Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2

                          HANOVER COMPRESSOR COMPANY
                      DECEMBER 9, 1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN

1.   Preamble.

     Hanover Compressor Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby
establishes the Hanover Compressor Company December 9, 1998 Stock Option Plan
(the "Plan") as a means whereby the Company may, through awards of nonqualified
stock options:

          (a)  provide Company Officers, employees, Directors and consultants
     with additional incentive to promote the success of the Company's and its
     Subsidiaries' businesses;

          (b)  enable such employees to acquire proprietary interests in the
     Company;

          (c)  encourage such employees to remain in the employ of the Company
     and its Subsidiaries; and

          (d)  provide officers and directors of, and consultants to, the
     Company and its Subsidiaries (who are not otherwise employees) with
     additional incentive to promote the success of the businesses of the
     Company and its Subsidiaries.

     The awards under this Plan shall be granted by the Company to appropriately
reward employees who participated in the Company's 1997 Stock Purchase Plan as
of the date hereof and have agreed to accept options under this Plan in exchange
for waiving their rights to a contingent payment on July 1, 2001 under the terms
of a Performance Award granted under the 1997 Stock Purchase Plan. Except as
specifically provided in the prior sentence or otherwise herein, the provisions
of this Plan do not apply to or affect any option, stock appreciation rights, or
stock heretofore or hereafter granted under any other stock plan of the Company
or any subsidiary, and all such options, stock appreciation rights or stock
continue to be governed by and subject to the applicable provisions of the plan
or agreement under which they were granted.

2.   Definitions.

     2.01 "Board" or "Board of Directors" means the board of directors the
Company.

     2.02 "Cause" means (i) the commission by such Participant of an act of
fraud, embezzlement or willful breach of a fiduciary duty to the Company
(including the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary material
information of the Company), (ii) a conviction of such Participant (or a plea of
nolo contendere in lieu thereof) for a felony or a crime involving fraud,
dishonesty or moral turpitude, (iii) willful failure of a Participant to follow
the written directions of the chief executive officer of the Company or the
Board in the case of executive officers of the Company; (iv) willful misconduct
as an employee of the Company, (v) the willful failure of such Participant to
render services to the Company in accordance with his employment
<PAGE>

or consulting arrangement, which failure amounts to a material neglect of his
duties to the Company or (vi) substantial dependence, as determined by the
Board, on alcohol or any drug, immediate precursor or other substance listed in
Schedule I-V of the Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
of 1970, as amended, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.

     2.03 "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any one of the following
events:
          (a)  any (A) consolidation or merger of the Company in which the
     Company is not the continuing or surviving corporation or which
     contemplates that all or substantially all of the business and/ or assets
     of the Company shall be controlled by another corporation or (B) a
     recapitalization (including an exchange of Company equity securities by the
     holders thereof), in either case, in which any "Person" (as such term is
     used in Sections 13(d) and (14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act), other than the
     Controlling Shareholders, becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning
     of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of securities of the
     Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the
     Company's then outstanding securities ordinarily having the right to vote
     in the election of directors;

          (b)  any sale, lease, exchange or transfer (in one transaction or
     series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets
     of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

          (c)  approval by the shareholders of the Company of any plan or
     proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, unless such
     plan or proposal is abandoned within 60 days following such approval; or

          (d)  any "Person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2)
     of the Exchange Act), other than the Controlling Shareholders, shall become
     the beneficial owner of securities of the Company representing more than
     50% of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding
     securities ordinarily having the right to vote in the election of
     directors.

     2.04 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it exists now and
as it may be amended from time to time.

     2.05 "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board or any other
committee comprised of two or more outside Directors appointed by the Board to
administer the Plan, as the case may be. Each member of the Committee shall (a)
be a member of the Board of Directors who has not at any time within one year
prior thereto, or at any time during such member's term of service on the
Committee, received any stock options, stock appreciation rights or allocations
of any equity securities under the Plan or any other plan maintained by the
Company or any of its affiliates, except as permitted pursuant to the provisions
of Rule l6b-3(c)(2)(i) of the Exchange Act or any successor rule thereof; and
(b) be an outside Director as determined under Treasury Regulation 26 CFR
Section 1.162-27(e)(3) or any successor regulation thereto. Once appointed, the
Committee shall continue to serve until otherwise directed by the Board of
Directors.

                                       2
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     2.06 "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company, $.001 par value.

     2.07 "Company" means Hanover Compressor Company, a Delaware corporation,
and any successor thereto.

     2.08 "Controlling Shareholders" means GKH Investments, L.P., GKH Partners,
L.P., and the partners therein.

     2.09 "Director" means a member of the Board.

     2.10 "Disability" means being entitled to disability benefits under the
terms of the Company's long term disability plan.

     2.11 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as it exists
now or from time to time may hereafter be amended.

     2.12 "Fair Market Value" means for the relevant day:

          (a)  If shares of Common Stock are listed or admitted to unlisted
     trading privileges on any national or regional securities exchange, the
     last reported sale price, regular way, on the composite tape of that
     exchange on the day Fair Market Value is to be determined;

          (b)  If the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to unlisted trading
     privileges as provided in paragraph (a), and if sales prices for shares of
     Common Stock are reported by the National Association of Securities
     Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations, Inc. National Market System (*NASDAQ
     System"), then the last sale price for Common Stock reported as of the
     close of business on the day Fair Market Value is to be determined, or if
     no such sale takes place on that day, the average of the high bid and low
     asked prices so reported; if Common Stock is not traded on that day, the
     next preceding day on which such stock was traded; or

          (c)  If trading of the Common Stock is not reported by the NASDAQ
     system or on a stock exchange, Fair Market Value will be determined by the
     Committee in its discretion based upon the best available data.

     2.13 "Officer" means a corporate or equivalent officer of the Company any
Subsidiary of the Company.

     2.14 "Option" means the right of a Participant to purchase a specified
number of shares of Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.

     2.15 "Option Date" means the date upon which an option is awarded to a
Participant under the Plan.

     2.16 "Option Price" means the price per share at which an Option may be
exercised.

                                       3
<PAGE>

     2.17 "Participant" means an individual to whom an Option has been granted
under the Plan.

     2.18 "Plan" means the Hanover Compressor Company December 9, 1998 Stock
Option Plan, as set forth herein and as from time to time amended.

     2.19 "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as it exists now or
from time to time may hereinafter be amended.

     2.20 "Subsidiary' means any corporation or other entity of which the
majority voting power or equity interest is owned directly or indirectly by the
Company.

     2.21 "Termination of Employment" means,

          (a)  with respect to an employee when the employee's employment
     relationship with the company and all of its Subsidiaries is terminated,
     regardless of any severance arrangements. A transfer from the Company to a
     Subsidiary, or vice versa is not a termination of employment for purposes
     of this Plan;

          (b)  with respect to a consultant when the consultant's consulting
     relationship with the Company is terminated either due to the termination
     of any consulting agreement, or otherwise, regardless of the fact that no
     employment relationship exists;

          (c)  with respect to an officer or Director when such individual is no
     longer serving as an Officer or Director of the Company, as a consultant to
     or employee of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries.

     2.22 Rules of Construction.

          (a)  Governing Law. The construction and operation of this Plan are
     governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.

          (b)  Undefined Terms. Unless the context requires another meaning, any
     term not specifically defined in this Plan has the meaning given to it by
     the Code.

          (c)  Headings. All headings in this Plan are for reference only and
     are not to be utilized in construing the Plan.

          (d)  Gender. Unless clearly appropriate, all nouns of whatever gender
     refer indifferently to persons of any gender.

          (e)  Singular and Plural. Unless clearly inappropriate, singular terms
     refer also to the plural and vice versa.

          (f)  Severability. If any provision of this Plan is determined to be
     illegal or invalid for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue
     in full force and effect and

                                       4
<PAGE>

     shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision did
     not exist, unless the continuance of the Plan in such circumstances is not
     consistent with its purposes.

3.   Stock Subject to the Plan.

     Except as otherwise provided in Section 10, the aggregate number of shares
of Common Stock that may be issued under options under this Plan may not exceed
350,000 shares of Common Stock. Reserved shares may be either authorized but
unissued shares or treasury shares, in the Board's discretion. If any grants
hereunder shall terminate or expire such shares shall be eligible to be granted
as new Options under this Plan.

4.   Administration.

     The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. In addition to any other
powers set forth in this Plan, the Committee has the exclusive authority:

          (a)  to construe and interpret the Plan, and to remedy any ambiguities
     or inconsistencies therein;

          (b)  to establish, amend and rescind appropriate rules and regulations
     relating to the Plan;

          (c)  subject to the express provisions of the Plan, to determine the
     individuals who will receive grants of Options, the times when they will
     receive them, the number of shares to be subject to each award and the
     Option Price, payment terms, payment method, and expiration date applicable
     to each award;

          (d)  to contest on behalf of the Company or Participants, at the
     expense of the Company, any ruling or decision on any matter relating to
     the Plan or to any grants of Options;

          (e)  generally, to administer the Plan, and to take all such steps and
     make all such determinations in connection with the Plan and the grants of
     Options as it may deem necessary or advisable;

          (f)  to determine the form in which tax withholding under Section 13
     of this Plan will be made; and

          (g)  to amend the Plan or any Option granted hereunder as may be
     necessary in order for any business combination involving the Company to
     qualify for pooling-of-interest treatment under APB No. 16.

5.   Eligible Participants

     All employees, Officers, and Directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
and those consultants (who are not otherwise employees of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries) are eligible to participate in the Plan. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall

                                       5
<PAGE>

determine from time to time those individuals who shall be designated as
Participants and the number, if any, of options to be granted to each such
Participant;

6.   Terms and Conditions of options.

     All Options granted under this Plan shall be nonstatutory options, which
are not intended to be classified as "incentive stock options" under Section 422
of the Code. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Options to any
Participant under the Plan. Each option shall be evidenced by an agreement
between the Company and the Participant.

Each Option agreement, in such form as is approved by the Committee, shall be
subject to the following express terms and conditions and to such other terms
and conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee may deem
appropriate:

          (a)  Option Period. Each option will expire as of the earliest of:

               (i)   ten years from the Grant Date;

               (ii)  the date on which it is forfeited under the provisions of
          Section 8;

               (iii) the date three months after the Participant's Termination
          of Employment for any reason other than death or Disability; or

               (iv)  the date twelve months after the Participant's death or
          Disability.

          (b)  Option Price. At the time when the Option is granted, the
     Committee will fix the Option Price. The Option Price may be greater than,
     less than, or equal to Fair Market Value on the Option Date, as determined
     in the sole discretion of the Committee.

          (c)  Other Option Provisions. The form of option authorized by the
     Plan may contain such other provisions as the Committee may from time to
     time determine.

7.   Manner of Exercise of Options.

     To exercise an Option in whole or in part, a Participant (or, after his
death, his executor or administrator) must give written notice to the Committee,
stating the number of shares to which he intends to exercise the Option. The
Company will issue the shares with respect to which the Option is exercised upon
payment in full of the Option Price. The Option Price may be paid (i) in cash,
(ii) in shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, as
determined on the date of delivery, equal to the Option Price, (iii) if
permitted by the Committee, by cash or certified or cashier's check for the par
value of the Plan Shares plus a promissory note for the balance of the purchase
price, which note shall provide for full personal liability of the maker and
shall contain such other terms and provisions as the Committee may determine,
including without limitation the right to repay the note partially or wholly
with Common Stock, or (iv) by delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker
to promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary
to pay for all Common Stock acquired through such exercise and any tax
withholding obligations resulting from such exercise. The Option Price may be
paid in

                                       6
<PAGE>

shares of Common Stock which were received by the Participant upon the exercise
of one or more Options.

8.   Vesting.

     A Participant may not exercise an option until it has become vested. The
portion of an Option award that is vested depends upon the period that has
elapsed since the Option Date. Unless the Committee establishes a different
vesting schedule at the time when an option is granted, all Options granted
under this Plan shall vest according to the following schedule:

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

              Period Elapsed                          Vested Percentage
              --------------                          -----------------
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
     First Anniversary of Option Date                 10%
     Second Anniversary of Option Date                30%
     Third Anniversary of Option Date                 60%
     Fourth Anniversary of Option Date               100%

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

Except as provided below, upon a Termination of Employment, a Participant
forfeits any Options that are not yet vested. Unless the Committee in its sole
discretion specifically waives the application of this sentence, then
notwithstanding the vesting schedule contained herein or in the Participant's
agreement, if the Participant's Termination of Employment is terminated for
Cause all options granted to the Participant will be immediately cancelled and
forfeited by the Participant upon delivery to him of notice of such termination
for Cause.

9.   Change of Control.

     Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8 or anything contained in a
Participant's agreement to the contrary, upon a Change in Control all Options
shall be subject to the following:

          (a)  The Company shall have the right to acquire from Participants
     their vested Options by payment of the difference between the price per
     share of Common Stock established in the Change of Control and the Option
     Price; and

          (b)  All unvested options shall either (i) convert into options to
     purchase securities of the acquirer in the Change of Control on the same
     terms and conditions as apply to the options under the Plan, (ii) convert
     into such consideration as the Participant would have received had the
     options been fully vested, or (iii) be treated as otherwise determined by
     the Committee.

10.  Adjustments to Reflect Changes in Capital Structure.

     If there is any change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company,
the Committee may, in its discretion, make any adjustments necessary to prevent
accretion, or to protect against

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<PAGE>

dilution, in the number and kind of shares authorized by the Plan and, with
respect to outstanding options, in the number and kind of shares covered thereby
and in the applicable Option Price. For the purpose of this Section 10, a change
in the corporate structure or shares of the Company includes, without
limitation, any change resulting from a recapitalization, stock split, stock
dividend, consolidation, rights offering, spin-off, reorganization, or
liquidation and any transaction in which shares of Common Stock are changed into
or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares of stock or other
securities of the Company or another entity.

11.  Non-Transferability of Options.

     The options granted under the Plan are not transferable, voluntarily or
involuntarily, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or to
the extent permissible under Section 422 of the Code pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order as defined in Section 414(p) of the Code. During a
Participant's lifetime his options may be exercised only by him.

12.  Rights as Stockholder.

     No Common Stock may be delivered upon the exercise of any option until full
payment has been made and all income tax withholding requirements thereon have
been satisfied. A Participant has no rights whatsoever as a stockholder with
respect to any shares covered by an Option until the date of the issuance of a
stock certificate for the shares.

13.  Withholding Tax.

     The Company shall have the right to withhold in cash or shares of Common
Stock with respect to any payments made to Participants under the Plan any taxes
required by law to be withheld because of such payments.

14.  Non-Competition and Confidential Information.

     Each Participant receiving options shall be subject to the restriction
that, during the term of his Option Agreement and for a period of two years
thereafter, he or she (i) will not compete with any business of the Company or
its Subsidiaries and (ii) will not disclose to persons outside the Company
confidential information concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries without the
Company's express written consent.

15.  No Right To Employment.

     Participation in the Plan will not give any Participant a right to be
retained as an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, or any right or claim
to any benefit under the Plan, unless the right or claim has specifically
accrued under the Plan.

16.  Amendment of the Plan.

     The Committee may from time to time amend or revise the terms of this Plan
in whole or in part and may, without limitation, adopt any amendment deemed
necessary; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 4(g), no
change in any Options previously granted to a

                                       8
<PAGE>

Participant may be made that would impair the rights of the Participant without
the Participant's consent.

17.  Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

     An option shall not be exercisable and a share of Common Stock shall not be
issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option until such time as the Plan has
been approved by the Board of Directors and unless the exercise of such option
and the issuance and delivery of such share pursuant thereto shall comply with
all relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the
requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares of Common Stock may
then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the
Company with respect to such compliance. As a condition to the exercise of an
Option, the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent
and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Common Stock is being
purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required by any of the aforementioned relevant provisions of
law.

18.  Effective Date and Termination of Plan.

     18.01  Effective Date. This Plan is effective as of the date of its
adoption by the Board of Directors. Prior to the Board of Director's approval,
the Committee may, in its discretion, grant options under the Plan as if the
Plan were effective, provided the exercise of the options so granted shall be
expressly subject to the approval of the Plan by the Board of Directors.

     18.02  Termination of the Plan. The Board may terminate the Plan at any
time with respect to any shares that are not then subject to Options.
Termination of the Plan will not affect the rights and obligations of any
Participant with respect to Options granted before termination.

                                       9<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

================================================================================
Dated:  March 21, 1996

                       CONFIDENTIAL OFFERING MEMORANDUM

                          HANOVER COMPRESSOR COMPANY

              Up to 1,111 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value

                           $1,800 Minimum Investment
================================================================================

          All of the 1,111 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.001 par
value (the "Common Stock"), offered hereby are being sold by Hanover Compressor
Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). The Shares are being offered
only to certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and are offered
together with options to purchase shares of Common Stock which will be granted
to investors. See "The Offering."

          There has been no public market for the Common Stock, and no such
public market is anticipated to exist in the foreseeable future. See
"Determination of Offering Price" for a discussion of the factors considered in
determining the offering price.

          See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain factors that should be
considered in evaluating an investment in the Common Stock.

        THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
               SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND
                  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
                    COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
                     ADEQUACY OF THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM.
                           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
                        CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

================================================================================
                                               Fees and       Proceeds to the
                        Offering Price (1)   Commissions (2)     Company (2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Per Share.............. $    1,800                $0.00            $    1,800
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Total.......... $1,999,800                $0.00            $1,999,800
================================================================================

(1)  Payable in cash upon subscription (except for shares to be purchased with
     proceeds of loans made by the Company).  The minimum purchase per investor
     is one Share (for a total of $1,800), not including Shares purchased with
     the proceeds of four year loans to be made by the Company, and the maximum
     aggregate purchase by all investors is 1,111 Shares (for a total of
     $1,999,800), including Shares purchased with the proceeds of four year
     loans to be made by the Company.  See "The Offering."

(2)  The Shares are being offered directly by the Company which will pay no
     commissions but will utilize a portion of the proceeds to pay legal,
     accounting and other expenses of the offering estimated to be $25,000.

THIS OFFERING MEMORANDUM CONSTITUTES AN OFFER ONLY IF A NAME APPEARS IN THE
SPACE BELOW MARKED "NAME OF OFFEREE" AND CONSTITUTES AN OFFER ONLY TO SUCH NAMED
OFFEREE.

Name of Offeree:                              Memorandum Number:

             THESE SECURITIES INVOLVE A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF RISK
<PAGE>

                        ______________________________

          THIS MEMORANDUM IS SUBMITTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THESE
SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 4(2) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE "SECURITIES ACT"), REGULATION D AND/OR SECTION 701 PROMULGATED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT AND PURSUANT TO AVAILABLE EXEMPTIONS UNDER STATE SECURITIES LAWS,
AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.  ANY ACTION CONTRARY TO
THESE RESTRICTIONS MAY INVOLVE A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN FEDERAL OR STATE
SECURITIES LAWS.

                        ______________________________

          THE COMPANY HAS AGREED TO MAKE AVAILABLE, PRIOR TO THE CONSUMMATION OF
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, TO EACH OFFEREE OF COMMON STOCK OR HIS
REPRESENTATIVE(S) OR BOTH, THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS OF, AND RECEIVE
ANSWERS FROM IT OR ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF CONCERNING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS OFFERING, AND TO OBTAIN ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, TO THE
EXTENT IT POSSESSES SUCH INFORMATION OR CAN ACQUIRE IT WITHOUT UNREASONABLE
EFFORT OR EXPENSE, NECESSARY TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH
HEREIN.

                        ______________________________

          PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE NOT TO CONSTRUE THE CONTENTS OF THIS
MEMORANDUM OR ANY PRIOR OR SUBSEQUENT COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMPANY, ITS
AFFILIATES, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OR ANY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS OFFERING AS LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE.  EACH INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT HIS OWN
PERSONAL COUNSEL, ACCOUNTANT AND OTHER ADVISERS AS TO LEGAL, TAX, ECONOMIC AND
RELATED MATTERS CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT DESCRIBED HEREIN AND ITS SUITABILITY
FOR HIM.

                        ______________________________

          NO DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MEMORANDUM IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OR THE
DISCLOSURE OF ANY OF ITS CONTENTS, IS PERMITTED UNLESS AUTHORIZED.  EXCEPT FOR
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, NO OFFERING
LITERATURE OR ADVERTISING IN WHATEVER FORM SHALL BE EMPLOYED IN THE OFFERING OF
THE SHARES.  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS, OR GIVE ANY
INFORMATION, WITH RESPECT TO THE SHARES, EXCEPT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN
AND IN THE SUMMARY OF THE OFFERING PREPARED BY THE COMPANY.

                                     -ii-
<PAGE>

                        ______________________________

          INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK IS SUITABLE ONLY FOR INVESTORS WHO MEET
THE SUITABILITY STANDARDS DESCRIBED UNDER "THE OFFERING -- SUITABILITY."

                        ______________________________

          THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE
OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION.

                        ______________________________

          THIS MEMORANDUM DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO ANYONE
IN ANY STATE OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION
IS NOT AUTHORIZED.

                        ______________________________

          THE COMPANY WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER AN ANNUAL REPORT TO
STOCKHOLDERS PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED.
HOWEVER, THE COMPANY INTENDS TO FURNISH ITS STOCKHOLDERS ANNUALLY WITH A COPY OF
THE COMPANY'S AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                        ______________________________

FOR LOUISIANA RESIDENTS ONLY:

          THE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR THE
LOUISIANA SECURITIES LAWS.  THE SHARES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND MAY
NOT BE SOLD OR TRANSFERRED FOR VALUE IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
OF THEM UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND/OR THE LOUISIANA SECURITIES LAWS OR AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER
SUCH ACT OR LAWS.

                        ______________________________

FOR TEXAS RESIDENTS ONLY:

          THE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE TEXAS SECURITIES ACT, AS
AMENDED (THE "TEXAS ACT"), AND ARE OFFERED AND SOLD PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION
THEREFROM.  THE SHARES CANNOT BE

                                     -iii-
<PAGE>

SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN A TRANSACTION WHICH IS EXEMPT UNDER THE TEXAS ACT,
OR PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE TEXAS ACT OR IN A
TRANSACTION WHICH IS OTHERWISE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS ACT.

                        ______________________________

          THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY AND
RESALE AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR RESOLD EXCEPT AS PERMITTED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT AND THE APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, PURSUANT TO
REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION THEREFROM.  INVESTORS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THEY MAY BE
REQUIRED TO BEAR THE FINANCIAL RISKS OF THIS INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD
OF TIME.

                                     -iv-
<PAGE>

                       CONFIDENTIAL OFFERING MEMORANDUM
                          HANOVER COMPRESSOR COMPANY

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PAGE
                                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                                    <C>
SUMMARY OF THE OFFERING................................................................   1

THE COMPANY............................................................................   1

THE OFFERING...........................................................................   1

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES........................................................  10

RISK FACTORS...........................................................................  13

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS..  13

DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE........................................................  21

PLAN OF OFFERING.......................................................................  21

USE OF PROCEEDS........................................................................  23

DILUTION...............................................................................  23

CAPITALIZATION.........................................................................  24

DIVIDEND POLICY........................................................................  25

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.........................................................  25

BUSINESS...............................................................................  30

MANAGEMENT.............................................................................  42

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS.................................................................  51

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS....................................................  57

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK...........................................................  58

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................................................  62
</TABLE>

                                     -v-
<PAGE>

EXHIBITS:
---------

Exhibit A    -   Subscription Agreement
Exhibit B    -   Stockholders' Agreement
Exhibit C    -   Form of Loan Agreement
Exhibit D    -   Form of Four Year Note
Exhibit E    -   Form of Pledge Agreement
Exhibit F    -   Form of 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan
Exhibit G    -   Form of Option Agreement under 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan
Exhibit H    -   Letter Agreement Relating to the Stockholders' Agreement

                                     -vi-
<PAGE>

                            SUMMARY OF THE OFFERING

          The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more
detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Offering Memorandum and the
Exhibits attached hereto.  Prospective investors of the Shares should carefully
consider the factors set forth under "Risk Factors."

                                  The Company

          The Company was organized in October 1990 for the purpose of
acquiring, manufacturing, selling, leasing, maintaining and refurbishing
compressors utilized by the natural gas industry.  For a more detailed
description of the Company's business, see "Business."

                                 The Offering

Shares of Common Stock offered:         1,111 including Shares to be acquired
                                        for cash out of the subscribing
                                        offeree's own funds or by delivery of a
                                        four year note, but not including shares
                                        which may be acquired pursuant to
                                        options granted under the Employee
                                        Option Plan. See "The Offering."

Shares of Common Stock outstanding      129,525.53 not including (i) shares
after the offering:                     issuable upon exercise of options and
                                        (ii) 198.40 shares of Common Stock which
                                        are held by the Company as treasury
                                        shares.

Use of Proceeds:                        All of the net proceeds of this offering
                                        will be used for general corporate
                                        purposes, including working capital.

          The Company reserves the right to withdraw this offering and return
all subscriptions or modify this offering at any time during the term of this
offering.  Subscriptions for Shares may be accepted or rejected by the Company
in its sole discretion.  All cash received by the Company in respect of
subscriptions for the Shares (the "Funds") shall be promptly deposited in an
interest bearing, segregated account and such Funds may be invested in treasury
bills or other cash equivalents, as determined in the sole and absolute
discretion of the Company.  If acceptable subscriptions for a minimum aggregate
of one Share is received by the Company on or before March 28, 1996 or such
later date as the Company in its sole discretion may determine without consent
of or notice to the offerees, but in no event later than May 31, 1996 (the
"Termination Date"), all subscriptions will be transferred from the segregated
bank account to the Company, together with all interest, if any, earned thereon.
The minimum subscription per subscribing offeree is one Share (not including any
Shares to be acquired pursuant to a four year loan made by the Company) for an
aggregate of $1,800; however, the Company, in its sole discretion, may accept
subscriptions for a lesser number of Shares, subject to applicable

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

securities laws. In the event all conditions have not been satisfied in full
prior to the Termination Date or the Company withdraws this offering, this
offering will be terminated and all Funds will be returned to subscribing
offerees with a pro rata share of interest earned thereon, if any, calculated on
the basis of the amount of Funds invested by each subscribing offeree and the
length of time interest on such Funds was earned. See "Plan of Offering."

                         Summary Financial Information

          See "Selected Financial Information" for a summary of certain relevant
financial information.

                                 Risk Factors

          For a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in
evaluating an investment in the Shares, including, among others, (i) the
Company's limited operating history, (ii) the short terms of compressor leases
and the possible inability of the Company to re-lease its compressors, (iii)
competition, (iv) factors regarding the natural gas compressor leasing industry,
(v) potential liability and insurance, (vi) environmental liability risks, (vii)
governmental regulation, (viii) restrictions imposed by the terms of the
Company's indebtedness and the effect of a default thereunder, (ix) dependence
upon internally generated funds (x) limited preemptive rights, (xi) no public
market for the Common Stock and restrictions on transferability, (xii)
dividends, (xiii) control by principal stockholders, (xiv) capital demands due
to recent expansion activity, (xv) dilution and (xvi) Federal income task risks,
see "Risk Factors."

                                     -2-
<PAGE>

                                  THE COMPANY

          Hanover Compressor Company is a corporation organized under the laws
of the State of Delaware.  The principal executive office of the Company is
located at 12001 North Houston Rosslyn, Houston, Texas 77086, and the Company's
telephone number is (713) 447-8787.

                                 THE OFFERING

          This offering is made only to certain employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries for the purpose of providing such persons with the opportunity to
obtain an equity interest in the Company.  The Company reserves the right to
withdraw this offering and return all subscriptions or make non-material
modifications to the offering at any time during the term of the offering.  All
Funds shall be promptly deposited in an interest bearing, segregated account and
such Funds may be invested in treasury bills or other cash equivalents, as
determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company.  Funds deposited
in the segregated account may not be withdrawn by subscribers unless the
offering terminates as described herein.  The deposit of Funds in such account
does not constitute acceptance of all or any portion of any offeree's
subscription by the Company.

General

          Subject to adjustment for over-subscription, each offeree may
subscribe to purchase for cash as many of the Shares as such offeree may desire.
Upon such subscription, the Company will, at the request and option of each
subscribing offeree, loan (the "Four Year Loan") such subscribing offeree
sufficient funds, on a full recourse and secured basis, to purchase two
additional Shares (all such Shares hereinafter the "Loan Shares") for each Share
subscribed for hereunder for cash (the "Cash Shares").  See "The Four Year
Loan."  For each Share acquired by a subscribing offeree hereunder, the Company
will grant such subscribing offeree an option to purchase one-third of one share
of Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan,
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the "Employee Option
Plan").  The exercise price for such options will be $1,800 per share (subject
to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other similar events as
described in the Employee Option Plan).  See "Options -- Employee Option Plan."

          Offerees who desire to subscribe for Shares will be required to (i)
become parties to the Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement of Hanover
Compressor Company attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Stockholders' Agreement")
and (ii) execute a letter agreement regarding the application of Section 3.5(d)
of the Stockholders' Agreement (the "Letter Agreement").  The Stockholders'
Agreement restricts the sale of Common Stock held by the parties thereto and
provides for, among other things, (i) the right of Investors (as hereinafter
defined) to participate in a sale by GKH Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("Partners"), and GKH Investments, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership (together with Partners,

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

"GKH"), of at least 50% of the Common Stock owned by GKH, (ii) the right of GKH
to require all Investors to sell their stock in certain transactions for the
same consideration to be received by GKH and (iii) the right of the Company or
its affiliates to purchase all of an Investor's Common Stock upon the
termination of such Investor's employment with the Company and its subsidiaries
and affiliates. The purchase price for such stock varies depending on the
circumstances and, in cases where an Investor is terminated for cause or
voluntarily terminates his employment without good reason (each as more fully
defined in the Stockholders' Agreement), such purchase price may be
substantially below the fair market value of such Common Stock. See
"Stockholders' Agreement."

          The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be subscribed for
pursuant to this offering is 1,111, which number does not include any shares of
Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of options granted under the Employee
Option Plan. If the offerees subscribe for more than such number of shares of
Common Stock, each offeree's subscription will be reduced proportionately based
on the relationship between the number of shares subscribed for by such offeree
and the aggregate number of shares subscribed for by all offerees.

          For information regarding the method of subscribing for Shares, see
"Plan of Offering" and the Subscription Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A
(the "Subscription Agreement").

Suitability

          Investment in the Shares offered hereby involves a significant degree
of risk.  See "Risk Factors."  This offering is a private offering made only by
delivery of a copy of this Offering Memorandum to the employee of the Company or
its subsidiaries whose name appears hereon.  The Shares have not been registered
under the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities laws.  The Shares
are being offered pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act, including the exemption afforded by Section
4(2) thereof, Regulation D and/or Section 701 promulgated thereunder, and
pursuant to available exemptions under state securities laws, only to certain
employees for investment only.  Each person who subscribes for Shares and whose
subscription is accepted by the Company (each an "Investor," collectively, the
"Investors") will be required to represent that he is acquiring the Shares for
his own account, for investment, and without any intention of making a
distribution or resale thereof, either in whole or in part.  The Shares may not
be resold or transferred except in accordance with the provisions of the
Securities Act, the rules and regulations thereunder, any applicable state
securities laws and the terms and conditions of the Stockholders' Agreement.  As
a result of the foregoing, investment in the Shares is suitable only for persons
of adequate financial means apart from their investment in the Shares, and who
have no need for liquidity with respect to such investment.

          Offerees who desire to subscribe for Shares should read and discuss
with their advisors this Offering Memorandum, the Subscription Agreement, the
Stockholders' Agreement,

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

the Letter Agreement, the Loan Agreement (as defined below), the Four Year Note
(as defined below), the Pledge Agreement (as defined below), the Employee Option
Plan and the other documents relative to the foregoing regarding the
appropriateness of an investment in the Shares. The desirability of an
investment in the Common Stock depends upon a number of factors including, among
others, (i) the factors set forth under the caption "Risk Factors," (ii) the
nature of the Company's business, (iii) the possibility of a decline in value of
the Common Stock, (iv) the various restrictions on transferability of the Common
Stock, including those contained in the Stockholders' Agreement, and the present
essential illiquidity of the investment, (v) the desirability to the offeree of
a long-term investment, (vi) the likelihood that the Company will not pay
dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future and the likelihood of
restrictions imposed on the Company's ability to pay dividends under the terms
of the agreements governing the Company's senior secured indebtedness and the
Series A and Series B Preferred Stock (as defined below), (vii) the control of
the Company by its principal stockholders, (viii) the relationship between such
offeree's investment (including the investment pursuant to the Four Year Loan)
and such offeree's net worth, (ix) the employment goals of the offeree and the
right of the Company to purchase such offeree's Common Stock upon the
termination of his employment with the Company, in some instances at a purchase
price equal to or less than the offeree's cost thereof, even if such cost is
less than the fair market value of the Common Stock, and (x) other relevant
personal circumstances of each offeree.

The Four Year Loan

          Each Investor may, but is not required to, request from the Company a
Four Year Loan to purchase the Loan Shares.  Inasmuch as the Four Year Loan will
be made on a full recourse and secured basis, each Investor should consider
carefully the additional risk that he or she will undertake by obtaining the
Four Year Loan to purchase Shares.

          The Four Year Loan will bear interest at the prime rate as announced
from time to time by Chemical Bank ("Prime Rate"), will be made pursuant to a
loan agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto (the "Loan
Agreement"), evidenced by a secured promissory note substantially in the form of
Exhibit D hereto (the "Four Year Note").  Any amount of principal and/or accrued
interest on the Four Year Note which is not paid when due will bear interest at
the Prime Rate plus 2%, except that upon the failure to make the required
payments following (i) the sale of Common Stock or receipt by the Investor of
dividends on Common Stock, (ii) termination for Cause (as defined below) and
(iii) voluntary termination without Good Reason (as defined below), the
outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest will bear interest at 15%
per annum, compounded monthly, or the highest rate of interest allowable under
applicable law, whichever is less.  Interest on the Four Year Note will be
payable in cash annually on December 31 (each an "Interest Payment Date") to the
extent of 66.7% of the accrued interest to such date (the "Minimum Interest
Payment"), and all accrued interest which is not paid as of an Interest Payment
Date will be automatically added to the principal amount of the Four Year Note.
Each Minimum Interest Payment must be paid to the extent of bonus payments, if
any, less an allowance equal to 33.3% of such bonus payment for federal and
state income tax (the "Net

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

Bonus"), paid to the Investor by the Company on or before each Interest Payment
Date (including amounts paid in such calendar year which relate to a previous
calendar year and were not taken into consideration in such prior calendar
year), provided that nothing herein or in the Loan Agreement or the Four Year
Note shall create any obligation on the part of the Company to pay any bonus. In
the event the Net Bonus is insufficient to pay the Minimum Interest Payment, the
Investor shall be required to pay the difference between such Net Bonus and the
Minimum Interest Payment. The Company will have the right to withhold from the
Investor all or any portion of a Net Bonus payable by the Investor in respect of
interest under the Four Year Loan, which amounts will be deemed to have been
paid to the Investor and subsequently repaid by the Investor to the Company. All
principal and accrued and unpaid interest will be due upon maturity, which will
be 48 months from the date of the Loan Agreement, provided that such date may be
accelerated upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined below) or
under other circumstances more fully described in the Loan Agreement and the
Four Year Note.

          The Four Year Note will be secured by a pledge of (i) all of the
shares and rights to acquire shares of Common Stock owned by the Investor as of
the date of the Four Year Loan, or which are acquired by the Investor subsequent
to the date of the Four Year Loan and (ii) all proceeds received by an Investor
thereon, including dividends and additional shares received in stock
distributions, all as more fully set forth in the pledge agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit E (the "Pledge Agreement").  The Four Year Note will provide
for mandatory prepayment upon and to the extent of dividends or other
distributions paid to the Investor on the Common Stock and proceeds from the
sale of the Common Stock, and upon termination of the Investor's employment by
the Investor without Good Reason (as defined below) or by the Company for Cause
(as defined below).

          The Four Year Note, the Loan Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and any
other documents that are executed in connection therewith (collectively, the
"Loan Documents") will be assignable by the Company to any of its affiliates,
including GKH, or to any third party financial institution or commercial lender
to which the Company is or becomes indebted.  The Loan Documents cannot be
assigned by an Investor without the Company's prior written consent.

          "Cause," when capitalized and with reference to the termination of the
Investor's employment with the Company, means (i) the commission of an act of
fraud, embezzlement or willful breach of a fiduciary duty to the Company
(including the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary material
information of the Company), (ii) a conviction (or a plea of nolo contendere in
lieu thereof) for a felony or a crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral
turpitude, (iii) willful misconduct as an employee of the Company, (iv) the
willful failure to render services to the Company in accordance with such
Investor's employment, which failure amounts to a material neglect of his duties
to the Company or (v) substantial dependence, as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Board"), on alcohol or any controlled substance.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

          "Good Reason," when capitalized, means, with reference to the
voluntary termination of the Investor's employment with the Company by the
Investor, where such termination (i) promptly follows a material reduction of
such Investor's duties and responsibilities or a permanent change in such
Investor's duties and responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with
the type of duties and responsibilities of such Investor then in effect, (ii)
promptly follows a material reduction in annual base salary (without regard to
bonus compensation, if any), (iii) promptly follows a material reduction in such
Investor's employee benefits (without regard to bonus compensation, if any) if
such reduction results in such Investor receiving benefits which are, in the
aggregate, materially less than the benefits received by other comparable
employees of the Company generally or (iv) the Board otherwise determines that a
voluntary termination by such Investor is for "Good Reason" under the
circumstances then prevailing.

          An "Event of Default", when capitalized and with reference to the Four
Year Loan includes, without limitation, (i) the failure to pay principal or
interest when due, which failure has continued for 10 days after written notice
from the Company, (ii) any representation or warranty contained in the Loan
Documents or the Subscription Agreement being incorrect in any material respect
on or as of the date made or deemed made, (iii) the default with respect to any
covenant contained in the Loan Documents, which default is not curable by the
Investor or, if curable, has continued uncured for 10 days after written notice
from the Company, (iv) the failure of the Investor to make any payment when due
under, or other default of the Investor which permits acceleration of, any other
material indebtedness of the Investor and (v) the occurrence of certain
bankruptcy-related events with respect to the Investor which continue for 60
days or are otherwise consented to by the Investor.

Options

Employee Option Plan

          For each share of Common Stock acquired by an Investor hereunder, the
Company will grant such Investor an option to purchase one-third of one share of
Common Stock (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other
similar events as described in the Employee Option Plan) at a purchase price of
$1,800 per share.  Such options will vest ratably over a five year period
beginning on the first anniversary of the Employee Option Plan (subject to (i)
acceleration upon termination of employment due to death or permanent disability
and upon the occurrence of a Capital Event (as defined in the Employee Option
Plan) and (ii) forfeiture upon termination for Cause) and be governed by the
terms of the Employee Option Plan and individual option agreements (the
"Employee Option Agreements") between the Company and each Investor, forms of
which are attached hereto as Exhibits F and G, respectively.  The term of the
options will be 10 years, subject to a limited exercise period for vested
options in the event of the termination of employment of the Investor (other
than for Cause).  An option may not be exercised during any period in which the
Investor is in default under the terms of any loan or other obligation that the
Investor may have to the Company.  The

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of the options will be subject to
the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement, as amended by the Letter Agreement.
Options may not be transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and during the lifetime of an Investor, such options may be
exercised only by the Investor. The options granted under the Employee Option
Plan are nonstatutory options and are not intended to qualify as "incentive
stock options" under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), and each Investor should consult his tax advisors for
information regarding the tax treatment of such options.

          Pursuant to the Employee Option Agreements, each Investor will agree
that he will not during the term of such agreement and for a period of one year
thereafter, (i) compete with any business of the Company or its subsidiaries or
affiliates and (ii) without the Company's express written consent, disclose to
persons outside the Company confidential information concerning the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

Stockholders' Agreement and Letter Agreement

          As a condition to the acceptance by the Company of a subscribing
offeree's subscription for Shares, such subscribing offeree is required to
become a party to the Stockholders' Agreement and to execute the Letter
Agreement.  The Letter Agreement provides that certain obligations of the
Company which arise upon an Investor's voluntary termination of employment from
the Company without Good Reason are determined by reference to the date of the
Subscription Agreement rather than August 7, 1995, the date of the Stockholders'
Agreement.  The summary of the Stockholders' Agreement set forth below is not
intended to be a complete recitation of the provisions thereof, and each offeree
should read and understand all the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement and
the Letter Agreement before making a determination whether to invest in the
Shares.

Restrictions on Transfer

          The Stockholders' Agreement contains substantial restrictions on the
disposition of an Investor's Common Stock.  In general, an Investor will be
permitted to transfer some or all shares of his Common Stock to affiliates,
including certain relatives and controlled entities, provided each affiliate
agrees to be bound by the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement.  An Investor
will also be permitted to transfer all (but not less than all) of his shares of
Common Stock to a bona fide third party purchaser if such purchaser agrees to be
bound by the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement, but only after such Common
Stock is offered first to the Company and then to GKH on the same terms as
offered to the bona fide third party purchaser.  The Investor will be required
to comply with certain mechanical provisions regarding such transfer, including
(i) timely notice to the Company and GKH of any proposed transfer and (ii)
consummation of any transfer within a specified period.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

Rights to Compel Disposition

          GKH will have the right to compel each Investor to dispose of all of
his shares of Common Stock and make certain representations with respect to his
ownership of such Common Stock in the event GKH seeks to sell all, but not less
than all, of its Common Stock.  If GKH exercises its right to compel the
disposition of the Investors' Common Stock, the consideration for such Common
Stock will be the same per share consideration on the same terms to be received
by GKH for its shares of Common Stock.

Rights of Inclusion

          Each Investor will have the right to sell his Common Stock on the same
terms as GKH in a transaction pursuant to which GKH sells at least 50% of the
Common Stock of the Company then owned by GKH.  Investors who desire to
participate in such sale will be required to deliver notice on a timely basis
and comply with other mechanical provisions in connection with such transfer.

Preemptive Rights

          Although Delaware law does not generally provide for preemptive
rights, in the event the Company offers an existing stockholder who is party to
the Stockholders' Agreement the opportunity to purchase additional shares of
Common Stock, the other parties to the Stockholders' Agreement will have the
right to acquire their respective pro rata share of such Common Stock on the
same terms and conditions offered to such stockholder, except that such right
shall not apply to (i) shares issuable in connection with a merger, acquisition
or similar transaction, (ii) shares issuable upon the exercise of any options,
warrants or other convertible securities, (iii) shares offered by the Company to
employees and directors of the Company or (iv) shares issuable in connection
with preemptive rights granted to other stockholders of the Company in
connection with a merger, acquisition or similar transaction, or in connection
with the issuance by the Company of its Series B Preferred Stock.

Transfers upon Termination

          The Company will have the right to purchase all of the Common Stock of
an Investor in the event such Investor ceases to be an employee of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.  The purchase price for such Common
Stock will be (i) in the event such Investor's employment is terminated for
Cause, the lower of the Investor's cost for his Common Stock on a share by share
basis and 80% of fair market value thereof, (ii) in the event such employment is
voluntarily terminated without Good Reason, the lower of cost and fair market
value and (iii) in the event such Investor's employment is terminated by death,
retirement, permanent disability, without Cause or voluntarily with Good Reason,
the fair market value of such Common Stock.  The purchase price for such Common
Stock will be payable (a) in cash (and/or by the delivery of a term note with
the shortest term permissible if required by any

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

agreement to which the Company is then subject) if such Investor's employment is
terminated with Good Reason or upon death, retirement, permanent disability or
without Cause, or voluntarily without Good Reason more than three years after
the date of the Subscription Agreement, and (b) by delivery of a seven year term
note if such employment is terminated for Cause, or voluntarily without Good
Reason on or prior to the third anniversary of the Subscription Agreement. Any
note delivered in connection with the foregoing will bear interest, payable
annually, at the Prime Rate.

          Cost, fair market value, retirement, permanent disability and
voluntary termination are each defined in the Stockholders' Agreement.

                        FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

          THE DISCUSSION SET FORTH BELOW PROVIDES GENERAL INFORMATION AS TO
CERTAIN ANTICIPATED FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSCRIPTION
FOR THE SHARES AND OPTIONS HEREUNDER.  EACH INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT HIS TAX
ADVISOR AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF HIS SUBSCRIPTION, INCLUDING THE
APPLICATION OF POSSIBLE STATE AND  LOCAL TAX LAWS.

Restricted Stock

          Code Section 83 governs transfers of property to persons (whether
employees or independent contractors) in exchange for services.  Under that
section, a person receiving property as compensation for services must report
(as compensation income) the excess of the fair market value of the property
received over the amount paid in exchange therefor (such excess referred to
herein as "In-Kind Compensation").

          In determining when a recipient of In-Kind Compensation must report
income attributable thereto, Code Section 83(a) provides that the value of such
In-Kind Compensation (without regard to any restriction other than a restriction
which by its terms will never lapse) is includible in the recipient's income at
the first time that the recipient's rights in the property are substantially
vested.  For such purposes, property is considered to be substantially vested
when it is either (a) transferable or (b) not subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture.  A substantial risk of forfeiture is generally considered to exist
when the recipient's rights to the property are predicated upon the future
performance of services or upon the occurrence of a condition related to the
transfer.  Further, an interest in restricted property is transferable only if
the subsequent transferee's rights in the property are not subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture.

          Alternatively, Code Section 83(b) provides each recipient of In-Kind
Compensation the ability to include such amounts in income in the year in which
he receives them, rather than the year in which the In-Kind Compensation becomes
substantially vested.  Under that section, a taxpayer may elect, within 30 days
of the transfer of property, to include in

                                     -10-
<PAGE>

income the value of any In-Kind Compensation (as determined without regard to
the restrictions thereon). Taxpayers who include In-Kind Compensation in income
under Code Section 83(b) but later forfeit the property received are denied a
deduction for any portion of the In-Kind Compensation reported by the taxpayer.

          Once includible in the income of the recipient, In-Kind Compensation
is considered payment of wages subject to withholding of income tax and deposits
pursuant to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).  Upon the subsequent
sale of the transferred stock or other property, the taxpayer will recognize
income to the extent that the amounts realized on sale exceed the sum of (a) the
amount includible in his income under Code Section 83 and (b) the amount paid
for the property.

          Offerees who desire to subscribe for Shares will be required to become
parties to the Stockholders' Agreement.  Pursuant to the Stockholders'
Agreement, each Investor may be required, in the event his employment terminates
for Cause or without Good Reason, to sell his Shares back to the Company for an
amount equal to the lower of (a) cost or (b) a percentage (either 100% or 80%)
of fair market value.  Any transferee of an Investor may be required to sell the
transferred Shares to the Company upon similar terms in the event that the
Investor's employment is terminated for Cause or without Good Reason.  Such
restrictions lapse with respect to any Investor on the earliest to occur of (a)
the Investor's death, retirement, permanent disability, or involuntary
termination of employment without Cause, (b) the Investor's voluntary
termination of employment with Good Reason, or (c) the failure of the Company to
exercise its rights to purchase the Investor's Shares in a timely fashion
following the termination of his employment for Cause or without Good Reason
(each such event referred to as a "Lapse Event").  See "The Offering --
Stockholders' Agreement."

          The Company believes that, in light of various provisions of the
Stockholders' Agreement, each Investor subscribing for Shares hereunder will
acquire such Shares subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.  Further, the
Company believes that the Shares subscribed for hereunder are not transferable
within the meaning of Code Section 83.  As such, to the extent that the fair
market value of any Share exceeds the amount paid therefor, no Investor should
be required to include in income the In-Kind Compensation attributable thereto
until the restrictions lapse at the occurrence of a Lapse Event.  Nevertheless,
any Investor may elect, under Code Section 83(b), to include the value of the
In-Kind Compensation in the year in which he purchases Shares pursuant to this
Offering.

Stock Options

          Taxpayers receiving compensatory, nonstatutory stock options (i.e.,
options other than "qualified options" taxable under Code Section 421) generally
do not recognize income as a result of the grant of such options.  Unless the
granted options have a readily ascertainable fair market value within the
meaning of Code Section 83 as of the date of grant, the taxpayer realizes income
only on the date he exercises or disposes of such options.  At that time, he
realizes

                                     -11-
<PAGE>

compensation income equal to the difference between the market value of the
stock and the price paid to acquire and exercise the option. However, where the
optionee's rights in the property transferred pursuant to the exercise of such
option are not substantially vested (within the meaning of Code Section 83), the
optionee does not realize income until the first time that his rights in that
property become substantially vested. See "-- Restricted Stock."

          When an option is not regularly traded on an established market, it
does not have a readily ascertainable market value unless its value can be
determined with "reasonable accuracy."  For such purposes, the value of an
option cannot be determined with reasonable accuracy unless all of the following
conditions exist:

          (i)   The option is transferable;

          (ii)  The option is exercisable immediately in full;

          (iii) The option is not subject to any restriction or condition which
                has a significant effect upon its value; and

          (iv)  The value of the option privilege is readily ascertainable.

          For each Share acquired by an Investor hereunder, the Company will
grant such Investor an option to purchase one-third of one share of Common Stock
(subject to certain adjustments) at a purchase price of $1,800 per share.  Such
options will vest ratably over a five-year period commencing on the first
anniversary of the Employee Option Plan, will be nontransferable (except by will
or the laws of descent and distribution) and, during the life of the Investor,
may be exercised solely by the Investor.  See "The Offering -- Options --
Employee Option Plan."  Once exercised, the shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to such exercise will become subject to the Stockholders' Agreement, as
amended by the Letter Agreement, including its restrictions and repurchase
rights vested in the Company.  The options will not be actively traded on an
established market as of the date the Company grants them.

          The Company believes that, since the options are neither exercisable
immediately in full nor transferable (except at death), the value of options may
not be determined with reasonable accuracy.  As the options should not have a
readily ascertainable market value within the meaning of Code Section 83, the
Company believes that they should not be compensation income to the optionee on
the date of grant (notwithstanding that their value may later become readily
ascertainable).  Further, since the property acquired pursuant to the exercise
of such options (i.e., shares of Common Stock) will be subject to the
Stockholders' Agreement, the Company believes that an Investor exercising an
option granted hereunder will acquire property in which his rights are not
substantially vested within the meaning of Code Section 83.  Accordingly, the
Company believes that an Investor should not have compensation income until the
date that the restrictions on the Common Stock acquired pursuant to such
exercise lapse (i.e., at the occurrence of a Lapse Event under the Stockholders'
Agreement).  At that time, the

                                     -12-
<PAGE>

Investor should recognize compensation income in an amount equal to the excess
of the market value of the stock as of such date over the price paid to exercise
and acquire the applicable option. Any Investor may, however, choose to
accelerate the recognition of income to the date he exercises an option provided
he makes the election under Code Section 83(b).

                                 RISK FACTORS

          Investors should consider the specific factors set forth below as well
as the other information set forth in this Offering Memorandum.  The following
is not necessarily a comprehensive list of all of the possible risk factors
associated with an investment in the Common Stock.

Limited Operating History

          The Company's products are well-established in the marketplace, and
the Company has experienced net profits in four of its five full fiscal years of
operation.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will remain
profitable in the future.  See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

Short Lease Terms; Possible Inability to Re-lease Compressors

          The Company has historically leased its compressors under leases with
an average fixed term of approximately six months and which continue thereafter
on a month to month basis.  Historically, lessees have renewed their leases on a
month to month basis for an average period of approximately 24 months.  Based on
the average cost of new compressors and the average lease price, the Company
generally does not recoup its investment in the compressors until after its
receipt of at least 48 months of lease payments.  Accordingly, the Company
assumes substantial risk of not recovering its entire investment in the
equipment it purchases.  Although the Company has historically been successful
in re-leasing units in its inventory, there can be no assurance that the Company
will continue to be able to do so or that a substantial portion of its lessees
will not terminate their leases at approximately the same time, thereby causing
an adverse accumulation of unleased compressors in the Company's inventory.  The
inability of the Company to lease a substantial portion of its compressors for
any reason would have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial
condition and its results of operations.  See "Business."

Competition

          The natural gas compression industry and the oil and gas production
equipment business are highly competitive.  The Company competes with several
large national and international companies which, like the Company, offer a wide
range of compressors and oil and gas production equipment for purchase or lease.
There can be no assurance that such competitors will not substantially increase
the resources devoted to the development and marketing of

                                     -13-
<PAGE>

products competitive with those of the Company or that new competitors will not
enter the industry. See "Business -- Competition."

Natural Gas Compressor Industry Considerations

          The Company's profitability is, in part, dependent upon the current
demand for natural gas.  Natural gas demand, aided by competitive pricing and
interstate pipeline deregulation, has increased at a rate of approximately 2-3%
per year from 1986 through 1994.  The Company's management estimates that demand
for gas compression has increased approximately 6-10% per year during this time
frame.  This increase is a result of increased production from lower reservoir-
pressured areas and the increased amount of coal-seam and tight-gas drilling in
certain geographic areas.

          Depressed natural gas prices tend to decrease efforts to discover and
develop new natural gas reserves domestically.  This places greater reliance
upon older, developed reserves which requires additional compression to deliver
the remaining natural gas to market.  A significant decline in the price of
natural gas could result in the widespread failure of independent producers and
increased pricing pressure and credit risk for compressor rental companies.
This would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition
and results of operations.  See "Business."

Potential Liability and Insurance

          Natural gas operations are subject to certain risks, including
explosions, uncontrollable flows of gas or well fluids, fires, pollution and
other environmental risks.  These risks could expose the Company to substantial
liability for injury and loss of life, property damage, pollution and other
environmental damages, and consequential damages, if such damages resulted from
an alleged compressor defect or from the Company's negligence in maintaining,
servicing or refurbishing its compressors.

          Although the Company has obtained certain insurance, no assurance can
be given that such insurance is adequate to cover the Company's operations, will
be generally available in the future or, if available, that premiums will be
commercially justifiable.  If the Company were to incur a substantial liability
and such damages were not covered by insurance or were in excess of policy
limits, or if the Company were to incur such liability at a time when it is no
longer able to obtain liability insurance, its financial condition could be
materially adversely affected.  The Company, consistent with industry trends,
may find it difficult to obtain adequate insurance coverage against possible
liabilities that may be incurred in connection with the conduct of its business.
There can be no assurance that all possible types of liabilities that may be
incurred by the Company will be covered by its insurance or that the dollar
amount of such liabilities will not exceed the Company's policy limits.  A
partially or completely uninsured claim, if successful and of sufficient
magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its financial
condition.

                                     -14-
<PAGE>

Environmental Liability Risks

          In addition to liability which may arise as a result of an alleged
compressor defect or alleged Company negligence, if environmental damage is
found to have occurred as a result of the Company's operating activities, the
Company could incur substantial liability.  In such event, the Company could be
liable for all costs of remediation, as well as certain other costs.  Under the
Comprehensive Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Company
may also be liable for all costs of remediation of any property of which it is
deemed to be the owner or operator.  Various Preliminary Environmental (Phase I)
Site Assessments were conducted in 1990 and 1991 with respect to certain
properties owned or operated by the Company and its subsidiaries.  Such
assessments identified potential sources of ground contamination.  Although
remediation efforts have been undertaken by the previous owners, no assurances
can be given that such remediation efforts will be successful or that the
Company will not incur costs in remediating such contamination or discover
additional sources of enumerated contamination.  In addition, pursuant to the
HPC Merger (as defined below), the Company acquired certain potential
environmental liabilities estimated at December 31, 1995 to be between $139,000
and $200,000.  See "Business -- Company History" for a description of the HPC
Merger.

          As a result of the Company's acquisition of Astra Resources
Compression, Inc. ("Astra"), the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary,
indirectly owns a 17 acre parcel of land which includes a lagoon at Astra's East
Bernard, Texas facility, formerly the site of a solid waste landfill.  The
Company has been indemnified by Astra's former parent for any environmental
liability associated with the landfill in excess of $250,000 and has the right
to "put" the property to Astra's former parent for $150,000 under certain
circumstances.

          In June 1993, a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessment was
conducted on the Company's 20 acre headquarters/fabrication facility in Houston,
which Assessment indicated that such site has minimal apparent risk with respect
to environmental liability.  In addition, the company maintains a professionally
designed Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (the "SPCC Plan") with
respect to its Fort Smith, Arkansas maintenance facility, which is designed to
prevent oil spills and waste releases and to describe protocols for immediate
coordination of necessary activities to minimize any harmful effects should a
spill or other release occur.  Although the Fort Smith facility does not
routinely generate hazardous waste, the SPCC Plan includes waste release
measures given that during an oil spill event, certain characteristic hazardous
waste from spill residue may be generated.  Moreover, the Company is currently
implementing a Site Remediation and Clean Up Proposal regarding real property
located in Columbus, Texas with respect to which the Company acquired a lease
and purchase option pursuant to the February 1995 acquisition by the Company of
substantially all of the assets of Smith Industries, Incorporated.  See
"Business -- Company History."

                                     -15-
<PAGE>

Governmental Regulation

          The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and
regulatory standards in the areas of safety, health and the environment,
including regulations regarding emission controls.  The Company believes that it
is in substantial compliance with such laws and regulations and that the phasing
in of emission controls and other known standards at the rate currently
contemplated by such laws and regulations will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.  However,
various state and federal agencies from time to time consider adopting new laws
and regulations or amending existing laws and regulations regarding
environmental protection.  While the Company may be able to pass on the
additional costs of complying with such laws, there can be no assurances that
attempts to do so would be successful.  Accordingly, new laws or regulations or
amendments to existing laws or regulations could require the Company to
undertake significant capital expenditures and could otherwise have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Restrictions Imposed by the Terms of the Company's Indebtedness; Effect of
Default

          The terms of the Company's existing credit agreement dated December
19, 1995 (the "Bank Credit Agreement") among the Company, Chemical Bank, as
agent, and the other banks party thereto and the loan agreement dated as of
December 19, 1995 (the "JEDI Loan Agreement") among the Company, Joint Energy
Development Investments Limited Partnership ("JEDI") as agent and the financial
institutions named therein impose a variety of restrictions on the Company's
operations, including, without limitation, limiting the Company's ability to
incur additional indebtedness, grant or suffer liens or other encumbrances on
its property, make investments, loans or advances except under certain
enumerated circumstances, make capital expenditures above specified levels,
enter into sale/leaseback arrangements as a seller/lessee, dispose of its assets
or extend guarantees.  Such restrictions may limit the Company's ability to
exploit fully certain business opportunities.  In addition, under the terms of
the Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI Loan Agreement, the Company may not
declare or pay any dividend on or make any payment for the purchase, redemption
or acquisition of any shares of Common Stock other than repurchases of Common
Stock from employees of the Company which do not exceed an aggregate of
$2,500,000.  In addition, the failure of the Company to maintain certain
financial ratios may cause the Company to be in default under the agreements
governing its indebtedness and such default, if uncured, may ultimately entitle
its creditors to foreclose on all of the assets of the Company.  See
"Description of Certain Indebtedness."

Dependence on Internally Generated Funds; Capital Needs

          The compressor leasing business and the oil and gas production
equipment business in which the Company is involved are capital intensive
businesses, and the inability of the Company to continue to have access to
sufficient capital could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability
to finance compressor purchases and production equipment materials

                                     -16-
<PAGE>

purchases and, thus, maintain its future leasing revenues and profitability.
Company growth has historically been financed through (i) sales of Common Stock,
including the sale of approximately $15,000,000 of Common Stock to certain
executive officers and then existing stockholders of the Company in 1992 (the
"1992 Offering"), the sale of approximately $2,500,000 of Common Stock to
certain members of the Company's management in 1993 (the "1993 Offering"), the
sale of approximately $16,000,000 of Common Stock to GKH in 1993, the sale of
$275,000 of Common Stock to certain employees of the Company at $1,100 per share
in 1995 (the "1995 Management Offering"), the sale of $2,590,500 of Common Stock
to certain employees of the Company at $1,500 per share in 1995 (the "1995
Employee Offering"), the sale of $20,000,000 of Common Stock and $10,000,000 of
Series B Preferred Stock to JEDI in 1995 and the sale of $21,602,000 of Series A
Prepared Stock to GKH, other existing investors in the Company and certain
others in 1995, (ii) internally generated funds, (iii) borrowings under the Bank
Credit Agreement, which provides for a revolving credit facility with a
commitment of $90,000,000 and borrowings under the JEDI Loan Agreement, which
provides for a revolving credit facility with a commitment of $100,000,000 and
(iv) a merger involving the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of
Astra in exchange for cash consideration and 30,556 shares of Common Stock
issued to Astra's parent (the "Astra Merger").

          In addition, although the Company believes that it will have
sufficient capital resources based on internally generated funds, the amounts
available under the Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI Loan Agreement and other
potential placements of equity to fund its anticipated capital needs for at
least the next several years, there can be no assurance that the Company will
meet its projected earnings and that sufficient cash flow will be generated.
Failure to generate sufficient cash flow together with the absence of
alternative sources of capital could have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, operations and expected growth of the Company.  See
"Management's Discussion of and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."

Limited Preemptive Rights

          Although Delaware law does not generally provide for preemptive
rights, in the event the Company offers any party to the Stockholders' Agreement
the opportunity to purchase additional shares of Common Stock, all other parties
to the Stockholders' Agreement will have the right to acquire their respective
pro rata share of such Common Stock on the same terms and conditions offered to
such other stockholder, except that such right shall not apply to (i) shares
issuable in connection with a merger, acquisition or similar transaction, (ii)
shares issuable upon the exercise of any options, warrants or other convertible
securities or (iii) shares offered by the Company to employees of the Company.
See "The Offering -- Stockholders' Agreement -- Preemptive Rights" and
"Description of Capital Stock."  JEDI has the right with respect to certain
equity offerings of the Company to existing Company stockholders (each a "Rights
Offering") to (a) subscribe for the first fifteen percent of such Rights
Offering on an exclusive basis, and (b) subscribe for its pro rata share of the
remaining equity under the Rights Offering in the event the Company offers
additional shares in exchange for capital required to satisfy certain

                                     -17-
<PAGE>

covenants under the JEDI Credit Agreement. Astra Resources also has a preemptive
right to subscribe for shares of Common Stock sufficient for it to maintain
ownership of at least 20% of the outstanding Common Stock subject to a specified
threshold. In addition, in the event the Company sells or otherwise issues any
shares of Common Stock to GKH, the non-GKH parties to the Gale Force
Stockholders' Agreement (as defined below) will have the right to acquire their
respective pro rata amount of Common Stock on the same terms and conditions as
such Common Stock is sold or otherwise issued to GKH. See "Principal
Stockholders --Stockholders' Agreements -- Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement,"
"-JEDI Stockholders' Agreement" and -"Astra Stockholders' Agreement".

No Public Market for Common Stock; Restriction on Transferability

          Each subscribing offeree will be required to represent that he is
purchasing the Shares for investment purposes for his own account and not with a
view towards resale or distribution.  There is no public market for the Shares
and an Investor's ability to transfer his Common Stock will be significantly
restricted by the terms of the Stockholders' Agreement.  In addition, the
Stockholders' Agreement (i) gives GKH the right to cause all Investors to sell
their Common Stock in certain transactions and (ii) gives the Company or certain
of its affiliates the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all of the
Common Stock of an Investor upon the termination of such Investor's employment
with the Company. The purchase price for such stock varies depending on the
circumstances and, in cases where an Investor is terminated for Cause or
voluntarily terminates his employment without Good Reason, such purchase price
may be substantially below the fair market value of such Common Stock.  See "The
Offering -- Stockholders' Agreement."  Any potential Investor must be able and
willing to bear the risk of his investment for an indefinite period.

Dividends

          The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock and does
not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  In
addition, the ability of the Company to pay dividends will be limited by the
terms of the Bank Credit Agreement, the JEDI Loan Agreement, the Series A
Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock.  See "Description of Certain
Indebtedness," and "Certain Contemplated Transactions."

Control by Principal Stockholders

          As of December 31, 1995, approximately 51.7% of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock (not including shares issuable pursuant to existing
option programs) was owned by GKH.  Subsequent to this offering, GKH will
continue to own a majority of the Common Stock of the Company and by virtue of a
voting trust with certain members of management, will control a majority, on a
fully diluted basis, of the Common Stock.  By maintaining such majority control,
GKH will continue to have the power to determine the policies of the Company and
its subsidiaries, the persons constituting the directors and officers thereof
(subject to the terms of

                                     -18-
<PAGE>

(i) the Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement, (ii) the Hanna Stockholders'
Agreement, (iii) the HEHC Stockholders' Agreement, (iv) the Astra Stockholders'
Agreement and (v) the Stockholders' Agreement) and the outcome of various
corporate actions requiring stockholder approval (subject to the terms of the
HEHC Stockholders' Agreement). See "Principal Stockholders --Stockholders'
Agreements" for a description of these agreements.

Recent Expansion Activity

          The Company recently acquired Astra thereby increasing its compressor
fleet by 12% and its work force by 10%.  (See "Business -- Company History").
Through its acquisition of the production equipment business of Smith
Industries, Incorporated (the "Smith Business;" See "Business -- Company
History"), the Company substantially expanded its oil and gas production
equipment fabrication operations.  The Company is now in the process of
integrating both of these acquisitions into its current operations.  Given the
size of the acquisitions, there can be no assurance that the integration will be
successful or that additional capital will not be required to operate the
Company's oil and gas production equipment business or the compressor business.

          As of September 8, 1995, HCC (through its wholly owned subsidiary
H.C.C. Compressor de Venezuela, C.A.) acquired 100% of the issued and
outstanding stock of Proyecto Gas Natural P.G.N., C.A., a Venezuelan corporation
("PGN"), from Walter Rode and Luis Zubillaga in exchange for cash, assumption of
certain liabilities of PGN and 104.6667 shares of Common Stock (to Mr. Rode
only).  PGN is an owner and lessor of natural gas compression equipment in
Venezuela and provides natural gas compression services under contract to
Corpoven, S.A. and Bitumenes Orinoco, S.A. BITOR, both of which are
instrumentalities of the Venezuelan government.  Mr. Rode continues to be
employed by HCC (or its affiliates) in connection with the operations of PGN.

          In addition, the Company has also made certain other acquisitions,
which management believes will enhance the Company's competitive position in the
natural gas compression industry, which is generally experiencing a considerable
amount of consolidation.  See "Business -- Company History."  However, there can
be no assurance that such acquisitions will effect the desired results.

Dilution

          Assuming all of the Shares are issued, the value of the Shares
purchased pursuant to this offering will be subject to immediate dilution in the
net tangible book value of $546.79 per Share from the adjusted net tangible book
value as of December 31, 1995.

                                     -19-
<PAGE>

Federal Income Tax Risks

          The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax risks
associated with an investment in the Shares and the exercise of options acquired
therewith, and should be read in conjunction with "Federal Income Tax
Consequences."  As the following does not purport to be a complete discussion of
all relevant tax issues, prospective investors should consult their own tax
advisors for advice regarding the impact of a subscription for Shares and
options upon their individual tax positions, including the application of state
and local income tax law, if any.

Treatment of Compensation Income; Receipt of Shares

          No assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
will consider the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement to be sufficient to
render Shares subscribed for hereunder to be nontransferable and each Investor's
rights therein to be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture within the
meaning of Code Section 83.  Further, no assurance can be given that a court of
competent jurisdiction would agree with the conclusions of the Company.  In the
event that the IRS considers the provisions of the Stockholders' Agreement to be
insufficient for such purpose, it may consider each Investor to have
compensation income (as of the date he acquires Shares) in an amount equal to
the difference between the fair market value of such Shares and the Investor's
purchase price.  Each Investor may thus be required to pay federal income and
FICA tax on such income, plus interest and penalties as applicable.  Further,
the Company may be required to pay federal unemployment and other taxes on the
compensation deemed to be transferred to each Investor, plus interest and
penalties as applicable, which tax may indirectly effect the value of each
Investor's Shares.

Treatment of Compensation Income; Receipt of Options

          No assurance can be given that the IRS (or any court) will agree that
an Investor acquiring Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of any option is
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture with respect to such Stock and such
Stock is nontransferable under Section 83 of the Code.  As such, an Investor
exercising options granted hereunder may realize compensation income at the date
he exercises an option in an amount equal to the difference between the fair
market value of the Common Stock on that date over the price paid to exercise
and acquire the applicable option.  An Investor may thus be required to pay
federal income and FICA tax (and interest and penalties, as applicable) with
respect to such compensation income.  Similarly, the Company may be required to
pay federal unemployment and other taxes (including penalties and interest)
which payment may indirectly effect the value of each Investor's Common Stock.

Election under Code Section 83(b)

          Any Investor may make an election to include amounts in income on the
date he acquires shares of Common Stock (whether at subscription for Shares or
upon the exercise of any

                                     -20-
<PAGE>

option granted hereunder). Electing Investors will thus not recognize additional
compensation income upon the occurrence of a Lapse Event under the Stockholders'
Agreement. However, since each electing Investor accelerates the recognition of
income from the time at which the Company believes it would otherwise be first
recognizable (i.e., the date of any Lapse Event), each electing Investor must
bear certain market risks associated with the value of his Shares. If the value
of an electing Investor's Shares does not exceed the value of such Shares on the
date that the Investor acquired them, such electing Investor will have included
amounts in income which would not have otherwise have been includible had he not
made the election under Code Section 83(b). Such electing Investor will not be
entitled to deduct any amounts attributable to that income acceleration.

          Further, in the event that an electing Investor is required to sell
Shares of Common Stock back to the Company (e.g., pursuant to the exercise of
the Company's rights to repurchase such Shares in the Stockholders' Agreement),
that Investor will not be allowed any deduction for any portion of the basis in
such Shares that he acquired as a result of a Section 83(b) election.

                        DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

          The offering price of $1,800 per Share was determined solely by the
Board based on a number of factors, including the date of the Company's hiring
of the offerees and a comparison of the Company's 1994 and 1995 financial
performance to the financial performance and corresponding per share market
multiples of a select group of public companies involved in the natural gas
compressor leasing and fabrication and energy services industries.  By virtue of
the nature of this offering, the offering price was not determined pursuant to
arm's length negotiations with a third party, and there can be no assurance that
such price is indicative of the fair market value of the Shares.  However, the
Company's recent issuances of shares of Common Stock to each of JEDI on August
7, 1995 and Astra Resources on October 3, 1995 were effected at $1,800 per
share.  See "Business -- Company History."

                                PLAN OF OFFERING

          The minimum purchase per subscribing offeree is one Share (excluding
Shares to be acquired by delivery of a Four Year Note) for a minimum aggregate
purchase price of $1,800.  The minimum aggregate purchase for all Investors is
one Share (excluding Shares to be purchased by delivery of a Four Year Note) for
a minimum aggregate purchase price of $1,800.  The Company reserves the right
(i) to reject any subscription for any reason and (ii) to make non-material
modifications to or terminate this offering at any time for any reason.

          Each offeree who desires to subscribe for Shares must (i) on or before
Thursday, March 28, 1996, call Curtis Bedrich (at 713-447-8787) to communicate
the number of Cash Shares and Loan Shares for which such offeree desires to
subscribe and (ii) on or prior to Thursday, April 11, 1996, execute and return
to the Company, c/o Curtis Bedrich, (a) one copy and one extra signature page of
the Subscription Agreement included herewith (including Schedule A attached
thereto), (b) one copy

                                     -21-
<PAGE>

and one extra signature page of the Stockholders' Agreement included herewith
(including the spousal consent, if applicable) and (c) one copy and one extra
signature page of the Letter Agreement included herewith.

          Upon oral confirmation of the number and type of Shares subscribed for
by a subscribing offeree, the Company will prepare and distribute for execution
to such subscribing offeree (i) one execution copy of each of the Loan Agreement
and Four Year Note, if applicable, (ii) two copies of the Pledge Agreement, if
applicable, (iii) two copies of the Employee Option Agreement, (iv) an
assignment separate from certificate, if the subscribing offeree has requested a
Four Year Loan and (v) an IRS Form W-9.  In addition to the Subscription
Agreement, the Stockholders' Agreement and the Letter Agreement previously
delivered, each subscribing offeree must then, prior to Thursday, April 25,
1996, return to the Company, c/o Curtis Bedrich, to the extent applicable, (i)
the executed Loan Agreement and Four Year Note, (ii) two executed counterparts
of the Pledge Agreement, (iii) two executed counterparts of the Employee Option
Agreement, (iv) the assignment separate from certificate, executed in blank, (v)
the fully completed and executed Form W-9 and (vi) if applicable, a check in an
amount equal to the product of (a) the number of Cash Shares subscribed for and
(b) $1,800.

          The foregoing deadlines are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================
Event                                                  Deadline
=============================================================================================
<S>                                                    <C>
Orally contact Curtis Bedrich (at 713-447-8787) to     Thursday, March 28, 1996
indicate the number and type (Cash and/or Loan
Shares) of shares you wish to subscribe for
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deliver one executed copy and one extra executed       Thursday, April 11, 1996
counterpart of (i) the Subscription Agreement
(including Schedule A attached thereto and, if
applicable, the spousal consent), (ii) the
Stockholders' Agreement (including the spousal
consent, if applicable) and (iii) the Letter
Agreement
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deliver, as applicable, (i) one copy of each of the    Thursday, April 25, 1996
Loan Agreement and Four Year Note, (ii) one            NOTE: These documents will be
executed copy and one extra executed counterpart       delivered to you on or prior to
of the Pledge Agreement, (iii) one executed copy       Thursday, April 11, if you orally
and one extra executed counterpart of the Employee     contact Curtis Bedrich with your
Option Agreement, (iv) an assignment separate from     subscription by Thursday, March 28.
certificate executed in blank, (v) an IRS Form W-9
and (vi) a check in the proper amount
=============================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                     -22-
<PAGE>

          All Funds shall be promptly deposited in an interest bearing,
segregated account and such Funds may be invested in treasury bills or other
cash equivalents, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the
Company.  If acceptable subscriptions for a minimum aggregate of one Share is
received by the Company on or before April 11, 1996, or such later time as
determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company without notice to
or consent of the offerees, but in no event later than the Termination Date, all
Funds will be transferred from the segregated bank account to the Company,
together with all interest, if any, earned thereon.  In the event such condition
has not been satisfied on or before the Termination Date or this offering is
withdrawn by the Company, this offering will be terminated and all Funds will be
returned to the subscribing offerees with a pro rata share of interest earned
thereon, calculated on the basis of the amount of Funds invested by each
subscribing offeree and the length of time interest on such Funds was earned.

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

          Assuming all of the Shares are issued, the net proceeds of the
offering, estimated to be $1,974,800, will be used for general corporate
purposes, including working capital.

                                   DILUTION

          As of December 31, 1995, the Company had adjusted net tangible book
value (defined as total stockholders' equity less goodwill) of $160,376,945, or
$1,248.48 per share of Common Stock.  Adjusted net tangible book value per
share of Common Stock is determined by dividing the actual net tangible book
value by the number of shares of its Common Stock and treating all such Common
Stock as having been issued for cash which would have been outstanding as of
December 31, 1995.  After giving effect to the sale of the Shares and the
application by the Company of the estimated net proceeds therefrom as described
in "Use of Proceeds", the pro forma net tangible book value of the Company as of
December 31, 1995 would have been $162,376,745, or $1,253.21 per share of Common
Stock.  This value represents an immediate increase in the adjusted net tangible
book value of $4.73 per share of Common Stock to the current shareholders and an
immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $546.79 per Share to purchasers
of the Shares.  Dilution per share is determined by subtracting the pro forma
adjusted net tangible book value per share of Common Stock after the completion
of this offering from the per share price paid by purchasers of the Shares.  The
following table (1) illustrates this per share dilution:

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                         <C>
     Price per share pursuant to this offering.................................  $1,800.00
     Adjusted net tangible book value per share as of December 31, 1995........  $1,248.48
     Increase in adjusted net tangible book value per share
     attributable to the offering(2)...........................................  $    4.73
     Pro forma adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering..  $1,253.21
</TABLE>

                                     -23-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                         <C>
     Dilution per share to purchasers of the Shares............................  $  546.79
</TABLE>

(1)  Assumes that all of the Shares are subscribed for and excludes shares of
     Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to options which have
     previously been granted to certain members of management.  To the extent
     such options are exercised, the value of Shares purchased by Investors may
     be subject to further dilution.  See "Capitalization," "The Offering --
     Stock Options" and "Description of Capital Stock -- Options."

(2)  Does not reduce stockholders' equity for the aggregate amount of all Four
     Year Loans.

          The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1995 (calculated on
the same basis as the preceding paragraph and rounded for purposes of this
presentation) the number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company,
the value of the total consideration received, the average price per share paid
by the existing shareholders of the Company and the price per share to be paid
by Investors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================
                                                                             Avg. Price Per
                                   Shares Purchased    Total Consideration       Share
--------------------------------------------------------------------------       -----
                                    Number      %        Amount        %
                                    ------      -        ------        -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>       <C>      <C>           <C>      <C>
Existing stockholders               128,458   99.14   $137,450,090   98.57        $1,070.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investors                             1,111    0.86   $  1,999,800    1.43         1,800.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                               129,569  100.00   $139,449,890  100.00        $1,076.26
===============================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                CAPITALIZATION

          The following table sets forth the total capitalization of the Company
as of December 31, 1995 and as adjusted to reflect the consummation of this
offering (assuming all 1,111 Shares are subscribed for) after the anticipated
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================================================
                                                                                                  As Adjusted for the
                                                                                   Actual               Offering
=========================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>
Current installments of long-term debt........................................    $        -0-        $        -0-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt, less current portions.........................................      51,022,966          51,022,966
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' Equity:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Undesignated Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 135,000 shares authorized,
   0 shares issued and outstanding............................................              --                  --
   Series A Preferred Stock $.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized,
   21,602 issued and outstanding..............................................             216                 216
   Series B Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 15,000 shares authorized,
</TABLE>

                                     -24-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================================================
                                                                                                  As Adjusted for the
                                                                                   Actual               Offering
=========================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>
    10,000 issued and outstanding.............................................             100                 100
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 128,458.03 issued
 and outstanding, 129,569.03 issued and outstanding after the offering(1).....             129                 130
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional paid-in capital....................................................     161,146,137         163,145,936
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings.............................................................       9,935,893           9,935,893
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes receivable from officers and employees for purchase of Common Stock.....       4,668,702           6,000,702
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
198.40 Treasury shares, at cost...............................................         218,240             218,240
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net stockholders' equity......................................................     166,195,533         166,863,333
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total capitalization.....................................................     217,218,499         217,886,299
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes 198.40 treasury shares and 3.22 shares to be issued to William E.
     Simon, Jr., as trustee for the benefit of William E. Simon Family S
     Corporation Trust, f/b/o William E. Simon, Jr. u/a/d August 9, 1989, but
     excludes (i) an aggregate of 14,524.34 shares of Common Stock subject to
     options previously granted to executive officers and other members of
     management of the Company pursuant to the 1992 Stock Plan, the 1993 Option
     Plan, the Senior Executive Plan, the 1995 Management Option Plan, the 1995
     Employee Option Plan and the Incentive Option Plan (see "Management --
     Options"), and all options to be granted to Investors pursuant to the 1996
     Employee Stock Option Plan, (ii) 15 shares of Common Stock and options to
     purchase 75 shares of Common Stock issued to each of Glen Wind and Kurt
     Wind as of January 24, 1996 and (iii) an aggregate of 124.9 shares of
     Common Stock issued to John C. Oxley and New Prospect Drilling Company, an
     Arkansas Corporation.

                                DIVIDEND POLICY

          The Company has not paid dividends since its inception.  The Company
currently intends to retain all earnings, if any, to fund the expansion of its
business and therefore does not anticipate paying any dividends on the Common
Stock in the foreseeable future.  In addition, the ability of the Company to pay
dividends is limited by the terms of the Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI Loan
Agreement, the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock.

                        SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

          The selected financial data presented below for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1993 is derived from the audited financial statements of
the Company.  The selected financial data set forth below as of December 31,
1995 was derived from the Company's

                                     -25-
<PAGE>

unaudited financial statements. The data set forth herein should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the Company's financial statements and notes
thereto.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Year Ended
                                                           December 31, 1995       Year Ended            Year Ended
Statement of Income Data                                      (unaudited)       December 31, 1994     December 31, 1993
------------------------                                       ---------        -----------------     -----------------
=======================================================================================================================
<S>                                                        <C>                  <C>                   <C>
Revenues:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Leasing and Maintenance..........................          $48,120,115          $32,024,912           $25,722,662
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Compressor Packaging.............................           29,593,205           16,201,887            14,034,275
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Production Equipment.............................           16,007,855            7,271,641             3,178,386
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Other............................................              776,161              581,526               411,298
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total revenues................................           94,497,336           56,079,966            43,346,621
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs and expenses:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leasing and Maintenance.............................           16,851,706           11,007,891             9,739,248
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compressor packaging................................           25,265,016           13,732,736            12,130,915
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Production Equipment.............................           12,882,556            5,798,521             2,671,178
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Selling, general and administrative expenses.....           12,331,603            8,427,020             7,413,158
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Depreciation and amortization....................           13,493,813            8,108,596             5,757,381
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Interest expense.................................            4,560,133            2,027,414             1,366,297
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total costs and expenses......................           85,384,827           49,102,178            39,078,177
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes..........................            9,112,509            6,977,788             4,268,444
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense..................................            3,498,456            2,590,000             1,597,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income..........................................           $5,614,053          $ 4,387,788           $ 2,671,444
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================================
                                                            December 31, 1995
Balance Sheet Data                                             (unaudited)      December 31, 1994     December 31, 1993
------------------                                              ---------       -----------------     -----------------
=======================================================================================================================
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                   <C>
Total current assets................................         $ 49,959,988         $ 21,484,358           $10,696,270
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net property, plant and equipment...................          193,259,462           88,391,054            61,722,508
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets........................................            9,186,862            4,738,740             4,360,547
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total...............................................         $252,406,312         $114,614,152           $76,779,325
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities...........................         $ 22,082,426         $ 20,489,078           $ 9,734,146
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term debt and other liabilities................           64,128,353           42,792,233            20,100,126
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' equity................................          166,195,533           51,332,841            46,945,053
</TABLE>

                                     -26-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
  <S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
================================================================================
  Total..............................   $252,406,312  $114,614,152  $76,779,325
================================================================================
</TABLE>

                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

General

          The Company's primary operations consist of three business segments.
The principal segment consists of the leasing and maintenance of the Company's
natural gas compressor units ("Leasing and Maintenance"), and the other segments
consist of the design, engineering and fabrication of natural gas compressor
units ("Compressor Packaging") and the design, engineering, fabrication and
rental of oil and gas production equipment ("Production Equipment").  See
"Business -- Operations."

          The Company commenced operations during the latter part of 1990 with
the acquisition of three regional compression leasing companies.  In addition, a
compression leasing and fabricating operation was acquired in July, 1991.  A
machine shop operation acquired by the Company in 1990, Precision Welding &
Machine, Inc., a Texas corporation ("PWMI"), was sold by the Company in November
1993.  See "Business -- Company History."  The compression rental fleet has been
expanded significantly since the Company's inception, and amounted to 1,215
units aggregating 418,480 horsepower at December 31, 1995.  This growth has been
funded by a combination of internally generated cash flow, bank financing, the
acquisition of Astra primarily through the issuance of Common Stock, additional
equity in the form of Common Stock sold to the Company's management group,
certain employees and existing shareholders in 1992, 1993 and 1995, additional
Common Stock sold to JEDI in 1995, and the sale of Series B Preferred Stock to
JEDI and Series A Preferred Stock to certain existing shareholders and two new
investors in 1995, as well as the commencement of Production Equipment
activities in 1993.  As discussed elsewhere herein, the operation of the
Production Equipment segment has been significantly enhanced by the Smith
Acquisition.  See "Business -- Company History."

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          Earnings before depreciation and amortization and income taxes
amounted to $27.2 million during 1995.  Other significant sources of funds
during 1995 were amounts available under the Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI
Loan Agreement and proceeds from sales of Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
Significant uses of funds included the repayment of debt under the Bank Credit
Agreement and net capital expenditures aggregating $69 million during 1995.

          The financing necessary to support the Company's historical operations
has principally been provided from borrowings under the Bank Credit Agreement
and sales of Common Stock.

                                     -27-
<PAGE>

          For a discussion of the Company's anticipated capital expenditures for
the next two years, see "Business -- Business Strategy."

          Historically, inflation has not had a significant impact on the
operations of the Company.

Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 1995 compared to year ended December 31, 1994

Revenues

          Revenues from Leasing and Maintenance increased by $16.1 million, or
50%, from $32.0 million in 1994 to $48.1 million in 1995.  This increase
resulted primarily from the addition of 456 compression units, aggregating
189,853 horsepower, to the compressor rental fleet.  Monthly horsepower
utilization of 93% to 96% during 1995 was consistently in excess of the industry
average.

          Revenues from Compressor Packaging increased by $13.4 million, or 83%,
from $16.2 million in 1994 to $29.6 million in 1995.  Compressor Packaging
operations generated operating profit (earnings before depreciation and
amortization expense and interest expense) of $1,969,000 during 1995, as
compared to $1,270,000 during 1994.

          Revenues from Production Equipment increased by $8.7 million, or 119%,
from $7.3 million in 1994 to $16.0 million in 1995.  Production Equipment
operations resulted in an operating profit (earnings before depreciation and
amortization expense and interest expense) of $641,000 during 1995, as compared
to an operating profit of $364,000 during 1994.

Expenses

          Leasing and Maintenance expenses increased by $5.9 million, or 54%,
from $11.0 million in 1994 to $16.9 million in 1995.  This increase resulted
from additions to the compressor rental fleet as reflected by a 50% increase in
Leasing and Maintenance revenue.

          Costs and expenses of Compressor Packaging increased by $11.5 million,
or 84%, from $13.7 million in 1994 to $25.2 million in 1995.  This increase is
attributable to the increase in Compressor Packaging operations.

          Costs and expenses of Production Equipment increased by $7.1 million,
or 122%, from $5.8 million in 1994 to $12.9 million in 1995.  This increase
resulted from an increase in the volume of production equipment fabrication.

                                     -28-
<PAGE>

          Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.9
million, or 46% from $8.4 million in 1994 to $12.3 million in 1995.  This
increase resulted from the expanded level of activity in each of the Company's
business segments.

          Depreciation and amortization increased $5.4 million, or 67%, from
$8.1 million in 1994 to $13.5 million in 1995.  This increase resulted from
expansion of the rental fleet and other capital expenditures.

          Interest expense increased $2.6 million, or 130%, from $2.0 million in
1994 to $4.6 million in 1995 as a result of borrowings under the Bank Credit
Agreement and the JEDI Loan Agreement which was used for general corporate
purposes as well as to finance additions to the compressor rental fleet.

          The Company's effective income tax rate approximates the statutory
income tax rate during 1995 and 1994.  Accordingly, the $900,000 increase, or
35%, from $2.6 million in 1994 to $3.5 million in 1995 results from a comparable
31% increase in income before income taxes from 1994 to 1995.

Year ended December 31, 1994 compared to year ended December 31, 1993

Revenues

          Revenues from Leasing and Maintenance increased by $6.3 million, or
25%, from $25.7 million in 1993 to $32.0 million in 1994.  This increase
resulted primarily from the addition of 168 compression units, aggregating
84,060 horsepower, to the compressor rental fleet.  Monthly horsepower
utilization of 94% to 96% during 1994 was consistently in excess of the industry
average.

          Revenues from Compressor Packaging increased by $2.2 million, or 15%,
from $14.0 million in 1993 to $16.2 million in 1994.  This increase resulted
from an increase in the volume of Compressor Packaging during 1994 following the
move in August, 1993, to an expanded fabrication facility.  Compressor Packaging
operations generated operating profit (earnings before depreciation and
amortization expense and interest expense) of $1,270,000 during 1994, as
compared to $814,000 during 1993.

          Revenues from Production Equipment increased by $4.1 million, or 129%,
from $3.2 million in 1993 to $7.3 million in 1994.  This increase resulted from
an increase in the volume of production equipment fabrication as well as 1994
being the first full year for production equipment packaging, the operations of
which commenced in March, 1993.  Production Equipment operations resulted in an
operating profit (earnings before depreciation and amortization expense and
interest expense) of $364,000 during 1994, as compared to an operating loss of
$130,000 during 1993.

                                     -29-
<PAGE>

Expenses

          Leasing and Maintenance expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 13%,
from $9.7 million in 1993 to $11.0 million in 1994.  This increase resulted from
additions to the compressor rental fleet as reflected by a 25% increase in
Leasing and Maintenance revenue.

          Costs and expenses of Compressor Packaging increased by $1.6 million,
or 13%, from $12.1 million in 1993 to $13.7 million in 1994.  This increase is
attributable to the increase in Compressor Packaging operations.

          Costs and expenses of Production Equipment increased by $3.1 million,
or 117%, from $2.7 million in 1993 to $5.8 million in 1994.  This increase
resulted from an increase in the volume of production equipment fabrication and
the inclusion of a full year of operations in 1994.

          Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.0
million, or 14% from $7.4 million in 1993 to $8.4 million in 1994.  This
increase resulted from the expanded level of activity in each of the Company's
business segments.

          Depreciation and amortization increased $2.3 million, or 41%, from
$5.8 million in 1993 to $8.1 million in 1994.  This increase resulted from
additions to the rental fleet and other capital expenditures which aggregated
$31.8 million during 1994.

          Interest expense increased $700,000, or 56%, from $1.3 million in 1993
to $2.0 million in 1994 as a result of borrowings under the Credit Agreement
which was utilized to finance additions to the compressor rental fleet.

          The Company's effective income tax rate approximates the statutory
income tax rate during 1994 and 1993.  Accordingly, the $1.0 million increase,
or 62%, from $1.6 million in 1993 to $2.6 million in 1994 results from a
comparable 63% increase in income before income taxes from 1993 to 1994.

                                   BUSINESS

Company History

          The Company was incorporated in Delaware in October 1990 as a
majority-owned subsidiary of Hanover Energy Inc., a Texas corporation ("HEI").
In November and December 1990, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of
Guerra Engineering, Inc., a Texas corporation ("GEI"), Energy Recovery Systems,
Inc., a Texas corporation ("ERSI"), and PWMI, and substantially all of the
assets of C&B Compression Sales and Service, Inc., a Louisiana corporation
("C&B"), which acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.

                                     -30-
<PAGE>

          In May 1991, HEI was acquired by Hanover Energy Holding Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("HEHC"), the principal stockholders of which were GKH.

          In July 1991, HEHC acquired all of the common stock of Maintech
Enterprises, Inc., a Texas corporation ("MEI"), through a subsidiary created
solely for that purpose.  Such subsidiary was subsequently merged into MEI, and
HEHC contributed the stock of MEI to the Company in April 1992 in connection
with the refinancing of the Company's then current senior credit facility.  As a
result of the acquisition of MEI, the Company acquired a 50% interest in a joint
venture, the operations of which consisted of leasing natural gas compressor
units.  The remaining interest in the joint venture was acquired by the Company
effective April 1, 1993 and the joint venture was liquidated shortly thereafter.

          Effective December 31, 1992, HEI merged into HEHC, and as a result
thereof, the Company became a direct majority-owned subsidiary of HEHC. Also
effective as of December 31, 1992, GEI and ERSI merged into the Company and, as
a result thereof, the separate existence of GEI and ERSI ceased and all of their
respective assets and liabilities became vested in the Company.

          On June 24, 1993, Hanover Pipeline Company, a Delaware corporation and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of HEHC ("HPC"), was merged with and into the Company
(the "HPC Merger").  Pursuant to the HPC Merger, the Company issued to HEHC
2,381.11 shares of Common Stock.  HPC's assets consisted of 16 natural gas
compressors.  HPC had certain potential environmental liabilities estimated at
December 31, 1992 to be between $139,000 and $200,000; however, pursuant to the
merger agreement, HEHC agreed to indemnify the Company for any diminution in
value to the HPC common stock caused by the incurrence by HPC of any
environmental liability.

          On October 7, 1993, the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding stock of Hanna Compressor Group, Inc., an Arkansas corporation
("Hanna Compressor"), from Hanna Investment Group, an Arkansas general
partnership ("HIG"), in exchange for 1,875 shares of Common Stock (the "Hanna
Acquisition").  Hanna Compressor's assets consisted of (i) six natural gas
compressor units, (ii) a 4,000 foot combination division office and maintenance
facility situated on five acres of land in Pocola, Oklahoma and (iii) cash.  In
connection with the Hanna Acquisition, the Company, HEHC, GKH and HIG entered
into the Hanna Stockholders' Agreement.  See "Principal Stockholders --
Stockholders' Agreements -- Hanna Stockholders' Agreement."  Effective as of
February 9, 1994, Hanna Compressor was merged into the Company and, as a result
thereof, the separate existence of Hanna Compressor ceased and all of its assets
and liabilities became vested in the Company.

          On November 5, 1993, the Company sold all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of PWMI to a corporation (the "PWMI Purchaser")
controlled by two former employees of PWMI (the "PWMI Employees") for a purchase
price equal to $500,000.  The purchase price was paid in the form of two secured
promissory notes, one in the principal amount of $475,000

                                     -31-
<PAGE>

and the other in the principal amount of $25,000, each of which bear interest at
8% per annum. The $475,000 note has a ten year amortization, and is payable to
the Company in equal monthly installments of principal and interest beginning on
December 1, 1993, with the entire outstanding balance due and payable December
1, 1996. The PWMI Purchaser has missed a number of payments under the promissory
notes, and the Company and the PWMI Purchaser are currently in the process of
negotiating a new payment schedule under the notes. The obligations of the PWMI
Purchaser under the notes are guaranteed jointly and severally by the PWMI
Employees, which guarantee is secured by a pledge to the Company of the PWMI
capital stock, as well as a security interest in certain assets of PWMI. As of
December 31, 1995, the promissory notes of PWMI Purchaser have been written down
on the books of the Company to $200,000.

          On January 27, 1995, HEHC was merged with and into the Company (the
"HEHC Merger") and, as a result thereof, the separate existence of HEHC ceased
and all of its assets and liabilities became vested in the Company.  Pursuant to
the HEHC Merger, the Company issued to the stockholders of HEHC in the aggregate
59,053.11 shares of Common Stock, which was equal to the number of shares of
Common Stock owned by HEHC immediately prior to the  HEHC Merger.  In connection
therewith, the Company, GKH and the other stockholders of HEHC immediately prior
to the Merger entered into the HEHC Stockholders' Agreement.  See "Principal
Stockholders -- Stockholders' Agreements -- HEHC Stockholders' Agreement" for a
discussion of the terms of the HEHC Stockholders' Agreement.  In addition, each
former stockholder of HEHC agreed to indemnify the Company for (i) the breach or
inaccuracy of any representation or warranty made by HEHC or such stockholder
under the HEHC Merger Agreement and (ii) the breach or default of any agreement
by HEHC or such stockholder under the HEHC Merger Agreement, payable in shares
of Common Stock issued in the HEHC Merger.

          Effective as of January 1, 1995, the Company acquired from CBC
Compression, an Oklahoma general partnership ("CBC"), 40 natural gas compressor
units and certain related equipment for a purchase price of $3,025,000 plus five
percent of rental amounts (exclusive of sales tax, freight and installation
charges) received by the Company under the related Master Gas Compression
Agreement described below.  Pursuant to an agreement (the "Master Gas
Compression Agreement") with AnSon Company, a sister partnership of CBC
("AnSon"), the Company agreed to lease the 40 compressors back to AnSon, along
with at least 25 additional compressors, for an initial term of 24 months.  The
Master Gas Compression Agreement is scheduled to continue for an additional 24-
month period beyond the initial 24-month period; however, the rental price
during such period has not been established.  AnSon, CBC and the Company have
also entered into a 48-month "most favored vendor" relationship whereby AnSon
and CBC have agreed to purchase or lease production equipment from the Company
so long as the Company's price is equal to or less than other bidders.
Similarly, the Company has agreed to retain trucking services from MB Oilfield
Service (an affiliate of CBC and AnSon) during such 48-month period so long as
MB Oilfield Service's price is not higher than other bidders for such services.

                                     -32-
<PAGE>

          Effective as of February 1, 1995, the Company purchased from Gale
Force Compression Services, Inc. ("Gale Force") 107 natural gas compressors,
certain furniture, fixtures, equipment and other fixed assets, vehicles, the
name "Gale Force", and equipment leases for an aggregate purchase price of
$9,782,800 plus 1,150 shares of Common Stock (the "Gale Force Acquisition").
The compressors are located primarily in Oklahoma and most are currently leased
by the Company pursuant to leases transferred in the sale.  Concurrently with
the Gale Force Acquisition, the Company entered into a four year alliance
agreement with Ward Petroleum, an affiliate of Gale Force, for gas compression
services to be provided by the Company.  In connection with the Gale Force
Acquisition, the Company, GKH and those persons who acquired Common Stock
pursuant to the transaction entered into the Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement.
See "Principal Stockholders -- Stockholders' Agreements -- Gale Force
Stockholders' Agreement" for a discussion of the terms of the Gale Force
Stockholders' Agreement.  Also in connection with this transaction, the Company
entered into an employment agreement with Alan D. Lavenue, a Gale Force
affiliate, for a two year term.

          On February 24, 1995, the Company, through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Hanover/Smith, Inc. ("Hanover/Smith"), acquired (the "Smith
Acquisition") substantially all of the operating assets of the oil and gas
production equipment division of Smith Industries, Incorporated, a Delaware
corporation ("Smith"), which has been in the fabrication of oil and gas
production equipment industry since its inception in 1927.  The assets acquired
include real property located in Corpus Christi, Texas, a lease and purchase
option on real property located in Columbus, Texas, manufacturing equipment used
in the fabrication of oil and gas production equipment, vehicles, inventory, the
name "Smith Industries" and Smith's logo.  Smith filed for protection under the
United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. --101 et seq., in May 1994, in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston
Division, in a Case styled In Re:  Smith Industries, Incorporated, No. 94-43705-
H3-11.  The Bankruptcy Court approved the necessary orders authorizing the
acquisition.  The total acquisition price after various credits and adjustments
was $2,595,714. The oil and gas production equipment operations of Smith
acquired by Hanover/Smith have been consolidated with the existing oil and gas
production equipment fabricating operations of the Company and will operate as
Hanover/Smith.

          On August 7, 1995, JEDI purchased $20,000,000 of Common Stock at
$1,800 per share and $10,000,000 of 6.5% Cumulative Redeemable Convertible
Series B Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock") at $1,000 per share
(the "Series B Preferred Stock Issuance").  See "Description of Capital Stock --
Preferred Stock."

          On August 7 and September 29, 1995, the Company issued 21,602 shares
of 6.5% Cumulative Redeemable Series A Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred
Stock") at $1,000 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock Issuance").  See
"Description of Capital Stock -- Preferred Stock."

                                     -33-
<PAGE>

          On September 8, 1995, in connection with the Company's acquisition of
PGN, the Company issued Walter Rode, a former shareholder of PGN, 571.34 shares
of Common Stock.

          On October 13, 1995, in connection with the Astra Merger, the Company
issued 30,556 shares of Common Stock to Astra Resources.

          On October 31, 1995, in connection with the merger of Combustion
Control Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Combustion"), with and into the
Company, the Company issued 338.43 shares of Common Stock to former shareholders
of Combustion.

          On January 24, 1996, each of Glen Wind and Kurt Wind purchased 15
shares of Common Stock (30 shares total) at $1,100 per share.

Industry

          Natural gas compressors generally do not suffer significant
technological obsolescence, so that the useful life of a compressor is based
primarily on its mechanical integrity.  The useful life of a compressor may also
be extended by refurbishing or overhauling the compressor at regular intervals
of approximately five to six years.  Refurbished or overhauled compressors may
be leased at prices substantially similar to new compressors.

          The gas compressor industry services both independent producers and
major integrated natural gas producers, as well as pipeline, gas processing and
gathering and transmission companies, and is substantially dependent on the
natural gas industry.  The Company believes that independent producers currently
account for a substantial portion of the natural gas industry.  The Company also
believes that independent gas producers are now accounting for an increasing
portion of the natural gas produced in the United States relative to that
produced by major integrated energy producers and that independent producers are
more likely to lease compressors from third parties such as the Company as a
result of generally greater constraints on their ability to make the large
capital expenditures necessary to purchase compressors.  In addition, many major
integrated gas producers are directing their capital investments overseas and
allowing their U.S. capital base to decline, thus resulting in further increased
demand for rental compressors.  Moreover, the market for rental compression
services has been expanding as gas producers and pipeline companies strive to
lower operating costs and improve efficiency by outsourcing their gas handling
requirements.

          The Company believes that the market for natural gas compressors is
driven by a variety of factors, including, without limitation, (i) the demand
for natural gas, (ii) the age of particular gas wells, (iii) the relative price
of natural gas to the price of oil or other alternative energy sources and (iv)
the season.  All other things being equal, the gas compression industry is
generally benefited by either an increase in gas prices, which generally results
in the development of new wells, fields and pipeline systems and a corresponding
increase in demand for compression, or, up to a point, by a decrease in natural
gas prices, which results in

                                     -34-
<PAGE>

outsourcing by independent producers and an increase in the need for leased
compression. Increases in the age of natural gas wells also has a positive
impact on the gas compression industry since older wells generally experience a
decline in their reservoir pressure and require compressors to increase their
productivity. In contrast, a number of factors would potentially have an adverse
effect on the gas compressor industry. See "Risk Factors -- Natural Gas
Compressor Industry Considerations."

          Conversely, all other things being equal, a relative decrease in the
price of oil or other energy sources as compared to natural gas generally will
have an adverse effect on the natural gas compression industry since such
circumstances encourage energy users to switch from natural gas to alternative
fuel sources thereby decreasing demand for natural gas.

          The Company believes that the natural gas compressor industry is also
affected by seasonality, with the highest demand for compression in winter
months when natural gas is in greater demand.  As a result of such seasonality,
the Company generally experiences slightly decreased revenues for its Leasing
and Maintenance segment during the months of May through August.

          In addition, the Company believes that as environmental considerations
become more important due to the Federal Clean Air Act and related legislative
and social considerations, natural gas, as a cleaner burning fuel than either
oil or coal, will make up a greater share of the domestic energy market.
Additionally, the continuing economic development of lesser developed countries
appears to be having a favorable impact on the demand for natural gas and
related gas handling projects.  However, there can be no assurance that such
increased use of natural gas will occur.

Market Position

Leasing and Maintenance

          The Company believes that the market for the leasing of natural gas
compressors may be distinguished from the market for the sale of natural gas
compressors since the decision to lease a compressor is generally made prior to
a customer's entrance into the marketplace.  Generally, lessees are customers
who anticipate only a short term need for the compressor which is substantially
less than the estimated useful life of the unit or customers who are unable to
or otherwise choose not to internally finance the purchase of such units.

          The Company believes that the natural gas compressor leasing industry
may be divided into categories based on the compressor horsepower and that
market share of the participants in the industry may be determined based on
either (i) the number of units leased by such participants or (ii) the total
horsepower leased by such participants.

                                     -35-
<PAGE>

          The Company's compressor fleet as of December 31, 1995 was divided by
horsepower as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      ======================================================================
                                          Units          Total Horsepower
       Category (by Horsepower)        (% of Fleet)        (% of fleet)
       ------------------------        ------------
       =====================================================================
       <S>                             <C>               <C>
       0 - 44                          109      (9%)       3,482    (1%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       45 - 60                         102      (8%)       5,746    (1%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       61 - 100                        227     (19%)      18,350    (4%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       101 - 200                       272     (22%)      38,265    (9%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       201 - 500                       232     (19%)      72,559   (18%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       501 - 800                       95       (8%)      63,004   (15%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       801 - 1100                      83       (7%)      81,826   (20%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
       1100+                           95       (8%)     135,248   (32%)
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------
            TOTAL                      1,215  (100%)     418,480  (100%)
       =====================================================================
</TABLE>

          Based on industry statistics, the Company believes that the U.S.
natural gas compressor leasing industry is a highly fragmented business made up
of in excess of 50 companies aggregating approximately 2,200,000 horsepower.
Based on information available to the Company, the Company believes that it is
the fourth largest compressor leasing company in the U.S. based on total units
and the second largest compressor leasing company in the U.S. based on total
operating horsepower.

Compressor Packaging

          The Compressor Packaging business, carried on primarily through MEI,
competes with other manufacturers of compressor units.  The Compressor Packaging
business is dominated by a few major competitors, several of whom also compete
with the Company in the compressor leasing business.  Although sufficient
information is not available to definitively estimate the Company's relative
position in the Compressor Packaging market, management believes that the
Company is the sixth largest Compressor Packaging company in the U.S. based on
estimated 1995 revenues of the Company's competitors in such business.

Production Equipment

          The Production Equipment business is a highly fragmented business with
approximately eight substantial competitors.  The Company believes that, with
the Smith Acquisition, it is among the top five major competitors in the
business.

                                     -36-
<PAGE>

Business Strategy

          The Company's primary focus will be continued expansion of the
compression rental fleet.  Anticipated levels of capital expenditures, from
internally generated cash flow and bank financing, relating to the rental fleet
amount to approximately $60 million during 1996 and $50 million during 1997.
The rental fleet consisted of 1,215 units aggregating 418,480 horsepower at
December 31, 1995.  With the level of capital expenditures contemplated,
management believes that the Company's rental fleet should grow to approximately
525,000 horsepower by year end 1996.  In addition, the contribution of the
Production Equipment segment is expected to increase, both in terms of revenues
and operating income, in light of the Smith Acquisition.  However, there can be
no assurances that the above projections will actually be met.

          The Company does not anticipate making any material expenditures for
product research and development inasmuch as the Company's Leasing and
Maintenance, Compressor Packaging and Production Equipment segments do not
generally require such expenditures.

Operations

          The following tables show (i) the revenues and operating profit (loss)
for each of the years ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1994 and December
31, 1993 and (ii) the assets of the Company as of December 31, 1995, December
31, 1994 and December 31, 1993, in each case for each of the Leasing and
Maintenance segment, the Compressor Packaging segment, the Production Equipment
segment and the Company's other revenue sources:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================
                                    Year Ended
                                 December 31, 1995
                                 -----------------
                                                           Year Ended               Year Ended
                                    (unaudited)         December 31, 1994       December 31, 1993
                                                        -----------------       -----------------
=======================================================================================================
<S>                              <C>                    <C>                     <C>
Revenues:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Leasing and Maintenance             $48,120,115            $32,024,912             $25,722,662
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Compressor Packaging                 29,593,205             16,201,887              14,034,275
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Production Equipment                 16,007,855              7,271,641               3,178,386
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Other                                   776,161                581,526                 411,298
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL REVENUES                    $94,497,336            $56,079,966             $43,346,621
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit (loss)(1):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Leasing and Maintenance             $26,788,999            $17,070,138             $12,775,114
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Compressor Packaging                  1,969,070              1,270,314                 813,868
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Production Equipment                    641,464                363,851                (130,492)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Other(2)                             (2,233,078)            (1,590,505)             (2,066,368)
</TABLE>

                                     -37-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
     <S>                              <C>                    <C>                     <C>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT           $27,166,455            $17,113,798             $11,392,122
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Determined by subtracting expenses from revenues for each segment and
     adding back the corresponding portion of depreciation and amortization
     expense and interest expense.

(2)  Consists primarily of corporate administrative expenses.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================
                                   December 31, 1995
                                   ------------------
                                      (unaudited)        December 31, 1994  December 31, 1993
                                                         -----------------  -----------------
==================================================================================================
<S>                                <C>                   <C>                <C>
Assets:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Leasing and Maintenance               $226,483,062        $100,428,593        $70,807,541
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Compressor Packaging                     8,832,811           8,453,184          3,535,761
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Production Equipment                    14,101,918           5,562,940          2,140,545
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Other                                    2,988,521             169,435            295,478
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTAL ASSETS                        $252,406,312        $114,614,152        $76,779,325
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Leasing and Maintenance

          The Company provides natural gas compression equipment, on a rental
basis, primarily to natural gas production and transmission companies.  These
rental units are utilized to compress natural gas when the reservoir pressure
for a natural gas field is less than the pressure for the natural gas pipeline
transporting the gas.  The Company also provides maintenance of customer-owned
compressor units as well as compressor parts sales to third parties.

          As of December 31, 1995, the Company's gas compressor fleet consisted
of 1,215 units, ranging from 25 to 2,650 horsepower, of which 93.5% of available
horsepower and 91.6% of the available units were being utilized.  Leases for the
compressor units provide for fixed monthly payments for an average term of
approximately six months and continue thereafter on a monthly basis.  Based on
the Company's historical operations, the Company estimates that the terms of its
leases have extended for an average of approximately 24 months.

          Although natural gas compressors generally do not suffer significant
technological obsolescence, they do require routine maintenance and periodic
refurbishing to prolong their useful life.  In general, the Company anticipates
refurbishing its compressor units approximately every five to six years.

          The Company's compressor leasing activities are located in Texas,
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama, Kansas,
Colorado and offshore Gulf of Mexico, Trinidad, Venezuela and Argentina.

                                     -38-
<PAGE>

Compressor Packaging

          The Company's Compressor Packaging segment, operated primarily through
MEI, designs, engineers and assembles compression units for sale to third
parties as well as for placement in its compressor fleet.  In general, units to
be sold to third parties are assembled according to such customer's
specifications and sold on a turnkey basis.  Components for such compressor
units are acquired from third party suppliers.  At December 31, 1995, backlog of
fabrication of compressor units amounted to 7.5 million.

Production Equipment

          The Company designs and fabricates and, to a lesser extent, rents a
broad range of oil and gas production equipment designed to heat, separate,
dehydrate and measure crude oil and natural gas.  The product line includes line
heaters, oil and gas separators, glycol dehydration units and skid mounted
production packages designed for both onshore and offshore production
facilities.  At December 31, 1995, backlog of production equipment fabrication
amounted to $5.3 million.

Customers

          No amounts received from any individual customer equaled more than 10%
of the Company's consolidated revenues during 1994 or 1995.

Competition

Leasing and Maintenance

          The natural gas compressor leasing business is highly competitive.
Overall, the Company experiences considerable competition from larger companies
with significantly greater financial resources and, on a regional basis, several
smaller companies compete directly with the Company.  Based on information
available to the Company, the Company ranks among the top four companies
providing compressor units on a rental basis based on the number of units and
among the top three based on total available horsepower.  See "-- Market
Position."

          The Company believes that it competes in the Leasing and Maintenance
segment on the basis of price, customer service, including the availability of
personnel in remote locations, flexibility in meeting customer needs and quality
and reliability of its compressors and related services.

Compressor Packaging

          The Company believes that it competes in the Compressor Packaging
segment based on price and quality and that the Company is competitive in both
areas.

                                     -39-
<PAGE>

Production Equipment

          The Company believes that it competes in the Compressor Packaging
segment based on price and quality and that the Company is competitive in both
areas.  Competition in the Production Equipment segment is also based on the
ability to service customers' needs.  The Company believes that with the Smith
Acquisition, it is among the top five major competitors in the Production
Equipment market.

Employees

          As of December 31, 1995, the Company employed approximately 556
people, of which 28 were administrative, 27 were sales, 120 were Compressor
Packaging personnel, 157 were Production Equipment personnel and 224 were in
field service locations.  No employees are represented by labor unions and the
Company believes that its relations with its employees is satisfactory.

Insurance

          Natural gas operations are subject to certain risks, including
explosions, uncontrollable flows of gas or well fluids, fires, pollution and
other environmental risks.  These risks could expose the Company to substantial
liability for injury and loss of life, property damage, pollution and other
environmental damages, and consequential damages, if such damages resulted from
a compressor defect or from the Company's negligence in maintaining, servicing
or refurbishing its compressors.

          The Company believes that is has obtained adequate insurance to cover
such risks; however, no assurance can be given that such insurance will be
adequate to cover the Company's operations in the event the Company incurs
liability in excess of anticipated potential levels or that such insurance will
be generally available in the future or, if available, that premiums will be
commercially reasonable.  See "Risk Factors -- Potential Liability and
Insurance."

Properties and Assets

          As of December 31, 1995, the Company's rental fleet consisted of 1,215
compressor units, five of which are leased and the remainder of which are owned
by the Company, with a total of 418,480 horsepower and an average of 344
horsepower.  By virtue of the Smith Acquisition, the Company also owns
substantially all of the operating assets of the oil and gas production
equipment division of Smith.  The assets acquired include real property located
in Corpus Christi, Texas, a lease and purchase option on real property located
in Columbus, Texas, manufacturing equipment used in the fabrication of oil and
gas production equipment, vehicles, inventory, the name "Smith Industries" and
Smith's logo.

                                     -40-
<PAGE>

          The Company owns its corporate offices in Houston, Texas, which are
housed in a combination corporate office and compressor fabrication facility
consisting of approximately 190,000 square feet plant capacity located on
twenty-six acres.  This facility (assuming the purchase of the adjacent land) is
anticipated to provide the Company with sufficient space and capacity for at
least the next three years.  The Company also owns (i) a 6,400 square foot
combination office and maintenance shop located on two acres in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, (ii) a 4,000 foot combination division office and maintenance facility
situated on five acres of land in Pocola, Oklahoma, (iii) its maintenance
facilities in Midland, Texas and Fort Smith, Arkansas, (iv) real property
located in Corpus Christi, Texas, (v) a 13,000 square feet facility in East
Bernard, Texas which is being converted to a compressor maintenance and
refurbishment facility, and (vi) a lease and purchase option regarding the
212,000 square feet manufacturing facility located on 83 acres in Columbus,
Texas.  In addition, the Company leases its maintenance facilities in Victoria,
Texas and Lafayette, Louisiana under ten-year leases.

Litigation

          The Company is not a party to any litigation that, in the judgment of
management, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations or
financial condition if adversely determined.

Governmental Regulation

          The Company is subject to various federal and state laws and
regulations relating to environmental protection, including regulations
regarding emission controls.  The Company believes that it is in substantial
compliance with such laws and regulations and that the phasing in of emission
controls and other known standards at the rate currently contemplated by such
laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition or results of operations.  However, various state and
federal agencies from time to time consider adopting new laws and regulations or
amending existing laws and regulations regarding environmental protection.
While the Company may be able to pass on the additional costs of complying with
such laws, there can be no assurance that attempts to do so would be successful.
Accordingly, new laws or regulations or amendments to existing laws or
regulations could require the Company to undertake significant capital
expenditures and could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.

          From time to time since President Clinton took office, his
administration has proposed various taxes with respect to the energy industry,
none of which have been enacted and all of which have received significant
scrutiny from various industry lobbyists.  At the present time, given the
uncertainties regarding the proposed taxes, including the uncertainties
regarding the terms which the proposed taxes might ultimately contain and the
industries and persons who may ultimately be subject to any such taxes, it is
not possible to determine whether any such tax will have a material adverse
effect on the Company.

                                     -41-
<PAGE>

                                  MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

          The directors and executive officers of the Company are set forth
below.  Positions with the Company include positions with the Company's
predecessors.  All directors hold office until the annual meeting of the
stockholders following their election or until their successors are duly elected
and qualified.  Officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the
Board.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================================================
Name                          Age      Position
----                          ---      --------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>      <C>
Michael A. O'Connor           60       Chairman of the Board; Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael J. McGhan             41       President and Chief Executive Officer; Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Curtis Bedrich                53       Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William S. Goldberg           37       Executive Vice President; Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles D. Erwin              35       Vice President, Sales
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William C. Bryant             42       Vice President, Sales-Mid Continent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maxwell C. McDonald           47       Vice President, Sales-Southeast
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph Bradford               36       Vice President, Operations-Western Division
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald M. DeVille             40       Vice President
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teddy J. Head                 43       Vice President
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard S. Meller             38       Secretary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeri Howell                   43       Assistant Secretary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ted Collins, Jr.              56       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Wasielewski            33       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melvyn N. Klein               53       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alvin V. Shoemaker            56       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Hanna                   61       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William E. Simon, Jr.         44       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert R. Furgason            59       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven L. Kitchen             50       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. Bob Cline                  49       Director
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark A. Ruelle                34       Director
========================================================================================
</TABLE>

          Michael O'Connor has served as Chairman of the Board and a director of
the Company since January 1992.  Prior thereto, Mr. O'Connor served as president
of Gas

                                     -42-
<PAGE>

Compressors Inc. from 1965 through 1986 and was a private investor from January
1, 1987 through January 1, 1992. Mr. O'Connor also serves as a director of
certain affiliates of the Company.

          Michael J. McGhan has served as President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company since October 1991 and served as Chief Operating Officer of the
Company from December 1990 through October 1991. Mr. McGhan has served as a
director of the Company since March, 1992. Prior thereto, Mr. McGhan was sales
manager of Energy Industries, Inc. ("EII"). Mr. McGhan has been involved in the
gas compression industry for 17 years. Mr. McGhan also serves as a director of
certain affiliates of the Company.

          Curtis Bedrich has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
the Company since November 1991.  Mr. Bedrich served as Vice President of Adobe
Resources Corporation from 1980 until 1991.  Mr. Bedrich has been involved in
the oil and gas industry for 18 years.

          William S. Goldberg has served as Executive Vice President and
director of the Company since May 1991.  Mr. Goldberg has been employed by GKH
since 1988 and has served as Managing Director of GKH since June 1990.  Mr.
Goldberg also serves as a director of certain affiliates of the Company.

          Charles D. Erwin has served as a Vice President of the Company since
October 1990 and served as a sales representative of EII from 1985 until October
1990.  Mr. Erwin has been involved in the gas compression industry for 10 years.

          William C. Bryant has served as a Vice President of the Company since
October 1990 and served as a sales representative of EII from 1988 until October
1990.  Mr. Bryant has been involved in the gas compression industry for 20
years.

          Maxwell C. McDonald has served as a Vice President of the Company
since December 1990 and served as President of C&B from 1985 until its
acquisition by the Company in 1990. Mr. McDonald has been involved in the gas
compression industry for 22 years.

          Joe Bradford has served as a Vice President of the Company since March
1993 and served as Operations Manager from January 1, 1991 until March 1993.
Mr. Bradford served as mechanic supervisor of HEI from 1987 until January 1991.
Mr. Bradford has been involved in the oil and gas industry for 20 years.

          Donald M. DeVille has served as a Vice President of the Company since
February 14, 1996.  Mr. DeVille has been involved in the gas compression
industry for 16 years.

          Teddy J. Head has served as a Vice President of the Company since
February 14, 1996.  Mr. Head has been involved in the gas compression industry
for 22 years.

                                     -43-
<PAGE>

          Richard S. Meller has served as Secretary of the Company since October
1991.  Mr. Meller is a partner of the law firm of Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg,
which provides legal services to the Company and GKH.

          Jeri Howell has served as Assistant Secretary of the Company since May
15, 1995.

          Ted Collins, Jr. has served as a director of the Company since April
1992.  Mr. Collins is the President of Collins & Ware Properties, Inc., a
natural gas producer.  Mr. Collins has 35 years of experience in the oil and gas
industry.

          Robert Wasielewski has served as a director of the Company since May
15, 1995.  Mr. Wasielewski has served as an Associate of GKH since October 1991.
Prior to that time, Mr. Wasielewski was a Vice President of Citicorp's leveraged
capital division.  Mr. Wasielewski also serves as a director of certain
affiliates of the Company.

          Melvyn N. Klein has served as a director of the Company since May
1991.  Mr. Klein is the sole stockholder of a corporation which is a general
partner of GKH Partners, L.P.  Mr. Klein has been an attorney and counselor-at-
law since 1968.  Mr. Klein serves as a director of Bayou Steel Corporation,
Anixter International Corporation, Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc., Savoy
Pictures Entertainment, Inc. and certain privately held companies.  Mr. Klein is
also a founder and principal of Questor Partners Fund, L.P.

          Alvin V. Shoemaker has served as a director of the Company since May
1991 and has been a private investor since his retirement as chairman of the
board of The First Boston Corporation in January 1989.

          James Hanna has served as a director of the Company since May 15,
1995.  Mr. Hanna is the President of Hanna Oil and Gas Company, and a director
of the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Merchants National
Bank of Fort Smith, Arkansas.  Mr. Hanna has 35 years of experience in the oil
and gas industry.

          William E. Simon, Jr. has served as a director of the Company since
December 21, 1995.  Mr. Simon is also the Executive Director of William E. Simon
& Sons, L.L.C., a private investment company based in Morristown, New Jersey and
is a former Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New
York.

          Robert R. Furgason has served as a director of the Company since May
15, 1995.  Mr. Furgason is the President of Texas A&M University -- Corpus
Christi, and has held a series of faculty and administrative positions at
various universities.  Mr. Furgason is the former President of the Accreditation
Board for Engineering and Technology Board of Directors, and also serves on a
number of other accreditation and policy boards.

                                     -44-
<PAGE>

          Steven L. Kitchen has served as a director of the Company since March
1, 1996.

          C. Bob Cline has served as a director of the Company since December
21, 1995.  Mr. Cline is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Westar Capital, Inc., a subsidiary of Western Resources, Inc. and a shareholder
of the Company.  Mr. Cline has 24 years of experience in the oil and gas
industry.

          Mark A. Ruelle has served as a director of the Company since December
31, 1995.  Mr. Ruelle is also vice president, corporate development of Western
Resources, Inc.  Mr. Ruelle has held various positions with Western Resources
Inc. in regulation, treasury, finance and planning since 1986.

Compensation of Directors

          Non-employee directors of the Company generally do not receive any
compensation for serving on the Board but are entitled to reimbursement for
expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at Board meetings.  The
foregoing notwithstanding, the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Furgason an annual
director's fee equal to $15,000, plus $2,500 per Board meeting attended in
person by Mr. Furgason, subject to an annual cap of $20,000.

Options

1992 Stock Plan

          In April 1992, the Board adopted the Company's Stock Compensation Plan
(the "1992 Stock Plan"), which provides for the granting of options to executive
officers, directors, employees or advisors of the Company.  The 1992 Stock Plan
permits the Board to issue options with respect to a maximum of 15% of the total
shares of Common Stock outstanding, computed on a fully diluted basis and
including shares which are issuable under the 1992 Stock Plan, at the time of
the grant of an option.  As of December 31, 1995, options with respect to 1,023
shares of Common Stock were outstanding, 945.60 of which were presently vested,
and the remainder of which will generally vest ratably over the next two years.
With respect to these options, 172.5 are exercisable at $1.00 per share and
850.5 are exercisable at $725 per share.  Options granted under the 1992 Stock
Plan are nonstatutory options and are not classified as "incentive stock
options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

          The exercise price for additional options which may be granted under
the 1992 Stock Plan would be determined by a committee appointed by the Board
(the "Committee"), which Committee is currently comprised of the members of the
Board, and may be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant.  Other than the maximum number of shares available under the 1992
Stock Plan, there is no minimum or maximum number of shares that may be granted
to any person.  Options granted under the 1992 Stock Plan generally expire
within a specified number of days of the termination of employment of an
optionee who is

                                     -45-
<PAGE>

an employee. Options granted under the 1992 Stock Plan fully vest and become
exercisable for a specified number of days upon the death or permanent
disability of the optionee and are forfeited upon the termination for Cause of
the optionee. In addition, options granted under the 1992 Stock Plan fully vest
and become exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control accompanied by
a constructive termination of employment of such optionee, all as more fully
described in the 1992 Stock Plan.

          Options may not be transferred other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution, and during the lifetime of an optionee may be
exercised only by the optionee.  The term of each option granted under the 1992
Stock Plan may not exceed fifteen years from the date the option is granted.
Options may become exercisable in whole at grant or in installments over time,
as determined by the Committee.  Under the terms of the 1992 Stock Plan, payment
upon the exercise of an option may be in cash, by delivery of shares of Common
Stock with a fair market value equal to the aggregate exercise price or, if the
optionee's stock option agreement so provides, by delivery of a promissory note
with such terms as the Committee may approve.

          The acceleration of options in the event of a change of control could
be seen as an anti-takeover provision and may have the effect of discouraging a
proposal for merger or other efforts to purchase or sell control of the Company.

1993 Option Plan

          In connection with the 1993 Offering, the Board adopted the 1993
Management Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Option Plan") pursuant to which members
of the Company's management who purchased Common Stock in the 1993 Offering were
issued options to purchase one-third of one share of Common Stock at a purchase
price of $725 per share (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends
and other similar events) for each share of Common Stock owned by such persons
or purchased by such persons in the 1993 Offering.  Such options vest ratably
over a five year period which began on June 23, 1993 and are governed by the
terms of the 1993 Option Plan and individual option agreements (the "1993 Option
Agreements").  As of December 31, 1995, options with respect to 1,514 shares of
Common Stock were outstanding, and options with respect to 605.60 were presently
vested.  Other than with respect to the applicable exercise price and the actual
vesting and expiration dates, the 1993 Option Plan and the 1993 Option
Agreements are substantially the same as the Employee Option Plan and the
Employee Option Agreements, respectively.

Senior Executive Plan

          In connection with the 1993 Offering, Messrs. O'Connor and McGhan were
granted options pursuant to the Company's Senior Executive Stock Option Plan
(the "Senior Executive Plan") to purchase up to 1,291.95 and 645.97 shares of
Common Stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $833.75 per share (subject
to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends

                                     -46-
<PAGE>

and similar events). Such options vest ratably over a seven year period which
began on June 29, 1993 and will fully vest upon an optionee's death or permanent
disability or upon the occurrence of a Capital Event (as defined in the Senior
Executive Plan) resulting in a compounded annual return of 20% actually realized
on the shares of Common Stock purchased in the 1993 Offering. In addition, on
May 15, 1995, Messrs. McGhan and Bedrich were granted options to purchase 215.32
and 430.65 shares of Common Stock, respectively, under the Senior Executive
Plan. Such options have the same terms as those issued to Messrs. O'Connor and
McGhan in connection with the 1993 Offering, except that such options will vest
ratably over a seven year period which began on May 15, 1995.

          Options granted under the Senior Executive Plan generally expire
within a specified number of days of the termination of employment of an
optionee, and such options will be forfeited upon the termination for Cause of
an optionee.  The term of each option may not exceed 10 years from the date the
option is granted.  Options may not be transferred other than by will or the
laws of descent and distribution, and during the lifetime of an optionee may be
exercised only by the optionee.  Options granted under the Senior Executive Plan
are nonstatutory options and are not classified as "incentive stock options"
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

          Pursuant to the agreements executed in connection with the grant of
options under the Senior Executive Plan, each of Messrs. O'Connor, McGhan and
Bedrich agreed that he will not, during the term of such agreement and for a
period of one year thereafter, (i) compete with any business of the Company and
(ii) without the Company's consent, disclose to persons outside the Company
confidential information concerning the Company.

1995 Management Option Plan

          In connection with the 1995 Management Offering at $1,100 per share,
the Board adopted the 1995 Management Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Management
Option Plan"), pursuant to which members of the Company's management and
employees who purchased Common Stock in the 1995 Management Offering were issued
options to purchase one-third of one share of Common Stock at a purchase price
of $1,100 per share (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and
other similar events) for each share of Common Stock purchased by such persons
in the 1995 Management Offering.  Such options vest ratably over a five year
period which began on July 7, 1995, and are governed by the terms of the 1995
Management Option Plan and individual option agreements (the "1995 Management
Option Agreements").  As of the date of this Offering Memorandum, options with
respect to 83.33 shares of Common Stock were outstanding, none of which were
presently vested.  Other than with respect to the applicable exercise price and
the actual vesting and expiration dates, the 1995 Management Option Plan and the
1995 Management Option Agreements are substantially the same as the Employee
Option Plan and the Employee Option Agreements, respectively.

                                     -47-
<PAGE>

1995 Employee Option Plan

          In connection with the 1995 Employee Offering at $1,500 per share, the
Board adopted the 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Employee Option
Plan"), pursuant to which members of the Company's management who purchased
Common Stock in the 1995 Employee Offering were issued options to purchase one-
third of one share of Common Stock at a purchase price of $1,500 per share
(subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and other similar
events) for each share of Common Stock purchased by such persons in the 1995
Employee Offering.  Such options vest ratably over a five year period which
began on August 31, 1995, and are governed by the terms of the 1995 Employee
Option Plan and individual option agreements (the "1995 Employee Option
Agreements").  As of the date of this Offering Memorandum, options with respect
to 575.67 shares of Common Stock were outstanding, none of which were presently
vested.  Other than with respect to the applicable exercise price and the actual
vesting and expiration dates, the 1995 Employee Option Plan and the 1995
Employee Option Agreements are substantially the same as the Employee Option
Plan and the Employee Option Agreements, respectively.

Rode Issuance

          In connection with the Company's acquisition of PGN, the Company
granted Walter Rode, a former shareholder of PGN, options to purchase 190.45
shares of Common Stock at $1,500 per share.  The terms of these options are
identical to the 1995 Employee Option Plan, except that the vesting period began
on September 8, 1995.

Winds Issuance

          In connection with the issuance of 15 shares of Common Stock to each
of Glen Wind and Kurt Wind (30 shares total) as of January 24, 1996, the Company
granted to each of Glen Wind and Kurt Wind options to acquire 75 shares of
Common Stock (150 shares total) at $1 per share exercisable on terms
substantially similar to the terms of the options granted under the 1995
Employee Offering.

Incentive Option Plan

          In connection with the 1993 Offering, the Board adopted the Company's
Incentive Option Plan, which was amended and restated as of July 20, 1995 (as
amended, the "Incentive Option Plan"), participation in which was open to
members of management who participated in the 1993 Offering and who are employed
by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates at the time of a Capital
Event (as defined in the Incentive Option Plan) (each a "1993 Eligible
Participant").

          Pursuant to the Incentive Option Plan as presently constituted, the
Company granted certain employees options to purchase 8,554 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise

                                     -48-
<PAGE>

price of $725 per share. The options vest ratably over a five year period
commencing July 20, 1995 and are governed by the Incentive Option Plan and
individual option agreements (the "Incentive Option Agreements"). As of the date
of this Offering Memorandum, options with respect to 8,554 shares of Common
Stock were outstanding, none of which are presently vested. Other than with
respect to the applicable exercise price and the actual vesting and expiration
dates, the Incentive Option Plan and the Incentive Option Agreements are
substantially the same as the Employee Option Plan and the Employee Option
Agreements.

Summary Compensation Table

          The following table sets forth the total compensation that was awarded
to, earned by or paid to Michael J. McGhan, Michael O'Connor, Curtis Bedrich,
Maxwell McDonald and Charles Erwin (the five other most highly paid executive
officers) as a group during the year ended December 31, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================
                                                                    Long Term        All Other
                                            Annual Compensation    Compensation    Compensation(1)
                                                                   Awards Option
                                             Salary     Bonus         Grants
====================================================================================================
<S>                                         <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>
CEO and four other most highly               $500,000  $527,120         --              $4,326
 compensated executive officers...........
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Consisting of life insurance premiums.

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

          During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company granted the
following number of Options:  (i) 645.97 under the Senior Executive Plan, (ii)
83.33 under the 1995 Management Option Plan, (iii) 575.67 under the 1995
Employee Option Plan, (iv) 8,554 under the Incentive Option Plan and (v) 190.45
to Walter Rode in connection with the Company's acquisition of PGN.  The Company
has not, to date, granted any stock appreciation rights.

Fiscal Year End Option Values

          Shown below is information with respect to unexercised options to
purchase Common Stock in effect as of year-end 1995, all of which were granted
pursuant to the existing option plans of the Company as described in this
Offering Memorandum.  See "Management -- Options."  None of such options have
been exercised.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==========================================================================================================
                                   Number of Unexercised Options    Value of Unexercised in-the-Money
                                         December 31, 1995            Options at December 31, 1995
                                         -----------------            ----------------------------
                                   Exercisable   Unexercisable      Exercisable          Unexercisable
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>                <C>                  <C>
</TABLE>

                                      49
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>           <C>                <C>                  <C>
CEO and four other most highly       1,893.66        9,468.33        $2,036,781           $9,836,610
 compensated executive officers
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Employment Contracts and Other Agreements

          In connection with the Gale Force Acquisition, the Company entered
into an employment agreement with Alan D. Lavenue providing for a two year term.
In connection with the Astra acquisition, the Company adopted a severance plan
for Astra employees.  Such severance plan provides that if, within 12 months
following the Astra acquisition, an Astra employee is terminated without cause
or his or her compensation is reduced by 5% or more as measured relative to his
or her compensation level at the effective time of the Astra acquisition, such
employee is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to (i) the product of
(a) 12 and (b) the employee's average compensation for the 12 month period
preceding such employee's termination, less (ii) the amount of compensation
actually paid to such employee since the effective time of the Astra
acquisition.

Compensation Committee and Insider Participation

          The Compensation Committee of the Board consists of Messrs. Goldberg,
Shoemaker, O'Connor and Furgason.  All decisions with respect to compensation
are made by the Board after consideration of the advice of the Compensation
Committee.  From time to time, Mr. McGhan will participate in the deliberations
regarding compensation of the other executive officers of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================================
                                              OPTIONS ISSUED
                          OPTIONS ISSUED       PURSUANT TO
                           PURSUANT TO          THE 1995         OPTIONS ISSUED     OPTIONS ISSUED
                             THE 1995            EMPLOYEE         PURSUANT TO        PURSUANT TO
                            MANAGEMENT         STOCK OPTION      THE INCENTIVE        THE SENIOR
                            OPTION PLAN           PLAN            OPTION PLAN        EXECUTIVE PLAN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>
CEO and four other most        14.34              152.00             6,499.76           645.97
 highly compensated
 executive officers
=====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

          GKH and certain other stockholders of the Company formerly owned
substantially all of the common stock of Combustion.  Combustion was in the
business of refurbishing existing natural gas compressors to bring them into
compliance with certain environmental emissions regulations.  On March 21, 1995,
the Company borrowed $500,000 from Combustion in order to fund certain working
capital needs.  This loan was evidenced by a demand promissory note of the
Company payable to the order of Combustion.  On November 20, 1995, Combustion
merged with and into the Company and as a result thereof, the shareholders of
Combustion received 338.43 shares of Common Stock.

                                     -50-
<PAGE>

          Mr. Collins, one of the Company's directors and minority stockholders,
controls a corporation which owns a 50% interest in a joint venture to which the
Company leases compressors pursuant to a long-term lease which provides for
monthly payments of $56,450.

          Mr. Hanna, one of the Company's directors and minority stockholders,
is the President of Hanna Oil and Gas Company, to which the Company leases
compressors pursuant to month-to-month leases which provide for aggregate
monthly payments of $32,775.

          GKH and the Company have entered into an agreement whereby in exchange
for investment banking and financial advisory services to be rendered by GKH,
the Company has agreed to pay GKH a fee equal to .75% of the value of the
Company determined and payable at such time (i) a capital transaction is
consummated resulting in GKH Investments, L.P. owning less than 25% of the
outstanding Common Stock or (ii) any other transaction occurs resulting in the
effective sale of the Company or its business by the current owners.

                            PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

Principal Stockholders

          The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock of the Company as of December 31, 1995
(i) by each person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5%
of any class of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) by each director and the
chief executive officer and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company and (iii) by all of the Company's directors and
executive officers as a group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   =========================================================================================
                                                Stock Beneficially      Percentage of Stock
   Name of Person or Group                             Owned           Beneficially Owned(1)
   -----------------------                             -----           ------------------
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                                          <C>                    <C>
   GKH Investments, L.P.(2)                          64,053.54               49.9405%

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Joint Energy Development Investments              11,111.11                8.6630%
    Limited Partnership
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Astra Resources, Inc. (Westar                     30,555.56               23.8232%
   Capital, Inc.)
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ted Collins, Jr.                                     855                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   William S. Goldberg(3)                                --                     --
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Robert Wasielewski                                    --                     --
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Melvyn N. Klein(4)                                    --                     --
</TABLE>
                                     -51-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   =========================================================================================
                                                Stock Beneficially      Percentage of Stock
   Name of Person or Group                             Owned           Beneficially Owned(1)
   -----------------------                             -----           ------------------
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                                          <C>                    <C>
   Michael J. McGhan                                  648.51                     *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Michael A. O'Connor                              2,055.07                  1.6023%
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Alvin V. Shoemaker(5)                            1,622.09                  1.2647%
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Maxwell C. McDonald                                754.94                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Curtis Bedrich                                     560.33                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   James Hanna                                         1,875                  1.4619%
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   William E. Simon, Jr.(6)                         1,827.66                  1.4250%
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Robert A. Furgason                                  --                        --
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Charles D. Erwin                                  190.290                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   William C. Bryant                                 240.940                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Joseph Bradford                                   103.290                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Donald M. DeVille                                 126.000                      *
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   All directors and officers as a                10,859.120                  8.4623%
   group(7)
   =========================================================================================
</TABLE>

_______________________________________________
*Represents less than 1% of the outstanding Common Stock.

(1)  There are presently 198.40 treasury shares issued which are not counted as
     outstanding in calculating the beneficial ownership percentages.

(2)  Does not include 2,419.69 shares of Common Stock (1.882% of the outstanding
     shares) owned by GKH Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as
     nominee for GKH Private Limited, a Singapore corporation. GKH Partners,
     L.P. is the general partner of GKH Investments, L.P.

(3)  Does not include 255.80 shares of Common Stock (less than 1% of the
     outstanding shares) owned by Mr. Goldberg's wife, Nancy K. Goldberg, not
     individually, but solely as trustee of the Nancy K. Goldberg Declaration of
     Trust. Mr. Goldberg disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

(4)  Mr. Klein, who is a director of the Company, is the sole stockholder of a
     corporation which is a general partner of GKH Partners, L.P. Mr. Klein
     disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares owned by GKH Partners, L.P.
     and GKH Investments, L.P. and such shares are not included in the number of
     shares owned by Mr. Klein.

                                     -52-
<PAGE>

(5)  Mr. Shoemaker disclaims beneficial ownership of shares owned indirectly by
     his affiliates.

(6)  Mr. Simon disclaims beneficial ownership of shares owned by his affiliates.

(7)  Does not include shares owned by all directors and officers as a group or
     their affiliates for which such directors and officers disclaim beneficial
     ownership.

Stockholders' Agreements

1992 Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the 1992 Offering, the persons participating
therein, the Company, HEI, GKH and certain other present and former stockholders
of the Company entered into that certain Stockholders' Agreement dated April 10,
1992 (the "1992 Stockholders' Agreement"). The 1992 Stockholders' Agreement
restricts the sale of Common Stock held by the parties thereto and provides for,
among other things, (i) the right of first refusal of the Company and the right
of second refusal of the other parties thereto with respect to any proposed
transfer of Common Stock (except transfers to affiliates) by a party thereto
other than GKH, (ii) the right of the parties thereto who own a majority of the
shares of Common Stock held by all parties thereto to compel the other parties
thereto to sell their Common Stock upon the sale by such majority of all of
their Common Stock and (iii) the right of each party thereto to participate in
the sale by one or more parties thereto of more than 50% of the outstanding
Common Stock held by all parties thereto. The 1992 Stockholders' Agreement does
not contain provisions regarding the ability of the Company to redeem all of a
stockholder's Common Stock upon the termination of his employment with the
Company.

          Upon consummation of the 1993 Offering, the Company, HEHC, GKH and
certain persons who purchased Common Stock pursuant thereto entered into that
certain Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1993 (the "1993
Stockholders' Agreement") which substantially superseded the 1992 Stockholders'
Agreement as among the Company and each person who executed the 1993
Stockholders' Agreement. However, the 1992 Stockholders' Agreement remains in
full force and effect as among the parties thereto which still own shares of
Common Stock. See "-- 1993 Stockholders' Agreement."

Hanna Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the Hanna Acquisition, the Company, GKH, HEHC and
HIG entered into that certain Supplemental Stockholders' Agreement dated as of
October 8, 1993 (the "Hanna Stockholders' Agreement"). The Hanna Stockholders'
Agreement restricts the sale of Common Stock held by the parties thereto and
provides for, among other things, (i) the right of first refusal of the Company
with respect to any proposed transfer of Common Stock (except transfers to
affiliates by HIG), (ii) the right of GKH to compel HIG to sell its Common Stock

                                     -53-
<PAGE>

upon the sale by GKH of all of its Common Stock and (iii) the right of HIG to
participate in the sale by GKH of more than fifty percent of the Common Stock
then owned by GKH.  The Hanna Stockholders' Agreement will terminate six months
after 10% or more of the Common Stock is listed on a nationally recognized
exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation System ("NASDAQ").

Brenda K. Phillips Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the resignation of Brenda K. Phillips ("Phillips"),
a former employee and current stockholder of the Company, Phillips, the Company,
HEHC and GKH entered into that certain Supplemental Stockholders' Agreement,
dated November 19, 1993, the terms of which are similar to those of the Hanna
Stockholders' Agreement.

HEHC Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the HEHC Merger, the Company, GKH and the other
former stockholders of HEHC (the "HEHC Stockholders") entered into that certain
Supplemental Stockholders' Agreement dated as of January 27, 1995 (the "HEHC
Stockholders' Agreement").  The HEHC Stockholders' Agreement restricts the sale
of Common Stock held by the parties thereto (subject to certain exceptions for
dispositions pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act or pursuant to any public distribution pursuant to Rule 144 of
the Securities Act, and except for dispositions of Common Stock by GKH to its
partners) and provides for, among other things, (i) the right of first refusal
of GKH with respect to any proposed transfer of Common Stock (except transfers
to affiliates) by an HEHC Stockholder, (ii) the right of GKH to compel the HEHC
Stockholders to sell their Common Stock upon the sale by GKH of all of its
Common Stock and (iii) the right of each HEHC Stockholder to participate in the
sale by GKH of any or all of its Common Stock.  The HEHC Stockholders' Agreement
also contains provisions regarding the right of the HEHC Stockholders to
designate a maximum of two members of the Board (the "HEHC Designees"), as well
as a requirement that such HEHC Designees approve certain transactions and acts
engaged in by the Company.  Each party to the HEHC Stockholders' Agreement also
agrees to notify the Board if it or any of its affiliates engages in or makes an
investment in any business or entity competitive with the business then being
conducted by the Company or any subsidiary thereof.  The HEHC Stockholders'
Agreement would terminate upon the consummation of a publicly registered
offering of twenty-five percent or more of the Common Stock.  The parties to the
HEHC Stockholders' Agreement are also parties to the Amended and Restated
Registration Rights Agreement.  See "-- Registration Rights Agreements."

Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the Gale Force Acquisition, the Company, GKH, and
certain persons who acquired Common Stock pursuant to the Gale Force Acquisition
(the "Gale Force Stockholders") entered into that certain Supplemental
Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of

                                     -54-
<PAGE>

March 8, 1995 (the "Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement"). The Gale Force
Stockholders' Agreement restricts the sale of Common Stock held by the parties
thereto and provides for, among other things, (i) the right of first refusal of
the Company and the right of second refusal of GKH with respect to any proposed
transfer of Common Stock (except transfers to affiliates) by a Gale Force
Stockholder, (ii) the right of GKH to compel the Gale Force Stockholders to sell
their Common Stock upon the sale by GKH of all of its Common Stock and (iii) the
right of each Gale Force Stockholder to participate in the sale by (a) GKH of
more than fifty percent of the Common Stock then owned by GKH or (b) by GKH and
other stockholders of the Company of more than fifty percent of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company. The Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement also
contains provisions whereby the Gale Force Stockholders agree to vote their
shares in order to ensure the election to the Board of Messrs. O'Connor and
McGhan and such other individuals as nominated by GKH. In addition, in the event
the Company offers GKH the opportunity to purchase additional shares of Common
Stock, the Gale Force Stockholders will have the right to acquire their
respective pro rata share of such Common Stock on the same terms and conditions
offered to GKH. The Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement will terminate upon ten
percent or more of the Common Stock being listed on a nationally recognized
exchange or quoted on the NASDAQ. The parties to the Gale Force Stockholders'
Agreement are also parties to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights
Agreement. See "--Registration Rights Agreements."

JEDI Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the Series B Preferred Stock Issuance and the
issuance of Common Stock to JEDI, the Company, GKH and JEDI entered into that
certain Stockholders' Agreement dated as of August 7, 1995 (the "JEDI
Stockholders' Agreement"), containing terms substantially similar to those
contained in the Stockholders' Agreement, except that (i) until the earlier to
occur of the Company having satisfied all of its obligations to JEDI under the
JEDI Loan Agreement and a public offering of the Common Stock, JEDI has the
right with respect to certain equity offerings of the Company to existing
Company stockholders (each a "Rights Offering") (a) to subscribe for the first
fifteen percent of such Rights Offering on an exclusive basis, (b) subscribe for
its pro rata share of the remaining equity under the Rights Offering and (c)
cause its duly licensed affiliate to underwrite all of such Rights Offering in
the event JEDI and the Company can mutually agree on the terms of such
underwriting, (ii) so long as JEDI owns at least 7.5% of the outstanding Common
Stock (on a fully diluted basis) and generally does not hold an equity interest
in a competitor of the Company, JEDI has certain rights regarding notice of and
attendance at meetings of the Board and has the right to elect one member of the
Board and (iii) the right of inclusion of the non-GKH stockholders parties
thereto is triggered only in the event that GKH proposes to sell all of its
Common Stock and Preferred Stock.  In addition, the agreement terminates upon
the earliest to occur of certain events, including the consummation of a
publicly registered offering of 20% or more of the Common Stock or August 1,
2005.

                                     -55-
<PAGE>

Astra Stockholders' Agreement

          In connection with the Astra merger, the Company, GKH and Astra
Resources entered into that certain stockholders' agreement dated as of December
6, 1995 (the "Astra Stockholders' Agreement") containing terms substantially
similar to those contained in the Stockholders' Agreement except that (i) in the
event the Company makes an equity offering of Common Stock, Astra has the right
to subscribe for such amount of Common Stock as to enable it to maintain a 20%
ownership interest in the Company, (ii) so long as Astra owns at least 15% of
the outstanding Common Stock and does not engage in a competitive business it
shall have the right to nominate that number of directors which would constitute
20% of the members of the Board, and (iii) the right of inclusion of the non-GKH
stockholders parties thereto is triggered only in the event that GKH proposes to
sell all of its Common Stock and Preferred Stock.  In addition, the agreement
terminates upon the earliest to occur of certain events, including consummation
of a publicly registered offering of 20% or more of the Common Stock or August
1, 2005.

Registration Rights Agreements

          The Company, GKH and the other parties to the HEHC Stockholders'
Agreement, the Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement, the JEDI Stockholders'
Agreement and the Astra Stockholders' Agreement (GKH and such stockholders,
hereinafter "Holders") are party to that certain Third Amended and Restated
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 5, 1995 (the "Third Amended
and Restated Registration Rights Agreement").  The Third Amended and Restated
Registration Rights Agreement generally provides that in the event the Company
proposes to register under the Securities Act shares of its capital stock or any
other securities, then upon the request of those Holders owning in the aggregate
at least 2.5% of the Common Stock or derivatives thereof (the "Registrable
Securities") then held by all of the Holders, the Company must use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities so requested by the
Holders to be included in the applicable registration statement; provided,
however, that the Holders' right to have their Registrable Securities so
included in a registration is limited in the event and to the extent that the
managing underwriter(s) of the registration in question are of the opinion that
the inclusion of the number of Registrable Securities held by Holders requesting
inclusion in the applicable registration statement would materially interfere
with the underwriters' ability to effectuate the registration and sale of
securities proposed to be offered and sold pursuant to such registration
statement.  The Company agrees to pay all registration expenses in connection
with registrations of Registrable Securities effected pursuant to the Third
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement; however, all fees and
expenses relating to the distribution of such Registrable Securities are to be
borne by the Company and each Holder pro rata based on the number of Registrable
Securities included in the registration for the account of the Company and each
Holder.  The Company, in connection with filing a registration statement in
accordance with this agreement, would also have the obligation to apply for
listing and use its reasonable best efforts to list the Registrable Securities
being registered on any national exchange on which a class of the Company's
equity securities is listed, or if there is no

                                     -56-
<PAGE>

class of Company equity security so listed, then to use its reasonable best
efforts to qualify such Registrable Securities for inclusion on the NASDAQ. In
addition, after December 5, 1999, any single Holder of Common Stock which owns
18% or more of the Common Stock has the right to demand the registration of its
Common Stock.

                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

          The following summaries relate to (i) certain provisions of the Bank
Credit Agreement and (ii) certain provisions of the JEDI Loan Agreement.  The
summary of the provisions relating to the Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI
Loan Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety
by reference to the relevant agreements (including all amendments) relating
thereto, copies of which are available for review at the principal offices of
the Company.

The Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI Loan Agreement

          The Bank Credit Agreement provides for a four year revolving credit
facility which provides for a maximum commitment of $90,000,000.  Amounts
outstanding under the Bank Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to
LIBOR plus 0.5% to LIBOR plus 1.5% and matures (absent acceleration) on December
18, 1999.  As of December 31, 1995, $16,900,000 was outstanding under the Bank
Credit Agreement.

          The JEDI Loan Agreement provides for a revolving five year committed
availability (through December 19, 2000) of up to $100,000,000 with maturities
ranging from one to seven years.  Amounts outstanding under the JEDI Loan
Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option, either (i)
the sum of the U.S. Treasury Bill yield to maturity as set forth in the Wall
Street Journal plus a specified margin or (ii) the sum of the LIBOR Base Rate
(as defined in the JEDI Loan Agreement) plus a specified margin.  As of December
31, 1995 principal of $30,000,000 was outstanding under the JEDI Loan Agreement.

          Each of the Bank Credit Agreement and the JEDI Loan Agreement
(collectively, the "Loan Agreements") is secured pursuant to a collateral trust
agreement by all of the assets of the Company and its qualified subsidiaries and
contains certain restrictive covenants that impose limitations (subject to
certain exceptions) on the Company, including, among others, limitations with
respect to (i) maintaining certain ratios, including ratios with respect to (a)
consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization, (b) consolidated
earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization to consolidated
interest expense and (c) current assets to current liabilities, (ii) incurring
additional indebtedness, (iii) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to
exist any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance or security interest, (iv)
creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any guarantee or similar
obligation, (v) effecting certain fundamental changes, including any merger or
sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, (vi) selling any of
the Company's assets except in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise
permitted, (vii) increasing lease expense in excess of certain limits, (viii)
declaring or

                                     -57-
<PAGE>

paying dividends, (ix) making capital expenditures in excess of certain
prescribed limits, (x) making any advance, loan or similar investment in any
person, (xi) making optional payments or prepayments or amending the terms of
any indebtedness, (xii) entering into any transaction with affiliates, (xiii)
the sale and leaseback of any of the Company's real or personal property, (xiv)
changing the Company's fiscal year and (xv) entering into agreements which
permits the Company to incur liens or other restrictions on its assets.

          Each of the Loan Agreements contains certain default provisions,
including, among others, (i) failure of the Company to pay any principal or
interest thereunder when due, (ii) breach by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates which are parties to the Loan Agreements of any
representation or warranty made therein or in the other documents contemplated
thereby, (iii) default by the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the
observance or performance of any covenant or agreement contained therein or in
the other documents contemplated thereby, (iv) cessation of the security
agreements and related documents executed thereunder to be in full force and
effect, (v) default by the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the payment of
any indebtedness or guarantee in excess of specified amounts, which default
remains in effect for 30 days, or any other breach under agreements with respect
to such indebtedness or guarantees which causes such indebtedness or guarantee
to be accelerated, (vi) occurrence of certain bankruptcy related events, (vii)
occurrence of certain events related to ERISA obligations, (viii) entering of
one or more significant judgements or decrees against the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, (ix) the incurrence by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of
significant liability for remediation or environmental compliance (or penalty
with respect thereto) and (x) under the Bank Credit Agreement, the cessation of
GKH to own directly or indirectly 30% of the issued and outstanding Common
Stock.

                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

          The authorized capital stock of the Company currently consists of
500,000 shares of Common Stock and 200,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par
value per share, of which 50,000 shares have been designated as Series A
Preferred Stock, 15,000 shares have been designated as Series B Preferred Stock
and 135,000 shares remain undesignated ("Preferred Stock").  As of December 31,
1995, 128,259.63 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding, and 21,602
shares and 10,000 shares of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively,
are outstanding.  An additional 22,887.29 shares of Common Stock are reserved
for issuance pursuant to options, warrants and the conversion of the Series B
Preferred Stock.

          The following summary description relating to the capital stock does
not purport to be complete.  For a detailed description, reference is made to
the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (the "Certificate"),
which is available at the Company for review.

                                     -58-
<PAGE>

Common Stock

          As of December 31, 1995, there were 128,259.63 shares of Common Stock
outstanding held of record by 100 stockholders (not including 198.40 treasury
shares then held by the Company).  The holders of Common Stock are entitled to
one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the
stockholders.  Subject to preferential rights with respect to the Preferred
Stock, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as
may be declared by the Board out of legally available funds.  In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution, sale or winding up of the Company, holders of Common
Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of
liabilities and satisfaction of preferential rights and have no rights to
convert their Common Stock into any other securities.  Holders of Common Stock
have no preemptive or subscription rights unless (i) they are a party to the
Gale Force Stockholders' Agreement, the JEDI Stockholders' Agreement or the
Astra Stockholders' Agreement or (ii) they become a party to the Stockholders'
Agreement, and then only to the extent provided in each such agreement.  See
"Principal Stockholders -- Stockholders' Agreements" and "The Offering --
Stockholders' Agreement -- Preemptive Rights."  There are no redemption or
conversion rights with respect to any shares of Common Stock.  The outstanding
shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to this offering will be, fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

          The Company currently has 21,602 shares of Series A and 10,000 shares
of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding.  In addition, the Board has the
authority to cause the Company to issue without any further vote or action by
the stockholders, up to the remaining authorized and unissued number of shares
of Preferred Stock in one or more series, to designate the number of shares
constituting any series, and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting
rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price or prices and
liquidation preferences of such series.

          On August 7 and September 29, 1995, the Company issued the Series A
Preferred Stock in an aggregate amount of 21,602 shares at $1,000 per share,
bearing a 6.5% annual cumulative dividend.  Dividends on the Series A Preferred
Stock are payable in additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock during the
initial three years after issuance, and in cash thereafter.  Each share of
Series A Preferred Stock carries with it a detachable warrant to purchase 0.1667
shares of Common Stock at $1.00 per share, which warrants vest 20% at the time
of issuance and, thereafter, incrementally on a monthly basis over the
subsequent three years.  Upon exercise of the warrants, the holders of the
Common Stock underlying the warrants have so-called "piggy-back" registration
rights with respect thereto.  In addition, the holders of the Series A Preferred
Stock have special voting rights along with the holders of the Series B
Preferred Stock with respect to certain enumerated transactions.  All holders of
the Series A Preferred Stock have entered into the Stockholders' Agreement.  See
"Offering -- Stockholders' Agreement."

                                     -59-
<PAGE>

          On August 7, 1995, the Company issued the Series B Preferred Stock to
JEDI in an aggregate amount of 10,000 shares at $1,000 per share, bearing a 6.5%
cumulative dividend.  The 6.5% per share per annum dividend on the Series B
Preferred Stock is payable in additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock
during the initial three years after issuance, and in cash thereafter.  The
Series A Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company until (i) any
"Redemption Event" (e.g., sale of all of the Company's assets, a merger in which
the Company is not the surviving corporation or GKH not owning more than 50% of
the outstanding Common Stock) or (ii) the third anniversary of the initial
issuance thereof, and thereafter is redeemable at a price which is based on the
initial purchase price and which varies based on the timing of such redemption.
Upon the occurrence of a Redemption Event, the holders of the Preferred Stock
have the right to require the Company to redeem all or any portion of its Series
B Preferred Stock at $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends thereon.
The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable by the Company and the holders
thereof on the same terms on which the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed.
Following the third anniversary of the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock
or upon a Redemption Event, JEDI is permitted to convert the Series B Preferred
Stock into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to the greater of
(i) $2,100 and (ii) the product of (A) 6.4 and (B) a per share calculation of
the Company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for
a given period, less the Company's consolidated long term debt and liquidation
preference of the Preferred Stock (without premium) at a given time.  The
conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock is also subject to standard
anti-dilution adjustments.  In addition, the holders of the Series B Preferred
Stock have special voting rights along with the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock (as defined below) with respect to certain enumerated
transactions.

Options

          The Company currently has outstanding options to purchase 322.5 shares
of Common Stock at $1.00 per share.  Of these options, 172.5 were issued to
certain executive officers in connection with the 1992 Stock Plan and 75 were
issued to each of Glen Wind and Kurt Wind (150 total) in connection with their
purchase of Common Stock as of January 24, 1996.  The options issued in
connection with the 1992 Stock Plan expire at various times in 2007 and the
options issued to each of Glen Wind and Kurt Wind on January 24, 2006.

          The Company currently has outstanding options to purchase 10,918.50
shares of Common Stock at $725 per share.  Of these options, 850.5 were issued
to certain executive officers in connection with the 1992 Stock Plan, 1,514 were
issued to certain members of the Company's management in connection with the
1993 Option Plan and 8,554 were issued to Company management in connection with
the Incentive Option Plan.  The options issued pursuant to the 1992 Stock Plan
expire at various times in 2007, the options issued pursuant to the 1993 Option
Plan expire on June 29, 2003 and the options issued pursuant to the Incentive
Option Plan expire on July 20, 2005.

                                     -60-
<PAGE>

          The Company currently has outstanding options to purchase 2,583.89
shares of Common Stock at $833.75 per share.  All such options were issued to
certain executive officers in connection with the Senior Executive Plan.  With
respect to these options, 1,937.92 will expire June 29, 2003 and 645.97 will
expire May 15, 2005.

          The Company currently has outstanding options to purchase 83.33 shares
of Common Stock at $1,100 per share.  All such options were granted under the
1995 Management Option Plan and will expire on July 7, 2005.

          The Company currently has outstanding options to purchase 766.12
shares of Common Stock at $1,500 per share.  With respect to these options,
575.67 were granted under the 1995 Employee Option Plan and will expire on
August 31, 2005 and 190.45 were granted to Walter Rode in connection with the
acquisition of PGN and will expire on September 8, 2005.

          The Company currently has outstanding options to purchase 89 shares of
Common Stock at $1,551 per share.  These options were issued to Don DeVille on
terms substantially similar to terms governing the options granted under the
1995 Employee Offering and will expire on January 19, 2006.

          As long as the options remain unexercised and outstanding, the holders
thereof will have the opportunity to profit from an increase in the value of the
Common Stock, if any, without assuming the risk of ownership.

Special Provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and Delaware Law

Limitation of Director Liability

          Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section
102(b)") authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of
directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of directors' fiduciary duty of care.  Although Section 102(b) does not change
directors' duty of care, it enables corporations to limit available relief to
equitable remedies such as injunction or rescission.  The Company's Certificate
of Incorporation limits the liability of directors to the Company or its
stockholders (in their capacity as directors but not in their capacity as
officers) to the fullest extent permitted by Section 102(b).  Specifically,
directors of the Company will not be personally liable for monetary damages for
breach of a director's fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i)
for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its
stockholders (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful
payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided
in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  The
Certificate of Amendment provides for mandatory indemnification of directors and
officers of the Company and also

                                     -61-
<PAGE>

includes a provision regarding compromises or arrangements between the Company
and its creditors.

Indemnification

          To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws provide for mandatory indemnification of directors and
permit indemnification of officers, employees and agents of the Company against
all expense, liability and loss to which they may become subject or which they
may incur as a result of being or having been a director, officer, employee or
agent of the Company.  In addition, the Company must advance or reimburse
directors, and may advance or reimburse officers, employees and agents for
expenses incurred by them in connection with indemnifiable claims.

                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

          The Company intends to supply its stockholders on an annual basis with
a copy of its audited financial statements.

          Each prospective investor and/or his purchaser or other
representatives are hereby granted access to, and are invited to review, all
materials available to the Company relating to this offering or anything set
forth in this Offering Memorandum.

          The Company will answer all inquiries from prospective investors or
their representatives relating to the transactions contemplated hereunder and
will afford prospective investors and their representatives the opportunity to
obtain any additional information (to the extent that the Company possesses such
information or can acquire it without unreasonable effort or expense) necessary
to verify the accuracy of the information set forth in this Offering Memorandum.

          Each prospective investor should use this opportunity to communicate
directly with his own legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors
who can help the prospective investor evaluate the merits and risks of a
purchase of the Shares and the tax and legal aspects thereof.

                                     -62-

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