly,
    ThermoLase's 39-week transition period ended September 30, 1995 is
    presented.
 
(4) Reflects the net proceeds of ThermoLase's June 1995 private placements and
    August 1995 public offering of Common Stock.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   14
 
         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION -- THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
 
     The selected financial information presented below as of and for the fiscal
years ended January 1, 1994, December 31, 1994 and December 30, 1995 has been
derived from Thermo Electron's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their report incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement. The selected financial information as of and for the fiscal years
ended December 28, 1991 and January 2, 1993 has been derived from Thermo
Electron's Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, but have not been incorporated by reference into this Registration
Statement. This information should be read in conjunction with Thermo Electron's
Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes incorporated by reference
into this Registration Statement. The selected financial information for the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995 and September 28, 1996 has not been
audited but, in the opinion of Thermo Electron, includes all adjustments
(consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly
such information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis. The results of operations for the nine-month
period ended September 28, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of results for
the entire year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                        DEC. 28,     JAN. 2,      JAN. 1,      DEC. 31,     DEC. 30,    SEPT. 30,    SEPT. 28,
                                        1991(1)      1993(2)      1994(3)      1994(4)        1995         1995       1996(5)
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Revenues.............................  $  842,538   $  999,228   $1,354,508   $1,729,191   $2,270,291   $1,623,333   $2,138,125
Costs and Expenses:
  Cost of product and service
    revenues.........................     532,904      608,975      755,493      928,645    1,239,762      881,247    1,209,280
  Expenses for research and
    development and new lines of
    business.........................      84,595      106,466      183,965      233,099      272,809      201,855      221,675
  Selling, general and administrative
    expenses.........................     177,694      213,266      289,282      384,715      510,564      365,162      510,238
  Restructuring and other
    nonrecurring costs...............       3,709           --        6,616          650       21,938       21,938       32,264
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                          798,902      928,707    1,235,356    1,547,109    2,045,073    1,470,202    1,973,457
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Operating Income.....................      43,636       70,521      119,152      182,082      225,218      153,131      164,668
Gain on Issuance of Stock by
  Subsidiaries.......................      27,367       30,212       39,863       25,283       80,815       65,632      110,857
Other Income (Expense), Net..........      10,557        1,842      (27,548)        (989)      (7,225)      (7,772)      (6,339)
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Income Before Income Taxes, Minority
  Interest and Change in Accounting
  Principle..........................      81,560      102,575      131,467      206,376      298,808      210,991      269,186
Provision for Income Taxes...........      25,765       27,750       33,513       70,703       98,711       66,155       74,589
Minority Interest Expense............       7,269       13,902       21,086       30,962       60,515       43,558       57,413
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Income Before Change in Accounting
  Principle..........................      48,526       60,923       76,868      104,711      139,582      101,278      137,184
Change in Accounting Principle, Net
  of Tax(6)..........................          --        1,438           --           --           --           --           --
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Net Income...........................  $   48,526   $   59,485   $   76,868   $  104,711   $  139,582   $  101,278   $  137,184
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Earnings per Share Before Change in
  Accounting Principle:
  Primary............................  $      .56   $      .64   $      .74   $      .90   $     1.10   $      .81   $      .99
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Fully diluted......................  $      .53   $      .60   $      .67   $      .80   $      .97   $      .71   $      .89
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Earnings per Share:
  Primary............................  $      .56   $      .62   $      .74   $      .90   $     1.10   $      .81   $      .99
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Fully diluted......................  $      .53   $      .59   $      .67   $      .80   $      .97   $      .71   $      .89
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Weighted Average Shares:
  Primary............................      86,333       95,811      104,203      116,500      126,626      125,058      138,853
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Fully diluted......................      99,551      111,818      130,618      151,229      159,246      159,057      175,660
                                       ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   15
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------
                                        DEC. 28,     JAN. 2,      JAN. 1,      DEC. 31,     DEC. 30,    SEPT. 30,    SEPT. 28,
                                        1991(1)      1993(2)      1994(3)      1994(4)        1995         1995       1996(5)
                                       ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
  PERIOD):
Working Capital......................  $  468,399   $  508,685   $  833,839   $1,150,732   $1,317,146   $1,279,435   $2,012,247
Total Assets.........................   1,212,519    1,837,983    2,507,597    3,061,935    3,786,339    3,546,130    4,949,500
Long-term Obligations................     255,093      494,152      647,592    1,049,850    1,118,077    1,080,152    1,408,386
Common Stock of Subsidiaries Subject
  to
  Redemption.........................       5,486        5,468       14,511           --       17,513       17,435       73,533
Shareholders' Investment.............     489,538      563,826      873,720    1,007,486    1,309,729    1,226,934    1,697,480
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Reflects the issuance of $164.0 million principal amount of convertible
debentures.
 
(2) Reflects the August 1992 acquisition of Nicolet Instrument Corporation and
    the issuance of $260.0 million principal amount of convertible debentures.
 
(3) Reflects the 1993 public offering of common stock for net proceeds of $246.0
million.
 
(4) Reflects the issuance of $345.0 million principal amount of convertible
debentures.
 
(5) Reflects the issuance of $585.0 million principal amount of convertible
    debentures.
 
(6) Reflects the adoption in fiscal 1992 of Statement of Financial Accounting
    Standards No. 106, "Accounting for Post-retirement Benefits Other Than
    Pensions."
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   16
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     The following risk factors, in addition to the other information contained
or incorporated by reference in this Offer to Exchange, including the important
risk factors identified under the caption "Forward looking Statements"
incorporated by reference into the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as
amended, for the fiscal year ended September 28, 1996 and the important factors
identified under the caption "Other Information" in Thermo Electron's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 28, 1996, should be
considered by holders of Common Stock in evaluating the Offer.
 
     RISK OF UNCERTAIN TAX TREATMENT.  Due to the unique characteristics of the
Offer and the Units, the tax treatment of the exchange and the ownership and
disposition of the Units is uncertain. The Internal Revenue Service might
challenge all or part of the Company's treatment of the exchange as a
reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. If the Internal Revenue
Service were to successfully challenge the Company's treatment of the exchange,
shareholders who make a Share Only Exchange could be required to recognize
income up to the fair market value of the Redemption Right (including the
Guarantee). Shareholders who make a Share and Cash Exchange could be treated as
having exchanged a portion of their Common Stock surrendered in the exchange for
a proportionate part of the Guarantee in a taxable transaction. In addition, the
Internal Revenue Service might conclude that a Unit is indebtedness, rather than
equity, for federal income tax purposes, in which case (i) the exchange would be
a taxable exchange of the holder's Common Stock surrendered, which could result
in the recognition of gain to a shareholder (whether the shareholder made a
Share Only Exchange or a Share and Cash Exchange), and (ii) distributions of
property by the Company with respect to a Unit would be treated as interest, and
not dividends. Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with
regard to the tax consequences of the exchange and the ownership or disposition
of the Units. See "The Offer to Exchange -- Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences."
 
     NO ASSURANCE AS TO LIQUIDITY OR TRADING MARKET.  The Units are a new issue
of securities with no established trading market. Although the Company has
applied for the listing of the Units on AMEX, and it is a condition to the Offer
that the Units be approved for listing on AMEX, subject to official notice of
issuance, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Units
will develop or be sustained in the future. Even if the Units are initially
listed, there can be no assurance that the Units will meet the requirements for
continued listing on AMEX. Thus, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity
of, or trading market, if any, for the Units.
 
     POTENTIAL TERMINATION OF REDEMPTION RIGHTS.  The Redemption Rights will
expire and become worthless if, following the Expiration Date, the closing price
of the Common Stock is at least $26.00 for 20 of any 30 consecutive trading
days. In the event of the expiration of the Redemption Rights, each Unit will
automatically become, and trade as, one share of Common Stock. Accordingly,
shareholders receiving Units in the exchange will need to monitor the price of
the Common Stock (which may be different than the price of the Units) to be
aware of the status of the Redemption Rights and the value of the Units.
 
     ABILITY OF SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDER TO CONTROL CORPORATE ACTIONS.  The
Company's shareholders do not have the right to cumulate votes for the election
of directors. ThermoTrex, which at December 28, 1996, beneficially owned 64% of
the voting stock of the Company and which may own a greater percentage upon the
closing of the exchange (if Shares are tendered in satisfaction of the
Additional Payment), has the power to elect the entire Board of Directors of the
Company and to approve or disapprove any corporate actions submitted to a vote
of the Company's shareholders.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   17
 
                             THE OFFER TO EXCHANGE
 
TERMS OF THE OFFER TO EXCHANGE
 
     ThermoLase hereby offers, upon the terms of and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Offer to Exchange and in the accompanying Letter of
Transmittal, to exchange one unit (each, a "Unit") consisting of one share of
common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock"),
plus one redemption right (each, a "Redemption Right") for each share of Common
Stock (each, a "Share") plus an additional payment of $3.00 (the "Additional
Payment"), validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Offer. The
Additional Payment may be made either (i) in the form of cash (such cash payment
being hereinafter referred to as the "Additional Cash Payment," and an exchange
in which an Additional Cash Payment is made being hereinafter referred to as a
"Share and Cash Exchange"), or (ii) by delivery to the Company of additional
Shares having a value equal to the aggregate required Additional Payment (the
Shares being tendered in satisfaction of the Additional Payment being
hereinafter referred to as the "Additional Share Payment", and an exchange in
which an Additional Share Payment is made being hereinafter referred to as a
"Share Only Exchange"). Shares tendered in satisfaction of the Additional Share
Payment will be valued at $20.25 per share; accordingly, for each Share tendered
in a Share Only Exchange, the tendering shareholder will receive .871 Units. No
fractional Units will be issued, and the number of Units will be rounded down to
the nearest whole number.
 
     Shareholders may make either a Share and Cash Exchange or a Share Only
Exchange, but not a combination thereof.
 
     No more than 2,000,000 Units will be issued. If the number of Shares and,
if applicable, Additional Cash Payments validly tendered pursuant to the Offer
and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date would result in the issuance of
more than 2,000,000 Units, acceptances will be cut back pro rata (with
adjustments to avoid issuance of fractional Units) based on the total number of
Units that would have been issued to such tendering shareholders if no such
cutback had been made. See "-- Acceptance of Tendered Shares and Additional Cash
Payments; Proration; Delivery of Units."
 
     Each Redemption Right will entitle the holder thereof to sell the related
share of Common Stock to the Company for $20.25 during the first 20 business
days after the fourth anniversary of the Expiration Date. The Redemption Right
will not detach or trade separately from the related share of Common Stock (but
instead will trade together with the related share of Common Stock as a Unit)
and will expire and become worthless if, following the Expiration Date, the
closing price of the Common Stock is at least $26.00 for 20 of any 30
consecutive trading days. In the event of the expiration of the Redemption
Right, each Unit will automatically become, and will trade as, one share of
Common Stock. The Company's obligations under the Redemption Rights will be
guaranteed on a subordinated basis by Thermo Electron, the Company's ultimate
parent corporation.
 
     The Offer commences on the date hereof and expires at 12:00 midnight, New
York City time, on April 2 , 1997, unless extended, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth herein (as so extended, the "Expiration Date"). See
"-- Expiration Date; Extensions; Termination." The Company's obligation to
consummate the Offer is subject to certain conditions, including there being
validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the Offer such
number of Shares and, if applicable, the Additional Cash Payments, as would
result in the issuance of at least 500,000 Units (the "Minimum Condition"), and
the listing of the Units on AMEX, subject to official notice of issuance. See
"-- Conditions to the Consummation of the Offer." Shares tendered pursuant to
the Offer which are accepted for exchange will be reclassified as treasury
stock.
 
     AN EXCHANGING SHAREHOLDER WHO MAKES A SHARE AND CASH EXCHANGE WILL, IF SUCH
TENDER IS ACCEPTED, RECEIVE ONE UNIT CONSISTING OF ONE SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AND
ONE REDEMPTION RIGHT FOR EVERY SHARE AND ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENT TENDERED. AN
EXCHANGING SHAREHOLDER WHO MAKES A SHARE ONLY EXCHANGE WILL, IF SUCH TENDER IS
ACCEPTED, RECEIVE .871 UNITS FOR EVERY SHARE TENDERED (ROUNDED DOWN TO THE
NEAREST WHOLE NUMBER
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   18
 
OF UNITS). THE REDEMPTION RIGHT WILL NOT DETACH OR TRADE SEPARATELY FROM THE
COMMON STOCK RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE, BUT INSTEAD WILL TRADE TOGETHER WITH THE
RELATED SHARE OF COMMON STOCK AS A UNIT.
 
PURPOSE OF THE OFFER
 
     The Company does not believe that the market price of the Common Stock
accurately reflects its intrinsic value. The purpose of the Offer is to give
shareholders who are considering selling their shares the opportunity to reduce
the risk associated with the continued ownership of the Common Stock.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSION; TERMINATION
 
     The Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on the
Expiration Date. Any extension of the Offer will be followed as soon as
practicable by public announcement thereof, but in no event later than 9:00
a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously
scheduled Expiration Date, and any amendment of the Offer will be followed as
soon as practicable by public announcement thereof. Without limiting the manner
by which the Company may choose to make such public announcement, the Company
shall not, unless otherwise required by law, have any obligation to publish,
advertise or otherwise communicate any such public announcement other than by
making a release to the Dow Jones News Service. The Expiration Date will not be
extended beyond April 30, 1997.
 
     Subject to the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, the
Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive, modify or amend
the Offer at any time and from time to time. If the Company decides to waive,
modify or amend a material provision of the Offer, it may do so at any time,
provided that it gives notice thereof in the manner specified in the preceding
paragraph and extends the Offer to the extent required by the Exchange Act. With
respect to an increase or decrease in the percentage of the class of securities
being solicited for exchange or a change in the consideration offered, Rule
13e-4(f)(1) under the Exchange Act generally requires that a tender offer remain
open for at least ten business days from the date the notice of such change is
first published, sent or given to securityholders. For purposes of the Offer, a
"business day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a Federal holiday
and consists of the time period from 12:01 a.m. through 12:00 midnight, New York
City time. The minimum period during which the Offer must remain open following
other material changes in the terms of the Offer will depend on the facts and
circumstances, including the relative materiality of the change in the terms of
information concerning the Offer. Any amendment to the Offer will apply to all
Shares and Additional Cash Payments tendered pursuant thereto, regardless of
when or in what order such Shares and Additional Cash Payments are tendered.
 
PROCEDURE FOR TENDERING SHARES
 
     To be tendered properly, (i) certificates representing the tendered Shares;
(ii) a certified or official bank check made payable to the Exchange Agent or
wire transfer in the amount of the Additional Cash Payment, if applicable; and
(iii) a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof) and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, must be
received by the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the back cover page
of this Offer to Exchange prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on the
Expiration Date. In lieu of the delivery of certificates for Shares, a holder
may tender Shares pursuant to the procedure for book-entry tender set forth
below (and a confirmation of such book-entry tender must be received by the
Exchange Agent on or before the Expiration Date). The beneficial holders of
Shares that are held by or registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee or custodian are urged to
contact such entity promptly if they wish to accept the Offer. LETTERS OF
TRANSMITTAL, TENDERED SHARES AND ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENTS, IF APPLICABLE, MUST
BE DELIVERED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO THE COMPANY.
 
     If a holder desires to accept the Offer and time will not permit the
required deliveries to be made to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration
Date, or the procedure for a book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely
basis, a tender may be effected in accordance with the guaranteed delivery
procedures, See "-- Guaranteed Delivery Procedure."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   19
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, CERTIFICATES
REPRESENTING TENDERED SHARES, ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENTS, IF APPLICABLE, AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING DELIVERY THROUGH ANY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
FACILITY, IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF EACH TENDERING SHAREHOLDER. IF SUCH
DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT SHAREHOLDERS USE PROPERLY INSURED,
REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, AND THAT THE MAILING BE MADE
SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE EXPIRATION DATE TO PERMIT DELIVERY TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
     Within two business days after the date hereof, the Exchange Agent will
establish accounts with respect to the Common Stock at each of The Depository
Trust Company and the Philadelphia Depository Trust Company (each, a "Book-Entry
Transfer Facility" and collectively, the "Book-Entry Transfer Facilities") for
purposes of the Offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in a
Book-Entry Transfer Facility's system may make book-entry delivery of Shares
tendered pursuant to the terms of the Offer by causing such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility to transfer the same into the Exchange Agent's account at such
Book-Entry Transfer Facility in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's procedure for such transfer and to confirm such transfer to the
Exchange Agent in writing. Although delivery of Shares may be effected though
book-entry transfer, either (i) a properly completed Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) executed by the holder of record, together with the proper
signature guarantees, and a certified or official bank check made payable to the
Exchange Agent or wire transfer in the amount of the Additional Cash Payment, if
applicable, together with all other documents required, or (ii) a Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery, must be transmitted to and received by the Exchange Agent
at its address set forth on the back cover page of this Offer to Exchange on or
before the Expiration Date.
 
     DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY'S PROCEDURE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY
TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
     Except as otherwise provided below, each signature on the Letter of
Transmittal, certificates representing Shares or instruments of transfer must be
guaranteed by a firm or other entity that is an "Eligible Institution." An
Eligible Institution means a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15
under the Exchange Act, including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a
bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, municipal securities
broker, government securities dealer or government securities broker; (iii) a
credit union; (iv) a national securities exchange, registered securities
association or clearing agency; or (v) a savings institution that is a
participant in a Securities Transfer Association recognized program. A
verification by a notary public alone is not acceptable. Signatures on a Letter
of Transmittal need not be guaranteed (i) if the Letter of Transmittal is signed
by the registered holder of the Shares being tendered and the holder has not
completed the box titled "Special Exchange Instructions" or "Special Delivery
Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal; or (ii) if such Shares are tendered
for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1 of the Letter of
Transmittal.
 
     If any of the certificates for Shares being tendered are registered in the
name of a person other than the signer of the Letter of Transmittal, or if Units
are to be issued to a person other than the registered owner of the Shares being
tendered, or if the Letter of Transmittal specifies that Shares that are not
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offer are to be returned to a person other
than the registered owner, then the certificates for such Shares must be
endorsed or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer, signed exactly
as the name(s) of the registered owner(s) appears on the certificate(s), with
the signature(s) on the certificate(s) or instrument(s) of transfer guaranteed
by an Eligible Institution. See Instructions 1 and 5 of the Letter of
Transmittal.
 
     If less than the full number of Shares evidenced by a submitted certificate
are to be tendered, the tendering shareholder should indicate on the Letter of
Transmittal the number of Shares being tendered. If no indication is given, all
Shares represented by such certificate will be deemed to have been tendered. In
the event that a shareholder desires to make a Share and Cash Exchange but such
shareholder's Additional Cash Payment, as designated in the Letter of
Transmittal, is insufficient with respect to the number of Shares
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   20
 
designated in the Letter of Transmittal or would result in the tendering of a
fractional share, the number of Shares deemed tendered shall be the maximum
number which may be tendered based on the Additional Cash Payment actually
received. Any Shares tendered in a Share and Cash Exchange for which no
Additional Cash Payment is made will be returned to such tendering shareholder.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including the time of
receipt) and acceptance of tendered Shares and Additional Cash Payments, if
applicable, pursuant to any of the foregoing procedures will be determined by
the Company, in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and
binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of
any particular Shares and Additional Cash Payments determined by it not to be in
appropriate form or the acceptance of or exchange for which may, in the opinion
of the Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right to
waive any irregularities or defects in the tender as to any particular Shares or
Additional Cash Payments, whether or not similar irregularities or defects are
waived in the case of any other Shares or Additional Cash Payments. The
Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of this Offer (including
the Letter of Transmittal and Instructions thereto) shall be final and binding.
Any irregularities or defects in connection with any tender, unless waived, must
be cured within such time as the Company shall determine, which time may be
extended beyond the Expiration Date. Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent,
the Information Agent nor any of their respective affiliates shall be under any
duty to give notification of any irregularities or defects in such tenders or
incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tendered Shares and
Additional Cash Payments received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly
tendered and as to which the irregularities or defects have not been cured or
waived will be returned (without interest thereon or deduction therefrom) by the
Exchange Agent to the tendering shareholder as soon as practicable following the
Expiration Date, unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURE
 
     If a shareholder desires to tender his Shares and Additional Cash Payments,
if applicable, pursuant to the Offer but is unable to deliver (i) all necessary
stock certificates, or to comply with the procedures for book-entry tender of
such Shares, (ii) the Additional Cash Payment, if applicable, and (iii) the
Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents, to the Exchange Agent on
or before the Expiration Date, such tender may nevertheless be effected,
provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied:
 
          (i) such tender is made by or through a member firm of a registered
     national securities exchange or a member of the National Association of
     Securities Dealers, Inc. or by or through a commercial bank or trust
     company having an office or correspondent in the United States.
 
          (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, a properly completed and duly
     executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, including a guarantee by a member
     firm of a registered national securities exchange or a member of the
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a commercial bank or
     trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States (by
     telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery) setting
     forth the name and address of the shareholder and the number of Shares and
     Additional Cash Payment, if applicable, being tendered, stating that the
     tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three trading
     days after the date of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the Shares, the
     Additional Cash Payment, if applicable, and the Letter of Transmittal (or
     facsimile thereof), together with all other required documents, will be
     deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and
 
          (iii) the certificates for all Shares being tendered in proper form
     for transfer (or a written confirmation of book-entry transfer into the
     Exchange Agent's account at a Book-Entry Transfer Facility as described
     above), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or
     facsimile thereof) and a certified or official bank check made payable to
     the Exchange Agent or wire transfer in the amount of the Additional Cash
     Payment, if applicable, together with all other required documents, are
     received by the Exchange Agent within three American Stock Exchange trading
     days after the date of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   21
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
     Any Shares and, if applicable, Additional Cash Payments tendered pursuant
to the Offer may be withdrawn by the tendering shareholder subject to the
procedures described below, at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
Thereafter, any such tenders are irrevocable, except that they may be withdrawn
after April 30, 1997, unless theretofore accepted for exchange as provided in
this Offer to Exchange. If the Company extends the period of time during which
the Offer is open, is delayed in its acceptance of the Shares and, if
applicable, Additional Cash Payments or is unable to accept the Shares and, if
applicable, Additional Cash Payments for any reason, then, without prejudice to
the Company's rights under the Offer, the Exchange Agent may, on behalf of the
Company, retain all Shares and Additional Cash Payments and such Shares and
Additional Cash Payments may not be withdrawn, except to the extent tendering
shareholders are entitled to and duly exercise withdrawal rights as provided
herein. Any such delay will be accompanied by an extension of the Offer to the
extent required by law.
 
     For a withdrawal to be effective, a written, telegraphic or facsimile
transmission notice of withdrawal must (i) be timely received by the Exchange
Agent at its address on the back cover of this Offer to Exchange before the
Exchange Agent receives notice of acceptance for exchange by the Company of the
Shares and, if applicable, the Additional Cash Payments, (ii) set forth the name
of the tendering shareholder, (iii) if the certificates for the Shares have been
deposited with or otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, contain the
description of the Shares to be withdrawn and indicate the certificate numbers
shown on the certificates evidencing such Shares (except in the case of
book-entry transfers), (iv) identify the aggregate amount of any Additional Cash
Payment deposited with the Exchange Agent and identify the check or wire
transfer number thereof, and (v) be executed by the shareholder in the same
manner as the original Common Stock certificate(s) for tendered shares or be
accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Company that the person withdrawing
the tender has succeeded to the beneficial ownership of such tendered Shares. In
the case of Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, a notice of withdrawal must
specify, in lieu of certificate numbers, the name and number of the account at
one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities to be credited with the withdrawn
Shares.
 
     The notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution,
unless the Shares subject to the withdrawal have been tendered (i) by a
registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Exchange
Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal;
or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution. All questions as to the form
and validity (including the time of receipt) of notices of withdrawal will be
determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, whose determination shall be
final and binding. Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent, the Information
Agent nor any of their respective affiliates shall be under any duty to give any
notification of any irregularities or defects in any notice of withdrawal or
incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. Shares and, if
applicable, Additional Cash Payments withdrawn in the manner specified above
will not be considered to have been duly tendered, and any such Shares and
Additional Cash Payments will be returned by the Exchange Agent as soon as
practicable after such withdrawal. However, withdrawn Shares and Additional Cash
Payments may be re-tendered at any time prior to the Expiration Date, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.
 
     No interest shall be paid on any amount returned to a shareholder whether
on account of the extension or termination of the Offer, the withdrawal of
Shares and Additional Cash Payments by the tendering shareholder, or otherwise.
 
ACCEPTANCE OF SHARES AND ADDITIONAL CASH PAYMENTS; PRORATION; DELIVERY OF UNITS
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Offer, no more than
2,000,000 Units will be issued. For purposes of this Offer, the Company will be
deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered Shares and the related
Additional Cash Payments, if applicable, when, as and if the Company has given
oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. If the number of Shares,
and, if applicable, Additional Cash Payments validly tendered and not withdrawn
prior to the Expiration Date would result in the issuance of more than 2,000,000
Units, acceptances will be cut back pro rata (with adjustments to avoid issuance
of fractional Units) based on the total number of Units that would have been
issued to such tendering
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   22
 
shareholders had no such cutback been made. All tendering shareholders will be
deemed to have waived any right to receive notice of the acceptance of their
Shares and, if applicable, the related Additional Cash Payments.
 
     The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering shareholders for the
purposes of receiving from the Company the Units and transmitting the Units to
tendering shareholders. Tendered Shares not accepted for exchange by the
Company, if any, together with any Additional Cash Payments related thereto,
will be returned to the tendering shareholders (or, in the case of Shares
tendered by a Book-Entry Transfer Facility, will be credited to an account
maintained with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility) without expense as promptly
as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
     Delivery of the Units in exchange for Shares and Additional Cash Payments,
if applicable, that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn on or prior to
the Expiration Date and that have been accepted for exchange by the Company will
be made as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date. All deliveries
will be made through the Exchange Agent. Upon the deposit of the Units by the
Company with the Exchange Agent for the purpose of making the exchange to
validly tendering shareholders, the Company's obligation to make such exchange
shall be satisfied, and such tendering shareholders must thereafter look solely
to the Exchange Agent for delivery of the Units.
 
     If proration of tendered Shares is required, the Company does not expect to
be able to announce the final proration factor or to commence the exchange for
any Shares and Additional Cash Payments, if applicable, pursuant to the Offer
until approximately five business days after the Expiration Date, due to the
difficulty in determining the number of Shares validly tendered (including
shares tendered by the guaranteed delivery procedures described above).
Preliminary results of the proration will be announced by press release as
promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date. Holders of Common Stock may
obtain such preliminary information from the Information Agent and may also be
able to obtain such information from their brokers.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     The following addresses the material federal income tax consequences of the
Exchange (as defined below) and the ownership and disposition of Units. This
discussion expresses the opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to the Company,
regarding the material federal income tax consequences to the Company's
shareholders attributable to the exchange of Shares and, if applicable,
Additional Cash Payments for Units in the Exchange (as defined below), and the
ownership and disposition of Units acquired in the Exchange.
 
     Because of the unique features of the Offer to Exchange and the Units, it
is not possible to provide a definitive discussion of the federal income tax
consequences of a Share and Cash Exchange or a Share Only Exchange (each
sometimes referred to as the "Exchange"), or of the ownership and disposition of
Units. The following discussion is based upon the interpretation by Hale and
Dorr LLP of the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and
administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date hereof. The Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") is not bound by such discussion and is not precluded
from adopting a contrary position. In addition, there can be no assurance that
future legislative, judicial or administrative changes or interpretations will
not adversely affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth
herein. Any such changes or interpretations could be applied retroactively and
could affect the tax consequences of the Exchange or of the ownership or
disposition of Units. In addition, the Company has not sought a ruling from the
IRS with respect to these matters.
 
     Shareholders should be aware that this section does not deal with all
federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular
shareholder in light of their particular circumstances, such as shareholders who
are dealers in securities, who are foreign persons or who acquired their Shares
through stock option or stock purchase programs or in other compensatory
transactions. Moreover, no foreign, state or local tax consequences are
addressed herein. ACCORDINGLY, SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE, INCLUDING THE
APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   23
 
     The discussion below assumes that the Units will be treated as equity
rather than as debt for federal income tax purposes. See "Treatment of Units as
Equity," below.
 
  Treatment of The Exchange
 
     The federal tax treatment of the Exchange will depend in significant part
upon whether a Redemption Right is treated as one of the attributes of a Unit
(and thus as an integral part of a Unit) or whether it will be treated as a
separate property right. Although there is a limited amount of analogous legal
authority, there is no authority addressing the issue on facts substantially
similar to those presented by the Units. Accordingly, Hale and Dorr LLP is
unable to render an opinion as to the more likely treatment of the Exchange for
federal income tax purposes. Nevertheless, based on the analogous authority,
Hale and Dorr LLP believes that a shareholder who reports the tax consequences
of the Exchange on the assumption that the Redemption Right is an integral part
of a Unit would have a realistic possibility of having such position upheld if
challenged by the IRS. If the Redemption Right is treated as an integral part of
the Unit, the Exchange would be treated as a reorganization under Section
368(a)(1)(E) of the Code (a "Reorganization") and:
 
          (a) No gain or loss should be recognized by holders of Common Stock
     upon the receipt of a Unit in exchange for a Share and the Additional
     Payment in the Exchange, except that a holder will recognize income to the
     extent of the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Guarantee
     over any portion of any Additional Cash Payment. The IRS, however, could
     assert that a shareholder who made an Additional Cash Payment should not be
     allowed to treat the Guarantee as having been purchased entirely with the
     Additional Cash Payment but should be treated as having exchanged a portion
     of the Common Stock surrendered in the Exchange for a proportionate part of
     the Guarantee in a taxable transaction. Because of the lack of authority
     addressing this issue, Hale and Dorr LLP is unable to render an opinion as
     to the more likely outcome if raised by the IRS. Nevertheless, Hale and
     Dorr LLP believes that a shareholder who takes the position that the
     Guarantee was purchased entirely with the Additional Cash Payment would
     have a realistic possibility of having such position upheld if challenged
     by the IRS.
 
          (b) The tax basis of the Unit received by a shareholder in the
     Exchange will be the same as the tax basis of the Common Stock surrendered
     in exchange for the Unit, plus any Additional Cash Payment and the amount
     of gain recognized, if any, by such shareholder, less the fair market value
     of the Guarantee.
 
          (c) The holding period of the Unit received by each shareholder in the
     Exchange will include the period for which the Common Stock surrendered in
     the Exchange was considered to be held, provided that the Common Stock so
     surrendered was held as a capital asset at the time of the Exchange.
 
     The Company estimates that the Guarantee has a fair market value of $1.00
per Unit; however, the Company's estimate is not binding on the IRS.
 
     If the IRS were to successfully challenge the above-described treatment of
the Exchange on the grounds that a Redemption Right should be treated as a
property right that is separate from a Unit, shareholders who participate in the
Exchange and make the Additional Payment with Shares may be required to
recognize income up to the fair market value of the Redemption Rights (including
the related Guarantee) received by that shareholder. Such income would be a
capital gain if the provisions of Section 302 of the Code applied to the
exchange by such shareholder of Common Stock, and otherwise it will be treated
as a distribution of property to which Section 301 of the Code applies. See
"Consequences of the Redemption of a Unit" below. Except as noted in paragraph
(a) above, shareholders who make an Additional Cash Payment should not recognize
income, even if the IRS were to successfully challenge the Company's treatment
of the Exchange as a Reorganization.
 
  Treatment of Units as Equity
 
     Hale and Dorr LLP believes that it is more likely than not that the Units
will be treated as equity for federal income tax purposes, and the Company will
so treat the Units.
 
     The determination of whether the Units will be treated as equity for
federal income tax purposes is a question of fact, and no one factor is
conclusive. Although no definitive set of relevant factors exists,
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   24
 
Section 385 of the Code lists five factors that "may" be taken into account in
regulations, yet to be issued, that are to set forth the rules for determining
whether an interest in a corporation is to be treated as equity or debt for
federal income tax purposes. These factors are (1) whether there is a written
unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in
money in return for an adequate consideration in money or money's worth, and to
pay a fixed rate of interest, (2) whether there is a subordination to or
preference over any indebtedness of the corporation, (3) the ratio of debt to
equity of the corporation, (4) whether there is convertibility into the stock of
the corporation, and (5) the relationship between holdings of stock in the
corporation and the holdings of the interest in question. The IRS has indicated
that the intent of the parties in creating the instrument is a factor that may
be taken into account as well.
 
     Hale and Dorr LLP believes that an analysis of the foregoing factors
indicates that it is likely, although not certain, that a Unit will be treated
as equity for federal income tax purposes. The Company is obliged to redeem a
Unit for a fixed amount of money upon exercise of the Redemption Right at
essentially a predetermined date, raising the possibility that a Unit could be
treated as convertible debt. However, no provisions for interest payments or
guaranteed dividends of any sort are made. In addition, the Redemption Right
will expire if the closing price of the Common Stock is at least $26.00 for 20
of any 30 consecutive trading days. The Company is also prohibited from
redeeming a Unit to the extent that such redemption is made at a time when the
Company's capital is impaired or when such redemption would cause any impairment
of the Company's capital or if such redemption is otherwise prohibited by law.
Furthermore, a Unit will be subordinated to all indebtedness of the Company; the
stock portion of the Unit is voting stock; there are no "conversion" rights
other than a possible "deemed" conversion at the time of expiration of the
Redemption Right; and, finally, the parties intend to create an equity interest
notwithstanding the contrary treatment for financial accounting purposes.
 
     Section 385 of the Code provides that the issuer's characterization of an
interest in a corporation as debt or equity will be binding on the issuer and
all holders, but will not be binding on the IRS. Accordingly, because the
Company intends to treat the Units as equity for federal income tax purposes,
holders will not be able to treat the Units as debt for such purposes. If the
Units were to be treated as debt by the IRS or a court, the federal income tax
consequences would include: (i) the Exchange would be a taxable exchange of the
holder's Common Stock surrendered, which could result in the recognition of gain
to a shareholder and (ii) distributions of property by the Company with respect
to a Unit would be treated as interest, and not dividends, and so would not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction. Similarly, redemptions by the
Company of the Common Stock would not be subject to the rules of Section 302 of
the Code, as discussed below, but would instead be treated as payments of
principal and interest.
 
  Sale of Units
 
     In general, gain or loss will be recognized upon a sale of a Unit or, in
the event of the expiration of the Redemption Right, upon the sale of the
remaining share of Common Stock. The amount of such gain or loss will be the
difference between the amount received in exchange for the Unit or share of
Common Stock and the holder's adjusted basis in the Unit or share of Common
Stock. The holder's tax basis in a share of Common Stock after the associated
Redemption Right has lapsed should equal the basis of the holder's Unit
immediately before the lapse of the Redemption Right, assuming, as described
above under "Treatment of The Exchange," that the Redemption Right is treated as
an integral part of the Unit.
 
     Any gain or loss recognized upon the sale or exchange of a Unit or share of
Common Stock will generally be treated as capital gain or loss if the Unit or
Common Stock sold was held as a capital asset. Such gain or loss will be long
term capital gain or loss if the Unit or Common Stock was held for more than one
year, and will be short term capital gain or loss if it has been held for one
year or less. To the extent applicable, the straddle rules, summarized below,
will likely suspend the running of the holder's holding period for this purpose
until the expiration of the Redemption Right.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   25
 
  Short Sale and Straddle Rules
 
     Under certain circumstances the holding period of a share of Common Stock
may be suspended. It is possible that the Redemption Right will be characterized
for federal income tax purposes as an option to sell Common Stock. In that case,
it is possible that the short sale rules of Section 1233 of the Code would
apply, resulting in, among other possible results, suspension of the holding
period of a number of other shares of Common Stock equal to the number subject
to the Redemption Right until the expiration of the Redemption Right. However,
Section 1233(c) of the Code and Treas. Reg. sec. 1.1233-1(c)(3) provide that, if
the Common Stock is identified by appropriate entries in the holder's records
within fifteen days after the date of its acquisition as subject to such option,
the rules of Section 1233(b), including the holding period suspension rules,
will not apply. If the Redemption Right is properly characterized as an option
and a holder identifies that the Common Stock is subject to the Redemption Right
in its records within 15 days of the Unit's acquisition, Section 1233(c) of the
Code should apply.
 
     It is likely that the Unit will be considered to be a tax straddle subject
to the rules of Section 1092 of the Code. The tax straddle rules apply only if
both (a) the Common Stock is considered to be actively traded and (b) the
Redemption Right is considered to be either (i) an "option" with respect to the
Common Stock or substantially identical stock or securities or (ii) a position
with respect to substantially similar or related property (other than stock).
Assuming that a Unit is considered to be a tax straddle, Temporary Treasury
Regulations provide that the holding period of a share of Common Stock that is
part of that straddle generally will not begin earlier than the expiration of
the Redemption Right with respect to that share, unless the holder has held the
Common Stock exchanged for such Unit for more than one year prior to the
acquisition of the Unit. In addition, under Section 263(g) of the Code, interest
and carrying charges relating to a tax straddle are not deductible and must be
capitalized and added to basis.
 
  Consequences of the Redemption of a Unit
 
     The amount of cash received by a holder of a Unit upon the redemption of
the Unit by the Company upon exercise of the Redemption Right will be treated
either (i) as a distribution by the Company in exchange for the Unit, in which
case the holder will recognize gain or loss measured by the difference between
the amount realized and the holder's tax basis for the Unit surrendered or (ii)
as a distribution of property to which Section 301 of the Code applies (that is,
as a dividend, to the extent of the Company's earnings and profits; see
"Dividends; Dividends Received Deduction," below). For this purpose, the
determination of whether the distribution will be treated as an exchange for
stock or as a Code Section 301 distribution will be made in accordance with the
provisions of Section 302 of the Code, as explained below.
 
     Under Section 302 of the Code, a holder will not be treated as having
received a Code Section 301 distribution upon the redemption of a Unit upon
exercise of the Redemption Right if (1) the redemption results in the complete
termination of the holder's interest in the Company, (2) the holder's percentage
ownership of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company (and voting stock if
any voting stock other than Common Stock is outstanding) immediately after such
redemption is less than 80% of such holder's percentage ownership of the total
of such outstanding stock immediately before the redemption or (3) the
distribution from the Company upon such redemption is not "essentially
equivalent to a dividend" based on the individual holder's particular facts and
circumstances. For purposes of making these determinations, the holder's
percentage ownership will in general be calculated by taking into account all
shares owned by him, including those deemed to be owned by him pursuant to
Section 318 of the Code. Section 318 of the Code provides that in applying the
above rules, a holder is considered to own shares directly or indirectly owned
by certain members of his family or certain related entities and to own shares
with respect to which he holds options.
 
     For a redemption to qualify as "not essentially equivalent to a dividend,"
it must result in a "meaningful reduction" in the holder's percentage interest
in the Company. The IRS has indicated in published rulings that any reduction in
the percentage interest of a small shareholder in a publicly held corporation
who exercises no control over corporate affairs may constitute such a
"meaningful reduction," absent special circumstances. In applying these rules,
other transactions that are part of an overall plan may be taken into account to
determine
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   26
 
the decrease, if any, of a shareholder's percentage interest. In view of the
terms of the Units it is likely that the exercise of the Redemption Right by
other holders of Units will have to be taken into account in determining whether
a particular holder's percentage interest is reduced. In a case in which a
holder would have an increase in his percentage interest after the exercise of
the Redemption Right (for example, if such holder redeemed a lesser percentage
of his shares as compared to other shareholders), the holder could avoid
dividend treatment by selling Units rather than redeeming them; however, there
can be no assurance that there will be an active market for the Units or that if
such a market exists the proceeds received will not be substantially less than
those that would be received by redemption.
 
     In the event that, upon the tender of a Unit pursuant to the Redemption
Right, Thermo Electron is required to acquire the associated Common Stock
pursuant to the terms of the Guarantee, it is probable that the holder will be
deemed to have disposed of the Unit or Common Stock through a sale or exchange,
the consequences of which are discussed in "Sale of Units" above, rather than as
a redemption by the Company (absent circumstances in which the selling holder is
deemed to be in control of the Company and Thermo Electron).
 
     If a redemption is not treated as a Code Section 301 distribution, any gain
or loss recognized will be capital gain or loss if the redeemed Unit is held as
a capital asset. Such gain or loss will be long term or short term depending on
the holding period of such Common Stock. See "Sale of Units" above.
 
  Dividends; Dividends Received Deduction
 
     The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock and
anticipates that no dividends will be paid on its Common Stock or the Units in
the foreseeable future. A distribution of property by the Company to its
shareholders will be treated as a dividend only to the extent of its accumulated
earnings and profits or its earnings and profits in the taxable year in which
such distributions occur. Any distribution of property by the Company that is
not a dividend would be treated first as a return of basis to the shareholder
and then as gain from the sale or exchange of property.
 
     To the extent that the Company does have earnings and profits and does make
dividend distributions with respect to Units or shares of Common Stock,
corporate holders would generally be eligible for the dividends received
deduction. This deduction generally equals 70% of the amount received as
dividends, although corporations owning 20% or more of the stock of the Company
are eligible for an 80% deduction. Corporate holders would be eligible for the
dividends received deduction only if, among other things, the Units or shares of
Common Stock are held for more than 45 days. Under Section 246(c) of the Code,
the holding period of stock will be suspended for any periods for which the
holder has, among other things, (i) an option to sell such stock or (ii) a
diminished risk of loss by holding one or more other positions with respect to
substantially similar or related property. It is likely that the Redemption
Right would be considered an option or other position triggering the suspension
of the holding period under Section 246(c) of the Code.
 
     For corporate holders of Units or Common Stock, Section 246A of the Code
reduces the dividends received deduction in the case of "debt-financed portfolio
stock." Debt-financed portfolio stock is defined as portfolio stock, such as the
Units or Common Stock, acquired or carried by the corporate holder with
indebtedness that is "directly attributable" to the investment in such stock.
The reduction is generally a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of
the holder's indebtedness attributable to such stock and the denominator of
which is the holder's adjusted tax basis in the stock.
 
     In addition, any dividends received by corporate holders would be subject
to the provisions of Section 1059 of the Code relating to "extraordinary
dividends" if the Units or Common Stock with respect to which the dividend is
paid has not been held for more than two years and the amount of the dividend is
considered extraordinary. For this purpose, the holding period of the stock will
be considered suspended under rules similar to those applicable to the
determination of the availability of the dividends received deduction. In
general, a dividend paid with respect to common stock is treated as an
extraordinary dividend if it equals or exceeds ten percent of the shareholder's
adjusted basis in the stock. Dividends that have ex-dividend dates within 85
consecutive days are aggregated for this purpose. An aggregation period of one
year applies if the aggregated dividends exceed 20 percent of the shareholder's
basis. In addition, any redemption of stock of a
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   27
 
corporation that is not pro rata as to all shareholders and which is treated as
a dividend distribution under Section 301 of the Code will be treated as an
extraordinary dividend subject to Section 1059 of the Code, without regard to
the period of time the shareholder has held the stock, except as provided in
regulations yet to be proposed or promulgated. If a dividend is subject to the
rules of Section 1059, the tax basis of the holder's Units or Common Stock (or
remaining Units or Common Stock in the case of a redemption) will be reduced by
the amount of the dividend received deduction (the "non-taxed portion" of the
dividend). If the non-taxed portion exceeds the holder's tax basis in such Units
or Common Stock, such excess will be treated as gain from the sale of Units or
Common Stock upon disposition of such Units or Common Stock.
 
UNTENDERED SHARES
 
     Holders of Shares who do not tender their Shares in the Offer or whose
Shares are not accepted for exchange will continue to hold such Shares, which
are listed on AMEX, and will be entitled to all the rights, and will be subject
to all of the limitations, applicable thereto.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFER
 
     The obligation of the Company to consummate the Offer will be subject to
the satisfaction or waiver, at or prior to the acceptance of the tendered Shares
and, if applicable, the Additional Cash Payments for exchange, of the following
conditions:
 
          (i) There being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the
     expiration of the Offer such number of Shares and the related Additional
     Cash Payments, if applicable, as would result in the issuance of at least
     500,000 Units; and
 
          (ii) the listing of the Units on the American Stock Exchange, subject
     to official notice of issuance.
 
     In addition, notwithstanding any other provision of the Offer, the Company
reserves the right to withdraw, terminate or amend the Offer before the
acceptance of the tendered Shares and Additional Cash Payments for exchange if:
 
          (i) any legal action or proceeding is instituted or threatened to be
     instituted in any court or by or before any governmental agency (A)
     directly or indirectly with respect to the Offer, (B) which, in the sole
     judgment of the Company may materially adversely affect the business,
     operations or financial condition of the Company;
 
          (ii) there shall have occurred any material adverse development in any
     existing legal action or proceeding involving the Company;
 
          (iii) there shall have occurred (A) any general suspension of trading
     in, or limitation on prices for, securities on the New York Stock Exchange
     or AMEX, (B) a declaration of a banking moratorium by United States
     authorities or any governmental agency in the United States, (C) the
     commencement of a war, armed hostilities or other international or national
     calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or (D) a
     material adverse change in general economic, political or financial
     conditions, if the effect thereof on the financial markets of the United
     States shall be such that in the sole judgment of the Company it shall be
     impracticable to consummate the Offer;
 
          (iv) there shall have occurred any change, or development involving a
     prospective change, in or affecting the business or financial affairs of
     the Company which, in the sole judgment of the Company, would materially
     impair the contemplated benefits of the Offer to the Company or its
     shareholders;
 
          (v) any statute, rule or regulation shall have been proposed or
     enacted, or any action shall have been taken by any governmental authority,
     which, in the sole judgment of the Company, would or might prohibit,
     restrict or delay consummation of the Offer as presently proposed or
     materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Offer to the Company or
     its shareholders; or
 
          (vi) there exists, in the sole judgment of the Company, any other
     actual or threatened legal impediment to the acquisition of the Shares and
     Additional Cash Payments or the issuance of the Units
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   28
 
     as presently proposed. In any such event, the Company shall not be
     obligated to accept Shares and Additional Cash Payments tendered pursuant
     to the Offer. If the Offer should be withdrawn pursuant to the foregoing,
     the Shares and Additional Cash Payments previously tendered will be
     returned without expense to the tendering shareholders as promptly as
     practicable.
 
     The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and may be
waived by the Company in whole or in part.
 
LISTING OF THE UNITS
 
     The Company has applied for listing of the Units on AMEX. In order to be
listed, the Company must meet the AMEX Listing Requirements. Even if the Units
are initially listed, there can be no assurance that the Units will meet the
requirements for continued listing on AMEX. Failure to continue to be listed may
adversely affect the market value and liquidity of the Units. See "Risk
Factors -- No Assurance as to Liquidity or Trading Market".
 
POSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
     The Board of Directors is not making any recommendations to its
shareholders as to whether they should exchange or refrain from exchanging any
or all of their Shares. Each shareholder must make his or her own decision as to
whether to exchange any Shares.
 
PAYMENT OF FEES AND EXPENSES; TRANSFER TAXES
 
     The Company will pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding
copies of this Offer to Exchange and related documents to the beneficial owners
of the Common Stock, and in handling or forwarding tenders for their customers.
However, the Company will not make any other payments to brokers, dealers or
others soliciting tenders of Common Stock and Additional Cash Payments. The
Company will pay all legal, accounting, printing, listing, filing and other
similar fees and expenses in connection with the Offer.
 
     The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the transfer
and sale of Shares to it pursuant to the Offer. If, however, Units are to be
delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other
than the registered holder of the Shares tendered, or if tendered certificates
are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the
Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than
the transfer and sale of Shares to the Company pursuant to the Offer, the amount
of any such transfer tax (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of
payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted herewith, the
amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
 
MUTILATED, LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES
 
     Any shareholder whose Common Stock certificates have been mutilated, lost,
stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at its address set forth
on the back cover page of this Offer to Exchange for further information.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT; INFORMATION AGENT
 
     American Stock Transfer & Trust Company has been appointed as Exchange
Agent for the Offer. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is also the
transfer agent for the Common Stock and the Units. National Westminster Bank
Plc -- New York Branch has been appointed as Information Agent for the Offer.
The Company will pay all fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and the
Information Agent incurred in connection with the Offer.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   29
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     No gain or loss for accounting purposes will be recognized by the Company
upon the consummation of the Offer. The Units will be treated for accounting
purposes as Common Stock subject to redemption until the expiration of the
Redemption Rights.
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN OFFER
 
     The Offer is open to the officers, directors and affiliates of the Company.
As of December 28, 1996, the Company's officers and directors beneficially owned
2,795,315 shares of Common Stock, which represented approximately 6.9% of the
outstanding shares. In addition, as of December 28, 1996, ThermoTrex
beneficially owned 25,960,996 shares of Common Stock, which represented
approximately 64% of the outstanding shares. ThermoTrex has advised the Company
that it does not intend to tender any shares of Common Stock for exchange
pursuant to the Offer. The Company has been advised that none of its officers or
directors intend to tender shares of Common Stock for exchange pursuant to the
Offer.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   30
 
                            MARKET PRICE INFORMATION
 
     ThermoLase's Common Stock is listed on AMEX under the symbol "TLZ." Thermo
Electron's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "TMO."
 
     The table below sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the reported
high and low sale prices of ThermoLase's Common Stock and Thermo Electron's
Common Stock on AMEX and the New York Stock Exchange, respectively. The Thermo
Electron Common Stock price information is presented for ThermoLase's fiscal
period (fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest September 30) rather than for
Thermo Electron's fiscal period (fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest
December 31).(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    THERMO
                                                                 THERMOLASE        ELECTRON
                                                                     COMMON           COMMON
                                                                    STOCK(2)         STOCK(3)
                                                                ---------------    ------------
                                                                HIGH       LOW     HIGH     LOW
                                                                ----       ---     ----     ---
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>     <C>      <C>
FISCAL 1995
- ------------
  Quarter ended December 31, 1994.............................    5        3 9/16  21 5/18  18 1/9
  Quarter ended April 1, 1995.................................    6 15/16  3 5/8   22 5/6   19 1/2
  Quarter ended July 1, 1995..................................   22 3/8    5 15/16 27 1/3   21 7/9
  Quarter ended September 30, 1995............................   25 1/2   19 1/2   31 1/12  26 2/5

FISCAL 1996
- ------------
  Quarter ended December 30, 1995.............................   27 5/8   17 1/4   34 2/3   28 1/4
  Quarter ended March 30, 1996................................   31       20 7/8   42 1/12  30 5/12
  Quarter ended June 29, 1996.................................   36 1/2   24 1/4   44 3/8   38 5/6
  Quarter ended September 28, 1996............................   30 3/4   19 7/8   41 7/8   31 3/4

FISCAL 1997
- ------------
  Quarter ended December 28, 1996.............................   24 7/8   15 1/8   38 1/4   29 3/4
  Quarter ending March 29, 1997 (through February 28, 1997)...   17 5/8   12 3/8   41 1/4   33 3/8
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) In September 1995, the Company changed its fiscal year end from the Saturday
    nearest December 31 to the Saturday nearest September 30. All periods
    referenced in the above table assume that such new fiscal year end had been
    in effect for all periods presented.
 
(2) Prices of the ThermoLase Common Stock have been restated to reflect a
    two-for-one stock split, effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend,
    which was distributed in June 1995.
 
(3) Prices of the Thermo Electron Common Stock have been restated to reflect a
    three-for-two stock split, effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend,
    which was distributed in June 1996.
 
     On February 28, 1997, the most recent practicable date prior to the date of
this Offer to Exchange, the last reported sale price of ThermoLase's Common
Stock on AMEX was $13.125 per share and the last reported sale price of Thermo
Electron's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $34.125 per share.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   31
 
                             THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
                       PRO FORMA CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     The Company has offered to exchange one Unit, consisting of one share of
Common Stock and one Redemption Right, for one Share plus an Additional Payment
of $3.00. Tendering shareholders may elect to make a Share Only Exchange or a
Share and Cash Exchange. Tendering shareholders selecting a Share Only Exchange
will receive .871 Units for each Share tendered. Tendering shareholders
selecting a Share and Cash Exchange will receive one Unit for each Share and
$3.00 cash payment tendered.
 
     Each Redemption Right will entitle its holder to sell the related share of
Common Stock to the Company for $20.25 during the first 20 business days after
the fourth anniversary of the Expiration Date. No more than 2,000,000 Units will
be issued.
 
     Pro forma information is not presented for Thermo Electron because this
transaction is not material to Thermo Electron's financial position or results
of operations.
 
     Pro forma balance sheets for the Company follow that assume: a) a Share
Only Exchange; and b) a Share and Cash Exchange. Pro forma statement of
operations information is not presented as a result of the immaterial effect the
proposed transaction will have on the Company's results of operation.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   32
 
                             THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
            PRO FORMA CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET -- SHARE ONLY EXCHANGE
                               DECEMBER 28, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet sets forth the
financial position of the Company as of December 28, 1996, to reflect the
receipt by the Company of 2,296,212 Shares in a Share Only Exchange, resulting
in the issuance of 2,000,000 Units, each consisting of one share of Common Stock
and one Redemption Right (such Shares reflecting the ratio of .871 Units
exchanged for every Share tendered). The exchange results in the
reclassification of $40,500,000 from "Common stock" and "Capital in excess of
par value" to "Common stock subject to redemption," based on the issuance of
2,000,000 Redemption Rights, each carrying a maximum liability to the Company of
$20.25 per share. A Share Only Exchange also results in the reclassification of
$3,888,000 from "Capital in excess of par value" to "Treasury Stock," based on
the satisfaction of the $3.00 per share Additional Payment with 296,212 Shares
each recorded at fair value on the date of the exchange, assumed for purposes of
this calculation to be $13 1/8, the closing price of the Company's Common Stock
on February 28, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             HISTORICAL     ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                             ----------     -----------     ---------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and available-for-sale investments..................   $ 39,403       $      --       $39,403
  Accounts receivable, net.................................      4,305              --         4,305
  Inventories..............................................      4,486              --         4,486
  Other current assets.....................................      3,850              --         3,850
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                                52,044              --        52,044
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Property and Equipment, at Cost, Net.......................     27,906              --        27,906
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Other Assets...............................................      4,725              --         4,725
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Acquired Company...........      8,273              --         8,273
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                              $ 92,948       $      --       $92,948
                                                              ========       =========       =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable.........................................   $  3,201       $      --       $ 3,201
  Accrued expenses.........................................      4,762              --         4,762
  Deferred revenue.........................................      1,776              --         1,776
  Due to parent company and affiliated companies...........      6,847              --         6,847
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                                16,586              --        16,586
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Deferred Lease Liability...................................        764              --           764
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Common Stock Subject to Redemption.........................      2,613          40,500        43,113
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Shareholders' Investment:
  Common stock, 40,807,932 shares issued, 38,807,932
     shares, pro forma.....................................        408             (20)          388
  Capital in excess of par value...........................     82,240         (36,592)       45,648
  Accumulated deficit......................................     (4,905)             --        (4,905)
  Treasury stock at cost, 224,058 shares, 520,270 shares,
     pro forma.............................................     (4,736)         (3,888)       (8,624)
  Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments....        (22)             --           (22)
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                                72,985         (40,500)       32,485
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                              $ 92,948       $      --       $92,948
                                                              ========       =========       =======
Book Value per Share.......................................   $   1.80       $    (.99)      $   .81
                                                              ========       =========       =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   33
 
                             THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
          PRO FORMA CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET -- SHARE AND CASH EXCHANGE
                               DECEMBER 28, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet sets forth the
financial position of the Company as of December 28, 1996, to reflect the
receipt by the Company of 2,000,000 Shares and $6,000,000 in cash in a Share and
Cash Exchange, resulting in the issuance of 2,000,000 Units, each consisting of
one share of Common Stock and one Redemption Right. The exchange results in the
reclassification of $40,500,000 from "Common stock" and "Capital in excess of
par value" to "Common stock subject to redemption," based on the issuance of
2,000,000 Redemption Rights, each carrying a maximum liability to the Company of
$20.25 per share. Cash received in a Share and Cash Exchange is recorded as an
increase to "Capital in excess of par value."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             HISTORICAL     ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                             ----------     -----------     ---------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and available-for-sale investments..................   $ 39,403       $   6,000       $45,403
  Accounts receivable, net.................................      4,305              --         4,305
  Inventories..............................................      4,486              --         4,486
  Other current assets.....................................      3,850              --         3,850
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                                52,044           6,000        58,044
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Property and Equipment, at Cost, Net.......................     27,906              --        27,906
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Other Assets...............................................      4,725              --         4,725
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Acquired Company...........      8,273              --         8,273
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                              $ 92,948       $   6,000       $98,948
                                                              ========       =========       =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable.........................................   $  3,201       $      --       $ 3,201
  Accrued expenses.........................................      4,762              --         4,762
  Deferred revenue.........................................      1,776              --         1,776
  Due to parent company and affiliated companies...........      6,847              --         6,847
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                                16,586              --        16,586
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Deferred Lease Liability...................................        764              --           764
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Common Stock Subject to Redemption.........................      2,613          40,500        43,113
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
Shareholders' Investment:
  Common stock, 40,807,932 shares issued, 38,807,932
     shares,
     pro forma.............................................        408             (20)          388
  Capital in excess of par value...........................     82,240         (34,480)       47,760
  Accumulated deficit......................................     (4,905)             --        (4,905)
  Treasury stock at cost, 224,058 shares...................     (4,736)             --        (4,736)
  Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments....        (22)             --           (22)
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                                72,985         (34,500)       38,485
                                                              --------       ---------       -------
                                                              $ 92,948       $   6,000       $98,948
                                                              ========       =========       =======
Book Value per Share.......................................   $   1.80       $    (.85)      $   .95
                                                              ========       =========       =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   34
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
     The following is a summary description of the principal terms applicable to
the Units, including the Redemption Rights and the Guarantees.
 
UNITS
 
     Each Unit being offered by the Company consists of one share of Common
Stock and one Redemption Right. The Redemption Rights will not detach or trade
separately from the related shares of Common Stock (but instead will trade
together with the related share of Common Stock as a Unit). The Company has
applied for the listing of the Units on AMEX under the symbol "TLZ U."
 
     The holder of a Unit may require the Company to redeem the related share of
Common Stock for $20.25 (the "Redemption Price") during the first 20 days after
the fourth anniversary of the Expiration Date (the "Redemption Period"). Notice
of commencement of the Redemption Period will be published in The Wall Street
Journal and will be mailed to holders of record of the Units, not less than 30
nor more than 45 days prior to the commencement of the Redemption Period. To be
redeemed, certificates for Units must be received at the office of the Company
duly executed indicating the number of shares being tendered for redemption
during the Redemption Period. After the end of the Redemption Period, the
Company will mail to each shareholder a check in consideration for the shares
that were redeemed. Shareholders who elect to redeem their shares will be
entitled to revoke their election by delivering a written notice of such
revocation to the Company prior to the end of the Redemption Period.
 
     The Company's obligation to make such redemptions would be deferred to the
extent that such redemptions are made at a time when the Company's capital is
impaired or when such redemptions would cause any impairment of the Company's
capital or if such redemptions are otherwise prohibited by law. These provisions
do not affect the guarantee by Thermo Electron of the Company's redemption
obligations.
 
     Both the consideration payable by the Company upon redemption of the shares
of Common Stock and the number of shares of Common Stock which are subject to
redemption are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events,
including (i) the issuance of Common Stock as a dividend or the distribution of
a security or right convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock
to all of the holders of Common Stock, (ii) a subdivision or combination of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock and (iii) the issuance by reclassification or
reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
 
     The Redemption Rights will expire and become worthless in the event that
the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the principal trading
market for the Common Stock is at least $26.00, as adjusted as provided above,
for 20 of any 30 consecutive trading days after the Expiration Date. In the
event of the expiration of the Redemption Rights, each Unit will automatically
become, and will trade as, one share of Common Stock.
 
     In the event of the occurrence prior to the expiration of the Redemption
Rights of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity
(other than a merger in which the Company is the surviving entity) or the sale
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the holders of Units
shall have the right either (i) to receive the consideration per share as is
payable in such transaction to the holders of Common Stock on account of their
ownership thereof; or (ii) to elect to receive the Redemption Price in cash at
the end of the Redemption Period. Any shareholder electing the provisions of
clause (ii) shall, from and after the date of the transaction to which such
election relates, have the status of a creditor of the Company and all of such
shareholder's rights shall cease with respect to the Units. If, through or as a
result of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock
dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar transaction, (i) the
outstanding shares of Common Stock are increased, decreased or exchanged for a
different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, or (ii)
additional shares or new or different shares or other securities of the Company
or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such shares of Common
Stock or other securities, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment may be
made in the Redemption
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   35
 
Rights to preserve as nearly as possible, as determined by the Company, the
economic benefits of the Redemption Rights for the holders of Units.
 
     The Company reserves the right to amend the terms of the Redemption Rights.
However, the Redemption Rights may not be amended in a way that will dilute or
impair the Redemption Rights without the consent of the holders of a majority of
the then outstanding Units other than Thermo Electron and its subsidiaries.
 
THE GUARANTEES
 
     The Company and Thermo Electron have entered into a Guarantee Agreement,
pursuant to which Thermo Electron has agreed to guarantee, on a subordinated
basis, the due and punctual performance by the Company of its redemption
obligations described above. Thermo Electron will be obligated to honor the
Guarantees upon the failure of the Company to perform its redemption
obligations, including any failure due to the impairment or potential impairment
of the Company's capital. The Company and Thermo Electron reserve the right to
amend the terms of the Guarantee Agreement. However, the Guarantee Agreement may
not be amended in a way that will dilute or impair the Redemption Rights
described above without the consent of the holders of majority of the then
outstanding Units other than Thermo Electron and its subsidiaries.
 
  Subordination of Guarantees
 
     The obligations represented by the Guarantees will be subordinated in right
of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of Thermo
Electron, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the Guarantee
Agreement or thereafter incurred or created. There are no limitations, in the
Guarantee Agreement or otherwise, on Thermo Electron's ability to incur or
create additional Senior Indebtedness in the future. Senior Indebtedness of
Thermo Electron is defined for this purpose as the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest and other amounts due on or with respect to the following,
whether outstanding at the date of execution of the Guarantee Agreement or
thereafter incurred or created: (a) indebtedness of Thermo Electron for money
borrowed by Thermo Electron (including, without limitation, purchase money
obligations), whether or not evidenced by debentures, bonds, notes or other
corporate debt securities or similar instruments issued by Thermo Electron
(including the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on Thermo Electron's
5% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2001); (b) obligations to reimburse any
bank or other person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit; (c)
leases of real property, equipment or other assets, which leases are capitalized
in Thermo Electron's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; (d) commitment, standby and other fees due and payable to
financial institutions with respect to credit facilities available to Thermo
Electron; (e) obligations of Thermo Electron under interest rate or currency
swaps, floors, caps or other similar arrangements intended to hedge interest
rates or currency exposure; (f) indebtedness secured by any mortgage, pledge,
lien or other encumbrance on property which is owned or held by Thermo Electron
subject to such mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance, whether or not the
indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by Thermo Electron; (g)
obligations of Thermo Electron constituting guarantees of indebtedness of or
joint obligations with another or others which would be included in the
preceding clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) (including Thermo Electron's
guarantee of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the 3 3/4%
Senior Convertible Debentures due 2000 of Thermo Instrument Systems Inc. and the
4 1/2% Senior Convertible Debentures due 2003 of Thermo Instrument Systems
Inc.); and (h) modifications, renewals, extensions or refundings of any of the
indebtedness, leases, fees or obligations referred to in the preceding clauses
(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) or debentures, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness issued in exchange therefor, provided that Senior Indebtedness
shall not include any particular indebtedness, lease, fee or obligation,
modification, renewal, extension or refunding or exchanged securities if, under
the express provisions of the instrument creating or evidencing the same, or
pursuant to which the same is outstanding, such indebtedness, lease, fee or
obligation or such modification, renewal, extension or refunding thereof or
exchanged securities are stated to be not superior in right of payment to the
Guarantees. Most of Thermo Electron's assets are owned by its subsidiaries.
Thermo Electron's rights as a shareholder and the rights of its creditors,
including holders of the Units, to participate in
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   36
 
the assets of any subsidiary upon the latter's liquidation or recapitalization
will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors. At September
28, 1996, the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness and indebtedness of
subsidiaries not constituting Senior Indebtedness (but to which the Guarantees
are effectively subordinated) was approximately $503,076,000.
 
     The obligations represented by the Guarantees will rank pari passu with
Thermo Electron's obligations with respect to its outstanding 4 1/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2003. In addition, the obligations represented by
the Guarantees will rank pari passu with Thermo Electron's subordinated
guarantees of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Non-Interest
Bearing Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003 issued by Thermedics Inc.,
the Non-Interest Bearing Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2001 issued by
Thermo Ecotek Corporation, the 6 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
1997 and the 4 5/8% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003 issued by
Thermo Terra Tech Inc., the Non-Interest Bearing Convertible Subordinated
Debentures due 1997 issued by Thermo Cardiosystems Inc., the 3 3/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due 2000 issued by Thermo Voltek Corp., the 4 7/8%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2000 issued by Thermo Remediation Inc.,
the 5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2000 issued by ThermoQuest
Corporation and the 5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2000 issued by
Thermo Optek Corporation. In addition, the obligations represented by the
Guarantees will rank pari passu with Thermo Electron's subordinated guarantees
of the obligations to redeem the common stock of ThermoLyte Corporation and
Thermo Fibergen Inc. The obligation of ThermoLyte Corporation to redeem its
common stock requires ThermoLyte Corporation at the option of the holders to
redeem up to an aggregate of approximately 1,845,000 shares of its common stock
for $10.00 per share at the end of 1998 and 1999. The obligation of Thermo
Fibergen Inc. to redeem its common stock requires Thermo Fibergen at the option
of the holders to redeem up to an aggregate of approximately 4,715,000 shares of
its common stock for $12.75 per share during the months of September 2000 and
September 2001. As of September 28, 1996, the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of the above obligations was approximately $1,102,439,000.
 
     In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in
connection herewith, relative to Thermo Electron or to its creditors as such, or
to its property, or in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation,
dissolution or other winding up, of Thermo Electron, or in the event of any
assignment for the benefit of creditors of Thermo Electron or any marshaling of
assets of Thermo Electron, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness of Thermo
Electron will be entitled to receive payment in full of the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest, including interest accruing after the
commencement of any such proceeding, on all Senior Indebtedness of Thermo
Electron, before holders of the Units offered hereby will be entitled to receive
any payment in respect of the Guarantees. Upon the maturity of any Senior
Indebtedness of Thermo Electron by lapse of time, acceleration or otherwise,
such Senior Indebtedness of Thermo Electron shall first be paid in full (to the
same extent as provided in the preceding sentence) or provided for before any
payment is made by Thermo Electron, directly or indirectly, with respect to the
Redemption Rights. Upon the occurrence of any event of default with respect to
any Senior Indebtedness of Thermo Electron, as defined therein or in the
instrument under which it is outstanding, permitting the holders to accelerate
the maturity thereof, then, unless and until such event of default shall have
been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no payment shall be made by
Thermo Electron, directly or indirectly, with respect to the Redemption Rights.
By reason of such subordination, in the event of insolvency, creditors of Thermo
Electron that are not holders of Senior Indebtedness of Thermo Electron may
recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness of Thermo Electron
and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Guarantees.
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
     The transfer agent for the Common Stock and the Units is American Stock
Transfer & Trust Company.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   37
 
                           TRANSACTIONS IN SECURITIES
 
     During the 40 business days immediately preceding the date of this Offer to
Exchange, no transactions in the Company's Common Stock were known by the
Company to have been effected by any of the Company, any executive officer and
director of the Company, Thermo Electron, ThermoTrex, any executive officer and
director of Thermo Electron or ThermoTrex, or any associate or subsidiary of any
such person, including any executive officer or director of any such subsidiary.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Units and the Guarantees to be issued in connection
with the Offer will be passed upon for ThermoLase and Thermo Electron,
respectively, by Seth H. Hoogasian, Esq., General Counsel of the Company,
ThermoTrex and Thermo Electron. Mr. Hoogasian is a full time employee of Thermo
Electron and owns or has the right to acquire 12,800 shares of Common Stock,
7,800 shares of common stock of ThermoTrex and 107,558 shares of common stock of
Thermo Electron.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements of the Company and Thermo Electron included or
incorporated by reference in this Offer to Exchange have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, to the extent and for the periods
as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are included or
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports. Reference is made to
said report with respect to Thermo Electron's financial statements which
includes an explanatory fourth paragraph with respect to the change in method of
accounting for investments in debt and marketable equity securities in 1994 as
discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements.
 
     Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be accepted. The Letter
of Transmittal, certificates for Shares, certified or official bank checks for
Additional Cash Payments, if applicable, and any other required documents should
be sent to the Exchange Agent as set forth below. Wire transfers constituting
Additional Cash Payments should be sent pursuant to the instructions in the
Letter of Transmittal.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   38
 
                              The Exchange Agent:
 
                    AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           By Mail:                     By Facsimile:                      By Hand:
- ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
American Stock Transfer &               (718) 234-5001          American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company                                                   Trust Company
40 Wall Street                     Telephone (confirmation      40 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005            only):  (212) 936-5100      New York, New York 10005
</TABLE>
 
     If you have any additional questions, or need additional copies of this
Offer to Exchange, the Letter of Transmittal or any other Offer materials,
please contact the Information Agent at its telephone number and address listed
below.
 
                             The Information Agent:
 
                NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC -- NEW YORK BRANCH
                                175 Water Street
                                   20th Floor
                            New York, New York 10038
                                 (212) 602-5609
                               Attn: Austin Chen
<PAGE>   39
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     The Delaware General Corporation Law and the Registrants' Certificates of
Incorporation and By-Laws limit the monetary liability of directors to the
Company, Thermo Electron and their respective shareholders and provide for
indemnification of their respective officers and directors for liabilities and
expenses that they may incur in such capacities. In general, officers and
directors are indemnified with respect to actions taken in good faith in a
manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of
the Company or Thermo Electron, as the case may be, and with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, actions that the indemnitee had no reasonable
cause to believe were unlawful. The Registrants also have indemnification
agreements with their respective directors and officers that provide for the
maximum indemnification allowed by law.
 
     Thermo Electron has an insurance policy which insures the directors and
officers of Thermo Electron and its subsidiaries, including the Company, against
certain liabilities which might be incurred in connection with the performance
of their duties.
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     (A) EXHIBITS
 
     See the Exhibit Indexes included immediately preceding the exhibits to this
Registration Statement.
 
     (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     All schedules required under Regulation S-X are hereby incorporated by
reference.
 
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     Each of the undersigned Registrants hereby undertakes to respond to
requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus
pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of
receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class
mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in
documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement
through the date of responding to the request.
 
     (b) Each of the undersigned Registrants hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of
the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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, as amended), that is incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (h) Each of the undersigned Registrants hereby undertakes that, 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 contained in the Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws of the Registrant and the laws of the State of Delaware, 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 counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   40
 
     Each of the undersigned Registrants hereby undertakes to supply by means of
a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   41
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned
registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on
Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on this 5th day of
March, 1997.
 
                                          THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
                                          By:       /s/ JOHN C. HANSEN
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       John C. Hansen
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                                           Officer
<PAGE>   42
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the undersigned
registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on
Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Waltham, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on this 5th
day of March, 1997.
 
                                          THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
 
                                          By:    /s/ JOHN N. HATSOPOULOS
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                   John N. Hatsopoulos
                                            Vice President and Chief Financial
                                                         Officer
<PAGE>   43
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
AS TO THE COMPANY:
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                              TITLE                   DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  -------------------------  -------------------
<C>                                            <S>                        <C>
 
             /s/ JOHN C. HANSEN                President, Chief           March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------    Executive Officer and
               John C. Hansen                    Director (Principal
                                                 Executive Officer)
                      *                        Vice President and Chief   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------    Financial Officer
             John N. Hatsopoulos                 (Principal Financial
                                                 Officer)
 
                      *                        Chief Accounting Officer   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------    and Director (Principal
              Paul F. Kelleher                   Accounting Officer)
 
                      *                        Chairman of the Board and  March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------    Director
              Gary S. Weinstein
 
                      *                        Director                   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
             Carliss Y. Baldwin
 
                                               Director
- ---------------------------------------------
            Elias P. Gyftopoulos
 
                      *                        Director                   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
              Robert C. Howard
 
                      *                        Director                   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
            Anthony J. Pellegrino
 
                      *                        Director                   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
                Firooz Rufeh
 
                      *                        Director                   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
               Kenneth Y. Tang
 
                      *                        Director                   March 5, 1997
- ---------------------------------------------
             Nicholas T. Zervas
 
           /s/ JONATHAN W. PAINTER
- ---------------------------------------------
            *Jonathan W. Painter
              Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   44
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
AS TO THERMO ELECTRON:
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SIGNATURE                                TITLE                      DATE
- ------------------------------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------
<C>                                         <S>                              <C>
 
                    *                       Chief Executive Officer,              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------  Chairman of the Board and
          George N. Hatsopoulos             Director (Principal Executive
                                            Officer)
 
         /s/ JOHN N. HATSOPOULOS            President and Chief Financial         March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------  Officer (Principal Financial
           John N. Hatsopoulos              Officer)
 
                    *                       Vice President, Finance               March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------  (Principal Accounting Officer)
             Paul F. Kelleher
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
            John M. Albertine
 
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
              Peter O. Crisp
 
                                            Director
- ------------------------------------------
           Elias P. Gyftopoulos
 
                                            Director
- ------------------------------------------
              Frank Jungers
 
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
             Robert A. McCabe
 
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
             Frank E. Morris
 
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
             Donald E. Noble
 
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
             Hutham S. Olayan
 
                    *                       Director                              March 5, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
           Roger D. Wellington
 
         /s/ JONATHAN W. PAINTER
- ------------------------------------------
           *Jonathan W. Painter
             Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   45
 
                             THERMOLASE CORPORATION
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT NO.                                     DESCRIPTION
    -----------     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <C>             <S>
        +4.1        Form of Unit Certificate.
        +4.2        Form of Guarantee Agreement between Thermo Electron and ThermoLase
        +5.1        Opinion of Seth H. Hoogasian, Esq.
        +8.1        Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP as to certain federal income tax matters
       +23.1        Consent of Seth H. Hoogasian, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        23.2        Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
       +23.3        Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1)
       +24          Power of Attorney
       +99.1        Form of Letter of Transmittal
       +99.2        Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
       +99.3        Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and
                    Other Nominees
       +99.4        Form of Letter to Clients
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
+ Previously filed
<PAGE>   46
 
                          THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT NO.                                     DESCRIPTION
    -----------     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <C>             <S>
        +4          Form of Guarantee Agreement between Thermo Electron and ThermoLase
        +5          Opinion of Seth H. Hoogasian, Esq.
       +23.1A       Consent of Seth H. Hoogasian, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5).
        23.2A       Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
       +24          Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
+ Previously filed

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To ThermoLase Corporation:
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated November 1,
1996, included in ThermoLase Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as
amended on Forms 10-K/A, for the year ended September 28, 1996 and to all
references to our firm included in this registration statement.
 
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
- -----------------------
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
March 4, 1997

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Thermo Electron Corporation:
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 15,
1996 (except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 16 as to which the
date is June 28, 1996) included in Thermo Electron Corporation's Annual Report
on Form 10-K, as amended on Form 10-K/A, for the year ended December 30, 1995
and to all references to our firm included in this registration statement.
 
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
March 4, 1997


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission