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                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                 by and among

                        HYDROGEL DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.,

                   ALTERNATIVE DESIGN SYSTEMS R & D GROUP,

                                 JOHN ESSMYER

                                     and

                                JANICE ESSMYER

                         Dated as of February 6, 1997



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                           ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of February 6, 1997 by and among
Hydrogel Design Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Purchaser"), 
Alternative Design Systems R & D Group, a New Jersey general partnership (the 
"Seller"), and John Essmyer and Janice Essmyer (collectively, the "Partners").

                            W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, the Seller is engaged in the business of manufacturing,
marketing, selling and distributing products manufactured with Hydryogel (the
"Business"); and

         WHEREAS, simultaneous with the execution of this asset purchase
agreement(the "Agreement"), the Purchaser, Embryo and the Partners have executed
an asset purchase agreement with NOVATECH, INC., a New Jersey corporation, (the
"Novatech Agreement") whereby pursuant to the terms of the two (2)
aforementioned asset purchase agreements, all of the assets of the Business(as
that term is defined herein and in the Novatech Agreement) of Seller and
Novatech will be sold to the Purchaser, including, but not limited to, any and
all formulas and methods of mixing and preparing Hydrogel products, as well as
any and all applications, both consumer and medical, for Hydrogel whether
presently in use or in development by the Seller and the Partners; and

         WHEREAS, the Partners are the sole persons with a proprietary interest
in the Seller; and

         WHEREAS, at the Closing (as hereinafter defined) the Seller will have
good and valid title to all of the assets comprising the Assets free and clear

of any liens or encumbrances(as hereinafter defined) which are related to the
conduct of the Business; and

         WHEREAS, the Seller wishes to sell, and the Purchaser wishes to
purchase, the Assets, subject to the assumption by the Purchaser of certain
liabilities of the Seller comprising the Assumed Liabilities (as hereinafter
defined).


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         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms, conditions and
other agreements set forth herein, the Seller and the Purchaser hereby agree as
follows:

                                  ARTICLE I

                     DEFINITIONS, PURCHASE OF THE ASSETS,
              ASSUMPTION OF ASSUMED LIABILITIES, PURCHASE PRICE

         1.1. Certain Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following
terms have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

         "Adjustment Date" has the meaning specified in Section 1.5(b).

         "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person
controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person; provided,
however, that for purposes of Section 3.16, controlling or controlled shall be
deemed to occur if any person holds or has the right to vote ten (10%) percent
or more of the voting stock of such other Person.

         "Alternative Design" means Alternative Design Systems R & D Group, a
New Jersey general partnership, also referred to as the Seller.

         "Assets" has the meaning specified in Section 1.2.

         "Assigned Contracts and Leases" means the unexpired leases and
executory contracts (including without limitation, licenses and purchase orders)
set forth on Schedule 3.14, unless indicated otherwise therein.

         "Assignment and Assumption Agreement" means an instrument substantially
in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.

         "Assumed Liabilities" has the meaning specified in Section 1.3.

         "Bill of Sale" means an instrument substantially in the form of Exhibit
B attached hereto.



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         "Business" has the meaning specified in the Recitals.

         "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day
on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law to close in New York
City.

         "Claim Notice" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2(a).

         "Closing" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

         "Closing Date Balance Sheet" means a balance sheet dated as of the
Closing Date prepared by an independent auditing firm reasonably acceptable to
the Purchaser.

         "Code" has the meaning specified in Section 3.13.

         "Cash Payment" has the meaning specified in Section 1.5(a).

         "Due Diligence Period" has the meaning specified in Section 7.7.

         "Embryo" means Embryo Development Corp., a Delaware corporation.

         "Employment Agreement" has the meaning specified in Section 1.7.

         "Environmental Law" means any and all present federal, state, local and
statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees,
permits, grants, franchises, licenses or agreements relating to (a) the
protection of the environment, health or workers safety; (b) pollution or
environmental contamination; or (c) the use, processing, distribution,
generation, treatment, storage, recycling, transportation, disposal, handling,
Release or threatened or potential Release of any Material of Environmental
Concern.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

         "Excluded Assets" means those assets of the Seller set forth on
Schedule 1.1(a).


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         "Extension Payment" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1(a).

         "Fair Market Value" has the meaning specified in Section 1.5(b).

         "Governmental or Regulatory Body" means any government or political
subdivision thereof, whether federal, state, county, local or foreign, or any
agency, authority or instrumentality of any such government or political
subdivision.

         "Indemnified Party" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2.

         "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning specified in Section 8.2

         "Intangible Property" has the meaning specified in Section 3.7.

         "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

         "Leases" has the meaning specified in Section 3.15.

         "Liabilities" has the meaning specified in Section 3.11.

         "Lien" means any lien, pledge, hypothecation, mortgage, security
interest, claim, lease, charge, option, right of first refusal, easement,
servitude, transfer restriction under any stockholder or similar agreement,
encumbrance or any other restriction or limitation whatsoever.

         "Loss" and "Losses" have the meanings specified in Section 8.1(a).

         "Material Adverse Effect" means any change or changes or effect or
effects that individually or in the aggregate are or may reasonably be expected
to be materially adverse to (a) the business or the assets, operations, income,
prospects or conditions (financial or otherwise) of the Seller or the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (b) the ability of any of the
Seller or the Partners to perform their respective obligations under this
Agreement.


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         "Material Agreements" has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.

         "Material of Environmental Concern" shall have the same meaning as
"Hazardous Substances" as defined in the Lease Agreement.

         "Novatech" means Novatech, Inc., a New Jersey corporation.

         "Partners" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of
this Agreement.


         "Non-Assumed Liabilities" has the meaning specified in Section 1.4.

         "Permitted Liens" means (a) Liens for taxes not yet due and (b) the
Liens set forth on Schedule 1.1(b).

         "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, joint
venture, association, joint-stock Company, trust, unincorporated organization,
Governmental or Regulatory Body or other entity.

         "Plan" means any plan, fund, program, understanding, policy,
arrangement, contract or commitment, whether qualified or not qualified for
federal income tax purposes, whether formal or informal, whether for the benefit
of a single individual or more than one individual, which is in the nature of
(a) an employee pension benefit plan (as defined in ERISA ss. 3(2)), (b) an
employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in ERISA ss. 3(1)), or (c) an
incentive, deferred compensation, or other benefit arrangement for employees,
former employees, their dependents or their beneficiaries.

         "Product" has the meaning specified in Section 3.23.

         "Purchase Price" has the meaning specified in Section 1.5(a).

         "Purchaser" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of
this Agreement.

         "Purchaser Group" has the meaning specified in Section


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8.1(a).

         "Real Estate Documents" has the meaning specified in Section 3.15.

         "Release" means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting,
emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping or disposing into
the environment.

         "Seller" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of
this Agreement.

         "Senior Management of the Seller" means any vice-president, director or
officer of the Seller.

         "Tax" or "Taxes" mean all taxes, charges, fees, levies or other
assessments imposed by any federal, state, local or foreign Taxing Authority,
including, without limitation, gross income, gross receipts, income, capital,
excise, property (tangible and intangible), sales, transfer, value added,
employment, payroll and franchise taxes and such terms shall include any

interest, penalties or additions attributable to or imposed on or with respect
to such assessments.

         "Tax Report" means any return, report, information return, or other
document (including any related or supporting information) filed or required to
be filed with any federal, state, or local governmental entity or other
authority in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any
Tax (whether or not such Tax is imposed on any of the Seller) or the
administration of any laws, regulations or administrative requirements relating
to any Tax.

         "to the knowledge of the Seller" means to the best knowledge of the
Partners and the Senior Management of the Seller.

         "Unaudited Balance Sheet" means the balance sheet of the Seller
prepared in-house for the period ending December 31, 1996 and attached hereto as
Exhibit E.

         "Unaudited Financials" has the meaning specified in Section 3.10(a).

         1.2 Purchase of the Assets.  Subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement, the Seller agrees that,


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on the Closing Date, it shall sell, transfer, assign, convey and deliver to the
Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees that, on the Closing Date, Purchaser shall
purchase, acquire and accept from the Seller, all of the assets owned, used or
held by the Seller to conduct the Business and as set forth on Schedule 1.2,
other than the Excluded Assets (said assets, together with all goodwill in
connection with the Business, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the
"Assets"), free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.

         1.3 Assumption by the Purchaser of Certain Liabilities. Subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Purchaser agrees that, on the
Closing Date, Purchaser shall assume and thereafter pay, perform or discharge,
as the case may be, the obligations and liabilities of the Seller outstanding on
the Closing Date set forth on Schedule 1.3(the "Assumed Liabilities"). The
Purchaser shall assume those insurance policies listed in Schedule 3.14(4) which
are assumable and shall maintain such policies or shall obtain similar policies
in similar amounts for a period of one (1) year from and after the Closing Date.

         1.4 Non-Assumed Liabilities.  The Purchaser shall not assume nor
be responsible for any liabilities or obligations of the Seller, other than the
Assumed Liabilities (the "Non-Assumed Liabilities").

         1.5 Purchase Price for the Assets. (a) The consideration for the Assets
shall be in the aggregate amount of (i)$150,000 (excluding the assumption of the

Assumed Liabilities provided for herein), payable upon the Closing as defined in
Section 2.1 herein(the "Cash Payment").

         1.6   Intentionally Omitted

         1.7 Employment Agreement. As additional consideration, at the Closing,
the Partners shall each enter into an employment agreement with the Purchaser in
substantially the form set forth in Exhibit D attached hereto (the "Employment
Agreements").

         1.8 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated
among the Assets in the manner set forth on Schedule 1.8, which allocation shall
be provided to the Seller and the Partners by the Purchaser no later than March
1, 1997 and shall be agreed as set forth in Section 7.9 hereof. Except as
required


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by law, the parties hereby covenant and agree with each other that none of them
will take a position on any Tax Return, before any taxing authority charged with
the collection of any Tax, or in any judicial proceeding, that is in any way
inconsistent with the negotiated allocation.

         1.9 Limitations on Assignment; Further Assurance. To the extent that
the assignment of any Assigned Contract and Lease to be assigned to the
Purchaser, as provided herein, shall require the consent of another party
thereto, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign the same if
an attempted assignment would constitute a breach thereof. To the extent
required, each of the Seller and the Partners agrees that it will use all
reasonable efforts to obtain the written consent of other parties to all
Assigned Contracts and Leases to the assignment thereof to the Purchaser. If any
such consent is not obtained, each of the Seller and the Partners shall use all
reasonable efforts to obtain the same and will cooperate with the Purchaser, as
appropriate, in any reasonable arrangement designed by the Purchaser to provide
the Purchaser, as appropriate, with the benefits hereunder and the Purchaser
shall assume all correlative obligations to effectuate such arrangement.

                                  ARTICLE II

                                   CLOSING

         2.1 The Closing. (a) Upon satisfaction of the conditions contained in
Article VII of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall be held at 10:00 a.m. (New York City
time) on February 6, 1997 (such date and time being referred to herein as the
"Closing Date") at the offices of Bernstein & Wasserman, LLP, 950 Third Avenue,
New York, NY 10022 or, at the agreement of the parties, at such other place as
the parties may agree or by facsimile transmission, with the original signature

pages to be held in escrow by the Seller's counsel, subject to written release
by the Purchaser of the Purchaser's signature pages.

         (b) At the Closing, the Seller and/or the Partners shall execute and
deliver or cause to be executed and delivered to the Purchaser, all documents
and instruments necessary to transfer to the Purchaser, all of the right, title
and interest of the Seller in and to the Assets, including, without limitation:


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                      (i)      the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, signed
                  by the Seller;

                      (ii)      a Bill of Sale, signed by the Seller;

                      (iii)     An Assignment of a certain lease for real 
                  property presently leased by the Seller and/or its related 
                  Company for the real property known as 319-321 Hackensack 
                  Street, Carlstadt, NJ; and

                      (iv)      a legal opinion of the Seller's counsel and
                  the Partners' counsel as set forth in Section 2.2(d) hereof.

         (c)      At the Closing, the Purchaser shall:

                      (i)       execute and deliver to the Seller the 
                  Assignment and Assumption Agreement;

                      (ii)      assume the Assumed Liabilities and pay the
                  outstanding principal amount and all accrued and unpaid
                  interest due in respect of the Seller's bank debt referred to
                  in Schedule 1.1(b) hereto;

                      (iii)     deliver to the Seller in the form of a cashier's
                  check or by wire transfer the sum of $150,000 as set forth in
                  Section 1.5(a)(i) hereof.

         (d)      Intentionally Omitted.

         2.2      Additional Actions to be Taken on the Closing Date.

         (a) Closing Certificate of Seller. The Seller and the Partners shall
have delivered to the Purchaser a certificate signed by the Seller and the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Seller, as requested by
the Purchaser, dated the Closing Date, stating (i) that no material adverse
change has occurred in the condition (financial or otherwise), results of
operations, business, performance or properties of the Seller since Decmber 31,
1996, and (ii) all of the representations, warranties and covenants of each of
the Seller and the Partners contained in this Agreement are true, complete and
correct as of the Closing Date.



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         (b) Liens. Each of the Seller and the Partners shall have satisfied and
discharged all Liens on the Assets, except for Permitted Liens and provided the
Purchaser with evidence of such satisfaction and discharge in form and substance
satisfactory to the Purchaser.

         (c) Legal Opinions.  The Purchaser shall have received the legal
opinions of legal counsel to the Partners and the Seller in form and substance
satisfactory to the Purchaser relating to the corporate standing and governance
of the Seller.

         (d) Partnership Consent.  The Purchaser shall have received a consent
to the transactions contemplated by this agreement signed by all of the partners
of the Seller.

         (e) Compliance with Bulk Sales Act. The Seller and Partners shall
provide Purchaser with evidence of compliance with applicable bulk
sales/transfer laws and regulations in form and substance satisfactory to
Purchaser.

                                 ARTICLE III

                        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
                        OF THE SELLER AND THE PARTNERS

         SECTION 3.   Representations and Warranties of the Seller and the
Partners.  The Seller and the Partners represent and warrant to the Purchaser as
follows:

         3.1 Organization and Qualification. The Seller is a general partnership
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey,
and has all requisite power and authority to (a) own, lease and operate its
properties and assets as they are now owned, leased and operated and (b) carry
on its business as now presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted. The
Seller is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature
of its business or properties makes such qualification necessary, except where
the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The jurisdictions
in which the Seller is so qualified are set forth on Schedule 3.1.

         3.2  Subsidiaries and Affiliates. Schedule 3.2 sets forth the name and
jurisdiction of organization of each subsidiary of


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the Seller.

         3.3. Validity and Execution of Agreement. The Seller has the full legal
right, capacity and power and all requisite corporate authority and approval
required to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and any other
agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, and to perform fully its
obligations hereunder and thereunder. The partners of the Seller have each
approved the transactions contemplated pursuant to this Agreement and each of
the other agreements required to be entered into pursuant hereto by the Seller.
This Agreement and such other agreements and instruments have been duly executed
and delivered by the Seller and each constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of the Seller enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

         3.4. No Conflict. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement
nor the performance by the Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby will:
(a) violate or conflict with any of the provisions of the organizational
documents of the Seller; or (b) or result in the acceleration of, or entitle any
party to accelerate the maturity or the cancellation of the performance of any
obligation under, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien in or upon
the Assets or constitute a default (or an event which might, with the passage of
time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute a default) under any contract,
any order, judgment, regulation or ruling of any Governmental or Regulatory Body
to which the Seller is a party or by which any of its property or assets may be
bound or affected or with any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order,
judgment, or ruling of any Governmental or Regulatory Body applicable to the
Seller.

         3.5 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5, there are no
outstanding orders, judgments, injunctions, investigations, awards or decrees of
any court, Governmental or Regulatory Body or arbitration tribunal by which the
Seller, or any of its securities, assets, properties or business is bound.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5, there are no actions, suits, claims,
investigations, legal, administrative or arbitral proceedings pending or, to the
knowledge of the Seller, threatened (whether or not the defense thereof or
liabilities in respect thereof are covered by insurance) against or affecting
the Seller, or any of its assets or properties, that, individually or in the
aggregate, could, if determined adversely


                                      11


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to the Seller have a Material Adverse Effect, nor, to the knowledge of the
Seller, are there any facts which are likely to give rise to any such action,
suit, claim, investigation or legal, administrative or arbitral proceeding.


         3.6 The Assets. The Seller owns outright and has good and marketable
title (except for leasehold interests specifically set forth on Schedule 3.15)
to all of the Seller's assets and properties (tangible and intangible),
including, without limitation, all of the assets and properties (except
capitalized leases) reflected on the Unaudited Financials, free and clear of any
Lien, other than Permitted Liens. The Assets sold pursuant hereto constitute all
of the assets necessary and appropriate for the conduct of the Business in
substantially the same manner as the Business has heretofore been conducted.

         3.7 Intangible Property. Schedule 3.7 sets forth all patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, logos and the like and
franchises, all applications for any of the foregoing, and all permits, grants
and licenses or other rights held or owned by running to or from the Seller
relating to any of the foregoing that are necessary in connection with the
Business (collectively, the "Intangible Property"), true and complete copies of
which have been delivered or made available to the Purchaser. To the knowledge
of the Seller, no patent, invention, trademark, service mark or trade name of
any other Person infringes upon, or is infringed upon by, any of the Intangible
Property and the Seller has not received any notice of any claim of infringement
of any other Person with respect to any of the Intangible Property or any
process or confidential information of the Seller, and the Seller does not know,
after diligent investigation, of any basis for any such charge or claim. Except
for the Intangible Property, no other intellectual property or intangible
property rights are required for the Seller to conduct the Business in the
ordinary course consistent with past practice. To the knowledge of the Seller,
all of the permits, applications and licenses relating to the Intangible
Property have been validly issued and any fees, relating to them have been fully
paid by the Seller. The Seller has not received any notice or inquiry
indicating, or claiming, that the manufacture, sale or use of any Product
infringes upon the patent or other intellectual property rights of any other
Person. Except as separately identified on Schedule 3.7, no approval or consent
of any person is needed so that the interest of the Seller in the Intangible
Property shall continue to be in full



                                      12


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force and effect and enforceable by the Purchaser following the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby.

         3.8 Inventory. The inventory of the Seller is or was, prior to the sale
thereof, in good and merchantable condition and suitable and usable or saleable
in the ordinary course of business, without mark-down or other discount (except
such mark-downs and discounts as are consistent with the Seller's prior
practices in the ordinary course of business), for the purposes for which
intended. The Seller is not aware of any material adverse condition affecting
the supply of inventory available to the Seller.


         3.9   Intentionally Omitted.

         3.10 Financial Statements. To the knowledge of the Seller, the
unaudited balance sheet of the Seller as of December 31, 1996, and the related
statement of income for the three (3) month period then ended, true and complete
copies of which have heretofore been delivered to the Purchaser, fairly present
the financial position of the Seller as at such date and the results of
operations of the Seller for the three (3) month period then ended, in each
case, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied for the periods covered
thereby (subject to normal year end adjustments and the absence of footnotes)
(the "Unaudited Financials").

         3.11 Undisclosed Liabilities. To the knowledge of the Seller, except as
disclosed on Schedule 3.11, the Seller does not have any, direct or indirect,
indebtedness, liability, claim, loss, damage, deficiency, obligation or
responsibility, fixed or unfixed, choate or inchoate, liquidated or
unliquidated, secured or unsecured, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise
collectively, the "Liabilities"), that is not fully and adequately reflected or
reserved against on the Unaudited Financials or covered in full by insurance. To
the knowledge of the Seller, except as disclosed on Schedule 3.11, the Seller
does not have any Liabilities, whether or not of a kind required by GAAP to be
set forth on a financial statement, other than (a) Liabilities incurred since
December 31 ,1996 in the ordinary course of business (none of which is a
liability for a breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort or infringement
claim or lawsuit), none of which individually or in the aggregate, has had or
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (b)
Liabilities disclosed and reflected as liabilities on the


                                      13


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Unaudited Financials.

         3.12 No Material Adverse Change. Since December 31, 1996, there has
been no material adverse change in the Business, operations or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Seller, or in the assets, liabilities, net worth
or properties of the Seller, and the Seller does not know of any such change
that is threatened, or has there been any damage, destruction or loss which
could have a Material Adverse Effect, whether or not covered by insurance.

         3.13 Tax Matters. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.13, (a) all Tax
Returns required to be filed with respect to the Seller have been duly filed and
were in all material respects true, complete and correct and filed on a timely
basis, (b) the Seller has paid all Taxes that are due, or claimed or asserted by
the IRS or any Taxing Authority to be due from the Seller for the periods
covered by such Tax Returns or Seller has duly and fully provided reserves
adequate to pay all Taxes in the Unaudited Financials, (c) the Seller has
complied in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to
withholding of Taxes (including withholding Taxes pursuant to Sections 1441 and
1442 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and

similar provisions under any other applicable laws) and the payment thereof over
to the Taxing Authorities (d) the income Tax Returns of the Seller have not been
audited or examined by any the Taxing Authority (including the IRS) for any
period for which the applicable statute of limitations period has not yet
expired and no statute of limitations for any such period has been extended.

         3.14 Contracts and Other Agreements. Schedule 3.14 sets forth all
written agreements (and, to the knowledge of the Seller any oral agreement) and
arrangements to which either the Seller is a party or by or to which the Seller
or any of its assets or properties is bound or subject (collectively, the
"Material Agreements").

         3.15 Real Estate. Schedule 3.15 sets forth a list and supplies
descriptions of (a) all real property owned by the Seller; (b) all leases,
subleases or other agreements (the "Leases") under which the Seller is lessor or
lessee of any real property; (c) all options held by the Seller or contractual
obligations on its respective part to purchase or acquire any interest in real
property (as set forth on Schedule 3.15) and (d)


                                      14


<PAGE>



all options granted by the Seller or contractual obligations on any such
Persons' part to sell or dispose of any interest in real property (as set forth
on Schedule 3.15) (collectively, the "Real Estate Documents"). All of the Real
Estate Documents, true, correct and complete copies of which have been delivered
or made available to the Purchaser, are in full force and effect and the Seller
has not received any notice of any default hereunder, nor does the Seller
anticipate any such notice of default. Except as separately identified on
Schedule 3.15, no approval or consent of any person is needed for the Real
Estate Documents to continue to be in full force and effect and such documents
will not become unenforceable by the Purchaser following the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         3.16 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.16, no Affiliate of the Seller has: (a) borrowed money from or loaned money to
the Seller which remains outstanding; (b) any contractual or other claim,
express or implied, of any kind whatsoever against or by any Affiliate; (c) any
interest in any property or assets used by any Affiliate in their respective
businesses; or (d) engaged in any other transaction with any Affiliate (other
than employment relationships).

         3.17 ERISA. (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.17, the Seller does
not sponsor, or maintain, or have any obligation to contribute to, or have any
liability under, nor is Seller otherwise a Party to, any Plan. None of the Plans
is a "multiemployer" plan with the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA and none of
the Plans is subject to Title IV of ERISA. Neither the Seller nor any ERISA
Affiliate has ever participated in nor had an obligation to contribute to any
"multiemployer plan" or any plan subject to Title IV of ERISA.


                  (b) With respect to each Plan, Seller has delivered to
Purchaser, or will make available during the Due Diligence Period, to the extent
applicable, a copy of (i) the plan document as currently in effect (or a written
description of any Plan for which there in no plan document) and all relevant
document related thereto, including but not limited to all current trust
agreements, insurance contracts, investment management contracts and
administrative service contracts, (ii) the three most recent annual reports
(Form 5500 Series) filed with the Internal Revenue Service, together with all
schedules, actuarial reports, accountant's statement and trustee reports, (iii)
all IRS


                                      15


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determination letters and pending IRS determination letters, (iv) the most
recent summary of material modifications and other employee materials describing
such plan; (v) all records, notices and filings concerning IRS or Department of
Labor audits or investigations, "prohibited transactions" within the meaning of
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and "reportable events" within
the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA; (vi) a schedule of participants who are no
longer active employees (and the beneficiaries of such participants) listing the
following: name, date of birth, date of hire, social security number and
termination date; (vii) a particularized list of any claims for benefits with
respect to which there is an unresolved dispute together with copies of any
written appeal pertaining thereto; and (viii) a copy of all administrative forms
utilized in the operation of the Plan, together with copies of all participant
elections and beneficiary designations filed pursuant to the Plan.

                  (c) Each Plan has been maintained, operated and administered
in compliance with its terms and any related documents or agreement and in
compliance with ERISA and the Code.

                  (d) Each Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the
Code (as designated on Schedule 3.17) is so qualified and each trust maintained
in connection with such Plan is tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code.

                  (e) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Seller,
threatened claims (other than routine claims for benefits), assessments,
complaints, proceedings or investigations of any kind by any court or
governmental agency with respect to any Plan.

                  (f) No Plan provides benefits, including without limitation,
death or medical benefits (whether or not insured), beyond retirement or other
termination of service other than (i) coverage mandated by applicable law, (ii)
death benefits or retirement benefits or retirement benefits under any "employee
pension plan" as that term is defined in Section 3 (2) of ERISA, or (ii)
deferred compensation benefits accrued as liabilities on the Unaudited
Financials.


                  (g) Neither a "prohibited transaction" within the meaning of
ERISA Section 406 or Code Section 4975 nor any breach of a duty imposed by Title
I of ERISA has occurred with respect


                                      16


<PAGE>

to any Plan.

                  (h) With respect to each Plan that is a "group health plan"
within the meaning of ERISA Section 607(l) and that is subject to Code Section
4980B, Seller and each ERISA Affiliate have complied in all material respects
with the continuation coverage requirements of the Code and ERISA.

                  (i) Except as noted on Schedule 3.17, all contributions to,
and payments from, any Plan that may have been required to be made in accordance
with the Plan, or the Code or ERISA, have been timely made.

                  (j) Neither Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred or is
reasonably likely to incur any liability with respect to any plan or arrangement
that would be included in the definition of Plan hereunder but for the fact that
such plan or arrangement was terminated before the date of this Agreement.

         3.18 Employees. The Seller is not a party to, and there does not
otherwise exist, any agreements with any labor organization, collective
bargaining or similar agreement with respect to employees of the Seller.
Schedule 3.18 sets forth: (a) the name and current annual salary, including any
bonus, if applicable, of all present officers and employees of the Seller whose
current annual salary, including any promised, expected or customary bonus,
equals or exceeds $50,000 and (b) the names and titles of all officers of the
Seller and of such trustee, fiduciary or plan administrator of each Plan of the
Seller. All health and health related employee benefits and other costs have
been paid or adequately reserved for on the Unaudited Financials. The Seller is
in compliance in all material respects with its obligations under all Federal,
state, and local statutes and ordinances, executive orders, regulations and
common law governing its employment practices with respect to the Seller. To the
knowledge of the Seller, there are no attempts being made to organize any
employees presently employed by the Seller.

         3.19 Environmental Matters. The Seller is not in violation of, or
delinquent in respect to, any Environmental Law which violation or delinquency
would have a Material Adverse Effect and the Seller has obtained all permits,
licenses and other authorizations required under the Environmental Laws.
Schedule 3.19, which shall be provided to the Purchaser by the Seller and the
Partners no later than four (4) Business Days following the


                                      17



<PAGE>



date of execution of this Agreement, lists all violations of, or delinquencies
with respect to, any Environmental Law (i) within the twenty four (24) month
period prior hereto and (ii) with respect to any such violation which remains
uncorrected, within the period of ownership by the Partners of any proprietary
interest in the Seller. Schedule 3.21, which shall be provided to the Purchaser
by the Seller and the Partners no later than four (4) Business Days following
the date of execution of this Agreement, includes a list of all such permits,
licenses and other authorizations.

         3.20 Insurance. Schedule 3.20 sets forth a list and brief description
(specifying the insurer, the policy number or covering note number with respect
to binders and the amount of any deductible, describing the pending claims if
such claims exceed applicable policy limits, setting forth the aggregate amount
paid out under each such policy through the date hereof and the aggregate limit,
if any, of the insurer's liability thereunder) of all policies or binders of
fire, liability, product liability, workmen's compensation, vehicular,
unemployment and other insurance held by or on behalf of the Seller. Such
policies and binders are valid and enforceable in accordance with their terms in
all material risks and liabilities to the extent and in respect of amount, types
and risks insured, as are customary in the industries in which the Seller
operates. The Seller is not in default with respect to any material provision
contained in any such policy or binder and has not failed to give any notice or
present any claim under any such policy or binder in due and timely fashion.
Except for claims disclosed on Schedule 3.20, there are no outstanding unpaid
claims under any such policy or binder which have gone unpaid for more than
forty-five (45) days or as to which the carrier has disclaimed liability.

         3.21 Licenses and Permits. Schedule 3.21 , which shall be provided to
the Purchaser by the Seller and the Partners no later than four (4) Business
Days following the date of execution of this Agreement, sets forth a list of the
governmental permits, licenses, registrations and other governmental consents
(federal, state and local) which the Seller has obtained and which are necessary
in connection with its operations and properties, and no others are required.
All such permits, licenses, registrations and consents are in full force and
effect and in good standing, and except as separately identified on Schedule
3.21, shall continue to be in full force and effect and in good



                                      18


<PAGE>



standing following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. The Seller has not received any notice of any claim of revocation and
to the knowledge of the Seller there is no event which might give rise to such a
claim. Additionally, Seller and Partners hereby represent and warrant that its

Business and facility have been registered with the Federal Food and Drug
Administration (the "FDA") and that the Seller and the Partners shall transfer
such FDA registration to the Purchaser as soon as possible following the signing
of this Agreement.

         3.22 Compliance with Laws. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.19, the
Seller has complied in all respects with all applicable federal, state and local
laws, regulations and ordinances or any requirement of any Governmental or
Regulatory Body, court or arbitrator affecting the Business or the Assets the
failure to comply with which could have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Business or the Assets. Neither the Seller nor any of its representatives,
agents, employees or Affiliates has made or agreed to make any payment to any
Person which would be unlawful.

         3.23 Products. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.23, there are no
statements, citations or decisions by any Governmental or Regulatory Body that
any product manufactured, marketed or distributed at any time by the Seller
("Product") is defective or fails to meet in any material respect any standards
promulgated by any such Governmental or Regulatory Body. There have been no
recalls ordered by any such Governmental or Regulatory Body with respect to any
Product. There is no (a) fact relating to any Product that may impose upon the
Seller (or the Purchaser upon consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby) a duty to recall any Product or a duty to warn customers of a defect in
any Product, other than defects about which the Seller has issued appropriate
and adequate warnings or (b) latent or overt design, manufacturing or other
defect in any Product.

         3.24 Disclosure. Neither this Agreement, nor any Schedule or Exhibit to
this Agreement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits a
material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein not
misleading. All statements, documents, certificates or other items prepared or
supplied by the Seller or the Partners with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby are true, correct and complete and contain no untrue
statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the
statements contained therein


                                      19


<PAGE>



not misleading.

         3.25 Survival. All of the representations and warranties of the Seller
and the Partners contained herein shall survive the Closing Date until the date
upon which the liability to which any claim relating to any such representation
or warranty is barred by all applicable statutes of limitations.

                                  ARTICLE IV

               REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PURCHASER


         4.1 Organization and Qualification.  The Purchaser is a corporation
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

         4.2 Validity and Execution of Agreement. The Purchaser has the full
legal right, capacity and power and all requisite corporate authority and
approval required to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and any
other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, and to perform fully its
obligations hereunder and thereunder. The Board of Directors of the Purchaser
has approved the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each of the
other agreements required to be entered into pursuant hereto by the Purchaser.
This Agreement and such other agreements and instruments have been duly executed
and delivered by the Purchaser and each constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of the Purchaser enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

         4.3 No Conflict. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement
nor the performance by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated herein
will (a) violate or conflict with any of the provisions of its Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws or other organizational documents; and (b) violate or
conflict with any provision of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment,
decree or ruling of any court or federal, state or local Governmental or
Regulatory Body applicable to the Purchaser.

         4.4 Survival. All of the representations and warranties of the
Purchaser contained herein shall survive the Closing Date until the date upon
which the liability to which any claim relating to any such representation or
warranty is barred by all applicable statutes of limitations.


                                      20


<PAGE>



         4.5 Disclosure. Article IV of this Agreement does not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the
statements contained herein not misleading. All statements, documents,
certificates or other items prepared or supplied by the Purchaser with respect
to the transaction contemplated hereby are true, correct and complete and
contain no untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary
to make the statement contained therein not misleading.

                                  ARTICLE V

         Section 5. Intentionally Omitted.

                                  ARTICLE VI

                        COVENANTS PENDING THE CLOSING

         Section 6. Covenants of Seller and the Partners Pending the Closing.
Each of Seller and the Partners hereby agree and covenant to Purchaser that

prior to the Closing Date:

         6.1 The Seller's Operation of the Business Prior to Closing. Each of
the Seller and the Partners agree that between the date of this Agreement and
the Closing Date, the Seller will:

         (a) continue to operate the Business in the usual and ordinary course
and in substantial conformity with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations,
rules, or orders, and will use its best efforts to preserve the Business and
preserve the continued operation of the Business with its customers, suppliers,
and others having business relations with Seller;

         (b) not assign, sell, lease, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any of
the Assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except in the normal and
ordinary course of business and in connection with its normal operation;

         (c) maintain all of the Assets other than inventories in


                                      21


<PAGE>



their present condition, reasonable wear and tear and ordinary usage excepted,
and maintain the inventories at levels normally maintained; and

         (d) not (i) incur any liabilities (contingent or otherwise) outside of
the ordinary course of business, (ii) sell pledge or hypothecate any capital
stock (or securities exercisable or exchangeable for, or convertible into,
shares of capital stock) of the Seller, or (iii) engage in any transaction which
could adversely affect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         6.2 Access to Premises and Information. At reasonable times prior to
the Closing Date, Partners and Seller will provide Purchaser and its
representatives, with the consent of the Seller (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), with reasonable access during business hours
to the assets, titles, contracts, and records of Seller and furnish such
additional information concerning the Business as Purchaser from time to time
may reasonably request; provided that Purchaser and its representatives shall
use all reasonable efforts to keep confidential from Seller's employees, the
purpose of any such access.

         6.3 Employee Matters. Prior to the Closing Date, the Seller will not,
without Purchaser's prior written consent, enter into any material agreement
with its employees (or independent contractors), increase the rate of
compensation or bonus paid, payable to or to become payable to any employee, or
effect any changes in the management, personnel policies, or employee benefits,
except in accordance with existing employment practices.

         6.4 Change of Name. On or prior to the Closing Date, Seller and the
Partners will take all action necessary or appropriate to permit Purchaser to

legally commence use of the Seller's name on the Closing Date.

         6.5 Conditions and Best Efforts. The Seller and the Partners will use
their respective best efforts to effectuate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and to fulfill all the conditions of the obligations of the
Seller and the Partners under this Agreement, and will do all acts and things as
may be required to carry out their respective obligations under this Agreement
and to consummate and complete this Agreement.


                                      22

<PAGE>


                                 ARTICLE VII

                     CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING

         Section 7. Conditions Precedent to Purchaser's Obligations. The
obligation of Purchaser to purchase the Assets is subject to the fulfillment,
prior to or at the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions, any one or
portion of which may be waived in writing by Purchaser:

         7.1 Representations, Warranties, and Covenants of Seller and Partner.
All representations and warranties made in this Agreement by the Seller and the
Partners shall be true as of the Closing Date as fully as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date, and,
as of the Closing Date, neither the Seller nor the Partners shall have violated
or shall have failed to perform in accordance with any covenant contained in
this Agreement.

         7.2 Licenses and Permits. Purchaser shall have received from Seller all
licenses and permits from public authorities necessary to authorize the
ownership and operation of the Business.

         7.3 Consents.  Purchaser shall have obtained all necessary consents to
assignments of all parties to material contracts with the Seller.

         7.4 Condition of the Business. There shall have been no material
adverse change in the business, operations condition (financial and otherwise)
or prospects of the Business since December 31, 1996.

         7.5 Opinions of Counsel. The Seller and Partners shall have furnished
Purchaser with opinions of counsel for the Seller and the Partners in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser's counsel as described in Section
2.2(d). The Purchaser shall have furnished Seller and Partners with opinions of
counsel for the Purchaser in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Seller's and Partners' counsel.

         7.6 No Suits or Actions.  At the Closing Date, no suit, action, or
other proceeding shall have been threatened or instituted to restrain, enjoin,
or otherwise prevent the consummation of this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated




                                      23


<PAGE>


thereby.

         7.7  Due Diligence Investigation.  The Purchaser shall carry out such
due diligence investigations, as its agents, attorney's and auditors deem
appropriate.

         7.8  Intentionally Omitted

         7.9  Delivery of Schedule 1.8 to the Seller and the Partners. The
Purchaser shall have delivered to the Seller and the Partners, no later than
March 1, a copy of Schedule 1.8, and the parties hereto shall have agreed upon
the allocation of the Purchase Price set forth therein and annexed said Schedule
to their respective counterparts of this Agreement.

         7.10  Delivery of Schedules 3.19 and 3.21 to the Purchaser. The Seller
and the Partners shall have delivered to the Purchaser, no later than four (4)
Business Days following the date of execution of this Agreement, a copy of
Schedule 3.19 and Schedule 3.21 and the parties hereto shall have annexed said
Schedules to their respective counterparts of this Agreement.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                               INDEMNIFICATION

         8.1 Indemnification. (a) The Seller and the Partners agree to jointly
and severally indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Purchaser and its
respective shareholders, officers, directors, employees, and any Affiliates of
the foregoing, and their successors and assigns (collectively, the "Purchaser
Group") from and against any and all losses, liabilities (including punitive or
exemplary damages and fines or penalties and any interest thereon), expenses
(including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and expenses of
investigation and defense), claims, Liens or other obligations of any nature
whatsoever (hereinafter individually, a "Loss" and collectively, "Losses")
which, directly or indirectly, arise out of, result from or relate to, (i) any
inaccuracy in or any breach of any representation or warranty of any of the
Seller or the Partners contained in Article III, (ii) any breach of any covenant
or agreement of any of the Partners or Seller, in each case contained in this
Agreement or in any other document contemplated by this Agreement and (iii) the
conduct of the Business prior to the Closing.


                                      24


<PAGE>




         (b) The Purchaser agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of
the Seller and its directors, officers, employees, and any Affiliates of the
foregoing, and their successors and assigns from and against any and all Losses
which, directly or indirectly, arise out of, result from or relate to any breach
of any covenant or agreement of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement or in
any other document contemplated by this Agreement or the conduct of the Business
by the Purchaser from and after the Closing Date.

         8.2 Method of Asserting Claims. The party making a claim under this
Article VIII is referred to as the "Indemnified Party" and the party against
whom such claims are asserted under this Article VIII is referred to as the
"Indemnifying Party". All claims by any Indemnified Party under this Article
VIII shall be asserted and resolved as follows:

         (a) In the event that any claim or demand for which an Indemnifying
Party would be liable to an Indemnified Party hereunder is asserted against or
sought to be collected from such Indemnified Party by a third party, said
Indemnified Party shall with reasonable promptness notify in writing the
Indemnifying Party of such claim or demand, specifying the nature of the
specific basis for such claim or demand, and the amount or the estimated amount
thereof to the extent then feasible (which estimate shall not be conclusive of
the final amount of such claim and demand; any such notice, together with any
notice given pursuant to Section 8.2(b) hereof, collectively being the "Claim
Notice"); provided, however, that any failure to give such Claim Notice will not
be deemed a waiver of any rights of the Indemnified Party except to the extent
the rights of the Indemnifying Party are actually prejudiced. The Indemnifying
Party, upon request of the Indemnified Party, shall retain counsel (who shall be
reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party) to represent the Indemnified
Party, and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel with regard
thereto, provided, further, that any Indemnified Party is hereby authorized
prior to the date on which it receives written notice from the Indemnifying
Party designating such counsel, to retain counsel, whose fees and expenses shall
be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, to file any motion, answer or other
pleading and take such other action which it reasonably shall deem necessary to
protect its interests or those of the Indemnifying Party until the date on which
the Indemnified Party receives such notice from the Indemnifying Party. After
the Indemnifying Party


                                      25


<PAGE>



shall retain such counsel, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain
its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the
expense of such Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnifying Party and the
Indemnified Party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or
(ii) the named parties of any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties)

include both the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party and representation
of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or
potential differing interests between them. The Indemnifying Party shall not, in
connection with any proceedings or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction,
be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one such firm for the
Indemnified Party (except to the extent the Indemnified Party retained counsel
to protect its (or the Indemnifying Party's) rights prior to the selection of
counsel by the Indemnifying Party). If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the
Indemnified Party agrees to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its
counsel in contesting any claim or demand which the Indemnifying Party or, where
permitted pursuant to this Agreement, by an Indemnified Party without the
consent of the Indemnified Party in the first case or the consent of the
Indemnifying Party in the second case, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, unless such settlement shall be accompanied by a complete release of
the Indemnified Party in the first case or the Indemnifying Party in the second
case. Whether or not such release is obtained, the Person whose consent is
required may reasonably withhold consent if the proposed settlement would have a
Material Adverse Effect on its business or properties.

         (b) In the event any Indemnified Party shall have a claim against any
Indemnifying Party hereunder which does not involve a claim or demand being
asserted against or sought to be collected from it by a third party, the
Indemnified Party shall send a Claim Notice with respect to such claim to the
Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified
Party within twenty (20) days of receipt of the Claim Notice that it disputes
such claim, the amount of such claim shall be conclusively deemed a liability of
the Indemnifying Party hereunder.

         (c) So long as any right to indemnification exists pursuant to this
Article VIII, the affected parties each agree to retain all books, records,
accounts, instruments and documents reasonably related to the Claim Notice. In
each instance, the


                                      26


<PAGE>



Indemnified Party shall have the right to be kept informed by the Indemnifying
Party and its legal counsel with respect to all significant matters relating to
any legal proceedings. Any information or documents made available to any party
hereunder, which information is designated as confidential by the party
providing such information and which is not otherwise generally available to the
public, or which information is not otherwise lawfully obtained from third
parties or not already within the knowledge of the party to whom the information
is provided (unless otherwise covered by the confidentiality provisions of any
other agreement among the parties hereto, or any of them), and except as may be
required by applicable law or requested by third party lenders to such party,
shall not be disclosed to any third Person (except for the representatives of
the party being provided with the information, in which event the party being
provided with the information shall request its representatives not to disclose

any such information which it otherwise required hereunder to be kept
confidential).

                                  ARTICLE IX

                    POST-CLOSING COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

         9.1 Tax Matters. (a) The Seller and the Partners shall make available
to Purchaser on demand such information as shall reasonably be requested by
Purchaser to enable Purchaser to prepare and file timely its federal, state and
local income Tax Returns and all forms, schedules and attachments related
thereto.

         (b) The Seller shall treat (and shall not make any election
inconsistent with treating) the transfers of the Assets to the Purchaser as a
taxable sale.

         9.2 Non-Competition. The Partners and the Seller acknowledge that the
Seller's ownership of the Assets and their respective operation of the Business
has brought them in close contact with certain confidential affairs of the
Business not readily available to the public, and the Purchaser would not
purchase the Assets, but for the agreements and covenants of the Partners and
the Seller contained in this Section 9.2. The Partners and the Seller shall not
directly or indirectly, for a period of five (5) years following the Closing
Date,(i) engage in any business which is, or becomes competitive with the
Business, or (ii) become interested in any Person engaged in activities which
is, or becomes competitive with the Business as a partner,



                                      27


<PAGE>



officer, director, shareholder, principal, agent, trustee, consultant, lender or
in any other relationship or capacity, except for investments by the Partners,
the Seller or its Affiliates in securities traded on a national stock exchange
or the over-the-counter market which do not exceed five (5) percent of the total
outstanding shares of such securities, or (iii) take any action outside the
ordinary course of business which could have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Business, the Assets or the Purchaser following the Closing Date. If any court
determines that this covenant, or any part thereof, is unenforceable because of
the duration of such provision or the area covered thereby, such court shall
have the power to reduce the duration or area of such provision and, in its
reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.

         9.3 Confidentiality. From and after the Closing Date, the Partner and
the Seller shall not disclose or furnish to any other Person, except to the
extent required by law or by order of any court or governmental agency, (a) any
information relating to the operations or financial status of any of the Seller,
the Business or the Purchaser which is not specifically a matter of public

record, (b) any trade secrets of the Business or the Purchaser or (c) the name,
address or other information relating to any supplier of the Business or the
Purchaser.

         9.4 Confidentiality of Information. In the event that the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are not consummated, or if this Agreement is
terminated, each party shall return to the other all information, including
without limitation customer lists, related to the other party or the other
party's business obtained by such party from the other party or its
representatives. In such event, each party acknowledges that all such
information is the confidential proprietary, information of the other party and
such party shall maintain such information in strict confidence and shall not
use such information in any business dealings or disclose such information to
any third party; provided however, that the restrictions contained herein shall
not apply to information obtained by such party (i) from public sources or (ii)
from individuals who are not thereby breaching the term of any confidentiality
agreement with the other party or (iii) if required to be disclosed by law. The
provisions of this Section 9.4 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

         9.5 Non-Solicitation of Suppliers and Employees.  In the



                                      28


<PAGE>



event that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are not consummated,
or if this Agreement is terminated, the Purchaser shall not enter into any
contract for supplies or induce any other person to enter into any such contract
with any of the suppliers or vendors of the Seller whose names have been
disclosed by the Seller to the Purchaser as part of the Seller's confidential
information. In addition, the Purchaser hereby agrees not to hire or solicit the
hiring of any employee or salesperson of the Seller for a period of three (3)
years from the date hereof. The provisions of this Section 9.5 shall survive any
termination of this Agreement.

         9.6 Closing Date Balance Sheet. Within thirty (30) days from and after
the Closing, the Seller and the Partners shall deliver to the Purchaser the
Closing Date Balance Sheet dated as of the Closing Date as set forth in Section
7.8 hereof.

                                  ARTICLE X

                                MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 Sales and Transfer Taxes. All required filings under any
applicable Federal, state, foreign or local sales tax, stamp tax or similar laws
or regulations shall be made in a timely manner by the party responsible
therefor under such laws and regulations, and, at the Closing, such shall
deliver to the other parties either (a) proof of the payment of any sales tax

assessed pursuant to such filings or (b) statements of no sales tax due, as the
case may be. The parties agree to pay any and all transfer, sales or stamp taxes
and any similar taxes or assessments imposed on the transfer of the Assets and
the Assumed Liabilities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such
taxes and assessments to be borne equally by (i) the Seller and the Partners,
and (ii) the Purchaser; except that the Purchaser shall pay any applicable sales
tax.

         10.2 Post-Closing Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time
after the Closing Date at the request of the Purchaser, and without further
consideration, the Seller and the Partners will execute and deliver, or cause
the execution and delivery of, such other instruments of sale, transfer,
conveyance, assignment and confirmation and take or cause to be taken such other
action as the Purchaser may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to
transfer, convey and assign more effectively to the Purchaser, to put the
Purchaser in actual


                                      29


<PAGE>



possession and operating control of the Assets and the Business and to assist
the Purchaser in exercising all rights with respect thereto.

         10.3 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
given personally, telegraphed, telefaxed, sent by facsimile transmission or sent
by prepaid air courier or certified, registered or express mail, postage
prepaid. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given (a) the succeeding
business day after receipt, if delivered in person, telegraphed, telexed, sent
by facsimile transmission and confirmed in writing within three (3) Business
Days thereafter or sent by prepaid air courier or (b) ten (10) Business Days
following the mailing thereof, if mailed by certified first class mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, in any such case as follows (or to such other
address or addresses as a party may have advised the other in the manner
provided in this Section 10.3):

                  If to Seller or Partners, to:

                           421 Hackensack Street
                           Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072

                           Attention: John and Janice Essmyer

                           Telephone Number (   ) ___________________
                           Telecopier Number (   )___________________

                  with a copy to:

                           Sanford Amdur, Esq.

                           201 Route 17 North
                           Suite 404
                           Rutherford, New Jersey 07070

                           Telephone Number (  ) ____________
                           Telecopier Number (  ) ____________

                           Eugene Gorrin, Esq.
                           625 Main Street
                           Hackensack, New Jersey 07601



                                      30


<PAGE>



                           Telephone Number:  (  ) ____________
                           Telecopier Number: (  ) ___________


                  If to the Purchaser, to:

                          Hydrogel Design Systems, Inc.
                          750 Lexington Avenue
                          Suite 2750
                          New York, NY 10022

                          Attention: Matthew Harriton

                          Telephone Number (212) 355-8484
                          Telecopier Number (212) 980-6653

                  with a copy to:

                           Bernstein & Wasserman
                           950 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY  10022
                           Attn: Steven F. Wasserman, Esq.

                           Telephone Number (212) 826-0730
                           Telecopier Number (212) 371-4730

         10.4 Accounting Fees. Purchaser herein, pursuant to a mutual
understanding by and among the parties, has agreed to incur and pay such
professional accounting fees incurred by the Seller and/or Purchaser for
purposes of this transaction, payable to the accounting firm of Bruce F.
Minkoff, C.P.A. At the time of the Closing, such professional fees shall be paid
for by Purchaser's remittance upon presentation of an invoice for these services
rendered.


         10.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Exhibits and
Schedules) and the agreements, certificates and other documents delivered
pursuant to this Agreement contain the entire agreement among the parties with
respect to the transactions described herein, and supersede all prior
agreements, written or oral, with respect thereto.

         10.6  Waivers and Amendments. This Agreement may be amended,
superseded, canceled, renewed or extended, and the terms



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<PAGE>



hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by the parties hereto
or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. No delay on the
part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof.

         10.7 Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard
to principles of conflicts of law. All parties hereby consent to the venue and
jurisdiction of the courts, both federal and state, located in the State of New
York, County of New York, for any disputes arising out of this Agreement.

         10.8 Binding Effect; No Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and
legal representatives. This Agreement is not assignable except by operation of
law and any other purported assignment shall be null and void.

         10.9 Variations in Pronouns.  All pronouns and any variations thereof
refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the context
may require.

         10.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties
hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered
shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one
and the same instrument. Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies
hereof each signed by less than all, but together signed by all of the parties
hereto.

         10.11 Exhibits and Schedules. The Exhibits and Schedules are a part of
this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. All references herein to Sections,
subsections, clauses, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to such
parts of this Agreement, unless the context shall otherwise require.

         10.12 Effect of Disclosure on Schedules. Any item disclosed on any
Schedule shall only be deemed to be disclosed in connection with (a) the
specific representation and warranty to which such Schedule is expressly
referenced, (b) any specific representation and warranty which expressly

cross-references such Schedule and (c) any specific representation and warranty
to which any other Schedule to this Agreement is expressly



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<PAGE>



referenced if such other Schedule expressly cross-references such
Schedule.

         10.13 Limited Recourse. In no event shall any Affiliate of the
Purchaser or any officer, director or employee of any of them, have any
liability to the Partners, the Seller or any shareholder or creditor of any of
them pursuant to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         10.14 Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for reference only,
and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

         10.15 Severability of Provisions. If any provision or any portion of
any provision of this Agreement or the application of such provision or any
portion thereof to any Person or circumstance, shall be held invalid or
unenforceable, the remaining portion of such provision and the remaining
provisions of this Agreement, or the application of such provision or portion of
such provision as is held invalid or unenforceable to persons or circumstances
other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be
affected thereby.

         10.16 Brokers. Each party hereto represents and warrants that no broker
or finder is entitled to any brokerage or finder's fee or other commission from
such party, based on agreements, arrangements or undertakings made by such
party, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

         10.17 Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior
to the Closing Date:

         (a)  by mutual consent of Purchaser, the Partners and Seller;

         (b) by either Purchaser or Partners and Seller if the Closing has not
occurred on or before February 28, 1997, subject to the provisions of Section
2.1 hereof, unless the reason that the Closing has not occurred shall be the
failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to fulfill its
obligations hereunder;

         (c) by either Purchaser or Partners and Seller if there has been a
material misrepresentation or material breach on the part of the other party in
the representations, warranties or


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<PAGE>



covenants set forth in this Agreement which is not cured within ten (10)
Business Days after such other party has been notified of the intent to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause (c); or

         (d) by either Purchaser or Partners and Seller if any legal proceeding
is commenced or threatened by any Governmental or Regulatory Body or other
person directed against the consummation of the Closing or any other material
transaction contemplated under this Agreement and Purchaser or Partners and
Seller, as the case may be, reasonably and in good faith deems it impractical or
inadvisable to proceed in view of such legal proceeding or threat thereof.



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<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                                       ALTERNATIVE DESIGN SYSTEMS R & D GROUP

                                       By: /s/ John Essmyer
                                           -----------------------------
                                           Name: John Essmyer
                                           Title: President

                                       HYDROGEL DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.

                                          
                                       By: /s/ Matthew Harriton
                                           ----------------------------
                                           Name: Matthew Harriton
                                           Title: President



                                           /s/ John Essmyer
                                           ----------------------------
                                               JOHN ESSMYER



                                           /s/ Janice Essmyer
                                           ----------------------------

                                               JANICE ESSMYER


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