TRANSMATION INC
8-K, 1997-04-18
INSTRUMENTS FOR MEAS & TESTING OF ELECTRICITY & ELEC SIGNALS
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

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


         Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) April 4, 1997

                                TRANSMATION, INC.
               (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)



             Ohio                          0-3905           16-0874418
(State or Other Jurisdiction)           (Commission        (IRS Employer
       of Incorporation                 File Number)       Identification No.)


                10 Vantage Point Drive, Rochester, New York 14624
               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


        Registrant's telephone number, including area code (716) 352-7777


          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)


<PAGE>   2


Item 2.  Acquisition or Disposition of Assets

On April 4, 1997, the Registrant acquired Accounts Receivable, Inventory,
Fixed Assets, certain intangibles and certain prepaid assets, and assumed
certain Trade Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and contracts of the
Sales and Service Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc., a Maryland
corporation. The assets were purchased pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement,
dated March 4, 1997 between the Registrant and E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.

Consideration for the assets was negotiated at arms length and consists of cash
totaling $22,000,000, subject to certain post-closing adjustments as defined in
the Asset Purchase Agreement, and assumption of the assumed liabilities (in the
amount of approximately $3,325,000).

The source of the cash payment made at closing, together with other costs and
expenses of the transaction, was financing provided under the Registrant's
$32,000,000 Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated April 4, 1997 with
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (M&T), State Street Bank and Trust
Company (State Street) and M&T, as agent. In connection with the acquisition and
the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, M&T and State Street were given
security interests in the assets of the Registrant (including the assets
acquired by the Registrant from E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.) and of certain of the
Registrant's subsidiaries.

Prior to the acquisition, the assets acquired by the Registrant from E.I.L.
Instruments, Inc. were used in the distribution and service of industrial
instrumentation. The Registrant intends to continue such use.

The foregoing information contained in this Form 8-K with respect to the
acquisition and the financing thereof is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the complete text of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the Revolving Credit
and Term Loan Facility, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibits.


Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

         (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.


INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF E.I.L. SALES AND SERVICE DIVISION (A DIVISION
OF E.I.L. INSTRUMENTS, INC.)

Report of Independent Public Accountants

Balance Sheets as of October 31, 1995 and 1996

Statements of Operations for the Years Ended October 31, 1994,
         1995 and 1996

Statements of Division Equity (Deficit) for the Years Ended October 31, 1994,
         1995 and 1996

Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended October 31,1994,
         1995 and 1996

Notes to Financial Statements



                                       2
<PAGE>   3


                               ARTHUR ANDERSON LLP


                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors of
E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets, liabilities and division
equity (deficit) of E.I.L. Sales and Service Division (a Division of E.I.L.
Instruments, Inc., (a Maryland corporation)) as of October 31, 1995 and 1996,
and the related statements of operations, division equity (deficit) and cash
flows for the years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

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

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the Asset
Purchase Agreement described in Note 9 between E.I.L. Instruments, Inc. and
Transmation, Inc. dated March 4, 1997.

The holders of the Company's warrants outstanding have a put option which,
effective January 9, 1997, if exercised, would require the Company to redeem the
warrants at fair value, as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement. As of
March 4, 1997, the Company does not have sufficient liquidity to redeem the
warrants; nor does the Company have alternative financing arranged. These
statements have been prepared assuming that E.I.L. Instruments, Inc. will
continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are
described in Note 1.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of E.I.L. Sales and Service
Division as of October 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for the years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                             /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Baltimore, Maryland,
  December 17, 1996 (except for
         the event discussed in
         Note 9, for which the date is
         March 4, 1997)



                                       3
<PAGE>   4



                        E.I.L. SALES AND SERVICE DIVISION
                    (a Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.)

         STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                         AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1995 AND 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1995                    1996
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                      <C>        
ASSETS
- -------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash                                                                       $71,300                 $171,000
   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
      accounts of $191,300 and $188,300                                     6,967,200                6,971,500
   Inventories                                                              3,221,900                3,107,200
   Prepaid expenses                                                           211,000                  287,100
   Deferred income taxes                                                      397,000                  350,200
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------
          Total current assets                                             10,868,400               10,887,000
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net                                                 2,502,800                2,587,400
CASH SURRENDER VALUE OF LIFE INSURANCE,
   net of loans                                                               125,400                  132,600
OTHER ASSETS                                                                  198,900                  132,800
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net of accumulated
   amortization of $455,400 and $531,900                                    2,592,300                2,515,100
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

          Total assets                                                    $16,287,800              $16,254,900
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY (DEFICIT)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Cash overdrafts                                                                                    $442,800
   Accounts payable                                                        $4,029,800                3,826,500
   Accrued payroll expenses                                                   613,100                  657,000
   Accrued expenses                                                           885,000                  717,100
   Income taxes payable                                                        28,100                  207,800
   Current portion of long-term debt                                          730,600                5,806,800
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------
          Total current liabilities                                         6,286,600               11,658,000
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion                                     10,758,400                5,572,300
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                         346,900                  284,700
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

          Total liabilities                                                17,391,900               17,515,000
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

DIVISION EQUITY (DEFICIT)                                                 (1,104,100)              (1,260,100)
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------

          Total liabilities and division equity (deficit)                 $16,287,800              $16,254,900
                                                                     -----------------       ------------------
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.




                                       4
<PAGE>   5




                        E.I.L. SALES AND SERVICE DIVISION
                    (a Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.)

                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1994                1995                 1996
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------

<S>                                                            <C>                  <C>                 <C>        
Net sales                                                      $44,326,300          $46,999,300         $44,892,600
Cost of sales                                                   33,400,700           35,050,200          33,458,000
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------
          Gross profit                                          10,925,600           11,949,100          11,434,600
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------

Selling, general and administrative expenses:
   Division's direct expenses                                    5,375,000            5,316,500           5,068,600
   Division's direct management expenses                         1,233,000            1,716,000           1,660,000
   Corporate expenses                                            2,257,000            2,666,000           2,745,100
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------
          Total selling, general and admin. expenses             8,865,000            9,698,500           9,473,700
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------
          Operating income                                       2,060,600            2,250,600           1,960,900

Interest expense                                                 1,614,300            1,984,700           1,639,000
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------

          Income before provision for income taxes                 446,300              265,900             321,900
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------

Provision for income taxes                                         513,800              577,500             477,900
                                                          -----------------   ------------------   -----------------

          Net loss                                               $(67,500)           $(311,600)          $(156,000)
                                                          =================   ==================   =================
</TABLE>


        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.




                                       5
<PAGE>   6




                     E.I.L. SALES AND SERVICE DIVISION
                  (a Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.)

                  STATEMENTS OF DIVISION EQUITY (DEFICIT)

            FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994, 1995, AND 1996




<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>       
BALANCE, October 31, 1993                            $(725,000)

     Net Loss                                          (67,500)
                                               -----------------

BALANCE, October 31, 1994                             (792,500)

     Net Loss                                         (311,600)
                                               -----------------

BALANCE, October 31, 1995                           (1,104,100)

     Net Loss                                         (156,000)
                                               -----------------

BALANCE, October 31, 1996                          $(1,260,100)
                                               =================
</TABLE>


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.





                                       6
<PAGE>   7



                        E.I.L. SALES AND SERVICE DIVISION
                    (a Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.)

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1994               1995                1996
                                                          ---------------    ----------------    ---------------
<S>                                                         <C>                  <C>               <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net loss                                                   (67,500)           (311,600)          (156,000)
     Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
        provided by operating activities -
        Depreciation and amortization                            671,900             680,400            813,800
        Loss on disposal of equipment and
             other assets                                          8,800               9,800             10,700
        Deferred income tax provision (benefit)                   47,700              55,300           (15,400)
        Changes in operating assets & liabilities
           Decrease(increase) in accts receive. net               62,200           (355,900)            (4,300)
           Decrease in inventories                               307,000             570,400            114,700
           (Increase)decrease in prepaid expenses              (202,600)             113,200           (76,100)
           Decrease in income taxes receivable                    62,300              55,000       - - - - -
           Increase(decrease) in accounts payable                206,600            (69,700)          (203,300)
           Increase(decrease) in accrued payroll
                expenses and accrued expenses                    183,900           (128,900)          (124,000)
           Increase in income taxes payable                 - - - - -                 28,100            179,700
                                                          ---------------    ----------------    ---------------

                  Net cash provided by operating               1,280,300             646,100            539,800
                      activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Purchases of property and equipment                       (508,400)         (1,213,100)          (775,500)
     Additions to other assets                                     3,600              81,200             18,600
     Increase in cash surrender value of
        life insurance                                          (27,500)            (17,000)           (23,600)
              
                                                          ---------------    ----------------    ---------------
                    Net cash used in investing activities      (532,300)         (1,148,900)          (780,500)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     (Decrease)increase in cash overdrafts                     (306,200)           (149,500)            442,800
     Net (decrease)increase in long-term debt                  (444,800)             569,800          (110,000)
     Borrowings against cash surrender value of
          life insurance                                          43,500               6,100              7,600
                                                          ---------------    ----------------    ---------------
                    Net cash used in financing activities      (707,500)             426,400            340,400

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                                   40,500           (76,400)              99,700

CASH, beginning of year                                          107,200             147,700             71,300
                                                          ---------------    ----------------    ---------------

CASH, end of year                                               $147,700             $71,300           $171,000
                                                          ===============    ================    ===============
</TABLE>


     The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.




                                       7
<PAGE>   8


                        E.I.L. SALES AND SERVICE DIVISION
                    (a Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.)

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         OCTOBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996


1.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
         ----------------------

E.I.L. Sales and Service Division (the Division), a division of E.I.L.
Instruments, Inc. (the Company), is engaged in the distribution, customization,
and repair and calibration of test, measurement and control instrumentation.
These financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the Asset Purchase
Agreement described in Note 9 between E.I.L. Instruments, Inc. and Transmation,
Inc. dated March 4, 1997.

As of January 9, 1997, the Company's warrants outstanding (see Note 2) are
eligible to be "put" by the preferred stockholders. In the event that the
warrants would be put to the Company, the Company would not have sufficient
liquidity to redeem them and does not have alternative financing in place.
Management believes that the event described in Note 9, if consummated, would
provide sufficient funds to redeem the warrants. In the event that the
transaction with Transmation, Inc. is not consummated, management believes that
the Company will be able to obtain alternative financing.

Inter-Divisional Transactions
- -----------------------------

The Company has allocated to the Division various expenses it incurred for
corporate services, overhead and interest costs. The amounts incurred for
corporate services and overhead allocations are comprised mainly of corporate
office salaries, related payroll taxes and employee benefits, professional fees
and administrative expenses. Initially, these costs were allocated based on
specific identification to the Division to the extent known, then, based on
utilization where reasonably identifiable. Finally, all remaining costs were
allocated based on the relative percentage of direct payroll expenses of the
Division to the total payroll expenses of the Company.

The Division's share of the Company's long-term debt, preferred stock and
warrants outstanding has been reflected in the accompanying statements of
assets, liabilities and division equity (deficit) as Due to the Company, a
component of Long-Term Debt. Interest expense was allocated based upon
intercompany debt balances, which were initially allocated based upon the
relative percentage of the sum of accounts receivable, inventory and property
and equipment values of the Division to the sum of those asset category values
of the Company.

Use of Estimates
- ----------------

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.       SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
         --------------------------------

Revenue
- -------

The Division recognizes revenue as product is shipped to customers.




                                       8
<PAGE>   9


Inventories
- -----------

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost for approximately
94% and 96% of the inventories as of October 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, is
determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, and cost for the
remainder is determined using the first-in, first out (FIFO) method. These
methods are utilized as they result in the best matching of costs and revenues
for the respective inventory types. In order to compare the Division's financial
position to companies on the FIFO method, it is noted that if the FIFO cost
basis had been used for the inventories stated on a LIFO cost basis, they would
have been $347,100 and $344,700 higher than reported as of October 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively.

The LIFO inventory values of the Division for financial reporting purposes
differ from the LIFO inventory values for income tax purposes due to the
application of purchase accounting. Inventories for financial statement purposes
exceeded inventories for tax purposes by $567,100 and $566,400 at October 31,
1995 and 1996, respectively.

Property and Equipment
- ----------------------

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged
to expense as incurred; major renewals and improvements are capitalized.
Depreciation expense is determined using the straight-line method for all
property and equipment. Depreciation is based on the following estimated
useful lives:

<TABLE>
         <S>                                                           <C>     
         Buildings and building improvements                             20 years
         Machinery and equipment                                       7-10 years
         Furniture and fixtures                                        5-10 years
         Computer equipment                                             3-5 years
</TABLE>

Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of
the property's useful life or lease term.

Other Assets
- ------------

Included in other assets in the accompanying statements of assets, liabilities
and division equity (deficit) are fees paid to lending institutions and
associated legal fees paid to secure the Company's debt financing. These fees
are being amortized over five years, the length of the financing agreement, as
additional interest expense on the accompanying statements of operations. For
each of the years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Division's
amortization of these fees was $75,500.

Intangible Assets
- -----------------

Intangible assets consist primarily of the excess of the redemption price over
the estimated fair market value of net assets acquired and is being amortized on
a straight-line basis over forty years.

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1994       1995       1996
                                              ----       ----       ----
         <S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>     
         Cash items paid during the year:
                  Interest                  $864,600   $923,200   $870,900
                  Income taxes               473,000    519,800    352,400
</TABLE>





                                       9
<PAGE>   10


3.       INVENTORIES:
         ------------

Inventories consist of the following as of October 31, 1995 and 1996:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995              1996
                                                                 ----              ----
         <S>                                                  <C>               <C>       
         Raw materials and merchandise inventory              $2,748,200        $2,667,400
         Work-in-process and finished goods                      473,700           439,800
                                                              ----------        ----------
                                                              $3,221,900        $3,107,200
</TABLE>

4.       PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
         -----------------------

Property and equipment consist of the following as of October 31, 1995 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995         1996
                                                             ----         ----
         <S>                                             <C>          <C>       
         Machinery and equipment                         $3,199,600   $3,695,100
         Furniture and fixtures                             547,200      661,400
         Computer equipment                               1,185,900    1,297,800
         Buildings                                           45,700       45,700
         Leasehold and building improvements                336,800      350,200
                                                         ----------   ----------
                                                          5,315,200    6,050,200

         Less: Accumulated depreciation & amortization    2,812,400    3,462,800
                                                         ----------   ----------

                                                         $2,502,800   $2,587,400
</TABLE>

5.       LONG-TERM DEBT:
         ---------------

Long-term debt of the Division consists of the following as of October 31, 1995
and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995          1996
                                                            ----          ----
         <S>                                            <C>           <C>        
         Due to the Company                             $11,368,500   $11,271,100
         Note payable to former owner of
           acquired business                                120,500       108,000
                                                        -----------   -----------

                                                         11,489,000    11,379,100

         Less: Current portion                              730,600     5,806,800
                                                        -----------   -----------

         Total long-term debt, net of current portion   $10,758,400   $ 5,572,300
                                                        -----------   -----------
</TABLE>

Revolving Loan
- --------------

The Company's revolving loan is limited to the lesser of a specified amount or
the amount available under a borrowing base calculation consisting of certain
percentages of qualified accounts receivable and inventories. The revolving loan
bears interest at prime plus 1.5% and includes a commitment fee of one-half of
one percent of the unused availability. The Loan and Security Agreement contains
certain financial covenants.

Senior Term Loan
- ----------------

The Company's senior term loan bears interest at prime plus 2.5% and is due in
24 equal quarterly principal payments that began on April 1, 1992. The note is
secured by substantially all assets of the Company.





                                       10
<PAGE>   11


Subordinated Promissory Notes
- -----------------------------

The Company's subordinated promissory notes have a face value of $1,395,000 and
were issued in 1992 to related parties of the Company. The promissory notes bear
interest at 13.5% and require monthly payments of principal and interest that
began February 9, 1995.

Redeemable Preferred Stock and Class B Warrants Outstanding
- -----------------------------------------------------------

The Company's Redeemable Preferred Stock consists of 3,000 shares of $1.00 par
value stock. The shares are entitled to cumulative annual dividends of 9% of the
$1,000 redemption value per share. The Division's share of such "dividends" was
$236,000 for each of the years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and has
been included in interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations.

Additionally, detachable warrants to purchase approximately 29% of the common
stock of the Company at $.10 per share, were issued to the purchasers of the
preferred stock.

The warrants may be redeemed by the preferred stockholders on or after January
9, 1997. The redemption will occur at a price per share equal to the repurchase
price, as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement.

The proceeds from the Company's issuance of preferred stock on January 9, 1992,
were allocated between the preferred stock and the warrants, based upon relative
fair value. The difference between the recorded value at the date of issuance
and the estimated repurchase price at the time of redemption is being accreted
on the Company's books. The effective interest rate on the preferred stock
accretion is approximately 18.5%.

The Division's share of allocated accretion on the Company's warrants and
preferred stock was $508,100, $824,300 and $543,900 during the fiscal years
ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and has been included in interest expense
on the accompanying statements of operations and in long-term debt in the
accompanying balance sheet. Any future changes in the estimated repurchase price
will be accounted for as a change in estimate.

The Division's share of the revolving loan, senior term loan, promissory notes,
preferred stock and warrants totaled $11,368,500 and $11,271,100 as of October
31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and is presented as Due to the Company, a
component of Long-Term Debt.

6.       EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN:
         ----------------------

The Company has a 401(k) plan for its employees. Under the 401(k) plan, the
Company matched 40% of participant contributions up to 5% of a participant's
annual salary through April 1996. Effective April 1996, the Company matched 50%
of participant contributions up to 6% of a participant's annual salary. The
Division's expense under the 401(k) plan was approximately $57,400, $104,000 and
$136,400 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

7.       INCOME TAXES:
         -------------

The Division's share of the Company's income tax provision (benefit) and
deferred tax assets and liabilities is included in the accompanying financial
statements.

The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended
October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              1994        1995         1996
                              ----        ----         ----
         <S>                <C>        <C>          <C>      
         Current:
                  Federal   $374,900   $ 418,900    $ 395,100
                  State       90,800     103,300       98,200
                            --------   ---------    ---------
                             465,700     522,200      493,300
                            --------   ---------    ---------
</TABLE>


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
<TABLE>
         <S>                <C>        <C>          <C>      
         Deferred:
                  Federal     38,500      45,100      (12,400)
                  State        9,600      10,200       (3,000)
                            --------   ---------    ---------
                              48,100      55,300      (15,400)
                            --------   ---------    ---------

                            $513,800   $ 577,500    $ 477,900
                            --------   ---------    ---------
</TABLE>

The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income taxes to be
recorded provision for the years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1994       1995       1996
                                                 ----       ----       ----
         <S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>     
         Statutory federal income taxes        $152,000   $ 90,000   $109,000
         Adjustments:
           State income taxes, net of
             federal effect                      24,000     14,000     17,000
           Nondeductible portion of
             interest expense                   253,000    360,000    264,000
           Goodwill amortization                 26,000     26,000     26,000
           Other                                 58,800     87,500     61,900
                                               --------   --------   --------
                  Provision for income taxes   $513,800   $577,500   $477,900
                                               --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>

Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of October 31, 1995
and 1996, and the sources of the difference between financial accounting and tax
bases of the Division's assets and liabilities which give rise to the deferred
tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at their respective tax effects are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1995       1996
                                                     ----       ----
         <S>                                       <C>        <C>     
         Deferred Tax Assets:
                  Accounts Receivable              $ 75,000   $ 73,000
                  Inventories                       140,000    116,000
                  Nondeductible accrued expenses    304,100    340,500
                  Other                              22,000     32,000
                                                   --------   --------
                                                    541,100    561,500
                                                              --------

         Deferred Tax Liabilities:
                  Inventories                       225,000    225,000
                  Prepaid expenses                   44,000     53,000
                  Property and equipment            212,000    208,000
                  Other                              10,000     10,000
                                                   --------   --------
                                                    491,000    496,000
                                                   --------   --------

         Net Deferred Tax Asset                    $ 50,100   $ 65,500
                                                   --------   --------
</TABLE>

8.       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
         ------------------------------

Lease Obligations
- -----------------

The Company is obligated under noncancelable operating leases, principally on
office facilities and equipment. Future minimum lease payments related to the
Division are as follows:

<TABLE>
         <S>                                         <C>     
         1997                                        $977,000
         1998                                         811,400
         1999                                         691,300
         2000                                         487,900
         2001 and thereafter                           40,900
</TABLE>



                                       12
<PAGE>   13


The Division's rent expense under these leases was approximately $949,800,
$962,800 and $1,044,600 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

9.       SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
         -----------------

On March 4, 1997, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with
Transmation, Inc. (buyer) to sell substantially all the assets relating to the
operations of the Division for $22,000,000. Additionally, the buyer will assume
the accounts payable trade and certain other liabilities of the Division. At
closing, two escrow accounts, a short-term and a long-term account, each in the
amount of $1,000,000, will be established. The short-term escrow account will be
established for potential buyer's credits due in the event the net book value of
the assets purchased, less assumed liabilities, as of the closing date are below
$8,400,000. The long-term escrow account will be established for indemnification
of losses associated with certain representations made by the seller for a
period of one year after the close.



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

(b)      Pro Forma Financial Information.

                          TRANSMATION, INC. AND E.I.L.

                   UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         TRANS-
                                         MATION              E.I.L.            PRO-FORMA
                                        12/31/96            10/31/96            ADJUST-            PRO-FORMA
                                       HISTORICAL          HISTORICAL            MENTS             COMBINED
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                <C>                 <C>       
ASSETS:
- -------------------------------------
Cash                                         324,251             171,000          (171,000)             324,251
Accounts Receivable                        6,425,498           6,971,500                             13,396,998
Inventories                                7,291,750           3,107,200                             10,398,950
Pre-paid expenses &
   deferred charges                        1,081,669             287,100                              1,292,669
Deferred Tax Assets                          526,923             350,200          (350,200)             526,923
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
          Current Assets                  15,650,091          10,887,000          (521,200)          26,050,191
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------

Property, plant & equipment, net           2,246,029           2,587,400          2,400,185           7,233,614
Deferred Charges                             197,202                                                    197,202
Deferred Income Taxes                         92,331                                                     92,331
Other Assets                                 266,095             265,400          (132,600)             398,895
Goodwill                                   6,053,206           2,515,100          8,568,015          17,136,321
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          24,504,954          16,254,900         10,314,400          51,074,254
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
- -------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
   Current Portion - Notes Payable         1,700,000           5,806,800        (5,806,800)           1,700,000
   Accounts Payable                        2,916,670           4,269,300                              7,185,970
   Accrued Liabilities                     1,611,771           1,374,100        (1,074,100)           1,911,771
   Income Taxes Payable                      557,141             207,800          (207,800)             557,141
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                           6,785,582          11,658,000        (7,088,700)          11,354,882
Long-Term Debt                             5,822,800           5,572,300         16,427,700          27,822,800
Deferred Compensation                        615,016                                                    615,016
Deferred Income Taxes                                            284,700          (284,700)
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          13,223,398          17,515,000          9,054,300          39,792,698
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
Stockholders' Equity:
   Common Stock                            1,314,635                                                  1,314,635
   Capital in Excess of Par                1,910,376                                                  1,910,376
   Stock Payable former owners
       of Altek                            1,225,000                                                  1,225,000
   Accumulated Translation
     Adjustment                            (121,301)                                                  (121,301)
   Retained Earnings                       6,952,846         (1,260,100)          1,260,100           6,952,846
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          11,281,556         (1,260,100)          1,260,100          11,281,556
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          24,504,954          16,254,900         10,314,400          51,074,254
                                     ================    ================   ================    ================
</TABLE>





                                       14
<PAGE>   15



                          TRANSMATION, INC. AND E.I.L.

                   UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                                DECEMBER 31, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         TRANS-
                                         MATION              E.I.L.            PRO-FORMA
                                        12/31/96             1/31/97            ADJUST-            PRO-FORMA
                                       HISTORICAL          HISTORICAL            MENTS             COMBINED
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                <C>                 <C>       
ASSETS:
Cash                                         324,251              10,200           (10,200)             324,251
Accounts Receivable                        6,425,498           6,356,400                             12,781,898
Inventories                                7,291,750           2,877,100                             10,168,850
Pre-paid expenses &
   deferred charges                        1,081,669             299,400                              1,381,069
Deferred Tax Assets                          526,923             350,200          (350,200)             526,923
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
          Current Assets                  15,650,091           9,893,300          (360,400)          25,182,991
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------

Property, plant & equipment, net           2,246,029           2,559,100          2,428,485           7,233,614
Deferred Charges                             197,202                                                    197,202
Deferred Income Taxes                         92,331                                                     92,331
Other Assets                                 266,095             189,400          (132,600)             322,895
Goodwill                                   6,053,206           2,495,800          8,522,515          17,071,521
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          24,504,954          15,137,600         10,458,000          50,100,554
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Current Liabilities:
   Current Portion - Notes Payable         1,700,000           5,347,300        (5,347,300)           1,700,000
   Accounts Payable                        2,916,670           3,295,600                              6,212,270
   Accrued Liabilities                     1,611,771           1,710,400        (1,410,400)           1,911,771
   Income Taxes Payable                      557,141             125,400          (125,400)             557,141
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                           6,785,582          10,478,700        (6,883,100)          10,381,182
Long-Term Debt                             5,822,800           5,782,100         16,217,900          27,822,800
Deferred Compensation                        615,016                                                    615,016
Deferred Income Taxes                                            284,700          (284,700)
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          13,223,398          16,545,500          9,050,100          38,818,998
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
Stockholders' Equity:
   Common Stock                            1,314,635                                                  1,314,635
   Capital in Excess of Par                1,910,376                                                  1,910,376
   Stock Payable former owners
       of Altek                            1,225,000                                                  1,225,000
   Accumulated Translation
     Adjustment                            (121,301)                                                  (121,301)
   Retained Earnings                       6,952,846         (1,407,900)          1,407,900           6,952,846
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          11,281,556         (1,407,900)          1,407,900          11,281,556
                                     ----------------    ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
                                          24,504,954          15,137,600         10,458,000          50,100,554
                                     ================    ================   ================    ================
</TABLE>



                                       15
<PAGE>   16



                             TRANSMATION AND E.I.L.

                UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                        12 MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     TRANS-
                                     MATION             E.I.L.             PRO-FORMA
                                  1/1-12/31/96       11/1-10/31/96          ADJUST-           PRO-FORMA
                                   HISTORICAL         HISTORICAL             MENTS            COMBINED
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>                 <C>                 <C>    
Net Sales                             44,335,435         44,892,600                             89,268,035
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------

Costs & Expenses
  Cost of Product Sold                27,228,251         33,458,000             350,000         61,036,251
   S G & A                            12,814,020          9,473,700             600,000         22,887,720
   R & D                               1,490,272                                                 1,490,272
   Interest Expense                      508,120          1,639,000             148,000          2,295,120
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------
                                      42,040,663         44,570,700           1,098,000         87,709,363
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------

Income Before Taxes                    2,294,772            321,900         (1,098,000)          1,558,672
Income Tax                               880,900            477,900           (735,210)            623,590
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------
Net Income (Loss)                      1,413,872          (156,000)           (362,790)            935,082
                                 ================   ================    ================   ================


Earnings Per Share:
   Net Income                          1,413,872                                                   935,082
                                 ================                                          ================
   Average Common Shares
        Outstanding                    2,913,846                                                 2,913,846
                                 ================                                          ================

Income Per Share                      $.49                                                      $.32
                                 ================                                          ================
</TABLE>





                                       16
<PAGE>   17






                             TRANSMATION AND E.I.L.

                UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                        3 MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     TRANS-
                                     MATION             E.I.L.
                                    3 MO'S ENDED       3 MO'S ENDED        PRO-FORMA
                                    12/31/96            1/31/97             ADJUST-           PRO-FORMA
                                   HISTORICAL         HISTORICAL             MENTS            COMBINED
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>                    <C>               <C>    
Net Sales                             12,210,882         11,026,500                             23,237,382
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------

Costs & Expenses
  Cost of Product Sold                 7,377,367          8,380,800              87,500         15,845,667
   S G & A                             3,567,901          2,354,900             150,000          6,072,801
   R & D                                 399,802                                                   399,802
   Interest Expense                      163,209            392,200              54,675            610,084
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------
                                      11,508,279         11,127,900             292,175         22,928,354
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------

Income(Loss) Before Taxes                702,603          (101,400)           (292,175)            309,028
Income Tax                               275,065             46,400           (197,853)            123,612
                                 ----------------   ----------------    ----------------   ----------------
Net Income (Loss)                        427,538          (147,800)            (94,322)            185,416
                                 ================   ================    ================   ================


Earnings Per Share:
   Net Income                            427,538                                                   185,416
                                 ================                                          ================
   Average Common Shares
        Outstanding                    2,913,846                                                 2,913,846
                                 ================                                          ================

Income Per Share                      $.15                                                      $.06
                                 ================                                          ================
</TABLE>




                                       17
<PAGE>   18


                                TRANSMATION, INC.
           NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Note 1:  Basis of Presentation

The unaudited pro-forma combined statements of income and balance sheet reflect
the acquisition of the assets of the Sales and Service Division of E.I.L.
Instruments, Inc. which is to be accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting, as of the beginning of the most recent fiscal year. The unaudited
proforma combined statements also reflect combined results for the most recent
interim period (12/31/96).

In order to conform with S.E.C. reporting requirements, Transmation's
1/1-12/31/96 unaudited ProForma P&L was determined by combining results reported
for the periods 1/1-3/31/96 and 4/1-12/31/96 as calculated using the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended March 31, 1996 and quarterly report
for the 9 months ended December 31, 1996.

Transmation's management believes the assumptions used in preparing the
unaudited proforma combined financial statements provide a reasonable basis for
presenting all of the significant effects of its transactions, that the proforma
adjustments give appropriate effect to those adjustments and that the proforma
adjustments are properly applied in the unaudited proforma financial statements.

Note 2:  Proforma Adjustments

Unaudited Proforma Adjustments consist of the following:

         Transmation, Inc. will purchase certain assets and assume certain
liabilities of the Sales and Service Division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc. for
$22,000,000 cash, subject to adjustment as described in the Asset Purchase
Agreement dated March 4, 1997 between Transmation, Inc. and E.I.L. Instruments,
Inc. This transaction will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.

         The purchase price is allocated to the net assets acquired on the basis
of an appraisal performed by an independent appraiser on the long-term assets.
Goodwill is calculated as the difference between the purchase price and the fair
value of the assets acquired and is amortized over 20 years.

         The proforma adjustments to operating expenses in the Statement of
Income for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the three months ended December
31, 1996 (both of which are unaudited) represent the amortization of goodwill,
and the increase in interest expense and depreciation expense which will result
from this transaction. No adjustments are reflected which assume operating or
other efficiencies which may result from this combination on a prospective
basis. As Transmation did not have sufficient cash as of December 31, 1996 to
complete the transaction without incurring additional debt, the proforma
adjustment to operating expenses also assumes additional bank borrowings at
Transmation's borrowing rate of $8.125%.

         Transmation's statutory tax rate of 40% is used to calculate the tax
effect of unaudited proforma combined statement of income adjustments.



                                       18
<PAGE>   19


(c)      Exhibits.  See Index to Exhibits.




                                       19
<PAGE>   20





                                   SIGNATURES






         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.




                                                TRANSMATION, INC.


April    17    , 1997                       By: /s/ Robert G. Klimasewski
      ---------                                 ------------------------------
                                                Robert G. Klimasewski
                                                President




April    17    , 1997                       By: /s/ John A. Misiaszek
      ---------                                 ------------------------------
                                                John A. Misiaszek
                                                Vice President-Finance



                                       20
<PAGE>   21



                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


(1)  Underwriting Agreement

        Not applicable.

(2)  Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession

   *    (a)    Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 4, 1997 between the
               Registrant and E.I.L. Instruments, Inc., together with a brief
               identification of the contents of all omitted exhibits and
               schedules thereto, is included herein as Exhibit 2(a). Upon
               written request, the Registrant will provide to security holders
               copies of any of the referenced omitted exhibits and schedules.

(4)  Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures

        (a)    Articles of Incorporation, as amended, are incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Registrant's Registration
               Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-61665) as filed on
               August 8, 1995, and Exhibit I to the Registrant's Quarterly
               Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.

        (b)    Code of Regulations, as amended, is incorporated herein by
               reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1988.

  *     (c)    Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated April 4, 1997
               among the Registrant, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company,
               State Street Bank and Trust Company, and Manufacturers and
               Traders Trust Company, as Agent, together with a brief
               identification of the contents of all omitted exhibits and
               schedules thereto, is included herein as Exhibit 4(c). Upon
               written request, the Registrant will provide to security holders
               copies of any of the referenced omitted exhibits and schedules.

  *     (d)    Security Agreement dated April 4, 1997 made by the Registrant
               in favor of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Agent,
               together with a brief identification of the contents of all
               omitted exhibits and schedules thereto, is included herein as
               Exhibit 4(d). Upon written request, the Registrant will provide
               to security holders copies of any of the referenced omitted
               exhibits and schedules.

(16)  Letter re change in certifying accountant

        Not applicable.


                                       21

<PAGE>   22


(17)  Letter re director resignation

      Not applicable.

(20)  Other documents or statements to security holders

      Not applicable.

(23)  Consents of experts and counsel

  *   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP is included herein as Exhibit 23.

(24)  Power of attorney

      Not applicable.

(27)  Financial Data Schedule

      Not applicable.                                                          

(99)  Additional Exhibits

      Not applicable.

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

* Exhibit filed with this Report.


                                       22

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 2(a)











                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                               DATED MARCH 4, 1997


                                     BETWEEN


                                TRANSMATION, INC.


                                       AND


                            E.I.L. INSTRUMENTS, INC.




<PAGE>   2



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                       <C>
ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS...........................................................................  1
         Section 1.1  Certain Definitions.........................................................  1
         Section 1.2  Accounting Terms............................................................  4
         Section 1.3  Other Definitional Provisions...............................................  4
         Section 1.4  Schedules and Other Instruments.............................................  4

ARTICLE 2.  PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS...........................................................  4
         Section 2.1  Transfer of Assets..........................................................  4
         Section 2.2  Matters Relating to the Business Subsidiaries...............................  6
         Section 2.3  Use of Seller's Names.......................................................  7
         Section 2.4  Purchase Price..............................................................  7
         Section 2.5  Adjustment of Purchase Price................................................  7

ARTICLE 3.  LIABILITIES AND CONTRACTS............................................................. 11
         Section 3.1  No Assumption of Liabilities or Contracts................................... 11
         Section 3.2  Liabilities and Contracts Assumed........................................... 11

ARTICLE 4.  SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................... 12
         Section 4.1  Organization, Standing and Power............................................ 12
         Section 4.2  Authority for Transaction................................................... 12
         Section 4.3  No Conflict................................................................. 12
         Section 4.4  Financial Statements........................................................ 12
         Section 4.5  No Undisclosed Liabilities.................................................. 13
         Section 4.6  Absence of Certain Changes.................................................. 13
         Section 4.7  Assets, Title, Etc.......................................................... 14
         Section 4.8  Compliance with Laws........................................................ 14
         Section 4.9  Condition of Assets......................................................... 15
         Section 4.10 Inventories................................................................. 15
         Section 4.11 Accounts Receivable......................................................... 15
         Section 4.12 Intellectual Property....................................................... 15
         Section 4.13 Assumed Contracts........................................................... 16
         Section 4.14 Contracts in General........................................................ 16
         Section 4.15 Legal Proceedings, Etc...................................................... 16
         Section 4.16 Employment Matters.......................................................... 17
         Section 4.17 Employee Benefit Plans...................................................... 18
         Section 4.18 Environmental Matters....................................................... 18
         Section 4.19 Related Party Transactions.................................................. 19
         Section 4.20 Product Warranties.......................................................... 19
         Section 4.21 Brokers' and Finders' Fees.................................................. 20
         Section 4.22 Certain Due Diligence Matters............................................... 20
         Section 4.23 Material Misstatements or Omissions......................................... 20
</TABLE>


                                       (i)

<PAGE>   3



<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                       <C>
ARTICLE 5.  BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................................ 21
         Section 5.1  Organization, Standing and Power............................................ 21
         Section 5.2  Authority for Transaction................................................... 21
         Section 5.3  Financing................................................................... 21
         Section 5.4  No Conflict................................................................. 21
         Section 5.5  Legal Proceedings, Etc...................................................... 21
         Section 5.6  Brokers and Finders......................................................... 21
         Section 5.7  Material Misstatements or Omissions......................................... 22

ARTICLE 6.  SELLER'S COVENANTS.................................................................... 22
         Section 6.1  Indemnification............................................................. 22
         Section 6.2  Affirmative Covenants of Seller Prior to Closing............................ 24
         Section 6.3  Negative Covenants of Seller Prior to Closing............................... 24
         Section 6.4  Employees of Seller......................................................... 25
         Section 6.5  Notices to and Consents of Third Parties.................................... 26
         Section 6.6  Risk of Loss................................................................ 26
         Section 6.7  Other Proposals............................................................. 26
         Section 6.8  Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition.......................................... 26

ARTICLE 7.  BUYER'S COVENANTS..................................................................... 27
         Section 7.1  Indemnification............................................................. 27
         Section 7.2  Notices to and Consents of Third Parties.................................... 29
         Section 7.3  Due Diligence............................................................... 29
         Section 7.4  No Solicitation............................................................. 29
         Section 7.5  Employees................................................................... 30
         Section 7.6  Certain Vendor Relationship................................................. 30
         Section 7.7  Buyer's Knowledge of Certain Matters........................................ 30

ARTICLE 8.  CONDITIONS TO PARTIES' OBLIGATIONS.................................................... 30
         Section 8.1  Conditions to Buyer's Obligations........................................... 30
         Section 8.2  Conditions to Seller's Obligations.......................................... 33

ARTICLE 9.  CLOSING............................................................................... 34
         Section 9.1  Closing..................................................................... 34
         Section 9.2  Failure to Close; Termination............................................... 34
         Section 9.3  Damages in Certain Cases.................................................... 35
         Section 9.4  Resolution of Disputes...................................................... 37

ARTICLE 10.  FURTHER COVENANTS.................................................................... 38
         Section 10.1 Taxes on Transaction........................................................ 38
         Section 10.2 Expenses of the Parties..................................................... 38
         Section 10.3 Confidentiality............................................................. 38
         Section 10.4 Further Assurances.......................................................... 38
         Section 10.5 Post-Closing Access to Information.......................................... 39
</TABLE>


                                      (ii)

<PAGE>   4



<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                       <C>
ARTICLE 11.  IN GENERAL........................................................................... 39
         Section 11.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants....................... 39
         Section 11.2 Amendment and Waiver........................................................ 39
         Section 11.3 Assignment.................................................................. 39
         Section 11.4 Notices, Etc................................................................ 39
         Section 11.5 Binding Effect.............................................................. 40
         Section 11.6 Governing Law............................................................... 40
         Section 11.7 Effect of Agreement......................................................... 40
         Section 11.8 Headings; Counterparts...................................................... 40

TABLE OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES................................................................... 42
</TABLE>


                                      (iii)

<PAGE>   5



                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


         THIS AGREEMENT, dated March 4, 1997, is made by and between
TRANSMATION, INC., an Ohio corporation ("BUYER"), and E.I.L. INSTRUMENTS, INC.,
a Maryland corporation ("SELLER").

         The parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS

         SECTION 1.1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. In addition to the other definitions
contained in this Agreement, the following terms will, when used in this
Agreement, have the following respective meanings:

         "ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE" means accounts receivable, trade receivables and
notes receivable, all as defined and determined in accordance with GAAP.

         "ACCRUED VACATION" has the meaning given it by Section 3.2(c).

         "AFFILIATE" means, with respect to any party, any Person which,
directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with, the referenced party.

         "AGREEMENT" means this Asset Purchase Agreement, together with all
Exhibits and Schedules hereto.

         "ASSETS" means the assets being purchased and sold hereunder, as
defined in Section 2.1.

         "ASSUMED CONTRACTS" means the Contracts which are set forth in Schedule
3.2(b). Schedule 3.2(b) contains: (a) a print-out identifying each open vendor
purchase order and customer product sales back order of the Business as of the
date hereof, which will be updated to the Closing Date on or before the Closing
Date; (b) a reasonably adequate identification of each service Contract having a
value in excess of $5,000 as of the Closing Date; (c) a reasonably adequate
identification of each other written Assumed Contract; and (d) a complete
description of the material terms of each oral Assumed Contract.

         "ASSUMED LIABILITIES" means the liabilities and obligations being
assumed by Buyer hereunder, as defined in Section 3.2.

         "ASSUMED PAYABLES" has the meaning given it by Section 3.2(a).

         "AUDITORS" means Price Waterhouse LLP, the independent certified public
accountants regularly engaged by Buyer.

         "BUSINESS" means the Sales and Service Division of Seller, which
comprises Seller's test and measurement equipment distribution, repair,
calibration and value added and meter modification business.


<PAGE>   6




         "BUSINESS SUBSIDIARIES" means each of E.I.L. Canada and the
Maquiladora.

         "CLOSING" means the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

         "CLOSING BALANCE SHEET" means the audited balance sheet of Seller with
respect to the Assets and the Assumed Liabilities as of the Closing Date,
prepared and audited as provided by Section 2.5(a) and annexed hereto as
Schedule 2.5(a) subsequent to the Closing Date.

         "CLOSING DATE" means the date of Closing, as defined in Section 9.1.

         "CONTRACTS" means and includes all contracts, subcontracts, agreements,
leases, options, notes, bonds, mortgages, indentures, deeds of trust, collateral
assignments of lease and rights, guarantees, licenses, franchises, permits,
purchase orders, arrangements, transactions, commitments, undertakings and
understandings of every kind, written or oral.

         "E.I.L. CANADA" means E.I.L. Canada, Inc., Seller's wholly-owned
Subsidiary organized under the laws of Canada.

         "ENCUMBRANCES" means and includes: (a) all interests securing
obligations owed to any Person, whether based on common law, statute or
Contract, including those arising from mortgages, indentures, deeds of trust,
leases, collateral assignments of lease and rights, liens, pledges, conditional
sales Contracts, consignments and bailments; (b) all reservations, exceptions,
encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions,
charges, claims, leases and other similar title exceptions and encumbrances; (c)
all liens of any taxing authority; (d) all landlords', mechanics',
materialmen's, warehousemen's, carriers' and similar liens; and (e) all
judgments and other burdens and charges of every kind.

         "ESCROW AGREEMENT" means the escrow agreement executed by Buyer, Seller
and Lender, as escrow agent (the "ESCROW AGENT"), on or before the Closing Date,
substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A. "SHORT-TERM ESCROW
ACCOUNT" and "LONG-TERM ESCROW ACCOUNT" mean the respective accounts created
pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, as more fully defined therein. All references
herein to actions taken with respect to the Short-Term Escrow Account or the
Long-Term Escrow Account mean actions taken in accordance with the provisions of
the Escrow Agreement.

         "EXCLUDED ASSETS" means the assets not being purchased and sold
hereunder, as defined in Section 2.1.

         "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" means the audited balance sheets of Seller with
respect to the Business as at October 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and the related
statements of income and cash flows for the fiscal years then ended, certified
by Arthur Andersen, LLP, and the notes and schedules thereto, copies of all of
which will be annexed hereto as Schedule 4.4 on or before March 15, 1997.


                                        2

<PAGE>   7



         "GAAP" means, at any time, generally accepted accounting principles,
methods and practices (a) then set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of
the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board or of such other entity as may then be approved by a significant
segment of the accounting profession, which are (b) consistently maintained and
applied throughout the periods referenced.

         "HP" means Hewlett Packard, Inc.

         "INVENTORIES" means, collectively, the Regular Inventory, the Value
Added Inventory, the Demonstration Inventory and the Parts Inventory, each as
defined in Section 2.1(b).

         "LENDER" means Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company.

         "LOSSES" means any and all losses, liabilities, claims, demands,
actions, suits, proceedings, audits, judgments, obligations, assessments, fines,
penalties, amounts paid in settlement, damages and deficiencies, of any kind or
nature whatsoever, and all costs and expenses incident thereto (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and all other reasonable expenses incident to the
foregoing), whether asserted by a party to this Agreement or by a third party.

         "MAQUILADORA" means E.I.L. de Mexico, S.A., Seller's wholly-owned
Subsidiary organized under the laws of Mexico.

         "PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES" means those Encumbrances listed in Schedule
1.0.

         "PERSON" means and includes any individual, partnership, corporation,
trust, unincorporated organization or other entity, and any government or
governmental authority, agency or political subdivision thereof.

         "PURCHASE PRICE" means the aggregate purchase price to be paid for the
Assets, as set forth in Section 2.4 and adjusted as provided by Section 2.5.

         "SUBLEASE" means, collectively, the Sublease and the Cooperation
Agreement, each dated the Closing Date, between Seller, as sublessor, and Buyer,
as sublessee, of the Business premises located in Baltimore, Maryland, in the
form of Exhibits B-1 and B-2, respectively.

         "SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity of which such Person, directly
or indirectly, owns an amount of voting securities, or possesses other ownership
interests, having the power, direct or indirect, to elect a majority of the
Board of Directors or other governing body thereof.

         "TRANSMATION CANADA" means Transmation (Canada) Inc., Buyer's
wholly-owned Subsidiary organized under the laws of Canada.


                                        3

<PAGE>   8



         SECTION 1.2 ACCOUNTING TERMS. As used in this Agreement, all accounting
terms not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings assigned to them in
accordance with GAAP.

         SECTION 1.3 OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS. Unless the context requires
otherwise, references to "Articles" and "Sections" are to the Articles or
Sections of this Agreement, and references to "Exhibits" and "Schedules" are to
the Exhibits and Schedules annexed hereto. Any of the terms defined in this
Agreement may, unless the context requires otherwise, be used in the singular or
the plural depending on the reference. Wherever used herein, the masculine
pronoun will include the feminine and the neuter, as appropriate in the context.
With respect to any matter or thing, "including" or "includes" means including
but not limited to such matter or thing. As used herein, the term "best
knowledge" in reference to Seller means the best knowledge of any of the members
of the Senior Staff of the Business, as identified in Schedule 1.3.

         SECTION 1.4 SCHEDULES AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS. Each Schedule, each
certificate provided hereunder and each written disclosure required hereby is
incorporated by reference into this Agreement and will be considered a part
hereof as if set forth herein in full; provided, however, that (except for
Schedules 1.4 (Delivery of Schedules), 2.4 (Allocation of Purchase Price),
2.5(a) (Closing Balance Sheet) and 2.5(c) (Seller's Credit and Buyer's Credits),
the contents of which reflect the mutual agreement of the parties) information
set forth on any Schedule, certification or written disclosure constitutes a
representation and warranty of the party providing the same, and not the mutual
agreement of the parties as to the facts therein stated. Each Schedule will be
delivered, and updated by Seller and delivered again, on the respective dates
set forth in Schedule 1.4.

ARTICLE 2. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS

         SECTION 2.1 TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Subject to all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, at Closing Seller will sell, transfer, convey,
assign and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer will purchase and accept from Seller, the
following assets owned by Seller or by either of the Business Subsidiaries on
the Closing Date:

                  (a) all tangible personal property and equipment (including
         machinery, furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, vehicles,
         supplies and test, calibration and repair data sheets, procedures and
         instructions, whether in written, computer-readable or other form) used
         in the operation of or associated with the Business, including those
         set forth in Schedule 2.1(a) and those expensed by Seller in connection
         with the Business, together with all related product warranties,
         maintenance Contracts and the like;

                  (b) all: (i) inventories used in the operation of or
         associated with the Business other than value added inventory
         (including work in process parts, instruments, subassemblies and the
         like held for resale), including inventories identified in Schedule
         2.1(b)(i) (collectively, "REGULAR INVENTORY"); (ii) inventories used in
         the operation of or associated with the Business which is value added
         inventory (including work in process parts, instruments, subassemblies
         and the like held for resale),

                                        4

<PAGE>   9



         including inventories identified in Schedule 2.1(b)(ii) (collectively,
         "VALUE ADDED INVENTORY"); (iii) demonstration inventories used in the
         operation of or associated with the Business, including those set forth
         in Schedule 2.1(b)(iii) (collectively, "DEMONSTRATION INVENTORY"); and
         (iv) parts inventories used in the operation of or associated with the
         Business, including those set forth in Schedule 2.1(b)(iv)
         (collectively, "PARTS INVENTORY");

                  (c) all Accounts Receivable relating to the Business which
         were incurred less than 90 days prior to the Closing Date, including
         those set forth in Schedule 2.1(c);

                  (d) all prepaid expenses and deposits relating to the
         Business, including prepaid advertising, prepaid deposits (but
         expressly excluding Seller's income tax deposits), vendor rebates and
         advertising allowances, whether or not recorded on the books and
         records of Seller, including those set forth in Schedule 2.1(d);

                  (e) all of Seller's or either Business Subsidiary's interest
         in and to all of the Assumed Contracts;

                  (f) all of Seller's or either Business Subsidiary's interest
         in and to: (i) all patents, applications for patents, copyrights,
         license agreements, assumed names, trade names, trademark and/or
         service mark registrations, applications for trademark and/or service
         mark registrations, trademarks and service marks used in the operation
         of or associated with the Business, including those set forth in
         Schedule 2.1(f), and the goodwill associated therewith, and all
         variants thereof, including all rights to use the names "E.I.L.
         Instruments" and "E.I.L." to the exclusion of Seller and its
         Subsidiaries; and (ii) all other proprietary information, including
         test, calibration and repair data sheets, procedures and instructions,
         value added modification and repair procedures and instructions, trade
         secrets, know-how, product designs and specifications, operating data,
         customer lists by sales volume, vendor lists by sales volume, parts
         lists and all other information used in the operation of or associated
         with the Business, whether in written, computer-readable or other form;

                  (g) all of the shares of the capital stock of the Maquiladora;

                  (h) all of Seller's and the Business Subsidiaries' books,
         records and files relating to the Business or the Assets, including
         employee records, office and sales records, blueprints, marketing
         strategies, business plans, studies, Inventory lists and records (but
         expressly excluding the capital stock records, corporate minute books,
         bank account records and tax returns of Seller and its Subsidiaries
         other than the Maquiladora); and

                  (i) all other assets of Seller or either Business Subsidiary
         used in the operation of or associated with the Business and not
         described above, including assets which are or have been jointly used
         or associated with Seller's other business operations

                                        5

<PAGE>   10




(collectively, the "ASSETS"); provided, however, that notwithstanding the
foregoing, the following assets are not intended by the parties to be
transferred to Buyer at Closing and are excluded from the Assets: (1) all of the
capital stock of Seller and of all Subsidiaries of Seller other than the
Maquiladora; (2) all of Seller's cash, cash equivalents and other securities;
(3) the lease of Seller, as lessee, of the Business premises located in
Baltimore, Maryland, all leasehold improvements to such premises and all
prepaid rent, taxes, deposits and other prepaid charges related thereto; (4) all
other Contracts not set forth in Schedule 3.2(b); (5) all pension, profit
sharing, compensation, deferred compensation and other employee retirement,
health or welfare benefit plans or arrangements, written or oral, in any way
relating to any one or more employees of Seller or the Business, and all
interests therein and rights thereunder; (6) all Accounts Receivable which were
incurred 90 days or more prior to the Closing Date; (7) all assets of Seller
which are not to any extent whatsoever employed in the operation of or
associated with the Business, including the assets associated with Seller's
energy controls business; and (8) those assets set forth in Schedule 2.1(8)
(collectively, the "EXCLUDED ASSETS").

         SECTION 2.2 MATTERS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS SUBSIDIARIES.

                  (a) Certain of the Assets, identified in Schedule 2.2(a) (the
"CANADIAN ASSETS"), are owned by E.I.L. Canada. At Closing, Seller will cause
E.I.L. Canada to sell, transfer, convey, assign and deliver to Transmation
Canada, and Buyer will cause Transmation Canada to purchase and accept from
E.I.L. Canada, all of the Canadian Assets. Seller and Buyer each unconditionally
guarantees its Subsidiary's full and complete performance of its respective
obligations under this Section 2.2(a), and Seller and Buyer will each take such
action and execute such instruments and documents of further assurance as may be
necessary to assure, complete and evidence the transactions contemplated by this
Section 2.2(a).

                  (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.1(g), on or
before the Closing Date, Buyer will, in its sole discretion and by written
notice to Seller, determine whether it will or will not purchase the shares of
the capital stock of the Maquiladora. In the event that Buyer notifies Seller
that it will not purchase such shares, then: (i) such shares will, for all
purposes hereof, be part of the Excluded Assets and not part of the Assets being
purchased and sold hereunder; (ii) all other references herein to the
Maquiladora and to such shares will be null, void and of no effect (except that
at Closing Seller will effectively transfer to Buyer all of the Assets which are
owned by the Maquiladora); and (iii) there will be no resulting adjustment to
the Purchase Price, whether pursuant to Section 2.5 or otherwise.

                  (c) In the event that Buyer so notifies Seller that it will
purchase the shares of the capital stock of the Maquiladora, but Seller is
unable, despite reasonable best efforts, to deliver to Buyer at Closing stock
certificates representing all of such capital stock, together with duly executed
stock powers, assignments and/or other instruments of transfer or documentation,
transferring to Buyer or a Subsidiary of Buyer good title to such stock, then
Seller will instead deliver the same to Buyer as soon as reasonably practicable
after the Closing Date. In such event, Buyer will take such action (including
the formation of a Mexi-

                                        6

<PAGE>   11



can Subsidiary) and execute such instruments and documents of further assurance
as may be necessary to assure, complete and evidence such transfer.

         SECTION 2.3 USE OF SELLER'S NAMES. In furtherance of the purchase and
sale of the Assets hereunder, immediately upon Closing Seller will cause its
corporate name and the respective corporate names of its Subsidiaries to be
changed to names completely dissimilar to "E.I.L. Instruments, Inc." and all
variants thereof, and thereafter will not adopt, use, cause to be used, or
approve or sanction the use of such names, or any name so similar as to cause
confusion therewith, or with any other trade name or assumed name listed in
Schedule 2.1(f).

         SECTION 2.4 PURCHASE PRICE. Subject to adjustment as provided by
Section 2.5, the Purchase Price will be the sum of (a) $22,000,000 and (b) the
value of the Assumed Liabilities. The Purchase Price will be allocated as set
forth in Schedule 2.4. At Closing Buyer will pay the Purchase Price to Seller
by: (i) wire transfer of federal funds in the amount of $20,000,000 to an
account designated by Seller; (ii) wire transfer of federal funds in the amount
of $1,000,000 to the Escrow Agent for deposit in the Short-Term Escrow Account;
(iii) wire transfer of federal funds in the amount of $1,000,000 to the Escrow
Agent for deposit in the Long-Term Escrow Account; and (iv) assuming the Assumed
Liabilities as herein provided.

         SECTION 2.5 ADJUSTMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE.

                  (a) The Purchase Price will be adjusted, if appropriate, based
upon an audit of the Closing Balance Sheet certified by Auditors, such audit
being conducted and the Closing Balance Sheet being prepared at Buyer's expense.
Seller will prepare and deliver to Buyer and Auditors the Schedules required to
be delivered subsequent to the Closing Date, as set forth in Schedule 1.4 (the
"POST-CLOSING SCHEDULES"), and Buyer will provide Seller reasonable access to
the Business premises and books and records in Buyer's possession for such
purpose. Buyer and Seller will jointly prepare the Closing Balance Sheet based
upon the Assets and the Assumed Liabilities, and Seller will cooperate fully and
promptly with Buyer and Auditors to the end that the Closing Balance Sheet will
be in accordance with the books of account and records of Seller, will be
prepared in accordance with GAAP and Seller's past practices (except as GAAP or
Seller's past practices may be modified by the provisions of this Section
2.5(a)), will present fairly and accurately Seller's financial position with
respect to the Business as at the Closing Date, and will show all Assets and
Assumed Liabilities existing as of the Closing Date and required to be disclosed
in accordance with GAAP. The Closing Balance Sheet will be examined by Auditors
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and will include such
tests of the accounting records, observation of the taking of physical
inventories and other auditing procedures as prudent accountants would consider
necessary in the circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following
procedures will be followed in connection with preparation of the Closing
Balance Sheet:

                           (i) the fixed assets comprising the Assets will be
                  valued at the net book value thereof according to Seller's
                  books and records;


                                        7

<PAGE>   12



                           (ii) Regular Inventory will be physically inventoried
                  as soon as practicable after Closing (with credit given for
                  any dispositions by Buyer after Closing of items of Regular
                  Inventory which were not otherwise included in the amount of
                  Inventories determined by audit); Regular Inventory will be
                  valued at 100% of Seller's cost at Seller's most recent
                  purchase price (or, if Auditors determine that Seller's most
                  recent purchase price is not a fair approximation of Seller's
                  actual cost, then at Seller's cost as determined by Auditors)
                  solely with respect to the aggregate amount of Regular
                  Inventory which, based on Seller's most recent 12-months'
                  sales, represents salable Inventories within a 12-month
                  period;

                           (iii) Value Added Inventory will be physically
                  inventoried as soon as practicable after Closing (with credit
                  given for any dispositions by Buyer after Closing of items of
                  Value Added Inventory which were not otherwise included in the
                  amount of Inventories determined by audit); Value Added
                  Inventory will be valued at: (A) 100% of Seller's cost at
                  Seller's most recent purchase price (or, if Auditors determine
                  that Seller's most recent purchase price is not a fair
                  approximation of Seller's actual cost, then at Seller's cost
                  as determined by Auditors) solely with respect to the
                  aggregate amount of Value Added Inventory which, based on
                  Seller's most recent 12-months' sales, represents salable
                  Inventories within a first 12-month period; and (B) 80% of
                  Seller's cost at Seller's most recent purchase price (or, if
                  Auditors determine that Seller's most recent purchase price is
                  not a fair approximation of Seller's actual cost, then at
                  Seller's cost as determined by Auditors) solely with respect
                  to the aggregate amount of Value Added Inventory which, based
                  on Seller's most recent 24-months' sales, represents salable
                  Inventories within a second 12-month period;

                           (iv) Demonstration Inventory will be physically
                  inventoried as soon as practicable after Closing (with credit
                  given for any dispositions by Buyer after Closing of items of
                  Demonstration Inventory which were not otherwise included in
                  the amount of Inventories determined by audit); Demonstration
                  Inventory will be valued at 85% of Seller's cost at Seller's
                  most recent purchase price (or, if Auditors determine that
                  Seller's most recent purchase price is not a fair
                  approximation of Seller's actual cost, then at Seller's cost
                  as determined by Auditors); and

                           (v) Parts Inventory will not be physically
                  inventoried but will be valued at $172,000;

provided, however, that in the case of Regular Inventory and Value Added
Inventory, there will be excluded from the determination of whether such
Inventory is salable within the applicable period: (1) all Inventories of new
product lines established within 12 months immediately preceding the Closing
Date; and (2) all Inventories of new products introduced within existing product
lines established within six months immediately preceding the Closing Date; all
of which Inventories will be valued at 100% of Seller's cost at Seller's most
recent purchase price, as set forth in Schedule 2.5(a)(1) (or, if Auditors
determine that Seller's most

                                        8

<PAGE>   13



recent purchase price is not a fair approximation of Seller's actual cost, then
at Seller's cost as determined by Auditors). At Seller's expense, Seller's
personnel and/or Arthur Andersen LLP, the certified public accountants regularly
retained by Seller, may observe the taking of physical inventories and the
auditing process and procedures conducted by Auditors and examine the work
papers of Auditors developed in connection with such audit.

                  (b) Within 45 days after the Closing Date, Buyer will deliver
to Seller the Closing Balance Sheet, together with Buyer's determination,
calculated from the Closing Balance Sheet, of the following amounts:

                           (i) the amount of "SELLER'S CREDIT" (that meaning the
                  amount (if any) by which the Adjusted Asset Value of the
                  Business as of the Closing Date exceeds $9,300,000) ("ADJUSTED
                  ASSET VALUE" meaning (A) the amount of total Assets, net of a
                  reserve for Accounts Receivable of $30,000, shown on the
                  Closing Balance Sheet, minus (B) the aggregate amount of
                  Assumed Payables and Accrued Vacation shown on the Closing
                  Balance Sheet); and

                           (ii) the amount of each of the following "BUYER'S
                  CREDITS":

                                    (A) the amount (if any) by which $8,500,000
                           exceeds the Adjusted Asset Value of the Business as
                           of the Closing Date; and

                                    (B) the amount (if any) by which $2,550,000
                           exceeds the fair market value, as of the Closing
                           Date, of the fixed assets comprising the Assets (as
                           if disposed of in the ordinary course between a
                           willing buyer and a willing seller in neither a
                           liquidation nor a distressed sale), as determined by
                           a reputable appraiser reasonably acceptable to Seller
                           and engaged at Buyer's expense.

                  (c) The contents of the Post-Closing Schedules, the contents
of and the methodology used in preparing the Closing Balance Sheet, and the
amounts (if any) of and the methodology used in determining Seller's Credit and
each item of Buyer's Credits will all be finally determined as provided by this
Section 2.5(c) (whereupon all references herein to any "Post-Closing Schedule,"
the "Closing Balance Sheet," "Seller's Credit" and "Buyer's Credits" will mean
the same as so finally determined). Within ten days after receipt of the Closing
Balance Sheet and Buyer's determination of Seller's Credit and Buyer's Credits,
Seller will deliver its written objections thereto (if any) to Buyer, and Buyer
will deliver its written objections to the Post-Closing Schedules (if any) to
Seller. To the extent that Seller fails to deliver any such objections within
such ten-day period, the Closing Balance Sheet (or such undisputed item(s)
thereof) and Buyer's determination of Seller's Credit and Buyer's Credits (or of
such undisputed item(s) thereof) will be final and binding upon the parties for
all purposes. To the extent that Buyer fails to deliver any such objections
within such ten-day period, the Post-Closing Schedules (or such undisputed
item(s) thereof) will be final and binding upon the parties for all purposes. If
Buyer or Seller so delivers any such objection, Buyer and Seller will each use
its best efforts to resolve such dispute(s) promptly by mutual agreement, and
any such mutually agreed resolution will be final and binding upon the parties
for all purposes. Failing mutually agreed resolution of any such dispute(s)
within ten

                                        9

<PAGE>   14



days of delivery of any such objection, Seller and Buyer will then each have the
right to require that such dispute(s) be submitted to the Baltimore, Maryland
office of Ernst & Young, LLP for computation or verification in accordance with
the provisions of this Agreement. Such firm's resolution of such dispute(s),
which will be delivered within 30 days after submission to such firm, will be
final and binding upon the parties for all purposes, and such firm's fees and
expenses therefor will be borne by the non-prevailing party or, in the event
that each party prevails on some of the issues in dispute, will be shared
proportionately, as determined by such firm. Each Post-Closing Schedule and the
Closing Balance Sheet, as so finally determined, will be annexed hereto
subsequent to the Closing Date. An itemized statement of Seller's Credit,
Buyer's Credits, the Increase Amount and the Reduction Amount, as so finally
determined, will be signed by Buyer and by Seller, delivered to the Escrow Agent
and annexed hereto as Schedule 2.5(c) subsequent to the Closing Date.

                  (d) After final determination of Seller's Credit and Buyer's
Credits as provided by Section 2.5(c), the Purchase Price will be increased by
the amount (if any) by which Seller's Credit exceeds $100,000 (the "INCREASE
AMOUNT"). The Purchase Price will be reduced by the amount (if any) by which the
aggregate amount of Buyer's Credits exceeds $100,000 (the "REDUCTION AMOUNT").

                  (e) If the Increase Amount is equal to or greater than the
Reduction Amount, then within ten days after the final determination thereof:

                           (i) the Escrow Agent will pay out to Seller the
                  entire principal and interest in the Short-Term Escrow
                  Account; and

                           (ii) Buyer will deliver to Seller, by wire transfer
                  of federal funds to the account designated by Seller, the
                  amount (if any) by which the Increase Amount exceeds the
                  Reduction Amount, together with interest thereon accruing from
                  the Closing Date to the date of payment at the rate provided
                  by the Escrow Agreement.

                  (f) If the Reduction Amount is greater than the Increase
Amount, then within ten days after the final determination thereof, the Escrow
Agent will:

                           (i) pay out of the Short-Term Escrow Account to Buyer
                  the amount by which the Reduction Amount exceeds the Increase
                  Amount, together with all interest accruing thereon pursuant
                  to the Escrow Agreement; and

                           (ii) pay out to Seller the balance (if any) of
                  principal and interest then remaining in the Short-Term Escrow
                  Account.

If the aggregate amount so payable to Buyer out of the Short-Term Escrow Account
exceeds the amount of the Short-Term Escrow Account, then within such ten-day
period Seller will deliver to Buyer the amount of such deficiency (including
interest thereon accruing from the Closing Date to the date of payment at the
rate provided by the Escrow Agreement), by wire transfer of federal funds to the
account designated by Buyer.

                                       10

<PAGE>   15




ARTICLE 3.  LIABILITIES AND CONTRACTS

         SECTION 3.1 NO ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES OR CONTRACTS. It is expressly
understood and agreed that Buyer does not assume nor will it be liable for any
liability, obligation, claim against or Contract of Seller or either Business
Subsidiary of any kind or nature, at any time existing or asserted, whether or
not accrued, whether fixed, contingent or otherwise, whether known or unknown,
and whether or not recorded on the books and records of Seller, arising out of
or by reason of this or any other transaction or event occurring prior or
subsequent to Closing, unless such liability, obligation, claim or Contract is
expressly assumed by Buyer under Section 3.2. Seller will pay or make adequate
provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of Seller and its
Subsidiaries of every kind and nature not so assumed by Buyer, and Seller will
indemnify Buyer, as provided by Section 6.1, with respect to all such
liabilities, obligations, claims against and Contracts of Seller and its
Subsidiaries not assumed by Buyer under Section 3.2.

         SECTION 3.2 LIABILITIES AND CONTRACTS ASSUMED. Subject to all of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, at Closing Buyer will assume and become
responsible to pay, perform and/or discharge, to the extent the same have not
been paid, performed or discharged by Seller prior to Closing, only the
following liabilities, obligations and Contracts of Seller and the Business
Subsidiaries, and no others:

                  (a) all accounts payable arising out of the operations of the
         Business and relating to the Assets which are within the trade terms of
         the respective vendors (in accordance with Seller's past practices), as
         outstanding on the Closing Date, as set forth in Schedule 3.2(a) (the
         "ASSUMED PAYABLES");

                  (b) each of the Assumed Contracts to the extent that the
         rights and benefits of Seller or a Business Subsidiary thereunder are
         on or after the Closing Date effectively assigned to Buyer, novated for
         the benefit of Buyer, or replaced by Buyer and the contracting party
         with a new Contract or by course of dealing; and

                  (c) Seller's obligation, to the extent set forth in Schedule
         3.2(c), to each former employee of Seller or any Subsidiary whom Buyer
         hires on or after the Closing Date (as contemplated by Section 6.4), to
         provide accrued vacation time ("ACCRUED VACATION")

(collectively, the "ASSUMED LIABILITIES"). Upon assumption by Buyer of the
Assumed Liabilities, Buyer will be entitled to all of Seller's and the Business
Subsidiaries' rights and benefits in connection therewith (including all rights
and benefits under policies of insurance insuring against any of the Assumed
Liabilities), and Buyer will relieve Seller and the Business Subsidiaries of
their obligations to perform the same; provided, however, that nothing herein
contained will relieve Seller and the Business Subsidiaries of their obligations
or liabilities arising thereunder or in connection therewith prior to such
assumption by Buyer at Closing. Buyer will indemnify Seller, as provided by
Section 7.1, with respect to all of the Assumed Liabilities from and after the
Closing Date.


                                       11

<PAGE>   16



ARTICLE 4. SELLER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer, as of the date hereof
and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

         SECTION 4.1 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND POWER. Seller is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Maryland. Seller has all necessary corporate power and authority to
own, use and transfer its properties and assets and to transact the Business as
now being conducted. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1, there is no other
jurisdiction in which the nature of the Business or the character or use of
Seller's or the Business Subsidiaries' assets in any way relating to or
affecting the Business makes necessary the licensing or qualification of Seller
or either Business Subsidiary to do business as a foreign corporation, the
failure to obtain which would have a material adverse effect on the Business,
and except for Mexico, Seller and each Business Subsidiary is duly licensed or
qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction set forth in Schedule 4.1.
Except for the Business Subsidiaries, Seller has no direct or indirect
Subsidiaries in any way relating to or affecting the Business.

         SECTION 4.2 AUTHORITY FOR TRANSACTION. Seller's execution and delivery
of this Agreement, its compliance with the provisions hereof and the
consummation of all of the transactions contemplated hereby have all been duly
and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Seller,
and this Agreement is valid and binding upon Seller in accordance with its
terms.

         SECTION 4.3 NO CONFLICT. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Seller, nor compliance by Seller with any of the provisions hereof,
nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will: (a) conflict
with or result in a breach of any provision of Seller's Certificate of
Incorporation or By-laws; (b) result in a default, or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration, under any term, condition or
provision of any Contract, Encumbrance or other instrument or obligation to
which Seller or any Subsidiary is a party or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound, except for (i) any such default or
right arising from Seller's attempt to assign any Assumed Contract to Buyer or
(ii) such other Contracts, Encumbrances, instruments and obligations set forth
in Schedule 4.3; or (c) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute,
rule or regulation applicable to Seller, any Subsidiary, or any of their
respective properties or assets. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.2(b) with
respect to the assignment of Assumed Contracts, or in Schedule 4.3, no consent,
waiver or approval by, notice to or filing with any Person is required in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller,
compliance by Seller with any of the provisions hereof or the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 4.4 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. When delivered, Schedule 4.4 will
comprise a true, correct and complete copy of the Financial Statements. The
Financial Statements will be in accordance with the books of account and records
of Seller and will have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. When delivered,
the Financial Statements will present fairly and accurately Seller's financial
position with respect to the Business as at the dates thereof and the results of
Seller's operations, cash flows and other information with respect to the

                                       12

<PAGE>   17



Business included therein for the periods or as at the dates therein set forth.
When delivered, the Financial Statements will show all assets and liabilities
associated with the Business of any kind or nature, direct or indirect, absolute
or contingent, existing as of the dates indicated and required to be disclosed
in accordance with GAAP.

         SECTION 4.5 NO UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except as disclosed in this
Agreement, the Financial Statements or the Closing Balance Sheet, Seller does
not have with respect to the Business, nor are any of the Assets subject to, any
debt, liability, obligation or commitment of any kind or nature, direct or
indirect, whether accrued, absolute, to Seller's best knowledge contingent or
otherwise. To Seller's best knowledge, there are no facts which could serve as
the basis for any material debt, liability, obligation or commitment of Seller
relating to the Business not so disclosed.

         SECTION 4.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES. Except as disclosed in Schedule
4.6, since October 31, 1996, there has not been any material adverse change in
the condition (financial or otherwise) of the Business, or in the assets or
liabilities used in the operation of or associated with the Business, nor any
damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, adversely
affecting the Business or any Asset. Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.6, and
except for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, since October 31,
1996, neither Seller nor any Subsidiary has, in any way relating to or affecting
the Business or any Asset: (a) created, assumed or permitted to exist any
Encumbrance, other than a Permitted Encumbrance, on any of its assets; (b) sold,
leased or otherwise transferred any assets related to the Business having a
value, singly or in the aggregate, in excess of $100,000; (c) cancelled any of
its rights or claims, other than in the ordinary course of business for fair and
adequate consideration in money or money's worth; (d) sold, assigned or
transferred any patent, trademark, trade name, copyright or other intangible
asset; (e) incurred any other liability or obligation, whether absolute or
contingent (other than current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business); (f) paid, prepaid or discharged any liability or obligation, except
as required by the terms thereof; (g) lost, surrendered or had revoked or
limited any license, permit or other right granted by any governmental authority
to operate the Business or any Asset; (h) entered into any agreement or
arrangement, not in the ordinary course of business; (i) cancelled, modified
adversely, assigned, encumbered or in any way discharged or terminated (other
than by performance) any Contract; (j) received any notice of termination of or
default under any Contract which would have a material adverse effect on the
Business; (k) allowed to occur or exist any event of default under any Contract
which would have a material adverse effect on the Business; (l) made any loan or
advance, acquired any Accounts Receivable or otherwise extended any credit,
except to customers in the ordinary course of business pursuant to established
credit policies, or acquired the securities or obligations of any Person; (m)
made any material capital expenditure or any commitment therefor; (n) paid or
accrued out of the revenues or profits of the Business any bonuses, benefits or
other compensation not payable in the ordinary course of business and
established by past practices; (o) made any material change in the rate of
compensation or benefits payable or to become payable by Seller or any
Subsidiary to any stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent of the
Business, or in the formula for determining any such compensation or benefits,
or entered into or amended in any material respect any Contract providing for
such compensation or benefits; (p) made any commitment (through negotiations or
otherwise) or incurred any liability to any labor organization or become aware
of any

                                       13

<PAGE>   18



material threat of strike or other interruption of work arising from labor
difficulties; (q) reduced or failed to carry insurance in at least the
respective amounts carried on October 31, 1996; (r) experienced any adverse
change in its relationship with any of its suppliers, distributors, dealers or
customers which would have a material adverse effect on the Business; (s)
experienced any other change in the Business which could have a material adverse
effect on the future ongoing operations or financial condition of the Business
taken as a whole after consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; (t)
altered or revised any of its accounting principles, procedures, methods or
practices; or (u) agreed to do any of the things described in this Section 4.6.

         SECTION 4.7 ASSETS, TITLE, ETC.

                  (a) The Assets constitute all properties, assets and leasehold
estates, real, personal and mixed, tangible and intangible, comprising or
employed in the operation of or associated with the Business, except for the
Excluded Assets. Seller and the Business Subsidiaries collectively have, and
will transfer to Buyer and its Subsidiary at Closing, good title to each item
comprising the Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances except Permitted
Encumbrances.

                  (b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller
owns, beneficially and of record, all of the outstanding shares of the capital
stock of the Maquiladora, all of such shares have been duly authorized and
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, and no other Person has
any rights therein. The Maquiladora is validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Mexico and its capital stock is fully transferable to Buyer,
so that immediately after such transfer Buyer will be entitled to the full
benefits thereof and the Maquiladora will possess all of the rights, powers and
privileges that it possessed immediately prior to the Closing Date.

                  (c) All information necessary to operate the Business as
heretofore conducted is in commercially acceptable written form and comprises
part of the Assets being transferred to Buyer hereunder, whether or not the same
is reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet.

         SECTION 4.8 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Seller and its Subsidiaries are in
full compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and
local laws, rules, ordinances, orders and regulations, of every kind or nature
whatsoever, in any way relating to or affecting the Business and, to Seller's
best knowledge, there is no basis for any action, suit, proceeding or remedial
action arising out of or in connection therewith. Neither Seller nor any
Subsidiary has received any notice of any violation of any such law, rule,
ordinance, order or regulation, nor is it subject to any settlement agreement or
consent decree with continuing obligations or restrictions. Each item comprising
the Assets and the current uses thereof conform in all material respects to all
such laws, rules, ordinances, orders and regulations, and all franchises,
permits, licenses and other documents necessary for Seller or either Business
Subsidiary to own, use and transfer the Assets have been obtained and are in
full force and effect, and will, immediately after Closing, be in full force and
effect in the name and/or for the benefit of Buyer.


                                       14

<PAGE>   19



         SECTION 4.9 CONDITION OF ASSETS. Each item comprising the Assets is in
good condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Except for Assets
designated as "inactive" in Schedule 2.1(a), all of the machinery and equipment
comprising the Assets is in good working order and has been maintained in
accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturers thereof and in
accordance with good practice prevailing in the industry. To Seller's best
knowledge, no extraordinary expenditures either for repair or replacement of any
item of the Assets is now foreseeable. Without limiting the foregoing, Seller
will perform all normal repair and maintenance with respect to each item of the
Assets in accordance with commercially reasonable practices through and
including the Closing Date.

         SECTION 4.10 INVENTORIES. All of the Inventories: (a) were paid for in
full or liability for the unpaid purchase price thereof was fully recognized in
the Financial Statements; (b) consist of inventories of the kind, quality and
quantity regularly and currently used in the Business, consistent with Seller's
historical experience; and (c) are in good and salable condition and fit for the
purposes intended, consistent with Seller's historical experience. None of the
Inventories has been consigned to or from others.

         SECTION 4.11 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. All of the Accounts Receivable
(including the accounts, obligations, Contracts and instruments which underlie
such Accounts Receivable) comprising the Assets, net of a reserve for doubtful
accounts of $30,000, are valid and, to Seller's best knowledge, such reserve of
$30,000 is adequate as of the Closing Date. All of such Accounts Receivable will
owned by Seller or either Business Subsidiary on the Closing Date free of all
claims and Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6, since October 31,
1996 Seller has not: (a) rescinded, cancelled, settled, written off, modified or
otherwise compromised any Accounts Receivable comprising the Assets, or any
indebtedness due thereunder, or any guarantee or repurchase obligation related
thereto, in amounts in excess of $5,000 singly or $80,000 in the aggregate; or
(b) accelerated the collection of any Accounts Receivable comprising the Assets
except in the ordinary course of business in accordance with prior practices.

         SECTION 4.12 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Except as set forth in Schedule
2.1(f), neither Seller nor any Subsidiary has any patents, applications for
patents, copyrights, license agreements, assumed names, trade names, trademark
or service mark registrations, applications for trademark or service mark
registrations, trademarks, service marks, know-how or other intellectual
property which in any way relate to the Business or any Asset. None of the
current or former employees, officers, directors or stockholders of Seller or
any Subsidiary has any rights in any of the foregoing. Except as set forth in
Schedule 2.1(f), neither Seller nor any Subsidiary has granted any outstanding
licenses or other rights to know-how or other intellectual property in any way
relating to the Business or any Asset. Neither Seller nor any Subsidiary is
liable, nor has it made any Contract whereby it may become liable, to any Person
for any royalty or other compensation for the use of any invention, whether or
not patented, trademark, trade name or copyright in any way relating to the
Business or any Asset. None of the rights of Seller or its Subsidiaries in, to
or under the trade secrets, inventions, copyrights, trademarks, service marks,
trade names, and any applications and registrations therefor, know-how and other
intellectual property set forth in Schedule 2.1(f) will be adversely affected by
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and all of such
rights are fully assignable to Buyer, so that immediately after Closing

                                       15

<PAGE>   20



Buyer will be entitled to the full benefits thereof. Neither Seller nor any
Subsidiary has received any notice or claim of infringement of any patent,
invention right, trademark, trade name or copyright set forth in Schedule
2.1(f), and to Seller's best knowledge, there is no substantial basis for any
such claim if made hereafter relating to the Business or the Assets. To Seller's
best knowledge, there is no patent, technical development or invention owned by
any other Person which could materially adversely affect the Business. Seller
has the unrestricted right to use the names "E.I.L. Instruments, Inc." and
"E.I.L." and all other names and marks set forth in Schedule 2.1(f).

         SECTION 4.13 ASSUMED CONTRACTS. Seller has heretofore made available to
Buyer a true, correct and complete copy of each written Assumed Contract, and
Schedule 3.2(b) contains a true, correct and complete description of the
material terms of each oral Assumed Contract. There has been no oral
modification of any Assumed Contract which is not disclosed in Schedule 3.2(b).
Each of the Assumed Contracts is valid and binding, in full force and effect and
(except for obtaining any consents, waivers or approvals or giving any notice
listed in Schedule 3.2(b), or except as otherwise described in Schedule 3.2(b))
is fully assignable to and assumable by Buyer, so that immediately after Closing
Buyer will be entitled to the full benefits thereof. There has not been under
any Assumed Contract any default by Seller or either Business Subsidiary or, to
Seller's best knowledge, of any other party thereto, nor any event which, after
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute any such default or result in
a right to accelerate against or a loss of rights by Seller or either Business
Subsidiary. All options to renew or extend the term of any Assumed Contract
which are exercisable by Seller or either Business Subsidiary on or before the
date hereof have been duly exercised, and all such options which are exercisable
on or before the Closing Date will have been duly exercised. Neither Seller nor
any Business Subsidiary is subject to any renegotiation or price redetermination
relating to any Assumed Contract.

         SECTION 4.14 CONTRACTS IN GENERAL. There has not been any default by
Seller or any Subsidiary, nor any event which, after notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute any such default or result in a right to accelerate
against or a loss of rights by Seller or any Subsidiary, in any obligation to be
performed by Seller or any Subsidiary under any Contract or other instrument now
in effect relating to the Business or any Asset, nor has Seller or any
Subsidiary waived any right thereunder.

         SECTION 4.15 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ETC. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.15, there is no legal, equitable, administrative or arbitration action, suit,
proceeding or known investigation pending or, to Seller's best knowledge,
threatened against or affecting Seller or any Subsidiary, or any of their
respective assets, which, if adversely determined, could adversely affect the
operations of the Business, the Assets, or the condition, financial or
otherwise, of Seller or any Subsidiary in any material way affecting the
Business, or the business, operations or properties, or the condition, financial
or otherwise, of Buyer immediately after Closing, or the ability of Seller to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.15, there is no judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any court,
governmental department, commission, agency, instrumentality or arbitrator
outstanding against Seller or any Subsidiary and, to Seller's best knowledge,
there is no basis for any action, suit, proceeding or investigation against
Seller or any Subsidiary relating to or affecting the Business, the Assets
and/or the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set

                                       16

<PAGE>   21



forth in Schedule 4.15, no such action, suit, proceeding, known investigation,
judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order arises out of the employment of
labor, equal employment opportunity, occupational health and safety, economic
stabilization or environmental protection. Neither Seller nor any Subsidiary is
in default with respect to any order, injunction or decree of any court or
governmental department, commission, board or agency, and no such order,
injunction or decree is now in effect which restrains the operations or the use
of the properties of Seller or of any Subsidiary.

         SECTION 4.16 EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.

                  (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.16: (i) neither Seller
nor any Subsidiary has, in any way relating to or affecting the Business,
entered into any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract with any
employee, union, labor organization or other employee representative or group of
employees and, to Seller's best knowledge, no such organization or Person has
made or is making any attempt to organize or represent, in any way relating to
or affecting the Business, employees of Seller or any Subsidiary; (ii) there is
no pending grievance or arbitration and no unsatisfied or unremedied grievance
or arbitration award against Seller or any Subsidiary, or any agent,
representative or employee thereof, in any way relating to or affecting the
Business and, to Seller's best knowledge, there is no basis for any such
grievance or arbitration; (iii) there is no unfair labor practice charge,
pending trial of unfair labor practice charges, unremedied unfair labor practice
finding or adverse decision of the National Labor Relations Board or any state
labor authority, or any hearing officer or administrative law judge thereof,
against Seller or any Subsidiary, or any agent, representative or employee
thereof, in any way relating to or affecting the Business and, to Seller's best
knowledge, there is no basis for any such unfair labor practice charge; and (iv)
there is not pending or, to Seller's best knowledge, threatened with respect to
Seller, any Subsidiary or their employees any labor dispute, strike or work
stoppage in any way relating to or affecting the Business.

                  (b) Without limiting the generality of Section 4.8, Seller and
its Subsidiaries are, in any way relating to or affecting the Business, in full
compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards and Contracts
relating to employment, including those relating to wages, hours, working
conditions, leaves of absence, hiring, promotion, equal employment opportunity,
collective bargaining, occupational health and safety (including those dealing
with employee handling or use of or exposure to hazardous or toxic substances
and the training of employees with respect to such substances), and the payment
and withholding of taxes, special assessments and other similar obligations, and
neither Seller nor any Subsidiary has, in any way relating to or affecting the
Business, received any notice of any violation of any such law, rule,
regulation, standard or Contract. Seller and its Subsidiaries are, in any way
relating to or affecting the Business, in full compliance with all applicable
affirmative action and equal employment opportunity obligations arising under
any state or federal law, regulation, executive order or ordinance or any
Contract or subcontract with any governmental entity or other Person. Seller and
its Subsidiaries have, in any way relating to or affecting the Business,
withheld from the wages and salaries of their employees as is required by law
and are not liable for any arrears of wages or any tax or penalty in connection
therewith.


                                       17

<PAGE>   22



                  (c) Without limiting the generality of Section 4.15, except as
set forth in Schedules 4.15 or 4.16, there is no employment-related claim, cause
of action, grievance, judgment or other adverse charge or decision of any kind
in any way relating to or affecting the Business (including any in the nature of
employment discrimination of any type, breach of contract, wrongful discharge,
retaliation, health, safety or right-to-know violations, child labor violations
or non-payment of wages, benefits or wage supplements), under any law, rule,
regulation, standard, collective bargaining agreement or other Contract, pending
against Seller, any Subsidiary, or any of their officers, employees or agents
and, to Seller's best knowledge, there is no basis for any such claim, cause of
action, grievance, judgment or other adverse charge or decision.

                  (d) To Seller's best knowledge, no current or former employee
of Seller or any Subsidiary in any way relating to or affecting the Business has
any claim against Seller, any Subsidiary or any of their officers, employees or
agents under any law, rule, regulation, standard or Contract on account of or
for: (i) overtime pay (other than overtime pay for the current payroll period);
(ii) wages or salary for any period other than the current payroll period (other
than obligations to employees resulting from Seller's termination of their
employment on the Closing Date); (iii) vacation, holiday or other time off or
pay in lieu thereof (other than time off or pay in lieu thereof earned in
respect of the current year, or obligations to employees resulting from Seller's
termination of their employment on the Closing Date); or (iv) any violation of
any law, rule, regulation, standard or Contract relating to the payment of
wages, fringe benefits, wage supplements or hours of work.

         SECTION 4.17 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.17, neither Seller nor any Subsidiary now maintains, administers or
contributes to, nor has within the past five years maintained, administered or
contributed to, any pension, profit sharing, deferred compensation or other
employee pension, health or welfare benefit plan or arrangement in any way
relating to any current or former employee at, or the operations of, the
Business. Without limiting the generality of Section 4.8, Seller and its
Subsidiaries are in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations, standards and Contracts relating to pension, health or welfare
benefit plans or arrangements in any way relating to any current or former
employee at, or the operations of, the Business. Seller acknowledges and agrees
that, except for Accrued Vacation: (a) neither the Assets nor the Assumed
Liabilities include any such plan or arrangement, nor any rights or obligations
in connection therewith; (b) any reporting, disclosure, funding or other
obligation, whether arising by law or Contract, with respect to any such plan or
arrangement will be and remain the sole responsibility of Seller; and (c) Buyer
will not have any obligation whatsoever with respect thereto, either before or
after the Closing Date.

         SECTION 4.18 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

                  (a) As used herein, the term "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS OR
REGULATIONS" means and includes regulatory programs involving: air emissions;
liquid discharges to streams, ponds, ditches or other surface waters, ground
waters, or publicly-owned treatment works; disposal of solid and/or hazardous
wastes; marking, maintenance and/or removal of electrical equipment containing
PCBs; manufacture and/or construction (including renovation) involving asbestos
materials; activities in or adjacent to fresh water wetlands, flood hazard
areas,

                                       18

<PAGE>   23



coastal zone management areas and/or historic preservation areas; registration,
operation, testing and/or removal or replacement of storage tanks for petroleum
products and/or hazardous substances; or emergency, planning and community
right-to-know laws, including submission of hazardous substance inventory
information to federal, state or local authorities.

                  (b) Seller and its Subsidiaries are and have been in full
compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws or Regulations, and all orders
and directives of federal, state or local governments or governmental
authorities relating to Environmental Laws or Regulations, in any way relating
to or affecting the Business. Neither Seller nor any Subsidiary has ever
disposed of hazardous or toxic substances, hazardous wastes or petroleum
(collectively, "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES") on any of the premises on which the
Business is or has been conducted and, to Seller's best knowledge, there has
been no such disposal by any other Person, including any current or prior owner
or operator of any of such premises. To Seller's best knowledge, there is no
asbestos or asbestos-containing material in any premises on which the Business
is or has been conducted.

                  (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 4.18: (i) to Seller's best
knowledge, there are no underground Hazardous Substance storage tanks located on
any premises on which the Business is conducted; (ii) neither Seller nor any
Subsidiary has ever received any requests for information from federal, state or
local agencies concerning the alleged disposal, spill or release of Hazardous
Substances on any premises on which the Business is conducted; and (iii) neither
Seller nor any Subsidiary has ever been or, to Seller's best knowledge, alleged
to be, in any way relating to or affecting the Business, a "potentially
responsible party" under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act, as amended, or any corresponding state statute. From the date
hereof through and including the Closing Date, Seller will immediately provide
Buyer with a copy of any notice, citation, complaint or other directive from any
Person whereby compliance by Seller, any Subsidiary or the Business with
Environmental Laws or Regulations is called into question.

         SECTION 4.19 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Except as set forth in
Schedules 4.19 or 2.1(8), neither Seller nor any Subsidiary is, in any way
relating to or affecting the Business or any Asset, indebted in any amount
whatsoever to, nor is there, in any way relating to or affecting the Business or
any Asset, any business relationship, whether under any Contract or otherwise,
between Seller (or any Subsidiary) and any Related Party, nor is any Related
Party indebted to Seller or any Subsidiary in any amount whatsoever in any way
relating to or affecting the Business or any Asset. No Related Party has any
interest in any competitor, supplier or customer of the Business, except for
immaterial interests in publicly held companies. "RELATED PARTY" means any of
Samuel T. Woodside, Ernest J. Vaile, Keith Rice or Loveton Equity Limited
Partnership, any stockholder of Seller or of any of its Subsidiaries (other than
BancBoston Capital), or any spouse, child or Affiliate of any of the foregoing.

         SECTION 4.20 PRODUCT WARRANTIES. Seller has heretofore delivered to
Buyer copies of all forms of product warranties and guarantees utilized with
respect to the products or services of the Business, and copies or summaries
thereof comprise Schedule 4.20. There are no outstanding claims or liabilities
outside of the ordinary course of business with respect to the products or
services of the Business under any product warranty or guaranty or with respect
to any product sold or service rendered by the Business.

                                       19

<PAGE>   24




         SECTION 4.21 BROKERS' AND FINDERS' FEES. Neither Seller nor any of
Seller's stockholders, officers, directors, employees or agents has employed any
broker or finder as to which Buyer would have any liability whatsoever for any
brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 4.22 CERTAIN DUE DILIGENCE MATTERS.

                  (a) Seller together with all of its Subsidiaries and other
Affiliates, on a consolidated basis, had neither net sales nor total assets in
the amount of $100,000,000 or more for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996.

                  (b) Seller has heretofore permitted Buyer's representatives to
conduct certain due diligence inspections of Seller's facilities located in
Buffalo, New York, Baltimore, Maryland and Dayton, Ohio. Each of Seller's other
facilities at which the Business is conducted or any of the Assets are located
does not differ adversely, in any material respect, from such inspected
facilities in terms of adequacy of space, fitness for intended use, condition of
equipment, quality of Inventories, competency of employees, or procedures,
policies, methods, instructions, training, databases, tooling, documentation or
organization.

                  (c) Except as Seller may have heretofore specifically
disclosed to Buyer in writing, Seller has not been informed by a third party
that the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby would result in:
(i) the loss of any significant customer of the Business; (ii) the loss of any
significant vendor of the Business; or (iii) the refusal of any of the employees
referred to in Section 8.1(i) to accept employment by Buyer.

                  (d) The only Affiliates of Seller who have a significant
amount of knowledge with respect to the operations of the Business are Samuel
T. Woodside, Ernest J. Vaile, Keith Rice, Loveton Equity Limited Partnership and
BancBoston Capital.

                  (e) Between the effective date thereof and the Closing Date,
there will be no material adverse change, singly or in the aggregate, in: (i)
the contents of the lease schedule portion (only) of Schedule 3.2(b) (Assumed
Contracts) other than changes in the ordinary course of business having an
aggregate value of less than $100,000; or (ii) the contents of Schedule 1.0
(Permitted Encumbrances) or Schedule 2.1(f) (Intellectual Property).

         SECTION 4.23 MATERIAL MISSTATEMENTS OR OMISSIONS. No representation or
warranty of Seller made in this Agreement or in any Schedule or Closing
certificate furnished or to be furnished to Buyer by or on behalf of Seller, nor
any information, written or oral, furnished to Buyer or to Lender in connection
with their due diligence investigations of Seller and the Business (including
the preliminary discussions between Buyer and Seller held on or after October 2,
1996), contains (or will when furnished contain) any untrue statement of a
material fact, or omits (or will then omit) to state a material fact necessary
in order to make the statement of facts made therein not misleading; provided,
however, that the provisions of this Section 4.23 neither contemplate nor apply
to any information, written or oral, pertaining to the operations or performance
of the Business subsequent to Closing.


                                       20

<PAGE>   25



ARTICLE 5. BUYER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Buyer represents and warrants to Seller, as of the date hereof and as
of the Closing Date, as follows:

         SECTION 5.1 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND POWER. Buyer is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Ohio. Buyer has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement, to comply with the provisions hereof and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 5.2 AUTHORITY FOR TRANSACTION. Buyer's execution and delivery
of this Agreement, its compliance with the provisions hereof and the
consummation of all of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer, and
this Agreement is valid and binding upon Buyer in accordance with its terms.

         SECTION 5.3 FINANCING. Buyer has heretofore obtained a written
commitment from Lender to provide, on terms acceptable to Buyer, the cash
portion of the Purchase Price, subject to the satisfaction of various
conditions, including Lender's completion of its due diligence investigation of
Seller and the Business with results satisfactory to Lender in its sole
discretion.

         SECTION 5.4 NO CONFLICT. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Buyer, nor compliance by Buyer with any of the provisions hereof,
nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will: (a) conflict
with or result in a breach of any provision of Buyer's Articles of Incorporation
or Code of Regulations; (b) result in a default, or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration, under any term, condition or
provision of any Contract, Encumbrance or other instrument or obligation to
which Buyer is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be
bound, except for certain credit agreements between Buyer and Lender; or (c)
violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation
applicable to Buyer or any of its properties or assets. Except for satisfactory
completion of Lender's due diligence, as contemplated by Section 8.1(f), no
consent, waiver or approval by, notice to or filing with any Person is required
in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer,
compliance by Buyer with any of the provisions hereof or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 5.5 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ETC. There is no legal, equitable,
administrative or arbitration action, suit, proceeding or known investigation
pending or, to Buyer's best knowledge, threatened against or affecting Buyer or
any of its assets which, if adversely determined, would adversely affect the
ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 5.6 BROKERS AND FINDERS. Neither Buyer nor any of its officers,
directors, employees or agents has employed any broker or finder as to which
Seller would have any liability whatsoever for any brokerage fees, commissions
or finders' fees in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                       21

<PAGE>   26




         SECTION 5.7 MATERIAL MISSTATEMENTS OR OMISSIONS. No representation or
warranty of Buyer made in this Agreement or in any Schedule or Closing
certificate furnished or to be furnished to Seller by or on behalf of Buyer,
contains (or will when furnished contain) any untrue statement of a material
fact, or omits (or will then omit) to state a material fact necessary in order
to make the statement of facts made therein not misleading.

ARTICLE 6. SELLER'S COVENANTS

         SECTION 6.1 INDEMNIFICATION.

                  (a) Subject to all of the provisions of this Section 6.1,
Seller will be responsible for, and hereby indemnifies Buyer and hold it and its
agents, successors and assigns harmless, from and after the Closing Date, from,
against and in respect of:

                           (i) all Losses arising out of any liabilities,
                  obligations, claims against or Contracts of Seller or any of
                  its Subsidiaries of any kind or nature whatsoever, at any time
                  existing or asserted, whether or not accrued, whether fixed,
                  contingent or otherwise, whether known or unknown, and whether
                  or not recorded on the books and records of Seller, arising
                  out of or by reason of this or any other transaction or event
                  occurring prior or subsequent to the Closing Date, which are
                  not Assumed Liabilities; and

                           (ii) all Losses arising out of (A) the use, operation
                  or maintenance of the Business or the Assets prior to the
                  Closing Date which are not Assumed Liabilities (other than
                  returns, warranties and allowances arising in the ordinary
                  course of business), or (B) any act of commission or omission
                  of Seller, its Subsidiaries, or their respective stockholders,
                  employees, officers, agents or independent contractors prior
                  to the Closing Date relating to the Business, the Assets or
                  the transactions contemplated hereby; and

                           (iii) all Losses arising out of any failure or breach
                  of any representation or warranty, or any breach or
                  nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement, of Seller made in
                  this Agreement; and

                           (iv) all Losses arising out of the parties'
                  non-compliance with any applicable laws of any state
                  pertaining to "bulk transfers," including Article 6 of the
                  Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in such state.

                  (b) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the
contrary:

                           (i) no demand for indemnification may be asserted by
                  Buyer under Section 4.9 with respect to repairs (exclusive of
                  preventative maintenance and calibration) of machinery and
                  equipment comprising the Assets except to the extent that the
                  aggregate amount of all of such indemnifiable Losses exceeds
                  $150,000 (and then only in the amount of such excess);


                                       22

<PAGE>   27



                           (ii) no demand for indemnification may be asserted by
                  Buyer hereunder with respect to any other matter except to the
                  extent that the aggregate amount of all of such indemnifiable
                  Losses exceeds $100,000 (and then only in the amount of such
                  excess);

                           (iii) in no event will the aggregate indemnification
                  obligation of Seller hereunder exceed $12,000,000;

                           (iv) in the case of (A) Losses arising out of any
                  federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance, order or
                  regulation related to taxes, employee benefits or protection
                  of the environment, or (B) Losses based on Seller's fraud,
                  Seller will be obligated to provide indemnification only with
                  respect to claims asserted by Buyer, as provided by Section
                  6.1(c), during the period of the applicable statute of
                  limitations;

                           (v) in the case of all other Losses, Seller will be
                  obligated to provide indemnification only with respect to
                  claims asserted by Buyer, as provided by Section 6.1(c),
                  within two years following the Closing Date; and

                           (vi) neither a reduction of the Purchase Price under
                  Section 2.5(d), nor the provisions of Section 9.3, will affect
                  Buyer's rights to indemnification under this Section 6.1,
                  except that Buyer will not be indemnified for a Loss to the
                  extent that there was a reduction of the Purchase Price with
                  respect to the same Loss.

                  (c) Buyer will promptly give Seller notice of any claim for
indemnification under this Section 6.1, which notice will specify in reasonable
detail the nature of the claim, the basis for indemnification and the amount and
nature of the Losses for which indemnification is sought. If Buyer's claim for
indemnification relates to a claim made against Buyer by a third party, Buyer
will give Seller such notice within 20 days after the formal assertion of the
third-party claim against Buyer. Within 20 days after receipt of either such
notice, Seller will: (i) pay the Losses specified in the notice; or (ii) notify
Buyer that it disputes Buyer's claim for indemnification; or (iii) in the case
of a third-party claim (and after notice to Buyer), assume and control the
defense of the claim at Seller's expense and through counsel of its choice
reasonably satisfactory to Buyer. If Seller fails so to undertake the defense of
a third-party claim, Buyer will then be entitled, at its option, to assume and
control the defense of such third-party claim at its expense and through counsel
of its choice. In such event, if it is finally determined that Seller failed to
assume the defense of a third-party claim for which it is obligated hereunder,
the expense of defending such third-party claim will be borne by Seller. If
Seller or Buyer undertakes, as herein provided, the defense of a third-party
claim, the other party will cooperate with the defending party in such defense
and will make available to the defending party all pertinent records, materials
and information in its possession or under its control relating thereto as is
reasonably requested by the defending party. No third-party claim that is being
defended, as herein provided, in good faith by one party will be settled by
other party without the consent of the defending party. Seller will be
subrogated to any and all defenses, claims and setoffs which Buyer asserted or
could have asserted against the third party making a claim, and Buyer will
execute and deliver to Seller such

                                       23

<PAGE>   28



documents as may be reasonably necessary to establish by way of subrogation the
ability and right of Seller to assert such defenses, claims and setoffs. Payment
of Losses will be made within 30 days after final determination of a claim for
indemnification.

                  (d) Losses indemnifiable under this Section 6.1 do not include
any amounts recovered from any insurance carrier, surety or third-party obligor,
or the cost of maintaining any insurance or surety policies, and no right of
subrogation against Seller, as an indemnifying party, will accrue hereunder to
or for the benefit of any insurance carrier, surety or third party. Buyer will
submit in a timely manner to any applicable insurance carrier, surety or third
party obligor all claims for Buyer's indemnifiable Losses for which such entity
has liability.

                  (e) If Buyer asserts a claim for indemnification within one
year following the Closing Date, such claim may be satisfied, as provided by the
Escrow Agreement, out of the Long-Term Escrow Account.

         SECTION 6.2 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF SELLER PRIOR TO CLOSING. During
the period from the date hereof to the Closing Date, Seller will: (a) afford
representatives of Buyer free access during reasonable business hours to
Seller's and its Subsidiaries' offices, buildings, equipment, records, files,
books of account and tax returns in any way relating to or affecting the
Business or any Asset, furnish Buyer with all information concerning the
Business as Buyer may reasonably request, and permit representatives of Buyer to
make extracts from and copies of all agreements, tax returns, appraisals,
reports, records, books of account and files in any way relating to or affecting
the Business or any Asset; (b) conduct the Business and its operations in the
same manner in which the same have heretofore been conducted, and maintain its
books of account in any way relating to or affecting the Business or any Asset
in the same manner as heretofore maintained; (c) use its best and commercially
reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve the Business intact and preserve
Seller's relationships with the Business's customers, vendors, employees and
others having business relations with Seller so that the Business will be
unimpaired on the Closing Date; (d) use its best and commercially reasonable
efforts to maintain each Assumed Contract in full force and effect in accordance
with its terms; (e) promptly notify Buyer orally and in writing of any change in
the Business, or in the results of operations, financial condition, assets,
liabilities or prospects of Seller or its Subsidiaries in any way relating to or
affecting the Business, which may be materially adverse, either singly or in the
aggregate, to the Business or the Assets; and (f) as soon as practicable after
the date hereof, afford Buyer access to Seller's various Business premises and
permit Buyer to install therein telecommunications, data transmission and
related equipment, at Buyer's sole expense (including prompt repairs of any
damage to such premises) and without unreasonable disruption to Seller's
business operations.

         SECTION 6.3 NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF SELLER PRIOR TO CLOSING. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 6.3, during the period from the date hereof to the Closing
Date, neither Seller nor any Subsidiary will, in any way relating to the
Business or any Asset (unless Buyer has given its prior written consent
thereto): (a) create, assume or permit to exist any Encumbrance, other than a
Permitted Encumbrance, on any Asset; (b) sell, lease or otherwise transfer any
asset related to the Business having a value, singly or in the aggregate, in
excess of $100,000; (c) cancel any of its rights or claims, other than in the
ordinary course of

                                       24

<PAGE>   29



business for fair and adequate consideration in money or money's worth; (d)
sell, assign or transfer any patent, trademark, trade name, copyright or other
intangible Asset; (e) incur any other liability or obligation, whether absolute
or contingent, other than current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business; (f) pay, prepay or discharge any liability or obligation except as
required pursuant to the terms thereof; (g) lose, surrender or have revoked or
limited any license, permit or other right granted by any governmental authority
to operate the Business or any Asset; (h) enter into any Contract not in the
ordinary course of business, or cancel, modify adversely, assign, encumber or in
any way discharge or terminate (other than by performance) any Contract; (i)
allow to occur or exist any event of default under any Contract to which it is a
party; (j) make any loan or advance, acquire any Accounts Receivable or
otherwise extend any credit, except to customers in the ordinary course of
business pursuant to established credit policies, or acquire the securities or
obligations of any Person; (k) write off or increase the amount of reserves
against any Accounts Receivable or Inventories; (l) make any capital expenditure
or any commitment therefor; (m) pay or accrue out of the revenues or profits of
the Business any bonuses, benefits or other compensation not payable in the
ordinary course of business and established by past practices; (n) make any
material change in the rate of compensation or benefits payable or to become
payable by Seller or any Subsidiary to any of its stockholders, directors,
officers, employees or agents or in the formula for determining any such
compensation or benefits, or enter into or amend in any material respect any
Contract providing for compensation or benefits; (o) make any commitment
(through negotiations or otherwise) or incur any liability to any labor
organization; (p) fail to carry insurance in adequate amounts; (q) alter or
revise any of its accounting principles, procedures, methods or practices; or
(r) agree to do any of the things described in this Section 6.3.

         SECTION 6.4 EMPLOYEES OF SELLER.

                  (a) Immediately prior to the Closing Date, Seller and its
Subsidiaries will terminate the employment of each individual who is then an
employee of Seller or any Subsidiary with respect to the Business, and Seller
will make such individuals available for employment by Buyer on or after the
Closing Date. Buyer will have no obligation whatsoever to employ any employee or
former employee of Seller or any Subsidiary, but may do so at its sole
discretion and upon such terms and conditions as Buyer solely determines.

                  (b) Except for Accrued Vacation due to any former employee of
Seller or any Subsidiary whom Buyer hires on or after the Closing Date, Seller
will pay all compensation due all employees with respect to the Business through
the Closing Date. Seller will be solely obligated and liable for all severance,
retirement pay and other obligations (if any) which may be required to be paid,
under any law, regulation, employee benefit plan or Contract, to any employee or
former employee of Seller or any Subsidiary who is not hired by Buyer, or as a
result of the execution of this Agreement, the parties' performance of its
terms, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. To the
extent that Buyer hires any former employee of Seller within 90 days after the
Closing Date, Buyer will refund to Seller all severance and vacation pay paid by
Seller to such employee.

                  (c) Seller will provide notices to those employees and
qualified beneficiaries entitled to group health plan continuation coverage
under the Consolidated Omnibus

                                       25

<PAGE>   30



Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA") as a result of any termination of
employment of any employee of Seller or any Subsidiary on or before the Closing
Date, and will otherwise comply with all applicable COBRA health plan
continuation requirements with respect to such employees and qualified
beneficiaries. Buyer will have no obligation whatsoever with respect to any
COBRA coverage claims arising with respect to any such termination of
employment.

                  (d) Nothing contained in this Section 6.4 will limit Buyer's
management prerogatives with respect to any employee whom Buyer hires on or
after the Closing Date, nor create a right of employment or continued employment
in any Person, nor create any right of action by any employee, any group of
employees or any other third party, either jointly or severally.

         SECTION 6.5 NOTICES TO AND CONSENTS OF THIRD PARTIES. Seller will in a
timely fashion give all notices to and make all filings with all governmental
authorities and other Persons required to be given or made by Seller or any
Subsidiary under any license, authorization, Contract or other instrument or
otherwise in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Seller will use its best efforts to obtain, as soon as practicable after the
date hereof but in any event prior to the Closing Date, all written consents or
waivers of all governmental authorities and other Persons required to be
obtained by Seller or any Subsidiary under any license, authorization, Contract
or other instrument or otherwise in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including the assignment to Buyer of each
Assumed Contract, and to assist Buyer in obtaining the consents and waivers
referred to in Section 7.2.

         SECTION 6.6 RISK OF LOSS. Seller will bear all risk of loss,
destruction or damage to any of the Assets occurring prior to Closing, whether
due to fire, accident or other casualty, willful act, condemnation, riot, act of
God or otherwise, and Buyer will have no responsibility with respect thereto.

         SECTION 6.7 OTHER PROPOSALS. Seller will not, nor will it permit any of
its stockholders, directors or officers, nor authorize any of its employees or
agents to, directly or indirectly solicit or entertain any inquiries or
proposals or participate in any discussions, negotiations or agreements relating
to the merger or consolidation of Seller with, or the acquisition of any of
Seller's voting securities by, or the direct or indirect acquisition or
disposition of the Business, or a significant amount of the assets of Seller
and/or its Subsidiaries otherwise than in the ordinary course of business, to or
from, any Person other than Buyer, or provide any assistance or any information
to or otherwise cooperate with any Person in connection therewith. Seller will
promptly disclose to Buyer any such inquiry or proposal which it may receive.

         SECTION 6.8 NON-DISCLOSURE AND NON-COMPETITION. Seller acknowledges
that Buyer and Seller are engaged in a highly competitive industry, that Seller
has knowledge of the operations of the Business, and that details of the
operations of the Business constitute valuable confidential information, the
disclosure of which to a competitor would diminish the value of the Assets being
purchased hereunder. Seller further acknowledges that the usual and natural
territory of the Business is and has been those customers worldwide who pur-

                                       26

<PAGE>   31



chase or maintain electronic calibration instrumentation or meter modifications,
and that the value of the Assets being purchased hereunder would be seriously
diminished if Seller were to compete with Buyer in such territory. Therefore,
Seller covenants that:

                  (a) Seller will not, directly or indirectly, at any time
         disclose any information concerning the customers, vendors, suppliers,
         price lists, catalogs, products, operations, procedures, sales
         techniques or other information of Seller or its Subsidiaries related
         to the Business or the Assets to any Person not specifically authorized
         in writing by Buyer to have such information;

                  (b) for a period of three years from and after the Closing
         Date, Seller will not, directly or indirectly, solicit in any manner
         the Business of any Person which is a customer of the Business on the
         date hereof or the Closing Date;

                  (c) for a period of three years from and after the Closing
         Date, Seller will not, directly or indirectly, compete with Buyer with
         respect to the Business or become an interested party, as stockholder,
         director, employee, partner, investor or otherwise, in any Person which
         competes with Buyer with respect to the Business within the territory
         described in this Section 6.8, for any purpose competitive with the
         Business; and

                  (d) for a period of one year from and after the Closing Date,
         Seller will not, directly or indirectly, solicit for employment or hire
         any employee of Buyer; provided, however, that Seller will not be
         prevented from employing any such person who contacts Seller on his or
         her own initiative without any direct or indirect solicitation by or
         encouragement from Seller.

Seller acknowledges that the foregoing restrictive covenants are necessary to
preserve the value of the Assets being purchased hereunder, are essential
elements of this Agreement and are reasonable notwithstanding the expense or
hardship they may impose on Seller, and Seller agrees that it has received fair
and adequate consideration for making such restrictive covenants. Seller agrees
that if any of the provisions of this Section 6.8 are or become unenforceable,
the remainder of this Section 6.8 will nevertheless remain binding to the
fullest extent possible, taking into consideration the purposes and spirit of
hereof. Seller will use its best efforts to obtain and deliver to Buyer at
Closing Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition Agreements, in substantially the
form of this Section 6.8, duly executed by each of Samuel T. Woodside, Ernest J.
Vaile, Keith Rice and Loveton Equity Limited Partnership.

ARTICLE 7. BUYER'S COVENANTS

         SECTION 7.1 INDEMNIFICATION.

                  (a) Subject to all of the provisions of this Section 7.1,
Buyer will be responsible for, and hereby indemnifies Seller and holds it and
its agents, successors and assigns harmless, from and after the Closing Date,
from, against and in respect of:

                           (i) all Losses arising out of the Assumed
                  Liabilities; and

                                       27

<PAGE>   32




                           (ii) all Losses arising out of (A) the use, operation
                  or maintenance of the Business or the Assets from and after
                  the Closing Date (except to the extent, if any, that such
                  Losses relate to Seller's ownership or operation of the
                  Business or the Assets prior to the Closing Date), or (B) any
                  act of commission or omission of Buyer or of its employees,
                  officers, agents or independent contractors prior to the
                  Closing Date relating to the transactions contemplated hereby;
                  and

                           (iii) all Losses arising out of any failure or breach
                  of any representation or warranty, or any breach or
                  nonfulfillment of any covenant or agreement, of Buyer made in
                  this Agreement.

                  (b) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the
contrary:

                           (i) no demand for indemnification may be asserted by
                  Seller hereunder except to the extent that the aggregate
                  amount of all of Seller's indemnifiable Losses exceeds
                  $100,000 (and then only in the amount of such excess);

                           (ii) in no event will the aggregate indemnification
                  obligation of Buyer hereunder exceed $12,000,000;

                           (iii) in the case of (A) Losses arising out of any
                  federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance, order or
                  regulation related to taxes, employee benefits or protection
                  of the environment, or (B) Losses based on Buyer's fraud,
                  Buyer will be obligated to provide indemnification only with
                  respect to claims asserted by Seller, as provided by Section
                  7.1(c), during the period of the applicable statute of
                  limitations;

                           (iv) in the case of all other Losses, Buyer will be
                  obligated to provide indemnification only with respect to
                  claims asserted by Seller, as provided by Section 7.1(c),
                  within two years following the Closing Date; and

                           (v) neither an increase of the Purchase Price under
                  Section 2.5(d), nor the provisions of Section 9.3, will affect
                  Seller's rights to indemnification under this Section 7.1,
                  except that Seller will not be indemnified for a Loss to the
                  extent that there was an increase of the Purchase Price with
                  respect to the same Loss.

                  (c) Seller will promptly give Buyer notice of any claim for
indemnification under this Section 7.1, which notice will specify in reasonable
detail the nature of the claim, the basis for indemnification and the amount and
nature of the Losses for which indemnification is sought. If Seller's claim for
indemnification relates to a claim made against Seller by a third party, Seller
will give Buyer such notice within 20 days after the formal assertion of the
third-party claim against Seller. Within 20 days after receipt of either such
notice, Buyer will: (i) pay the Losses specified in the notice; or (ii) notify
Seller that it disputes Seller's claim for indemnification; or (iii) in the case
of a third-party claim (and after notice to

                                       28

<PAGE>   33



Seller), assume and control the defense of the claim at Buyer's expense and
through counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to Seller. If Buyer fails
so to undertake the defense of a third-party claim, Seller will then be
entitled, at its option, to assume and control the defense of such third-party
claim at its expense and through counsel of its choice. In such event, if it is
finally determined that Buyer failed to assume the defense of a third-party
claim for which it is obligated hereunder, the expense of defending such
third-party claim will be borne by Buyer. If Buyer or Seller undertakes, as
herein provided, the defense of a third-party claim, the other party will
cooperate with the defending party in such defense and will make available to
the defending party all pertinent records, materials and information in its
possession or under its control relating thereto as is reasonably requested by
the defending party. No third-party claim that is being defended, as herein
provided, in good faith by one party will be settled by other party without the
consent of the defending party. Buyer will be subrogated to any and all
defenses, claims and setoffs which Seller asserted or could have asserted
against the third party making a claim, and Seller will execute and deliver to
Buyer such documents as may be reasonably necessary to establish by way of
subrogation the ability and right of Buyer to assert such defenses, claims and
setoffs. Payment of Losses will be made within 30 days after final determination
of a claim for indemnification.

                  (d) Losses indemnifiable under this Section 7.1 do not include
any amounts recovered from any insurance carrier, surety or third-party obligor,
or the cost of maintaining any insurance or surety policies, and no right of
subrogation against Buyer, as an indemnifying party, will accrue hereunder to or
for the benefit of any insurance carrier, surety or third party. Seller will
submit in a timely manner to any applicable insurance carrier, surety or third
party obligor all claims for Seller's indemnifiable Losses for which such entity
has liability.

         SECTION 7.2 NOTICES TO AND CONSENTS OF THIRD PARTIES. Buyer will in a
timely fashion give all notices to and make all filings with all governmental
authorities and other Persons required to be given or made by Buyer under any
license, authorization, Contract or other instrument or otherwise in connection
with consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Buyer will
use its best efforts to obtain, as soon as practicable after the date hereof but
in any event prior to the Closing Date, all written consents or waivers of all
governmental authorities and other Persons required to be obtained by Buyer
under any license, authorization, Contract or other instrument or otherwise in
connection with consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
and to assist Seller in obtaining the consents and waivers referred to in
Section 6.5.

         SECTION 7.3 DUE DILIGENCE. Buyer will use its best efforts to conduct
and complete, and to cause Lender to conduct and complete, their respective due
diligence investigations of Seller and the Business as soon as reasonably
practicable after the date hereof.

         SECTION 7.4 NO SOLICITATION. For a period of one year from the date
hereof, Buyer will not, directly or indirectly, solicit for employment or hire
any employee of Seller; provided, however, that Buyer will not be prevented from
(a) employing any such person who contacts Buyer on his or her own initiative
without any direct or indirect solicitation by or encouragement from Buyer, or
(b) soliciting or hiring one or more of Seller's former employees as
contemplated by Section 6.4(a).

                                       29

<PAGE>   34




         SECTION 7.5 EMPLOYEES. On or before March 31, 1997, Buyer will provide
to Seller, for purposes of Seller's preparation of Schedule 3.2(c), a list of
Seller's employees or former employees to whom Buyer intends to offer employment
as contemplated by Section 6.4(a).

         SECTION 7.6 CERTAIN VENDOR RELATIONSHIP. Buyer acknowledges that the
existing vendor relationship between Seller and HP may not be assigned to Buyer
pursuant to this Agreement, despite Seller's good faith efforts. In the event
that such relationship is not so assigned, the Contracts between Seller and HP
will not be Assumed Contracts, the assignment of which would otherwise be a
condition to Buyer's obligations hereunder.

         SECTION 7.7 BUYER'S KNOWLEDGE OF CERTAIN MATTERS. If prior to Closing
Buyer becomes aware of a failure or breach of any of the representations or
warranties contained in Section 4.23 which relate to oral information furnished
by Seller, Buyer will notify Seller thereof to the end that Seller may correct
the substance of the same prior to Closing; provided, however, that Buyer will
not be deemed to have thereby waived any such failure or breach to the extent
that the same is not corrected by Seller prior to Closing.

ARTICLE 8. CONDITIONS TO PARTIES' OBLIGATIONS

         SECTION 8.1 CONDITIONS TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of Buyer
to complete the transactions provided for herein will be subject, at its
election, to satisfaction on or before the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions:

                  (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES: all representations and
         warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement, and all information
         contained in each Schedule, will be true and correct (and, in the case
         of any Schedule, complete) in all respects as of the date hereof and as
         of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date
         (except as may be otherwise provided in this Agreement), and Buyer will
         have received a certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date,
         signed by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer
         of Seller;

                  (b) PRE-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS: Seller will have performed all
         obligations required to be performed by it hereunder, the performance
         of which has not been waived by Buyer, and Buyer will have received a
         certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date, signed by the chief
         executive officer and the chief financial officer of Seller;

                  (c) DUE AUTHORIZATION: Seller's execution and delivery of this
         Agreement, its compliance with the provisions hereof and the
         consummation of all of the transactions contemplated hereby will have
         been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on
         the part of Seller, and Buyer will have received a duly certified copy
         of all actions taken by Seller's Board of Directors and stockholders
         effecting the same;


                                       30

<PAGE>   35



                  (c) SELLER'S CONSENTS, ETC.: all notices, filings, consents,
         waivers and approvals set forth in Schedule 4.3 will have been given,
         made or obtained, as the case may be, by Seller, and Buyer will have
         received a true copy of each thereof;

                  (e) BUYER'S CONSENTS, ETC.: all notices, filings, consents,
         waivers and approvals set forth in Section 5.4 will have been given,
         made or obtained, as the case may be, by Buyer;

                  (f) LENDER'S DUE DILIGENCE: Lender will have completed its due
         diligence investigation of Seller and the Business with results
         satisfactory to Lender in its sole discretion;

                  (g) BUYER'S DUE DILIGENCE: Buyer will have completed its due
         diligence investigation of Seller and the Business and, as a result
         thereof, there is no material adverse change of any material fact from
         that heretofore represented, whether orally or in writing, to Buyer by
         Seller;

                  (h) FAIRNESS OPINION: Buyer will have received a written
         opinion of a firm of investment bankers satisfactory to Buyer's Board
         of Directors that the Purchase Price is fair to Buyer from a financial
         point of view;

                  (i) KEY EMPLOYEES: each of Keith Hadley, Stewart Hopkins and
         Robert Doggett will have agreed to be hired by Buyer on the Closing
         Date in a position and at compensation comparable to that provided him
         by Seller immediately prior to the Closing Date;

                  (j) NO BAR: there will not be in effect any judgment, decree
         or order of, or position taken by, any court or administrative body of
         competent jurisdiction, nor will there have been any action, suit,
         proceeding or known investigation instituted or threatened, nor will
         any law or regulation have been enacted or any action taken thereunder,
         which would, in Buyer's reasonable judgment, restrain or prohibit, make
         illegal, or subject Buyer to material damage as a result of, the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;

                  (k) FURTHER CLOSING DOCUMENTS: Seller will have delivered to
         Buyer the following documents and instruments:

                           (i) the Sublease, duly executed by Seller;

                           (ii) the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Seller
                  and by the Escrow Agent;

                           (iii) Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition Agreements,
                  in substantially the form of Section 6.8, duly executed by
                  each of Samuel T. Woodside, Ernest J. Vaile and Loveton Equity
                  Limited Partnership;


                                       31

<PAGE>   36



                           (iv) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of
                  Seller and of all amendments thereto, certified as of a date
                  reasonably proximate to the Closing Date by the Secretary of
                  State of Maryland;

                           (v) certificates of the Secretary of State of
                  Maryland, and of each jurisdiction listed in Schedule 4.1,
                  each attesting to the good standing of Seller or either
                  Business Subsidiary in such jurisdiction as of a date
                  reasonably proximate to the Closing Date;

                           (vi) bills of sale, articles of transfer, assignments
                  and other instruments of transfer and conveyance, in form
                  reasonably satisfactory to counsel to Buyer, each duly
                  executed by Seller (or, in the case of the Canadian Assets, by
                  E.I.L. Canada), transferring to Buyer (or, in the case of the
                  Canadian Assets, to Transmation Canada) good title to each
                  item comprising the Assets;

                           (vii) unless delivery thereof is delayed as
                  contemplated by Section 2.2(c), one or more stock certificates
                  representing all of the outstanding capital stock of the
                  Maquiladora, together with duly executed stock powers,
                  assignments and/or other instruments of transfer or
                  documentation, transferring to Buyer good title to such stock;

                           (viii) an assignment, in form reasonably satisfactory
                  to counsel to Buyer, duly executed by Seller or either
                  Business Subsidiary, as the case may be, and by any necessary
                  contracting party, of each Assumed Contract (other than those
                  Assumed Contracts so indicated in Schedule 3.2(b));

                           (ix) an estoppel certificate, in form reasonably
                  satisfactory to counsel to Buyer, duly executed by the lessor
                  of each lease listed in Schedule 3.2(b), stating that as of
                  the Closing Date, Seller is not in default under such lease;
                  and

                           (x) a personal property search, in form reasonably
                  satisfactory to counsel to Buyer, made by a search agency
                  acceptable to Buyer, indicating that as of the Closing Date
                  there are no Encumbrances or judgments of record against
                  Seller in any way relating to or affecting the Business or any
                  Asset, except for Permitted Encumbrances;

                  (l) POSSESSION: Seller will have delivered to Buyer actual
         possession of the Assets;

                  (m) OPINION OF COUNSEL: Buyer will have received an opinion
         addressed to Buyer, dated the Closing Date, of Venable, Baetjer and
         Howard, LLP, counsel to Seller, substantially in the form of Exhibit C;
         and


                                       32

<PAGE>   37



                  (n) OTHER MATTERS: Buyer will have received such other
         instruments and documents as will have been reasonably requested by
         counsel to Buyer on or before the Closing Date.

         SECTION 8.2 CONDITIONS TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of
Seller to complete the transactions provided for herein will be subject, at its
election, to satisfaction on or before the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions:

                  (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES: all representations and
         warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement will be true and
         correct in all respects as of the date hereof and as of the Closing
         Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except as may be
         otherwise provided in this Agreement), and Seller will have received a
         certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date, signed by the chief
         executive officer of Buyer;

                  (b) PRE-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS: Buyer will have performed all
         obligations required to be performed by it hereunder, the performance
         of which has not been waived by Seller, and Seller will have received a
         certificate to that effect, dated the Closing Date, signed by the chief
         executive officer of Buyer;

                  (c) DUE AUTHORIZATION: Buyer's execution and delivery of this
         Agreement, its compliance with the provisions hereof and the
         consummation of all of the transactions contemplated hereby will have
         been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on
         the part of Buyer, and Seller will have received a duly certified copy
         of all actions taken by Buyer's Board of Directors effecting the same;

                  (d) SELLER'S CONSENTS, ETC.: all notices, filings, consents,
         waivers and approvals set forth in Schedule 4.3 will have been given,
         made or obtained, as the case may be, by Seller;

                  (e) BUYER'S CONSENTS, ETC.: all notices, filings, consents,
         waivers and approvals set forth in Section 5.4 will have been given,
         made or obtained, as the case may be, by Buyer, and Seller will have
         received a true copy of each thereof;

                  (f) NO BAR: there will not be in effect any judgment, decree
         or order of, or position taken by, any court or administrative body of
         competent jurisdiction, nor will there have been any action, suit,
         proceeding or known investigation instituted or threatened, nor will
         any law or regulation have been enacted or any action taken thereunder,
         which would, in Seller's reasonable judgment, restrain or prohibit,
         make illegal, or subject Seller to material damage as a result of, the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;

                  (g) FURTHER CLOSING DOCUMENTS: Buyer will have delivered to
         Seller the following documents and instruments:

                           (i) the Sublease, duly executed by Buyer;

                                       33

<PAGE>   38




                           (ii) the Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Buyer and
                  by the Escrow Agent;

                           (iii) a copy of the Articles of Incorporation of
                  Buyer and of all amendments thereto, certified as of a date
                  reasonably proximate to the Closing Date by the Secretary of
                  State of Ohio;

                           (iv) a certificate of the Secretary of State of Ohio,
                  attesting to the good standing of Buyer in Ohio as of a date
                  reasonably proximate to the Closing Date;

                           (v) the cash portions of the Purchase Price, payable
                  to Seller and to the Escrow Agent as provided by Section 2.4;
                  and

                           (vi) an instrument of assumption of the Assumed
                  Liabilities, in form reasonably satisfactory to counsel to
                  Seller, duly executed by Buyer;

                  (h) OPINION OF COUNSEL: Seller will have received an opinion
         addressed to Seller, dated the Closing Date, of Harter, Secrest &
         Emery, counsel to Buyer, substantially in the form of Exhibit D; and

                  (i) OTHER MATTERS: Seller will have received such other
         instruments and documents as will have been reasonably requested by
         counsel to Seller on or before the Closing Date.

ARTICLE 9. CLOSING

         SECTION 9.1 CLOSING. Closing will take place at the offices of Harter,
Secrest & Emery, 700 Midtown Tower, Rochester, New York 14604-2070, at 11:00
a.m., local time, on April 4, 1997, or at such other time and place as the
parties may agree (the "CLOSING DATE"). The parties agree that they will take
such actions, including if necessary the delivery of documents in escrow, in
order to facilitate completion on the Closing Date of all of the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         SECTION 9.2 FAILURE TO CLOSE; TERMINATION. This Agreement may be
terminated at any time prior to Closing, as follows:

                  (a) by the mutual consent of Buyer and Seller; or

                  (b) by Buyer, upon notice to Seller, if (without any breach by
         Buyer of any of its obligations hereunder) compliance with any
         condition set forth in Section 8.1 becomes impossible, and such failure
         of compliance is not waived by Buyer; or


                                       34

<PAGE>   39



                  (c) by Seller, upon notice to Buyer, if (without any breach by
         Seller of any of its obligations hereunder) compliance with any
         condition set forth in Section 8.2 becomes impossible, and such failure
         of compliance is not waived by Seller; or

                  (d) by Buyer, upon notice to Seller, if between the date
         hereof and the Closing Date: (i) there has occurred (or been
         discovered) any event, condition or change in the operations of the
         Business, or in the financial condition, assets, liabilities
         (contingent or otherwise) or income of Seller in any way relating to or
         affecting the Business (other than with respect to HP), or any damage,
         destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that
         adversely impairs the use or value of the Business or any Asset; and
         (ii) the reasonably anticipated aggregate ongoing effect of such
         events, conditions and changes on the operations and financial
         condition of Buyer subsequent to Closing exceeds $1,500,000 (or, in the
         reasonable opinion of Buyer, any of such events, conditions and changes
         is not susceptible of correction); or

                  (e) by Buyer or by Seller, upon notice to the other, at any
         time after April 30, 1997 (the "EXPIRATION DATE").

In the event of any termination as provided by this Section 9.2, this Agreement
will thereupon become void and of no effect, without any liability on the part
of either party to the other, except as otherwise provided by Section 9.3.

         SECTION 9.3 DAMAGES IN CERTAIN CASES.

                  (a) In the event that prior to the Expiration Date this
Agreement is terminated by Buyer, or Buyer otherwise fails to proceed to
Closing, for any of the following reasons, then Buyer will have no liability or
obligation to Seller under this Agreement:

                           (i) Seller does not receive the due authorization
                  contemplated by Section 8.1(c);

                           (ii) Seller does not give, make or obtain, as the
                  case may be, the notices and consents contemplated by Section
                  8.1(d);

                           (iii) Buyer does not secure the employment of any of
                  the persons contemplated by Section 8.1(i);

                           (iv) any event contemplated by Section 8.1(j) occurs;

                           (v) Seller has not provided one or more of the
                  documents or instruments contemplated by subsections (i),
                  (ii), (iii) or (vi) of Section 8.1(k);

                           (vi) Seller has not delivered to Buyer actual
                  possession of the Assets, as contemplated by Section 8.1(l);
                  or

                           (vii) any one or more of the following events occur
                  and the reasonably anticipated aggregate ongoing effect of
                  any or all thereof, singly or in the

                                       35

<PAGE>   40



                  aggregate, on the operations and financial condition of Buyer
                  subsequent to Closing equals or exceeds $1,500,000:

                                    (A) any one or more representations or
                           warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement, or
                           any information contained in any Schedule, is not
                           true and correct (or, in the case of any Schedule,
                           complete) in any respect as of the date hereof and as
                           of the Closing Date, or there is an adverse change,
                           between the date of original delivery thereof and the
                           Closing Date, in the contents of any Schedule, all as
                           contemplated by Section 8.1(a);

                                    (B) Seller has not performed all obligations
                           required to be performed by it hereunder prior to
                           Closing, as contemplated by Sec- tion 8.1(b);

                                    (C) Seller has not provided one or more of
                           the documents or instruments contemplated by
                           subsections (iv), (v), (vii), (viii), (ix) or (x) of
                           Section 8.1(k), or by Sections 8.1(m) or 8.1(n); or

                                    (D) there has occurred (or been discovered)
                           any event, condition or change in the operations of
                           the Business, or in the financial condition, assets,
                           liabilities (contingent or otherwise) or income of
                           Seller in any way relating to or affecting the
                           Business (other than with respect to HP), or any
                           damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered
                           by insurance, that adversely impairs the use or value
                           of the Business or any Asset, as contemplated by
                           Section 9.2(d).

                  (b) In the event that prior to the Expiration Date this
Agreement is terminated by Buyer, or Buyer otherwise fails to proceed to
Closing, by reason of the occurrence of any one or more of the events described
in Section 9.3(a)(vii), but the reasonably anticipated aggregate ongoing effect
of any or all thereof, singly or in the aggregate, on the operations and
financial condition of Buyer subsequent to Closing does not exceed $1,500,000,
then Buyer will, within five business days, pay to Seller, as liquidated damages
and not as a penalty, the amount of $500,000.

                  (c) In the event that prior to the Expiration Date this
Agreement is terminated by Buyer, or Buyer otherwise fails to proceed to
Closing, for any reason not provided by Section 9.3(a), then Buyer will, within
five business days, pay to Seller, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty,
the amount of $500,000.

                  (d) In the event that prior to the Expiration Date this
Agreement is terminated by Buyer for the following reason, then Seller will,
within five business days, pay to Buyer, as liquidated damages and not as a
penalty, the lesser of (i) the Expense Amount or (ii) $500,000: any one or more
of the events described in Section 9.3(a)(vii) occur and the reasonably
anticipated aggregate ongoing effect of any or all thereof, singly or in the
aggregate, on the operations and financial condition of Buyer subsequent to
Closing equals or exceeds $1,500,000.

                                       36

<PAGE>   41




                  (e) In the event that prior to the Expiration Date this
Agreement is terminated by Seller, or Seller otherwise fails to proceed to
Closing, and Buyer is then ready, willing and able to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with all of the terms of this
Agreement, then Seller will, within five business days, pay to Buyer, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty, the lesser of (i) the Expense Amount or
(ii) $500,000.

                  (f) In the event that: (i) this Agreement is terminated by
Seller, or Seller otherwise fails to proceed to Closing, either prior or
subsequent to the Expiration Date; and (ii) Buyer is then ready, willing and
able to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement; and (iii) within one year thereafter Seller directly or
indirectly disposes of a substantial portion of the Business to a party other
than Buyer; then Seller will, within five business days, pay to Buyer, as
liquidated damages and not as a penalty, the amount of $500,000 (less the amount
(if any) already paid to Buyer pursuant to Section 9.3(e)).

                  (g) Except as expressly contemplated by Section 9.3(f),
neither party will be obligated to the other for damages under the provisions of
more than one of the foregoing subsections of this Section 9.3.

                  (h) "EXPENSE AMOUNT" means the sum of all actual and
receipted: (i) reasonable costs, fees and expenses charged to Buyer by
consultants, attorneys, accountants and other third parties in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby (exclusive of Buyer's internal and employee
costs and expenses); (ii) bank fees, bank commissions, bank expenses and bank
charges of any kind or nature paid directly by Buyer in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby, up to an aggregate of $50,000; and (iii)
cancellation or termination fees directly attributable to capital expenditures
made by Buyer directly in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby,
with respect to each such capital expenditure, in an amount up to 25 percent of
the contract price when actually paid by Buyer and the underlying contract is
terminated without recourse, and with respect to all such cancellation fees, in
amounts up to an aggregate of $75,000 when actually paid by Buyer and the
underlying contracts are terminated without recourse.

         SECTION 9.4 RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES. If there is any disagreement
between Buyer and Seller concerning the application of any of the provisions of
Sections 9.2(d) or 9.3 to a particular set of facts, then Buyer and Seller will
each use its best efforts to resolve such disagreement promptly by mutual
agreement, and any such mutually agreed resolution will be final and binding
upon the parties for all purposes. Failing such mutually agreed resolution
within 20 calendar days, such disagreement may, on demand of either party, be
referred to binding arbitration in the City of Rochester, New York. Buyer and
Seller will attempt to agree on the appointment of a single arbitrator. If they
are unable to agree, a panel of three arbitrators will be appointed: one
arbitrator will be appointed by Buyer, one will be appointed by Seller, and one
will be appointed by the two so appointed. The determination in writing of such
arbitrator(s), signed by at least two of them (if there be more than one), will
be final and binding on the parties. Such determination will be made as soon as
practicable after the reference of the claim to arbitration. The arbitrators
will be governed by the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association then in effect, and

                                       37

<PAGE>   42



they will have full power to make such regulations and to give such orders and
directions in all respects as they deem expedient, as well as in respect of the
claims and differences referred to them, and the mode and times of executing and
performing any of the acts or things which may be awarded or directed to be
done. All fees and expenses of such arbitration will be borne by the
non-prevailing party or, in the event that each party prevails on some of the
issues in dispute, will be shared proportionately, as determined by the
arbitrators.

ARTICLE 10. FURTHER COVENANTS

         SECTION 10.1 TAXES ON TRANSACTION. All sales or use taxes and all
transfer taxes payable by reason of the sale and transfer of any of the Assets
hereunder, to the extent of 50 percent of such taxes levied on Seller's net book
value on the Closing Date of the fixed assets comprising the Assets, will be
paid by Seller. All other such sales, use and transfer taxes will be paid by
Buyer.

         SECTION 10.2 EXPENSES OF THE PARTIES. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement, all expenses involved in the preparation,
negotiation, authorization and consummation of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, including all fees and expenses of agents,
representatives, counsel and accountants, will be borne solely by the party
which has incurred the same, and the other party will have no responsibility
with respect thereto.

         SECTION 10.3 CONFIDENTIALITY. Except for (a) necessary disclosure to
such party's directors, officers, employees, counsel, accountants, bankers and
other agents, (b) the disclosure contemplated by Sections 6.5 and 7.2, and (c)
disclosures deemed appropriate by Buyer, upon the advice of counsel, under
federal securities laws and regulations, each party will keep the provisions of
this Agreement confidential both prior and subsequent to the Closing Date.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither party will make any
press release or advertisement with respect to the transactions contemplated
hereby without the prior consent of the other party, unless the disclosing party
determines, upon the advice of counsel, that such action is required by law. The
terms of a certain Confidentiality Agreement dated October 30, 1996 between
Buyer and Seller are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein in
full.

         SECTION 10.4 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party will cooperate with the
other, take such further action, and execute and deliver such further documents,
as may be reasonably requested by the other party in order to carry out the
terms and purposes of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, from and after the Closing Date: (a) each party will file all tax
returns consistent with the allocation of the Purchase Price set forth in
Schedule 2.4, and neither party will take any position on audit or in litigation
which is inconsistent with such allocation; and (b) on the request of Buyer,
Seller will take such action and deliver to Buyer such powers of attorney and
further instruments of assignment, conveyance or transfer and other documents of
further assurance as in the opinion of counsel to Buyer may be reasonably
desirable to assure, complete and evidence the full and effective transfer,
conveyance and assignment of the Assets and possession thereof to Buyer, its
successors and assigns, and the performance of this Agreement by Seller in all
respects.

                                       38

<PAGE>   43




         SECTION 10.5 POST-CLOSING ACCESS TO INFORMATION. Buyer acknowledges
that subsequent to Closing Seller may need access to information or documents in
the control or possession of Buyer for the purposes of audits, compliance with
laws and regulations, the prosecution or defense of claims, compliance with the
terms of this Agreement, or for other legitimate purposes. Accordingly, Buyer
agrees that subsequent to Closing Buyer will make available to Seller and
Seller's agents, upon reasonable notice, under reasonable conditions and upon
reimbursement of Buyer for all costs reasonably and actually incurred in
connection therewith, such documents and information in respect of the Assets to
the extent necessary to facilitate the purposes described in this Section 10.5.

ARTICLE 11. IN GENERAL

         SECTION 11.1 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS. The
several representations, warranties and covenants of the parties herein
contained, and the provisions hereof which by their terms are to be performed
after the Closing Date, will survive the Closing Date and will be effective
regardless of any investigation which may have been or may be made at the time
by or on behalf of the party to whom such representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements are made.

         SECTION 11.2 AMENDMENT AND WAIVER. This Agreement may be amended only
by a writing executed by Buyer and by Seller. No waiver of compliance with any
provision or condition hereof, and no consent provided for herein, will be
effective unless evidenced by an instrument in writing duly executed by the
party sought to be charged therewith. No failure on the part of either party to
exercise, and no delay in exercising, any of its rights hereunder will operate
as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise by either party of
any right preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right.

         SECTION 11.3 ASSIGNMENT. No party will assign or attempt to assign any
of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without such consent,
but upon notice to Seller, Buyer may assign all of its rights hereunder to any
Subsidiary of Buyer so designated by Buyer, in which event the term "Buyer" as
used herein will mean and include such Subsidiary; provided, however, that any
such assignment will not relieve Buyer of any of its obligations hereunder.

         SECTION 11.4 NOTICES, ETC. Each notice, report, demand, waiver, consent
and other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder will be in
writing and will be sent either by registered or certified first-class mail,
postage prepaid and return receipt requested, or by telex or telecopier,
addressed as follows:

If to Buyer:                        Transmation, Inc.
                                    10 Vantage Point Drive
                                    Rochester, New York 14624
                                    Attention: Robert G. Klimasewski, President

                                    Fax:  (716) 352-7788

                                       39

<PAGE>   44




   with a copy to:               Harter, Secrest & Emery
                                 700 Midtown Tower
                                 Rochester, New York  14604-2070
                                 Attention: Susan Mascette Brandt, Esq.

                                 Fax:  (716) 232-2152

If to Seller:                    [E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.'s new corporate name]
                                 10946A Golden West Drive
                                 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031-1320
                                 Attention: Samuel T. Woodside, President

                                 Fax:  (410) 584-7561

   with a copy to:               Venable, Baetjer and Howard, LLP
                                 1800 Mercantile Bank & Trust Building
                                 Two Hopkins Plaza
                                 Baltimore, Maryland 21201-2978
                                 Attention: Newton B. Fowler, III, Esq.

                                 Fax:  (410) 244-7742

Each such notice and other communication given by mail will be deemed to have
been given when it is deposited in the United States mail in the manner
specified herein, and each such notice and other communication given by telex,
telecopier or facsimile machine will be deemed to have been given when it is so
transmitted and the appropriate answerback is received. Either party may change
its address for the purpose hereof by giving notice in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 11.4.

         SECTION 11.5 BINDING EFFECT. Subject to the provisions of Section 11.3,
this Agreement will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the parties
and their respective successors and assigns. This Agreement creates no rights of
any nature in any Person not a party hereto.

         SECTION 11.6 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement will be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to
agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State.

         SECTION 11.7 EFFECT OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire
understanding of the parties, and supersedes any and all prior agreements,
arrangements and understandings, written or oral, relating to the subject matter
hereof.

         SECTION 11.8 HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS. The Article and Section headings
of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and do not form a part
hereof and do not in any way modify, interpret or construe the intention of the
parties. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one
and the same instrument.

                                       40

<PAGE>   45





         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement on
the date first written above.

                                    TRANSMATION, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ Robert G. Klimasewski
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Robert G. Klimasewski
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer


                                    E.I.L. INSTRUMENTS, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ Samuel T. Woodside
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Samuel T. Woodside
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer


                                       41

<PAGE>   46


                         TABLE OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES


<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
* Exhibit A                         Form of Escrow Agreement
* Exhibit B-1                       Form of Sublease
* Exhibit B-2                       Form of Cooperation Agreement
* Exhibit C                         Form of Opinion of Seller's Counsel
* Exhibit D                         Form of Opinion of Buyer's Counsel

* Schedule 1.0                      Permitted Encumbrances
* Schedule 1.3                      Business Senior Staff
* Schedule 1.4                      Delivery of Schedules
* Schedule 2.1(a)                   Property and Equipment
* Schedule 2.1(b)(i)                Regular Inventory
* Schedule 2.1(b)(ii)               Value Added Inventory
* Schedule 2.1(b)(iii)              Demonstration Inventory
* Schedule 2.1(b)(iv)               Parts Inventory
* Schedule 2.1(c)                   Receivables
* Schedule 2.1(d)                   Prepaid Expenses and Deposits
* Schedule 2.1(f)                   Intellectual Property
* Schedule 2.1(8)                   Excluded Assets
* Schedule 2.2(a)                   Canadian Assets
* Schedule 2.4                      Allocation of Purchase Price
* Schedule 2.5(a)                   Closing Balance Sheet
* Schedule 2.5(a)(1)                New Product Inventory Valuation
* Schedule 2.5(c)                   Seller's Credit and Buyer's Credits
* Schedule 3.2(a)                   Assumed Payables
* Schedule 3.2(b)                   Assumed Contracts
* Schedule 3.2(c)                   Accrued Vacation
* Schedule 4.1                      Foreign Qualifications
* Schedule 4.3                      Conflicts; Required Consents, Notices, Etc.
* Schedule 4.4                      Financial Statements
* Schedule 4.6                      Changes Since October 31, 1996
* Schedule 4.15                     Legal Proceedings, Etc.
* Schedule 4.16                     Employment Matters
* Schedule 4.17                     Employee Benefit Plans
* Schedule 4.18                     Environmental Matters
* Schedule 4.19                     Related Party Transactions
* Schedule 4.20                     Product Warranties
* Schedule 6.3                      Actions Prior to Closing


<FN>
* OMITTED EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
</TABLE>

UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, THE REGISTRANT WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY OF THE
REFERENCED OMITTED EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES.

                                       42


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4(c)

                                   $32,000,000



                    REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT


                                   Dated as of


                                  April 4, 1997


                                      among



                                TRANSMATION, INC.



                                       AND



                     MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY



                       STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY



                                       AND



                MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, AS AGENT



                                      - 1 -

<PAGE>   2



TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C>
I.       DEFINITIONS..............................................................................................7
         SECTION 1.01.  Definitions...............................................................................7
                        -----------
         SECTION 1.02.  Accounting Terms/Other Definitional Provisions...........................................17
                        ----------------------------------------------
II.      LOANS...................................................................................................18
         SECTION 2.01.  Revolving Credit Loans...................................................................18
                        ----------------------
         SECTION 2.02.  Revolving Credit Notes...................................................................20
                        ----------------------
         SECTION 2.03.  Interest on Revolving Credit Loans.......................................................20
                        ----------------------------------
         SECTION 2.04.  Term Loans...............................................................................20
                        ----------
         SECTION 2.05.  Term Notes; Grid Schedules...............................................................21
                        --------------------------
         SECTION 2.06.  Interest on the Term Loans...............................................................21
                        --------------------------
         SECTION 2.07.  Interest on Base Rate Loans..............................................................21
                        ---------------------------
         SECTION 2.08.  Interest on Eurodollar Rate Loans........................................................22
                        ---------------------------------
         SECTION 2.09.  Continuation and Conversion of Loans.....................................................22
                        ------------------------------------
         SECTION 2.10.  Prepayment of Loans......................................................................23
                        -------------------
         SECTION 2.11.  Reduction or Termination of the Commitments..............................................24
                        -------------------------------------------
         SECTION 2.12.  Fees.....................................................................................24
                        ----
         SECTION 2.13.  Default Rate of Interest; Late Payment Penalty...........................................24
                        ----------------------------------------------
         SECTION 2.14.  Application of Payments and Computations.................................................25
                        ----------------------------------------
         SECTION 2.15.  Funds; Manner of Payment.................................................................25
                        ------------------------
         SECTION 2.16.  Capital Adequacy.........................................................................25
                        ----------------
         SECTION 2.17.  Inability to Determine Rate..............................................................26
                        ---------------------------
         SECTION 2.18.  Other Events.............................................................................26
                        ------------
         SECTION 2.19.  Change in Legality.......................................................................27
                        ------------------

III.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................................................................28
         SECTION 3.01.  Organization, Corporate Powers, etc......................................................28
                        -----------------------------------
         SECTION 3.02.  Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No Contravention...............................29
                        ----------------------------------------------------------
         SECTION 3.03.  Financial Condition......................................................................29
                        -------------------
         SECTION 3.04.  Taxes....................................................................................30
                        -----
         SECTION 3.05.  Title to Properties......................................................................30
                        -------------------
         SECTION 3.06.  Litigation...............................................................................30
                        ----------
         SECTION 3.07.  Agreements...............................................................................30
                        ----------
         SECTION 3.08.  ERISA....................................................................................31
                        -----
         SECTION 3.10.  Federal Reserve Regulations..............................................................31
                        ---------------------------
         SECTION 3.11.  Subsidiaries.............................................................................31
                        ------------
         SECTION 3.12.  Environmental Matters....................................................................32
                        ---------------------
         SECTION 3.13.  Not an Investment Company................................................................32
                        -------------------------
         SECTION 3.14.  Material Change..........................................................................32
                        ---------------
</TABLE>


                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C>
         SECTION 3.15.  Governmental Approval....................................................................33
                        ---------------------
         SECTION 3.16.  Full Disclosure..........................................................................33
                        ---------------
         SECTION 3.17.  Binding Effect...........................................................................33
                        --------------
         SECTION 3.18.  Trademarks and Licenses, etc.............................................................33
                        ----------------------------
         SECTION 3.19.  Acquisition..............................................................................33
                        -----------

IV.  CONDITIONS OF LENDING.......................................................................................34
         SECTION 4.01.  Closing Date.............................................................................34
                        ------------
         SECTION 4.02.  Each Loan................................................................................38
                        ---------

V.       AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS...................................................................................38
         SECTION 5.01.  Corporate Existence, Properties, Insurance, etc..........................................39
                        -----------------------------------------------
         SECTION 5.02.  Payment of Indebtedness, Taxes, etc......................................................39
                        -----------------------------------
         SECTION 5.03.  Reporting Requirements...................................................................39
                        ----------------------
         SECTION 5.04.  Access to Premises and Records...........................................................41
                        ------------------------------
         SECTION 5.05.  Notice of Adverse Change.................................................................41
                        ------------------------
         SECTION 5.06.  Notice of Default........................................................................42
                        -----------------
         SECTION 5.07.  ERISA....................................................................................42
                        -----
         SECTION 5.08.  Compliance with Contractual Obligations and Requirements of Law;
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------
                        Applicable Laws..........................................................................42
                        ---------------
         SECTION 5.09.  Subsidiaries.............................................................................42
                        ------------
         SECTION 5.10.  Environmental Laws.......................................................................43
                        ------------------
         SECTION 5.11.  Voting of Subsidiaries' Shares...........................................................43
                        ------------------------------
         SECTION 5.12.  Proceeds of the Loans....................................................................43
                        ---------------------

VI.      NEGATIVE COVENANTS......................................................................................44
         SECTION 6.01.  Debt.....................................................................................44
                        ----
         SECTION 6.02.  Liens....................................................................................44
                        -----
         SECTION 6.03   Leases...................................................................................46
                        ------
         SECTION 6.04.  Guarantees, Etc..........................................................................46
                        ---------------
         SECTION 6.05.  Sale of Notes............................................................................46
                        -------------
         SECTION 6.06.  Investments..............................................................................46
                        -----------
         SECTION 6.07.  Change in Business.......................................................................47
                        ------------------
         SECTION 6.08.  Dividends................................................................................47
                        ---------
         SECTION 6.09.  Subordinated Debt........................................................................48
                        -----------------
         SECTION 6.10.  Accounting Policies and Procedures.......................................................48
                        ----------------------------------
         SECTION 6.11.  Stock of Subsidiaries, Etc...............................................................48
                        --------------------------
         SECTION 6.12.  Transactions with Affiliates.............................................................48
                        ----------------------------
         SECTION 6.13.  Merger or Consolidation or Sales of Assets...............................................48
                        ------------------------------------------

VII.     FINANCIAL COVENANTS.....................................................................................48
         SECTION 7.01.  Capital Expenditures.....................................................................49
                        --------------------
         SECTION 7.02.  Cash Catalog Expenditures................................................................49
                        -------------------------
</TABLE>


                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C>
         SECTION 7.03.  Fiscal Quarterly Losses..................................................................49
                        -----------------------
         SECTION 7.04.  Leverage Ratio...........................................................................49
                        --------------

VIII.    EVENTS OF DEFAULT.......................................................................................50
         SECTION 8.01.  Events of Default........................................................................50
                        -----------------

IX.      MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................................................52
         SECTION 9.01.  Notices..................................................................................52
                        -------
         SECTION 9.02.  Survival of Agreement; Successors and Assigns............................................53
                        ---------------------------------------------
         SECTION 9.03.  Expenses of the Agent and the Banks; Indemnification.....................................54
                        ----------------------------------------------------
         SECTION 9.04.  Applicable Law...........................................................................55
                        --------------
         SECTION 9.05.  Waiver of Rights by the Bank; Waiver of Jury Trial, etc..................................55
                        -------------------------------------------------------
         SECTION 9.06.  Acknowledgments..........................................................................55
                        ---------------
         SECTION 9.07.  Consent to Jurisdiction..................................................................56
                        -----------------------
         SECTION 9.08.  Extension of Maturity....................................................................56
                        ---------------------
         SECTION 9.09.  Amendments and Waivers...................................................................56
                        ----------------------
         SECTION 9.10.  Participations and Assignments...........................................................57
                        ------------------------------
         SECTION 9.11.  Reinstatement; Certain Payments..........................................................57
                        -------------------------------
         SECTION 9.12.  Right of Setoff..........................................................................58
                        ---------------
         SECTION 9.13.  Severability.............................................................................58
                        ------------
         SECTION 9.14.  Counterparts.............................................................................58
                        ------------
         SECTION 9.15.  Entire Agreement; Cumulative Remedies....................................................58
                        -------------------------------------
         SECTION 9.16.  Headings.................................................................................58
                        --------
         SECTION 9.17.  Usury....................................................................................58
                        -----

X.       THE AGENT; RELATIONS AMONG BANKS AND BORROWER...........................................................59
         SECTION 10.01. Appointment, Powers and Immunities of Agent..............................................59
                        -------------------------------------------
         SECTION 10.02. Reliance by Agent........................................................................59
                        -----------------
         SECTION 10.03. Defaults.................................................................................60
                        --------
         SECTION 10.04. Rights of Agent as a Bank................................................................60
                        -------------------------
         SECTION 10.05. Indemnification of Agent.................................................................61
                        ------------------------
         SECTION 10.06. Documents................................................................................61
                        ---------
         SECTION 10.07. Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Banks....................................................61
                        -------------------------------------
         SECTION 10.08. Failure of Agent to Act..................................................................61
                        -----------------------
         SECTION 10.09. Resignation or Removal of Agent..........................................................62
                        -------------------------------
         SECTION 10.10. Amendments Concerning Agency Function....................................................62
                        -------------------------------------
         SECTION 10.11. Liability of Agent.......................................................................62
                        ------------------
         SECTION 10.12. Transfer of Agency Function..............................................................62
                        ---------------------------
         SECTION 10.13. Non-Receipt of Funds by the Agent........................................................62
                        ---------------------------------
         SECTION 10.14. Withholding Taxes........................................................................63
                        -----------------
         SECTION 10.15. Several Obligations and Rights of Banks..................................................63
                        ---------------------------------------
         SECTION 10.16. Pro Rata Treatment of Loans, Etc.........................................................63
                        --------------------------------
         SECTION 10.17. Sharing of Payments Among Banks..........................................................64
                        -------------------------------
                                                                                                   
</TABLE>


                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C>
SCHEDULE 1.01....................................................................................................66
                                                                                                  
SCHEDULE 2.01....................................................................................................67
         Notice of Borrowing (or Conversions)....................................................................67

SCHEDULE 2.02....................................................................................................69
         Revolving Credit Note...................................................................................69

SCHEDULE 2.04....................................................................................................72
         Term Note...............................................................................................72

SCHEDULE 3.05....................................................................................................74
         List of Liens...........................................................................................74

SCHEDULE 3.06....................................................................................................75
         List of Litigation......................................................................................75

SCHEDULE 3.II....................................................................................................76
         List of Subsidiaries....................................................................................76

SCHEDULE 3.19....................................................................................................77
         Asset Purchase Agreement................................................................................77

SCHEDULE 3.21....................................................................................................78
         Berk Stock Agreement....................................................................................78

SCHEDULE 4.01(b).................................................................................................79
         U.S. Legal Opinion......................................................................................79

SCHEDULE 4.01 (b-1)..............................................................................................80
         Canadian Legal Opinion..................................................................................80

SCHEDULE 4.01 (f)................................................................................................81
         U.S. Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement.....................................................................81

SCHEDULE 4.01 (f-1)..............................................................................................82
         Foreign Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement..................................................................82

SCHEDULE 4.01(g).................................................................................................83
         Foreign Subsidiary Pledge Agreement.....................................................................83

SCHEDULE 4.01(g-1)...............................................................................................84
         U. S. Subsidiary Pledge Agreement.......................................................................84
</TABLE>



                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>   6

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                                                    <C>
SCHEDULE 4.01(h).................................................................................................85
         Borrower Security Agreement.............................................................................85

SCHEDULE 4.01(h-1)...............................................................................................86
         Subsidiary Security Agreement...........................................................................86

SCHEDULE 4.01 (h-2)..............................................................................................87
         Canadian Subsidiary Security Agreement..................................................................87

SCHEDULE 4.01(i).................................................................................................88
         Mortgage and Negative Pledge Agreement..................................................................88

SCHEDULE 4.01(n).................................................................................................89
         Certificate Concerning Acquisition......................................................................89

SCHEDULE 4.01(r).................................................................................................90
         Subordination Agreements................................................................................90

SCHEDULE 4.01 (s)................................................................................................91
         Subsidiary Subordination Agreements.....................................................................91

SCHEDULE 5.03 (e)................................................................................................92
         Form of Certificate of No Default.......................................................................92

SCHEDULE 6.01....................................................................................................93
         List of Debt............................................................................................93

SCHEDULE 6.02....................................................................................................94
         List of Liens...........................................................................................94

SCHEDULE 6.03....................................................................................................95
         List of Leases..........................................................................................95

SCHEDULE 9.10....................................................................................................96
         Form of Assignment by Bank..............................................................................96
</TABLE>




                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>   7

                    REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT
                    ----------------------------------------

         REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of April 4, 1997 (the
"Agreement") among TRANSMATION, INC. ("Borrower"), an Ohio corporation with an
office and principal place of business at 10 Vantage Point Drive, Rochester, New
York 14624 and MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY (a "Bank"), a New York
banking corporation with an office and principal place of business located at
One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, New York 14240, STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (a
"Bank), a Massachusetts corporation with an office and principal place of
business located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2804 and
MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY , as Agent for the Banks (in such
capacity, together with its successors in such capacity, the "Agent").

         Borrower has requested the Banks to provide it with credit as provided
herein and each Bank is willing to provide credit to the Borrower on the terms
and the conditions set forth below.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing the parties hereto
agree to the following:

I.       DEFINITIONS

         SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS. As used herein, the terms defined in the
preamble shall have the same meaning when used in this Agreement and the
following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

         "Acquisition" shall mean the transaction contemplated in the Asset
Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Borrower will purchase the "Assets" and
assume the "Assumed Liabilities" (as such terms are defined in the Asset
Purchase Agreement) of E.I.L.
Instruments, Inc.

         "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate" shall mean, with respect to any Eurodollar
Rate Loan for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards,
if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to the product of (i) the Eurodollar
Rate in effect for such Interest Period and (ii) the Eurodollar Reserves in
effect from time to time. For the purposes hereof, "Eurodollar Rate" shall mean,
with respect to any Loan for the Interest Period applicable thereto, the rate of
interest per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1
percent) appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London
interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 A.M.
(London time) two business days prior to the 


                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   8

first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period;
provided, however, that if more than one rate is specified in Telerate Page
3750, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates. If,
for any reason, such rate is not available, the term "Eurodollar Rate" shall
mean, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan for the Interest Period
applicable thereto, the rate (rounded upwards, if necessary to the next 1/16 of
1%) at which Dollar deposits approximately equal to the principal amount of the
proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan and for a duration equal to the applicable
proposed Interest Period are offered by the Agent in immediately available funds
in an Interbank Market for eurodollars at approximately 11:00 a.m., New York
City time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
For purposes hereof, the term "Eurodollar Reserves" means a fraction (expressed
as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of
which is the number one minus the applicable statutory reserve requirements for
the Agent (without duplication, but including, without limitation, basic,
supplemental, marginal or emergency reserves), from time to time in effect under
Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any
successor) with respect to eurocurrency funding currently referred to as
"Eurocurrency liabilities" in Regulation D. It is agreed that for purposes
hereof any amount bearing interest at the Eurodollar Rate shall be deemed to
constitute a "Eurocurrency liability" as defined in Regulation D and to be
subject to the reserve requirements of Regulation D, without benefit of credit
or proration, exemptions or offsets which might otherwise be available to the
Agent from time to time under Regulation D. The Eurodollar Reserves shall be
adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in such
statutory reserve requirements.

         "Adjusted Funded Debt" shall mean, as of any date, the Funded Debt plus
the Subordinated Debt, in each case of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis.

         "Adjusted Leverage Ratio" means on any day the ratio of (i) the amount
of Adjusted Funded Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis as of the end of the most recently completed Fiscal Quarter to (ii) the
average EBITDA for the four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending with the most
recently completed Fiscal Quarter.

         "Affiliate" shall mean any Person which directly or indirectly
controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries. The term "control" means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting 


                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>   9

securities, by contract, or otherwise.

         "Applicable Margin" means the appropriate percentages corresponding to
the Adjusted Leverage Ratio in effect as of the most recent Calculation Date as
shown below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Revolving Credit Loans                         Term Loans
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pricing       Adjusted                   Eurodollar           Base Rate           Eurodollar           Base Rate
Level         Leverage Ratio             Rate Plus            Plus                Rate Plus            Plus
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                             <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>  
I         g.t. 3.5                       2.50%                1.00%               2.75%                1.25%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II        g.t. 3.0 & l.t.e. 3.5          2.25%                0.75%               2.50%                1.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
III       g.t. 2.5 & l.t.e. 3.0          2.00%                0.50%               2.25%                0.75%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV        g.t. 2.0 & l.t.e  2.5          1.75%                0.25%               2.00%                0.50%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
V         g.t. 1.5 & l.t.e  2.0          1.50%                0%                  1.75%                0.25%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI        g.t. 1.0 & l.t.e. 1.5          1.25%                0%                  1.50%                0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII     l.t.e. 1.0                       1.00%                0%                  1.25%                0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


"Applicable Margin" shall be determined and adjusted quarterly on the date (each
a "Calculation Date") five Business Days after the date by which the Borrower is
required to provide the Chief Financial Officer's certificate in accordance with
the provisions of SECTION 5.03(e); provided that the initial Applicable Margin
shall be based on Pricing Level II (as shown above) and shall remain at Pricing
Level II until the first Calculation Date subsequent to March 31, 1998 and,
thereafter, the pricing level shall be determined by the then current Adjusted
Leverage Ratio; and provided further that if the Borrower fails to provide the
Chief Financial Officer's certificate required by SECTION 5.03(e) on or before
any Calculation Date subsequent to March 31, 1998, the Applicable Margin shall
be based on Pricing Level I from such Calculation Date until such time as an
appropriate Chief Financial Officer certificate is provided, whereupon the
pricing level shall be determined by the then current Adjusted Leverage Ratio
until the next Calculation Date. Except as provided in the preceding sentence,
each determination of the Applicable Margin shall be effective from one
Calculation Date until the next Calculation Date. Any adjustment in the
Applicable Margin shall be applicable to all existing Loans, as well as any new
Loans made thereafter.

         "Applicable Percentage" shall mean for each Bank, the percentage of the
total Commitments represented by such Bank's Commitment. Each Bank's Applicable
Percentage as of the Closing Date is set forth in the definition of Commitment.



                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>   10

         "Asset Purchase Agreement" shall mean the Asset Purchase Agreement
dated March 4, 1997 between Transmation, Inc. and E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.,
including all schedules and exhibits attached thereto.

         "Balance Shortfall Account" shall mean the account designated by
Borrower in writing to the Agent from time to time as Borrower's principal
demand deposit account with the Agent.

         "Balance Shortfall Loans" shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION
2.01(c).

         "Base Rate" means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if
necessary to the nearest whole multiple of one hundredth of one percent) equal
to the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus one half
of one percent or (b) the Prime Rate in effect on such day. If for any reason
the Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent
manifest error) that it is unable after due inquiry to ascertain the Federal
Funds Rate for any reason, including the inability or failure of the Agent to
obtain sufficient quotations in accordance with the terms hereof, the Base Rate
shall be determined without regard to CLAUSE (a) of the first sentence of this
definition until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer
exist. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the
Federal Funds Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such change in
the Prime Rate or Federal Funds Rate, respectively.

         "Berk Stock Agreement" means the Stock Registration and Repurchase
Agreement dated April 1, 1979 between Borrower and William J. Berk, as amended
by the amendment thereto dated April 1, 1990.

         "Borrowing" means Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans of the same
Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of
Eurodollar Rate Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

         "Borrowing Date" shall mean, with respect to any Loan, the date on
which such Loan is disbursed to the Borrower.

         "Business Day" shall mean any day not a Saturday, Sunday or legal
holiday, on which the Banks are open for business in both New York City and
Boston, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that when used in connection with determining the
Eurodollar Rate, the term "Business Day" shall also exclude any day on which the
Banks are not open for dealings in Dollar deposits in an Interbank Market.



                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>   11

         "Capitalized Lease Obligation" shall mean an obligation to pay rent or
other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to
use) real and/or personal property which obligation is required to be classified
and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet prepared in accordance
with GAAP, and for purposes hereof the amount of such obligation shall be the
capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with such principles.

         "Chief Financial Officer" shall mean the Chief Financial Officer of the
Borrower.

         "Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION 4.01.

         "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time.

         "Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, the obligation of such
Bank to make its Revolving Credit Loans in accordance with SECTION 2.01 of this
Agreement, up to the aggregate principal amount set forth below, as such amount
may be reduced or otherwise modified from time to time:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Banks                                   Commitment          Applicable Percentage
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                       <C>    
Manufacturers and Traders Trust                                    $9,031,250               53.125%
Company
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Street Bank and Trust Company                                 7,968,750               46.875%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                             $17,000,000               100.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Commitments shall be deemed permanently terminated on the Termination Date
or such earlier date on which the Commitments shall have been terminated in
accordance herewith.

         "Commonly Controlled Entity" shall mean an entity, whether or not
incorporated, which is under common control with the Borrower within the meaning
of Section 4001 of ERISA or is part of a group which includes the Borrower and
which is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

         "Consolidated Net Income" for any period shall mean the net income of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP.



                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>   12

         "Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean the shareholders equity of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP.

         "Consolidated Interest Expense" shall mean, for any period, the
interest expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and shall in any
event include, without limitation, (i) the amortization of debt discounts, (ii)
the amortization of all fees payable in connection with the incurrence of
Indebtedness to the extent included in interest expense, (iii) the portion of
any Capitalized Lease Obligation allocable to interest expense, (iv) all fixed
or calculable dividend payments on preferred stock, and (v) payments of interest
expense in kind.

         "Contractual Obligation" as to any Person, any provision of any
security issued by such Person or any agreement, instrument or other undertaking
to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

         "Debt" means with respect to any Person: (a) Indebtedness of such
Person for borrowed money; (b) Indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of
property or services (except trade payables in the ordinary course of business);
(c) unfunded benefit liabilities of such Person under any Plan; (d) the face
amount of any outstanding letters of credit issued for the account of such
Person; (e) obligations arising under acceptance facilities; (f) Guarantees,
endorsements (other than for collection in the ordinary course of business) and
other contingent obligations to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to
supply funds to invest in any Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor against
loss; (g) obligations secured by any lien on property of such Person; and (h)
Capitalized Lease Obligations. Debt shall not include operating leases.

         "Default" shall mean any of the events specified in ARTICLE VIII
hereof, whether or not any requirement for the giving of notice or the lapse of
time or both or any other condition has been satisfied.

         "Dollars" or "$" refers to lawful money of the U.S.

         "EBITDA" for any period shall mean the sum of (i) Consolidated Net
Income during such period, plus (to the extent deducted in determining
Consolidated Net Income), (ii) all provisions for any federal, state or other
income taxes made by the Borrower during such period, (iii) Consolidated
Interest Expense during such period and (iv) the Borrower's consolidated


                                     - 12 -
<PAGE>   13

depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of good will, for
such period.

         "E.I.L. Business" means the Sales and Service Division of E.I.L.
Instruments, Inc.

         "Environmental Laws" shall mean any and all Federal, State, local or
municipal laws, rules orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, decrees
or requirements of any Governmental Authority regulating, relating to or
imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning environmental protection
matters, including, without limitation, Hazardous Materials, as now or may
hereafter be in effect.

         "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended from time to time. Section references to ERISA are to ERISA, as in
effect at the date of this Agreement and any subsequent provisions of ERISA,
amendatory thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

         "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean each person (as defined in Section 3(9) of
ERISA) which together with the Borrower or a Subsidiary would be deemed to be a
member of the same "controlled group" within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c),
(m) and (o) of the Code.

         "Eurodollar Rate" and "Eurodollar Reserves" shall have the meaning
specified in the definition of "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate".

         "Eurodollar Rate Loan" shall mean a Loan bearing interest in accordance
with SECTION 2.08 of this Agreement.

         "Event of Default" shall mean any Event of Default set forth in ARTICLE
VIII.

         "Executive Officer" shall mean either the Chairman, the President, the
Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Secretary, any
Vice-President , or the Treasurer of the Borrower and their respective
successors, if any, designated by the Board of Directors.

         "Expiration Date" shall mean the final payment date of any Term Loan,
whether as stated by its terms or by prepayment or acceleration hereunder.

         "Federal Funds Rate" means for any day the rate per annum equal to the
weighted average of the rates in overnight federal funds transactions with
members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such
date, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York 


                                     - 13 -
<PAGE>   14

on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is
not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on
such transactions on the next preceding Business Day and (b) if no such rate is
so published on such next preceding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for
such day shall be the average rate quoted to the Agent on such day in such
transactions as determined by the Agent.

         "Fiscal Quarter" shall mean the three month period ending on each June
30, September 30, December 31 and March 31.

         "Fiscal Year" shall mean the twelve month period beginning April 1 of
each year and ending on March 31 of the following year.

         "Funded Debt" shall mean, with respect to any Person, all Debt of such
Person which by its terms matures more than one year from the date as of which
such Debt is incurred, and any Debt of such Person maturing within one year from
such date which is renewable or extendable at the option of the obligor to a
date beyond one year from such date (whether or not theretofore renewed or
extended), including any such Debt renewable or extendable at the option of the
obligor under, or payable from the proceeds of other Debt which may be incurred
pursuant to, the provisions of any revolving credit agreement or other similar
agreement plus the aggregate amount of Guarantees by that Person of all such
liabilities of other Persons. For purposes of this definition, the term Debt
shall not include Capitalized Lease Obligations.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.,
applied on a consistent basis, as defined in SECTION 1.02.

         "Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state
or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive,
legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining
to government.

         "Guarantee" has the meaning set forth in SECTION 6.04.

         "Hazardous Materials" includes, without limit, any flammable
explosives, radioactive materials, hazardous materials, hazardous wastes,
hazardous or toxic substances, defined in the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C.
Sections 9601, et seq.), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended
(49 U.S.C. Sections 1801, et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,
as amended (42 U.S.C. Sections 9601, et seq.), and in the regulations adopted
and publications promulgated pursuant thereto, or any other laws.



                                     - 14 -
<PAGE>   15

         "Indebtedness" shall include all obligations, contingent and otherwise,
which in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles should be
classified upon the obligor's balance sheet as liabilities, but in any event
including liabilities (whether or not they should be so classified upon such
balance sheet) secured by any lien existing on property owned or acquired
subject thereto, whether or not the liability secured thereby shall have been
assumed, and all guarantees.

         "Insolvency" shall mean with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the
condition that such plan is insolvent within the meaning of such term used in
Section 4245 of ERISA.

         "Insolvent" shall mean the condition of Insolvency.

         "Interbank Market" shall mean the London interbank market or the New
York interbank market.

         "Interest Payment Date" shall mean (a) as to each Base Rate Loan (i)
the first Business Day of each month during the term thereof commencing with the
month immediately following the date of such Loan and (ii) the Termination Date
or Expiration Date, as the case may be, and (b) as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan
the last day of each applicable Interest Period with respect to such Loan and
the Termination Date or the Expiration Date, as the case may be. For purposes
hereof, the date of a Base Rate Loan initially shall be the date on which such
Loan is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent
conversion to such Loan from another Type of Loan.

         "Interest Period" means, as to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period
commencing on the date of such Loan and ending on the numerically corresponding
day (or if there is no numerically corresponding day, the last day) of the
calendar month that is one, two or three months thereafter, as the Borrower may
elect; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day
which shall not be a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the
next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall
in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the
first preceding Business Day and (ii) no Interest Period may be selected for any
Eurodollar Rate Loan which expires later than the Termination Date or the
Expiration Date, as the case may be and (iii) where an Interest Period begins on
a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month
in which the Interest Period is to end, such Interest Period shall end on the
last Business Day of such calendar month.

         "Loan(s)" shall mean loans by the Banks to the Borrower pursuant to


                                     - 15 -
<PAGE>   16

ARTICLE II hereof and shall refer to Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans,
each of which shall be a "Type" of Loan, and to Revolving Credit Loans or Term
Loans.

         "Loan Documents" shall mean collectively, the Agreement, the Notes, and
the guarantees, stock pledge agreements, security agreements, mortgages, and
other agreements or documents referred to in ARTICLE IV hereof and all other
documents, certificates and instruments executed in connection therewith.

         "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material adverse effect on (a)
the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or
prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability
of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, or (c) the
validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or the rights or
remedies of the Banks hereunder or thereunder.

         "Multiemployer Plan" shall mean a Plan which is a Multiemployer Plan as
defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

         "Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any event (a) the cash proceeds
received by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of such event including
(i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds, but only as and when
received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, the amount of insurance proceeds (or
the equivalent in foreign currency), and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or
similar event, the amount of condemnation awards and similar payments net of (b)
the sum of (i) all fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid or payable by the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries to third parties (other than Borrower Affiliates)
in connection with such event (which amounts may be reasonably estimated to the
extent not then known), (ii) in the case of a sale or other disposition of an
asset (including pursuant to a casualty or condemnation), the amount of all
payments required to be made by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as a result of
such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or
otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event, and (iii)
the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by the
Borrower and the Subsidiaries during the year that such event occurred or the
next succeeding year, and the amount of any reserves established in accordance
with GAAP by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries to fund contingent liabilities
reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case that are directly attributable
to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Chief Financial
Officer) provided, however, that (x) any excess of estimated fees and expenses
under CLAUSE (b)(i) over the actual amounts thereof shall constitute Net
Proceeds and be deemed to have been received on the date such excess can be
determined and (y) any excess of estimated 


                                     - 16 -
<PAGE>   17

taxes or contingency reserves under CLAUSE (b)(iii) over the actual amounts of
taxes referred to in such clause or contingent liabilities payable shall
constitute Net Proceeds and be deemed to have been received at the end of the
period referred to in such clause, in the case of taxes, and at the time any
such excess portion of the contingency reserve is reversed (and in the amount of
such reversal), in the case of contingency reserves.

         "Note(s)" shall mean the Revolving Credit Notes and the Term Notes.

         "Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning set forth in SECTION
2.01(c).

         "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established
pursuant to Subtitle A of Title 1 of ERISA or any successor thereto.

         "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust,
joint venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or
political subdivision thereof.

         "Plan" shall mean, at any particular time, any employee benefit plan
which is covered by ERISA and in respect of which the Borrower or a Commonly
Controlled Entity is (or, if such plan were terminated at such time, would under
Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5)
of ERISA.

         "Prime Rate" shall mean the rate of interest per annum announced from
time to time by the Agent as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in
Buffalo, New York; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective on the date
such change is announced.

         "Required Banks" shall mean, at any time while no Loans are
outstanding, Banks having 100% of the aggregate Commitments and, at any time
while Loans are outstanding, Banks holding 100% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Loans.

         "Reportable Event" shall mean any of the events described in SECTION
4043(b) of ERISA other than those events as to which the twenty day notice
period is waived under Subsections .13, .14, .16, .18, .19 or .20 of PBGC Reg.
ss.2615.

         "Revolving Credit Loan" shall mean a Loan to the Borrower pursuant to
SECTION 2.01.



                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>   18

         "Revolving Credit Note" shall mean a promissory note of the Borrower
delivered pursuant to SECTION 2.02.

         "SEC" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Senior Indebtedness" shall mean the Notes and all other Debt of the
Borrower, whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter created or
incurred, which has not been approved by the Required Banks in writing as being
subordinate and junior to the Loans, and which is permitted hereby.

         "Single Employer Plan" shall mean any plan which is not covered by
Title IV of ERISA, but which is not a Multiemployer Plan.

         "Subordinated Debt or Indebtedness" shall mean, as of any date, all
Indebtedness which is subordinated in right of payment, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Required Banks, to all Indebtedness of the Borrower to the
Banks.

         "Subsidiary" means, with respect to the Borrower, any corporation or
other entity of which at least a majority of the securities or other ownership
interests having ordinary voting power (absolutely or contingently) for the
election of directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the
time owned directly or indirectly by the Borrower.

         "Sweep Agreements" means the Cash Management Services Agreement and the
related Addendum, copies of which are attached as SCHEDULE 1.01, between the
Borrower and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company.

         "Term Loan" shall mean a term loan pursuant to SECTION 2.04 hereof.

         "Term Note" shall mean a promissory note of the Borrower delivered
pursuant to SECTION 2.05 hereof.

         "Termination Date" shall mean the earlier of January 4, 2001 or the
date the Commitments may otherwise be terminated in accordance herewith.

         "Transactions" means the execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower and each Subsidiary of the Loan Documents to which it is to be a party,
the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof, and the consummation of
the Acquisition.



                                     - 18 -
<PAGE>   19

         "Type" shall have the meaning specified in definition of "Loan".

         "Unfunded Current Liability" of any Plan means the amount, if any, by
which the present value of the accrued benefits under the Plan as of the close
of its most recent plan year exceeds the fair market value of the assets
allocable thereto, determined in accordance with Section 412 of the Code.

         "U.S." means United States of America.

         SECTION 1.02. ACCOUNTING TERMS/OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS. (a)
Except as otherwise herein specifically provided, each accounting term used
herein shall be interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and
reports as to financial statements required to be delivered to the Banks
hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent
basis. All calculations made for the purposes of determining compliance with
this Agreement and of determining the Applicable Margin shall (except as
otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of GAAP applied on a
basis consistent with the most recent annual or quarterly financial statements
delivered pursuant to SECTION 5.03 (or, prior to the delivery of the first
financial statements pursuant to SECTION 5.03, consistent with financial
statements described in SECTION 3.03(a). GAAP shall mean those generally
accepted accounting principles and practices which are recognized as such by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants acting through the Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") or through other appropriate boards or
committees thereof and which are consistently applied for all periods so as to
properly reflect the financial condition, and the results of operations and
changes in financial position, of the Borrower, except that any accounting
principle or practice required to be changed by the FASB (or other appropriate
board or committee of the FASB) in order to continue as a generally accepted
accounting principle or practice may be so changed. Any dispute or disagreement
between the Borrower and the Required Banks relating to the determination of
generally accepted accounting principles shall, in the absence of manifest
error, be conclusively resolved for all purposes hereof by the written opinion
with respect thereto, delivered to the Agent, of independent accountants
selected by the Borrower and approved by the Required Banks for the purpose of
auditing the periodic financial statements of the Borrower.

         (b) Meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable
to both the singular and plural forms of such terms. For purposes of computation
of periods of time hereunder, the word "from" means "from and including" and the
words "to" and "until" shall mean "to 


                                     - 19 -
<PAGE>   20

but excluding". References in this Agreement to "Articles", "Sections",
"Schedules" or "Exhibits" shall be to Articles, Sections, Schedules or Exhibits
of or to this Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided. The words
"include", "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the
phase "without limitation". Unless the context otherwise requires (a) any
definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein
shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document
as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any
restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein)
and (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such
Person's successors.

II.      LOANS

         SECTION 2.01. REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS. (a) Subject to the terms and
conditions, and relying upon the representations and warranties, set forth
herein, each Bank agrees to make loans (individually a "Revolving Credit Loan"
and, collectively, the "Revolving Credit Loans") to the Borrower at any time or
from time to time on or after the date hereof and until the earlier of the
Termination Date or the date the Commitments shall have been terminated in
accordance with the terms hereof, in an aggregate principal amount up to, but
not exceeding in the aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, the
amount of its Commitment. Within the foregoing limits, the Borrower may borrow
hereunder on or after the date hereof and prior to the Termination Date, repay
or reborrow subject to the terms, provisions and limitations set forth herein.
After the Termination Date, no amounts repaid may be reborrowed.

         (b) A Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans made by the Banks on any one
day shall be either Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, provided, that (i)
each such Borrowing of Base Rate Loans shall be in an amount not less than
$100,000 and in integral multiples of $100,000, (ii) each such Borrowing of
Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in an amount not less than $500,000 and in
integral multiples of $250,000 and (iii) no more than six Revolving Credit Loans
may be outstanding as Eurodollar Rate Loans at any one time.

         (c) Each Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, other than Balance Shortfall
Loans, as defined below, shall be made upon one (1) Business Day's and each
Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon one (1) Business Days',
prior written, telegraphic or facsimile notice from the Borrower to the Agent.
Each such notice (a "Notice of Borrowing") shall be in substantially the form of
SCHEDULE 2.01 hereto and shall specify (i) the 


                                     - 20 -
<PAGE>   21

requested date of such Borrowing, (ii) the requested Type of Loans, (iii) the
requested Interest Period for a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans, and (iv) the
requested amount of such Borrowing. In order for a Notice of Borrowing to be
deemed received on a given Business Day, it must be received by the Agent no
later than 11:00 A.M. on such Business Day. The first sentence of this PARAGRAPH
(c) notwithstanding, as long as the Sweep Agreements remain in effect, the Banks
will make Revolving Credit Loans comprised of Base Rate Loans, without having
received any Notice of Borrowing or other notice or request from Borrower for
such Loans ("Balance Shortfall Loans"), on each Business Day in the amount, if
any, by which, at 9:00 A.M. on such Business Day, (i) the total amount of checks
drawn on the Balance Shortfall Account and held by the Agent for payment on such
day, plus $100,000, exceeds (ii) the balance of immediately available funds in
the Balance Shortfall Account, including the amount of any funds deposited to
such account by the Agent pursuant to the Sweep Agreements and SECTION 2.10(e);
provided, that, if such amount is not an integral multiple of $100,000, the
amount of each Borrowing of Balance Shortfall Loans shall be rounded upwards to
the next higher integral multiple of $100,000.

         (d) Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall promptly
inform each Bank as to the terms of the Notice of Borrowing and of such Bank's
share thereof; and upon determining that a Borrowing of Balance Shortfall Loans
is required pursuant to paragraph (c) above, but not later than 11:00 A.M. on
the date of such determination, the Agent shall inform each Bank of the amount
and category of such Borrowing and of such Bank's share thereof. Each Bank shall
make its Applicable Percentage of the requested Borrowing of Revolving Credit
Loans available to the Agent by 1:00 P.M. on the date specified in the Notice of
Borrowing, in the case of Loans made in response to a Notice of Borrowing, and
by 3:00 P.M., in the case of Balance Shortfall Loans, by deposit of immediately
available funds at the principal office of the Agent in Rochester, New York or
at such other office as the Agent may designate in writing. The amount of the
requested Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans will then be made available to the
Borrower by the Agent crediting the Balance Shortfall Account to the extent the
amount of such Revolving Credit Loans are made available to the Agent by the
Banks.

         (e) No Bank shall be responsible for the failure or delay by any other
Bank in its obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans hereunder; however, the
failure of any Bank to fulfill its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any
other Bank of its obligations hereunder. Unless the Agent has been notified by
any Bank prior to the date of any such Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans that
such Bank does not intend to make available to the Agent 


                                     - 21 -
<PAGE>   22

its portion of the Revolving Credit Loans to be made on such date, the Agent may
assume that such Bank has made such amount available to the Agent on the date of
such Revolving Credit Loans, and the Agent in reliance upon such assumption, may
(in its sole discretion but without any obligation to do so) make available to
the Borrower a corresponding amount. If such corresponding amount is not in fact
made available to the Agent, the Agent shall be able to recover such
corresponding amount from such Bank. If such Bank does not pay such
corresponding amount forthwith upon the Agent's demand therefore, the Agent will
promptly notify the Borrower, and the Borrower shall immediately pay such
corresponding amount to the Agent. The Agent shall also be entitled to recover
from such Bank or the Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such
corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such corresponding
amount was made available by the Agent to the Borrower to the date such
corresponding amount is received by the Agent at a per annum rate equal (i) from
the Borrower at the applicable rate for such Revolving Credit Loan pursuant to
the Notice of Borrowing and (ii) from a Bank, at the Federal Funds Rate.

         (f) The Banks shall have no obligation to make Loans during the
existence of a Default. Notwithstanding their lack of obligation, the Banks may,
in their discretion, choose to lend to the Borrower on such terms and conditions
as the Banks may determine, including, without restriction, the determination
(i) to lend on a borrowing base formula, (ii) to collect directly all of the
Borrower's accounts receivable and/or (iii) to require periodic collateral
reports from the Borrower. This provision shall not in any way limit the rights
and remedies of the Banks hereunder upon the occurrence of a Default.

         SECTION 2.02. REVOLVING CREDIT NOTES. The Revolving Credit Loans by
each Bank shall be evidenced by a promissory note (a "Revolving Credit Note"),
substantially in the form attached hereto as SCHEDULE 2.02, appropriately
completed by the Borrower, duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower
and payable to the order of the Bank in the principal amount equal to such
Bank's Commitment. The date and amount of each Revolving Credit Loan of each
Bank, and the date and amount of each payment or prepayment of principal of any
such Revolving Credit Loan shall be recorded on the grid schedule annexed to
such Bank's Revolving Credit Note and the Borrower authorizes each Bank to make
such recordation. Each Revolving Credit Note and grid schedule shall be
presumptive evidence of the Revolving Credit Loans evidenced thereby absent
manifest error. The aggregate unpaid amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of
each Bank, at any time shall be the principal amount owing on such Bank's
Revolving Credit Note at such time. The aggregate principal 


                                     - 22 -
<PAGE>   23

amount outstanding on each Revolving Credit Note shall be payable on the
Termination Date. All accrued and unpaid interest on the Revolving Credit Loans
shall be payable on each Interest Payment Date and on the Termination Date (if
such date is not an Interest Payment Date); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any such
day is not a Business Day, such accrued interest, if any, shall be payable on
the next succeeding Business Day with additional accrued interest until paid.

         SECTION 2.03. INTEREST ON REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS. Each Revolving Credit
Loan shall bear interest in accordance with SECTION 2.07, if it is a Base Rate
Loan and SECTION 2.08, if it is a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

         SECTION 2.04. TERM LOANS. (a) On the Closing Date, each Bank agrees to
make one or more Term Loans to the Borrower the aggregate principal amount of
which equals such Bank's Applicable Percentage of $15,000,000. Each Borrowing of
Term Loans may be comprised of either Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans,
as the Borrower may elect; provided that each Term Loan shall be in a principal
amount of not less than $1,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000; and
provided further that to the extent that the Borrower designates a Borrowing of
Term Loans as Base Rate Loans, each Bank's share of such Base Rate Term Loans
shall be deemed one Term Loan; and provided further that to the extent that the
Borrower elects a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans with a given Interest
Period, each Bank's share of such Borrowing shall be deemed one Term Loan. Once
any amount of principal of a Term Loan is prepaid or repaid, such amount may not
be reborrowed.

         (b) Each Bank shall make its Applicable Percentage of each Borrowing of
Term Loans available to the Agent by 1:00 P.M. on the Closing Date by deposit of
immediately available funds at the principal office of the Agent in Rochester,
New York. The amount of the requested Term Loans will then be made available to
the Borrower by the Agent by crediting the Balance Shortfall Account, to the
extent the amount of such Term Loans are made available to the Agent by the
Banks. No more than six Term Loans may be outstanding as Eurodollar Rate Loans
at any one time.

         SECTION 2.05. TERM NOTES; GRID SCHEDULES. (a) The Term Loans of each
Bank shall be evidenced by a promissory note ("Term Note") substantially in the
form attached hereto as SCHEDULE 2.05, appropriately completed, payable to the
order of such Bank, duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrower, and
in the principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all Term
Loans made by such Bank. The aggregate principal amount outstanding on the Term
Notes shall be payable as to 


                                     - 23 -
<PAGE>   24

principal in twenty-one (21) equal consecutive quarterly installments payable on
the first day of each Fiscal Quarter, commencing on January 1, 1998, with a
final payment due on January 1, 2003 (the "Expiration Date"). The date and
amount of each Term Loan, each applicable interest rate and related Interest
Period, and the date and amount of each payment or prepayment of principal of
such Term Loan shall be recorded on the grid schedule annexed to such Term Note,
and the Borrower authorizes each Bank to make such recordation. Each Term Note
and grid schedule shall be presumptive evidence of the Term Loan(s) made by each
Bank, absent manifest error.

         (b) All said notations and endorsements on the grid schedules annexed
to all Notes shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive as to such
notations and endorsements, provided, however, that the failure to make said
notation or endorsement with respect to any Loan or payment shall not limit or
otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower under the Agreement or the
Notes.

         SECTION 2.06. INTEREST ON THE TERM LOANS. Each Term Loan shall bear
interest in accordance with SECTION 2.07, if it is a Base Rate Loan, and SECTION
2.08, if it is a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

         SECTION 2.07. INTEREST ON BASE RATE LOANS. The Borrower shall pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan or Term
Loan that is a Base Rate Loan from the Borrowing Date of such Loan, or from the
date such Base Rate Loan is converted from a Eurodollar Rate Loan, until the
earlier of the date on which such Base Rate Loan is converted to a Eurodollar
Rate Loan or the date such principal amount is due and payable, on each Interest
Payment Date for such Loan at an interest rate per annum equal to the Base Rate
plus the Applicable Margin.

         SECTION 2.08. INTEREST ON EURODOLLAR RATE LOANS. The Borrower shall pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan or Term
Loan that is a Eurodollar Rate Loan from the Borrowing Date of such Loan, or
from the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is converted from a Base Rate Loan,
until the earlier of the date on which such Eurodollar Rate Loan is converted to
a Base Rate Loan or the date such principal amount is due and payable, on each
Interest Payment Date for such Loan at an interest rate per annum equal to the
Adjusted Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

         SECTION 2.09. CONTINUATION AND CONVERSION OF LOANS. The Borrower shall
have the right, at any time on telephone notice, with written confirmation, to
the Agent, given prior to 11:00 A.M. on the Business Day 


                                     - 24 -
<PAGE>   25

prior to such continuation or conversion (i) to continue any Borrowing comprised
of Eurodollar Rate Loans or a portion thereof into a subsequent Interest Period,
and (ii) to convert any Borrowing or portion thereof into a Borrowing of a
different Type, subject to the conditions precedent set forth below. The Agent
shall promptly notify the Banks of the contents of each such notice. The
conditions precedent are:

                  (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
         at the time of such continuation or conversion;

                  (b) in the case of a continuation of or conversion of a
         Borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans, the aggregate principal amount of
         Loans continued as or converted to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall not be
         less than $500,000, and in integral multiples of $250,000; and in the
         case of a continuation of or conversion of a Borrowing of Term Loans,
         the aggregate principal amount of loans continued or converted shall be
         not less than the lesser of $1,000,000 or the aggregate principal
         amount of all Term Loans;

                  (c) each conversion shall be effected by each Bank by applying
         the proceeds of its new Base Rate Loan or Eurodollar Rate Loan to the
         Loan (or portion thereof) being converted, and accrued interest on the
         Loan (or portion thereof) being converted shall be paid by the Borrower
         at the time of conversion; and

                  (d) a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be converted to another Type of
         Loan only on the last day of its Interest Period;

                  (e) each request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a continuation
         thereof shall state an Interest Period for such Loan, and any such
         request which shall fail to state an applicable Interest Period shall
         be deemed to be a request for an Interest Period of one month's
         duration;

                  (f) in the event that the Borrower does not give notice to
         continue any Eurodollar Rate Loan into a subsequent Interest Period,
         the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested that such Loan (unless
         repaid) be converted to a Base Rate Loan at the expiration of the then
         current Interest Period;

                  (g) no conversion or continuation of the Loans of any
         Borrowing pursuant to this SECTION 2.09 shall affect the Applicable
         Percentage of such Loans held by any Bank; and



                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>   26

                  (h) a Borrowing of Term Loans may not be converted to or
         continued as a Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans if after giving
         effect thereto (i) the Interest Period therefor would end after a date
         on which any principal of Term Loans is scheduled to be repaid and (ii)
         the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Eurodollar Rate Term
         Loans with Interest Periods ending on or prior to such scheduled
         repayment date plus the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans
         constituting Base Rate Loans would be less than the aggregate principal
         amount of Term Loans required to be repaid on such scheduled repayment
         date.

         SECTION 2.10. PREPAYMENT OF LOANS. (a) Subject to the provisions of
SECTIONS 2.10(b), 2.15, 2.18 AND 2.19 hereof, the Borrower may, by 11:00 A.M. of
the day of prepayment in the case of a Base Rate Loan and on three (3) Business
Days' notice to the Agent (which the Agent will promptly transmit to each Bank)
in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Loan, prepay the outstanding amount of any Loan
in whole or in part; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any prepayment of any Eurodollar
Rate Loan shall be made on the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan; and
PROVIDED, FURTHER, that each partial prepayment of any Loan, other than a
partial prepayment made pursuant to PARAGRAPH (e) below, shall be in a principal
amount not less than $500,000 and integral multiples thereof, except in the case
of a Base Rate Loan or a Term Loan with a balance of less than $500,000 which
may be prepaid in full. Each prepayment of a Term Loan shall be permanent.

         (b) Borrower shall be required to prepay the outstanding principal of
the Term Loans with 100% of the Net Proceeds received from (i) the sale,
transfer or other disposition of all or any part of the assets of the Borrower
or any Subsidiary, other than in the ordinary course of business, to the extent
that such disposition(s) result in aggregate Net Proceeds of more than $250,000
during any Fiscal Year of Borrower, and (ii) any casualty or other insured
damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or
similar proceeding of, any asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, but only to
the extent that the Net Proceeds therefrom have not been applied to repair,
restore or functionally replace such asset within 270 days after such event. Any
such mandatory prepayment shall be made not later than the Business Day next
following the day on which such Net Proceeds are received by the Borrower or any
Subsidiary and shall be applied pro rata first to the principal amount of all
Base Rate Term Loans, and second to the principal amount of all Eurodollar Rate
Term Loans, provided, however, that the amount available for prepayment of
Eurodollar Rate Term Loans shall be placed in an escrow account with the Agent,
which shall be a money market account regularly offered by the Agent, until the


                                     - 26 -
<PAGE>   27

last day of the current Interest Period, when it shall be applied to the
prepayment.

         (c) The Borrower shall reimburse each Bank on demand for any loss
incurred or to be incurred by it in the reemployment of the funds released by
any prepayment or conversion of any Eurodollar Rate Loan required or permitted
by any provision of this Agreement, in each case if such Loan is prepaid or
converted other than on the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan. The
Borrower further agrees to reimburse each Bank on demand for any loss (including
lost profit) incurred or to be incurred by it in the reemployment of the funds
released by any refusal by the Borrower to accept any requested Eurodollar Rate
Loan or any requested continuation thereof or conversion thereto.

         (d) Each prepayment of any Term Loan shall be applied to the
installments thereof in the inverse order of maturity and, except for
prepayments pursuant to PARAGRAPH (e) below, each prepayment of any Loan shall
be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount of such prepayment to the date
thereof.

         (e) At 9:00 A.M. on each Business Day, (i) the Agent agrees to deposit
in the Balance Shortfall Account funds available to the Borrower at such time
pursuant to the Sweep Agreements, to the extent, if any, necessary to cause the
balance in such account to equal the total amount of checks drawn on such
account and held by the Agent for payment on such day, plus $100,000; and (ii)
to the extent, if any, that such available funds exceed the amount required to
be so deposited, such available funds shall be applied by the Agent to prepay
the principal balance of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loans that are
comprised of Base Rate Loans; and (iii) to the extent, if any, that a balance of
such available funds remains after the principal of such Revolving Credit Loans
has been prepaid entirely, such available fund balance may be invested as
provided in the Sweep Agreements.

         SECTION 2.11. REDUCTION OR TERMINATION OF THE COMMITMENTS. The Borrower
shall have the right, upon at least two (2) Business Days' prior written or
telephonic notice (promptly confirmed in writing) to the Agent (which the Agent
will promptly transmit to each Bank), at any time to terminate or from time to
time reduce the Commitments without premium or penalty; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
(i) the Commitments may not be reduced to the extent that following such
reduction the unpaid principal of the Revolving Credit Notes would exceed the
Commitments as so reduced, (ii) any acceleration of the Termination Date shall
be accompanied 


                                     - 27 -
<PAGE>   28

by the payment of all commitment fees then accrued hereunder, and (iii) any
reduction of the Commitments shall be applied to reduce the Commitment of each
Bank according to its Applicable Percentage.

         SECTION 2.12. FEES. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for the
account of each Bank, in consideration of each Bank's Commitment, (a) a
commitment fee of 1/4 of 1% per annum, for the period from and including the
date of this Agreement to but excluding the date on which its Commitment is
entirely terminated, on the average daily unused portion of such Commitment
(based on a year of 360 days), payable on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter
commencing on June 30, 1997, and (b) a closing fee of $80,000, payable on the
Closing Date. In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent on the
Closing Date, in consideration of its acting as Agent, a fee of $45,000.

         SECTION 2.13. DEFAULT RATE OF INTEREST; LATE PAYMENT PENALTY. During
the existence of a Default or an Event of Default, (i) the interest rates
applicable to the Loans shall immediately without further action by either Bank
be increased to 2% above the rate(s) of interest then in effect on the Loans and
(ii) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be deemed converted at the end of the then
Interest Period to a Base Rate Loan and be deemed to bear interest at a rate
equal to 2% above the Base Rate until paid in full.

         SECTION 2.14. APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS AND COMPUTATIONS. All
computations of the Base Rate and Eurodollar Rate and of fees and Default
interest charges hereunder shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of
360 days, for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding
the last day) occurring in the period for which such interest and fees are
payable.

         SECTION 2.15. FUNDS; MANNER OF PAYMENT. Each Loan and each payment and
prepayment of principal and interest on the Notes shall be made without set-off
or counterclaim against any Bank. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder or
under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day,
such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such
extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of interest
or fees, as the case may be. All payments under this Agreement or the Notes
shall be made in Dollars and immediately available funds not later than 1:00
P.M. Rochester, New York time on the relevant dates specified above (each such
payment made after such time on such due date to be deemed to have been made on
the next succeeding Business Day) to the Agent's account designated to each Bank
by the Agent and maintained at its office in Rochester, New York, for the


                                     - 28 -
<PAGE>   29

account of each Bank. The Agent, or any Bank for whose account any such payment
is to be made, may (but shall not be obligated to), debit the amount of any such
payment which is not made by such time to any ordinary deposit account of the
Borrower with the Agent or such Bank, as the case may be, and any Bank so doing
shall promptly notify the Agent. The Borrower shall, at the time of making each
payment under this Agreement or the Notes, except for payments made pursuant to
SECTION 2.10(e), specify to the Agent the principal or other amount payable by
the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes to which such payment is to be
applied (and in the event that it fails to so specify, or if a Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Agent may apply such payment as
it may elect in its sole discretion (subject to SECTION 10.16)). Each payment
received by the Agent hereunder or under any Note for the account of a Bank
shall be paid promptly to such Bank, in immediately available funds.

         SECTION 2.16. CAPITAL ADEQUACY. If any Bank shall have determined that,
after the date hereof, the adoption of any applicable law, rule, regulation or
guideline regarding capital adequacy, or any change in any of the foregoing or
in the interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by any
Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by such Bank (or any
lending office of such Bank) or such Bank's holding company with any request or
directive regarding capital adequacy of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return
on such Bank's capital or on the capital of such Bank's holding company, if any,
as a consequence of its obligations hereunder to a level below that which such
Bank or its holding company could have achieved but for such adoption, change,
compliance or directive (taking into consideration the Bank's policies and the
policies of the Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy) by an
amount deemed by such Bank to be material, then from time to time the Borrower
shall pay to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the
Bank or the Bank's holding company for any such reduction suffered.

         SECTION 2.17. INABILITY TO DETERMINE RATE. In the event, and on each
occasion, that on the day two Business Days prior to the commencement of any
Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan, any Bank shall have determined
(which determination shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and
binding upon the Borrower) that such rate will not accurately reflect the cost
to the Bank of making or funding the principal amount of a Eurodollar Rate Loan
during such Interest Period, or that 


                                     - 29 -
<PAGE>   30

reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the rate on the Eurodollar Rate
Loan as set forth in the definition of "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate" herein, the
Bank shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, give written, telegraphic,
telephonic or facsimile notice of such determination to the Borrower and the
Agent and any pending request by the Borrower for a Eurodollar Rate or for Loan
conversion or continuation of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be deemed a request
for a Base Rate Loan. After such notice shall have been given, and until the
circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, each request for a
Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan.

         SECTION 2.18. OTHER EVENTS. (a) In the event that any enactment of or
change after the date hereof in applicable law, regulation, condition, directive
or interpretation thereof (including any request, guideline or policy and
including, without limitation, Regulation D promulgated by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System as now and from time to time hereafter
in effect) by any authority charged with the administration or interpretation
thereof:

                  (i) subjects any Bank to any tax with respect to the Loans
         hereunder or changes the basis of taxation of payment to the Bank of
         principal of or interest on any Loan or any commitment fee hereunder or
         any other amounts payable hereunder (other than any tax measured by or
         based upon the overall net income of the Bank or any branch or office
         thereof, imposed by the U. S. or by any other jurisdiction in which the
         Bank is qualified to do business or any political subdivision or taxing
         authority therein); or

                  (ii) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any reserve or
         deposit requirements against any assets held by, deposits with or for
         the account of, or loans or commitments by, an office of the Bank in
         connection with payments by the Bank hereunder; or

                  (iii) imposes upon the Bank or any Interbank Market any other
         condition with respect to any amount paid or payable to or by the Bank
         pursuant to this Agreement;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to the Bank of
making the payment or maintaining its Commitment or its Term Loans or to reduce
the amount of the payment receivable by the Bank hereunder or to require the
Bank to make the payment on or calculated by reference to the gross amount of
the sum received by it pursuant hereto, in each case by an amount which the Bank
in its reasonable judgment deems material, 


                                     - 30 -
<PAGE>   31

then:

(A)      the Bank shall promptly notify the Agent and the Borrower in
                  writing of the happening of such event;

(B)      the Bank shall promptly deliver to the Agent and the Borrower
                  a certificate stating the change which has occurred or the
                  reserve requirements or other conditions which have been
                  imposed on the Bank or the request, direction or requirement
                  with which it has complied, together with the date thereof,
                  the amount of such increased cost, reduction or payment and
                  the way in which such amount has been calculated; and

(C)      the Borrower shall pay to the Bank, within 30 days after
                  delivery of the certificate referred to in CLAUSE (B) above,
                  such an amount or amounts as will compensate the Bank for such
                  additional cost, reduction or payment.

Each Bank agrees to designate a different office of the Bank as its lending
office for Eurodollar Rate Loans if the designation would avoid or reduce any
amount payable by the Borrower to the Bank pursuant to this PARAGRAPH (a);
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such designation need not be made if it would result in
any additional costs, expenses or risks to the Bank that are not reimbursed by
the Borrower pursuant hereto or would be in any other respect prejudicial to the
Bank. If any Bank makes a demand for compensation pursuant to this PARAGRAPH
(a), the Borrower may at any time, upon at least three Business Days' prior
written or telegraphic notice to the Agent and the Bank either (i) repay in full
any outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loan together with accrued interest thereon to
the date of prepayment or (ii) convert such Loan to a Base Rate Loan, in each
case notwithstanding the provisions of SECTIONS 2.09(d) AND 2.10(a). No such
repayment or conversion shall affect Borrower's obligation under SECTION
2.10(c).

         (b) Failure on the part of any Bank to demand compensation under
PARAGRAPH (a) above on any one occasion shall not constitute a waiver of its
right to demand such compensation on any other occasion and failure on the part
of a Bank to deliver any certificate in a timely manner shall not in any way
reduce any obligations of the Borrower to such Bank under this SECTION 2.18.

         SECTION 2.19. CHANGE IN LEGALITY. (a) Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement, if any change after the date
hereof in any law or regulation or in the interpretation thereof by any



                                     - 31 -
<PAGE>   32

governmental authority charged with the administration thereof shall make it
unlawful (based on the opinion of any counsel, whether in-house, special or
general, for any Bank) for such Bank to make or maintain any Eurodollar Rate
Loan or to give effect to its obligations as contemplated hereby with respect to
any Eurodollar Rate Loan, then, by written notice to the Agent and the Borrower
by the Bank, the Bank may:

                  (i) declare that such Bank's obligation to make Eurodollar
         Rate Loans, and its obligation to convert Base Rate Loans into
         Eurodollar Rate Loans, shall be suspended until such declaration is
         subsequently withdrawn; and all Eurodollar Rate Loans that would
         otherwise be made or renewed by such Bank shall be made instead as Base
         Rate Loans; and the Bank agrees to withdraw any such declaration if and
         to the extent that the making and/or maintenance by the Bank of its
         Eurodollar Rate Loans shall cease to be unlawful; and

                  (ii) require that all outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loans made
         by it be converted to Base Rate Loans, whereupon all such Loans shall
         be automatically converted to Base Rate Loans as of the effective date
         of such notice as provided in PARAGRAPH (b) below (notwithstanding the
         provisions of SECTION 2.10) and all payments and repayments that would
         otherwise have been applied to such Bank's converted Loans shall be
         applied instead to its Base Rate Loans.

         (b) For purposes of this SECTION 2.19, a notice to the Borrower by any
Bank pursuant to PARAGRAPH (a) above shall be effective, if lawful and if any
Eurodollar Rate Loan shall then be outstanding, on the last day of then current
Interest Period; otherwise, such notice shall be effective on the date of
receipt by the Borrower.

         (c) Each Bank agrees to designate a different office as its lending
office for Eurodollar Rate Loans if such designation will effect compliance with
the law or regulation or interpretation thereof invoking the provisions of this
SECTION 2.19; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such designation need not be made if it
would result in any additional costs, expenses or risks to the Bank that are not
reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant hereto or would be in any other respect
prejudicial to the Bank.

III.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and each Bank that:

         SECTION 3.01. ORGANIZATION, CORPORATE POWERS, ETC. The Borrower (i) 



                                     - 32 -
<PAGE>   33

is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Ohio, (ii) has the power and authority to own its
properties, to consummate the Transactions, including the Acquisition, and to
carry on its business as now being conducted and as contemplated after
completion of the Acquisition, (iii) is duly qualified to do business in every
jurisdiction wherein the conduct of its business or the ownership of its
properties is such as to require such qualification and (iv) has the corporate
power to execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents.

         SECTION 3.02. CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; NO
CONTRAVENTION. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower and each
Subsidiary of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of
the Transactions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as the case may be,
hereunder (a) have been duly authorized, (b) will not violate (i) any provision
of law or any governmental rule or regulation applicable to the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, (ii) any order of any court or other agency of government binding on
the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any indenture, agreement, including the Berk
Stock Agreement, or other instrument to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is
a party, or by which the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their properties
are bound, and (c) will not be in conflict with, result in a breach of or
constitute (with due notice and/or lapse of time) a default under, any such
indenture, agreement, including the Berk Stock Agreement, or other instrument,
or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance of
any nature whatsoever upon any of its property or assets other than as
contemplated by the Loan Documents. Each person executing the Loan Documents has
full authority to execute and deliver same for and on behalf of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

         SECTION 3.03. FINANCIAL CONDITION. (a) The Borrower has furnished the
Agent and each Bank with consolidated financial statements of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for the Fiscal Year ending March 31, 1996, audited and certified by
Price Waterhouse & Co. LLP, together with Borrower's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, for the 9 month period ending December 31, 1996 and Borrower's unaudited
statement/balance sheet and the related statements of income and retained
earnings for the period ending January 31, 1997. Such financial statements were
prepared in conformity with GAAP (except for the unaudited statements as of and
for the period ending January 31, 1997, which were prepared consistently with
past practices and substantially in conformity with GAAP), and present fairly
the consolidated financial condition of Borrower and its Subsidiaries and as of
the date of such financial statements and the results of operations for the
period covered thereby.



                                     - 33 -
<PAGE>   34

         (b) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries had, at the date
of the most recent balance sheet referred to above, any material contingent
obligation, contingent liability or liability for taxes, or any material
long-term lease or unusual forward or long-term commitment, including, without
limitation, any interest rate or foreign currency swap or exchange transaction
or other financial derivative, which is not reflected in the foregoing
statements or in the notes thereto.

         (c) During the period from December 31, 1996 to and including the date
hereof there has been no sale, transfer or other disposition by the Borrower or
any of its consolidated Subsidiaries of any material part of its or their
business or property and no purchase or other acquisition of any business or
property (including any capital stock of any other Person) that was material in
relation to the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its
consolidated Subsidiaries at December 31, 1996, nor any agreement to do so,
other than the Asset Purchase Agreement and the sale in January, 1997 of land
owned by the Borrower on Calkins Road, Monroe County, New York.

         (d) Since December 31, 1996 there has been no development or event nor
any prospective development or event, which has had or could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no obligation or liability,
contingent or otherwise, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which is material
in amount and which is not, or shall not be, reflected in the foregoing
statements (and the related notes thereto) as of said date.

         SECTION 3.04. TAXES. All assessed deficiencies resulting from Internal
Revenue Service examinations of the Federal income tax returns of the Borrower
have been discharged or reserved against. The Borrower has filed or caused to be
filed all Federal, state and local tax returns which are required to be filed,
and has paid or caused to be paid all taxes as shown on said returns or on any
assessment received by it, to the extent that such taxes have become due, except
any such taxes that are immaterial in amount or are being contested in good
faith with appropriate reserves set aside therefor.

         SECTION 3.05. TITLE TO PROPERTIES. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries
have good and marketable title to their respective properties and assets
reflected on the balance sheet referred to in SECTION 3.03 hereof, except for
such properties and assets as have been disposed of since the date of such
balance sheet as no longer used or useful in the conduct of its business or as
have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business, and all such


                                     - 34 -
<PAGE>   35

properties and assets are free and clear of mortgages, pledges, liens, charges
and other encumbrances, except as required or permitted by the provisions hereof
or as disclosed in SCHEDULE 3.05.

         SECTION 3.06. LITIGATION. (a) Except as disclosed in SCHEDULE 3.06,
there are no actions, suits or proceedings (whether or not purportedly on behalf
of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) pending or, to the knowledge of the
Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or any material property of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, at law or in equity or before or by any Federal, state, municipal
or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or
instrumentality, domestic or foreign; and (b) neither the Borrower nor any of
its Subsidiaries is in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction,
decree, rule or regulation of any court or Federal, state, municipal or other
governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign.

         SECTION 3.07. AGREEMENTS. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any charter
or other corporate restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree
or regulation materially and adversely affecting its business, properties or
assets, operations or condition (financial or otherwise). Neither the Borrower
nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any manner which would have a
Material Adverse Effect or materially and adversely affect the performance,
observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions
contained in any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party.

         SECTION 3.08. ERISA. No Reportable Event has occurred during the
five-year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or
deemed made with respect to any Plan, and each Plan has complied in all material
respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code. The present value
of all accrued benefits under each Single Employer Plan maintained by the
Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity (based on those assumptions used to
fund the Plans) did not, as of the last annual valuation date prior to the date
on which this representation is made or deemed made, exceed the value of the
assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued benefits. Neither the Borrower nor
any Commonly Controlled Entity has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any
Multiemployer Plan, and neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity
would become subject to any liability under ERISA if the Borrower or any such
Commonly Controlled Entity were to withdraw completely from all Multiemployer
Plans as of the valuation date most closely preceding the 


                                     - 35 -
<PAGE>   36

date on which this representation is made or deemed made. No such Multiemployer
Plan is in reorganization or Insolvent.

         SECTION 3.09. MORTGAGE. The real property description attached to the
mortgage to be executed pursuant to SECTION 4.01(i) correctly describes the real
property located at 977 Mt. Read Boulevard, Rochester, New York, which property
is owned by the Borrower free and clear of all mortgages, liens and other
encumbrances.

         SECTION 3.10. FEDERAL RESERVE REGULATIONS. (a) The Borrower is not
engaged principally in, nor does it have as one of its important activities, the
business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any
"margin stock" (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System of the U.S., as amended to the date hereof). If
requested by any Bank, the Borrower will furnish to such Bank a statement on
Federal Reserve Form U-1.

         (b) No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, whether directly
or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, (i) to
purchase or to carry margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose
of purchasing or carrying margin stock, or to refund indebtedness originally
incurred for such purpose, or (ii) for any purpose which violates or is
inconsistent with the provisions of the Regulations G, T, U, or X of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

         SECTION 3.11. SUBSIDIARIES. Attached hereto as SCHEDULE 3.11 is a
correct and complete list of all the Borrower's Subsidiaries and Affiliates,
showing as to each Subsidiary, its name, the jurisdiction of its incorporation
and the percentage of such outstanding shares owned by the Borrower and other
Subsidiaries, respectively. Each of the Borrower's Subsidiaries and Affiliates
is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all corporate powers and
all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals
required to carry on its business as now conducted.

         SECTION 3.12. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. To the best knowledge of the
Borrower, each of the representations and warranties set forth in PARAGRAPHS (a)
THROUGH (e) of this Section is true and correct with respect to each parcel of
real property owned or operated by the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries (the
"Properties").

                  (a) The Properties do not contain, and have not previously
         contained, in, on, or under, including, without limitation, the soil
         and


                                     - 36 -
<PAGE>   37

         groundwater thereunder, any Hazardous Materials.

                  (b) The Properties and all operations and facilities at the
         Properties are in compliance with all Environmental Laws, and there is
         no Hazardous Materials contamination or violation of any Environmental
         Law which could interfere with the continued operation of any of the
         Properties or impair the fair market value of any thereof.

                  (c) Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has
         received any complaint, notice of violation, alleged violation,
         investigation or advisory action or of potential liability or of
         potential responsibility regarding environmental protection matters or
         permit compliance with regard to the Properties, nor is the Borrower
         aware that any Governmental Authority is contemplating delivering to
         the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries any such notice.

                  (d) Hazardous Materials have not been generated, treated,
         stored, disposed of, at, on or under any of the Properties, nor have
         any Hazardous Materials been transferred from the Properties to any
         other location.

                  (e) There are no governmental, administrative actions or
         judicial proceedings pending or contemplated under any Environmental
         Laws to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is or will be
         named as a party with respect to the Properties, nor are there any
         consent decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative orders
         or other orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements
         outstanding under any Environmental Laws with respect to any of the
         Properties.

         SECTION 3.13. NOT AN INVESTMENT COMPANY. The Borrower is not an
"investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended. The Borrower is not subject to regulation under any Federal or State
statute or regulation which limits its ability to incur Indebtedness.

         SECTION 3.14. MATERIAL CHANGE. No material adverse change in the
business or operations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has occurred
since the financial statements dated as of December 31, 1996 previously
delivered to the Banks.

         SECTION 3.15. GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL. No registration with or consent



                                     - 37 -
<PAGE>   38

or approval of, or other action by, any Federal, state or other governmental
authority or regulatory body is required in connection with the execution,
delivery and performance of the Loan Documents or the consummation of the
Transactions.

         SECTION 3.16. FULL DISCLOSURE. All written information heretofore
furnished by the Borrower to the Banks for purposes of or in connection with
this Agreement and the Transactions is, and all such information hereafter
furnished by the Borrower to the Banks will be, true and accurate in all
material respects on the date as of which such information is stated or
certified. To the best of Borrower's knowledge based on investigation by the
Borrower's officers, the Borrower has disclosed to the Banks in writing any and
all facts which, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower, have had or would
be reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect. For the purpose of the
preceding sentence, the facts relating to the E.I.L. Business shall, as of the
date of this Agreement, be deemed to include only those set forth in the Asset
Purchase Agreement.

         SECTION 3.17. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement and each other Loan
Documents to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party constitute
the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries that is a party thereto, enforceable against such Person in
accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited
by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting
the enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles
relating to enforceability.

         SECTION 3.18. TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES, ETC. The Borrower and its
Subsidiaries own or are licensed or otherwise have the right to use, to the best
of their knowledge, all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names,
franchises, authorizations and other rights that are reasonably necessary for
the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights
of any other Person. To the best knowledge of the Borrower, no slogan or other
advertising device or product, now employed, or now contemplated to be employed
by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries infringes upon any rights held by any
other Person; no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending
or threatened, and no statute, law, rule, regulation, standard or code is
pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, proposed regarding the foregoing.

         SECTION 3.19. ACQUISITION. SCHEDULE 3.19, which is separate from but
delivered by Borrower to the Banks with this Agreement, contains a true and
correct copy of the Asset Purchase Agreement and all schedules, 


                                     - 38 -
<PAGE>   39

exhibits, side letters, and other documents attached to or delivered with or in
connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement by either party thereto. The Asset
Purchase Agreement is a valid and binding contract with respect to each party
thereto and is enforceable against each party in accordance with its terms.
Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Borrower will purchase all of the
assets and assume all of the liabilities to be purchased and assumed thereunder,
except for assets and liabilities which are to purchased and assumed by
Transmation (Canada), Inc. The Borrower has furnished the Agent and each Bank
with consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income and retained
earnings of the E.I.L. Business for the fiscal years ending October 31, 1995 and
1996, and a consolidated statement of income and retained earnings of the E.I.L.
Business for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1994, in each case audited and
certified by Arthur Andersen & Co., together with the unaudited balance sheet
and related statements of income and retained earnings for the period ended
January 31, 1997. Such financial statements were prepared in conformity with
GAAP, (except for the unaudited statements as of and for the period ending
January 31, 1997, which were prepared consistently with past practices and
substantially in conformity with GAAP), and present fairly the financial
condition of the E.I.L. Business as of the respective dates of such financial
statements and the results of operations for the periods covered thereby. During
the period from January 31, 1997 to and including the date hereof, there has
been no development or event or any prospective development or event, which has
had or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects
of the E.I.L. Business taken as a whole.

         SECTION 3.20. SOLVENCY. Immediately after the consummation of the
Acquisition and the Transactions to occur on the date of the initial Borrowing
hereunder and immediately following the making of each Loan made on such date
and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans, (a)
the fair value of the assets (tangible and intangible) of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, at a fair valuation, will exceed their or
its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the
present fair saleable value of the property of the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the
probable liability on their or its debts and other liabilities, subordinated,
contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and
mature; (c) the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries will be able to pay its
debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and
liabilities become absolute and matured; and (d) the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries, taken together, 


                                     - 39 -
<PAGE>   40

will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in
which it is or they are engaged as such business is now conducted and is
proposed to be conducted following the Closing Date.

         SECTION 3.21. BERK STOCK AGREEMENT. SCHEDULE 3.21 contains a true and
correct copy of the Berk Stock Agreement.

IV.  CONDITIONS OF LENDING

         SECTION 4.01. CLOSING DATE. The obligations of the Banks to make Loans
hereunder shall not become effective until the date (the "Closing Date") on
which each of the following conditions is satisfied:

         (a) The Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party
hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party
or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Agent (which may include telecopy
transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has
signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

         (b) The Agent shall have received favorable written opinions (addressed
to the Agent and the Banks and dated the Closing Date) of each of (i) Harter,
Secrest and Emery, U.S. counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of
SCHEDULE 4.01(b), and (ii) Gowlins, Strathy & Henderson, Canadian counsel to the
Borrower, substantially in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(b-1), and, in the case of
each such opinion required by this paragraph, covering such other matters
relating to the parties, the Loan Documents or the Acquisition as the Required
Lenders shall reasonably request. The Borrower hereby requests each such counsel
to deliver such opinions.

         (c) The Agent and each Bank shall have received such documents and
certificates as the Agent and each Bank or its respective counsel may reasonably
request relating to the organization, existence and (in the case of the Borrower
and the Subsidiaries located in the U. S.) good standing of each, the
authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the
Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to
the Agent and each Bank and its respective counsel.

         (d) The Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date
and signed by the Chief Financial Officer, confirming compliance with the
conditions set forth in PARAGRAPHS (a) AND (b) OF SECTION 4.02.

         (e) The Agent shall have received, for its own account and for the


                                     - 40 -
<PAGE>   41

account of each Bank, to the extent invoiced, all fees and other amounts due and
payable to the Agent and each Bank on or prior to the Closing Date, including,
to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses
required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder or under any other
Loan Document.

         (f) The Agent shall have received counterparts of (i) the U.S.
Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement, in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(f), signed on
behalf of each U.S. Subsidiary, and (ii) the Foreign Subsidiary Guarantee, in
the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(f-l), signed on behalf of each Foreign Subsidiary.

         (g) The Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of the (x) the
Foreign Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(g), signed on
behalf of the Borrower, and (y) the U.S. Subsidiary Pledge Agreement signed, in
the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(g-1), on behalf of the Borrower, (ii) stock
certificates representing all the outstanding shares of capital stock of each
Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (iv)
stock powers and instruments of transfer, endorsed in blank, with respect to
such stock certificates.

         (h) The Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of (x) the Borrower
Security Agreement, in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(h), signed on behalf of the
Borrower (y) the Subsidiary Security Agreement, in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01
(h-1), signed on behalf of each U.S. Subsidiary and (z) the Canadian Subsidiary
Security Agreement, in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(h-2), signed by Transmation
(Canada) Inc. and (ii) all documents and instruments, including Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements, required by law or reasonably requested by
the Agent to be filed, registered or recorded to create or perfect the liens
intended to be created under such Security Agreements.

         (i) The Agent shall have received a counterpart of the Mortgage, and of
the Negative Pledge Agreement, each in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(i), signed on
behalf of the Borrower.

         (j) The Agent shall have received Uniform Commercial Code (or
equivalent) searches, satisfactory to the Banks and their legal counsel,
including (i) the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or
equivalent) filings made with respect to the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and
E.I.L. Instruments, Inc. in the jurisdictions where they do business or have
assets, and (ii) copies of the financing statements (or similar documents)
disclosed by such searches and evidence that the liens indicated by such
financing statements (or similar documents) and not permitted 


                                     - 41 -
<PAGE>   42

hereunder have been released or terminated.

         (k) The Acquisition shall have been consummated, in all respects in
accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, with each party
thereto having fulfilled all of the conditions to such party's obligations set
forth in Article 8 of the Asset Purchase Agreement, except to the extent that
such conditions have not been met or fulfilled with the consent of each Bank.

         (l) The Agent and each Bank shall have been provided, on or prior to
the Closing Date, with the opportunity to review all documents exchanged between
the parties at the closing under the Asset Purchase Agreement, including all
opinions of counsel delivered by each party, and such documents shall be in all
material respects consistent with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement and
shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Banks.

         (m) The Agent and each Bank shall have received a "fairness opinion"
with respect to the Acquisition from FURMAN SELZ LLC and an appraisal of the
Borrower's equipment from Frank Ronne & Co., in each case reasonably
satisfactory to the Banks.

         (n) The Agent and each Bank shall have received a certificate of the
Chief Financial Officer, in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(n), to the effect set
forth below, and each of the following shall be true and correct on the date of
such certificate:

                  (i) The Acquisition shall have been consummated in all
         respects in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement,
         with each party to the Asset Purchase Agreement having fulfilled all of
         the conditions to such party's obligations set forth in Article 8 of
         the Asset Purchase Agreement, except to the extent that such conditions
         have not been met or fulfilled with the consent of each Bank.

                  (ii) The Agent and each Bank shall have been provided on or
         prior to the Closing Date with an opportunity to review all documents
         exchanged between the parties at the closing under the Asset Purchase
         Agreement, including all opinions of counsel delivered by either party,
         and such documents shall be in all material respects consistent with
         the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement and the schedules and
         exhibits attached thereto, except to the extent approved by the Banks.



                                     - 42 -
<PAGE>   43

                  (iii) Borrower and its Subsidiary, Transmation (Canada), Inc.,
         as the case may be, shall have received all of the assets to be
         purchased by it pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement free and clear
         of all mortgages, pledges, liens, charges and other encumbrances except
         for those provided for in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

                  (iv) All representations and warranties of the Borrower
         contained in the Agreement and any Loan Document made as of and after
         the Closing Date are true and correct as of the date of such lending
         after inclusion or reflection, as appropriate, of all assets purchased
         and liabilities assumed by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant
         to the Asset Purchase Agreement.

                  (v) Following is a reconciliation of the Borrower's use of the
         Borrowings to be made on the date of such lending for the payment of
         the purchase price payable pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement,
         and application to the cost and expenses of the Acquisition and the
         Asset Purchase Agreement, and to the payment of Indebtedness as
         required pursuant to SECTION 4.01 (O).

         (o) Except as permitted under SECTION 6.01, all Indebtedness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including that assumed in the Transactions (other
than Indebtedness set forth on SCHEDULE 6.01) and that pursuant to the Revolving
Credit Facility Agreement between Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, dated
SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 (which agreement shall be terminated), shall have been repaid
in full, and all obligations thereunder and security interests relating thereto
shall have been discharged or assigned to the Agent, as Agent for the Banks, and
the Agent shall have received satisfactory evidence of such repayment, discharge
or assignment.

         (p) The Agent and each Bank shall have received evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it that the Borrower has, and has caused each of its
Subsidiaries to have, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies,
insurance (or, to the extent customary for similar companies engaged in the same
or similar businesses, self insurance) in such amounts and against such risks
(including fire and other risks insured by extended coverage) as are customarily
maintained by similar companies engaged in the same or similar businesses
operating in the same or similar locations, including public liability insurance
against claims for personal injury, death or property damage occurring upon,
about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or
controlled by it as well as such other insurance as may be required by law.



                                     - 43 -
<PAGE>   44

         (q) The Agent and each Bank shall have received copies of the
certificate of incorporation of the Borrower and each Subsidiary, and certified
resolutions and incumbency certificates for the Borrower and each Subsidiary,
related to the execution, delivery and performance by each of the Loan Documents
and the consummation of the Transactions.

         (r) The Agent and each Bank shall have received counterparts of
Subordination Agreements in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(r), signed by each of E.
Lee Garelick, subordinating an Indebtedness of approximately of $1,756,000, and
James N. Wurtz, subordinating an Indebtedness of approximately of $1,344,000.

         (s) The Agent and each Bank shall have received counterparts of
Subsidiary Subordination Agreements in the form of SCHEDULE 4.01(s), signed by
each Subsidiary and subordinating any Indebtedness now or hereafter owed by
Borrower to such Subsidiary.

The Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Bank of the Closing Date and each
initial Loan, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Commitments of the Banks shall terminate unless each of the
foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived by the Required Banks) at or prior
to 3:00 P.M., Rochester time, on April 30, 1997.

         SECTION 4.02. EACH LOAN. The obligation of each Bank to make a Loan on
the occasion of any Borrowing, is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:

         (a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in the
Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of
the date of such Loan.

         (b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Loan, no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Each Loan shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the
Borrower on the Borrowing Date thereof as to the matters specified in PARAGRAPHS
(a) AND (b) of this Section.

V.       AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         Borrower covenants and agrees with the Banks that, so long as this
Agreement shall remain in effect or any of the principal of or interest on 



                                     - 44 -
<PAGE>   45

the Notes or any fees or other amounts remain unpaid hereunder, it will, and
will cause each of their Subsidiaries to:

         SECTION 5.01. CORPORATE EXISTENCE, PROPERTIES, INSURANCE, ETC. Except
as permitted in SECTION 5.02, do or cause to be done all things necessary to
preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence as a corporation and
its rights and franchises and comply, in all material respects, with all laws
applicable to it. At all times maintain, preserve and protect all franchises,
trade names, licenses, patents, trademarks and copyrights and preserve all
material property used or useful in the conduct of their business and keep the
same in good repair, working order and condition, reasonable wear and tear
excluded, and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all needful and
proper repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereto so
that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and
advantageously conducted at all times and at all times keep its insurable
proportions adequately insured, except that Borrower shall be permitted to
decline to take any or all of such actions with respect to either or both of
Transmation Australia Pty. Ltd. and Transmation Singapore Pte. Ltd. as long as
it first notifies the Agent and the Banks.

         SECTION 5.02. PAYMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS, TAXES, ETC. (a) Pay all
Indebtedness and obligations as and when due and payable and (b) pay and
discharge or cause to be paid and discharged promptly all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income and profits,
or upon any of its property, real, personal or mixed, or upon any part thereof,
before the same shall become in default, as well as all lawful claims for labor,
materials and supplies or otherwise which, if unpaid, might become a lien or
charge upon such properties or any part thereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither
the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay and discharge
or cause to be paid and discharged any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or
claim so long as the validity thereof shall be contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings, and the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may
be, shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect to any such
tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim so contested; and FURTHER PROVIDED that,
subject to the foregoing proviso, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will pay or
cause to be paid all such taxes, assessments, charges, levies or claims upon the
commencement of proceedings to foreclose any lien which has attached as security
therefor.

         SECTION 5.03. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Furnish directly to each of the
Banks:

                  (a) as soon as available and in any event within 90 days after


                                     - 45 -
<PAGE>   46

         the end of each Fiscal Year of Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet
         of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such
         Fiscal Year and a consolidated income statement and statements of cash
         flows and changes in stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its
         consolidated Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, all in reasonable
         detail and stating in comparative form the respective consolidated
         figures for the corresponding date and period in the prior Fiscal Year,
         and all prepared in accordance with GAAP and as to the consolidated
         statements accompanied by an opinion thereon acceptable to the Required
         Banks by Price Waterhouse and Co. LLP or other independent accountants
         of national standing selected by the Borrower;

                  (b) deliver together with the information required in
         PARAGRAPH (a) above, the same information presented on a consolidating
         basis prepared by management of the Borrower, except that Borrower
         shall not be required to deliver statements of cash flows on a
         consolidating basis;

                  (c) as soon as available and in any event within 45 days after
         the end of each Fiscal Quarter, a report (which may consist of
         Borrower's then current Form 10- Q Quarterly Report filed with the
         SEC), which includes a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of
         the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such
         Fiscal Quarter and a consolidated and consolidating income statement
         and consolidated statement of cash flows and changes in stockholders'
         equity, of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the
         period commencing at the end of the previous Fiscal Year and ending
         with the end of such Fiscal Quarter, all in reasonable detail and
         stating in comparative form the respective consolidated and
         consolidating (as appropriate) figures for the corresponding date and
         period in the previous Fiscal Year and all prepared in accordance with
         GAAP and certified by the Chief Financial Officer (subject to year-end
         adjustments);

                  (d) promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of any reports
         submitted to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by independent
         certified public accountants in connection with examination of the
         financial statements of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary made by
         such accountants;

                  (e) simultaneously with the delivery of the financial
         statements referred to in CLAUSE (c) above, a certificate of the Chief
         Financial Officer, in the form of SCHEDULE 5.03(e), (i) certifying that
         to the best of his knowledge no Default or Event of Default has
         occurred 


                                     - 46 -
<PAGE>   47

         and is continuing or, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and
         is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof and the action
         which is proposed to be taken with respect thereto, and (ii) with
         computations of the Adjusted Leverage Ratio and computations
         demonstrating compliance with the covenants contained in ARTICLE VII,
         as of the end of the latest Fiscal Quarter covered by such financial
         statements;

                  (f) promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of each
         action, suit, and proceeding before any court or governmental
         department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
         domestic or foreign, affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
         which, (i) involves a claim in which it appears that the claim or the
         potential liability exceeds $50,000, (ii) if determined adversely to
         the Borrower or such Subsidiary, could have a Material Adverse Effect,
         or (iii) questions the validity of any of the Loan Documents or of any
         of the Transactions;

                  (g) as soon as possible after the occurrence of each Default
         or Event of Default, a written notice setting forth the details of such
         Default or Event of Default and the action which is proposed to be
         taken by the Borrower with respect thereto;

                  (h) promptly upon presentation to Borrower's audit committee,
         a copy of the management letter prepared by the Borrower's independent
         auditors in connection with each report delivered pursuant to CLAUSE
         (a) above.

                  (i) as soon as available and in any event within 30 days after
         the end of each month, a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet
         of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such
         month and a consolidated and consolidating income statement, of the
         Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries for the period commencing at
         the end of the previous Fiscal Year and ending with the end of such
         month, all in reasonable detail and all prepared in accordance with
         GAAP and certified by the Chief Financial Officer (subject to year-end
         adjustments);

                  (j) Upon their becoming available, copies of all regular and
         periodic reports, if any, and any registration statements and
         prospectuses, which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall file
         with the SEC.

                  (k) Upon their becoming available, copies of all reports,
         proxy 


                                     - 47 -
<PAGE>   48

         statements and financial statements mailed by the Borrower to its
         shareholders generally.

                  (l) promptly, from time to time, such other information
         regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of
         the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries as the Required Banks may
         reasonably request.

         SECTION 5.04. ACCESS TO PREMISES AND RECORDS. Maintain financial
records in accordance with GAAP; permit representatives of the Banks to have
access to such financial records and the premises of the Borrower and any of its
Subsidiaries upon request, and to make such excerpts from such records or to
conduct such audits and field examinations as such representatives deem
reasonably necessary; and permit representatives of the Banks to have access to
the financial records and premises of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries,
upon request, to audit the Banks' collateral securing the Loans; and the
Borrower shall pay the Banks a fee of $2,500 for each such audit, provided that
Borrower shall not be required to pay for more than one such audit during any
Fiscal Year in which no Default existed.

         SECTION 5.05. NOTICE OF ADVERSE CHANGE. Promptly, but not later than
fifteen (15) Business Days after any change or information shall have come to
the attention of any Executive Officer notify the Agent, for delivery to the
Banks, in writing of (a) any change in the business or the operations which, in
the good faith judgment of such Executive Officer, would be reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) any information which indicates that any
financial statements which are the subject of any representation contained in
this Agreement, or which are furnished to the Banks pursuant to this Agreement,
fail, to any material extent, to present fairly the financial condition and
results of operations purported to be presented therein, disclosing the nature
thereof.

         SECTION 5.06. NOTICE OF DEFAULT. Promptly, in the event any Executive
Officer knows of any Default or Event of Default, or knows of an event of
default under any other agreement, furnish to the Agent, for delivery to the
Banks, a written statement as to such occurrence, specifying the nature and
extent thereof and the action (if any) which is proposed to be taken with
respect thereto.

         SECTION 5.07. ERISA. (a) Comply, in all material respects with the
provisions of ERISA applicable to any Plan maintained by the Borrower and the
Subsidiaries; and (b) as soon as possible and, in any event, within 10 days


                                     - 48 -
<PAGE>   49

after the Borrower or any Subsidiary knows any of the following, deliver to the
Agent, for delivery to the Banks, a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer
setting forth details as to such occurrence and such action, if any, which the
Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate is required or proposes to take,
together with any notices required or proposed to be given to or filed with or
by the Borrower, the Subsidiary, the ERISA Affiliate, the PBGC, a Plan
participant or the Plan Administrator with respect thereto: (i) that a
Reportable Event has occurred or is expected to occur, (ii) that an accumulated
funding deficiency has been incurred or an application may be or has been made
to the Secretary of the Treasury for a waiver or modification of the minimum
funding standard (including any required installment payments) or an extension
of any amortization period under Section 412 of the Code with respect to a Plan,
(iii) that a Plan has been or may be terminated, reorganized, partitioned or
declared insolvent under Title IV of ERISA, (iv) that a Plan has an Unfunded
Current Liability giving rise to a lien under ERISA, (v) that proceedings may be
or have been instituted to terminate a Plan, (vi) that a proceeding has been
instituted pursuant to Section 515 of ERISA to collect a delinquent contribution
to a Plan, or (vii) that the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate
will or may incur any liability (including any contingent or secondary
liability) to or on account of the termination of or withdrawal from a Plan
under Section 4062, 4063, 4064, 4201 or 4204 of ERISA. In addition to any
certificates or notices delivered to the Agent pursuant to the preceding
sentence, copies of annual reports and any other notices received by the
Borrower or any Subsidiary and required to be delivered to the Agent hereunder
shall be delivered to the Agent no later than 30 days after the later of the
date such report or notice has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service or
the PBGC, given to Plan participants or received by the Borrower or the
Subsidiary.

         SECTION 5.08. COMPLIANCE WITH CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
OF LAW; APPLICABLE LAWS. Comply, in all material respects, with all Contractual
Obligations and requirements of law.

         SECTION 5.09. SUBSIDIARIES. Give the Agent, for delivery to the Banks,
prompt written notice of the creation, establishment or acquisition, in any
manner, of any Subsidiary or Affiliate not existing on the date hereof, and with
such notice, in form satisfactory to the Agent and the Required Banks, (i) a
Guarantee executed by such Subsidiary of payment of all Loans, (ii) a pledge of
the stock of such Subsidiary and a security agreement covering all of such
Subsidiary's asset, each securing all Loans, and (iii) all related documentation
required pursuant to each such agreement.

         SECTION 5.10.  ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.



                                     - 49 -
<PAGE>   50

         (a) Comply with, and insure compliance by all tenants and subtenants,
if any, with, all Environmental Laws and obtain and comply with and maintain and
insure that all tenants and subtenants obtain and comply with and maintain, any
and all licenses, approvals, registrations or permits required by Environmental
Laws;

         (b) Conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and
testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under
Environmental Laws and promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of
all Governmental Authorities respecting Environmental Laws except to the extent
that the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; and

         (c) Defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and each Bank and
their respective employees, agents, officers and directors, from and against any
claims, demands, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and
expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or otherwise,
arising out of, or in any way relating to the violation of or non-compliance
with any Environmental Laws applicable to the real property owned or operated by
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any orders, requirements or demands
of Governmental Authorities related thereto, including, without limitation,
attorney's and consultant's fees, investigation and laboratory fees, court costs
and litigation expenses, except to the extent that any of the foregoing arise
out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party seeking
indemnification therefor.

         SECTION 5.11. VOTING OF SUBSIDIARIES' SHARES. The Borrower will vote
the shares of any Subsidiary, and cause any Subsidiary shares to be voted, in a
manner which will not violate any of the covenants or restrictions of this
Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents.

         SECTION 5.12. PROCEEDS OF THE LOANS. The proceeds of the Term Loans
shall be used by the Borrower only to finance the Acquisition, including payment
of the Acquisition price and related fees and costs of the Acquisition. The
proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans may be utilized, in a single drawing made
on the Closing Date of no more than $12 million, to fund the Acquisition price
and related fees and costs; and otherwise the proceeds of Revolving Credit Loans
shall be used first to pay Indebtedness as contemplated in SECTION 4.01(i), and
thereafter to finance the ongoing working capital requirements and other general
corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that
Borrower may not use the proceeds of any Loans to make advances to or
investments in any 


                                     - 50 -
<PAGE>   51

of its Subsidiaries except as permitted pursuant to SECTION 6.06(E).

         SECTION 5.13. MANAGEMENT. Continue to employ Robert G. Klimasewski as
the Borrower's President and Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board
unless a replacement satisfactory to the Required Banks is appointed within 45
days of the date Mr. Klimasewski ceases to be employed in either such position.

         SECTION 5.14. ACQUISITION DOCUMENTS. Within five days after the Closing
Date, Borrower will provide the Agent and each Bank with a set of copies of the
documents referred to in SECTION 4.01(l).

VI.      NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower covenants and agrees with the Banks that, so long as this
Agreement shall remain in effect or any of the principal of or interest on the
Notes or any fees or other amounts remain unpaid hereunder, it will not, nor
will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:

         SECTION 6.01. DEBT. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Debt,
except:

         (a) Debt of the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes;

         (b) Debt described in SCHEDULE 6.01, but no renewals, extensions or
refinancings thereof;

         (c) Subordinated Debt in form and substance satisfactory to the
Required Banks;

         (d) Subordinated Debt of the Borrower to any Subsidiary or Debt of any
Subsidiary to the Borrower or another Subsidiary;

         (e) Accounts payable to trade creditors for goods or services which are
not aged more than 90 days from billing date and current operating liabilities
(other than for borrowed money) which are not more than 90 days past due, in
each case incurred in the ordinary course of business and paid within the
specified time, unless contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

         (f) Debt in respect of letters of credit issued for the account of the
Borrower or any such Subsidiary in an aggregate face amount outstanding at any
time of up to $250,000;



                                     - 51 -
<PAGE>   52

         (g) Debt incurred in connection with acceptances of the Borrower or any
such Subsidiary in an aggregate amount outstanding at any one time of up to
$250,000;

         (h) Debt of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary secured by purchase
money liens permitted by SECTION 6.02 in an aggregate principal amount at any
time up to $250,000;

         (i) Debt incurred to finance the acquisition of motor vehicles used in
Borrower's business.

         SECTION 6.02. LIENS. Incur, create, assume or suffer to exist any
mortgage, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance or restriction of any nature
whatsoever (including conditional sales, other title retention agreements or
liens on inventory or accounts receivables) on any of their assets now or
hereafter owned, other than:

                  (a) liens existing on the date hereof as set forth on SCHEDULE
         6.02 which liens are not to be renewed, extended or refinanced except
         as set forth on SCHEDULE 6.02;

                  (b) deposits under workmen's compensation, unemployment
         insurance and social security laws, or to secure the performance of
         bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed
         money) or leases or to secure statutory obligations or surety or appeal
         bonds or discharge of lien bonds, or to secure indemnity, performance
         or other similar bonds in the ordinary course of business;

                  (c) statutory liens of landlords and other liens imposed by
         law, such as carriers', warehousemen's or mechanic's liens, incurred in
         good faith in the ordinary course of business and deposits made or
         bonds filed in the ordinary course of business to obtain the release of
         such liens;

                  (d) liens for taxes not yet due, or liens for taxes contested
         as permitted by SECTION 5.02;

                  (e) any other liens granted to the Agent and the Banks; and

                  (f) Purchase money liens on any property hereafter acquired or
         the assumption of any lien on property existing at the time of such
         acquisition, or a lien incurred in connection with any conditional sale


                                     - 52 -
<PAGE>   53

         or other title retention agreement or a Capitalized Lease Obligation,
         provided that;

                           (i) any property subject to any of the foregoing is
                  acquired by the Borrower or any such Subsidiary in the
                  ordinary course of its business and the lien on any such
                  property is created contemporaneously with such acquisition;

                           (ii) the obligation secured by any lien so created,
                  assumed or existing shall not exceed 100% of the lesser of
                  cost or fair market value as of the time of acquisition of the
                  property covered thereby to the Borrower or such Subsidiary
                  acquiring the same;

                           (iii) each such lien shall attach only to the
                  property so acquired and fixed improvements thereon;

                           (iv) the obligations secured by such Lien are
                  permitted by the provisions of SECTION 6.01 and the related
                  expenditure is permitted under SECTION 7.01.

         SECTION 6.03 LEASES. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any
obligation as lessee for the rental or hire of any real or personal property
except: (a) leases existing on the date of this Agreement, as described in
SCHEDULE 6.03, and any extensions or renewals thereof; (b) leases (other than
Capitalized Lease Obligations) which do not in the aggregate require the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to make payments
(including taxes, insurance, maintenance and similar expense which the Borrower
or any Subsidiary is required to pay under the terms of any lease) in any Fiscal
Year of the Borrower in excess of the amount set forth with respect to such
Fiscal Year in the table following this paragraph; (c) leases between the
Borrower and any such Subsidiary or between any such Subsidiaries; and (d)
Capitalized Lease Obligations permitted by SECTION 6.02; and (e) leases for the
replacement of existing motor vehicles and office space.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Fiscal Year Ending March 31                                 Permitted Lease Payments
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           <S>                                                    <C>       
                           1998                                                    $250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           1999                                                    $500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           2000                                                    $750,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           2001                                                   $1,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           2002                                                   $1,250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           2003                                                   $1,500,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                     - 53 -
<PAGE>   54

         SECTION 6.04. GUARANTEES, ETC. Assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise
be or become directly or contingently responsible or liable (including, but not
limited to, an agreement to purchase any obligation, stock, assets, goods or
services or to supply or advance any funds, assets, goods or services, or any
agreement to maintain or cause such Person to maintain a minimum working capital
or net worth or otherwise to assure the creditors of any Person against loss)
for the obligations of any Person ("Guarantee"), or permit any of its
Subsidiaries to do so, (i) except Guarantees by endorsement of negotiable
instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary
course of business, and (ii) except Guarantees of obligations aggregating not
more than 10% of the amount of its tangible net worth from time to time, which
Guarantee obligations shall be included in Indebtedness, Debt or Funded Debt, as
appropriate, depending on the terms of the guaranteed obligations.

         SECTION 6.05. SALE OF NOTES. Sell, transfer, discount or otherwise
dispose of notes, accounts receivable or other rights to receive payment with or
without recourse, except for the purpose of collection in the ordinary course of
business.

         SECTION 6.06. INVESTMENTS. Make investments, lend or advance money,
purchase or hold beneficially any stock, other securities, or evidences of
Indebtedness of, purchase or acquire all or a substantial part of the assets of,
make or permit to exist any interest whatsoever in, any other Person, except:

                  (a) direct obligations of the United States of America or
         obligations guaranteed by the United States of America, provided that
         such obligations mature within one year from the date of acquisition
         thereof; or

                  (b) time certificates of deposit issued by either Bank or
         affiliates of either Bank; or

                  (c) commercial paper rated not less than A-1 or P-1 or their
         equivalent by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor's
         Corporation, respectively; or

                  (d) money market mutual funds having assets in excess of two
         billion dollars;

                  (e) advances to and/or investments in Subsidiaries who have
         provided to the Agent and the Banks all documents required pursuant 


                                     - 54 -
<PAGE>   55

         to SECTION 4.01 or SECTION 5.09, as the case may be.

                  (f) advances to or investments in Transmation Australia Pty.
         Ltd. and Transmation Singapore Pte. Ltd. pursuant to statutory
         obligations to the Australian and Singapore governments to support the
         solvency of each such Subsidiary.

                  (g) The Acquisition.

         SECTION 6.07. CHANGE IN BUSINESS. Materially change or alter the nature
of its business from the business currently engaged in.

         SECTION 6.08. DIVIDENDS. Declare or pay any cash dividend on its
capital stock or make any other distribution with respect to its capital stock
(other than distributions in accordance with SECTION 6.13 hereof) or redeem,
retire, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, for value or set
apart any sum for the redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of,
directly or indirectly, any share of its capital stock or warrants or options
therefor except that: (a) the Borrower may declare and deliver dividends and
make distributions payable solely in common stock of the Borrower; or (b) the
Borrower may purchase or otherwise acquire shares of its capital stock by
exchange for or out of the proceeds received from a substantially concurrent
issue of new shares of its capital stock.; or (c) Borrower may purchase shares
of its capital stock if required pursuant to PARAGRAPH 4 of the Berk Stock
Agreement, as long as (i) no Default either exists at the time of such purchase
or would be created thereby and (ii) the purchase price is less than the amount
by which Consolidated Net Worth as of the last day of the latest Fiscal Quarter
prior to the purchase exceeds the Required Post-Redemption Consolidated Net
Worth as of such day. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "Required
Post-Redemption Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean a Consolidated Net Worth of
$11,000,000; provided that, beginning with the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30,
1997, such amount shall increase at the end of each Fiscal Quarter by 60% of any
Consolidated Net Income shown on the financial statements for such Fiscal
Quarter required to be delivered to the Banks pursuant to SECTION 5.03 (c); and
the Required Post-Redemption Consolidated Net Worth shall not be reduced even
though Consolidated Net Income is less than zero in any Fiscal Quarter.

         SECTION 6.09. SUBORDINATED DEBT. Make any optional prepayment of, or
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or amend any provision in respect of the
subordination or the terms of payment of any Subordinated Debt, except that such
Subordinated Debt may be converted in part or in 


                                     - 55 -
<PAGE>   56

full to equity.

         SECTION 6.10. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Permit any material
change in the accounting policies and procedures of the Borrower, other than as
required by GAAP, including a change in the Borrower's Fiscal Year, without the
prior consent of the Required Banks.

         SECTION 6.11. STOCK OF SUBSIDIARIES, ETC. (a) Sell or otherwise dispose
of any shares of capital stock of any of its Subsidiaries, or (b) permit any
such Subsidiary to issue any additional shares of its capital stock.

         SECTION 6.12. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. Except for the transactions
under the Berk Stock Agreement permitted under SECTION 6.08, enter into any
transaction, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of
property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate or permit any of
its Subsidiaries to enter into any transaction, including, without limitation,
the purchase, sale or exchange of property or the rendering of any service, with
any Affiliate, except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable
requirements of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's business and upon fair and
reasonable terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than it
would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person not an
Affiliate.

         SECTION 6.13. MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION OR SALES OF ASSETS. Borrower will
not and will not permit a Subsidiary to, become a party to any merger or
consolidation or sell, lease, assign or otherwise dispose of, out of the
ordinary course of business, in any Fiscal Year assets having an aggregate value
on the books of Borrower and its Subsidiaries of more than $250,000 (except that
any Subsidiary may merge into or consolidate with Borrower, so long as the
Borrower would be the surviving corporation or with another Subsidiary);
provided, however, that in any case, no Default would exist under the covenants
contained in this Agreement and the Borrower would be able to issue at least
$1.00 of additional Senior Indebtedness.

VII.     FINANCIAL COVENANTS

         So long as this Agreement shall remain in effect or any of the
principal or interest on any of the Notes or any fees or other amounts shall
remain unpaid, the Borrower agrees that:

         SECTION 7.01. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The Borrower shall not make or
permit its Subsidiaries to make aggregate Capital Expenditures for the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries during any Fiscal Year of the Borrower that 


                                     - 56 -
<PAGE>   57

exceed the sum of total consolidated depreciation and amortization expense plus
consolidated amortization of goodwill for that Fiscal Year, plus $500,000. For
purpose of this Section, "Capital Expenditures" means for any period, the amount
in Dollars of gross expenditures (including expenditures under Capitalized Lease
Obligations) made for fixed assets, real property, plant and equipment, and all
renewals, improvements and replacements thereto (but not repairs thereof)
incurred during such period.

         SECTION 7.02. CASH CATALOG EXPENDITURES. Borrower shall not make, nor
permit its Subsidiaries to make, aggregate Cash Catalog Expenditures during any
Fiscal Year that exceed 4% of the consolidated sales of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for that year. "Cash Catalog Expenditures" for any Fiscal Year
means, for purposes of this Section, the aggregate amount incurred in such
Fiscal Year by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for purchases of goods and
services associated with catalog operations, production, distribution and
processing, regardless of whether any amounts are actually paid during such
Fiscal Year.

         SECTION 7.03. FISCAL QUARTERLY LOSSES. Borrower shall not permit
Consolidated Net Income before extraordinary items and losses from discontinued
operations to be less than zero for two consecutive Fiscal Quarters.
Consolidated Net Income shall be measured at each Fiscal Quarter end.

         SECTION 7.04. LEVERAGE RATIO. The Borrower shall maintain an Adjusted
Leverage Ratio of not greater than that set forth below at the end of each
Fiscal Quarter as indicated:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  FISCAL QUARTER ENDING                                          MAXIMUM RATIO
                  ---------------------                                          -------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        <S>                                                          <C>
                         6/30/97                                                     4.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         9/30/97                                                     3.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         12/31/97                                                    3.25
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         3/31/98                                                     3.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         6/30/98                                                     3.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         9/30/98                                                     2.75
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         12/31/98                                                    2.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         3/31/99                                                     2.25
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         6/30/99                                                     2.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         9/30/99                                                     2.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         12/31/99                                                    2.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  3/31/00 and thereafter                                             1.75
</TABLE>





                                     - 57 -
<PAGE>   58

VIII.    EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         SECTION 8.01. Events of Default. In the case of the happening of any of
the following events ("Events of Default"):

                  (a) default shall occur (i) in the payment of the principal or
         interest on any of the Notes or Loans within ten (10) days of when due
         or (ii) in the payment of any fees or other amounts due hereunder
         within ten (10) days after such fees or other amounts become due in
         accordance herewith;

                  (b) any representation or warranty herein or in any of the
         Loan Documents, in any certificate or report furnished in connection
         herewith or in any amendment to this Agreement, shall prove to be false
         or misleading in any material respect when made or given or deemed made
         or given;

                  (c) default shall be made in respect of any agreements or
         obligations relating to Debt of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries for
         borrowed money (other than the Notes), in excess of $50,000 with
         respect to any individual Debt or $100,000 with respect to all such
         Debt, if the effect of such default or the result of any action by the
         obligee is to accelerate the maturity of such Debt or to permit the
         holder or obligee thereof (or a trustee on behalf of such holder or
         obligee) to cause such Debt to become due prior to the stated maturity
         thereof or which, with the passage of time, the giving of notice or
         both would constitute an event of default under any agreement, or any
         such obligation shall not be paid when due after giving effect to any
         applicable grace period;

                  (d) default shall be made in the due observance or performance
         of any covenant, condition or agreement to be performed pursuant to
         ARTICLE VI or ARTICLE VII of this Agreement;

                  (e) default shall be made in the due observance or performance
         of any covenant, condition or agreement to be performed pursuant to
         this Agreement other than as described in CLAUSES (a) AND (d) above
         which shall continue unremedied for more than ten (10) days;

                  (f) (i) default shall be made in the observance or performance


                                     - 58 -
<PAGE>   59

         of any covenant, condition or agreement of the Borrower or any
         Subsidiary to be performed pursuant to the Loan Documents (other than
         this Agreement) and not cured within any applicable grace period or
         (ii) any of the Loan Documents (other than this Agreement), shall cease
         to be in full force and effect or shall be declared to be null and
         void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested or
         any party thereto shall deny that it has any further liability to the
         Banks with respect thereto;

                  (g) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries other than
         Transmation Australia Pty. Ltd. or Transmation Singapore Pte. Ltd.
         shall (i) voluntarily commence any case, proceeding or other action or
         file any petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States
         Code or any other existing or future Federal domestic or foreign
         bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, (ii) consent to the institution
         of, or fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate manner, any such
         proceeding or the filing of any such petition, (iii) apply for or
         consent to the employment of a receiver, trustee, custodian,
         sequestrator or similar official for the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries or for a substantial part of any of their property, (iv)
         file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed
         against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for
         the benefit of creditors, (vi) become unable, admit in writing its
         inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due or
         (vii) take corporate action for the purpose of effecting any of the
         foregoing;

                  (h) an involuntary case, proceeding or other action shall be
         commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed in a court of
         competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief in respect of the Borrower or
         any of its Subsidiaries or of a substantial part of its or any of their
         property, under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other
         existing or future Federal, domestic or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency
         or similar law, (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian,
         sequestrator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or
         for a substantial part of any of their property, or (iii) the
         winding-up or liquidation of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

                  (i) there shall be commenced against the Borrower or any of
         its Subsidiaries any case, proceeding or other action seeking issuance
         of a warrant of attachment, execution, distraint or similar process
         against any of their assets having an aggregate value of $150,000 or
         more, which results in the entry of an order for any such relief which
         shall not have been vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending


                                     - 59 -
<PAGE>   60

         appeal within thirty (30) days from the entry thereof;

                  (j) one or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against
         the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving in the aggregate a
         liability (not paid or fully covered by insurance) of $150,000 or more
         unless either (i) all such judgments or decrees shall have been
         vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within thirty (30)
         days from the entry thereof or (ii) Borrower shall have reserved for
         same on Borrower's financial statements and shall actually be
         contesting same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

                  (k) (i) any Person shall engage in any "prohibited
         transaction" (as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the
         Code) involving any Plan, (ii) any "accumulated funding deficiency" (as
         defined in Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, shall exist
         with respect to any Plan, or any lien shall arise on the assets of the
         Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity in favor of the PBGC or a
         Plan, (iii) a Reportable Event shall occur with respect to, or
         proceedings shall be commenced to have a trustee appointed, or a
         trustee shall be appointed, to administer or to terminate, any Single
         Employer Plan, which Reportable Event or commencement of proceedings or
         appointment of a trustee is, in the reasonable opinion of the Required
         Banks, likely to result in the termination of such Plan for purposes of
         Title IV of ERISA, (iv) any Single Employer Plan shall terminate for
         purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (v) the Borrower or any Commonly
         Controlled Entity shall, or in the reasonable opinion of the Required
         Banks is likely to, incur any liability in connection with a withdrawal
         from, or the Insolvency or reorganization of, a Multiemployer Plan or
         (vi) any other event or condition shall occur or exist, with respect to
         a Plan; and in each case in CLAUSES (i) THROUGH (vi) above, such event
         or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if
         any, could subject the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any tax,
         penalty or other liabilities in the aggregate material in relation to
         the business, operation, property or financial or other condition of
         the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

then, at any time thereafter during the continuance of any such event, the
Agent, acting on the instructions of the Required Banks may, by written notice
to the Borrower (i) terminate the Commitments, and/or, (ii) declare the Notes to
be forthwith due and payable, both as to principal and interest, without
presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or in the Notes to the
contrary notwithstanding, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if an 


                                     - 60 -
<PAGE>   61

event specified in SECTION 8.01(g) OR (h) hereof shall have occurred, the
Commitments shall automatically terminate and the Notes shall immediately become
due and payable, and the Agent and each Bank in each instance shall have the
right to exercise its rights under the Loan Documents as permitted by law.

IX.      MISCELLANEOUS

         SECTION 9.01. NOTICES. All notices, requests and other communications
provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand,
facsimile, certified mail, overnight courier service, addressed as set forth
below, or to such other address as may be hereafter notified by the respective
parties hereto. All notices and other communications shall be deemed to have
been given on receipt.

(a)      if to the Agent, at

                Manufactures and Traders Trust Company, as Agent
                M&T Place
                255 East Avenue
                P.O. Box 22900
                Rochester, New York 14692
                Attn:   Commercial Banking Division
                        J. Theodore Smith, Vice President
                Fax #: (716) 325-5105

(b)      if to the Banks, at
                Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
                M&T Place
                255 East Avenue
                P.O. Box 22900
                Rochester, New York 14692
                Attn:   Commercial Banking Division
                        J. Theodore Smith, Vice President
                        Fax: (716) 325-5105

                State Street Bank and Trust Company
                225 Franklin Street
                Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2804
                Attn:   Girard R. Sargent, Vice President
                Fax:    (617) 654-4971

          (c)      If to the Borrower, at


                                     - 61 -
<PAGE>   62

                          10 Vantage Point Drive
                          Rochester, New York 14624
                          Attn:   President
                          Fax:    (716) 352-7788

(d)      as to each such party at such other address as such party
                  shall have designated to the other in a written notice
                  complying as to delivery with the provisions of this SECTION
                  9.01.

         SECTION 9.02. SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENT; SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. (a) All
covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made herein and in the
certificates delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the making by the Banks of
the Loans herein contemplated and the execution and delivery to the Banks of the
Notes evidencing such Loans and shall continue in full force and effect so long
as the Notes are outstanding and unpaid or the Commitments are outstanding.

         (b) Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred
to, (i) such reference shall be deemed to include (i) the successors and assigns
of such party; (ii) all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of
the Borrower which are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the
benefit of the respective successors and assigns of the Agent and the Banks and
(iii) no other Person shall be a direct or indirect legal beneficiary of, or
have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. The Banks shall not have any
obligation to any Person not a party to this Agreement or other Loan Documents.

         SECTION 9.03. EXPENSES OF THE AGENT AND THE BANKS; INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a) The Borrower will pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses incurred by the Agent and the Banks in connection with the preparation,
development and execution of the Loan Documents and any amendment, supplement or
modification to this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents, the
making of the Loans hereunder, the costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the enforcement or preservation of any rights of the Agent and the Banks
under this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents or in connection
with the Loans, and such costs and expenses shall include without limitation,
fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agent and the Banks; provided that the
fees (but not the disbursements) of U.S. counsel for each of the Banks with
respect to the preparation, development and execution of the Loan Documents
described in ARTICLE IV hereof, and with respect to the Loans to be made on the
Closing 


                                     - 62 -
<PAGE>   63

Date, shall aggregate $15,000.

         (b) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Agent and the Banks and their
respective directors, officers, employees and agents against, and to hold the
Agent and the Banks and each such person harmless from, any and all losses,
claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including reasonable counsel
fees and expenses, incurred by or asserted against the Agent or any Bank or any
such person arising out of, in any way connected with, or as a result of (i) the
use of any of the proceeds of the Loans, (ii) this Agreement or other Loan
Documents, (iii) the performance by the parties hereto and thereto of their
respective obligations hereunder and thereunder (including but not limited to
the making of the Commitments) and consummation of the Transactions (iv) breach
of any representation or warranty or (v) any claim, litigation, investigation or
proceedings relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not the Agent or any
Bank or any such person is a party thereto; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such
indemnity shall not, as to the Agent or any Bank, apply to any such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses to the extend that they result
from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent or such Bank.

         (c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
Agent and the Banks and their respective officers, directors, shareholder,
agents and employees (collectively, the "Indemnities") from and against any
loss, cost, damage, liability, lien, deficiency, fine, penalty or expense
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and reasonable
expenses for investigation, removal, cleanup and remedial costs and modification
costs incurred to permit, continue or resume normal operations of any property
or assets or business of the firm) arising from a violation of, or failure to
comply with any Environmental Laws and to remove any lien arising therefrom
except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any
Indemnitee, which any of the Indemnities may incur or which may be claimed or
recorded against any of the Indemnities by any Person.

         (d) The provisions of this SECTION 9.03 shall remain operative and in
full force and effect regardless of the expiration of the term of this
Agreement, the consummation of the Transactions, the repayment of any of the
Loans, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, or any investigation made by or on
behalf of the Agent or any Bank. All amounts due under this SECTION 9.03 shall
be payable on written demand therefor.

         SECTION 9.04. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement, the Notes and the


                                     - 63 -
<PAGE>   64

other Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of
law) shall be governed and construed by and interpreted in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York.

         SECTION 9.05. WAIVER OF RIGHTS BY THE BANK; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL, ETC.
(a) Neither any failure nor any delay on the part of the Agent or any Bank in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under the Loan Documents
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise
thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other right, power or
privilege. Except as prohibited by law, each party hereto hereby waives any
right it may have to claim or recover in any litigation referred to in this
Section any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or any damages
other than, or in addition to, actual direct damages. Each party hereto (i)
certifies that neither any representative, agent or attorney of the Agent or any
Bank has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the Agent or such Bank would
not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waivers and (ii)
acknowledges that it has been induced to enter into this Agreement or the Loan
Documents, as applicable, by, among other things, the mutual waivers and
certifications herein.

         (b) THE BORROWER AND THE AGENT AND EACH BANK HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE, AND COVENANT THAT THEY WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS
PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE), ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM IN
RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE, CLAIM OR ACTION IN ANY WAY, INVOLVING OR ARISING, DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY, OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE
RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED THEREUNDER.

         SECTION 9.06. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that:

                  (a) it has been advised by counsel in the negotiation,
         execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan
         Documents;

                  (b) neither the Agent nor any Bank has any fiduciary
         relationship with the Borrower and the relationship between the Agent
         and the Banks, on one hand, and the Borrower, on the other hand, is
         solely that of debtor and creditor; and

                  (c) no joint venture exists between the Borrower and the Banks
         or between the Agent and the Banks.



                                     - 64 -
<PAGE>   65

         SECTION 9.07. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. (a) The Borrower hereby
irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any United States
federal or New York State court sitting in Rochester, New York in any action or
proceedings arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents and the Borrower
hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or
proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court and irrevocably waives
any objection it may now or hereafter have as to the venue of any such action or
proceeding brought in such a court or the fact that such court is an
inconvenient forum.

         (b) The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the
service or process in any such action or proceeding in any of the aforesaid
courts by the mailing of copies of such process to it by certified or registered
mail at its address specified in SUBSECTION 9.01.

         SECTION 9.08. EXTENSION OF MATURITY. Except as otherwise expressly
provided herein, whenever a payment to be made hereunder shall fall due and
payable on any day other than a Business Day, such payment may be made on the
next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall be included in
computing interest.

         SECTION 9.09. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement, any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document may be amended or modified only by an instrument in writing signed by
the Borrower, the Agent and the Required Banks, or by the Borrower and the Agent
acting with the consent of the Required Banks and any provision of this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Document may be waived by the Required Banks
or by the Agent acting with the consent of the Required Banks; PROVIDED that no
amendment, modification or waiver shall, unless by an instrument signed by all
of the Banks or by the Agent acting with the consent of all of the Banks: (a)
increase or extend the term, or extend the time or waive any requirement for the
reduction or termination, of the Commitments, (b) extend the date fixed for the
payment of principal of or interest on any Loan, (c) reduce the amount of any
payment of principal thereof or the rate at which interest is payable thereon or
any fee payable hereunder, (d) alter the terms of this SECTION 9.09, (e) amend
the definition of the term "Required Banks", (f) release the Banks' lien or
security interest with respect to collateral having a fair market value
aggregating $250,000 or more or (g) waive any of the conditions precedent set
forth in ARTICLE IV hereof and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that any amendment of ARTICLE
X hereof or any amendment which increases the obligations of the Agent hereunder
shall require the consent of the Agent. No failure on the part of the Agent or


                                     - 65 -
<PAGE>   66

any Bank to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof or preclude any other or further exercise thereof or
the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and
not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

         SECTION 9.10. PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. (a) This Agreement shall
be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Borrower, the Agent, the
Banks and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may
not assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder. Each Bank may
assign, or sell participations in, all or any part of its Commitment or any Loan
to another bank or other entity, in which event (i) in the case of an
assignment, upon notice thereof by the Bank to the Borrower with a copy to the
Agent, the assignee shall have, to the extent of such assignment, the same
rights, benefits and obligations as it would have if it were a Bank hereunder;
and (ii) in the case of a participation, the participant shall have no rights
under the Loan Documents and all amounts payable by the Borrower under ARTICLE
ll shall be determined as if such Bank had not sold such participation. The
agreement executed by such Bank with an assignee shall be in the form of
SCHEDULE 9.10; and the agreement executed by such Bank with a participant shall
not give the participant the right to require such Bank to take or omit to take
any action hereunder except action directly relating to (i) the extension of a
payment date with respect to any portion of the principal of or interest on any
amount outstanding hereunder allocated to such participant, (ii) the reduction
of the principal amount outstanding hereunder or (iii) the reduction of the rate
of interest payable on such amount or any amount of fees payable hereunder to a
rate or amount, as the case may be, below that which the participant is entitled
to receive under its agreement with such Bank. Such Bank may furnish any
information concerning the Borrower in the possession of such Bank from time to
time to assignees and participants (including prospective assignees and
participants); provided that such Bank shall require any such prospective
assignee or such participant (prospective or otherwise) to agree in writing to
maintain the confidentiality of such information.

         (b) In addition to the assignments and participations permitted under
PARAGRAPH (a) above, any Bank may assign and pledge all or any portion of its
Loans and Note to (i) any affiliate of such Bank or (ii) any Federal Reserve
Bank as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal
Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall release the assigning Bank from its
obligations hereunder.



                                     - 66 -
<PAGE>   67

         SECTION 9.11. REINSTATEMENT; CERTAIN PAYMENTS. If claim is ever made
upon a Bank for repayment or recovery of any amount or amounts received by such
Bank in payment or on account of any of the obligations under this Agreement,
the Bank shall give prompt notice of such claim to the Agent and the Borrower,
and if the Bank repays all or part of said amount by reason of (i) any judgment,
decree or order of any court or administrative body having jurisdiction over the
Bank or any of its property, or (ii) any settlement or compromise of any such
claim effected by the Bank with any such claimant, then and in such event the
Borrower agrees that any such judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise
shall be binding upon the Borrower notwithstanding the cancellation of the Notes
or other instrument evidencing the Borrower's obligations to such Bank under
this Agreement or the termination of this Agreement, and the Borrower shall be
and remain liable to such Bank hereunder for the amount so repaid or recovered
to the same extent as if such amount had never originally been received by the
Bank.

         SECTION 9.12. RIGHT OF SETOFF. In addition to any rights and remedies
of the Banks provided by law, each Bank is hereby authorized at any time and
from time to time as long as an Event of Default exists without prior notice to
the Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower) to the
fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits
(general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and
other indebtedness at any time owing by such Bank to or for the credit or the
account of the Borrower against any of and all the obligations of the Borrower
now and hereafter existing under this Agreement and the Note held by such Bank,
irrespective of whether or not the Bank shall have made any demand under this
Agreement or the Note and although such obligations may be in any currency,
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured. Each Bank
agrees to promptly notify the Agent and the Borrower after any such setoff and
application made by a Bank, but the failure to give such notice shall not affect
the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of each Bank under this
Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without
limitation, other rights of setoff) which the Banks may have.

         SECTION 9.13. SEVERABILITY. In case any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement or in the Notes should be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.

         SECTION 9.14. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two


                                     - 67 -
<PAGE>   68

or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one instrument.

         SECTION 9.15.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES.

         (a) This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire
agreement among the parties hereto and thereto as to the subject matter hereof
and thereof and supersede any previous agreement, oral or written, as to such
subject matter.

         (b) The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not
exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         SECTION 9.16. HEADINGS. Section headings used herein are for
convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or be
taken into consideration in interpreting this Agreement.

         SECTION 9.17. USURY. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding,
the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes shall be
subject to the limitation that payments of interest shall not be required to the
extent that receipt thereof would be contrary to provisions of law applicable to
a Bank limiting rates of interest which may be charged or collected by such
Bank.

         SECTION 9.18. MORTGAGE RECORDING. The Banks and the Agent agree that
the mortgage to be delivered pursuant to SECTION 4.01(i) shall not be recorded;
but all parties agree that such mortgage may, at the discretion of the Required
Banks, be recorded during the existence of a Default and Borrower agrees to pay,
on demand by the Agent, all recording fees and mortgage tax in connection with
such recording.

X.       THE AGENT; RELATIONS AMONG BANKS AND BORROWER

         SECTION 10.01. APPOINTMENT, POWERS AND IMMUNITIES OF AGENT. Each Bank
hereby irrevocably (but subject to removal by the Required Banks pursuant to
SECTION 10.09) appoints and authorizes the Agent to act as its agent hereunder
and under any other Loan Document with such powers as are specifically delegated
to the Agent by the terms of this Agreement and any other Loan Document,
together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Agent
shall have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in
this Agreement and any other Loan Document, and shall not by reason of this
Agreement be a trustee for any Bank. The Agent shall not be responsible to the
Banks for 


                                     - 68 -
<PAGE>   69

any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by the Borrower or
any officer or official of the Borrower or any other Person contained in this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, or in any certificate or other document or
instrument referred to or provided for in, or received by any of them under,
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the value, legality, validity,
effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or
any other Loan Document or any other document or instrument referred to or
provided for herein or therein, for the perfection or priority of any collateral
security for the Loans or for any failure by the Borrower to perform any of its
obligations hereunder or thereunder. The Agent may employ agents and
attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible, except as to money or securities
received by it or its authorized agents, for the negligence or misconduct of any
such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care. Neither
the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents shall be
liable or responsible for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them
hereunder or under any other Loan Document or in connection herewith or
therewith, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The Borrower shall pay any fee agreed to by the Borrower and the Agent with
respect to the Agent's services hereunder. The Agent shall have the right,
without the consent of any of the Banks, to release the Banks' lien or security
interest with respect to collateral having an aggregate fair market value at the
time of release of up to $250,000.

         SECTION 10.02. RELIANCE BY AGENT. The Agent shall be entitled to rely
upon any certification, notice or other communication (including any thereof by
telephone, telex, telegram or cable) believed by it to be genuine and correct
and to have been signed or sent by or on behalf of the proper Person or Persons,
and upon advice and statements of legal counsel, independent accountants and
other experts selected by the Agent. The Agent may deem and treat each Bank as
the holder of the Loans made by it for all purposes hereof unless and until a
notice of the assignment or transfer thereof satisfactory to the Agent signed by
such Bank shall have been furnished to the Agent but the Agent shall not be
required to deal with any Person who has acquired a participation in any Loan
from a Bank. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or
any other Loan Document, the Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in
acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder in accordance with instructions
signed by the Required Banks, and such instructions of the Required Banks and
any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding on all of
the Banks and any other holder of all or any portion of any Loan.



                                     - 69 -
<PAGE>   70

         SECTION 10.03. DEFAULTS. The Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default (other than the
non-payment of principal of or interest on the Loans to the extent the same is
required to be paid to the Agent for the account of the Banks) unless the Agent
has received notice from a Bank or the Borrower specifying such Default or Event
of Default and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default." In the event
that the Agent receives such a notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of
Default, the Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Banks, but not later
than 7 Business Days after the Agent's receipt of such notice (and shall give
each Bank prompt notice of each such non-payment). The Agent shall (subject to
SECTION 10.08) take such action, under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, with respect to such Default or Event of Default which is continuing
as shall be directed by the Required Banks; provided that, unless and until the
Agent shall have received such directions, the Agent may take such action (as
long as the expenses of taking any such action are reasonable in relation to the
benefits actually received by the Banks as a result thereof) or refrain from
taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall
deem advisable in the best interest of the Banks; and provided further that the
Agent shall not be required to take any such action which it determines to be
contrary to law.

         SECTION 10.04. RIGHTS OF AGENT AS A BANK. With respect to its
Commitment and the Loans made by it, the Agent in its capacity as a Bank
hereunder shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Bank and
may exercise the same as though it were not acting as the Agent, and the term
"Bank" or "Banks" shall, unless the context otherwise indicates, include the
Agent in its capacity as a Bank. The Agent and its affiliates may (without
having to account therefor to any Bank) accept deposits from, lend money to (on
a secured or unsecured basis), and generally engage in any kind of banking,
trust or other business with, the Borrower (and any of its Affiliates) as if it
were not acting as the Agent, and the Agent may accept fees and other
consideration from the Borrower for services in connection with this Agreement
or otherwise without having to account for the same to the Banks. Although the
Agent and its affiliates may in the course of such relationships and
relationships with other Persons acquire information about the Borrower, its
Affiliates and such other Persons, the Agent shall have no duty to disclose such
information to the Banks.

         SECTION 10.05. INDEMNIFICATION OF AGENT. Each Bank agrees to indemnify
the Agent (to the extent not reimbursed under SECTION 9.03 or under the
applicable provisions of any other Loan Document, but without limiting the
obligations of the Borrower under SECTION 9.03 or such provisions), ratably in
accordance with its Applicable Percentage (without 


                                     - 70 -
<PAGE>   71

giving effect to any participations, in all or any portion of such Loans, sold
by them to any other Person) for any and all liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this
Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other documents contemplated by or
referred to herein or the Transactions contemplated hereby or thereby
(including, without limitation, the costs and expenses which the Borrower is
obligated to pay under SECTION 9.03 or under the applicable provisions of any
other Loan Document but excluding, unless a Default or Event of Default has
occurred, normal administrative costs and expenses incident to the performance
of its agency duties hereunder) or the enforcement of any of the terms hereof or
thereof or of any such other documents or instruments; provided that no Bank
shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent they arise from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the party to be indemnified.

         SECTION 10.06. DOCUMENTS. The Agent will forward to each Bank, promptly
after the Agent's receipt thereof, a copy of each report, notice or other
document required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to be delivered
to the Agent for such Bank.

         SECTION 10.07. NON-RELIANCE ON AGENT AND OTHER BANKS. Each Bank agrees
that it has, independently and without reliance on the Agent or any other Bank,
and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made
its own credit analysis of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and decision to
enter into this Agreement and that it will, independently and without reliance
upon the Agent or any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as
it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and
decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document. The Agent shall not be required to keep itself informed as to the
performance or observance by the Borrower of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or any other document referred to or provided for herein or therein or
to inspect the properties or books of the Borrower or any Subsidiary. Except for
notices, reports and other documents and information expressly required to be
furnished to the Banks by the Agent hereunder, the Agent shall not have any duty
or responsibility to provide any Bank with any credit or other information
concerning the affairs, financial condition or business of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary (or any of their Affiliates) which may come into the possession of
the Agent or any of its affiliates. The Agent shall not be required to file this
Agreement, any other Loan Document or any document or instrument referred to
herein or 


                                     - 71 -
<PAGE>   72

therein, for record or give notice of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or
any document or instrument referred to herein or therein, to anyone.

         SECTION 10.08. FAILURE OF AGENT TO ACT. Except for action expressly
required of the Agent hereunder, the Agent shall in all cases be fully justified
in failing or refusing to act hereunder unless it shall have received further
assurances (which may include cash collateral) of the indemnification
obligations of the Banks under SECTION 10.05 in respect of any and all liability
and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to
take any such action.

         SECTION 10.09. RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF AGENT. Subject to the
appointment and acceptance of a successor Agent as provided below, the Agent may
resign at any time by giving 30 days written notice thereof to the Banks and the
Borrower; and the Agent may be removed at any time with or without cause by the
Required Banks, provided that the Borrower and the other Banks shall be promptly
notified thereof. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Required Banks shall
have the right to appoint a successor Agent. If no successor Agent shall have
been so appointed by the Required Banks and shall have accepted such appointment
within 30 days after the retiring Agent's giving of notice of resignation or the
Required Banks' removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on
behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a bank. The
Required Banks or the retiring Agent, as the case may be, shall upon the
appointment of a successor Agent promptly so notify the Borrower and the other
Banks. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor
Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with
all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the
retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.
After any retiring Agent's resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the
provisions of this ARTICLE 10 shall continue in effect for its benefit in
respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as
the Agent.

         SECTION 10.10. AMENDMENTS CONCERNING AGENCY FUNCTION. The Agent shall
not be bound by any waiver, amendment, supplement or modification of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document which affects its duties hereunder or
thereunder unless it shall have given its prior consent thereto.

         SECTION 10.11. LIABILITY OF AGENT. The Agent shall not have any
liabilities or responsibilities to the Borrower on account of the failure of any
Bank to perform its obligations hereunder or to any Bank on account of the


                                     - 72 -
<PAGE>   73

failure of the Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder or under any other
Loan Document.

         SECTION 10.12. TRANSFER OF AGENCY FUNCTION. Without the consent of the
Borrower or any Bank, the Agent may at any time or from time to time transfer
its functions as Agent hereunder to any of its offices wherever located,
provided that the Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Banks
thereof.

         SECTION 10.13. NON-RECEIPT OF FUNDS BY THE AGENT. Unless the Agent
shall have been notified by a Bank or the Borrower (either one as appropriate
being the "Payor") prior to the date on which such Bank is to make payment
hereunder to the Agent of the proceeds of a Loan or the Borrower is to make
payment to the Agent, as the case may be (either such payment being a "Required
Payment"), which notice shall be effective upon receipt, that the Payor does not
intend to make the Required Payment to the Agent, the Agent may assume that the
Required Payment has been made and may, in reliance upon such assumption (but
shall not be required to), make the amount thereof available to the intended
recipient on such date and, if the Payor has not in fact made the Required
Payment to the Agent, the recipient of such payment (and, if such recipient is
the Borrower and the Payor Bank fails to pay the amount thereof to the Agent
forthwith upon demand, the Borrower) shall, on demand, repay to the Agent the
amount made available to it together with interest thereon for the period from
the date such amount was so made available by the Agent until the date the Agent
recovers such amount at a rate per annum equal to the average daily Federal
Funds Rate for such period.

         SECTION 10.14. WITHHOLDING TAXES. Each Bank represents that it is
entitled to receive any payments to be made to it hereunder without the
withholding of any tax and will furnish to the Agent such forms, certifications,
statements and other documents as the Agent may request from time to time to
evidence such Bank's exemption from the withholding of any tax imposed by any
jurisdiction or to enable the Agent to comply with any applicable laws or
regulations relating thereto. Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, if
any Bank is not created or organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state
thereof, in the event that the payment of interest by the Borrower is treated
for U.S. income tax purposes as derived in whole or in part from sources from
within the U.S., such Bank will furnish to the Agent Form 4224 or Form 1001 of
the Internal Revenue Service, or such other forms, certifications, statements or
documents, duly executed and completed by such Bank as evidence of such Bank's
exemption from the withholding of U.S. tax with respect thereto. The Agent shall
not be 


                                     - 73 -
<PAGE>   74

obligated to make any payments hereunder to such Bank in respect of any Loan or
such Bank's Commitment until such Bank shall have furnished to the Agent the
requested form, certification, statement or document.

         SECTION 10.15. SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF BANKS. The failure of
any Bank to make any Loan to be made by it on the date specified therefor shall
not relieve any other Bank of its obligation to make its Loan on such date, but
no Bank shall be responsible for the failure of any other Bank to make a Loan to
be made by such other Bank. The amounts payable at any time hereunder to each
Bank shall be a separate and independent debt, and each Bank shall be entitled
to protect and enforce its rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall
not be necessary for any other Bank to be joined as an additional party in any
proceeding for such purpose.

         SECTION 10.16. PRO RATA TREATMENT OF LOANS, ETC. Except to the extent
otherwise provided: (a) each Borrowing under SECTIONS 2.01 OR 2.04 shall be made
from the Banks, each reduction or termination of the amount of the Commitments
under SECTION 2.11 shall be applied to the Commitments of the Banks, and each
payment of a commitment fee or closing fee accruing under SECTION 2.12 shall be
made for the account of the Banks, pro rata according to their respective
Applicable Percentages; (b) each conversion under SECTION 2.09 of Loans of a
particular Type (but not conversions provided for by SECTIONS 2.18 OR 2.19),
shall be made pro rata among the Banks holding Loans of such Type according to
the respective principal amounts of such Loans by such Banks; (c) each
prepayment and payment of principal of or interest on Loans of a particular Type
and a particular Interest Period shall be made to the Agent for the account of
the Banks holding Loans of such Type and Interest Period pro rata in accordance
with the respective unpaid principal amounts of such Loans of such Interest
Period held by such Banks. Any and all amounts actually received by the Agent
pursuant to or in connection with the enforcement of any Loan Document other
than this Agreement (whether pursuant to a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding
or otherwise), including the proceeds of any collection, sale, transfer or other
disposition of any collateral or any portion thereof, shall be applied and
distributed (i) first to the payment of all out of pocket costs and expenses
(including attorney's fees and disbursement) incurred by the Agent in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement or by any Bank which shall have notified,
with reasonable specificity, the Agent and the other Banks of such costs and
expenses, including all amounts against or for which the Agent is to be
indemnified or reimbursed hereunder by the Banks; (ii) second, to the Banks pro
rata in accordance with the respected unpaid principal amounts of the Loans held
by each Bank until all amounts owing in respect of the Loans and this Agreement
are paid in full; and (iii) 


                                     - 74 -
<PAGE>   75

third, the balance, if any to such Person as shall be entitled thereto. Prior to
making distributions pursuant to CLAUSES (ii) AND (iii) above, the Agent may
retain as a reserve such portion of such amounts as it may reasonably determine
is sufficient to cover costs and expenses incurred and to be incurred by the
Agent whose amount has not yet been determined. As soon as it determines that
any portion of such proceeds are no longer required to be held in such reserve,
the Agent shall distribute the same to the Banks as required above. The failure
of the Agent to deduct from such proceeds costs and expenses payable pursuant to
this paragraph first prior to the disbursement of any such proceeds (x) shall
not effect the right of the Agent to be reimbursed therefore by the Borrower and
to be indemnified with respect thereto by the Banks and (xx) shall not render
the Agent liable to any Bank claiming all or a portion thereof pursuant to
CLAUSE (I) above.

         SECTION 10.17. SHARING OF PAYMENTS AMONG BANKS. If a Bank shall obtain
payment of any principal of or interest on any Loan made by it through the
exercise of any right of setoff, banker's lien, counterclaim, or by any other
means (including any payment obtained from or charged against any third party
and any payment or amount received pursuant to any Loan Document other than this
Agreement), it shall promptly purchase from the other Banks participations in
(or, if and to the extent specified by such Bank, direct interests in) the Loans
made by the other Banks in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from
time to time as shall be equitable to the end that all the Banks shall share the
benefit of such payment (net of any expenses which may be incurred by such Bank
in obtaining or preserving such benefit) pro rata in accordance with the unpaid
principal and interest on the Loans held by each of them. To such end the Banks
shall make appropriate adjustments among themselves (by the resale of
participations sold or otherwise) if such payment is rescinded or must otherwise
be restored. The Borrower agrees that any Bank so purchasing a participation (or
direct interest) in the Loans made by other Banks may exercise all rights of
setoff, banker's lien, counterclaim or similar rights with respect to such
participation (or direct interest). Nothing contained herein shall require any
Bank to exercise any such right or shall affect the right of any Bank to
exercise, and retain the benefits of exercising, any such right with respect to
any other indebtedness of the Borrower.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Agent and each Bank have
caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers, all
of the day and year first above written.




                                     - 75 -
<PAGE>   76

                                    TRANSMATION, INC.


                                    By: /s/ Robert G. Klimasewski
                                       ----------------------------
Title: President


                                    MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS
                                    TRUST COMPANY, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS
                                    AGENT



                                    By: /s/ John C. Morsch
                                       ----------------------------
Vice President


                                    STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
                                    COMPANY


                                    By: /s/ Girard R. Sargent
                                       ----------------------------
                                 Title  Vice President



                                     - 76 -

<PAGE>   77

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               TABLE OF SCHEDULES

<S>                          <C>
* Schedule 1.01              Sweep Agreements
* Schedule 2.01              Notice of Borrowing (or Conversions)
* Schedule 2.02              Revolving Credit Note (Grid Schedule)
* Schedule 2.04              Term Note
* Schedule 3.05              List of Liens
* Schedule 3.06              List of Litigation
* Schedule 3.11              List of Subsidiaries
* Schedule 3.19              Asset Purchase Agreement
* Schedule 3.21              Berk Stock Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(b)           U.S. Legal Opinion
* Schedule 4.01(b-1)         Canadian Legal Opinion
* Schedule 4.01(f)           U.S. Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(f-1)         Foreign Subsidiary Guarantee Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(g)           Foreign Subsidiary Pledge Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(g-1)         U.S. Subsidiary Pledge Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(h)           Borrower Security Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(h-1)         Subsidiary Security Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(h-2)         Canadian Subsidiary Security Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(i)           Mortgage and Negative Pledge Agreement
* Schedule 4.01(n)           Certificate Concerning Acquisition
* Schedule 4.01(r)           Subordination Agreements
* Schedule 4.01(s)           Subsidiary Subordination Agreements
* Schedule 5.03(e)           Form of Certificate of No Default
* Schedule 6.01              List of Debt
* Schedule 6.02              List of Liens
* Schedule 6.03              List of Leases
* Schedule 9.10              Form of Bank Assignment

<FN>
* OMITTED SCHEDULES

</TABLE>

UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, THE REGISTRANT WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY OF THE
REFERENCED OMITTED SCHEDULES.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4(d)

                           GENERAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
                           --------------------------


         TRANSMATION, INC. ("BORROWER"), an Ohio corporation authorized to do
business in New York State, with an office and principal place of business at 10
Vantage Point Drive, Rochester, New York 14624, hereby grants to MANUFACTURERS
AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, as Agent for MANUFACTURERS & TRADERS TRUST COMPANY (a
"Bank"), STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (a "BANK") and each Bank that may
hereafter become a bank under a Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated
as of April 4, 1997 (the "AGREEMENT") (in such capacity, together with its
successors in such capacity, the "AGENT"), as security for the prompt payment of
all amounts at any time owed to any Bank or the Agent pursuant to the terms of
the Agreement (the "INDEBTEDNESS"), by acceleration or otherwise, a security
interest in all of the following:

         A. All of Debtor's Accounts (as defined in Section 9-106 of the UCC)
         whether secured or unsecured, now owned or hereafter acquired, and the
         proceeds thereof (the "Accounts") ;

         B. All of Debtor's Instruments (as defined in Section 9-105(1)(i) of
         the UCC), now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof
         (the "Instruments");

         C. All of Debtor's Chattel Paper (as defined in Section 9-105(1)(b) of
         the UCC), now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof
         (the "Chattel Paper");

         D. All of Debtor's General Intangibles (as defined in Section 9-106 of
         the UCC), now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof
         (the "General Intangibles");

         E. All of Debtor's Inventory (as defined in Section 9-109(4) of the
         UCC), now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof (the
         "Inventory");

         F. All of Debtor's Equipment (as defined in Section 9-109(2) of the
         UCC) and all attachments, accessories, parts or tooling relating
         thereto and all replacements for the foregoing, in each case now owned
         or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof (the "Equipment");

         G. All of Debtor's Insurance with respect to the Inventory, General
         Intangibles, Fixtures, Equipment and Goods against risks of fire, theft
         or any other physical damage or loss, now owned or hereafter acquired,
         and the proceeds thereof, and all insurance insuring the payment of
         Accounts, now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof;

         H. All goodwill, trade names, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how,
         inventions, patents, patent applications, copyrights and other
         intellectual property, now owned or hereafter acquired by Debtor, or
         any rights of Debtor with respect to any of the

<PAGE>   2

         foregoing, now owned or hereafter acquired, whether or not any of the
         same are covered in other categories of this Schedule, and the proceeds
         thereof;

         I. All of Debtor's Documents of Title (as defined in Section 1-201-(15)
         of the UCC), now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof;

         J. All of Debtor's Goods (as defined in Section 2-105(1) of the UCC),
         now owned or hereafter acquired, whether or not any of the same are
         covered in other categories of this Schedule, and the proceeds thereof
         (the "Goods");

         K. All of Debtor's Fixtures (as described in Section 9-313 of the UCC),
         now owned or hereafter acquired, and the proceeds thereof (the
         "Fixtures");

         L. All of Debtor's right, title and interest in all of its books,
         records, ledger sheets, files and other data and documents, now owned
         or hereafter existing, relating to any of the items listed in Sections
         (a) through (k) above;

         M. All of Debtor's rights as a seller of goods under Article 2 of the
         UCC with respect to the Inventory, and as to goods represented by or
         securing any of the Accounts, all of Debtor's rights therein including,
         without limitation, rights of stoppage in transit, replevin and
         reclamation; and

         N. All guarantees, mortgages and real or personal property leases or
         other written or oral agreements or property securing or relating to
         any of the items referred to above, or acquired for the purpose of
         securing and enforcing any of such items; and

         O. All sums at any time standing to Debtor's credit on Secured Party's
         books, and all moneys, securities and other property of Debtor at any
         time in Secured Party's possession or in which Secured Party has a lien
         or security interest, and all proceeds thereof; and

         P. All stock and certificated securities (defined in UCC
         Section 8-102(1)(a), now owned by Borrower or in which Borrower now
         has any interest and all stock and certificated securities hereafter
         acquired by Borrower or in which Borrower hereafter acquires any
         interes ("SECURITIES"); and

         Q. All cash and non-cash proceeds of the items listed in "A" through
         "P" above, including but not limited to insurance proceeds
         ("PROCEEDS"). The items set forth in "A" through "Q" are collectively
         referred to in this Security Agreement as the "COLLATERAL."

         1. This Security Agreement is given pursuant to a Revolving Credit and
Term Loan Agreement entered into between Borrower, Banks and Agent on the same
date this Security Agreement was executed ("AGREEMENT"). All terms and
conditions of the Agreement, including but not limited to definitions set forth
in Article I of the Agreement and defaults set forth in

<PAGE>   3

Article VIII of the Agreement, are hereby incorporated by reference into this
Security Agreement.

         2. Borrower shall have the right to use the Equipment, Fixtures,
Inventory, Goods, Documents of Title and General Intangibles pursuant to the
provisions of this Security Agreement and consistent with the terms of the
insurance thereon, so long as Borrower is not in default under this Security
Agreement. Borrower may sell Inventory in the ordinary course of its business.
Borrower shall not sell, convey or encumber any of the other Collateral without
the prior written consent of the Agent. So long as Borrower is not in default
under this Security Agreement, Borrower shall have the right, at its own expense
and cost, to collect the Accounts, Chattel Paper and Instruments and use the
Proceeds thereof and any other Proceeds for general corporate purposes.

         3. All records, ledger sheets, correspondence, invoices, documents and
instruments relating to or evidencing the Collateral shall, until delivered to
or removed by the Agent be kept at Borrower's real property or at other
permitted locations set forth in SCHEDULE A attached to this Security Agreement,
without cost to Agent or Banks, in appropriate containers in safe places,
bearing suitable legends identifying them and all related files, containers,
receptacles and cabinets. For each leased Permitted Location specified in
SCHEDULE A, Borrower shall provide the Agent with a Landlord's Waiver executed
by the owner of such Permitted Location, which Landlord's Waiver shall be in the
form of SCHEDULE B, with blanks appropriately completed. The Agent or the Banks
shall at all reasonable times and on reasonable notice have reasonable access to
and the right to audit Borrower's books and records, inspect, confirm and verify
the Collateral at Borrower's real property and at other permitted locations and
elsewhere, and to do whatever else the Agent or Banks deems reasonably necessary
to protect their interests.

         4. Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and each Bank as
follows:

                  a.       Borrower's principal place of business is located at
                           10 Vantage Point Drive, Rochester, New York
                           ("PREMISES"), and it presently neither owns nor
                           leases any other real property, except as set forth
                           in SCHEDULE A.

                  b.       The various types of Collateral and records relating
                           thereto, are located at Borrower's real property as
                           listed in Schedule A. Borrower will promptly notify
                           Agent in writing when any Collateral is to be located
                           at a place other than at those locations listed in
                           SCHEDULE A.

                  c.       The Equipment and Fixtures were bought or leased
                           primarily for use by Borrower in its business and
                           will not be held for sale or lease or otherwise
                           disposed of by Borrower without Agent's written
                           consent except as otherwise allowed by this Security
                           Agreement.

                  d.       That each Account presently existing is due and
                           payable and:


<PAGE>   4

                           i.       Arose from a bona fide sale of goods or
                                    services by Borrower or E.I.L. Instruments,
                                    Inc. Borrower is not in default in providing
                                    such goods or services.

                           ii.      Is based on an enforceable order or contract
                                    written or oral, for the goods shipped or
                                    the services performed and that the same
                                    were shipped or performed in accordance with
                                    such order or contract.

                           iii.     Is not subject to any assignment, claim,
                                    lien or security interest of any character
                                    except for security interests in favor of
                                    the Agent and the Banks and except for
                                    permitted liens set forth in SCHEDULE C to
                                    this Security Agreement. Borrower will not
                                    make any other assignment thereof or create
                                    any other security interest therein.

                  e.       Borrower will provide the Agent and each Bank with
                           all information requested by the Agent or any Bank
                           with regard to the Accounts and any other Collateral.

                  f.       It is the owner of the Collateral free and clear of
                           any other security interests, liens or encumbrances,
                           except for security interests in favor of the Agent
                           and any Bank and other permitted liens set forth in
                           SCHEDULE C to this Security Agreement.

                  g.       It will defend the Collateral against all claims and
                           demands of any person or entity claiming an interest
                           therein.

                  h.       It will immediately notify the Agent in writing of
                           any change in its name or address, and any occurrence
                           of damage to a material portion of the Collateral.

                  i.       It will cause its insurers to note the Agent's and
                           each Banks' interest in the Collateral on all
                           insurance policies relating to the Collateral.

                  j.       Attached as SCHEDULE D is a list of all Instruments,
                           Documents and Chattel Paper currently owned by
                           Borrower, or in which Borrower now has any interest.

                  k.       Attached as SCHEDULE E is a list of all Securities
                           currently owned by Borrower, or in which Borrower now
                           has any interest. Borrower does not currently own or
                           have any interest in any uncertificated securities
                           (defined in UCC Section 8- 102(1)(b)).

                  l.       Attached as SCHEDULE F is a list of all vehicles now
                           owned by Borrower,

<PAGE>   5

                           together with the state of its registration
                           ("Vehicles").

                  m.       Attached as SCHEDULE G is a list of all Borrower's
                           currently owned Patents, Licenses, Trademarks,
                           Tradenames, Copyrights and other Intellectual
                           Property (collectively, "Intellectual Intangibles"),
                           or Intellectual Intangibles in which Borrower now has
                           any interest.

                  n.       Borrower is not a party to any contract or agreement
                           with the United States Government or any subdivision
                           or agency thereof ("Government Contracts").

         5. The Agent may file financing statements to perfect the security
interests of the Agent and Banks in the Collateral without Borrower's signature.
Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, and at any time thereafter,
Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Agent all documents and instruments
requested by the Agent or Banks necessary to maintain a valid first perfected
security interest in the Collateral. Borrower shall deliver physical possession
of all Instruments to the Agent, endorsed by Borrower in blank, as well as all
Securities, owned by Borrower, together with stock powers signed in blank. At
any time that Borrower acquires or obtains any Instruments, Documents, Chattel
Paper, Securities, uncertificated securities, Vehicles, Intellectual
Intangibles, or Government Contracts, or any interest therein, Borrower will
immediately notify the Agent of such acquisition in writing and will execute all
such documents and other writings and taking such actions (including but not
limited to delivery to Agent of physical possession of Instruments, Documents,
Chattel Papers and Securities), as the Agent or Banks shall deem necessary in
order to perfect the Agent's and Banks' security in such Collateral.

         6. Borrower will pay promptly when due all taxes and assessments upon
the Collateral.

         7. Borrower authorizes the Agent, and the Agent may, at its option, but
shall not be obligated to discharge taxes, liens, security interests, or other
encumbrances at any time levied or placed on the Collateral, may pay for
insurance on the Collateral, and may pay for maintenance and preservation of the
Collateral. If Borrower fails to do anything which it undertakes to do under
this Security Agreement and/or under the Agreement, the Agent may do the same,
but shall not be obligated to take any action. Borrower agrees to reimburse the
Agent, for the account of the Banks, on demand for any payment made or any
expenses incurred by the Agent or Banks including reasonable attorneys' fees
pursuant to the foregoing authorization, together with interest thereon payable
at the Base Rate per annum and all sums so paid shall be secured by the security
interest created in this Security Agreement.

         8. Borrower will comply with all of the terms and conditions of the
leases covering the permitted locations as listed on SCHEDULE A which are
leased, and will comply with any rule, order, decree or regulation of any
municipal or state or federal body concerning its business at the Premises, and
at other permitted locations.


<PAGE>   6

         9. Borrower will at all times have and maintain the insurance required
by the Agreement at its own expense with respect to the Collateral and as
otherwise required by the Agreement. Upon the occurrence of a default under this
Security Agreement, the Agent may act as attorney for Borrower in obtaining,
adjusting, or settling for the proceeds of any insurance, whether or not the
Indebtedness is then due, and endorsing in Borrower's name any drafts drawn by
insurers of the Collateral. The Agent may apply any proceeds of insurance
received by it and/or by Borrower to the Indebtedness, whether due or not and
whether or not payment of the Indebtedness has been accelerated or demanded.
Borrower will immediately notify the Agent in writing of any damage to or loss
of a material portion of the Collateral.

         10. Borrower shall be in default under this Security Agreement upon the
occurrence of any Event of Default listed in Article VIII of the Agreement, or
upon the abandonment, theft, or damage or destruction of a material portion of
the Collateral. Upon the occurrence of any default under this Security
Agreement, the Agent, on behalf of the Banks, shall have all the rights and
remedies provided for in the Agreement, in this Security Agreement and under the
other Loan Documents, as well as all rights and remedies of a secured party
under the Uniform Commercial Code, and any other laws, including but not limited
to the following:


                  a.       The Agent may peaceably by its own means, or with
                           judicial assistance enter the Premises, any other
                           permitted location, and any other place where
                           Collateral is located, and take possession of the
                           Collateral or render it unusable or dispose of the
                           Collateral on such premises. Borrower will not resist
                           or interfere with such action.

                  b.       The Agent may require Borrower to assemble all or any
                           part of the Collateral and make it available to the
                           Agent at any place designated in a notice sent to
                           Borrower.

                  c.       Borrower hereby agrees that any requirement of the
                           Uniform Commercial Code for reasonable notice shall
                           be met if notice is given at least ten (10) days (a)
                           prior to public sale or disposition or (b) prior to
                           the date after which private sale or disposition will
                           be made. No notification shall be required to be sent
                           to Borrower with regard to the Agent's disposition of
                           Collateral which is perishable, or which threatens to
                           decline speedily in value or for which notice of
                           disposition is not otherwise required under the
                           Uniform Commercial Code. The Agent or Banks may bid
                           or become purchasers at any public sale, free from
                           any right of redemption, which right is expressly
                           waived. Borrower shall remain liable for any
                           deficiency.

                  d.       The Agent's and Banks' reasonable attorneys' fees and
                           legal expenses in the Agent's exercising any of its
                           rights and remedies upon default shall become part of
                           the Agent's reasonable expenses of retaking, holding,
                           preparing for sale and the like.


<PAGE>   7

                  e.       Borrower shall make available to the Agent such
                           employees or agents as are necessary to assist the
                           Agent in enforcing its rights in the Collateral.

                  f.       With regard to Accounts, Chattel Paper and
                           Instruments, the Agent shall have the following
                           additional rights:

                           i.       To enforce, settle, or compromise payment of
                                    any Account, Chattel Paper and/or
                                    Instruments.

                           ii.      To release in whole or in part, any amounts
                                    owing on Accounts, Chattel Paper and/or on
                                    Instruments.

                           iii.     To prosecute any action or proceeding with
                                    respect to Accounts, Chattel Paper and/or
                                    Instruments in its own name or in the name
                                    of Borrower.

                           iv.      To extend the time of payment of any or all
                                    Accounts, Chattel Paper and/or Instruments.

                           v.       To make allowances and adjustments with
                                    respect to Accounts, Chattel Paper and/or
                                    Instruments.

                           vi.      To issue credit in Borrower's or Agent's
                                    name.

                           vii.     To sell, discount, assign and deliver the
                                    Accounts, Chattel Paper and/or Instruments
                                    or any part thereof, and any returned,
                                    reclaimed or repossessed merchandise or
                                    other property held by the Agent or by
                                    Borrower for the Agent's account, at public
                                    or private sale, at broker's board, for
                                    cash, upon credit or otherwise, at the
                                    Agent's sole option and discretion.

                           viii.    To direct makers, endorsers or guarantors to
                                    make payments directly to the Agent.

                           ix.      To remove from any Permitted Locations or
                                    other real property, any and all documents,
                                    agreements, files and records relating to
                                    the Accounts, Chattel Paper and/or the
                                    Instruments and/or to other Collateral, and
                                    to permit the Agent's use of, without cost
                                    or expense, such of Borrower's personnel,
                                    supplies and space at the Premises as may be
                                    reasonably necessary to properly administer
                                    and control the Accounts, Chattel Paper
                                    and/or the Instruments, or the handling of
                                    collection thereon.


<PAGE>   8

                           x.       To receive, open and dispose of all mail
                                    addressed to Borrower and to notify postal
                                    authorities to change the address for
                                    delivery thereof to such address as the
                                    Agent may designate.

                  g.       To endorse and cash checks in its own name or in
                           Borrower's name, pursuant to an irrevocable power of
                           attorney which it hereby grants to the Agent.

         11. No remedy conferred herein, by law, under this Security Agreement,
under the Agreement, under the other Documents, or otherwise is intended to be
an exclusive remedy. All Agent's remedies are cumulative. Failure by the Agent
or Banks to exercise any right, remedy or option under the Agreement, under this
Security Agreement or under any other Document, or delay by the Agent or any
Bank in exercising the same, shall not operate as a waiver thereof. No waiver by
the Agent or any Bank will be effective unless it is confirmed in writing and
then only to the extent specifically stated. This Security Agreement cannot be
changed, modified or terminated orally. To the extent that the Indebtedness is
now or hereafter secured by property other than the Collateral or by the
guarantee, endorsement or property of any other entity, the Agent and Banks
shall have the rights at their sole discretion, to determine which rights,
securities, liens, security interest or remedies the Agent or Banks shall at any
time pursue, relinquish, subordinate or modify, or take any action with respect
thereto without in any way modifying or affecting any of the Agent's or Banks'
rights hereunder.

         12. All rights of the Agent and each Bank hereunder shall inure to the
benefit of their successors or assigns, and all obligations of Borrower shall
bind its successors and assigns.

         13. This Agreement is governed by New York law and may not be changed
or terminated orally. Any litigation involving this Security Agreement and/or
the Collateral shall, at the Agent's option, be triable only in a court located
in Monroe County, New York. BORROWER WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL IN ANY
LITIGATION INVOLVING BORROWER, THE AGENT or ANY BANK. Borrower waives the right
to require the posting of an undertaking in any actions or special proceedings
involving Borrower, the Agent or any Bank, including but not limited to an
action under Article 71 of the CPLR.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has executed and unconditionally delivered
this Security Agreement to the Agent on April 4, 1997.


                                TRANSMATION, INC.



                                    By: /s/ John A. Misiaszek
                                       --------------------------------
                                            John A. Misiaszek
                                            Vice President





<PAGE>   9

STATE OF NEW YORK          )
COUNTY OF MONROE           )  ss:

         On April 4, 1997 before me personally appeared Robert G. Klimasewski,
to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides in
Rochester, New York; that he is the PRESIDENT of TRANSMATION, INC., the
corporation described in and which executed the within instrument; that he knows
the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such
corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of Directors of
said corporation; he signed his name thereto by like order.


                                  /s/ W. D. Bay
                                    -----------------------------------
                                             Notary Public

NOTARY SEAL DESCRIPTION
WALTER D. BAY
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF NEW YORK
Qualified in Monroe County
Commission expires
February 3, '98



<PAGE>   10
                               TABLE OF SCHEDULES


<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>
* Schedule A                 List of Real Property Owned and Leased by
                             Transmation, Inc. ("Borrower)
* Schedule C                 List of Permitted Liens
* Schedule D                 List of Borrower's Instruments, Documents and Chattel Paper
* Schedule E                 List of Securities Owned by Borrower
* Schedule F                 List of Borrower's Vehicles
* Schedule G                 List of Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, Etc.


<FN>
* OMITTED SCHEDULES
</TABLE>

UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, THE REGISTRANT WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY OF THE
REFERENCED OMITTED SCHEDULES.



<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report in
the Form 8-K, dated April 4, 1997, of Transmation, Inc., dated December 17,
1996, except for the event discussed in Note 9, for which the date is March 4,
1997, with respect to the financial statements of E.I.L. Sales and Service
Division (a division of E.I.L. Instruments, Inc.) and to the incorporation by
reference in the three Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration No.
33-61665, Registration No. 33-08779 and Registration No. 33-08781) of
Transmation, Inc. It should be noted that we have not audited any financial
statements of the Division subsequent to October 31, 1996, or performed any
audit procedures subsequent to the date of our report.

                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
  April 14, 1997




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