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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13


                          BUSINESS PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                                        

     THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and among J. L. HOLLOWAY
HOLDINGS,INC., a Mississippi corporation("Buyer"), FRIEDE & GOLDMAN, LTD., a
Louisiana corporation ("Seller"), and JEROME L. GOLDMAN, an individual resident
of the State of Louisiana ("Shareholder").

                                  WITNESSETH:
                                        
     WHEREAS, Seller engages in the business of creating, developing, licensing
and selling engineering designs of two classes of marine craft, namely marine
vessels such as river craft and full oceangoing ships (collectively "Ships") and
mobile offshore oil and gas drilling units such as jack-up and semi-submersible
drill rigs, drill ships and mobile production units (collectively "Vessels");
and

     WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell and Buyer desires to purchase all of the
assets, with certain specified exceptions, used in Seller's business of
creating, developing, licensing and selling engineering designs of Vessels (the
"Vessel Design Business") while allowing Seller to continue in its business of
creating, developing, licensing and selling engineering designs of ships (the
"Ship Design Business"); and

     WHEREAS, simultaneously with Buyer's purchase of the Vessel Design
Business, Buyer and Shareholder shall execute a consulting agreement, in the
form attached hereto as EXHIBIT 1, whereby Shareholder agrees to serve as a
consultant to Buyer for a period of ten (10) years serving as Chairman of a
steering committee overseeing Vessel design marketing and improvement and
enhancement of the Vessel Design Business (the "Consulting Agreement").

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises
and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
Buyer, Seller and Shareholder hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Sale and Purchase of Assets.

          (a) Purchased Assets.  Subject to, and upon the terms and conditions
     set forth in this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell, transfer, convey,
     assign and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, the
     following assets used in 
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     the Ship Design Business and the Vessel Design Business (the "Assets"):

               (i)   All furniture, fixtures, computers,, machinery, equipment,
          leasehold improvements, automobiles vehicles, and other tangible
          assets of Seller ("FF&E") as set forth on SCHEDULE 1(a)(i);

               (ii)  The corporate name or trade name "Friede & Goldman, Ltd.",
          any and all variations and uses of the name "Friede & Goldman" and all
          trademarks, logos, labels and other distinctive marks, badges or
          insignias associated with such name and all other names, trademarks,
          logos, labels and other distinctive marks, badges or insignias used in
          the Vessel Design Business of Seller, whether or not registered, and
          the goodwill of Seller associated with the Vessel Design Business and
          associated with such names or marks (collectively, the "Trademarks")
          as set forth on SCHEDULE 1(a)(ii);

               (iii) Those certain Chocking System Patent Rights including
          United States Reissue Patent 32,589 issued February 2, 1988 for Mobile
          Offshore, Self-elevating (jack-up) Unit Leg/Hull Rigidification
          System, (the "Chocking Patent") relating to chocking systems used to
          jack-up oil and gas drill rigs, and all improvements and modifications
          made thereto by or for Seller;

               (iv)  All rights, benefits and interests of Seller under all
          Vessel Design (as defined below) and engineering contracts, agreements
          and commitments for sale or licensing of Vessel Designs (as defined
          below) or design products or services to customers and other selected
          contracts, if any ("Purchased Contracts") as set forth on SCHEDULE
          1(a)(iv);

               (v)   All business methods, engineering, know how, blue
          prints, drawings, shop drawings, specifications, manuals, marketing
          plans, marketing aids, videos, materials and customer or prospect
          lists of Seller ("Methods and Materials");

               (vi)  All books, records, files, documents, telephone
          numbers, computer programs, computer disks, licenses, permits and
          other information, written or 

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          electronic, or used in the operation of Seller's Vessel Design
          Business ("Records");

               (vii)   All Vessel designs, including completed designs,
          modifications and enhancements thereto and designs currently under
          development, and Seller's files of past Vessel designs and design
          engineering ("Vessel Designs") specifically excluding, however, the
          Mod V and Mod VI designs, which excluded designs are more specifically
          described on SCHEDULE 1(a)(vii);

               (viii) That certain lease relating to Seller's current office
          space (the Lease");

               (ix)   All licenses and permits required to conduct the Vessel
          Design Business to the extent that they are assignable; and

               (x)    One hundred percent (100%) of the common stock and
          other equity interest, if any, of Freide & Goldman International,
          Inc., a Louisiana corporation.

          (b) Inclusive Interpretation.  All specific descriptions of the Assets
     on Schedules l(a)(i) through (iv) are intended to be cumulative
     descriptions of the general classifications of Assets described in
     Paragraphs l(a)(i) through (iv) and are not exclusive.  All Schedules and
     Exhibits have been prepared by the parties from information furnished by
     Seller and may be supplemented by additional written information delivered
     by Buyer to Seller upon expiration of the Due Diligence Period, as defined
     herein.

          (c) Assumed Liabilities.  Buyer shall not assume or in any way be
     responsible for any liability or obligation of Seller or Shareholder
     whatsoever, disclosed, undisclosed, absolute, contingent or otherwise,
     including, but not limited to (i) any federal, state or local income,
     withholding, sales or excise taxes, (ii) any pending, threatened or future
     litigation or product or services liability claim which arises out of the
     operation or conduct of the business of Seller or from any products or
     services sold or licensed by Seller and (iii) any liabilities or
     obligations to or for the benefit of employees or agents of Seller.  Seller
     and Shareholder hereby indemnify and hold Buyer harmless from any and all
     such liabilities.

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     2.   Purchase Price.

               (a) Purchase Price.  The Purchase Price for the Assets and the
     Non-Competition Agreement referred to in SECTION 17 shall be $1,500,000.00
     plus the post-closing payments described in SECTIONS 6 and 7.

               (b) Allocation.  Prior to the termination of the Due Diligence
     Period, as defined herein, Buyer and Seller shall agree to the allocation
     of the Purchase Price for federal and state income tax purposes among the
     various categories of Assets and the Non-Competition Agreement referred to
     in SECTION 17.

     3.   Deposit.  Seller acknowledges receipt of the sum of $100,000.00
tendered herewith by Buyer as a deposit to be applied to the Purchase Price at
Closing, as defined herein (the "Deposit").  In the event Buyer notifies Seller,
within five (5) days following the termination of the Due Diligence Period, as
defined herein, of Buyer's decision to terminate this Agreement or, if the
transactions contemplated herein cannot be consummated on the Closing Date, as
defined herein, due to the misrepresentation, either intentional or
unintentional, by Seller of any representation, warranty or covenant or the
default by Seller under any provision or term of this Agreement, then, upon
written notification by Buyer to Seller of the termination of this Agreement,
Seller shall immediately refund the Deposit, in full, to Buyer.  In the event
the transactions contemplated herein cannot be consummated on the Closing Date,
as defined herein, due to the misrepresentation, either intentional or
unintentional, by Buyer of any representation, warranty or covenant, or the
default by Buyer under any provision or term of this Agreement, then upon
written notification by Seller to Buyer of the termination of this Agreement,
Seller shall be entitled to retain the Deposit as liquidated damages.

     4.   Due Diligence Period.  Seller and Shareholder acknowledge that this
Agreement has been executed by Buyer prior to the attachment by Seller of the
various Schedules and Exhibits described in certain Sections of this Agreement.
Therefore, for a period of thirty (30) days following the receipt by Buyer of a
counterpart of this Agreement duly executed by Seller and Shareholder, with all
required Schedules and Exhibits attached (the "Due Diligence Period"), Buyer
shall have the right to review all books, records, contracts, agreements,
designs, patents, licenses and any other information maintained by Seller
relating in any way 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
to the Assets or the Vessel Design Business which Buyer, in its sole discretion,
deems necessary or appropriate to obtain sufficient information to complete the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein. Within five (5) days
following the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, Buyer shall notify Seller
and Shareholder in writing of his decision to proceed with the Closing, as
defined herein, or to terminate this Agreement in which case Seller shall
immediately return the Deposit to Buyer and no party shall owe any further duty
or obligation to any other party hereunder.

     5.   Closing.  Unless terminated pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3
or 4 above, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(the "Closing") shall occur on or before the tenth (10th) day following the
expiration of the Due Diligence Period (the "Closing Date"), on such date as the
parties may agree, at the offices of Watkins & Eager PLLC, 400 East Capitol
Street, Suite 300, Jackson, Mississippi 39201, or at the offices of Liskow &
Lewis, One Shell Square, 50th Floor, New Orleans, Louisiana 70139, as the
parties may agree.  The sum of $1,500,000.00 less the Deposit shall be paid by
Buyer to Seller in full in cash or by wire transfer at Closing.

     6.   Post-Closing Payments.

               (a) Vessel Design Payments.  Buyer shall pay to Seller an amount
     equal to fifteen percent (15%) of all licensing and design fees collected
     by Buyer on orders received by Buyer during the ten (10) year period
     beginning on the Closing Date (the "Order Period") for designing new-build
     Vessels and twenty percent (20%) of the licensing fees collected by Buyer
     on orders received by Buyer during the Order Period for subsequent designs
     of the same Vessels which are part of a series of Vessels designed by Buyer
     for the same owner and fabricated by the same builder to similar design
     criteria, i.e. Classification and Regulatory Rules and Regulations.

               (b) Chocking System Payments.  Buyer shall pay to Seller an
     amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of all amounts collected by Buyer from
     agreements entered into by Buyer during the Order Period for sales of the
     chocking system as described in the Chocking Patent.

               (c) Date of Payment.  The sums required to be paid to Seller
     pursuant to the provisions of Sections 4(a) and (b) 

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     above shall be paid by Buyer to Seller within thirty (30) days following
     the receipt of Buyer of the respective fees upon which such payments are
     calculated. Buyer shall provide Seller an accounting reflecting the
     calculation of each required payment at the time each payment is made to
     Seller.

     7.   Market Share.

               (a) Market Share Payments.  Buyer anticipates that its strongest
     market for sales of its designs will be new-build independent leg jack-up
     or semi-submersible drilling units ("Drilling Units") ordered by a domestic
     (U.S.A. headquartered) drilling company, excluding any domestic drilling
     company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, that builds its own Drilling Units
     pursuant to a design which it owns ("Domestic Drillers").  Therefore, for a
     period of ten (10) years beginning with the Closing Date (the "Guaranty
     Period"), Buyer guarantees that for the three (3) year period ending with
     the third anniversary of the Closing Date and for each three year period
     thereafter ending with the fourth through the tenth anniversaries of the
     Closing Date (each such three year period shall be referred to as a
     "Construction Period"), twenty percent (20%) of all new-build Drilling
     Units ordered by Domestic Drillers whose keels are laid during a
     Construction Period shall be constructed pursuant to the Vessel Designs or
     designs subsequently created or developed by Buyer.  In the event Buyer
     fails to attain an average twenty percent (20%) of such new-build Drilling
     Unit market in any Construction Period, Buyer shall pay Seller the sum of
     $300,000.00 for each Drilling Unit design sale by which Buyer is short of
     the twenty percent (20%) goal.  The sum required to be paid to Seller shall
     be paid by Buyer within ninety (90) days following the end of any
     Construction Period in which the required market share is not attained.
     Buyer will maintain an aggressive worldwide marketing staff to assure the
     market share necessary to make the sales required herein.

               (b)  Indexing of Payments.  The $300,000.00 payment from Buyer to
     Seller described in Section 7(a) above shall be increased on the first
     anniversary of the Closing Date and on each subsequent anniversary thereof
     within the Guaranty Period as follows:  Buyer shall calculate the
     percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers-
     U.S. City Average for All Items (unadjusted for seasonal change) published
     by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor
     (the "Index") using the Index for 

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     the month in which the Closing occurs as the Base Index number and the
     Index for the same month of each subsequent year during the Guaranty Period
     as the then current Index number. The current Index number shall be divided
     by the Base Index number. From the quotient thereof, there shall be
     subtracted the integer one (1) and any resulting positive number shall be
     deemed to be the percent of increase in the cost of living. The percentage
     of increase in the cost of living multiplied by $300,000.00 shall be the
     increase required to be determined by this Section.

     8.   Office Space.  Buyer shall allow Shareholder to maintain his current
office space at Seller's offices at no cost so long as Shareholder continues to
provide services to Buyer pursuant to the provisions of the Consulting Agreement
or any amendment thereto or extension thereof.  Should the current lease of
Seller's offices expire and not be renewed by Buyer, then Buyer shall provide
comparable office space to Shareholder at no cost at the offices of the Vessel
Design Business for such time as Shareholder continues to provide services to
Buyer pursuant the provisions of the Consulting Agreement and any extension
thereof or amendment thereto.  Buyer shall allow William Hamilton to maintain
his current office space at Seller's offices at no cost for a period of five (5)
years following the Closing Date or until Shareholder no longer requires the
space, if sooner.  Should the current lease of Seller's offices expire prior to
the expiration of the five (5) year period and not be renewed by Buyer, then
Buyer shall provide comparable office space to William Hamilton at no cost at
the new offices of the Vessel Design Business for the remainder of the five (5)
year period.

     9.   Representations and Warranties of Seller and Shareholder. Seller and
Shareholder hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Buyer, with
the full understanding that Buyer is relying thereon, the following:

               (a) Due Organization.  Seller (i) is a corporation duly organized
     and validly existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana and is
     qualified to do business in Louisiana, and is not engaged in any activities
     in any other state which would require Seller to qualify to do business in
     any other state or, if so engaged, is qualified in any such state which
     would require Seller to qualify to do business and (ii) has the full
     corporate power to own and operate its assets and properties and to carry
     on its business as now conducted.  True, correct and complete copies of
     Seller's 

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     Articles of Incorporation and the Certificate of Good Standing in Louisiana
     have been furnished to Buyer.

               (b) Corporate Authority.  Seller has the full legal right, power
     and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform in
     accordance with its terms, without the consent or approval of any other
     person, firm, governmental agency or other legal entity.  The execution and
     delivery of this Agreement and the performance by Seller of its obligations
     under this Agreement are within the corporate powers of Seller and have
     been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions, and do not and
     will not contravene or conflict with any provision of law, any applicable
     judgment, ordinance, regulation or order of any court or governmental
     agency, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Seller, or any other
     incorporation or organizational document.

               (c) Shareholder Authority.  Shareholder has the full legal right,
     power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform in
     accordance with its terms, without the consent or approval of any other
     person, firm, governmental agency or other legal entity.  The execution and
     delivery of this Agreement and the performance by Shareholder of his
     obligations under this Agreement do not and will not contravene or conflict
     with any provision of law, any applicable judgment, ordinance, regulation
     or order of any court or governmental agency.

               (d) Enforceability.  This Agreement, when executed and delivered,
     will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller and
     Shareholder, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

               (e) No Violation.  The consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement and the performance of the obligations of
     Seller and Shareholder under this Agreement will not:

                    (i)  conflict with, result in any breach of, or constitute a
          default under, any mortgage, security deed or agreement, deed of
          trust, lease, bank loan or credit agreement, license, franchise,
          contract or any other instrument or agreement to which Seller or
          Shareholder is a party or by which Seller or Shareholder may be bound
          or affected; or

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                    (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any lien,
          security interest or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever upon the
          Assets.

               (f) Defaults; Consents.  No default, breach or violation by
     Seller or Shareholder exists under any law, rule, regulation or agreement
     to which either is a party or by which either may be bound or affected, and
     no event has occurred and is continuing which, with notice or passage of
     time or both, would constitute a default, breach or violation thereunder.
     All approvals, consents and other authorizations (governmental or
     otherwise) of and filings with, all courts, agencies, commissions and other
     authorities and entities required for the due performance by Seller and
     Shareholder of their obligations under this Agreement have been obtained or
     will be obtained prior to Closing.

               (g) Taxes.  Seller has filed or caused to be filed all tax
     returns required to be filed by Seller in all jurisdictions in which Seller
     is subject to taxation and has paid all taxes shown to be due and payable
     by Seller on such returns or upon any assessments or deficiencies made
     against Seller to the extent that such taxes have become due and payable.
     Seller has set up reserves which are adequate for the payment of additional
     taxes for years which have not been audited by the tax authorities for the
     respective jurisdictions.  True, correct and complete copies of Seller's
     federal income tax returns for 1993 and 1994 and, if prepared by the date
     of this Agreement, for 1995, have been furnished to Buyer.  No tax
     liability of Seller in any jurisdiction, whether in dispute or otherwise,
     in any way affects or impairs transferability of the Assets or constitutes
     or will constitute a lien or charge upon any of the Assets.  After
     consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Seller
     will file all tax returns and pay all taxes necessary to prevent any lien
     or charge against the Assets.

               (h) Assets.  The Assets constitute all intangible and tangible
     assets and properties of any kind and nature which are necessary to or used
     in the operation of Seller's Vessel Design Business as currently conducted.
     The Assets are free and clear of any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance,
     security interest or charge.  No claims have been asserted and no claims
     are pending by any person, firm, corporation or entity against Seller or
     Shareholder, nor does Seller or 

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     Shareholder know or have any reasonable ground to know of any basis for any
     such claims with respect to the ownership or use of any of the Assets or
     questioning the validity or effectiveness of any of the Assets. The use of
     the Assets by Seller has not infringed the rights of any other person,
     firm, corporation or entity.

               (i) Mod V and Mod VI Enhancements.  By purchasing the Vessel
     Designs, Buyer shall obtain the right to use the technology, methods,
     systems and know how arising from Seller's development of the Mod V and Mod
     VI designs for future designs currently under development by Seller or
     created or developed by Buyer subsequent to the Closing Date and such use
     will not infringe upon the rights of Seller, or any assignee of Seller, to
     the use, licensing or sale of the Mod V or Mod VI designs.  In the event
     that the Mod V or Mod VI designs are sold or otherwise transferred to a
     third party (including but not limited to Seller's proposed transfer to Far
     East Levingston Shipbuilding Limited as set forth in Seller's proposed
     agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT 9(i)), such sale or transfer shall be
     subject to Buyer's rights of use hereunder, which rights of use are not
     conditioned upon any further payments from Buyer.

               (j) Title.  Seller has good and marketable title to the Assets
     and the Assets are being sold, transferred, conveyed, assigned and
     delivered to Buyer free and clear of all liens and encumbrances of every
     kind and nature.

               (k) Lease Agreement.  The Lease is not in default and is in full
     force and effect and is legally and validly assignable to Buyer.

               (l) FF&E.  All of the FF&E are in good working order and good
     repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

               (m) Litigation.  There is no litigation or proceeding pending or,
     to the knowledge of Seller or Shareholder, threatened against or relating
     to Seller, its business or the Assets, nor does Seller or Shareholder know
     or have any reasonable ground to know of any basis for any such action, or
     of any governmental investigation relative to the Assets, properties or
     business of Seller.

               (n) Financial Statements.  Seller has delivered to Buyer as part
     of SCHEDULE 9(n) the following financial 

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     statements with respect to the business, operations and financial condition
     of Seller: (i) unaudited statements of assets and liabilities as of
     December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, prepared by the independent accounting
     firm that normally provides services to Seller and (ii) the related
     statements regarding operations for the periods then ended; and (iii)
     interim unaudited statements of assets and liabilities as of September 30,
     1996 and the related statements regarding operations for the period then
     ended. Such financial statements are in accordance with the books and
     records of Seller and are complete and accurate in all material respects
     and have been maintained in accordance with good business practices and
     fairly present the financial position and results of operations of Seller
     for the periods therein indicated. All such unaudited financial statements
     have been prepared and maintained in a matter consistent with generally
     accepted accounting principles.

               (o) Undisclosed Liabilities.  There are no material debts,
     obligations or liabilities of Seller, or of Shareholder relating to Seller,
     absolute or contingent, including without limitation liabilities for
     federal, state, local or foreign taxes, which are not reflected as
     liabilities on the most recent balance sheet of Seller (a copy of which has
     been delivered to Buyer as part of SCHEDULE 9(n)), including the notes
     thereto, except liabilities arising since the date of such balance sheet in
     the ordinary course of business which are not materially different in
     amount or type from those reflected on such balance sheet and are not
     materially adverse to the Assets, business, operations or financial
     condition of Seller.

               (p) Adverse Changes.  Except as reflected on the financial
     statements delivered to Buyer by Seller, during the twelve (12) month
     period immediately preceding the date of this Agreement there have been no
     materially adverse changes in the business, operations or financial
     condition of Seller.

               (q) Purchased Contracts.  The Purchased Contracts constitute all
     contracts, agreements, leases and commitments that relate to the Assets and
     necessary or appropriate to enable Buyer to begin the Vessel Design
     Business and operations formerly conducted by Seller.  True, correct and
     complete copies of the Purchased Contracts, as amended, have been provided
     to Buyer.  The Purchased Contracts are in full force and effect, are not in
     default, are valid and binding 

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     obligations of the parties to the Purchased Contracts and are legally and
     validly assignable to Buyer.

               (r) Names.  Other than the name Friede & Goldman, Ltd., Seller
     has not been known as or used any other corporate or fictitious name.

               (s) Records.  Seller's books, accounts and records are complete
     and accurate in all material respects and have been maintained in their
     usual, regular and ordinary manner, consistent with good business practices
     and fairly reflect the business and operations of the Seller.

               (t) Employees.  SCHEDULE 9(t) contains a true and complete list
     of the names, positions, salaries and other forms of compensation and
     accrued vacation and sick leave of each employee of Seller.  None of
     Seller's employees have given notice to Seller of their intent to terminate
     their employment with Seller nor does Seller intend to terminate any of its
     employees.

               (u) Employee Benefits.  SCHEDULE 9(u) contains a true and
     complete list of each employee bonus, deferred compensation, stock
     purchase, stock option, or other employee benefit plan, program, agreement,
     commitment or arrangement to which Seller contributes, is required to
     contribute, or has any other obligation (collectively "Plans").  None of
     the Plans is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
     1974, as amended.

               (v) Conduct of Business Reflected in Financial Statements.  Since
     the date of the December 31, 1995, financial statements delivered to Buyer,
     Seller has not:

                    (i)   conducted its business other than in the ordinary
          course of business;

                    (ii)  suffered any material adverse change in its financial
          condition or the prospects or operations of its business;

                    (iii) experienced, or received notice or information
          respecting, any material adverse change in Seller's relationships with
          any major customers or sales agents;

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<PAGE>
 
                    (iv)  done or agreed to do anything which, if completed,
          would violate or cause to be untrue any of Seller's or Shareholder's
          representations and warranties contained in this Agreement; or

                    (v)   experienced any other event or condition which may
          materially and adversely affect the Assets or the future operation and
          conduct of the Vessel Design Business currently conducted by Seller.

               (w) Licenses.  SCHEDULE 9(w) identifies all licenses or permits
     required to conduct the business of Seller.

               (x) Compliance with Laws.  To the best of its knowledge, Seller
     has operated its business in full compliance with all applicable federal,
     state or local laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, ordinances and
     administrative and judicial orders and rulings.

               (y) Environmental Matters.  Without limiting the generality of
     SUBSECTION 9(x), Seller has operated its business in full compliance with
     all applicable federal, state or local laws, rules, regulations,
     guidelines, ordinances and administrative and judicial orders and rulings
     relating to the generation, recycling, use, reuse, sale, storage, handling,
     transport, treatment, disposal and discharge of hazardous or toxic
     substances or waste, including without limitation the Federal Comprehensive
     Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended,
     the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, the Federal
     Clean Air Act, as amended, and the Federal Clean Water Act, as amended,
     together with any rules, regulations or executive orders promulgated
     thereunder.

               (z) Full Disclosure.  To the best of Seller's and Shareholder's
     knowledge, Seller and Shareholder have disclosed to Buyer all facts
     material to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, including without limitation all facts material to the Assets.
     No representation, warranty, statement made or information furnished by
     Seller or Shareholder in this Agreement or otherwise in connection with
     this Agreement contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
     state any material fact necessary in order to make such statement not
     misleading.

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<PAGE>
 
               (aa) Labor Force.  Seller is not a party to or bound by any
     collective bargaining agreement, nor has it experienced any unfair labor
     practices, or other collective bargaining disputes.  Seller has committed
     no unfair labor practice. None of Shareholder, the directors and officers
     of Seller and employees with responsibility for employment matters of
     Seller has any knowledge of any organizational effort presently being made
     or threatened by or on behalf of any labor union with respect to employees
     of the Seller.

     10.  Representations and Warranties of Buyer.  Buyer hereby represents and
warrants to Seller, with the full understanding that Seller is relying thereon,
the following:

               (a) Buyer Authority.  Buyer has the full legal right, power and
     authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform in
     accordance with its terms, without the consent or approval of any person,
     firm, governmental agency or other legal entity.  The execution and
     delivery of this Agreement and the performance by Buyer of its obligations
     under this Agreement do not and will not contravene or conflict with any
     provision of law, any applicable judgment, ordinance, regulation or order
     of any court or governmental agency.

               (b) Enforceability.  This Agreement, when executed and delivered,
     will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer,
     enforceable in accordance with its terms.

               (c) No Violation.  The consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement and the performance of the obligations of
     Buyer under this Agreement will not conflict with, result in any breach of
     or constitute a default under, any mortgage, security deed or agreement,
     deed of trust, lease, bank loan or credit agreement, license, franchise or
     any other instrument or agreement to which Buyer is a party or by which
     Buyer may be bound or affected.

               (d) Default.  In the event Buyer fails to make full payment of
     those sums required to be paid to Seller pursuant to the provisions of
     Section 6 Post-Closing Fees and Section 7 Market Share and such failure
     shall continue for a period of sixty (60) days following written demand
     from Seller to Buyer for payment, Buyer shall then be in default hereunder
     (the "Default Date") and the Assets, as they exist on the Default 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
     Date, shall be transferred to Seller and all provisions of this Agreement,
     the Noncompetition Agreement and the Consulting Agreement shall terminate
     as of the Default Date.

               (e) No Litigation.  There is not any litigation or proceeding
     pending or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against or relating to
     Buyer.

               (f)  Marketing Effort.  With Seller's assistance, Buyer shall
     prepare and carry out an aggressive worldwide marketing plan targeting all
     shipbuilders and other potential users of Seller's Vessel designs with the
     intent to invest such capital into research and development as may be
     necessary to maintain the outstanding reputation of Seller in the Vessel
     Design Business and to meet the market share required by SECTION 7(a).

     11.  Survival of Representations and Warranties. Notwithstanding any
independent investigation made by any party, the representations and warranties
of Seller, Shareholder and Buyer which are contained in this Agreement shall
survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Seller, Shareholder and Buyer expressly agree that (i) any misrepresentation or
breach of any warranty whatsoever contained in this Agreement shall be deemed
material and (ii) the acceptance by Buyer of a bill of sale, assignment or other
document of transfer shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any misrepresentation
or breach of warranty.

     12.  Covenants of Seller and Shareholder.

               (a) Confidential Information.  Seller and Shareholder acknowledge
     and agree that the Assets include certain confidential information relating
     to the business of Seller.  Except to the extent necessary in connection
     with any matter referred to in SECTION 22(j), neither Seller nor
     Shareholder will at any time (except as authorized in writing by Buyer)
     directly or indirectly use for Seller's or Shareholder's own benefit, or
     directly or indirectly divulge, disclose or communicate to any person, firm
     or corporation, any confidential information relating to the Assets, Vessel
     Design Business or operations of Seller, including without limitation any
     processes, procedures, information, research, engineering designs, business
     methods, marketing plans, customer or prospect lists, information regarding
     cost of products sold or pricing practices.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
               (b) Conduct of Business.  Except as required to consummate the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement, from the date of this
     Agreement until the Closing Date, Seller and Shareholder shall conduct the
     Vessel Design Business of Seller in the ordinary course consistent with
     past practices.

               (c) Consents.  Seller and Shareholder shall use their best
     efforts to obtain as promptly as possible any consent, authorization or
     approval required to be obtained in connection with the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement.

               (d) Standstill.  Neither Seller nor Shareholder will, directly or
     indirectly, solicit any inquiries or accept any proposals for any
     acquisition, merger or other transaction which would, if consummated,
     materially and adversely affect the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement.

               (e) Access to Assets.  Buyer and Buyer's officers and
     representatives shall be given reasonable access to all of Seller's
     facilities, properties, books, and other records relating to the business
     of Seller and shall be allowed to make copies and abstracts therefrom.
     Buyer's inspection rights under this Agreement shall not in any way (i)
     limit Seller's or Shareholder's representations and warranties under this
     Agreement or any schedule, exhibit or certificate delivered pursuant to
     this Agreement or (ii) diminish or impair Buyer's right to rely in good
     faith thereon.

               (f) Change of Seller's Name.  At or prior to Closing, Seller
     shall adopt an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation changing its
     corporate name to a name which is not confusingly similar to "Friede &
     Goldman, Ltd."  Seller shall deliver such amendment, executed and in a form
     acceptable for filing to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office and to
     Buyer at Closing and shall immediately after Closing cause such amendment
     to be filed in the offices of the Secretary of State of all states in which
     Seller is qualified to do business.

     13.  Conditions to Seller's and Shareholder's Obligations. The obligations
of Seller and Shareholder to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are
subject to the fulfillment of all of the following conditions precedent
(compliance with which

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
may be waived in whole or in part by Seller and Shareholder in writing):

               (a) Representations True.  Each and every representation and
     warranty made by Buyer shall have been true in all material respects when
     made and shall be true in all material respects at Closing as if originally
     made on and as of the Closing Date.

               (b) Covenants Satisfied.  All obligations of Buyer to be
     performed under this Agreement at or prior to Closing shall have been
     timely performed in all material respects.

               (c) Consulting Agreement.  Buyer shall have executed the
     Consulting Agreement.

     14.  Conditions to Buyer's Obligations.  The obligation of Buyer to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the fulfillment
of all of the following conditions precedent (compliance with which may be
waived in whole or in part by Buyer in writing):

               (a) Representations True.  Each and every representation and
     warranty made by Seller and Shareholder shall have been true in all
     material respects when made and shall be true in all material respects at
     Closing as if originally made on and as of the Closing Date.

               (b) Covenants Satisfied.  All obligations of Seller and
     Shareholder to be performed under this Agreement at or prior to Closing
     shall have been timely performed in all material respects.

               (c) Corporate Proceedings and Approvals.  At or prior to Closing,
     all requisite corporate and shareholder proceedings shall have been taken
     and all requisite corporate and shareholder authorizations shall have been
     secured which are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery, and
     performance of this Agreement by Seller.  At or prior to Closing, Seller
     shall have delivered to Buyer certified copies of all resolutions
     pertaining to such authorizations.

               (d) Employment Agreements.  At or prior to Closing, Buyer shall
     have entered into such employment or other agreements with those employees
     of Seller deemed by Buyer, in 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
     his sole discretion, to be necessary to the profitable continuation of the
     Vessel Design Business.

               (e) Investigations.  No investigation by Buyer or any document or
     information delivered to Buyer by Seller or Shareholder shall have revealed
     any facts or circumstances which, in the reasonable discretion of Buyer,
     have or could have a material adverse effect on the Assets or the Vessel
     Design Business of Seller.

               (f) Schedules.  At Closing, Buyer shall have received all
     Schedules to this Agreement with the certification of the duly authorized
     officer or agent of Seller or Shareholder and in a form satisfactory to
     Buyer in all respects.

               (g) Noncompetition Agreement.  At or prior to Closing, Buyer
     shall have received an executed noncompetition agreement from Seller
     containing provisions substantially in the form attached as SCHEDULE 17 to
     this Agreement.

               (h) Opinion of Counsel.  At or prior to Closing Buyer shall have
     received an opinion from Seller's counsel reasonably satisfactory to Buyer
     that the entire rights to the Chocking Patent are assignable by Seller and
     that upon the filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office of
     an assignment, Buyer shall have the complete title to, ownership of and
     right to the Chocking Patent free and clear of any and all liens, claims
     and encumbrances.

               (i) Consulting Agreement.  Shareholder shall have executed the
     Consulting Agreement.

               (j) Accounts Receivable.  At or prior to Closing, Seller shall
     provide Buyer a list of all accounts receivable due with respect to the
     Purchased Contracts as of the Closing Date in amounts acceptable to Buyer,
     which Seller shall retain and which shall not be a part of the Assets.

               (k) UCC Search.  At or prior to Closing, Seller shall provide
     Buyer with copies of Uniform Commercial Code searches performed in all
     jurisdictions in which the Assets are located, certified by the officer
     performing the search and which reflect no liens or encumbrances upon the
     Assets.

     15.  Instruments of Transfer.  Seller shall execute and deliver to Buyer at
Closing a full warranty bill of sale and such 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
assignments and other instruments of conveyance and transfer, each in a form
satisfactory to Buyer, as shall be necessary to vest in Buyer good and
marketable title to the Assets.

     16.  Employees.  Seller, Shareholder and Buyer agree that Buyer shall have
the right, but not the obligation, to employ or solicit for employment any
employee of Seller (salaried or hourly) and that any such employee hired by
Buyer shall be employable and terminable at will by Buyer.

     17.  Noncompetition.  Seller shall execute a noncompetition agreement with
Buyer substantially in the form attached as EXHIBIT 17 to this Agreement.
Seller and Shareholder represent and agree that the duration, geographical
coverage and general terms and conditions of the noncompetition agreement are
reasonable and necessary to protect the interests of Buyer and the subsidiaries
and affiliates of Buyer.

     18.  Indemnification of Buyer.  Seller and Shareholder hereby jointly and
severally covenant and agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Buyer
against all loss, injury, liability and damage, including expenses and
reasonable attorneys' fees, which result from: (i) any misrepresentation made by
Seller or Shareholder, (ii) any breach of any of the warranties which Seller or
Shareholder have given under this Agreement, (iii) any breach or failure of
Seller or Shareholder to perform in accordance with any term or condition of
this Agreement, (iv) any assertion against Buyer of any claim relating to any
liability of Seller or Shareholder not assumed by Buyer under this Agreement or
(v) any assertion against Buyer of any claim relating to the operation,
ownership, use or maintenance of the Assets for all periods prior to the Closing
Date.

     19.  Further Assurances.  Each party to this Agreement agrees to perform or
cause to be performed any act, and to execute and deliver any agreement,
document or instrument, which may be reasonably necessary to effect and carry
out the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

     20.  Expenses.  The parties agree that each party shall bear and pay his or
its own expenses incident to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
     21.  Remedies.

               (a) In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Seller or
     Shareholder of any provision of this Agreement, Buyer shall be entitled to
     an injunction restraining such party from violating that provision, or to
     an order requiring such party to comply with the terms of that provision,
     or both.  Nothing in this Section 21(a) shall limit the availability of any
     legal or equitable remedies to Buyer not referred to in this Section 21(a),
     including the right to specific performance.

               (b) Seller and Shareholder each acknowledge and agree that in
     the event of breach of any warranty or representation contained herein, in
     the Consulting Agreement or in the Noncompetition Agreement referred to in
     Section 17, which results in loss or damages, including all costs and
     attorneys' fees, to Buyer, Buyer may set off such loss or damages against
     any payments thereafter owing to Seller or Shareholder for whatever reason
     and may use all proper means of legal redress to recover such damages.
     Buyer shall not be limited in its recourse to the payments owed to Seller
     or Shareholder.

               (c) In the event of a breach by Buyer of any provision of this
     Agreement, Seller and Shareholder shall be entitled to terminate this
     Agreement and retain the Deposit as liquidated damages and Buyer shall owe
     no further duty or obligation to Seller or Shareholder hereunder.

     22.  Miscellaneous Provisions.  The following additional provisions are
agreed upon:

               (a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
     accordance with, the law of the State of Mississippi without giving effect
     to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of
     Mississippi or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of
     the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Mississippi.

               (b) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
     benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns,
     heirs, executors, administrators, and transferees.

               (c) No failure to enforce any term, condition or provision of
     this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such 

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
     term, condition or provision, or as a waiver of any other term, condition
     or provision hereof.

               (d) This Agreement constitutes the entire and complete agreement
     between the parties hereto.

               (e) No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be
     valid unless the same is in writing and is executed by each of the parties
     hereto.

               (f) Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder
     may be assigned by any party.

               (g) All Exhibits and Schedules referred to in this Agreement and
     which are attached to this Agreement, as they may be amended from time to
     time as provided in this Agreement, are made a part hereof and are
     incorporated herein by reference.

               (h) If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of
     competent jurisdiction to be legally invalid or unenforceable: (i) the
     validity and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
     affected (ii) such provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent
     necessary to make such provision consistent with applicable law and (iii)
     such provision shall be valid, enforceable and enforced in its modified
     form.

               (i) Time is of the essence with respect to each and every
     covenant, agreement and obligation of the parties to this Agreement.

               (j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
     Agreement, Seller and Shareholder shall have reasonable access to the books
     and records of Seller which have been purchased by Buyer pursuant to this
     Agreement, for any reasonable purpose material to Seller or Shareholder,
     including matters relating to indemnification under this Agreement, the
     preparation of financial statements or tax returns, responses to audits by
     tax authorities, and governmental or legal investigations or proceedings.

               (k) Until Closing, the parties agree to consult with each other
     before making any public statement with respect to the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement or making any statement with respect to the
     transactions 

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
     contemplated by this Agreement to any of the customers, suppliers or
     creditors of Seller; provided, however, that the parties may discuss the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement with their respective legal
     counsel, accountants and similar representatives.

     23.  Notices.  All Notices given under the provisions of this Agreement
shall be given in writing and shall be personally delivered, delivered by
certified mail, return-receipt requested, or by facsimile directed to the
parties at the addresses given below.  Such Notices shall become effective as of
the time of delivery if personally delivered, as of the date of the receipt as
referenced by the official receipt of the United States Postal Service if
delivered by certified mail, or as of the date and time of the actual
confirmation of receipt of the facsimile.  Addresses of the parties are as
follows:

               BUYER:              J. L. Holloway Holdings, Inc.
                                   525 E. Capitol Street, Suite 402
                                   Bank of Mississippi Building
                                   Jackson, MS 39201
                                   Telephone:  (601) 352-1107
                                   Facsimile:  (601) 352-0588

               SELLER
               & SHAREHOLDER:      Jerry L. Goldman
                                   Friede & Goldman, Ltd.
                                   935 Gravier Street, Suite 2100
                                   New Orleans, LA 70112
                                   Telephone:  (504) 523-4621
                                   Facsimile:  (504) 529-5135

     24.  AGREEMENT DATE; TERMINATION OF OFFER.  THE DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT
SHALL BE THE DATE WHEN THE LAST ONE OF BUYER, SELLER AND SHAREHOLDER HAS SIGNED
THIS AGREEMENT.  BUYER'S OFFER TO SELLER TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL
AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATE ON THE FIFTEENTH (15TH) DAY FOLLOWING THE DATE OF
BUYER'S EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SELLER SHALL IMMEDIATELY REFUND BUYER'S
DEPOSIT, IN FULL, UNLESS BUYER RECEIVES A COUNTERPART OF THIS AGREEMENT DULY
EXECUTED BY SELLER AND SHAREHOLDER WITH ALL REQUIRED SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS
ATTACHED.  A FACSIMILE COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY SIGNATURES HEREON SHALL BE
CONSIDERED FOR ALL PURPOSES AS ORIGINALS.


     WITNESS the signatures of the parties on the dates set forth below.

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
BUYER:

J. L. HOLLOWAY HOLDINGS, INC.


_____________________________            ___________________________
J. L. HOLLOWAY, PRESIDENT                DATE



SELLER:

FRIEDE & GOLDMAN, LTD.


_____________________________            ___________________________
JEROME L. GOLDMAN, __________            DATE



SHAREHOLDER:


_____________________________            ___________________________
JEROME L. GOLDMAN                        DATE

                                       23