Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.32

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                          DATED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002

                                      AMONG

                        BRENDA BUELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.,

                                  BRENDA BUELL,

                                       AND

                          HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC.

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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                                                                                                              Page No.
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ARTICLE I - PURCHASE OF SHARES....................................................................................1

   SECTION 1.1       PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES..................................................................1
   SECTION 1.2       NOTE.........................................................................................1
   SECTION 1.3       DEFERRED PAYMENTS............................................................................1
   SECTION 1.4       LIABILITIES..................................................................................2
   SECTION 1.5       POST CLOSING ADJUSTMENT......................................................................2

ARTICLE II - CLOSING..............................................................................................3

   SECTION 2.1       CLOSING......................................................................................3
   SECTION 2.2       DELIVERY OF SHARES; PAYMENT..................................................................3
   SECTION 2.3 CERTAIN EVENTS PRECEDING CLOSING AND OCCURRING AT THE TIME OF CLOSING..............................3
      (a)   Buell Agreement.......................................................................................3
      (b)   Resignations..........................................................................................3

ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES......................................................................3

   SECTION 3.1       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLING PARTIES........................................3
      (a)   Organization, Standing and Corporate Power of BBA.....................................................4
      (b)   Capital Structure of BBA..............................................................................4
      (c)   Authority; Noncontravention...........................................................................4
      (d)   Financial Statements..................................................................................5
      (e)   Undisclosed Liabilities...............................................................................5
      (f)   Absence of Certain Changes or Events with Respect to BBA..............................................5
      (g)   Litigation............................................................................................6
      (h)   Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans...................................................................6
      (i)   ERISA Compliance......................................................................................6
      (j)   Taxes.................................................................................................7
      (k)   Brokers...............................................................................................9
      (l)   Compliance with Laws; Environmental Laws.............................................................10
      (m)   Title to Properties; Liens...........................................................................10
      (n)   Leased Real Property.................................................................................10
      (o)   Accounts Receivable; Inventories.....................................................................10
      (p)   Employee Relations...................................................................................11
      (q)   Insurance............................................................................................11
      (r)   Customers and Suppliers..............................................................................12
      (s)   Leased Personal Property.............................................................................12
      (t)   Transactions with Related Parties....................................................................12
      (u)   Material Agreements..................................................................................12
      (v)   No Additional Representations........................................................................14
   SECTION 3.2       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUELL.....................................................14
      (a)   Authority of Buell...................................................................................14
      (b)   Title to Common Shares...............................................................................15
      (c)   Brokers..............................................................................................15
      (d)   No Additional Representations........................................................................15
   SECTION 3.3       Representations and Warranties of HIG.......................................................15
      (a)   Organization, Standing and Corporation Power of HIG..................................................16
      (b)   Authority; Noncontravention..........................................................................16
      (c)   Litigation...........................................................................................16
      (d)   Brokers..............................................................................................16
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      (e)   Investment Intent....................................................................................16
      (f)   Transfer Restrictions................................................................................16
      (g)   HIG Status...........................................................................................17
      (h)   No Additional Representations........................................................................17

ARTICLE IV - COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS...........................................................17

   SECTION 4.1       CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE SELLING PARTIES..................................................17
   SECTION 4.2       SECTION 338(H)(10) ELECTION.................................................................18
   SECTION 4.3       ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE................................................................19
   SECTION 4.4       S CORPORATION ELECTION......................................................................19
   SECTION 4.5       PREPARATION OF TAX RETURNS..................................................................19
   SECTION 4.6       COOPERATION ON TAXES........................................................................19
   SECTION 4.7       TAX SHARING AGREEMENTS......................................................................20
   SECTION 4.8       OTHER ACTIONS...............................................................................20

ARTICLE V - ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS................................................................................20

   SECTION 5.1       ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY......................................................20
   SECTION 5.2       REASONABLE EFFORTS; NOTIFICATION............................................................20
   SECTION 5.3       FEES AND EXPENSES...........................................................................21
   SECTION 5.4       PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS........................................................................21
   SECTION 5.5       BANK ACCOUNTS...............................................................................22
   SECTION 5.6       RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.......................................................................22
   SECTION 5.7       BUELL EMPLOYMENT AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT..............................................24
   SECTION 5.8       CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN AGREEMENTS..........................................................24
   SECTION 5.9       LIFE INSURANCE ON THE LIFE OF BUELL.........................................................24

ARTICLE VI - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT................................................................................25

   SECTION 6.1       CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE CLOSING.................................25
      (a)   Authorizations, Consents, and Approvals..............................................................25
      (b)   No Injunctions or Restraints.........................................................................25
   SECTION 6.2       CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF HIG............................................................25
      (a)   Representations and Warranties.......................................................................25
      (b)   Performance of Obligations of the Selling Parties....................................................25
      (c)   No Suit or Judgment..................................................................................25
      (d)   Opinion of Counsel...................................................................................26
      (e)   Consents.............................................................................................26
      (f)   BBA Records..........................................................................................26
      (g)   Material Adverse Change..............................................................................26
      (h)   Resignations.........................................................................................26
      (i)   Share Certificates...................................................................................26
      (j)   Lender Authorizations................................................................................26
   SECTION 6.3       CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLING PARTIES............................................26
      (a)   Representations and Warranties.......................................................................27
      (b)   Performance of Obligations of HIG....................................................................27
      (c)   No Suit or Judgment..................................................................................27
      (d)   Opinion of Counsel...................................................................................27
      (e)   Employment Agreement with Jorge Chousal de La Pena...................................................27
   SECTION 6.4       FRUSTRATION OF CLOSING CONDITIONS...........................................................27

ARTICLE VII - TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER..................................................................27

   SECTION 7.1       TERMINATION.................................................................................27
   SECTION 7.2       EFFECT OF TERMINATION.......................................................................28
   SECTION 7.3       AMENDMENT...................................................................................28
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   SECTION 7.4       EXTENSION: WAIVER...........................................................................28
   SECTION 7.5       PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATION...................................................................28

ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION...................................................................................28

   SECTION 8.1       INDEMNIFICATION.............................................................................28
      (a)   By the Selling Parties...............................................................................28
      (b)   By HIG...............................................................................................29
      (c)   Direct Liability.....................................................................................29
      (d)   Third Party Claim....................................................................................30
      (e)   Tax Claim............................................................................................31
      (f)   Limitation of Indemnity..............................................................................31
   SECTION 8.2       RIGHT TO SET-OFF............................................................................31
   SECTION 8.3       BUELL PAYS BROKER FEE.......................................................................31

ARTICLE IX - CONFIDENTIALITY.....................................................................................32

ARTICLE X - GENERAL PROVISIONS...................................................................................32

   SECTION 10.1         SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS....................................32
   SECTION 10.2         NOTICES..................................................................................32
   SECTION 10.3         DEFINITIONS..............................................................................33
   SECTION 10.4         INTERPRETATION...........................................................................35
   SECTION 10.5         COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILES.................................................................36
   SECTION 10.6         ENTIRE AGREEMENT: NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES...........................................36
   SECTION 10.7         GOVERNING LAW............................................................................36
   SECTION 10.8         ASSIGNMENT...............................................................................36
   SECTION 10.9         ENFORCEMENT..............................................................................36
   SECTION 10.10        EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES...................................................................37

SIGNATURE PAGE...................................................................................................38
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EXHIBITS

Exhibit A - Note
Exhibit B - Buell Agreement
Exhibit C- Opinion of Counsel for Buell
Exhibit D - Opinion of Counsel for HIG

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1.5 - Post-Closing Adjustment
Schedule 3.1(b) - Capital Structure of BBA
Schedule 3.1(c) - Authority; Noncontravention
Schedule 3.1(d) - Financial Statements
Schedule 3.1(f) - Absence of Certain Changes or Events with Respect to BBA
Schedule 3.1(g) - Litigation
Schedule 3.1(h) - Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans
Schedule 3.1(i) - ERISA Compliance
Schedule 3.1(j) - Taxes
Schedule 3.1(k) - Brokers
Schedule 3.1(m) - Title to Properties; Liens
Schedule 3.1(n) - Leased Real Property
Schedule 3.1(o) - Accounts Receivable; Inventories
Schedule 3.1(p) - Employee Relations
Schedule 3.1(q) - Insurance
Schedule 3.1(r) - Customers and Suppliers
Schedule 3.1(s) - Leased Personal Property
Schedule 3.1(t) - Transactions with Related Parties
Schedule 3.1(u) - Material Agreements
Schedule 3.2(b) - Title to Common Shares
Schedule 3.2(c) - Brokers
Schedule 3.3(d) - Brokers
Schedule 4.1(g) - Capital Expenditures
Schedule 4.3 - Allocation of Purchase Price
Schedule 5.8 - Cancellation of Certain Agreements
Schedule 6.2(e) - Consents

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                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of December
31, 2002, among BRENDA BUELL & ASSOCIATES, INC., a Texas corporation ("BBA"),
BRENDA BUELL ("Buell") and HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC., a Texas
corporation("HIG"). BBA and Buell are sometimes referred to as the "Selling
Parties." Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined or
cross-referenced to the applicable definition in Section 10.3 of this Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE I

                               PURCHASE OF SHARES

         SECTION 1.1 Purchase and Sale of Shares. Upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in this Agreement, HIG shall purchase from Buell, and
Buell shall sell to HIG, One Thousand (1,000) shares of the $1.00 par value
common stock (the "Common Stock") of BBA constituting one hundred percent (100%)
of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Acquired Stock"), in
consideration of the payment by HIG to Buell of the following amounts (the
"Purchase Price"):

                  (a) the sum of U.S. Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00)
         in cash at Closing and the sum of U.S. Three Million Three Hundred
         Thousand Dollars ($3,300,000.00) in cash on January 3, 2003
         (collectively, the "Initial Payments");

                  (b) the sum of U.S. Two Million Twenty Five Thousand Twenty
         Six and 15/00 Dollars ($2,025,026.15) in accordance with the Note (as
         defined in Section 1.2); and

                  (c) the Deferred Payments (as defined in Section 1.3).

         SECTION 1.2 Note. HIG shall deliver to Buell a Promissory Note in
substantially the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit "A", which shall
provide for payment of $ 2,025,026.15, bearing interest at the rate of one and
84/100ths percent (1.84%) per annum, in equal annual installments of principal
and interest in the amount of $700,000.00, with the first and second
installments due on the first and second anniversaries of the Closing Date,
respectively, and all remaining unpaid interest and principal due and payable on
December 30, 2005.

         SECTION 1.3 Deferred Payments. If the gross revenue from all outside
sales of HIG and its Affiliates, including BBA, to third party retailers ("HIG
Retail Sales") for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 is greater than U.S.
$12,000,000.00, HIG shall make a cash payment to Buell, within ninety (90) days
following the first anniversary of the Closing Date in the amount of Four
Hundred Ninety Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Six and 22/100 Dollars ($490,966.22)
plus interest on that amount from the Closing Date to the date of payment at the
rate of one and 84/100ths percent (1.84%) per annum. If the gross revenue from
HIG Retail Sales for the fiscal year ending

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 1

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December 31, 2004 is greater than U.S. $24,000,000.00, HIG shall make a cash
payment to Buell, within ninety (90) days following the second anniversary of
the Closing Date in the amount of Four Hundred Eighty Two Thousand Ninety Five
and 66/100 Dollars ($482,095.66) plus interest on that amount from the Closing
Date to the date of payment at the rate of one and 84/100ths percent (1.84%) per
annum. If the gross revenue from HIG Retail Sales for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2005 is greater than U.S. $30,000,000.00 HIG shall make a cash
payment to Buell, within ninety (90) days following December 30, 2005 in the
amount of Four Hundred Seventy Three Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Five and
37/100 Dollars ($473,385.37) plus interest on that amount from the Closing Date
to the date of payment at the rate of one and 84/100ths percent (1.84%) per
annum. The payments described in this Section 1.3 are referred to as the
"Deferred Payments." It is expressly agreed that the obligation of HIG to pay
the amounts set forth in this Section 1.3 is subject to Section 5.7 of this
Agreement.

         SECTION 1.4 Liabilities. In connection with the purchase of the
Acquired Stock, HIG shall not assume, or be deemed to assume any debts,
obligations or liabilities of any nature of the Selling Parties whatsoever.
Except as set forth in Sections 1.5, 3.1(k), 5.8, 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3, BBA shall,
following Closing, continue to be liable for its debts, obligations and
liabilities existing at Closing, but Buell shall have no liability therefor.

         SECTION 1.5 Post Closing Adjustment.

                  (a) As promptly as practicable following the Closing Date (but
in any event not later than thirty (30) days thereafter), Buell shall have
prepared and deliver to HIG a balance sheet of BBA as of the Closing Date (the
"Closing Balance Sheet"). The Closing Balance Sheet shall (i) be derived from
and be in accordance with the books and records of BBA; (ii) fairly present the
financial condition of BBA at the Closing Date in conformity with GAAP; (iii)
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with
prior periods except for the Exceptions to GAAP; and (iv) have been prepared in
the format of Schedule 1.5, including the adjustments in the second, third and
fourth columns thereof. The Closing Balance Sheet shall be prepared without
giving effect to the Section 338(h)(10) Election, as noted in Section 4.2.

                  (b) HIG shall deliver to Buell within thirty (30) days after
receiving the Closing Balance Sheet a statement describing any objections to the
Closing Balance Sheet. HIG and Buell shall use all reasonable efforts to resolve
any such objections, but if they do not reach a final resolution within twenty
(20) days after Buell has received HIG's statement of objections, HIG and Buell
shall submit the Closing Balance Sheet and HIG's statement of objections to an
independent certified public accountant satisfactory to each party, to resolve
any remaining objections and to deliver a revised Closing Balance Sheet within
thirty (30) days following such submission. The determination of such accounting
firm shall be conclusive and binding upon HIG and Buell, absent fraud or
manifest error. Except as set forth in the following sentence, Buell and HIG
shall share evenly the cost of services provided by such accounting firm. In the
event that the parties are not able to agree upon the selection of such
accounting firm, HIG shall be entitled to select such firm, provided that (i)
such firm shall not be a firm that provides accounting or consulting services to
HIG or its Affiliates, and (ii) HIG shall bear the entire cost of services
provided by such firm.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 2

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                  (c) To the extent that the Total Liabilities less Total Assets
(the "Excess Liabilities") of BBA as set forth on the Closing Balance Sheet are
greater than $100,000.00, HIG shall be entitled to treat such amount as HIG's
Indemnifiable Losses (as defined in Section 8.1(a)) and Buell shall pay BBA an
amount in cash equal to such amount within thirty (30) days, without giving
effect to the Threshold Amount (as defined in Section 8.1(f)(i)).

                                   ARTICLE II

                                     CLOSING

         SECTION 2.1 Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the
Acquired Stock (the "Closing") will take place on or before December 31, 2002
(the "Closing Date"), at the offices of Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, 3232
McKinney Avenue, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75204-2429, unless another time, date
or place is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.

         SECTION 2.2 Delivery of Shares; Payment. At the Closing, Buell shall
deliver to HIG certificates representing the Acquired Stock, accompanied by duly
executed stock powers transferring the Acquired Stock to HIG. HIG shall deliver
to Buell Two Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($200,000.00) in cash at the
Closing and Three Million Three Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars
($3,300,000.00) on January 3, 2003; however, the Initial Payments shall be
reduced, if applicable, through a refund to HIG following Closing, in accordance
with Section 1.5. Buell may direct HIG to deliver a portion of the Purchase
Price to certain third parties for fees, expenses, costs or other obligations
arising out of or in connection with the transactions contemplated in this
Agreement.

         SECTION 2.3 Certain Events Preceding Closing and Occurring at the Time
of Closing. The following events shall be deemed to occur prior to or on the
Closing Date in the chronological order set forth below:

                  (a) Buell Agreement. At Closing, the Buell Agreement shall be
         executed by the parties thereto in accordance with Section 5.7.

                  (b) Resignations. Resignation letters from certain directors
         and officers of BBA shall be tendered to BBA and HIG in accordance with
         Section 6.2(h).

                                   ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         SECTION 3.1 Representations and Warranties of the Selling Parties. As
an inducement to HIG to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, the Selling Parties hereby jointly and
severally represent and warrant to HIG that the following statements are true
and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct with
equal force and effect as of the Closing Date.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 3

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                  (a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power of BBA. BBA is
         a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
         under the laws of the State of Texas and has the requisite corporate
         power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted.
         BBA is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good
         standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or
         the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or
         licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or
         licensed would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (b) Capital Structure of BBA. The authorized capital stock of
         BBA consists of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value per
         share, of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding. Schedule
         3.1(b) sets forth (i) the names of all of the holders of Common Stock,
         and (ii) the number of shares held by each holder. Except as set forth
         in Schedule 3.1(b), there are no shares of capital stock or other
         securities (whether or not such securities have voting rights) of BBA
         issued or outstanding or any subscriptions, options, warrants, calls,
         rights, convertible securities or other agreements or commitments of
         any character or nature obligating BBA, Buell or any third party to
         issue, transfer or sell, or cause the issuance, transfer or sale of,
         any shares of capital stock or other securities (whether or not such
         securities have voting rights) of BBA. Except as set forth in Schedule
         3.1(b), there are no outstanding contractual obligations of any kind or
         nature of BBA, Buell or any third party related to the purchase, sale,
         issuance, repurchase, redemption, acquisition, transfer, disposition,
         holding or voting of any shares of capital stock or other securities of
         or the management or operation of BBA. Except as set forth in Schedule
         3.1(b), and except for Buell's rights as a holder of the shares of
         Common Stock, no person or entity has any right to participate in, or
         receive any payment based on or relating to, the revenue, income, value
         or net assets of BBA or any component or portion thereof, or any
         increase or decrease in any of the foregoing. BBA does not own or
         control, directly or indirectly, twenty five percent (25%) or more of
         the equity or voting power of any corporation, partnership, limited
         liability company or other entity.

                  (c) Authority; Noncontravention. BBA has the requisite
         corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
         consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The
         execution and delivery of this Agreement by BBA and the consummation by
         BBA of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly
         authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of BBA. This
         Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Selling Parties
         and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Selling Parties,
         enforceable against the Selling Parties in accordance with its terms.
         Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(c), the execution and delivery of
         this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement and compliance with the provisions of
         this Agreement will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of,
         or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or
         give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of
         any obligation or to the loss of any benefit under, or result in the
         creation of any Liens upon, any of the properties or assets of BBA
         under (i) the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of BBA, (ii) any loan
         or

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 4

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         credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other
         agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license
         applicable to BBA or its properties or assets or any other Material
         Agreement, or (iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law,
         ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to BBA or its properties or
         assets. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(c), no consent, approval,
         order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with,
         any Governmental Entity, is required by or with respect to the Selling
         Parties in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement
         by the Selling Parties or the consummation by the Selling Parties of
         the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (d) Financial Statements. Schedule 3.1(d) contains (i) the
         reviewed balance sheets of BBA as of December 31, 2000 and 2001 and the
         year-to-date reviewed balance sheets as of June 30, 2002, as reviewed
         by (and together with the reports of his review) Brian Scarborough, and
         the related statements of operations and cash flows for the fiscal
         years or periods then ended, including the footnotes thereto
         (collectively, the "Financial Statements"), and (ii) the unreviewed
         balance sheet of BBA as of November 30, 2002 and the related statement
         of operations for the eleven-month period then ended (collectively, the
         "Current Financial Statements"). With the exception of the Exceptions
         to GAAP, such Financial Statements and Current Financial Statements
         have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
         accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied, and present
         fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of and results
         of operations of BBA as of and for the periods then ended.

                  (e) Undisclosed Liabilities. Except (i) as disclosed,
         reflected or reserved against in the Current Financial Statements, or
         (ii) for liabilities and obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
         business consistent with past practices since the date of the Current
         Financial Statements, BBA does not have any liabilities or obligations
         of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise)
         required by GAAP to be set forth on the Financial Statements or Current
         Financial Statements of BBA. No facts or circumstances exist whereby
         any employee, officer, director or agent of BBA would be entitled to
         make a claim for indemnification under the Articles of Incorporation or
         Bylaws of BBA or under the applicable law of the State of Texas.

                  (f) Absence of Certain Changes or Events with Respect to BBA.
         Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(f) hereto, since December 31, 2001,
         BBA has conducted its business in the ordinary course, and there has
         not been (i) any Material Adverse Change in or to BBA, (ii) any debt
         incurred or assumed (other than accounts payable in the ordinary course
         of business consistent with past practices), (iii) any redemption,
         repurchase, split, combination or reclassification of any of the Common
         Stock or any issuance or the authorization of any issuance of any other
         securities of BBA, (iv) any granting by BBA to any employee of BBA of
         any increase in compensation, except increases not in excess of five
         percent (5%) for all employees in the aggregate in any calendar year,
         made in the ordinary course of business consistent with prior practice,
         or any granting by BBA to any employee of any severance or termination
         pay, (v) any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by
         insurance, that has or could reasonably be expected to have a Material
         Adverse Effect on BBA, (vi) any

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 5

<PAGE>

         change in accounting methods, principles or practices by BBA,
         materially affecting its assets, liabilities or business, except
         insofar as any have been required by a change in GAAP and disclosed in
         the Financial Statements or Current Financial Statements, (vii) any
         acquisition of real property or undertaking or commitment to undertake
         capital expenditures exceeding $50,000.00 in the aggregate, (viii) any
         cancellation of any debts owed to or claims held by BBA, other than in
         the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, (ix)
         any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of, or mortgage, pledge
         or creation of any encumbrance on any assets of BBA, except
         transactions having an aggregate value of less than $25,000.00, made in
         the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, or (x)
         any repayments by BBA of loans made by Buell to BBA.

                  (g) Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(g), there
         is no suit, action or legal proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of
         the Selling Parties, threatened against or affecting BBA nor is there
         any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental
         Entity or arbitrator outstanding against BBA.

                  (h) Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans. Except to the extent
         necessary to qualify or remain qualified under Section 401 of the
         Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), since January
         1, 2000, there has not been any adoption or amendment of any collective
         bargaining agreement or any bonus, pension, profit sharing, deferred
         compensation, incentive compensation, stock ownership, stock purchase,
         stock option, phantom stock, retirement, vacation, severance,
         disability, death benefit, hospitalization, medical or other plan,
         arrangement or understanding (whether or not legally binding) providing
         benefits to any current or former employee, officer or director of BBA
         (collectively, "Benefit Plan"). Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(h),
         there exist no employment, consulting, severance, termination or
         indemnification agreements, arrangements or understandings between BBA
         and any current or former employee, officer or director of BBA.

                  (i) ERISA Compliance.

                           (i) Schedule 3.1(i) contains a list of all "employee
                  pension benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(2) of the
                  Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
                  ("ERISA")), "employee welfare benefit plans" (as defined in
                  Section 3(1) of ERISA), and all other Benefit Plans
                  maintained, or contributed to, by BBA for the benefit of any
                  current or former employees, officers or directors of BBA. BBA
                  has delivered to HIG true, complete and correct copies of (x)
                  each Benefit Plan (or, in the case of any unwritten Benefit
                  Plans, descriptions thereof), (y) the most recent annual
                  report on Form 5500 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
                  with respect to each Benefit Plan (if any such report was
                  required), and (z) each trust agreement and group annuity
                  contract relating to any Benefit Plan.

                           (ii) With respect to any Benefit Plan that is an
                  employee welfare benefit plan, except as set forth in Schedule
                  3.1(i), (x) no such Benefit Plan is unfunded or

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 6

<PAGE>

                  funded through a "welfare benefits fund," as such term is
                  defined in Section 419(e) of the Code, (y) with respect to
                  each such Benefit Plan that is a "group health plan," as such
                  term is defined in Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code, BBA has
                  complied in all material respects with the applicable
                  requirements of Section 4980B of the Code ("COBRA"), and (z)
                  each such Benefit Plan (including any such Benefit Plan
                  covering retirees or other former employees) may be amended or
                  terminated without material liability to BBA on or at any time
                  after the Closing. None of the Benefit Plans provides
                  post-employment health or other welfare benefits except to the
                  extent required by COBRA or except to the extent the
                  liabilities for such benefits are fully insured, fully funded
                  or entirely paid for by the participant.

                           (iii) BBA does not have any funding liability under
                  each Benefit Plan that is not subject to Title IV of ERISA,
                  whether insured or otherwise, and specifically any liabilities
                  under any retiree medical arrangement and specifically any
                  insured plan which provides for retroactive premium or other
                  adjustments. With respect to each Benefit Plan, all
                  contributions which are due have been paid, and all
                  contributions for the period ending on the Closing Date which
                  are not due have been fully accrued. No Benefit Plan is
                  subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code.

                           (iv) Other than claims for benefits arising in the
                  ordinary course of the administration and operation of the
                  Benefit Plans, no claims, investigations or arbitrations are
                  pending or, to the Knowledge of the Selling Parties,
                  threatened against any Benefit Plan, BBA, any trust or
                  arrangement created under or as part of any Benefit Plan, any
                  trustee, fiduciary, custodian, administrator or other person
                  or entity holding or controlling assets of any Benefit Plan,
                  and no basis to anticipate any such claim or claims exists.
                  Each Benefit Plan complies in form and operation, in all
                  material respects, with the applicable requirements of law.

                           (v) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(i), neither
                  the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
                  consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
                  Agreement will (x) accelerate the time of payment or vesting,
                  or increase the amount, of compensation or benefits due under
                  any Benefit Plan, (y) constitute or result in a prohibited
                  transaction with respect to any Benefit Plan under Section
                  4975 of the Code or ERISA Section 406 or 407 for which an
                  exemption is not available, or (z) constitute a "deemed
                  severance" or "deemed termination" under any Benefit Plan or
                  with respect to any Benefit Plan under any applicable law.

                           (vi) Each Benefit Plan that is intended to qualify
                  under Section 401(a) of the Code, has received a favorable
                  determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and the
                  Selling Parties are not aware of any facts or circumstances
                  which could result in the disqualification of any such Benefit
                  Plan.

                  (j) Taxes.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 7

<PAGE>

                           (i) BBA has filed all Tax Returns that it was
                  required to file. All such Tax Returns were correct and
                  complete in all material respects. All Taxes owed by BBA
                  (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid when
                  due. BBA is not currently the beneficiary of any extension of
                  time within which to file any Tax Return. No claim has ever
                  been made by an authority in a jurisdiction where BBA does not
                  file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by
                  that jurisdiction.

                           (ii) BBA has withheld and paid all Taxes required to
                  have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or
                  owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor,
                  stockholder, or other third party.

                           (iii) There is no material dispute or claim
                  concerning any Tax liability of BBA either (A) claimed or
                  raised by any taxing authority in writing or (B) as to which
                  any of the Selling Parties and the directors and officers of
                  BBA has knowledge based upon personal contact with any agent
                  of such taxing authority.

                           (iv) Schedule 3.1(j) lists all federal, state, local,
                  and foreign income and franchise Tax Returns filed with
                  respect to BBA for taxable periods on or after December 31,
                  1998, indicates all Tax Returns for taxable periods ended on
                  or after December 31, 1998 that have been audited, and
                  indicates all Tax Returns for taxable periods ended on or
                  after December 31, 1998 that currently are the subject of
                  audit. Schedule 3.1(j) also lists all payroll Tax Returns
                  filed by BBA for the December 31, 2002 fiscal year. The
                  Selling Parties have delivered or made available to HIG
                  correct and complete copies of all Tax Returns, examination
                  reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed against or
                  agreed to by BBA since August 27, 1998, the date of BBA's
                  formation. BBA has not waived any statute of limitations in
                  respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with
                  respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.

                           (v) There are no liens with respect to Taxes on any
                  of the assets of BBA, other than statutory liens for current
                  taxes not yet due and payable.

                           (vi) BBA has not filed a consent under Section 341(f)
                  of the Code concerning collapsible corporations.

                           (vii) BBA has not made any material payments, is not
                  obligated to make any material payments, and is not a party to
                  any agreement that under certain circumstances could obligate
                  it to make any material payments that will not be deductible
                  under Code Section 280G.

                           (viii) BBA is not and has not been a United States
                  real property holding corporation within the meaning of Code
                  Section 897(c)(2) during the applicable period in Code Section
                  897(c)(1)(A)(ii).

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 8

<PAGE>

                           (ix) BBA is not a party to a tax allocation or
                  sharing agreement. BBA has not (A) been a member of an
                  affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax
                  Return and (B) has no liability for Taxes of any Person (other
                  than BBA) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6, or any
                  similar provision of state, local or foreign law, as a
                  transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.

                           (x) The unpaid Taxes of BBA (A) did not, as of the
                  most recent fiscal month end, exceed the reserve for Tax
                  liability (rather than any reserve for deferred taxes
                  established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax
                  income) set forth in the Current Financial Statements and (B)
                  will not exceed that reserve as adjusted for operations and
                  transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the
                  past custom and practice of BBA in filing its Tax Returns,
                  except for unpaid Taxes of BBA payable to the State of Texas,
                  if any, which Buell shall not be responsible for under Section
                  4.2.

                           (xi) BBA will not be required to include any item of
                  income in, or exclude an item of deduction from, taxable
                  income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending
                  after the Closing Date as a result of (A) any change in method
                  of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the
                  Closing Date under Code Section 481(c) (or any corresponding
                  or similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law); (B)
                  a "closing agreement" as described in Code Section 7121 (or
                  any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or
                  foreign Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (C)
                  an installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or
                  prior to the Closing Date; or (D) a prepaid amount received on
                  or prior to the Closing Date.

                           (xii) BBA (and any predecessor thereof) has been a
                  validly electing S corporation within the meaning of Code
                  Sections 1361 and 1362 at all times during its existence and
                  will be an S corporation up to and including the Closing Date.
                  BBA has no "qualified Subchapter S subsidiary" within the
                  meaning of Code Section 1361(b)(3)(B).

                           (xiii) BBA will not be liable for any Tax under Code
                  Section 1374 in connection with the deemed sale of BBA's
                  assets caused by the Code Section 338(h)(10) election. BBA has
                  not in the past ten (10) years, (A) acquired assets from
                  another corporation in a transaction in which BBA's Tax basis
                  for the acquired assets was determined, in whole or in part,
                  by reference to the Tax basis of the acquired assets (or any
                  other property) in the hands of the transferor or (B) acquired
                  the stock of any corporation which is a qualified subchapter S
                  subsidiary.

                  (k) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(k), no
         broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person, the fees
         and expenses of which will be paid by BBA, is entitled to any broker's,
         finder's, financial advisor's or other similar fee or commission in
         connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based
         upon

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 9

<PAGE>

         arrangements made by or on behalf of BBA. It is agreed that any
         broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or other similar fee or
         commission due by BBA shall be paid by Buell.

                  (l) Compliance with Laws; Environmental Laws.

                           (i) BBA has in effect all Permits necessary for it to
                  own, lease or operate its properties and assets and to carry
                  on its business substantially as now conducted, and there has
                  occurred no default under any such Permit except where the
                  failure to have a Permit or the existence of a default would
                  not have a Material Adverse Effect. BBA is and has been in
                  compliance with all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances,
                  regulations, rules, judgments, decrees or orders of any
                  Governmental Entity in the conduct of its business, except
                  where the failure to be in compliance would not have a
                  Material Adverse Effect.

                           (ii) Neither BBA nor Buell has received any written
                  communication from a Governmental Entity alleging that BBA is
                  not in compliance in any material respect with, or has
                  liability under, any Environmental Laws. BBA holds, and has
                  complied with and is in compliance with, all Permits required
                  for BBA to conduct its business under Environmental Laws, and
                  BBA is in compliance with all Environmental Laws except where
                  the failure to have a Permit or to be in compliance would not
                  have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (m) Title to Properties; Liens. BBA has good title to, or
         valid leasehold interests in, all of its tangible properties and
         assets. All such tangible assets and properties, other than assets and
         properties in which it has a leasehold interest, are free and clear of
         all Liens, except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(m). Upon consummation of
         the transactions proposed herein, BBA will own the assets of BBA free
         and clear of all Liens.

                  (n) Leased Real Property. Schedule 3.1(n) contains a list and
         brief description of all of the leased real property of BBA (the
         "Leased Real Property"). The Leased Real Property constitutes all real
         properties used or occupied by BBA in connection with its business. BBA
         owns no real property.

                  (o) Accounts Receivable; Inventories.

                           (i) Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.1(o), all
                  accounts of BBA reflected in the Current Financial Statements
                  (other than accounts receivable due by HIG) have arisen from
                  bona fide arms length transactions by BBA in the ordinary
                  course of business, and BBA has performed all of its
                  obligations in connection with such accounts receivable.
                  Schedule 3.1(o) contains a true and accurate aging schedule of
                  all accounts receivable of BBA (including those with HIG) as
                  of November 30, 2002.

                           (ii) Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.1(o), the
                  inventories of BBA (including raw materials, supplies and
                  other materials) are accurately reflected in all

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 10

<PAGE>

                  material respects in the Current Financial Statements at the
                  lower of cost or market in accordance with GAAP.

                  (p) Employee Relations.

                           (i) Schedule 3.1(p) hereto sets forth a list of (x)
                  all employees, commission salespersons and independent
                  contractors of BBA as of November 30, 2002, (y) then current
                  annual compensation of, and a description of fringe benefits
                  provided by BBA to any such employees, commission salespersons
                  and independent contractors, and (z) any increase, effective
                  on or after November 30, 2002, in the rate or manner of
                  compensation of any employees, commission salespersons or
                  independent contractors.

                           (ii) BBA has no employment, consulting or collective
                  bargaining agreement with any director, officer or employee of
                  BBA, except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(p).

                           (iii) BBA is and has complied with all laws, rules
                  and regulations which relate to hiring, termination, wages,
                  hours, discrimination in employment, working conditions,
                  including without limitation, laws, rules and regulations
                  relating to equal employment opportunities, fair employment
                  practices and occupational health and safety, and collective
                  bargaining and is not liable for any arrears of wages or any
                  Taxes (including penalties) for failure to so comply with any
                  of the foregoing.

                           (iv) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1(p), none of
                  the employees of BBA is represented for purposes of their
                  employment by a labor organization and, to the best of the
                  Knowledge of the Selling Parties, no petition has been filed.

                           (v) There is no unfair labor practice charge or
                  complaint against BBA pending before any Governmental Entity.
                  There is no charge or complaint against BBA pending, or to the
                  Knowledge of the Selling Parties, threatened under any Legal
                  Requirement. There is no labor strike, dispute or stoppage, or
                  any union organizing campaign or petition for certification
                  actually pending or, to the best Knowledge of the Selling
                  Parties, threatened against or involving BBA. No labor
                  grievance has been filed with BBA, has arisen out of or under
                  a collective bargaining or other labor agreement and is
                  pending, and no claim therefor has been asserted. BBA has not
                  experienced any work stoppage over the past two (2) years.

                  (q) Insurance. Schedule 3.1(q) sets forth a list of all
         policies of insurance maintained, owned or held by or for the benefit
         of BBA on the date hereof. BBA shall use reasonable efforts to keep or
         cause such insurance or comparable insurance to be kept in effect
         through the Closing Date. BBA has complied with its obligations under
         each of such insurance policies, and to the Knowledge of Selling
         Parties, has not failed to give any notice or present any claim
         thereunder in a due and timely manner.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 11

<PAGE>

                  (r) Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 3.1(r) sets forth a list
         of names and addresses of all customers (other than HIG) and all
         suppliers, individually accounting for $50,000.00 or more of BBA's
         sales or purchases during the twelve (12) calendar months prior to
         November 1, 2002. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(r), there exists
         no actual termination or cancellation of the business relationship of
         BBA with any customer or group of customers or with any supplier or
         group of suppliers listed therein with respect to which BBA has
         received written or oral notice of such termination or cancellation, as
         the case may be.

                  (s) Leased Personal Property. Schedule 3.1(s) contains a list
         of all leases involving aggregate lease payments over the life of such
         lease in excess of $1,000.00 under which BBA is a lessee of or holds or
         operates any personal property owned by any third person, and true,
         complete and correct copies (or, in the case of oral leases, written
         descriptions) of such leases have been previously furnished to HIG.

                  (t) Transactions with Related Parties. Except as set forth on
         Schedule 3.1(t), Buell, nor any spouse, child, parent, sibling or any
         other person or entity closely related to or affiliated with Buell, as
         the case may be, (i) owns any equity interest, directly or indirectly
         in, or is an officer or director of, any proprietorship, firm, company,
         corporation, partnership or other entity which: (a) is a competitor of
         BBA; (b) is a customer or supplier of BBA; or (c) has any contractual
         or business relationship whatsoever with BBA; provided that the
         foregoing does not apply to the ownership by any of them of not more
         than five percent (5%) of any outstanding security (or any class
         thereof) of any corporation or partnership listed on a national
         securities exchange or traded over-the-counter on NASDAQ; or (ii) has
         or claims to have any direct or indirect interest in any tangible or
         intangible property of BBA, except with respect to Buell as a holder of
         Common Stock of BBA.

                  (u) Material Agreements.

                           (i) Schedule 3.1(u) contains a true and complete list
                  of all written and oral contracts, agreements, instruments and
                  other understandings and commitments to which BBA is a party
                  (all such contracts, agreements, instruments and other
                  understandings and commitments, together with those listed on
                  the other Schedules hereto, being collectively called
                  "Material Agreements" herein). Except as set forth on Schedule
                  3.1(u), BBA is not a party to any of the following, whether
                  written or oral:

                                    (A) distributorship, dealer, sales,
                           advertising, agency, manufacturer's representative or
                           other contract relating to the payment of a
                           commission;

                                    (B) collective bargaining agreement or other
                           contract with or commitments to any labor union or
                           proposed labor union;

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 12

<PAGE>

                                    (C) continuing contract for the purchase of
                           products, materials, supplies, equipment or services
                           under which the undelivered balance thereof has a
                           selling price in excess of $10,000.00 and under which
                           BBA is obligated to perform for a period in excess of
                           ninety (90) days after Closing, which is not
                           terminable by BBA with less than thirty (30) days
                           prior written notice without cost, forfeiture or
                           other liability at or at any time after the Closing;

                                    (D) contract for sales under which the
                           undelivered balance thereof has a selling price in
                           excess of $10,000.00 and under which BBA is obligated
                           to perform for a period in excess of ninety (90) days
                           after Closing, which is not immediately terminable by
                           BBA without cost or other liability at or at any time
                           after the Closing;

                                    (E) contract for future sales which is not
                           immediately terminable by BBA without cost or other
                           liability at or at any time after the Closing;

                                    (F) contract or commitment for the
                           employment of any officer, employee or consultant or
                           any other type of contract or understanding with any
                           officer, employee or consultant, including any
                           agreement or understanding relating to severance
                           payments;

                                    (G) indenture, mortgage, promissory note,
                           loan agreement, pledge agreement, guarantee or other
                           agreement or commitment for the borrowing of money,
                           for a line of credit or for a leasing transaction of
                           a type required to be capitalized in accordance with
                           the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
                           13 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board;

                                    (H) contract or commitment for charitable
                           contributions, either in excess of $1,000.00
                           individually, or $5,000.00 in the aggregate;

                                    (I) contract or commitment for capital
                           expenditures in excess of either $10,000.00
                           individually, or $25,000.00 in the aggregate;

                                    (J) agreement or arrangement for the sale of
                           any assets, properties or rights or services or
                           products other than the sale thereof in the ordinary
                           course of business at normal profit margins;

                                    (K) contract with respect to the lending or
                           investing of funds;

                                    (L) contract or indemnification with respect
                           to any form of intangible property, including any
                           intellectual property rights or confidential and
                           proprietary information (except prepackaged software
                           used in the ordinary course of business);

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 13

<PAGE>

                                    (M) contract which restricts BBA from
                           engaging in any aspect of its business anywhere in
                           the world;

                                    (N) contract or group of related contracts
                           with the same person (excluding purchase orders
                           entered into in the ordinary course of business which
                           are to be completed within three (3) months of
                           entering into such purchase orders) for the purchase
                           or sale of products or services under which the
                           undelivered balance thereof has a selling price in
                           excess of $10,000.00;

                                    (O) agreement for the acquisition or
                           disposition of any entity or a division of an entity
                           made within the preceding ten (10) years; or

                                    (P) any other contract material to the
                           business of BBA.

                           (ii) All Material Agreements are in full force and
                  effect, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the
                  respective parties thereto, and are enforceable in accordance
                  with their respective terms. BBA has in all material respects
                  performed all of the obligations required to be performed by
                  it to date pursuant to the Material Agreements, and there
                  exists no material default, or any event which upon the giving
                  of notice or the passage of time, or both, would give rise to
                  a claim of a material default in the performance by BBA or, to
                  the Knowledge of the Selling Parties, any other party to any
                  of the Material Agreements. HIG has been furnished with true,
                  complete and correct copies of all Material Agreements.

                  (v) No Additional Representations. THE SELLING PARTIES DO NOT
         MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY NATURE
         WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, EXCEPT
         FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS
         AGREEMENT.

         SECTION 3.2 Representations and Warranties of Buell. As an inducement
to HIG to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, Buell hereby represents and warrants to HIG that the
following statements (in addition to those set forth in Section 3.1) are true
and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct with
equal force and effect as of the Closing Date:

                  (a) Authority of Buell.

                           (i) This Agreement has been duly executed and
                  delivered by Buell and is the legal, valid and binding
                  obligation of Buell enforceable against Buell in accordance
                  with its terms.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 14

<PAGE>

                           (ii) Neither the execution and delivery of this
                  Agreement nor the consummation of any of the transactions
                  contemplated hereby or compliance with or fulfillment of the
                  terms, conditions and provisions hereof or thereof, by Buell,
                  will:

                                    (y) conflict with, result in a breach of the
                           terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a
                           default, an event of default or an event creating
                           rights of acceleration, termination or cancellation
                           or a loss of rights under, (1) any material note,
                           instrument, agreement, mortgage, lease, license,
                           franchise, permit or other authorization, right,
                           restriction or obligation to which Buell is a party
                           or is bound, or (2) any court order to which Buell is
                           a party or to which any of the assets or properties
                           of Buell is subject or by which Buell is bound; or

                                    (z) require the approval, consent,
                           authorization or act of, or making by Buell of any
                           declaration, filing or registration with, any person
                           or entity.

                  (b) Title to Common Shares.

                           (i) Except for this Agreement and as set forth in
                  Schedule 3.2(b), Buell has no agreements, arrangements,
                  options, warrants, calls, rights or commitments of any
                  character relating to the issuance, sale, purchase or
                  redemption of any Common Stock.

                           (ii) The delivery by Buell of her Acquired Stock to
                  HIG pursuant to this Agreement will transfer and convey good
                  title thereto to HIG, free and clear of all Liens.

                  (c) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.2(c), no
         broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person is
         entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or other
         similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on
         behalf of Buell.

                  (d) No Additional Representations. BUELL DOES NOT MAKE ANY
         REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY NATURE
         WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, EXCEPT
         FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS
         AGREEMENT.

         SECTION 3.3 Representations and Warranties of HIG. HIG hereby
represents and warrants to the Selling Parties that the following statements are
true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct
with equal force and effect as of the Closing Date:

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 15

<PAGE>

                  (a) Organization, Standing and Corporation Power of HIG. HIG
         is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
         under the laws of the State of Texas and has the requisite corporate
         power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted.

                  (b) Authority; Noncontravention. HIG has all requisite
         corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
         consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The
         execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized
         by all necessary corporate action on the part of HIG. This Agreement
         has been duly executed and delivered by HIG and constitutes a valid and
         binding obligation of HIG, enforceable against HIG in accordance with
         its terms. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and
         the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
         compliance with the provisions of this Agreement will not, conflict
         with, or result in any violation of the Articles of Incorporation or
         Bylaws of HIG. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
         registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is
         required by or with respect to HIG in connection with the execution and
         delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by HIG, of any of the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (c) Litigation. There is no suit, action or proceeding pending
         or, to the knowledge of HIG, threatened against or affecting HIG that,
         individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to (i)
         impair the ability of HIG to perform its obligations under this
         Agreement or (ii) prevent the consummation of any of the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement, nor is there any judgment, decree,
         injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
         outstanding against HIG having, or which, insofar as reasonably can be
         foreseen, would have any such effect in the future.

                  (d) Brokers. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.3(d), no
         broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other person, the fees
         and expenses of which will be paid by HIG, is entitled to any broker's,
         finder's, financial advisor's or other similar fee or commission in
         connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based
         upon arrangements made by or on behalf of HIG.

                  (e) Investment Intent. The Acquired Stock to be acquired by
         HIG hereunder is being acquired for its own account for investment and
         with no intention of distributing or reselling such Acquired Stock or
         any part thereof or interest therein in any transaction which would be
         in violation of the securities laws of the United States of America or
         any state or any foreign country or jurisdiction.

                  (f) Transfer Restrictions. If HIG should decide to dispose of
         any of the Acquired Stock, HIG understands and agrees that it may do so
         only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
         Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") or pursuant to an
         exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 16

<PAGE>

                  (g) HIG Status. At the date hereof, HIG is, and at the Closing
         Date, HIG will be, an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a)
         under the Securities Act, and HIG has such knowledge, sophistication
         and experience in business and financial matters so as to be capable of
         evaluating BBA and an investment in the Acquired Stock, and is able to
         bear the economic risk of such investment.

                  (h) No Additional Representations. HIG DOES NOT MAKE ANY
         REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY NATURE
         WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, EXCEPT
         FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS
         AGREEMENT.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                    COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

         SECTION 4.1 Conduct of Business by the Selling Parties. During the
period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, the Selling Parties
shall carry on the businesses of BBA in the usual, regular and ordinary course
in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted and, to the extent
consistent therewith, use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact BBA's
current business organization, keep available the services of its current
officers and employees and preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers,
licensors, licensees, distributors and others having business dealings with it
to the end that BBA's goodwill, ongoing business and the assets of BBA shall be
unimpaired at the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, during the period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing
Date, without the prior written consent of HIG, BBA shall not, and Buell shall
not cause or permit BBA to:

                  (a) (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make
         any other distributions in respect of, any of its capital stock, (ii)
         split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or
         authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu
         of, or in substitution for shares of its capital stock, or (iii)
         purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock
         or any other securities thereof or any rights, warrants or options to
         acquire any such shares or other securities;

                  (b) issue, deliver, sell, pledge or otherwise encumber any
         shares of its capital stock, any other voting securities or any
         securities convertible into, or any rights, warrants or options to
         acquire, any such shares, voting securities or convertible securities;

                  (c) amend its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, or other
         comparable charter or organizational documents;

                  (d) acquire or agree to acquire (i) by merging or
         consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of the
         assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation,
         partnership, joint venture, association or other business organization
         or division

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 17

<PAGE>

         thereof, or (ii) any assets that are material, individually or in the
         aggregate, to it, except purchases of inventory and other assets in the
         ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and capital
         expenditures permitted by clause (g) below;

                  (e) mortgage or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien or
         sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any of its material properties or
         assets, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
         practice;

                  (f) (i) incur any additional indebtedness for borrowed money,
         guarantee any indebtedness of another person, issue or sell any debt
         securities or warrants or other rights to acquire any debt securities
         of it, or guarantee any debt securities of another person, or (ii) make
         any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any
         other person;

                  (g) except for the capital expenditures set forth in Schedule
         4.1(g) hereto, make or agree to make any new capital expenditures which
         in the aggregate are in excess of $10,000.00;

                  (h) settle or compromise any Tax liability or make any Tax
         election or change in any method, practice or principle regarding
         Taxes;

                  (i) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or
         obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
         otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction, in the
         ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or in
         accordance with their terms, of liabilities reflected or reserved
         against in, or contemplated by, the Current Financial Statements or
         incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
         practice, or waive the benefits of, or agree to modify in any manner,
         any confidentiality, standstill or similar agreement;

                  (j) enter into any employment, bonus or severance agreements
         (or amend any of the foregoing) with any of its present employees or
         officers;

                  (k) amend, modify, terminate or breach any Material Agreement
         or enter into any agreement that would constitute a Material Agreement
         hereunder; or

                  (l) authorize any of, or commit or agree to take any of, the
         foregoing actions.

         SECTION 4.2 Section 338(h)(10) Election. At HIG's option, BBA and Buell
shall join with HIG in making an election under Code Section 338(h)(10) (and any
corresponding election under state, local, and foreign tax law) with respect to
the purchase and sale of the Acquired Stock hereunder (collectively, a "Section
338(h)(10) Election"). Buell shall include any income, gain, loss, deduction, or
other tax item resulting from the Section 338(h)(10) Election on her Tax Returns
to the extent required or permitted by applicable law. Buell shall also pay any
Taxes imposed on BBA attributable to the making of the Section 338(h)(10)
Election, including but not limited to (i) any Taxes imposed under Code Section
1374, (ii) any Taxes imposed under the Treasury Regulations

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 18

<PAGE>

promulgated with respect to Code Section 338(h)(10), and (iii) any local or
foreign Taxes imposed on BBA's gain, but excluding any state Taxes imposed on
BBA's gain, which BBA will pay. Buell shall indemnify HIG and BBA against any
adverse consequences arising out of any failure to pay any such Taxes for which
Buell has responsibility, and HIG and BBA shall indemnify Buell against any
adverse consequence arising out of any failure to pay any such Taxes for which
BBA has responsibility.

         SECTION 4.3 Allocation of Purchase Price. HIG and the Selling Parties
agree that the Purchase Price and the liabilities of BBA (plus other relevant
items) will be allocated to the assets of BBA for all Tax purposes, in a manner
consistent with the allocation schedule attached as Schedule 4.3. HIG and the
Selling Parties agree to file all Tax Returns (including amended returns and
claims for refund) and information reports in a manner consistent with such
allocation.

         SECTION 4.4 S Corporation Election. BBA will not revoke its election to
be taxed as an S corporation within the meaning of Code Sections 1361 and 1362
prior to the Closing Date. BBA will not take or allow any action that would
result in the termination of BBA's status as a validly electing S corporation
within the meaning of Code Sections 1361 and 1362 prior to the Closing Date.

         SECTION 4.5 Preparation of Tax Returns. HIG shall prepare or cause to
be prepared and file or cause to be filed all Tax Returns for BBA for all
periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date which are filed after the Closing
Date. HIG shall provide such Tax Returns to Buell at least forty five (45) days
prior to the due date of same (except in circumstances in which HIG is unable,
despite diligent efforts, to prepare Tax Returns sufficiently in advance of the
filing deadlines to permit a forty five (45) day review period, in which case
the review period shall be as close to forty five (45) days as is reasonably
possible) to permit Buell to review and comment on each such Tax Returns prior
to filing. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Buell shall include any
income, gain, loss, deduction or other tax items for such periods on her Tax
Returns in a manner consistent with the Schedule K-1s furnished by HIG with
respect to BBA for such periods. Subject to Section 4.2, Buell shall reimburse
HIG for any Taxes of BBA with respect to such periods within fifteen (15) days
after payment by HIG or BBA of such Taxes to the extent such Taxes are not
reflected in the reserve for Tax liability (rather than any reserve for deferred
Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income)
shown in the Current Financial Statements.

         SECTION 4.6 Cooperation on Taxes. HIG and the Selling Parties shall
cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party,
in connection with the filing of Tax Returns pursuant to this Agreement and any
audit, litigation or other proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation
shall include (A) the retention and (upon the other party's request) the
provision of records and information which are reasonably relevant to any such
audit, litigation or other proceeding and (B) making employees available on a
mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of
any material provided hereunder. Buell agrees to (A) retain all books and
records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to BBA relating to any taxable
period beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the statute of
limitations (and any extensions thereof) of the respective taxable periods and
to abide by all record retention agreements

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 19

<PAGE>

entered into with any taxing authority, and (B) to give the other party
reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding any
such books and records.

         SECTION 4.7 Tax Sharing Agreements. All Tax sharing or similar
agreements with respect to or involving BBA shall be terminated as of the
Closing Date, and after the Closing Date, BBA shall not be bound thereby or have
any liability thereunder.

         SECTION 4.8 Other Actions. The Selling Parties and HIG shall not take
any action that would result in (i) any of the representations and warranties of
such party set forth in this Agreement becoming untrue, or (ii) any of the
conditions to the Closing set forth in Article VI not being satisfied.

                                    ARTICLE V

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

         SECTION 5.1 Access to Information; Confidentiality. The Selling Parties
shall afford to HIG reasonable access, during normal business hours during the
period prior to the Closing Date, to BBA's properties, books, contracts,
licenses, commitments, personnel and operating and other records and, during
such period, BBA shall furnish promptly to HIG all information concerning its
business, properties and personnel as HIG may reasonably request with regard to
BBA's business. Each party shall treat in confidence all documents, materials
and other information which it shall have obtained regarding the other party
during the course of the negotiations leading to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (whether obtained before or after the date of
this Agreement), and, in the event the transactions contemplated hereby shall
not be consummated, each party will return to the other party all copies of
nonpublic documents and materials which have been furnished in connection
therewith. Such documents, materials and information shall not be communicated
to any third person (other than to the respective counsel, accountants,
financial advisors, engineers, or the lenders of any party). Prior to the
Closing, HIG shall not use any confidential information in any manner whatsoever
except solely for the purpose of evaluating the proposed purchase and sale of
the Acquired Stock, or the negotiation or enforcement of this Agreement or any
agreement contemplated hereby. The obligation of each party to treat such
documents, materials and other information in confidence shall not apply to any
information that (i) is or becomes lawfully available to such party from a
source other than the furnishing party, provided that such confidential
information is not known by the receiving party to be subject to another
confidentially agreement with or other obligation of secrecy to the furnishing
party, (ii) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a
result of disclosure by such receiving party or its agents, or (iii) is required
to be disclosed under applicable law or judicial process, but only to the extent
it must be disclosed, and after notice to the furnishing party.

         SECTION 5.2 Reasonable Efforts; Notification.

                  (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
         this Agreement, the parties shall use all reasonable efforts to take,
         or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 20

<PAGE>

         cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in
         doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make
         effective, in the most expeditious manner reasonably practicable, the
         Closing, and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
         including (i) the obtaining of all necessary actions or nonactions,
         waivers, consents and approvals from Governmental Entities and the
         making of all necessary registrations and filings (including filings
         with Governmental Entities, if any) and the taking of all reasonable
         steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from, or to
         avoid an action or proceeding by, any Governmental Entity, (ii) the
         obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third
         parties, (iii) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal
         proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this
         Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
         by this Agreement, including seeking to have any stay or temporary
         restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity
         vacated or reversed, and (iv) the execution and delivery of any
         additional instruments necessary to consummate the transactions
         contemplated by, and to fully carry out the purposes of, this
         Agreement.

                  (b) The Selling Parties shall give prompt notice to HIG, and
         HIG shall give prompt notice to the Selling Parties, of (i) any
         representation or warranty made by such party contained in this
         Agreement that has become untrue or inaccurate in any material respect,
         or (ii) the failure by it to comply with or satisfy any covenant,
         condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under
         this Agreement; provided, however, that such notification shall not, in
         and of itself, excuse or otherwise affect the representations,
         warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties or the conditions to
         the obligations of the parties under this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.3 Fees and Expenses.

                  (a) Except as set forth in Section 5.3(b):

                           (i) if the Closing and purchase of the Acquired Stock
                  is consummated, all fees and expenses incurred by HIG in
                  connection with the Closing, this Agreement and the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Expenses")
                  shall be paid by HIG and all Expenses incurred by the Selling
                  Parties shall be paid by Buell, and

                           (ii) if the Closing and purchase of the Acquired
                  Stock is not consummated, all Expenses shall be paid by the
                  party incurring such expenses.

                  (b) In the case of a willful and material breach of this
         Agreement by any party, all reasonable fees and expenses incurred by
         the prevailing, nonbreaching party or parties in connection with such
         breach, shall be paid by the party breaching this Agreement.

         SECTION 5.4 Public Announcements. HIG and the Selling Parties will
consult with each other before issuing, and will provide to each other the
opportunity to review and comment upon,

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 21

<PAGE>

any press release or other public statements with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and shall not issue any press release or make
any public statement prior to such consultation and prior to the Closing Date,
except as may be required by applicable law, court process or obligations
pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange, in
which case the party required to make the release or announcement shall allow
the other parties reasonable time to comment on such release or announcement in
advance of such issuance.

         SECTION 5.5 Bank Accounts. Prior to the Closing Date, BBA will deliver
to HIG a list of all bank accounts, accounts with any other type of financial
institution and safe deposit boxes of BBA and persons authorized to sign or
otherwise act with respect thereto as of the date thereof.

         SECTION 5.6 Restrictive Covenants. As a material inducement to HIG to
enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, Buell covenants and
agrees, as follows:

                           (a) For a period equal to the Restricted Period,
                  Buell shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or in
                  conjunction with any other corporation, firm, partnership,
                  person, venture or other entity (except as a holder of an
                  aggregate of not more than five percent (5%) of the
                  outstanding stock of a corporation or partnership whose stock
                  or partnership interests are listed on a national securities
                  exchange or traded over the counter on NASDAQ) own, manage,
                  operate, join, control, work for, permit the use of her name
                  by, consult with or engage in any activity anywhere within the
                  United States (the "Territory"), that is in any way
                  competitive with any aspect of the business of BBA as
                  presently conducted (the "Business"). The term "Restricted
                  Period" means the two (2) year period beginning on the date of
                  termination of Buell's employment with BBA, unless Buell's
                  employment with BBA was terminated by BBA without Cause or was
                  terminated by Buell for Good Reason, in which case the
                  Restricted Period means the one (1) year period beginning on
                  the date of termination of Buell's employment with BBA.

                           (b) The covenant contained in Section 5.6(a) above
                  shall be deemed to be a series of separate and severable
                  covenants, one for each state located in the Territory. Except
                  for geographic coverage, each such separate covenant shall be
                  deemed identical in terms with the covenant contained in
                  Section 5.6(a). If, in any judicial proceeding, a court should
                  refuse to enforce all of the separate covenants deemed
                  included in Section 5.6(a) because taken together they cover
                  too extensive a geographic area, then it is intended that
                  those of such covenants which, if eliminated, would permit the
                  remaining separate covenants to be enforced in such
                  proceedings shall, for the purpose of such proceeding, be
                  deemed eliminated from the provisions hereof.

                           (c) The covenant contained in Section 5.6(a) above
                  shall be deemed to be a series of separate and severable
                  covenants, one for each successive month during the terms of
                  said covenants. If, in any judicial proceeding, a court should
                  refuse to enforce all of the separate covenants because taken
                  together they cover too long a

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 22

<PAGE>

                  period of time, then the last of such covenants in time which,
                  if eliminated, would permit the remaining separate covenants
                  to be enforced in such proceeding shall, for the purpose of
                  such proceeding, be deemed eliminated from the provisions
                  hereof.

                           (d) Any and all Proprietary Information which Buell
                  heretofore obtained or may hereafter obtain with respect to
                  the conduct and/or details of any portion of the Business
                  conducted by either BBA or HIG or any of HIG's Affiliates, or
                  their respective successors, shall be held inviolate and shall
                  not be revealed to any competitor of HIG or any other person,
                  partnership, firm, corporation or entity. Buell shall not make
                  any use of such Proprietary Information, except for and on
                  behalf of HIG. "Proprietary Information" shall mean knowledge
                  and information, relating to any portion of the Business of
                  HIG or HIG's Affiliates whether written or oral, which: (i) is
                  not generally available to the public; (ii) gives or may give
                  any competitive advantage to HIG with respect to the operation
                  of the Business or its successors; or, (iii) if disclosed,
                  could give any advantage to a competitor of the Business or
                  its successors or could otherwise be deleterious to any
                  portion of the Business.

                           (e) During the Restricted Period, Buell will not,
                  directly or indirectly, request, induce, influence or solicit
                  any employee, customer, or supplier of BBA, HIG or any
                  Affiliate of HIG (including, without limitation, any employee
                  of BBA who is hired as an employee by HIG) known by Buell, as
                  the case may be (through the exercise of due diligence), to be
                  an employee, customer or supplier of BBA, HIG or any Affiliate
                  of HIG, to terminate his, her or its employment or business
                  relationship with HIG.

                           (f) The parties recognize that the goodwill and going
                  concern value of BBA being purchased and acquired by HIG are
                  very closely related to the special, unique and extraordinary
                  knowledge and skill of Buell and that the consummation by HIG
                  of this Agreement will be in reliance upon the unconditional
                  assurance of Buell that she will fully comply with the terms
                  of this Agreement, particularly, but not limited to, such
                  terms as they relate to covenants and undertakings not to
                  engage in competition or to divulge information. Further, the
                  period of protection of HIG against the competition of Buell
                  and the geographical area within which such protection is
                  essential has been agreed by the parties to be reasonable and
                  necessary. Therefore, if Buell shall at any time breach or in
                  any manner violate any such covenant, then HIG in addition to,
                  but not in substitution for, any and all other relief to which
                  HIG may be entitled either at law or in equity, shall be
                  entitled to equitable relief against Buell by way of
                  injunction to restrain Buell from such breach and to compel
                  compliance by Buell with her obligations hereunder. Buell does
                  hereby waive any proof: (i) that such breach will cause
                  irreparable injury to HIG or, (ii) that there is no adequate
                  remedy at law.

                           (g) In the event that a court of competent
                  jurisdiction shall refuse to enforce the provisions of the
                  restrictive covenant set forth in Section 5.6(a) of this

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 23

<PAGE>

                  Agreement because it deems the length of time or the
                  geographical area to be excessive or unreasonable, then the
                  time period or the geographical area, or both, shall be deemed
                  to be amended to conform to such time period and geographical
                  area as such court shall determine to be reasonable and not
                  excessive.

                           (h) In the event HIG is in default in its obligation
                  to pay any amount due under Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 above or
                  the Buell Agreement, and such default continues for thirty
                  (30) days following the receipt by HIG from Buell of written
                  notice of such default, then the obligations of Buell under
                  Section 5.6(a) shall terminate. Further, in such event,
                  obligations of Buell under Section 5.6(e) shall terminate, but
                  only as to those employees, customers and suppliers of BBA
                  that were employees, customers and suppliers of BBA as of the
                  Closing Date.

                           (i) Capitalized terms used in this Section 5.6 shall
                  have the meanings set forth in the Buell Agreement.

         SECTION 5.7 Buell Employment and Non-Competition Agreement. At Closing,
Buell, HIG (or one of its Affiliates) and BBA shall execute an Employment and
Non-Competition Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit "B" (the "Buell
Agreement"). The Buell Agreement shall provide for a term of employment through
December 31, 2007 (the "Employment Period"), provided, however, that Buell's
employment may be terminated prior to December 31, 2007 by Buell or by BBA. It
is agreed that, if (a) Buell terminates her employment during the Employment
Period without Good Reason, or (b) BBA terminates Buell's employment during the
Employment Period for Cause, then no payment scheduled to be paid after the date
of such termination shall be due to Buell under Section 1.3 of this Agreement.
It is further agreed that if (a) Buell terminates her employment during the
Employment Period with Good Reason, (b) BBA terminates Buell's employment during
the Employment Period without Cause, (c) Buell dies during the Employment
Period, or (d) Buell's employment terminates during the Employment Period as a
result of Disability, then Buell shall, nevertheless, be entitled to the
Deferred Payments under Section 1.3 of this Agreement, provided that the
requirements of Section 1.3 (regarding gross revenue from HIG Retail Sales) are
satisfied. Capitalized terms used in this Section 5.7 shall have the meanings
set forth in the Buell Agreement.

         SECTION 5.8 Cancellation of Certain Agreements. Prior to the Closing
Date, the Selling Parties shall cause the cancellation of the agreements listed
in Schedule 5.8. The cancellation of the agreements listed in Schedule 5.8 will
be done in such a manner that (i) each such agreement shall be of no further
force and effect, (ii) no rights, duties, or obligations shall exist between the
parties to each such agreement (or any other party) by virtue of such agreement
and (iii) HIG and BBA shall have no rights, duties or obligations of any kind or
nature on or after the Closing Date to any person with respect to such
agreement. Any agreement(s) and other documents evidencing the transactions
contemplated in this Section 5.8 shall be in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to HIG.

         SECTION 5.9 Life Insurance on the Life of Buell. HIG shall be entitled,
at its option, to obtain as owner and beneficiary life insurance on the life of
Buell. Buell agrees to cooperate fully

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 24

<PAGE>

with HIG and insurance carriers selected by HIG in providing information and
submitting to medical testing necessary to obtain such life insurance.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         SECTION 6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Closing. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Closing are
subject to the satisfaction, or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:

                  (a) Authorizations, Consents, and Approvals. Any
         authorizations, consents, approvals, orders or waivers required to be
         obtained, and all filings, notices or declarations required to be made
         with any Federal, foreign, state or local governmental regulatory
         agency, shall have been obtained or made.

                  (b) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining
         order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any
         court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition
         preventing the Closing shall be in effect; provided, however, that each
         of the parties shall have used such party's reasonable efforts to
         prevent the entry of any such injunction or other order and to appeal
         as promptly as possible any injunction or other order that may be
         entered.

         SECTION 6.2 Conditions to Obligations of HIG. The obligations of HIG to
effect the Closing and to purchase the Acquired Stock pursuant to this Agreement
shall, at the option of HIG, be subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the
Closing Date, of the following conditions:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
         warranties of the Selling Parties, set forth in this Agreement, in each
         case as of the date of this Agreement, and as of the Closing Date as
         though made on and as of the Closing Date, shall be true and correct,
         and HIG shall have received a certificate to such effect, signed on
         behalf of BBA by an authorized officer of BBA with respect to
         representations and warranties of BBA, and signed by Buell with respect
         to representations and warranties of Buell.

                  (b) Performance of Obligations of the Selling Parties. The
         Selling Parties shall have performed all obligations required to be
         performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date,
         and HIG shall have received a certificate to such effect signed on
         behalf of BBA by an authorized officer of BBA as well as a certificate
         to such effect signed by Buell with respect to obligations of Buell.

                  (c) No Suit or Judgment. There shall be no suit or proceeding
         instituted to prohibit or otherwise challenge the legality or validity
         of the transactions contemplated hereby, and there shall be no
         judgment, order or decree by any court with proper jurisdiction
         prohibiting consummation of such transactions.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 25

<PAGE>

                  (d) Opinion of Counsel. HIG shall have received a written
         opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, from counsel for Buell
         substantially in the form of Exhibit "C" hereto.

                  (e) Consents. The Selling Parties shall have received consents
         to the transactions contemplated hereby from the parties to contracts
         and debt instruments listed in Schedule 6.2(e).

                  (f) BBA Records. HIG shall have received from BBA:

                           (i) a copy of the Articles of Incorporation of BBA,
                  certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Texas;

                           (ii) a certificate of existence of BBA by the
                  Secretary of State of Texas and certificate of the Comptroller
                  of the State of Texas showing payment of state Taxes issued as
                  of a date not less than seven (7) days prior to Closing; and

                           (iii) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
                  Secretary of BBA dated the Closing Date, in form and substance
                  satisfactory to HIG, as to (w) no amendments to the Articles
                  of Incorporation of BBA since a specified date, (x) the Bylaws
                  of BBA, (y) the resolutions of the shareholders and Board of
                  Directors of BBA authorizing the execution, delivery and
                  performance of this Agreement and the transactions
                  contemplated hereby, and (z) incumbency and signatures of the
                  officers of BBA executing this Agreement and any related
                  documents.

                  (g) Material Adverse Change. From and after the date of this
         Agreement, there shall not have been any Material Adverse Change to any
         of the operations, financial condition, revenues or properties of BBA.

                  (h) Resignations. HIG shall have received a resignation letter
         of members of the Board of Directors and officers of BBA designated by
         HIG, dated as of the Closing Date.

                  (i) Share Certificates. HIG shall have received certificates
         representing all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired
         Stock of BBA accompanied by stock powers.

                  (j) Lender Authorizations. HIG shall have received any
         authorizations, consents or waivers required to be obtained by HIG from
         its lenders in order for HIG to enter into the transactions made the
         subject of this Agreement.

         SECTION 6.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Selling Parties. The
obligations of the Selling Parties to effect the Closing and the obligations of
Buell to deliver and sell the Acquired Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall,
at the option of the Selling Parties, be subject to the satisfaction, on or
prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 26

<PAGE>

                  (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
         warranties of HIG set forth in this Agreement, in each case as of the
         date of this Agreement, and as of the Closing Date as though made on
         and as of the Closing Date, shall be true and correct, and the Selling
         Parties, shall have received a certificate to such effect signed on
         behalf of HIG by an authorized officer of HIG.

                  (b) Performance of Obligations of HIG. HIG shall have
         performed all obligations required to be performed by it under this
         Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and the Selling Parties
         shall have received a certificate to such effect, signed on behalf of
         HIG by an authorized officer of HIG.

                  (c) No Suit or Judgment. There shall be no suit or proceeding
         instituted to prohibit or otherwise challenge the legality or validity
         of the transactions contemplated hereby, and there shall be no
         judgment, order or decree by any court with proper jurisdiction
         prohibiting consummation of such transactions.

                  (d) Opinion of Counsel. The Selling Parties shall have
         received a written opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, from counsel
         for HIG substantially in the form of Exhibit "D" hereto.

                  (e) Employment Agreement with Jorge Chousal de La Pena. An
         Affiliate of HIG shall have offered to hire Jorge Chousal de La Pena
         for an annual salary of $120,000 and a term of employment of one (1)
         year, or upon such other terms as shall be satisfactory to Jorge
         Chousal de La Pena and such Affiliate.

         SECTION 6.4 Frustration of Closing Conditions. Neither HIG nor the
Selling Parties may rely on the failure of any condition set forth on this
Article VI to be satisfied, if such failure was caused by such party's failure
to act in good faith or to use its reasonable efforts to cause the Closing to
occur.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                        TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

         SECTION 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing Date without liability:

                  (a) by the unanimous written consent of HIG and the Selling
         Parties;

                  (b) by HIG or the Selling Parties if the Closing shall not
         have occurred on or before January 30, 2003, unless the failure to
         effect the Closing is the result of a material breach of this Agreement
         by the party seeking to terminate; and

                  (c) by HIG or the Selling Parties, as applicable:

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 27

<PAGE>

                           (i) if any Governmental Entity shall have issued an
                  order, decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently
                  enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the Closing
                  and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have
                  become final and nonappealable; and

                           (ii) in the event of any breach by HIG, on the one
                  hand, or by any of the Selling Parties, on the other hand, of
                  its or her respective agreements, representations or
                  warranties contained herein and the failure of such party to
                  cure such breach within ten (10) days after receipt of notice
                  from any other party requesting such breach to be cured.

         SECTION 7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement as provided in Section 7.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void
and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of any
party, other than the provisions of this Section 7.2 and Article IX. In the
event that HIG or the Selling Parties shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1(b) or (c) hereof, the rights of the parties, as the case may be, to
pursue any and all rights they may have at law or equity or hereunder shall
survive unimpaired.

         SECTION 7.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties at
any time prior to the Closing Date by an instrument in writing signed on behalf
of each of the parties hereto.

         SECTION 7.4 Extension: Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date,
the parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in
the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any
document delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or (c) waive compliance with any
of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on
the part of a party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set
forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of
any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or
otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.

         SECTION 7.5 Procedure for Termination. A termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1 in order to be effective, shall require, in the case of
HIG or BBA, action by its respective Board of Directors or the duly authorized
designee of its Board of Directors, and in the case of Buell, a signed consent
by Buell or by Buell's attorney-in-fact.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

         SECTION 8.1 Indemnification.

                  (a) By the Selling Parties. Subject to the limitations set
         forth in Section 8.1(f), from and after the Closing Date, the Selling
         Parties, shall jointly and severally (i) indemnify

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 28

<PAGE>

         and hold harmless HIG and HIG's officers, directors, employees and
         attorneys from and against any and all losses which HIG or such persons
         may suffer or incur, resulting from, related to or arising out of (a)
         any misrepresentation or breach of warranty of the Selling Parties
         contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement; (b) any breach by the
         Selling Parties of any of their agreements or obligations contained in
         or made pursuant to this Agreement; (c) any liability or exposure of
         any kind or nature to the extent that such liability or exposure was
         not disclosed in the Current Financial Statements or was disclosed in
         the Current Financial Statement but not adequately reserved; or (d) any
         and all claims or litigation arising out of any of the foregoing; and
         (ii) reimburse HIG and its officers, directors, employees and attorneys
         for any and all reasonable fees, costs and expenses related thereto
         (including without limitation, reasonable legal expenses) ((i) and
         (ii), collectively, "HIG's Indemnifiable Losses"). Notwithstanding the
         foregoing, the Selling Parties shall not be obligated to provide an
         indemnity under Section 8.1(a)(i)(c) for any liability or exposure, the
         dollar amount of which is disclosed in a Schedule to this Agreement,
         but the Selling Parties shall nevertheless be obligated to provide an
         indemnify for losses in excess of the dollar amount disclosed in such
         Schedule.

                  (b) By HIG. From and after the Closing Date, HIG shall (i)
         indemnify and hold harmless the Selling Parties and their heirs,
         personal representatives and administrators, successors and assigns,
         from and against any and all losses, which any of them may suffer or
         incur, resulting from, related to or arising out of (x) any
         misrepresentation or breach of warranty of HIG which is contained in or
         made pursuant to this Agreement; (y) any breach by HIG of any of its
         agreements or obligations contained in or made pursuant to this
         Agreement; and (z) any and all claims or litigation arising out of any
         of the foregoing; and (ii) reimburse Buell and her heirs, personal
         representatives, administrators, trustees, agents or employees, and BBA
         and its officers, directors, employees and attorneys for any and all
         reasonable fees, costs and expenses related thereto (including, without
         limitation, reasonable legal expenses) ((i) and (ii), collectively,
         "Selling Parties' Indemnifiable Losses").

                  (c) Direct Liability. In the event that the person or entity
         seeking indemnification under this Article VIII (the "Indemnified
         Party") shall become aware of an event which will give rise to or
         result in an Indemnifiable Loss, he, she or it shall, within thirty
         (30) days thereafter, give written notice to the party from whom
         indemnification under this Article VIII is sought (the "Indemnifying
         Party") of the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss, together with
         sufficient information to enable the Indemnifying Party to determine
         the accuracy and nature of the claimed Indemnifiable Loss (the
         "Indemnity Notice"). The failure of the Indemnified Party to give the
         Indemnifying Party an Indemnity Notice shall not release the
         Indemnifying Party from liability under this Article VIII; provided,
         however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for losses
         which would not have been incurred but for the delay in the delivery
         of, or the failure to deliver, the Indemnity Notice. Within thirty (30)
         days after the receipt by the Indemnifying Party of the Indemnity
         Notice, the Indemnifying Party shall either (i) pay to the Indemnified
         Party an amount equal to the Indemnifiable Loss, or (ii) object to such
         claim, in which case the Indemnifying Party shall give written notice
         to the Indemnified Party of such objection together with the reasons
         therefor, it being understood

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 29

<PAGE>

         that the failure of the Indemnifying Party to so object shall preclude
         the Indemnifying Party from asserting any claim, defense or
         counterclaim relating to the Indemnifying Party's failure to pay any
         Indemnifiable Loss.

                  (d) Third Party Claim. In the event the facts giving rise to
         the claim for indemnification under this Article VIII shall involve any
         action or threatened claim or demand by any third party against the
         Indemnified Party (a "Third Party Claim"), within the earlier of, as
         applicable, ten (10) days after receiving notice of the filing of a
         lawsuit or thirty (30) days after receiving notice of the existence of
         a claim, demand, suit or proceeding (each a "Claim") giving rise to the
         claim for indemnification, the Indemnified Party shall send written
         notice of such Claim to the Indemnifying Party (the "Claim Notice") .
         The failure of the Indemnified Party to give the Indemnifying Party the
         Claim Notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from liability
         under this Article VIII; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party
         shall not be liable for losses incurred by the Indemnified Party which
         would not have been incurred but for the delay in the delivery of, or
         the failure to deliver, the Claim Notice. Except as set forth below,
         the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to defend such Claim in the
         name of the Indemnified Party at his or its own expense and through
         counsel of his or its own choosing. The Indemnifying Party shall give
         the Indemnified Party notice in writing within ten (10) days after
         receiving the Claim Notice from the Indemnified Party in the event the
         Claim is one involving an instituted suit or proceeding, or otherwise
         within thirty (30) days, of his or its intent to do so. If the
         Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or prosecute a Third Party Claim,
         all the Indemnified Parties shall cooperate in the defense or
         prosecution thereof. Such cooperation shall include the retention and
         (upon the Indemnifying Party's request) the provision to the
         Indemnifying Party of records and information that are reasonably
         relevant to such Third Party Claim, and making employees available on a
         mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and
         explanation of any material provided hereunder. Whether or not the
         Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of a Third Party Claim, the
         Indemnified Party shall not admit any liability with respect to, or
         settle, compromise or discharge, such Third Party Claim without the
         Indemnifying Party's prior written consent, which consent shall not be
         unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. The Indemnified Party
         may elect, by notice in writing to the Indemnifying Party, to continue
         to participate through his or its own counsel, at his or its expense,
         but the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control the defense
         of the Claim with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified
         Party. In the event that the Indemnifying Party is controlling the
         defense of the Claim and shall have negotiated a settlement thereof,
         which proposed settlement is final and unconditional as to the parties
         thereto and contains an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party,
         without the Indemnified Party being liable for damages of any kind or
         nature or being otherwise required to pay any amount of money to any
         third party and does not include the imposition of any restrictions on
         the part of the Indemnified Party or require that the Indemnified Party
         make an admission of guilt or liability or deliver a confession of
         judgment, or any other non-financial obligation which, in the
         reasonable judgment of the Indemnified Party, renders such settlement
         unacceptable, the Indemnified Party shall consent to such settlement.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 30

<PAGE>

                  (e) Tax Claim. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of
         Article VIII hereof, if a Third Party Claim is related to a matter
         which, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse impact on
         any Tax or accounting position of HIG, then HIG shall have the
         exclusive right to defend, contest, settle and otherwise control the
         resolution of any such Third Party Claim, with one counsel selected by
         HIG and reasonably satisfactory to Buell. Buell may participate through
         use of her own counsel at her own expense. However, notwithstanding
         anything herein, all disputes, audits or claims, and all proceedings
         with respect thereto, or with respect to any Tax or Tax Return of HIG
         or BBA, shall be defended, controlled and resolved and may be settled
         exclusively by HIG.

                  (f) Limitation of Indemnity. Anything herein to the contrary
         notwithstanding,

                           (i) neither HIG (or any other HIG Affiliate), on the
                  one hand, nor the Selling Parties on the other hand, shall be
                  required to indemnify the other for any Indemnifiable Losses
                  unless and until (x) the aggregate amount for which all
                  Indemnifiable Losses such party would otherwise (but for this
                  provision) be liable on account thereof exceeds Fifty Thousand
                  and No/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) (the "Threshold Amount"), but
                  following the exceeding of the Threshold Amount the
                  Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all Indemnifiable
                  Losses (including those below the Threshold Amount); provided,
                  however, that this subsection shall not apply to amounts due
                  by HIG to Buell under Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3;

                           (ii) in no event shall Buell be required to indemnify
                  HIG for Indemnifiable Losses in excess of $7,100,000.00 and in
                  no event shall HIG (or any other HIG Affiliate) be required to
                  indemnify the Selling Parties for Indemnifiable Losses in
                  excess of $7,100,000.00; provided, however, that this
                  subsection shall not apply to amounts due by HIG or its
                  Affiliates to Buell under the Buell Agreement; and

                           (iii) neither party shall be entitled to make a claim
                  for indemnity with respect to a misrepresentation or breach of
                  warranty after the Expiration Date thereof as set forth in
                  Section 10.1.

         SECTION 8.2 Right to Set-Off. To secure the indemnification provided
for in Section 8.1(a) hereof, and to compensate HIG for any claim having as its
basis the indemnification provided for in Section 8.1(a) hereof, HIG shall have
a right of set-off from any sum due to any of the Selling Parties, including
sums due under this Agreement and the Buell Agreement.

         SECTION 8.3 Buell Pays Broker Fee. Buell shall indemnify and hold
harmless HIG, and BBA and HIG's and BBA's officers, directors, employees and
attorneys from and against any and all Claims for broker's, finder's, financial
advisors or other similar fees and expenses which are to be paid by Buell
pursuant to Schedule 3.1(k).

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 31

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 CONFIDENTIALITY

         In addition to the provisions of Section 5.1 herein, HIG will maintain
the confidential nature of any non-public information concerning the Selling
Parties or the Acquired Stock obtained by HIG during the course of its due
diligence investigations, and, if applicable, will disclose such information
only to its own officers, directors, employees, attorneys, accountants,
engineers, lenders, representatives and advisors, or as otherwise required by
applicable law, regulation, judicial process or applicable stock exchange
listing requirement, all in accordance with that certain Confidentiality
Agreement between the parties dated July 19, 2002, which agreement shall remain
in full force and effect through and including the Closing Date.

                                    ARTICLE X

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

         SECTION 10.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The
representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Closing Date for a period of two
(2) years, except that (i) the representations in Section 3.1(j) shall survive
so long as any claim may be made in respect of such matters by a taxing
authority, including any waivers or extensions; and (ii) the representations in
Section 3.1(l) to the extent same relate to Environmental Laws shall survive for
so long as any claim may be made in respect of such matters by any third party.
The date on which a representation or warranty ceases to survive as above set
forth shall be its "Expiration Date". This Section 10.1 shall not limit any
covenant or agreement of the parties which by its terms contemplates performance
after the Closing Date.

         SECTION 10.2 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
given if delivered personally when received if or sent by overnight courier
(providing proof of delivery) to the parties at the following addresses (or at
such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

         (a) if to HIG or, on or after the Closing Date, if to BBA, to:

                  Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
                  1649 Frankford Road West
                  Carrollton, Texas 75007
                  Attn:  Michael D. Lohner

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 32

<PAGE>

                  with a mandatory copy to:

                  William E. Swart
                  Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP
                  3232 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1400
                  Dallas, Texas 75204-2429

         (b)      if to Buell, or before the Closing Date, if to BBA, to:

                  Brenda Buell
                  3308 Shorecrest Drive
                  Dallas, Texas 75235

                  with a mandatory copy to:

                  Dean A. Tetirick
                  Cantey & Hanger, L.L.P.
                  801 Cherry Street, Suite 2100
                  Fort Worth, Texas 76102

         SECTION 10.3 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the following respective meanings:

         "Acquired Stock": As defined in Section 1.1 hereof.

         "Affiliate": Any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or
         other entity of which twenty five percent (25%) of the equity or voting
         power is controlled directly or indirectly by HIG or another Affiliate
         of HIG, or which owns ninety five percent (95%) or more of the equity
         or voting power of HIG (the "HIG Parent"), or which is an Affiliate of
         the HIG Parent.

         "Agreement": As defined in opening paragraph hereof.

         "BBA": As defined in opening paragraph hereof.

         "Benefit Plan": As defined in Section 3.1(h) hereof.

         "Buell": As defined in opening paragraph hereof.

         "Buell Agreement": As defined in Section 5.7 hereof.

         "Business": As defined in Section 5.6(a) hereof.

         "Claim": As defined in Section 8.1(d) hereof.

         "Claim Notice": As defined in Section 8.1(d) hereof.

         "Closing": As defined in Section 2.1 hereof.

         "Closing Balance Sheet": As defined in Section 1.5 hereof.

         "Closing Date": As defined in Section 2.1 hereof.

         "COBRA": As defined in Section 3.1(i) hereof.

         "Code": As defined in Section 3.1(h) hereof.

         "Common Stock": As defined in Section 1.1 hereof.

         "Current Financial Statements": As defined in Section 3.1(d) hereof.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 33

<PAGE>

         "Deferred Payments": As defined in Section 1.3 hereof.

         "Employment Period": As defined in Section 5.7 hereof.

         "Environmental Laws": means, as of the Closing Date, any applicable
         treaties, laws, regulations, enforceable requirements, order, decrees
         or judgments issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental
         Entity, which relate to (x) pollution or protection of the environment
         or (y) Hazardous Materials generation, storage, use, handling, disposal
         or transportation, including with respect to real property in the U.S.,
         the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
         Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et seq. ("CERCLA"), the
         Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section
         6901 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33
         U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq., the Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, 42
         U.S.C. Section 7401 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976,
         15 U.S.C. Section 2601 et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation
         Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801 et seq., the Occupational Safety and Health
         Act of 1970, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 541 et seq, and any similar
         or implementing state or local law, and all amendments or regulations
         promulgated thereunder.

         "ERISA": As defined in Section 3.1(i) hereof.

         "Exceptions to GAAP": means the absence of footnotes, the use of
         alternative depreciation methods, the lack of a statement of cash
         flow/changes in financial position, the use of a direct write-off for
         accounts receivable (i.e. no allowance for doubtful accounts) and no
         accrual of vacation or sick pay.

         "Excess Liabilities": as define in Section 1.5(c) hereof.

         "Expenses": As defined in Section 5.3 hereof.

         "Expiration Date": As defined in Section 10.1 hereof.

         "Financial Statements": As defined in Section 3.1(d) hereof.

         "GAAP": As defined in Section 3.1(d) hereof.

         "Governmental Entity": Any court or any foreign, federal, state,
         municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau,
         agency, authority or instrumentality.

         "Hazardous Materials": means all explosive or regulated radioactive
         materials or substances, hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or
         chemicals, petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos
         containing materials and all other materials or chemicals regulated
         pursuant to any Environmental Law, including materials listed in 49
         C.F.R. Section 172.101 and materials defined as hazardous pursuant to
         Section 101(14) of CERCLA.

         "HIG": As defined in opening paragraph hereof.

         "HIG's Indemnifiable Losses": As defined in Section 8.1(a) hereof.

         "HIG Retail Sales": As defined in Section 1.3 hereof.

         "Indemnified Party": As defined in Section 8.1(c) hereof.

         "Indemnifying Party": As defined in Section 8.1(c) hereof.

         "Indemnity Notice": As defined in Section 8.1(c) hereof.

         "Initial Payments": As defined in Section 1.1 hereof.

         "Knowledge of the Selling Parties": means the current actual knowledge
         of a person, and with respect to BBA, current actual knowledge obtained
         (through the exercise of due diligence) of any of its officers.

         "Leased Real Property": As defined in Section 3.1(n) hereof.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 34

<PAGE>
         "Legal Requirement": means any federal, state, local, municipal,
         foreign, international, multi-national, or other administrative order,
         constitution, law, ordinance, principle of common law, regulation,
         statute, or treaty as in effect on the date in question.

         "Liens": All mortgages, deeds of trust, claims, liens, security
         interests, pledges, leases, conditional sale contracts, rights of first
         refusal, options, charges, liabilities, obligations, agreements,
         easements, rights-of-way, powers of attorney, limitations,
         reservations, restrictions and other encumbrances of any kind.

         "Material Adverse Change" or "Material Adverse Effect": Any change
         (individually or in the aggregate) that has a material adverse effect
         on the business, results of operations or financial condition of BBA
         that is likely to result in a cost, expense, charge or liability equal
         to or greater than $10,000. "Material Agreement": As defined in Section
         3.1(u) hereof.

         "Note": As defined in Section 1.2 hereof.

         "Order": Any judgment, writ, decree, injunction, order, stipulation,
         compliance agreement or settlement agreement issued or imposed by,
         entered into with, a Governmental Entity, whether or not having the
         force of law.

         "Permits": All permits, authorizations, certificates, approvals,
         registrations, variances, exemptions, rights-of-way, franchises,
         privileges, immunities, grants, ordinances, licenses and other rights
         of every kind and character (a) under any (1) federal, state, local or
         foreign statute, ordinance or regulation, (2) Order or (3) contract
         with any Governmental Entity or (b) granted by any Governmental Entity.

         "Proprietary Information": As defined in Section 5.6(d) hereof.

         "Purchase Price": As defined in Section 1.1 hereof.

         "Restricted Period": As defined in Section 5.6(a) hereof.

         "Section 338(h)(10) Election": As defined in Section 4.2 hereof.

         "Securities Act": As defined in Section 3.3(f) hereof.

         "Selling Parties": As defined in opening paragraph hereof.

         "Selling Parties' Indemnifiable Losses": As defined in Section 8.1(b)
         hereof.

         "Tax" or "Taxes": means all taxes, assessments, charges, duties, fees,
         levies or other governmental charges, including all Federal, state,
         local, foreign and other income, franchise, profits, capital gains,
         capital stock, transfer, sales, use, occupation, property, excise,
         severance, windfall profits, stamp, license, payroll, withholding and
         other taxes, assessments, charges, duties, fees, levies or other
         governmental charges of any kind whatsoever, including all estimated
         taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, penalties and interest
         with respect thereto.

         "Tax Return": means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund,
         or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any
         schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

         "Territory": As defined in Section 5.6(a) hereof.

         "Third Party Claim": As defined in Section 8.1(d) hereof.

         "Threshold Amount": As defined in Section 8.1(f)(i) hereof.

         SECTION 10.4 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement
to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. The table

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 35

<PAGE>

of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes
only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.

         SECTION 10.5 Counterparts; Facsimiles. This Agreement may be executed
in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties. Facsimile
signatures shall be effective.

         SECTION 10.6 Entire Agreement: No Third Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior
representations, agreements or understandings among the parties with respect to
the subject matter of this Agreement both written and oral. This Agreement is
not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties any rights or
remedies hereunder.

         SECTION 10.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, regardless of the
laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflict of laws
thereof.

         SECTION 10.8 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in
part, by operation of law or otherwise by the Selling Parties without the prior
written consent of the other. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement
will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the
parties and their respective successors and assigns. All rights, interest or
obligations of HIG may be assigned without notice to any HIG Affiliate, and HIG
or any HIG Affiliate may assert any such right, interest or obligation in the
name of HIG or any HIG Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is agreed
that following any assignment by HIG of its obligations under this Agreement,
whether pursuant to an acquisition by a third party of stock of HIG or assets of
HIG or otherwise, adequate arrangements will be made thereafter for ascertaining
compliance with the conditions for the Deferred Payments under Section 1.3, such
that calculation of gross revenue from HIG Retail Sales is not negatively
affected.

         SECTION 10.9 Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It
is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any Federal court located in the
State of Texas, County of Dallas, or in any Texas State court located in the
County of Dallas, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are
entitled at law or in equity. In addition, each of the parties hereto (a)
consents to submit himself, herself or itself to the personal jurisdiction of
any Federal court located in the State of Texas, County of Dallas, or any Texas
State court located in the County of Dallas, in the event any dispute arises out
of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b)
agrees that he, she or it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal
jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court and (c)
agrees that he, she or it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement
or any of the transactions contemplated by this

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 36

<PAGE>

Agreement in any court other than a Federal court located in the State of Texas,
County of Dallas, or a Texas State court located in the County of Dallas.

         SECTION 10.10 Exhibits and Schedules. Any matter set forth on any
Schedule shall be deemed set forth on all other Schedules to the extent
relevant. Except when the context requires otherwise, any reference in this
Agreement to any Article, Section, clause, Schedule or Exhibit shall be to the
Articles, Sections and clauses of, and Schedules and Exhibits to, this
Agreement. The words "include," "includes" and "including" are deemed to be
followed by the phrase "without limitation." Any reference to the masculine,
feminine or neuter gender shall include such other genders and any reference to
the singular or plural shall include the other, in each case unless the context
otherwise requires. All Exhibits and Schedules annexed hereto or referred to
herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set
forth in full herein. When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section,
Exhibit or Schedule, such reference shall be to a Section of, or an exhibit or
Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 37

<PAGE>

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

                                      BBA:

                                      BRENDA BUELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.,
                                      a Texas corporation

                                      By: /s/ Brenda Buell
                                          -------------------------------
                                          Brenda Buell, President

                                      BUELL:

                                      By: /s/ Brenda Buell
                                          -------------------------------
                                          Brenda Buell

                                      HIG:

                                      HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC.,
                                      a Texas corporation

                                      By: /s/ Michael D. Lohner
                                          -------------------------------
                                          Michael D. Lohner, President

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 38
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT "A"

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$2,025,026.15                                                  December 31, 2002

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC., a Texas corporation
("Maker") promises to pay to the order of BRENDA BUELL, an individual residing
in Dallas, Texas ("Holder"), TWO MILLION TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND TWENTY SIX and
15/100 Dollars ($2,025,026.15), together with interest at the rate of one and
eighty-four one hundredths percent (1.84%) per annum from the date of this
Promissory Note ("Note") until paid. This Note is made and delivered in
connection with that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated December 31, 2002
among Maker, Holder and Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc., a Texas corporation
(the "Agreement"), and the obligation of Maker to make the payments described in
this Note is subject to the terms and conditions of that Agreement.

         Maker shall make three equal installments of principal and interest in
the amount of Seven Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars $700,000.00 each, which
shall be due on December 31, 2003, December 31, 2004, and December 30, 2005.
Such payments shall be made at 3308 Shorecrest Drive, Dallas, Texas 75235, or at
such other address as shall be specified by Holder.

         Failure of Maker to make any payment due under this Note within five
(5) days of the date when due (provided payment is not excused under the
Agreement), which failure continues for thirty (30) days following receipt by
Maker of written notice thereof, shall constitute an Event of Default. Following
the occurrence of an Event of Default, all past due principal and interest shall
bear interest from maturity at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum,
calculated, notwithstanding any other provision hereof, on a 365 or 366 day
year, as applicable, commencing on the date on which demand for payment shall be
made in writing and continuing through the date on which payment is made.

         Maker shall have the right to prepay, at any time and from time to time
without premium or penalty, the entire unpaid principal balance of this Note or
any portion thereof, any such partial prepayment to be applied in inverse order
of maturity to the last maturing installments of principal.

         Following the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Holder may at her
option declare the entire principal balance and accrued interest owing hereon
immediately due and payable. Failure to exercise this option shall not
constitute a waiver of the right to exercise the same in the event of any
subsequent default.

         Except as otherwise provided in this Note or the Agreement, each maker,
surety, endorser, guarantor and/or other party liable hereon, and all parties
assuming any payment hereof, severally waives grace, presentment, protest,
notice of every type, including, without limitation, notice of default, notice
of intention to accelerate, notice of acceleration, and notice of protest, and
consents that time of payment may be extended without notice. Each maker,
surety, endorser, guarantor and/or other party liable hereon agrees that their
liability on this Note shall be

PROMISSORY NOTE - PAGE SOLO

<PAGE>

joint and several with that of any other party obligated hereon, shall not be
affected by any renewal or extension of this Note, by any indulgences, or by any
release or change in any security for this Note, and hereby consents to any and
all renewals, extensions, indulgences, releases or changes, regardless of the
number. It is agreed that the waiving by Holder of any default of Maker shall be
limited to the particular incident, and shall not be deemed to waive any other
default of the same or other covenants hereunder. It is hereby specially agreed
that if this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, or if
collected by suit or through bankruptcy proceedings, Maker agrees to pay
reasonable attorney's fees in addition to the principal and interest then due
hereon, and together with all costs of collection.

         THIS NOTE HAS BEEN EXECUTED UNDER, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. VENUE FOR ANY ACTION ARISING
OUT OF THIS NOTE SHALL BE IN DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS.

                                        MAKER:

                                        HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC.

                                        By: /s/ MICHAEL D. LOHNER
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                 Michael D. Lohner, President

PROMISSORY NOTE - PAGE SOLO
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT "B"

                    EMPLOYMENT AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is
entered into effective as of DECEMBER 31, 2002, between BRENDA BUELL &
ASSOCIATES, INC., a Texas corporation (together with its successors and assigns,
the "Company"), and BRENDA BUELL (the "Executive").

         WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive, and the Executive
desires to be employed by the Company on the terms and conditions set forth
herein;

         WHEREAS, the Company is a subsidiary of Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc., a
Texas corporation ("Home Interiors");

         NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

         1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. The Company agrees to employ the Executive, and
the Executive agrees to be employed by the Company, in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing as of the date of
this Agreement and continuing until December 31, 2007 (the "Employment Period");
provided, however, that such Employment Period shall be extended for successive
terms of one (1) year unless either party advises the other in writing, at least
ninety (90) days prior to the end of the initial term, or any annual extension
thereof, that it will not agree to extend this Agreement.

         2. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.

            (a) Position and Duties.

                (i) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall perform
the functions of President of the Company, and, in so doing, shall report to the
Board of Directors of the Company. The Executive shall have such powers and
duties as may from time to time be assigned or delegated to her by the Board of
Directors of the Company, or, in the absence of such assignment or delegation,
will have such powers and duties as are normally associated with and inherent
with such position.

                (ii) During the Employment Period, excluding any periods of
vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees
to devote such time as the Board of Directors shall deem necessary (which shall
not be less than forty (40) hours during a regular work week), up to and
including substantially all of her business time, to the business and affairs of
the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities
assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive's reasonable best
efforts to perform faithfully, effectively and efficiently such
responsibilities. The Executive will use her reasonable best efforts to promote
the success of the Company's business, and will cooperate fully with the Board
of Directors of the Company and with the management of Home Interiors.

            (b) Compensation.

                (i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall receive, at such intervals and in accordance with such Company policies as
may be in effect from

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 1
<PAGE>

time to time, an annual salary (pro rata for any partial year) equal to
$200,000.00, payable in equal installments no less often than monthly (the
"Annual Base Salary"), which Annual Base Salary shall be subject to appropriate
increase, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board of
Directors of the Company in the advancement of the best interests of the
Company.

                (ii) Annual Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to
participate in the Company's Key Employee Bonus Plan applicable to executives of
Home Interiors (the "Annual Bonus") for each fiscal year of Home Interiors
commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 as approved by the
Board of Directors of Home Interiors in good faith, and such other criteria as
may be recommended by management and established by the Board of Directors of
Home Interiors from time to time. Each Annual Bonus (or portion thereof) shall
be paid in cash promptly following delivery to the Board of Directors of Home
Interiors of audited financial statements of Home Interiors and the Company for
the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus (or pro rated portion) is earned or
awarded, unless electively deferred by the Executive pursuant to any deferral
programs or arrangements that the Company may make available to the Executive.
Any disputes regarding the award of an Annual Bonus shall be resolved and
conclusively determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
of Home Interiors and neither the Executive nor the Company shall contest such
decision of such Board of Directors.

                (iii) Stock Options. On or before June 30, 2003, Home Interiors
shall grant to the Executive non-qualified stock options to purchase 60,000
shares of Common Stock of Home Interiors at an exercise price of $19.42 per
share. The stock options will be evidenced by a separate Option Agreement and
will be granted pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of Home
Interiors' 2002 Stock Option Plan for Key Executives. The options will vest and
become exercisable in the manner and at the times provided in the Option
Agreement.

                (iv) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the term of
the Executive's employment, the Executive shall also be entitled to participate
in all incentive, savings, and retirement plans, practices, policies and
programs applicable generally to other employees of Home Interiors ("Investment
Plans"), following adoption by the Company of Home Interiors' Investment Plans.

                (v) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be,
shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under
welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs ("Welfare Plans")
provided by Home Interiors (including, without limitation, medical,
prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life,
accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent
offered and applicable generally to other executives of the Company and to the
extent Executive is eligible under the terms of the Welfare Plans, following
adoption by the Company of Home Interiors' Welfare Plans.

                (vi) Expenses. During the term of the Executive's employment,
the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all
reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive at the request of, or on behalf
of, the Company in the performance of the

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 2
<PAGE>
Executive's duties pursuant to this Agreement, and in accordance with the
Company's policies, practices and procedures. The Executive must file expense
reports with respect to such expenses in accordance with the Company's policies.

                (vii) Vacation and Holidays. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation of three (3) weeks
per calendar year and paid holidays in accordance with the plans, policies,
programs and practices of Home Interiors for its employees, except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement. Such vacation shall be taken at such time or times
reasonably acceptable to the Company. In no case shall vacation time be in
excess of two (2) consecutive weeks.

         3. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

            (a) Death or Disability. The Executive's employment shall terminate
automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period. If the
Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant
to the definition of Disability set forth below), the Company shall give to the
Executive no less than thirty (30) days written notice in accordance with
Section 11(b) hereof of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment
based upon Disability. In such event, the Executive's employment with the
Company shall terminate effective on the date specified in such notice (the
"Disability Effective Date"). For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall
mean the Executive's inability to perform her duties and obligations hereunder
for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or any sixty (60) days in any twelve
(12) month period due to mental or physical incapacity as determined by a
physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the
Executive or the Executive's legal representative (such agreement as to
acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably).

            (b) Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the
Executive's employment during the Employment Period without Cause, upon ten (10)
days prior written notice to Executive of Company's intention to do so. Further,
the Company may terminate the Executive's employment during the Employment
Period for Cause immediately upon written notice (following expiration of the
cure period, if any, described below) to Executive of Company's intention to do
so. For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase "for Cause" means: (i) the
Executive's material breach of this Agreement or any other document, agreement
or contract to which the Executive and the Company are a party, which
constitutes a material nonperformance by the Executive of her obligations and
duties hereunder or thereunder, as reasonably determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company, which is not remedied within thirty (30) days after
receipt of written notice from the Company specifying such breach; (ii) the
Executive's intentional failure to adhere to any material written policy of the
Company, which is not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written
notice from the Company specifying such failure; (iii) the Executive's
appropriation (or attempted appropriation) of a material business opportunity of
the Company, including, without limitation, attempting to secure or securing,
any personal profit in connection with any transaction entered into on behalf of
the Company; (iv) the Executive's commission of (or attempt to commit) an act of
fraud, illegality, theft or willful misconduct toward the Company in the course
of employment with the Company that relates to the Company's assets, activities,
operations or other employees; (v) the Executive's conviction of, the indictment
for (or its procedural equivalent), or the entering of a

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 3
<PAGE>

guilty plea or plea of no contest or deferred adjudication with respect to, a
felony, the equivalent thereof, or any other crime with respect to which
imprisonment is a possible punishment; (vi) the Executive's absence from her
duties without the consent of the Company's Board of Directors for more than ten
(10) consecutive business days for reasons other than vacation authorized under
this Agreement, illness or injury; (vii) a material breach by the Executive of
Section 6 or Section 9 hereof; or (viii) the intentional failure of the
Executive to carry out, or comply with, in any material respect any directive of
the Board of Directors consistent with the terms of this Agreement, which is not
remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the
Company specifying such failure.

            (c) Voluntary Termination by Executive. Notwithstanding anything in
this Agreement to the contrary, the Executive's employment may be terminated
during the Employment Period by the Executive for any reason or no reason,
provided Executive gives three (3) months prior written notice to Company of
Executive's intention to do so.

            (d) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may
terminate Executive's employment during the Employment Period with Good Reason
immediately upon written notice (following expiration of the cure period
described below). For purposes of this Agreement the phrase "with Good Reason"
means the Company's material breach of this Agreement or of the Stock Purchase
Agreement between Home Interiors and Executive dated December 31, 2002 (the
"Stock Purchase Agreement"), which is not remedied within thirty (30) days after
receipt by Home Interiors of written notice from the Executive specifying with
reasonable detail the act or omission of which Executive complains. It is agreed
that assignment by the Board of Directors of duties to Executive that are
materially inconsistent with her position as President of the Company shall
constitute Good Reason, provided that such assignment of duties continues beyond
the cure period described above.

            (e) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company (for Cause
or otherwise), or by the Executive, shall be communicated by Notice of
Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 11(b).

            (f) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" means (i) the date of
receipt of a Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, and (ii)
if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability,
the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case
may be.

         4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.

            (a) Termination by the Company Other Than For Cause or by Executive
for Good Reason. If the Company terminates the employment of Executive without
Cause (other than or in connection with death or Disability) or if the Executive
terminates Executive's employment with Good Reason during the Employment Period,
the Company shall pay to the Executive: (i) in a lump sum in cash within thirty
(30) days after the Date of Termination (1) the sum of the Executive's
applicable Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not
theretofore paid ("Accrued Obligations") and (2) any amount arising from
Executive's participation in, or benefits under, any Investment Plans ("Accrued
Investments"), which amounts shall be payable in accordance with the terms and
conditions of such Investment Plans;

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 4
<PAGE>

(ii) monthly severance payments of $16,666.67, payable in accordance with the
Company's regular pay schedule, from the date of termination of employment
through the earlier to occur of the date twelve (12) months following the Date
of Termination and December 31, 2007; and (iii) any earned but unpaid Annual
Bonus in respect of any full fiscal year ended prior to the date the Executive's
employment is terminated, payable in a lump sum in cash at such time as such
Annual Bonus otherwise would be payable ("Accrued Bonus"), but not a prorated or
partial bonus with respect to the time period between the end of the previous
full fiscal year and the date the Executive's employment is terminated. An
election by the Company not to extend the initial term beyond its initial
expiration date, shall not be considered a termination without Cause for
purposes of this Section 4(a), and Company shall have no obligation to pay
severance pay to the Executive.

            (b) Termination by the Company for Death or Disability. If the
Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's death or
Disability during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay to her legal
representatives: (i) in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the
Date of Termination the aggregate Accrued Obligations; (ii) the Accrued
Investments, which shall be payable in accordance with the terms and conditions
of the Investment Plans; and (iii) any Accrued Bonus, which shall be payable at
such time as such Annual Bonus otherwise would be payable. The Company shall
have no further payment obligations to the Executive or her legal
representatives under this Agreement.

            (c) Termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive Without
Good Reason. If the Executive's employment shall be terminated by the Company
for Cause or by the Executive without Good Reason, during the Employment Period,
the Company shall have no further payment obligations to the Executive other
than for payment of Accrued Obligations, Accrued Investments (which, shall be
payable in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Investment Plans),
and Accrued Bonus (which shall be payable at such time as such Annual Bonus
otherwise would be payable).

         5. FULL SETTLEMENT, MITIGATION. In no event shall the Executive be
obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation
of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this
Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive
obtains other employment. Company shall not be liable to Executive for any
damages in addition to the amounts payable under Section 4 arising out of the
termination of the Executive's employment, for any reason, prior to the end of
the Employment Period, provided, however, that the Company shall be entitled to
seek damages from the Executive for any breach of Sections 6, 7, or 9 hereof or
criminal misconduct.

         6. NON-DISCLOSURE COVENANT.

            (a) The Executive acknowledges that during the Employment Period and
as part of her employment, the Executive will be and has been afforded access to
confidential information of the Company and Home Interiors and its Affiliates.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Affiliates" shall be defined as corporations,
partnerships, limited liability companies or other entities controlled by or
under common control with Home Interiors, including, without limitation, the
Company, all of which have trade, business, and financial secrets and other
confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to, product

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 5
<PAGE>

information, designs, formulas, and processes, sales and marketing information
and strategy, including unique marketing and sales methods and systems, and
vendor and manufacturer lists, customer lists, displayer and independent
contractor or manager list (collectively, the "Confidential Information") and
that such Confidential Information constitutes valuable, special and unique
property of the Company and Home Interiors. As defined herein, Confidential
Information shall not include (i) information that is generally known to other
persons or entities, or (ii) information required to be disclosed by the
Executive pursuant to a subpoena or court order, or pursuant to a requirement of
a governmental agency or law of the United States of America or a state thereof
or any governmental or political subdivision thereof; provided, however, that
the Executive shall take all reasonable steps, at the cost of the Company, to
prohibit disclosure pursuant to subsection (ii) herein. The Executive also
acknowledges that public disclosure of such Confidential Information could have
an adverse effect on the Company, Home Interiors, and their business and that
the provisions of this Section 6 are reasonable and necessary to prevent the
improper use or disclosure of Confidential Information.

            (b) In consideration of the compensation and benefits to be paid or
provided to the Executive by the Company under this Agreement, the Executive
covenants that both during and after the Employment Period, the Executive shall
(i) hold Confidential Information in confidence; (ii) not disclose, disseminate,
publish or release (either directly or indirectly) Confidential Information to
any person (other than Company employees and other persons to whom the Company
has authorized the Executive to disclose such information and then only to the
extent that such Company employees and other persons authorized by the Company
have a need for such knowledge); and (iii) not use any Confidential Information
for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company.

         7. SURRENDER OF MATERIALS UPON TERMINATION. Upon termination of the
Executive's employment, for any reason, the Executive shall immediately return
to the Company all originals and/or copies, in whatever form, of any and all
Confidential Information and any other property of the Company and its
Affiliates, which are in the Executive's possession, custody or control, whether
or not provided by the Company.

         8. SUCCESSORS.

            (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and shall not be
assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the Executive's legal representatives.

            (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the Company and its successors and assigns.

            (c) The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor in
interest that agrees to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the
same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession
had taken place. The failure of any successor of Company to expressly assume to
perform this Agreement in writing shall, at the election of Executive, be deemed
to be a termination of this Agreement without cause.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 6
<PAGE>

         9. NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION.

            (a) The Executive acknowledges that: (i) the services to be
performed by her under this Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual,
extraordinary, and intellectual character; (ii) the Company's business is
international in scope and its products are marketed throughout the United
States and the world; (iii) the Company competes with other businesses both
nationally within the United States and internationally; and (iv) the provisions
of this Section 9 are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company's
business.

            (b) In consideration of the acknowledgments by the Executive, and in
consideration of the compensation and benefits to be paid or provided to the
Executive by the Company, the Executive agrees that she will not, directly or
indirectly:

                  (i) during the Employment Period, except in the course of her
            employment hereunder, and during the Post-Employment Period, engage
            or invest in, own, manage, operate, finance, control, or participate
            in the ownership, management, operation, financing, or control of,
            be employed by, associated with, or in any manner connected with,
            lend the Executive's name or any similar name to, lend the
            Executive's credit to or render services or advice to, any business
            whose products, services or activities compete in whole or in part
            with the products, services or activities of the Company, Home
            Interiors or its Affiliates, anywhere within the United States where
            the Company, Home Interiors or its Affiliates conduct or market
            their business or services;

                  (ii) whether for the Executive's own account or for the
            account of any other person, at any time during the Employment
            Period and the Post-Employment Period, solicit business of the same
            or similar type being carried on by the Company, Home Interiors or
            its Affiliates, from any customer of the Company, Home Interiors or
            its Affiliates, whether or not the Executive had personal contact
            with such person during and by reason of the Executive's employment
            with the Company;

                  (iii) whether for the Executive's own account or the account
            of any other person at any time during the Employment Period and the
            Post-Employment Period, solicit, employ, or otherwise engage as an
            employee, independent contractor, or otherwise, any person who is or
            was at the time of such solicitation, employment or engagement an
            employee, consultant or independent contractor of the Company or
            Home Interiors or in any manner induce or attempt to induce any
            employee of the Company, Home Interiors or its Affiliates to
            terminate his/her employment with the Company, Home Interiors or its
            Affiliates;

                  (iv) whether for the Executive's own account or the account of
            any other person at any time during the Employment Period and the
            Post-Employment Period, interfere with the Company's, Home
            Interiors' or its Affiliates' relationship with any person,
            including any person who is or was at any time during the Employment
            Period, an employee, contractor, supplier, or customer of the
            Company, Home Interiors or its Affiliates; or

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 7
<PAGE>

                  (v) at any time during or after the Employment Period,
            including the Post-Employment Period, disparage the Company, Home
            Interiors or its Affiliates or any of their shareholders, partners,
            members, other holders of equity in the Company or Home Interiors,
            directors, officers, employees, or agents or any Affiliate of the
            foregoing.

            (c) If any covenant in this Section 9 is held to be unreasonable,
arbitrary, or against public policy, such covenant will be considered to be
divisible with respect to scope, time, and geographic area, and such lesser
scope, time, or geographic area, or all of them, as a court of competent
jurisdiction may determine to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and not against
public policy, will be effective, binding, and enforceable against the
Executive.

            (d) The period of time applicable to any covenant in this Section 9
will be extended by the duration of any violation by the Executive of such
covenant.

            (e) The Executive will, while the covenant under this Section 9 is
in effect, give written notice to the Company, within ten (10) days after
accepting any other employment or consulting arrangement, of the identity of the
Executive's new employer or contractor and all of the material duties and
services to be provided by Executive in such employment or retention, which
shall not require disclosure by Executive of any terms of compensation. The
Company may notify such new employer that the Executive is bound by this
Agreement and, at the Company's election, furnish such new employer with a copy
of this Agreement or relevant portion thereof.

            (f) The term "Post-Employment Period" means the two (2) year period
beginning on the date of termination of the Executive's employment with the
Company, unless Executive's employment with the Company was terminated by the
Company without Cause or was terminated by the Executive for Good Reason, in
which case the Post-Employment Period means the one (1) year period beginning on
the date of termination of Executive's employment with the Company.

            (g) In the event Company violates in any material respect its
obligations under Section 4 of this Agreement, or defaults in its obligations to
pay any amount due under Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 of the Stock Purchase
Agreement, and such violation or default continues for thirty (30) days
following receipt by Company of written notice of such violations, then
Executive's obligations under Section 9(b)(i) shall terminate. Further, in such
event, obligations of Executive under Sections 9(b)(ii) through 9(b)(iv) shall
terminate, but only as to those employees, customers and suppliers of the
Company that were employees, customers, contractors, consultants and suppliers
of the Company as of the Closing Date.

         10. EFFECT OF AGREEMENT ON OTHER BENEFITS. The existence of this
Agreement shall not prohibit or restrict the Executive's entitlement to full
participation in the employee benefit and other plans or programs in which
employees of Home Interiors are eligible to participate, following adoption by
Company of such employee benefit and other plans and programs.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 8
<PAGE>

         11. MISCELLANEOUS.

             (a) Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to
conflict of laws principles. Any legal action to enforce or interpret any
provision of this Agreement shall be brought in Dallas County, Texas, as the
Company may elect. By execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Executive
accepts and consents to for herself, the jurisdiction of the Courts of the State
of Texas, County of Dallas.

             (b) Notice. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:

                  If to the Executive:      Brenda Buell
                                            3308 Shorecrest Drive
                                            Dallas, Texas 75235

                  If to the Company:        Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc.
                                            c/o Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
                                            1649 Frankford Road West
                                            Carrollton, TX  75007
                                            Attn:  Michael D. Lohner

                  With Mandatory
                  Copy to:                  Chair of Board of Directors
                                            Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
                                            1649 Frankford Road West
                                            Carrollton, TX  75007

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective
when actually received by the addressee.

            (c) Severability.If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during
the term of this Agreement, such provision shall be fully severable; this
Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision had never comprised a portion of this Agreement; and the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and
shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by
its severance from this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid
or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as part of this
Agreement a provision as similar-in terms to such illegal, invalid or
unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

            (d) Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable
under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to
be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 9
<PAGE>

            (e) Obligations Contingent on Performance. The obligations of the
Company hereunder, including its obligation to pay the compensation provided for
herein, are contingent upon the Executive's performance of the Executive's
obligations hereunder.

            (f) Waiver. Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon
strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert
any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder shall not be deemed to
be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this
Agreement.

            (g) Injunctive Relief and Additional Remedy. The Executive
acknowledges that money damages would be both incalculable and an insufficient
remedy for a breach of Section 6 or 9 by the Executive and that any such breach
would cause the Company irreparable harm. Accordingly, the Company, in addition
to any other remedies at law or in equity it may have, shall be entitled,
without the requirement of posting of bond or other security, to equitable
relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, in connection with
a breach of Section 6 or 9 by the Executive. If the Executive breaches in any
material respect any of the material provisions of Section 6 or 9, following
termination of Executive's employment, the Company will have the right to cease
making any payments otherwise due to the Executive under this Agreement.

            (h) Entire Agreement; Amendments. The provisions of this Agreement
constitute the complete understanding and agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings, oral or written, between or among the parties hereto. This
Agreement may not be amended orally, but only by an agreement in writing signed
by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.

            (i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original copy of this
Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be deemed to constitute
one and the same Agreement.

            (j) Covenants of Sections 6 and 9 are Essential and Independent
Covenants. The covenants by the Executive in Sections 6 and 9 are essential
elements of this Agreement, and without the Executive's agreement to comply with
such covenants, the Company would not have entered into this Agreement or
employed or continued the employment of the Executive. The Company and the
Executive have independently consulted their respective counsel and have been
advised in all respects concerning the reasonableness and propriety of such
covenants, with specific regard to the nature of the business conducted by the
Company.

            (k) Section Headings, Construction. The captions or headings of
Sections in this Agreement are provided for convenience only and are not part of
the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. Whenever the terms
"hereof', "hereby", "herein", or words of similar import are used in this
Agreement they shall be construed as referring to this Agreement in its entirety
rather than to a particular section or provision, unless the context
specifically indicates to the contrary. Any reference to a particular "Section"
or "paragraph" shall be construed as referring to the indicated section or
paragraph of this Agreement unless the context

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 10
<PAGE>

indicates to the contrary. The use of the term "including" herein shall be
construed as meaning "including without limitation."

         EXECUTED to be effective as of December 31, 2002.

                             EXECUTIVE:

                             /s/ BRENDA BUELL
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Brenda Buell

                             COMPANY:

                             BRENDA BUELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.,
                             a Texas corporation

                             By: /s/ MICHAEL D. LOHNER
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                 Michael D. Lohner, Chief Executive Officer

                            GUARANTEE OF PERFORMANCE

         Home Interiors hereby guarantees the payment obligations of the Company
to the Executive set forth in this Agreement, recognizing that it is a direct or
indirect beneficiary of its terms.

                             HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC.,
                             a Texas corporation

                             By: /s/ MICHAEL D. LOHNER
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                    Michael D. Lohner, President

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - PAGE 11

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT "C"

                           Opinion of Counsel for Buell

                                  See attached.

<PAGE>

                      [CANTEY & HANGER, L.L.P. LETTERHEAD]

                                December 31, 2002

Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
1649 Frankford Road
West Carrollton, Texas 75007

         RE: BRENDA BUELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel for Brenda Buell (the "Shareholder") in
connection with that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (together with all
schedules and exhibits thereto, the "Agreement") dated as of December 31, 2002,
by and between Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc., a Texas corporation ("HIG"),
Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc., a Texas corporation ("BBA"), and the
Shareholder, pursuant to which the Shareholder has sold to HIG, and HIG has
purchased from the Shareholder, all of the issued and outstanding shares (the
"Shares") of capital stock of BBA. We are providing this opinion pursuant to
Section 6.2(d) of the Agreement. Capitalized terms utilized and not otherwise
defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.

         In connection with the delivery of this opinion, we have examined
originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of
the following documents (the "Transaction Documents"):

         1. the Agreement;

         2. the Buell Agreement.

         We have also examined originals, executed counterparts or copies of
such other agreements, corporate records, instruments and certificates,
certificates of public authorities and such matters of law as we have deemed
necessary for the purpose of rendering this opinion. To the extent we deemed
necessary for purposes of this opinion, we have relied upon: (i) the statements
and representations of BBA and the Shareholder as to factual matters; (ii) the
corporate records provided to us by BBA and the Shareholder; and (iii)
certificates and other documents obtained from public officials. We have assumed
that any certificate, representation, telegram or other document on which we
have relied that was given or dated earlier than the date of this letter
continued to remain accurate, insofar as relevant to such opinions, from such
earlier date through and including the date of this letter. We have further
relied as to factual matters on the representations and warranties contained in
the Transaction Documents, and we have

<PAGE>

Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 2

assumed the completeness and accuracy of all such representations and warranties
as to factual matters.

         We have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity
of all individuals who have executed the Transaction Documents and all other
documents we have reviewed, that the Shareholder holds the requisite title and
rights to the Shares, free and clear of all liens,]  the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to original documents
of all documents submitted to us as certified, photostatic, reproduced or
conformed copies. We have also assumed that the Transaction Documents have been
duly authorized, executed and delivered by HIG (and BBA, as to the Buell
Agreement) and are enforceable in accordance with their terms against HIG (and
BBA, as to the Buell Agreement) and that the execution, delivery and performance
of the Transaction Documents by HIG (and BBA, as to the Buell Agreement) does
not and will not result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any
agreement, instrument or other document to which HIG (or BBA, as to the Buell
Agreement) is a party or any order, judgment, writ or decree applicable to HIG
(or BBA, as to the Buell Agreement or to which HIG's (or BBA's, as to the Buell
Agreement) property is subject.

         We have been retained to represent the Shareholder solely with respect
to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and do not
represent the Shareholder or BBA on a general basis. Whenever our opinion with
respect to factual matters is indicated to the best of our knowledge, we are
referring to the actual knowledge of Dean A. Tetirick, Whitney L. Cardwell and
Stephen P. Phillips, who are the Cantey & Hanger, L.L.P. attorneys who have
represented the Shareholder during the course of this transaction. Except as
expressly set forth herein, we have not undertaken any independent investigation
to determine the existence or absence of such facts, and no inference as to the
knowledge of the existence or absence of such facts should be drawn from such
representation.

         Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth
herein, we are of the opinion that:

         1. BBA is a corporation organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Texas. BBA has all requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to
carry on its business as currently conducted.

         2. The Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by BBA and the
Transaction Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the Shareholder.
Assuming the valid execution and delivery by HIG and BBA (as to the Buell
Agreement), the Transaction Documents constitute legal, valid and binding
agreements of BBA (as to the Agreement only) and the Shareholder, enforceable
against them in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that
enforcement thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws of general
application relating to or affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors
and the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether
enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity) and further subject
to the qualifications set forth in the next succeeding sentences. We express no

<PAGE>

Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 3

opinion herein as to the validity or enforceability of: (i) the non-competition
undertakings; or (ii) any provision of the Transaction Documents to the extent
that such provision purports to waive any rights, remedies or defenses. The
opinion expressed in this paragraph is also subject to the qualification that
certain of the remedial, waiver and other provisions of the Transaction
Documents may not be enforceable; but such enforceability will not, in our
judgment, render the Transaction Documents invalid as a whole, or substantially
interfere with the realization of the principle legal benefits provided by the
Transaction Documents, except to the extent of any procedural delay which may
result therefrom.

         3. The Shareholder has the power to sell, assign, transfer and deliver
the Acquired Stock to HIG as provided in the Agreement. All corporate
proceedings necessary to be taken by BBA in connection with the transactions
provided for in the Agreement and necessary to make the same effective have been
duly and validly taken.

         4. The authorized capital stock of BBA consists of 1,000,000 shares of
common stock, $1.00 par value, of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding
and constitute the "Acquired Stock." All of the Acquired Stock has been duly
authorized, is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and is not issued in
violation of or subject to any preemptive rights of the Shareholder, or to our
knowledge, subject to any shareholders' agreements, voting trust agreements, or
other similar agreements. To the best of our knowledge, the Shareholder owns the
Acquired Stock, free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances and
restrictions of any kind. Upon endorsement by the Shareholder of the Acquired
Shares and delivery to HIG of a certificate representing the Acquired Stock, in
accordance with the terms of and for the consideration specified in the
Agreement, HIG is acquiring record and beneficial ownership of the Acquired
Stock, free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances and restrictions of any
kind.

         5. To our knowledge, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options,
warrants, calls, contracts, demands, commitments, convertible securities or
other agreements of any character or nature whatsoever under which BBA or the
Shareholder is, are or may become obligated to issue, assign or transfer any
shares of BBA's capital stock.

         6. Except as described in the Agreement, to the best of our knowledge,
based solely on the representations of BBA and the Shareholder contained in the
Agreement, neither BBA nor the Shareholder is a party to any pending suit,
action or investigation by any governmental body, or legal, administrative or
arbitration proceeding.

         7. Except as described in the Transaction Documents, neither the
execution, delivery or performance of the Transaction Documents by the
Shareholder, nor the consummation by the Shareholder of the transactions
contemplated thereby will: (a) conflict with or result in the breach of any
provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of BBA; (b) constitute or
result in the breach of, conflict with or give rise to a right of forfeiture,
termination, cancellation or acceleration with respect to, any term, condition
or provision of, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, or other material
contract or obligation listed, identified or described in the Agreement as one
to which BBA or the Shareholder is a party or by which BBA or the

<PAGE>

Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 4

Shareholder is subject, except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults as to
which written waivers or consents have been obtained; or (c) violate in any
material respect any law, statute, regulation, judgment, order, writ,
injunction, or decree applicable to BBA or the Shareholder, or the business,
properties or assets of BBA.

         8. No consent, order, authorization, qualification, or approval of, or
exemption by or filing with any governmental, public, or regulatory body or
authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance
by BBA and the Shareholder of the Transaction Documents.

         The foregoing opinions are limited to the laws and regulations of the
United States and the State of Texas, and we have not considered and express no
opinion on the laws or regulations of any other jurisdiction. This opinion is
rendered only with respect to the laws and the regulations thereunder which are
in effect as of the date hereof that may affect the validity of any of the
opinions expressed therein. This opinion (i) is rendered as of the date hereof,
and we undertake no, and hereby disclaim, any obligation to advise you of any
changes or any new developments which might affect any matters or opinions set
forth herein, and (ii) is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinions
may be inferred or implied beyond the matters expressly stated herein.

         This opinion is provided for the purpose of complying with the
requirements of Section 6.2(d) of the Agreement and is for the information of
the addressee hereof and its counsel and accountants. Other than as provided for
above, this opinion is not to be quoted in whole or in part or otherwise
referred to, nor is it to be filed with any governmental agency or other person,
without our prior written consent. Other than HIG and its counsel and
accountants as set forth in this paragraph, no one is entitled to rely upon the
opinions expressed herein.

                                              Very truly yours,

                                              CANTEY & HANGER, L.L.P.

                                              By:  /s/ DEAN A. TETIRICK
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                  Dean A. Tetirick, a Partner
<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT "D"

                                December 31, 2002

Brenda Buell
3308 Shorecrest Drive
Dallas, Texas  75235

         Re:      STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (THE "AGREEMENT") DATED AS OF
                  DECEMBER 31, 2002, AMONG BRENDA BUELL & ASSOCIATES, INC., A
                  TEXAS CORPORATION (THE "BUYER"), BRENDA BUELL ("BUELL"), AND
                  HOME INTERIORS & GIFTS, INC., A TEXAS CORPORATION ("BUYER")

Dear Ms. Buell:

         We have acted as legal counsel to Buyer in connection with the
transactions evidenced by the Agreement. This letter (this "Opinion Letter") is
being furnished to you pursuant to Section 6.3(d) of the Agreement. Unless
otherwise defined, each capitalized term shall have the meaning attributed to it
in the Agreement. In connection with this Opinion Letter, we have reviewed the
following documents (the "Transaction Documents"):

         1.  the Agreement;

         2.  the Note; and

         3.  the Buell Agreement.

         In connection with this Opinion Letter, we have also examined originals
or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction as true copies,
of the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Buyer, as amended to
date, and such additional records, agreements and other instruments and
certificates or comparable documents of public officials and/or of officers and
representatives of the Buyer, and have made such inquiries of such officers and
representatives as we have deemed relevant and necessary, as the basis for the
opinions hereinafter set forth. In such examination, we have assumed: (i) the
genuineness of all signatures, other than the signatures on behalf of Buyer;
(ii) the authenticity of all documents or other papers submitted to us as
originals, and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents
or other papers submitted to us as certified, conformed or photo static copies
thereof; and (iii) the legal capacity of each natural person executing the
Transaction Documents. In addition, we are unaware of the existence of any fraud
or dishonesty with respect to any of the

<PAGE>

Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 2

matters relevant to our opinions and, accordingly, we have assumed that no fraud
or dishonesty exists with respect to any of the matters relevant to our
opinions.

         In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed (i) the
valid existence in the jurisdiction of its organization of each party to the
Transaction Documents other than the Buyer, (ii) the due authorization,
execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by the parties thereto other
than the Buyer and BBA, as to the Buell Agreement, (iii) the power and authority
of each party to the Transaction Documents, other than the Buyer and BBA, as to
the Buell Agreement, to execute, deliver and perform the same without violating
its certificate of incorporation or bylaws or any other organizational or
governing documents or any law or governmental rule or regulation applicable to
it, (iv) that the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction
Documents by each party thereto, other than the Buyer and BBA, as to the Buell
Agreement, will not conflict with, constitute a default under or result in a
breach of any requirement of law or any contractual obligation of any such
party, (v) the genuineness of all signatures and the authority of all persons
signing each of the Transaction Documents on behalf of the parties thereto,
other than the Buyer and BBA, as to the Buell Agreement, (vi) the authenticity
of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or photo static copies
and the authenticity of the originals of such copies, and (vii) the legal
capacity of each natural person executing the Transaction Documents.

         As to certain factual matters, we have, to the extent deemed
appropriate by us, relied upon certificates of officers of the Buyer and the
representations and warranties of the Buyer contained in the Transaction
Documents (including the Schedules and Exhibits thereto), and we have not
independently verified the information contained in such certificates or the
Transaction Documents.

         As used herein, "to our knowledge" means the conscious awareness
(without any independent investigation) of facts or other information by any
lawyer in our Firm actively involved in the negotiation of the transactions
described herein. The term "to our knowledge" specifically excludes all factual
matters that would be known to us by constructive, implied or imputed knowledge.

         Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications hereinafter
set forth, we are of the opinion that:

         1. Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Texas, and Buyer has all requisite power
and authority to own its assets and to carry on its business.

<PAGE>

Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 3

         2. Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents; the
execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and the other agreements,
documents and instruments contemplated thereby to be executed and delivered by
Buyer and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
Documents have been duly authorized and approved by the Board of Directors of
Buyer. The Transaction Documents have been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Buyer and constitute valid and binding obligations of Buyer,
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. BBA has all requisite
corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations
under the Buell Agreement; the execution and delivery of the Buell Agreement and
the performance by BBA of its obligations thereunder have been duly authorized
and approved by the Board of Directors of BBA. The Buell Agreement has been duly
and validly executed and delivered by BBA and constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of BBA, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

         3. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by the Buyer
does not, and consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated by the
Transaction Documents will not conflict with any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of Buyer. The execution and delivery of the Buell
Agreement by BBA does not, and the performance by BBA of it obligations
thereunder will not conflict with any provision of the Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws of BBA.

         4. To our knowledge, Buyer is not a party to, and the business and
assets of Buyer are not the subject of or affected by, any pending or threatened
suit, claim, action or litigation by or with any party or any administrative,
arbitration or other governmental proceeding, investigation or inquiry, which,
if determined adversely to Buyer, would prevent the consummation of any of the
transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, nor, to our knowledge,
is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental
Entity or arbitration outstanding against Buyer which, insofar as reasonably can
be foreseen, could prevent the consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

         The opinions contained herein are subject to the following limitations
and qualifications:

                  (a) The validity, binding effect and enforceability of, and
         the rights and remedies set forth in and the effect of, the Transaction
         Documents may be limited by and subject to (1) the effect of
         bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
         laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors; (2) the effect of
         general principles of equity, whether applied by a court of law or
         equity; (3) the possible unenforceability of provisions requiring
         indemnification for, or providing exculpation, release, or exemption
         from liability for, action or inaction, to the extent such action or

<PAGE>

Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 4

         inaction involves negligence or willful misconduct or to the extent
         otherwise contrary to public policy; (4) the possible unenforceability
         of provisions that waivers or consents by a party may not be given
         effect unless in writing or in compliance with particular requirements
         or that a person's course of dealing, course of performance, or the
         like or failure or delay in taking action may not constitute a waiver
         of related rights or provisions or that one or more waivers may not
         under certain circumstances constitute a waiver of other matters of the
         same kind; (5) the effect of a course of dealing, course of
         performance, or the like, that would modify the terms of an agreement
         or the respective rights or obligations of the parties under an
         agreement; (6) the possible unenforceability of provisions that
         enumerated remedies are not exclusive or that a party has the right to
         pursue multiple remedies without regard to other remedies elected or
         that all remedies are cumulative; and (7) the possible unenforceability
         of provisions permitting the exercise, under certain circumstances, of
         rights without notice or without providing opportunity to cure failures
         to perform.

                  (b) We have assumed the enforceability of the Transaction
         Documents against Buell and the enforceability of the Agreement against
         BBA.

         We are members only of the Bar of the State of Texas, and we express no
opinion as to any questions of law other than with respect to laws of the State
of Texas and federal laws in effect on the date hereof, and no opinion is
expressed herein as to any other matters governed by the laws of any other
jurisdiction.

         The opinions contained herein are limited to those matters expressly
covered by numbered Paragraphs 1 through 4 above; no opinion is to be implied in
respect of any other matter. The opinions set forth in numbered Paragraphs 1
through 4 are as of the date hereof and we disclaim any undertaking to update
this letter or otherwise advise you as to any changes of law or fact which may
hereafter be brought to our attention.

         This letter and the opinions contained herein are furnished by us as
counsel to the Buyer in connection with the transactions described above and are
solely for the benefit of Brenda Buell and her legal counsel and accountants and
are not to be made available to or relied upon in any manner by any other
person, firm, or entity or for any other purpose without our prior written
consent.

<PAGE>

Brenda Buell & Associates, Inc.
December 31, 2002
Page 5

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         BELL NUNNALLY & MARTIN LLP<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.33

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                          DATED AS OF JANUARY 25, 2003

                                      AMONG

                        TEMPUS CORPORATION, S.A. DE C.V.,

                          MIGUEL ANGEL PACHUR SALGADO,

                         OSCAR GUADALUPE DE LEON ULLOA,

                                       AND

                             HI METALS, S.A. DE C.V.

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                                           Page No.
                                                                                                           --------
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
ARTICLE 1 EXISTENCE AND REPRESENTATION............................................................................1

   SECTION 1.1       EXISTENCE OF TEMPUS..........................................................................1
   SECTION 1.2       REPRESENTATION OF TEMPUS.....................................................................1
   SECTION 1.3       EXISTENCE OF HI METALS.......................................................................1
   SECTION 1.4       REPRESENTATION OF HI METALS..................................................................1

ARTICLE 2 CONTRACT PURPOSES.......................................................................................1

ARTICLE 3 PURCHASE OF ASSETS......................................................................................1

   SECTION 3.1       PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS..................................................................1
      (a)   Inventory.............................................................................................2
      (b)   Furniture and Equipment...............................................................................2
      (c)   Other Property........................................................................................2
   SECTION 3.2       PURCHASE PRICE...............................................................................2
   SECTION 3.3       INVENTORY....................................................................................3
      (a)   Finished Products Inventory...........................................................................3
      (b)   In Process Inventory..................................................................................3
      (c)   Raw Materials.........................................................................................3
   SECTION 3.4       LIABILITIES..................................................................................3
   SECTION 3.5       ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE..........................................................................3

ARTICLE 4 CLOSING.................................................................................................4

   SECTION 4.1       CLOSING......................................................................................4
   SECTION 4.2       TRANSFER OF ASSETS; PAYMENT..................................................................4
   SECTION 4.3       CLOSING DOCUMENTS............................................................................4

ARTICLE 5 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES..........................................................................5

   SECTION 5.1       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLING PARTIES............................................5
      (a)   Organization, Standing and Corporate Power of Tempus..................................................5
      (b)   Authority; Noncontravention...........................................................................5
      (c)   Litigation............................................................................................6
      (d)   Brokers...............................................................................................6
      (e)   Title to Properties; Liens............................................................................6
      (f)   Owned and Leased Real Property........................................................................7
      (g)   Accounts Receivable; Inventories......................................................................7
      (h)   Employee Relations....................................................................................7
      (i)   Leased Personal Property..............................................................................8
      (j)   Condition of Acquired Assets..........................................................................8
      (k)   Product Warranties....................................................................................8
      (l)   Compliance with Laws..................................................................................9
      (m)      Disclosure.........................................................................................9
   SECTION 5.2       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF STOCKHOLDERS...............................................9
   SECTION 5.3       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HI METALS.................................................10
      (a)   Organization, Standing and Corporation Power of HI Metals............................................10
      (b)   Authority; Noncontravention..........................................................................10
      (c)   Brokers..............................................................................................11

ARTICLE 6 COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES............................................................11
</Table>

                                       -i-

<PAGE>

<Table>
<Caption>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
   SECTION 6.1       CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES BY SELLING PARTIES....................................................11
   SECTION 6.2       OTHER ACTIONS...............................................................................11

ARTICLE 7 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS..................................................................................12

   SECTION 7.1       ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY......................................................12
   SECTION 7.2       REASONABLE EFFORTS; NOTIFICATION............................................................12
   SECTION 7.3       FEES AND EXPENSES; TAXES....................................................................13
   SECTION 7.4       PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS........................................................................13
   SECTION 7.5       NO SOLICITATION.............................................................................14
   SECTION 7.6       INFORMATION FOR TAX RETURNS.................................................................14
   SECTION 7.7       LEASING CONTRACT............................................................................14
   SECTION 7.8       TELEPHONES..................................................................................14
   SECTION 7.9       RADIO FREQUENCIES...........................................................................15
   SECTION 7.10         INSURANCE COVERAGES AND WARRANTIES.......................................................15
   SECTION 7.11         EMPLOYEES................................................................................15
   SECTION 7.12         LABOR UNIONS.............................................................................16

ARTICLE 8 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT...................................................................................16

   SECTION 8.1       CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE CLOSING.................................16
      (a)   Authorizations, Consents, and Approvals..............................................................16
      (b)   No Injunctions or Restraints.........................................................................16
   SECTION 8.2       CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF HI METALS......................................................16
      (a)   Representations and Warranties.......................................................................16
      (b)   Performance of Obligations of Selling Parties........................................................17
      (c)   No Suit or Judgment..................................................................................17
      (d)   Opinion of Counsel...................................................................................17
      (e)   Consents.............................................................................................17
      (f)   Tempus Records.......................................................................................17
      (g)   Material Adverse Change..............................................................................17
      (h)   Board and Lender Authorizations......................................................................17
      (i)   Delivery of Notarial Instruments and Invoices........................................................17
   SECTION 8.3       CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLING PARTIES................................................18
      (a)   Representations and Warranties.......................................................................18
      (b)   Performance of Obligations of HI Metals..............................................................18
      (c)   No Suit or Judgment..................................................................................18
   SECTION 8.4       FRUSTRATION OF CLOSING CONDITIONS...........................................................18

ARTICLE 9 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER......................................................................18

   SECTION 9.1       TERMINATION.................................................................................18
   SECTION 9.2       EFFECT OF TERMINATION.......................................................................19
   SECTION 9.3       AMENDMENT...................................................................................19
   SECTION 9.4       EXTENSION: WAIVER...........................................................................19

ARTICLE 10 INDEMNIFICATION.......................................................................................19

   SECTION 10.1         INDEMNIFICATION..........................................................................19
      (a)   By the Selling Parties...............................................................................19
      (b)   By HI Metals.........................................................................................20
      (c)   Direct Liability.....................................................................................20
      (d)   Third Party Claim....................................................................................20
      (e)   Limitation of Indemnity..............................................................................21
   SECTION 10.2         RIGHT TO SET-OFF.........................................................................21

ARTICLE 11 GENERAL PROVISIONS....................................................................................21
</Table>

                                      -ii-

<PAGE>

<Table>
<Caption>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
   SECTION 11.1         SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS....................................21
   SECTION 11.2         NOTICES..................................................................................22
   SECTION 11.3         DEFINITIONS..............................................................................23
   SECTION 11.4         INTERPRETATION; GOVERNING LANGUAGE.......................................................25
   SECTION 11.5         COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILES.................................................................25
   SECTION 11.6         ENTIRE AGREEMENT: NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES...........................................25
   SECTION 11.7         GOVERNING LAW............................................................................25
   SECTION 11.8         ASSIGNMENT...............................................................................25
   SECTION 11.9         ENFORCEMENT..............................................................................26
   SECTION 11.10        EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES...................................................................26
   SECTION 11.11        ARBITRATION..............................................................................26
   SECTION 11.12        CURRENCY AND PAYMENT.....................................................................26

EXHIBITS

Exhibit C-Opinion of Counsel for Selling Parties

SCHEDULES

Schedule 3.1(a) - Inventory
Schedule 3.1(b) - Furniture and Equipment
Schedule 5.1(f) - Real Property
Schedule 5.1(g) - Accounts Receivable; Inventories
Schedule 5.1(h) - Employee Relations
Schedule 5.1(i) - Leases
Schedule 5.1(j) - Condition of Acquired Assets
Schedule 5.1(k) - Product Warranties
Schedule 7.7 - Leasing Contracts
Schedule 7.11 - Tempus Employees
Schedule 7.12 - Contract with Labor Union
Schedule 8.2(e) - Consents
</Table>

                                     -iii-
<PAGE>

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of January 25,
2003, by and among TEMPUS CORPORATION, S.A. DE C.V. ("Tempus"), MIGUEL ANGEL
PACHUR SALGADO ("Pachur") and OSCAR GUADALUPE DE LEON ULLOA ("de Leon") and HI
METALS, S.A. DE C.V., a Mexico corporation ("HI Metals"). Pachur and de Leon are
sometimes referred to as the "Stockholders." Tempus and Stockholders are
sometimes referred to as the "Selling Parties." Other capitalized terms used in
this Agreement are defined or cross-referenced to the applicable definition in
Section 11.3 of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 1
                          EXISTENCE AND REPRESENTATION

     SECTION 1.1  Existence of Tempus. Tempus is a Mexican corporation,
constituted through Public Contract number 3,254 (three thousand two hundred and
fifty four) dated December 1, 1995, granted before the faith of Licenciado
(Attorney) Jose Luis Trevino Manrique Notary Public number 97 with practice in
the City of Monterrey, N.L.

     SECTION 1.2  Representation of Tempus. Pachur justifies his representation
of Tempus, with the public contract number _____________.

     SECTION 1.3  Existence of HI Metals. HI Metals is a Mexican corporation,
constituted through Public Deed number 32804, dated December 16, 2002, granted
before the faith of Licenciado (Attorney) Mr. Jose Maria Morera Gonzalez Notary
Public number 102 for the Federal District with practice in the City of
Monterrey, N.L.

     SECTION 1.4  Representation of HI Metals.Kenneth J. Cichocki justifies his
representation of HI Metals, with the public contract number 33069 dated January
23, 2003, granted before the faith of Licenciado (Attorney) Mr. Jose Maria
Morera Gonzalez Notary public number 102 with practice in the City of Monterrey,
N.L.

                                   ARTICLE 2
                                CONTRACT PURPOSES

     The purpose of this Agreement is for Tempus to sell to HI Metals all the
assets described in this Agreement and for HI Metals to purchase those assets
for the Purchase Price (hereinafter defined) and for no other purpose.

                                   ARTICLE 3
                               PURCHASE OF ASSETS

     SECTION 3.1  Purchase and Sale of Assets. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, Tempus shall sell to HI Metals at
Closing, all of the tangible assets used or held for use by or on behalf of
Tempus, in connection with its metal, glass and ceramics design, fabrication,
and manufacturing and sales activities and all activities related thereto (the
"Activities"), free and clear of all Liens, other than the Bancomext Liens
(hereinafter defined), which shall be

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 1

<PAGE>

released after Closing as contemplated by Section 3.2 below, including, without
limitation, the following tangible assets (collectively, the "Acquired Assets"):

         (a) Inventory. All inventory, parts, raw materials, supplies, packaging
materials and other materials used or usable by Tempus, including, without
limitation, those items listed on Schedule 3.1(a) hereto, (the "Inventory");

         (b) Furniture and Equipment. The furniture, equipment, ovens, molds,
machines, including all related spare or replacement parts, vehicles, tools, and
other items described on Schedule 3.1(b) hereto; and

         (c) Other Property. All other additional tangible assets of Tempus of
every kind and description and wherever located, that are used or intended for
use in connection with, or that are necessary to the continued conduct of, the
Activities as presently being conducted or as contemplated to be conducted in
the future.

     SECTION 3.2  Purchase Price. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, in consideration for HI Metals' acquisition of the Acquired Assets,
HI Metals shall pay to Tempus the following amounts (collectively, the "Purchase
Price"): (a) at Closing (hereinafter defined), TWO MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS
(U.S. $2,000,000.00) plus the applicable value added tax by wire transfer in
immediately available funds, (b) promptly after Tempus has delivered
documentation to HI Metals satisfactory to HI Metals evidencing that (i) all of
the indebtedness owing from Tempus to Bancomext Nacional de Comercio Exterior
("Bancomext") has been paid in full, (ii) all Liens in favor of Bancomext that
encumber or cloud title to the Acquired Assets (the "Bancomext Liens") have been
terminated by Bancomext, and (iii) Bancomex has taken all action necessary for
the Registry Publico del Comercio to release the Bancomext Liens from the public
record, an additional TWO MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS (U.S. $2,000,000.00) (the
"Bancomext Holdback"), plus the applicable value added tax by wire transfer in
immediately available funds, and (c) the payment for all Finished Inventory
pursuant to Section 3.3 below. If the Bancomext Liens have not been released in
full on or before March 7, 2003, HI Metals shall be permitted to apply such
portion of the Bancomext Holdback as shall be necessary or advisable to pay
Bancomext in full for any loans by Bancomext to Tempus (including all principal,
interest, prepayment charges and penalties and any related fees and expenses) in
order for the Bancomext Liens to be released in full, and Tempus shall
indemnify, release and hold HI Metals harmless from and against any liabilities
or obligations incurred by HI Metals in connection with such dealings with
Bancomext. On and after March 7, 2003, Bancomext is irrevocably authorized to
(i) disclose to HI Metals and its attorneys and agents all information,
including confidential information, of Tempus and Pachur relating directly or
indirectly to the Bancomext Liens, (ii) enter into all agreements and
transactions with HI Metals in connection with the payment of indebtedness of
Tempus to Bancomext to the same extent as Bancomext could with Tempus and
Pachur, and (iii) take all actions requested by HI Metals relating directly or
indirectly to the Bancomext Liens, all without further consent by Tempus or
Pachur. In the event HI Metals is required to exercise the rights granted by
Tempus under this Section 3.2 in order to obtain a release of the Bancomext
Liens, HI Metals shall be entitled to retain the balance of the Bancomext
Holdback until the conditions set forth in clause (b) above have been satisfied
and all litigation or proceedings relating thereto have

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 2

<PAGE>

been concluded and are no longer subject to appeal and HI Metals has recovered
from the Bancomext Holdback all of its costs, expenses and attorney's fees. All
remaining sums shall be remitted by HI Metals to Tempus. No interest shall be
paid to Tempus with respect to the Bancomext Holdback.

     SECTION 3.3  Inventory. Tempus and HI Metals hereby agree as follows
concerning the finished, work in progress and raw materials Inventory of Tempus:

          (a) Finished Products Inventory. HI Metals shall pay Tempus at Closing
for all the Finished Inventory reflected on the written inventory records of
Tempus and stored in the plant facilities located at calle Lerdo de Tejada #
749, Predio El Lechugal in Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon (the "Plant") at the
Closing. No payment shall be due for any other Finished Inventory, if any. The
term "Finished Inventory" shall mean all products inventory of Tempus
manufactured by Tempus and completed for sale by Tempus to such a degree that no
further expenditure of money or labor is required to sell such products. Tempus
shall sell to HI Metals (or its designee) and HI Metals (or its designee) shall
purchase, subject to Section 10.2 below, all Finished Inventory located at the
Plant, according to wholesale list prices that are mutually acceptable to the
parties (but not higher than the average wholesale prices of such products
published by Tempus during the prior thirty (30) days), within the thirty (30)
days following Closing; provided, however, that HI Metals shall not be required
to purchase any Finished Inventory that it does not believe is readily saleable,
of poor quality, or otherwise not acceptable to HI Metals in its sole and
absolute discretion.

          (b) In Process Inventory. All Inventory, other than Finished
Inventory, including, without limitation, the in process Inventory, stored in
the facilities of the Plant or elsewhere at the Closing, shall be property of HI
Metals, even if it is not itemized in Schedule 3.1(a) hereto.

          (c) Raw Materials. All the raw materials Inventory and packaging
material stored at the facilities of the Plant or elsewhere at the Closing, ,
shall be property of HI Metals, even if it is not itemized in Schedule 3.1(a)
hereto.

     SECTION 3.4  Liabilities. In connection with the purchase of the
Acquired Assets, and subject to and upon all the terms and condition of this
Agreement, HI Metals shall not assume or agree to pay, perform and discharge any
liabilities or obligations of Tempus. HI Metals is not assuming, and shall have
no liability for, and Tempus agrees that it will retain and be solely
responsible for, the payment, performance, and discharge of all liabilities of
Tempus, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise (collectively, the
"Retained Liabilities").

     SECTION 3.5  Accounts Receivable. Tempus shall retain title to the Accounts
Receivable (hereinafter defined) after Closing. For purposes of this Agreement,
the term "Accounts Receivable" shall mean only the accounts receivable of Tempus
that relate to Finished Inventory that has been shipped by Tempus on or before
the Closing, provided that (a) such goods are not returned to HI Metals or
rejected or objected to by the customer after Closing and (b) such Accounts
Receivable are accounts receivable in accordance with Mexican GAAP. HI Metals
shall not have any liability in connection with the collection of the Accounts
Receivable, and Tempus shall not pursue any collection activities with respect
to the Accounts Receivable against any customers of

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 3

<PAGE>

Tempus or HI Metals without the prior written consent of HI Metals. HI Metals
shall have the sole and exclusive right, title and interest in and to all
accounts receivable generated by the Activities and HI Metals after Closing. To
the extent that either Tempus or HI Metals receives a payment from a customer
that belongs to the other party, the receiving party shall promptly pay such
money to the other party.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                                     CLOSING

     SECTION 4.1  Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Acquired
Assets (the "Closing") will take place on or before January 31, 2003 (the
"Closing Date"), at the offices of Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, 3232 McKinney
Avenue, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75204-2429, unless another date or place is
agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.

     SECTION 4.2  Transfer of Assets; Payment. At the Closing, Selling Parties
shall do and take all steps reasonable and necessary to transfer, assign and
convey to HI Metals all of the right, title and interest in and to the Acquired
Assets free and clear of all Liens, other than the Bancomext Liens, which shall
be released after Closing as contemplated by Section 3.2 above. HI Metals shall
deliver the Purchase Price at the Closing to Tempus, other than the Bancomext
Holdback, which shall be payable pursuant to Section 3.3(a). Tempus is required
to deliver a letter from Bancomext, in form and substance satisfactory to HI
Metals stating the amount of the outstanding principal and interest and that
Bancomext will release the Bancomext Liens upon payment of such amounts (the
"Bancomext Authorization").

     SECTION 4.3  Closing Documents. At the Closing, Selling Parties, as
appropriate, shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, the following items:

          (a) Schedules and Exhibits to this Agreement that are in form and
     substance satisfactory to HI Metals;

          (b) Certified copies of the Tempus incorporation deeds, as well as
     evidence of registration of the same in the Public Registry of Commerce;

          (c) Certified copies of the public deeds through which the powers of
     attorney of Tempus' legal representatives to complete the transactions
     noted herein are evidenced;

          (d) Copies of all permits, authorizations or licenses needed to be
     granted by any Governmental Entities in order for the Acquired Assets to be
     transferred to HI Metals;

          (e) The Bancomext Authorization;

          (f) Duly notarized powers of attorney for Pachur to represent de Leon
     to execute this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents in Dallas, Texas,
     U.S.A. granted by the de Leon.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 4

<PAGE>

          (g) Invoices, executed by Tempus, in form and substance satisfactory
     to HI Metals and its legal counsel, to convey to HI Metals good and
     marketable title to all of the Acquired Assets;

          (h) Leases between HI Metals and the landlords of the Santa Catarina
     facility (the "Santa Catarina Facility") for the lease of the Santa
     Catarina Facility upon terms and conditions satisfactory to HI Metals;

          (i) Such other documents, certificates of title, endorsements,
     assignments and instruments in form and substance satisfactory to HI Metals
     and its legal counsel, as shall be necessary, advisable or desirable to
     vest in HI Metals title to the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Liens,
     other than the Bancomext Liens, which shall be released after Closing as
     contemplated by Section 3.2 above;

          (j) An Officers' Certificate, dated the Closing Date, of the President
     and Secretary of Tempus, certifying to (a) the governing documents of
     Tempus (as certified to by an appropriate governmental authority), (b)
     evidence of the approval by Tempus of the execution, delivery and
     performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, and (c) the
     incumbency of the representatives of Tempus executing this Agreement and
     the Ancillary Documents; and

          (k) Copies of all consents, authorizations, orders or approvals of and
     filings or registrations with, and any permits, licenses or other
     authorizations required by, any third party or applicable Governmental
     Entity that are required for, or in connection with, the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents by the Selling
     Parties and the consummation by Selling Parties of the transactions
     contemplated herein and therein.

                                   ARTICLE 5
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     SECTION 5.1  Representations and Warranties of Selling Parties. As an
inducement to HI Metals to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, Selling Parties hereby jointly and severally
represent and warrant to HI Metals that the following statements are true and
correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct with equal
force and effect as of the Closing Date.

          (a) Organization, Standing and Corporate Power of Tempus. Tempus is a
Mexican corporation, constituted through Public Contract number 3,254 (three
thousand two hundred and fifty four) dated December 1, 1995, granted before the
faith of Licenciado (Attorney) Jose Luis Trevino Manrique Notary Public number
97 with practice in the City of Monterrey, N.L.

          (b) Authority; Noncontravention. Tempus has the requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other documents, agreements,
contracts and instruments that are executed or contemplated to be executed in
connection with this Agreement (the "Ancillary Documents"). The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents by Tempus and the

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 5

<PAGE>

consummation by Sellers of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the Ancillary Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of Tempus. This Agreement and the Ancillary Documents have
been duly executed and delivered by Sellers and constitute the valid and binding
obligations of Sellers, enforceable against Sellers in accordance with their
terms. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement will not, conflict with, or result in any
violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both)
under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of
any obligation or to the loss of any benefit under, or result in the creation of
any Liens upon, any of the properties or assets of Tempus under (i) the
incorporation deed or bylaws of Tempus, (ii) any loan or credit agreement, note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit,
concession, franchise or license applicable to Tempus or its properties or
assets, or (iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to Tempus or its properties or assets. No consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing
with, any Governmental Entity, is required by or with respect to Selling Parties
in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Documents by Tempus or the consummation by Tempus of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents.

          (c) Litigation. There is no suit, action or legal proceeding pending
or, to the Knowledge of Selling Parties, threatened against or affecting Tempus
nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental
Entity or arbitrator outstanding against Tempus.

          (d) Brokers. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
person, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by Selling Parties, is
entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or other similar fee or
commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Selling Parties.

          (e) Title to Properties; Liens. Tempus has good title to, or valid
leasehold interests in, all of the Acquired Assets. All of the Acquired Assets
are free and clear of all Liens, other than the Bancomext Liens, which shall be
released no later than March 7, 2003, as contemplated by Section 3.2 above. The
debt secured by the Bancomex Lien shall be no greater than U.S.$575,000.00 at
Closing. Upon consummation of the transactions proposed herein, HI Metals will
own the Acquired Assets free and clear of all Liens. In connection with Closing,
Tempus shall provide invoices that indicate whether the Acquired Assets are
imported and whether their sale relates to a first sale. The Acquired Assets
constitute all of the tangible assets and properties, real and personal, that
are used or useable in the conduct of the Activities as presently being
conducted, or as currently contemplated to be conducted in the future. None of
the Acquired Assets are required to be registered with any Mexican Public
Registry. Additionally, none of the Acquired Assets are subject to any Mexican
governmental program, such as Pitex or maquila, that could limit the
transferability of the Acquired Assets.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 6

<PAGE>

          (f) Owned and Leased Real Property.

               (i) Schedule 5.1(f) contains a list and brief description of all
          of the leased real property of Tempus (the "Real Property"). Tempus
          owns no real property. The Real Property constitutes all real
          properties used or occupied by Sellers in connection with the
          Activities.

               (ii) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(f), with respect to the
          Real Property:

                         (A) All buildings and structures located on the Real
                    Property, as well as the operation and maintenance thereof,
                    comply in all material respects with all applicable legal
                    requirements, including without limitation, Environmental
                    Laws, and do not violate the rights of any third party and,
                    except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(f), all buildings and
                    structures are in good and operable condition, in all
                    material respects;

                         (B) There are no contracts, agreements, instruments,
                    licenses, commitments, leases or similar document, written
                    or oral, to which Selling Parties are a party, granting to
                    any one or more persons the right of use or occupancy of any
                    portion of the parcels of the Real Property;

                         (C) There are no persons (other than Tempus) in
                    possession of the Real Property; and

          (g) Accounts Receivable; Inventories.

               (i) All Accounts Receivable have arisen from bona fide arms
          length transactions by Tempus in the ordinary course of the
          Activities, Tempus has performed all of its obligations in connection
          with such Accounts Receivable. Schedule 5.1(g) shall contain at
          Closing a true and accurate aging schedule of all Accounts Receivable
          of Tempus as of Closing.

               (ii) The Inventories of Tempus (including raw materials, supplies
          and other materials) are accurately reflected on Schedule 3.1(a)
          hereto at Closing at the lower of cost or market in accordance with
          Mexican GAAP. The Inventory is free of defects, is merchantable and
          complies in all material respects with the Legal Requirements of all
          countries in which the Finished Inventory is to be sold.

          (h) Employee Relations.

               (i) Schedule 5.1(h) hereto sets forth a list of (x) all
          employees, commission salespersons and independent contractors of
          Tempus as of December 31, 2002, (y) then current annual compensation
          of, and a description of fringe benefits provided by Sellers to any
          such employees, commission salespersons and independent contractors,
          and (z) any increase, effective on or after December 31,

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 7

<PAGE>

          2002, in the rate or manner of compensation of any employees,
          commission salespersons or independent contractors.

               (ii) Tempus has no employment, consulting, labor union or
          collective bargaining agreement with any director, officer or
          employee, except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(h).

               (iii) Tempus is and has complied with all laws, rules and
          regulations which relate to hiring, termination, wages, hours,
          discrimination in employment, working conditions, including without
          limitation, laws, rules and regulations relating to equal employment
          opportunities, fair employment practices and occupational health and
          safety, and collective bargaining and are not liable for any arrears
          of wages or any Taxes (including penalties) for failure to so comply
          with any of the foregoing.

               (iv) Tempus has duly paid all taxes and contributions in
          connection with their actual or former employees, including those
          related with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), National
          Housing Fund (INFONAVIT) and the Retirement Administration System
          (SAR).

               (v) There is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint against
          Tempus pending before any Governmental Entity. There is no charge or
          complaint against Tempus pending, or to the Knowledge of Selling
          Parties, threatened under any Legal Requirement. There is no labor
          strike, dispute or stoppage, or any union organizing campaign or
          petition for certification actually pending or, to the Knowledge of
          Selling Parties, threatened against or involving Tempus. No labor
          grievance has been filed with Tempus, has arisen out of or under a
          collective bargaining or other labor agreement and is pending, and no
          claim therefor has been asserted. Tempus has not experienced any work
          stoppage over the past two (2) years.

          (i) Leased Personal Property. Schedule 5.1(i) contains a list of all
leases under which Tempus is a lessee of or holds or operates any personal
property owned by any third person, and true, complete and correct copies (or,
in the case of oral leases, written descriptions) of such leases have been
previously furnished to HI Metals.

          (j) Condition of Acquired Assets. Except as set forth on Schedule
5.1(j), the Acquired Assets are in good operating condition and repair, taking
into account ordinary wear and tear. Selling Parties have regularly maintained
such Acquired Assets in the ordinary course and none of such Acquired Assets are
in need of maintenance or repair except for ordinary, routine maintenance and
repairs made necessary through ordinary wear and tear. Additionally, except as
set forth on Schedule 5.1(j), all of the Acquired Assets that were imported into
Mexico, are freely transferable and no Taxes or Permits are due or required as a
result of such transfer.

          (k) Product Warranties. Schedule 5.1(k) hereto contains the forms of
express warranties and guaranties which have been used by Tempus in the
Activities. Tempus has not offered any different forms of express product
warranties and guaranties. No events have occurred

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 8

<PAGE>

or facts exist which could result in an increase to Tempus' warranty expenses.
The Finished Inventory does not violate any such warranties or guaranties.

          (l) Compliance with Laws. Tempus has complied with and is in
compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws,
ordinances, regulations, rules, permits, judgments, orders or decrees or other
Legal Requirement applicable to Tempus or any of its respective properties,
assets, operations and activities, and there does not exist any basis for any
claim or default under or violation of any such statute, law, ordinance,
regulation, rule, judgment, order or decree or other Legal Requirement.

          (m) Disclosure.

                         (A) Selling Parties have delivered or made available to
                    HI Metals complete and accurate copies of all documents
                    listed on the schedules delivered as a part hereof and all
                    other information requested by HI Metals pursuant hereto. No
                    representation or warranty of Sellers contained in this
                    Agreement or any statement in the Schedules hereto contains
                    any untrue statement. No representation or warranty of
                    Sellers contained in this Agreement or statement in the
                    Schedules hereto omits to state a material fact necessary in
                    order to make the statements herein or therein, in light of
                    the circumstances under which they were made, not
                    misleading.

                         (B) There is no fact known to Sellers which has
                    specific application to the Activities and which could have
                    a Material Adverse Effect on the Activities but which has
                    not been set forth in this Agreement or the Schedules
                    hereto.

                         (C) The disclosures in the Schedules hereto shall
                    relate only to the representations and warranties in the
                    Section of this Agreement to which they expressly relate and
                    to no other representation or warranty in this Agreement.

                         (D) In the event of any inconsistency between the
                    statements in the body of this Agreement and those in the
                    Schedules hereto (other than an exception expressly set
                    forth as such in the Schedules in relation to a specifically
                    identified representation or warranty), those in this
                    Agreement shall control.

     SECTION 5.2  Representations and Warranties of Stockholders. As an
inducement to HI Metals to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, Stockholders hereby, jointly and severally,
represent and warrant to HI Metals that the following statements are true and
correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct with equal
force and effect as of the Closing Date:

          (a) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
     Stockholders and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of each
     Stockholder enforceable against each Stockholder in accordance with its
     terms.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 9

<PAGE>

          (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
     consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance
     with or fulfillment of the terms, conditions and provisions hereof or
     thereof, by Stockholders, will:

               (i) conflict with, result in a breach of the terms, conditions or
          provisions of, or constitute a default, an event of default or an
          event creating rights of acceleration, termination or cancellation or
          a loss of rights under, (1) any material note, instrument, agreement,
          mortgage, lease, license, franchise, permit or other authorization,
          right, restriction or obligation to which Stockholders are a party or
          are bound, or (2) any court order to which Stockholders are a party or
          to which any of the assets or properties of Stockholders are subject
          or by which Stockholders are bound; or

               (ii) require the approval, consent, authorization or act of, or
          making by any Stockholder of any declaration, filing or registration
          with, any person or entity.

          (c) Stockholders have a participation of 100% in the capital stock of
     Tempus as evidenced in the copy of the latest entry of Tempus' Stockholders
     Registry Books to be delivered at Closing and shall continue to hold such
     participation until Closing.

          (d) Pachur has full authority and power to execute this Agreement and
     the Ancillary Documents in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A on behalf of de Leon,
     through a power of attorney that complies with all applicable Legal
     Requirements.

     SECTION 5.3  Representations and Warranties of HI Metals. HI Metals hereby
represents and warrants to Selling Parties that the following statements are
true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct
with equal force and effect as of the Closing Date:

          (a) Organization, Standing and Corporation Power of HI Metals. HI
Metals is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of Mexico and has the requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its activities as now being conducted.

          (b) Authority; Noncontravention. HI Metals has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the
part of HI Metals. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by HI
Metals and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of HI Metals, enforceable
against HI Metals in accordance with its terms. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement does not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and compliance with the provisions of this Agreement will not,
conflict with, or result in any violation of the incorporation deed or bylaws of
HI Metals. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with
respect to HI Metals in connection with the execution

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 10

<PAGE>

and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by HI Metals, of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          (c) Brokers. Except for MHT Partners, no broker, investment banker,
financial advisor or other person, the fees and expenses of which will be paid
by HI Metals, is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or
other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of HI Metals.

                                   ARTICLE 6
                   COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES

     SECTION 6.1  Conduct of Activities by Selling Parties. During the period
from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, Selling Parties shall carry
on the Activities in the usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the
same manner as heretofore conducted and, to the extent consistent therewith, use
all reasonable efforts to preserve intact Tempus' current organization, keep
available the services of their current officers and employees and preserve
their relationships with customers, suppliers, licensors, licensees,
distributors and others having dealings with them to the end that their
goodwill, ongoing activities and the Acquired Assets shall be unimpaired at the
Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, during the
period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, without the prior
written consent of HI Metals, Tempus shall not:

          (a) sell any Acquired Assets, other than Finished Inventory, in the
     ordinary course of activities;

          (b) mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber any of the Acquired Assets;

          (c) enter into any employment, independent contractor agreement or
     arrangement relating to any of the Acquired Assets other than in the
     ordinary course of the Activities consistent with past practice;

          (d) ship or manufacture Finished Inventory or send invoices for
     shipped Finished Inventory on an accelerated basis or expedited schedule;
     or

          (e) enter into any agreement to do any of the things described in
     clauses (a) through (d) above.

     SECTION 6.2  Other Actions. Selling Parties and HI Metals shall not
take any action that would result in (i) any of the representations and
warranties of such party set forth in this Agreement becoming untrue, or (ii)
any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Article 8 not being satisfied.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 11

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE 7
                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     SECTION 7.1  Access to Information; Confidentiality. Selling Parties shall
afford to HI Metals, its financial advisors, attorneys and agents reasonable
access, during normal hours during the period prior to the Closing Date, to
Tempus' properties, books, contracts, licenses, commitments, personnel and
operating and other records and, during such period, the Selling Parties shall
furnish promptly to HI Metals all information concerning the activities,
properties and personnel of the Activities as HI Metals may reasonably request.
Each party shall treat in confidence all documents, materials and other
information which it shall have obtained regarding the other party during the
course of the negotiations leading to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby (whether obtained before or after the date of this
Agreement), and, in the event the transactions contemplated hereby shall not be
consummated, each party will return to the other party all copies of nonpublic
documents and materials which have been furnished in connection therewith. Such
documents, materials and information shall not be communicated to any third
person (other than to the respective counsel, accountants, financial advisors,
engineers, or the lenders of any party). Prior to the Closing, HI Metals shall
not use any confidential information in any manner whatsoever except solely for
the purpose of fully understanding the Activities and sale and purchase of the
Acquired Assets, or the negotiation or enforcement of this Agreement or any
agreement contemplated hereby. The obligation of each party to treat such
documents, materials and other information in confidence shall not apply to any
information that (i) is or becomes lawfully available to such party from a
source other than the furnishing party, provided that such confidential
information is not known by the receiving party to be subject to another
confidentially agreement with or other obligation of secrecy to the furnishing
party, (ii) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a
result of disclosure by such receiving party or its agents, or (iii) is required
to be disclosed under applicable law or judicial process, but only to the extent
it must be disclosed, and after notice to the furnishing party.

     SECTION 7.2  Reasonable Efforts; Notification.

          (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
     Agreement, the parties shall use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause
     to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and
     cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or
     advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner
     reasonably practicable, the Closing, and the other transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement, including (i) the obtaining of all
     necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents and approvals from
     Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and
     filings (including filings with Governmental Entities, if any) and the
     taking of all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or
     waiver from, or to avoid an action or proceeding by, any Governmental
     Entity, (ii) the obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals or waivers
     from third parties, (iii) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal
     proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement
     or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining
     order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity vacated or
     reversed, and (iv) the execution and delivery of any additional instruments

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 12

<PAGE>

     necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by, and to fully
     carry out the purposes of, this Agreement.

          (b) Selling Parties shall give prompt notice to HI Metals, and HI
     Metals shall give prompt notice to Selling Parties, of (i) any
     representation or warranty made by such party contained in this Agreement
     that has become untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, or (ii) the
     failure by it to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or
     agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this Agreement;
     provided, however, that such notification shall not, in and of itself,
     excuse or otherwise affect the representations, warranties, covenants or
     agreements of the parties or the conditions to the obligations of the
     parties under this Agreement.

     SECTION 7.3  Fees and Expenses; Taxes.

          (a) Except as set forth in Subsection 7.3(b):

               (i) if the Closing and purchase of the Acquired Assets are
          consummated, all fees and expenses (other than duties, taxes,
          recordation fees and notary public fees, which shall be split by the
          parties) incurred by HI Metals in connection with the Closing, this
          Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
          "Expenses") shall be paid by HI Metals and all Expenses incurred by
          Selling Parties shall be paid by Stockholders, and

               (ii) if the Closing and purchases of the Acquired Assets are not
          consummated, all Expenses shall be paid by the party incurring such
          expenses.

          (b) In the case of a breach of this Agreement by any party, all
     reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the prevailing, nonbreaching party
     or parties in connection with such breach, shall be paid by the party
     breaching this Agreement.

          (c) Selling Parties shall be responsible for the payment, if any, of
     any and all importation taxes, value added taxes, and other related
     expenses to the Mexican customs and tax authorities necessary to modify the
     import regime on the Acquired Assets from temporary to definitive. Selling
     Parties shall hold in trust and remit on a timely basis to the Governmental
     Entities entitled thereto, all value added tax paid by HI Metals under
     Section 3.2.

     SECTION 7.4  Public Announcements. HI Metals and Selling Parties will
consult with each other before issuing, and will provide to each other the
opportunity to review and comment upon, any press release or other public
statements with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
shall not issue any press release or make any public statement prior to such
consultation and prior to the Closing Date, except as may be required by
applicable law, court process or obligations pursuant to any listing agreement
with any national securities exchange, in which case the party required to make
the release or announcement shall allow the other parties reasonable time to
comment on such release or announcement in advance of such issuance.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 13

<PAGE>

     SECTION 7.5  No Solicitation. The Selling Parties covenant and agree that
they will not and will not permit any of their affiliates, agents or
representatives (including, without limitation, investment bankers, attorneys
and accountants) to, directly or indirectly (a) solicit, initiate or encourage
submission of proposals or offers by, or (b) furnish any information with
respect to or otherwise cooperate in any way with, or participate in any
discussions or negotiations with, any Person with respect to any proposal
regarding the acquisition or purchase of all or a material portion of the
Acquired Assets, or any equity interest in Tempus or any combination with
Tempus. Sellers shall promptly notify HI Metals in writing of any inquiry or
proposal that is received concerning any of the foregoing transactions.

     SECTION 7.6  Information for Tax Returns. The Selling Parties shall
cooperate with HI Metals after the Closing by providing HI Metals, promptly upon
request, such records and other information regarding the Acquired Assets and/or
Tempus as may reasonably be requested from time to time by HI Metals in
connection with the preparation or audit of its federal, state and local income
and other Tax returns, and audits, disputes, refund claims or litigation
relating thereto. In such connection, the Selling Parties will afford HI Metals'
representatives including independent tax advisers and others access to books
and records or relating to the Acquired Assets.

     SECTION 7.7  Leasing Contract. Tempus shall cause the landlords under the
leases of the real property on which the Plant is located, and all related real
estate used by Tempus, to enter into leases with HI Metals, in form and
substance satisfactory to HI Metals, effective as of the Closing. Tempus does
not have any other contracts, licenses, commitments, leasings or similar
documents, whether written or oral, pursuant to which it has the right of usage
or occupancy of any portion of the property on which the Plant is located,
except as described in Schedule 7.7. There are no Persons different than Tempus
in possession of the property on which the Plant is located.

     SECTION 7.8  Telephones. Tempus shall transfer and assign and irrevocably
authorizes HI Metals to obtain from the applicable telephone company, the
following telephone lines, which are all the lines currently working in Tempus'
name in connection with the Activities:

          (a) (81) 83-36-36-13

          (b) (81) 83-36-33-58

          (c) (81) 83-36-81-15

          (d) (81) 83-36-81-16

          (e) (81) 83-36-81-18

          (f) (81) 83-36-88-08

     By virtue of the above, Tempus shall perform within ten (10) working days
following Closing, the necessary procedures before the various telephone
companies in order to transfer and assign such telephone numbers to HI Metals
and direct such telephone companies to begin invoicing their services to HI
Metals.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 14

<PAGE>

     SECTION 7.9  Radio Frequencies. Tempus shall transfer and assign and
irrevocably authorizes HI Metals to obtain from the applicable radio company,
the radio frequencies currently working in the name of Tempus in connection with
the Plant. By virtue of the above, Tempus shall perform within ten (10) working
days following Closing, the necessary procedures before the radio company in
order to transfer and assign such radio frequencies to HI Metals and direct such
radio company to begin invoicing its services to HI Metals.

     SECTION 7.10 Insurance Coverages and Warranties. Tempus shall transfer and
assign to HI Metals the insurance policies (contract) and warranties it has over
the existing machinery and plant, and Tempus shall notify the insurance
companies about the sale by Tempus of the Acquired Assets in order to transfer
and assign insurance policies to HI Metals and direct such insurance companies
to begin invoicing the appropriate premiums payment to HI Metals if such
policies are kept in force by HI Metals. Tempus shall cause the insurance
policies to remain in effect at all times until their transfer to HI Metals is
completed and shall also provide that HI Metals will be the sole beneficiary of
such policies on and after the date of Closing. Tempus shall be the only party
liable in case it does not comply with this provision and any unforeseen event
damages or destroys the Acquired Assets.

     SECTION 7.11 Employees. As a condition to HI Metals' agreement to purchase
the Acquired Assets, in order for the machinery, equipment and other Acquired
Assets to continue operating efficiently, Tempus agrees to communicate to all
the workers of Tempus that HI Services de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. ("HI Services")
has offered to hire all employees of Tempus following the Closing. Tempus shall
terminate the employment of the workers not wishing to be employed by HI
Services and pay all severance payments, fees, Taxes and other charges in
connection therewith. For those workers who agree to be employed by HI Services,
HI Services shall, within thirty (30) days following Closing, enter into an
individual labor contract with each such employee, in form and substance
satisfactory to HI Services, recognizing their seniority rights, according to
the period of time worked at Tempus. . HI Services shall take action required by
applicable law in connection with becoming the substitute employer of employees
of Tempus who desire to work for HI Services. Schedule 7.11 is a complete and
accurate list of all Tempus employees as of Closing, including a description of
the current positions and salary benefits, their commissions and any increase in
compensation to which Tempus has agreed to be effective after that date. Tempus
does not have a contract with any employees, consultancy firms, directors or
officers of Tempus not included in Schedule 7.11. Tempus has complied with all
the laws and regulations related to hiring, termination, wages, hours, employee
discrimination, working conditions, equal opportunity conditions, fair
employment practices, occupational health and safety and it is not responsible
for any delay in wages or any other employer obligation. There have not been any
unfair working practices at Tempus. There do not exist any pending demands from
workers of Tempus before any government entity. There are no labor strikes or
stoppages, or any union organizing campaign against Tempus and to the Knowledge
of Selling Parties, there are not any threatened claims, demands, actions or
proceedings with respect to the foregoing. Tempus has never experienced any
labor stoppage or any strike. From and after the date hereof through the Closing
Date or earlier termination of this Agreement, HI Services has the right to
enter into negotiations with any or all of the employees and independent
contractors of Tempus for their continued employment with HI Metals from and
after the Closing Date at compensation levels as HI Services and such employees
or contractors shall

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 15

<PAGE>

agree. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to require HI Services, or
any of its Affiliates, to hire or continue in effect any employee benefit plan
or arrangement of Tempus. HI Services shall have no liability whatsoever with
respect to any matter relating to the employment, contracting or termination of
such persons by Tempus prior to the Closing Date and the Selling Parties shall
defend and hold HI Services harmless from any labor controversy or claim brought
against HI Metals or HI Services by former employees of Tempus relating to
events that occurred prior to the Closing Date.

     SECTION 7.12 Labor Unions. Tempus has established a Work Contact with
"Sindicato Industrial de Trabajadores de Nuevo Leon (Industral Labor Union of
Nuevo Leon State Workers) incorporated to "Federacion Nacional de Sindicators
Independientes" (National Federation of Independent Labor Unions), having an
excellent relationship with its leaders until the date of this Agreement, and it
has never had any problem or intent of stoppage or strike. The contract with the
labor union mentioned in this Section 7.12 is attached as Schedule 7.12. Pachur
shall participate in the necessary meetings (in consultation with HI Metals and
HI Services) with "Sindicato Industrial de Trabajadores de Nuevo Leon
(Industrial Labor Union of Nuevo Leon State Workers) incorporated to Federacion
Nacional de Sindicators Independientes" (National Federation of Independent
Labor Unions), entity which have good relationships with it in order to change
the existing work contract before Tempus and the mentioned Labor Union

                                   ARTICLE 8
                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     SECTION 8.1  Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Closing.
The respective obligations of each party to effect the Closing are subject to
the satisfaction, or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:

          (a) Authorizations, Consents, and Approvals. Any authorizations,
consents, approvals, orders or waivers required to be obtained, and all filings,
notices or declarations required to be made with any Federal, foreign, state or
local governmental regulatory agency, shall have been obtained or made.

          (b) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order,
preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the
Closing shall be in effect; provided, however, that each of the parties shall
have used such party's reasonable efforts to prevent the entry of any such
injunction or other order and to appeal as promptly as possible any injunction
or other order that may be entered.

     SECTION 8.2  Conditions to Obligations of HI Metals. The obligations of HI
Metals to effect the Closing and to purchase the Acquired Assets pursuant to
this Agreement shall, at the option of HI Metals, be subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:

          (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of Selling Parties, set forth in this Agreement, in each case as of the date of
this Agreement, and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the
Closing Date, shall be true and correct, and HI

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 16

<PAGE>

Metals shall have received a certificate to such effect, signed on behalf of
Tempus by an authorized officer of Tempus with respect to representations and
warranties of Tempus, and signed by the Stockholders with respect to
representations and warranties of the Stockholders.

          (b) Performance of Obligations of Selling Parties. Selling Parties
shall have performed all obligations required to be performed by them under this
Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and HI Metals shall have received a
certificate to such effect signed on behalf of Tempus by an authorized officer
of Tempus, as well as a certificate to such effect signed by the Stockholders
with respect to obligations of the Stockholders.

          (c) No Suit or Judgment. There shall be no suit or proceeding
instituted to prohibit or otherwise challenge the legality or validity of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and there shall be no judgment, order or
decree by any court with proper jurisdiction prohibiting consummation of such
transactions.

          (d) Opinion of Counsel. HI Metals shall have received written
opinions, dated as of the Closing Date, from counsel for Selling Parties
substantially in the form of Exhibit "D" hereto.

          (e) Consents. Selling Parties shall have received consents to the
transactions contemplated hereby from the parties to contracts and debt
instruments listed in Schedule 8.2(e).

          (f) Tempus Records. HI Metals shall have received from Tempus
certificates of the Secretary of Tempus, dated the Closing Date, in form and
substance satisfactory to HI Metals, as to (y) the resolutions of Stockholders,
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and (z) incumbency and signatures of the
officers of Tempus executing the Agreement and any related documents.

          (g) Material Adverse Change. From and after the date of this
Agreement, there shall not have been any Material Adverse Change to any of the
operations, financial condition, revenues or properties of Tempus.

          (h) Board and Lender Authorizations. HI Metals shall have received
approval of the sale and purchase of the Acquired Assets by the Board of
Directors of HI Metals, as well as any authorizations, consents or waivers
required to be obtained by HI Metals from their lenders in order for HI Metals
to enter into the transactions made the subject of this Agreement.

          (i) Delivery of Notarial Instruments and Invoices. Subject to the
terms of this Agreement, Selling Parties shall have delivered, at their sole
cost and expense, and shall have caused such instruments of transfer or
conveyance, and of assignment, as are reasonably requested by HI Metals to vest
in HI Metals good and marketable title to the Acquired Assets, including,
without limitation, a notarial instrument, executed by a properly empowered
notary public and Tempus, evidencing the transfer of the Real Property and
invoices, executed by Selling Parties, evidencing the transfer of the Acquired
Assets other than the Real Property.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 17

<PAGE>

     SECTION 8.3  Conditions to Obligations of Selling Parties. The obligations
of Selling Parties to effect the Closing and to transfer and convey the Acquired
Assets pursuant to this Agreement shall, at the option of Selling Parties, be
subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following
conditions:

          (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of HI Metals set forth in this Agreement, in each case as of the date of this
Agreement, and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing
Date, shall be true and correct, and Selling Parties, shall have received a
certificate to such effect signed on behalf of HI Metals by an authorized
officer of HI Metals.

          (b) Performance of Obligations of HI Metals. HI Metals shall have
performed all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at
or prior to the Closing Date, and Selling Parties shall have received a
certificate to such effect, signed on behalf of HI Metals by an authorized
officer of HI Metals.

          (c) No Suit or Judgment. There shall be no suit or proceeding
instituted to prohibit or otherwise challenge the legality or validity of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and there shall be no judgment, order or
decree by any court with proper jurisdiction prohibiting consummation of such
transactions.

     SECTION 8.4  Frustration of Closing Conditions. HI Metals and Selling
Parties may not rely on the failure of any condition set forth on this Article 8
to be satisfied, if such failure was caused by such party's failure to act in
good faith or to use its reasonable efforts to cause the Closing to occur.

                                   ARTICLE 9
                        TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

     SECTION 9.1  Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing Date without liability:

          (a) by the unanimous written consent of HI Metals and Selling Parties;

          (b) by HI Metals or Selling Parties if the Closing shall not have
     occurred on or before March 31, 2003, unless the failure to effect the
     Closing is the result of a material breach of this Agreement by the party
     seeking to terminate;

          (c) by HI Metals or Selling Parties:

               (i) if any Governmental Entity shall have issued an order, decree
          or ruling or taken any other action permanently enjoining, restraining
          or otherwise prohibiting the Closing and such order, decree, ruling or
          other action shall have become final and nonappealable as long as the
          party seeking to terminate is not liable for the issuance of such
          order, decree, ruling or action; and

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 18

<PAGE>

               (ii) in the event of any breach by HI Metals, on the one hand, or
          by Selling Parties, on the other hand, of its or his respective
          agreements, representations or warranties contained herein and the
          failure of such party to cure such breach within ten (10) days after
          receipt of notice from any other party requesting such breach to be
          cured.

     SECTION 9.2  Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement as provided in Section 9.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void
and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of any
party, other than the provisions of this Section 9.2 and Article 9. In the event
that HI Metals or Selling Parties shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 9.1(b) or (c) hereof, the rights of the parties, as the case may be, to
pursue any and all rights they may have at law or equity or hereunder shall
survive unimpaired.

     SECTION 9.3  Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties at any
time prior to the Closing Date by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of
each of the parties hereto.

     SECTION 9.4  Extension: Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date, the
parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any document
delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or (c) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part
of a party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in
an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any
party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or
otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.

                                   ARTICLE 10
                                 INDEMNIFICATION

     SECTION 10.1 Indemnification.

          (a) By the Selling Parties. Subject to the limitations set forth in
Section 10.1(e), from and after the Closing Date, the Selling Parties, shall,
jointly and severally, (i) indemnify and hold harmless the HI Metals and its
Affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, affiliates, successors and
assigns and attorneys from and against any and all losses which it or such
persons may suffer or incur, resulting from, related to or arising out of (a)
any misrepresentation or breach of warranty of the Selling Parties contained in
or made pursuant to this Agreement; (b) any breach by the Selling Parties of any
of their agreements or obligations contained in or made pursuant to this
Agreement; (c) any liability or obligation arising out of the Activities as
conducted prior to the Closing; (d) any losses or costs of defending against any
claims which may be made against HI Metals and its Affiliates by any Person
claiming violations by any Selling Party of any local, state, or federal law
relating to the employment relationship, including, but not limited to, wages,
hours, concerted activity, nondiscrimination, occupational health and safety and
the payment and withholding of Taxes, where such claims arise out of
circumstances occurring prior to the Closing Date; or (e) any actual or
threatened violation of or non-compliance with, or remedial obligation arising
under, any Environmental Laws arising from any event, condition, circumstance,
activity, practice, incident, action

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 19

<PAGE>

or plan existing or occurring prior to the Closing relating in any way to the
Acquired Assets, the Plant or Tempus; and (ii) reimburse HI Metals and each of
its respective officers, directors, employees and attorneys for any and all
reasonable fees, costs and expenses related thereto (including without
limitation, reasonable legal expenses) ((i) and (ii), collectively, "HI Metals'
Indemnifiable Losses").

          (b) By HI Metals. From and after the Closing Date, HI Metals shall (i)
indemnify and hold harmless the Selling Parties and their respective officers,
directors, employees, affiliates, successors and assigns, from and against any
and all losses, which any of them may suffer or incur, resulting from, related
to or arising out of (a) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty of HI
Metals which is contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement; (b) any breach
by HI Metals of any of its agreements or obligations contained in or made
pursuant to this Agreement; and (c) any and all claims or litigation arising out
of any of the foregoing; and (ii) reimburse each Stockholder and his or her
heirs, personal representatives, administrators, trustees, agents or employees,
and Sellers and their officers, directors, employees and attorneys for any and
all reasonable fees, costs and expenses related thereto (including, without
limitation, reasonable legal expenses) ((i) and (ii), collectively, "Selling
Parties' Indemnifiable Losses").

          (c) Direct Liability. In the event that the person or entity seeking
indemnification under this Article 10 (the "Indemnified Party") shall become
aware of an event which will give rise to or result in an Indemnifiable Loss,
he, she or it shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, give written notice to
the party from whom indemnification under this Article 10 is sought (the
"Indemnifying Party") of the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss, together with
sufficient information to enable the Indemnifying Party to determine the
accuracy and nature of the claimed Indemnifiable Loss (the "Indemnity Notice").
The failure of the Indemnified Party to give the Indemnifying Party an Indemnity
Notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from liability under this
Article 10; provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable
for losses which would not have been incurred but for the delay in the delivery
of, or the failure to deliver, the Indemnity Notice. Within thirty (30) days
after the receipt by the Indemnifying Party of the Indemnity Notice, the
Indemnifying Party shall either (i) pay to the Indemnified Party an amount equal
to the Indemnifiable Loss, or (ii) object to such claim, in which case the
Indemnifying Party shall give written notice to the Indemnified Party of such
objection together with the reasons therefor, it being understood that the
failure of the Indemnifying Party to so object shall preclude the Indemnifying
Party from asserting any claim, defense or counterclaim relating to the
Indemnifying Party's failure to pay any Indemnifiable Loss.

          (d) Third Party Claim. In the event the facts giving rise to the claim
for indemnification under this Article 10 shall involve any action or threatened
claim or demand by any third party against the Indemnified Party (a "Third Party
Claim"), within the earlier of, as applicable, ten (10) days after receiving
notice of the filing of a lawsuit or thirty (30) days after receiving notice of
the existence of a claim, demand, suit or proceeding (each a "Claim") giving
rise to the claim for indemnification, the Indemnified Party shall send written
notice of such Claim to the Indemnifying Party (the "Claim Notice"). The failure
of the Indemnified Party to give the Indemnifying Party the Claim Notice shall
not release the Indemnifying Party from liability under this Article 10;
provided, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for losses
incurred by the Indemnified Party which would not have been incurred but for the
delay in the delivery of, or the failure to deliver, the

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 20

<PAGE>

Claim Notice. Except as set forth below, the Indemnifying Party shall be
entitled to defend such Claim in the name of the Indemnified Party at his or its
own expense and through counsel of his or its own choosing. The Indemnifying
Party shall give the Indemnified Party notice in writing within ten (10) days
after receiving the Claim Notice from the Indemnified Party in the event the
Claim is one involving an instituted suit or proceeding, or otherwise within
thirty (30) days, of his or its intent to do so. If the Indemnifying Party
chooses to defend or prosecute a Third Party Claim, all the Indemnified Parties
shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution thereof. Such cooperation shall
include the retention and (upon the Indemnifying Party's request) the provision
to the Indemnifying Party of records and information that are reasonably
relevant to such Third Party Claim, and making employees available on a mutually
convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any
material provided hereunder. Whether or not the Indemnifying Party assumes the
defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party shall not admit any
liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, such Third Party
Claim without the Indemnifying Party's prior written consent, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned. The Indemnified
Party may elect, by notice in writing to the Indemnifying Party, to continue to
participate through his or its own counsel, at his or its expense, but the
Indemnifying Party shall have the right to control the defense of the Claim with
counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party. In the event that the
Indemnifying Party is controlling the defense of the Claim and shall have
negotiated a settlement thereof, which proposed settlement is final and
unconditional as to the parties thereto and contains an unconditional release of
the Indemnified Party, without the Indemnified Party being liable for damages of
any kind or nature or being otherwise required to pay any amount of money to any
third party and does not include the imposition of any restrictions on the part
of the Indemnified Party or require that the Indemnified Party make an admission
of guilt or liability or deliver a confession of judgment, or any other
non-financial obligation which, in the reasonable judgment of the Indemnified
Party, renders such settlement unacceptable, the Indemnified Party shall consent
to such settlement.

          (e) Limitation of Indemnity. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, neither party shall be entitled to make a claim for indemnity
with respect to a misrepresentation or breach of warranty after the statute of
limitation period for such claim has expired.

     SECTION 10.2 Right to Set-Off. To secure the indemnification provided for
in Section 10.1(a) hereof, and to compensate HI Metals for any claim having as
its basis the indemnification provided for in Section 8.1(a) hereof, HI Metals
shall have a right of set-off from any sum due by HI Metals or its Affiliates to
any of the Selling Parties or their Affiliates, including sums due under this
Agreement, and the other documents, agreements, contracts and instruments
executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or contemplated
by this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

     SECTION 11.1 Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The
representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Closing Date.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 21

<PAGE>

     SECTION 11.2 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed
given if delivered personally when received if or sent by overnight courier
(providing proof of delivery) to the parties at the following addresses (or at
such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

          (a) if to HI Metals, to:

              HI Metals, S.A. de C.V.
              c/o Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc.
              1649 Frankford Road West
              Carrollton, Texas 75007
              Attn:  Michael D. Lohner

              with a mandatory copy to:

              William E. Swart, Esq.
              Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP
              3232 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1400
              Dallas, Texas 75204-2429

          (b) if to Selling Parties or the Stockholders to:

              Tempus Corporation, S.A. de C.V.
              Rio Moctezuma numero 110 interior 8
              Colonia del Valle
              San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L.
              C.P. 66220
              Attn: Miguel Angel Pachur Salgado

              and

              Miguel Angel Pachur Salgado
              c/o Tempus Corporation, S.A, de C.V.
              Rio Moctezuma numero 110 interior 8
              Colonia del Valle
              San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L.
              C.P. 66220

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 22

<PAGE>

              and

              Oscar Guadalupe de Leon Ulloa
              c/o Tempus Corporation, S.A, de C.V.
              Rio Moctezuma numero 110 interior 8
              Colonia del Valle
              San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L.
              C.P. 66220

              with a mandatory copy to:

              C.P. Raul Martinez Gandara
              Rio Moctezuma numero 110 interior 8
              Colonia del Valle
              San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L.
              C.P. 66220

              and

              Lic. Carlos Arias Lozano
              Nicolas Bravo numero 7171 Sur
              Colonia Maria Luisa
              Monterrey, N.L.
              C.P. 64040

     SECTION 11.3 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the following respective meanings:

         "Acquired Assets": As defined in Section 3.1 hereof.

         "Activities": As defined in Section 3.1 hereof.

         "Affiliate": Any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or
         other entity of which 25% of the equity or voting power is controlled
         directly or indirectly by Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc., a Texas
         corporation ("HIG"), or another Affiliate of HIG, or which owns 51% or
         more of the equity of voting power of HIG (the "HIG Parent"), or which
         is an Affiliate of the HIG Parent.

         "Bankomext Authorization": As defined in Section 4.2 hereof.

         "Bankomext Liens": As defined in Section 3.2 hereof.

         "Claim": As defined in Section 10.1(d) hereof.

         "Claim Notice": As defined in Section 10.1(d) hereof.

         "Closing":  As defined in Section 4.1 hereof.

         "Closing Date":  As defined in Section 4.1 hereof.

         "Environmental Laws" means, as of the Closing Date, any applicable
         treaties, laws, regulations, enforceable requirements, order, decrees
         or judgments issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental
         Entity, which relate to (x) pollution or protection of the

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 23

<PAGE>

         environment or (y) Hazardous Materials generation, storage, use,
         handling, disposal or transportation and any similar or implementing
         state or local law, and all amendments or regulations promulgated
         thereunder.

         "Expenses": As defined in Section 7.3(a) hereof.

         "Finished Inventory": As defined in Section 3.3(a) hereof.

         "GAAP": means those generally accepted accounting principles and
         practices, applied on a consistent basis, which are recognized as such
         by the applicable financial accounting standards boards of the U.S. or
         Mexico and/or their respective successors and which are applicable in
         the circumstances as of the date in question.

         "Governmental Entity": Any court or any foreign, federal, state,
         municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau,
         agency, authority or instrumentality.

         "Hazardous Materials" means all explosive or regulated radioactive
         materials or substances, hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or
         chemicals, petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos
         containing materials and all other materials or chemicals regulated
         pursuant to any Environmental Law.

         "HI Metals' Indemnifiable Losses": As defined in Section 10.1(a)
         hereof.

         "Indemnified Party": As defined in Section 10.1(c) hereof.

         "Indemnifying Party": As defined in Section 10.1(c) hereof.

         "Indemnity Notice": As defined in Section 10.1(c) hereof.

         "Knowledge of Selling Parties" means, with respect to the Stockholders,
         the current actual knowledge of a person, and with respect to Tempus,
         current actual knowledge obtained (through the exercise of due
         diligence) of any of its officers.

         "Legal Requirement": means any federal, state, local, municipal,
         foreign, international, multi-national, or other administrative order,
         constitution, law, ordinance, principle of common law, regulation,
         statute, or treaty as in effect on the date in question.

         "Liens": All mortgages, deeds of trust, claims, liens, security
         interests, pledges, leases, conditional sale contracts, rights of first
         refusal, options, charges, liabilities, obligations, agreements,
         easements, rights-of-way, powers of attorney, limitations,
         reservations, restrictions and other encumbrances of any kind.

         "Material Adverse Change" or "Material Adverse Effect": Any change
         (individually or in the aggregate) that has a material adverse effect
         on the activities, results of operations or financial condition of
         Selling Parties that is likely to result in a cost, expense, charge or
         liability equal to or greater than U.S. $10,000.00

         "Order": Any judgment, writ, decree, injunction, order, stipulation,
         compliance agreement or settlement agreement issued or imposed by,
         entered into with, a Governmental Entity, whether or not having the
         force of law.

         "Permits": All permits, authorizations, certificates, approvals,
         registrations, variances, exemptions, rights-of-way, franchises,
         privileges, immunities, grants, ordinances, licenses and other rights
         of every kind and character (a) under any (1) federal, state, local or
         foreign statute, ordinance or regulation, (2) Order or (3) contract
         with any Governmental Entity or (b) granted by any Governmental Entity.

         "Person": An individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation,
         company, limited liability company, bank, trust, unincorporated
         organization, Governmental Entity or group.

         "Purchase Price": As defined in Section 3.2 hereof.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 24

<PAGE>

         "Plant": As defined in Section 3.3(a) hereof.

         "Real Property": As defined in Section 5.1(f) hereof.

         "Taxes": Any federal, state, local or foreign income, sales, excise,
         real or personal property franchise, capital stock, gross receipts,
         license, payroll, employment, unemployment, social security, stamp,
         occupation, intangible, estimated tax or other taxes, assessments,
         fees, levies, imposts, duties, deductions or other charges of any
         nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, interest and
         penalties) imposed by any law, rule or regulation.

         "Third Party Claim": As defined in Section 10.1(d) hereof.

         SECTION 11.4 Interpretation; Governing Language. When a reference
is made in this Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of
this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. This Agreement is in
the English language only, and all communications between the parties relative
to this Agreement shall be conducted in the English language only. Any version
of this Agreement in the Spanish language, whether or not executed by the
parties, is and shall be prepared solely for the benefit of Sellers and
Stockholders and shall be considered a non-binding translation of the Agreement.

         SECTION 11.5 Counterparts; Facsimiles. This Agreement may be executed
in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties. Facsimile
signatures shall be effective. SECTION 11.6......Entire Agreement: No Third
Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and
supersedes all prior representations, agreements or understandings among the
parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement both written and
oral. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person other than the
parties any rights or remedies hereunder.

         SECTION 11.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, regardless of the
laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflict of laws
thereof; provided, however, that to the extent the law of Mexico expressly
provides for application of the law of Mexico to real property and personal
property situated within Mexico, the law of Mexico shall apply to that limited
extent. Each of the parties hereby agrees that the laws of the State of Texas
bear a reasonable relationship to the transaction. Buyer is a subsidiary of DWC
GP, Inc., a Texas corporation.

         SECTION 11.8 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned, in whole or in
part, by operation of law or otherwise by Selling Parties without the prior
written consent of the other. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement
will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the
parties and their respective successors and assigns.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 25

<PAGE>

         SECTION 11.9 Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It
is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any Federal court located in the
State of Texas, County of Dallas, or in any Texas State court located in the
County of Dallas, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are
entitled at law or in equity. In addition, each of the parties hereto (a)
consents to submit himself, herself or itself to the personal jurisdiction of
any Federal court located in the State of Texas, County of Dallas, or any Texas
State court located in the County of Dallas, in the event any dispute arises out
of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b)
agrees that he, she or it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal
jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court and (c)
agrees that he, she or it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement
or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any court other
than a Federal court located in the State of Texas, County of Dallas, or a Texas
State court located in the County of Dallas.

         SECTION 11.10 Exhibits and Schedules. Any matter set forth on any
Schedule shall be deemed set forth on all other Schedules to the extent
relevant. Except when the context requires otherwise, any reference in this
Agreement to any Article, Section, clause, Schedule or Exhibit shall be to the
Articles, Sections and clauses of, and Schedules and Exhibits to, this
Agreement. The words "include," "includes" and "including" are deemed to be
followed by the phrase "without limitation." Any reference to the masculine,
feminine or neuter gender shall include such other genders and any reference to
the singular or plural shall include the other, in each case unless the context
otherwise requires. All Exhibits and Schedules annexed hereto or referred to
herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set
forth in full herein. When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section,
Exhibit or Schedule, such reference shall be to a Section of, or an exhibit or
Schedule to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

         SECTION 11.11 Arbitration. The parties agree that except as otherwise
set forth in this Agreement, any disputes arising out of or in connection with
this Agreement shall be finally settled by arbitration under the then current
rules of arbitration of the United Nations Commission for International Trade
Law ("UNCITRAL"). There shall be three arbitrators. Each of HI Metals and
Selling Parties shall select one arbitrator at will, and the third arbitrator
shall be selected by the two arbitrators previously chosen by HI Metals and
Selling Parties. The arbitration shall take place in Dallas, Texas and shall be
conducted in English. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final and shall
be enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The non-prevailing party
in arbitration will pay its own expenses, the fees of each arbitrator, the
administrative costs of the arbitration and the expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and witness fees and costs, incurred by the other party to the
arbitration. Each party hereby irrevocable consents to the jurisdiction of the
UNCITRAL solely for the purposes of arbitration described in this Section 9.11.

         SECTION 11.12 Currency and Payment. All amounts payable hereunder shall
be calculated and payable in United States dollars.

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 26

<PAGE>

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

                                         TEMPUS:

                                         TEMPUS CORPORATION, S.A. DE C.V.,
                                         a Mexico corporation

                                         By: /s/ MIGUEL ANGEL PACHUR SALGADO
                                            -----------------------------------
                                         Name: Miguel Angel Pachur Salgado
                                              ---------------------------------
                                         Title: Legal Representative
                                               --------------------------------

                                         STOCKHOLDERS:

                                         /s/ MIGUEL ANGEL PACHUR SALGADO
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         Miguel Angel Pachur Salgado

                                         /s/ MIGUEL ANGEL PACHUR SALGADO
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         Oscar Guadalupe de Leon Ulloa

                                         HI METALS:

                                         HI METALS, S.A. DE C.V.,
                                         a Mexican corporation

                                         By: /s/ KENNETH CICHOCKI
                                            -----------------------------------
                                         Name: Kenneth Cichocki
                                              ---------------------------------
                                         Title: Senior Vice President of
                                                Finance and Chief Financial
                                                Officer
                                               --------------------------------

ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT - PAGE 27

<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT "C"

     [HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ Y CASTILLO, S.C. ABOGADOS LETTERHEAD]

                                             Guadalajara, Jal., February 7, 2003

HI Ceramics
1649 Frankford Road West
Carrollton, Texas 75007
Attn: Michael D. Lohner

     Re: Ceramica y Vidrio de Nuevo Leon, S.A. de CV.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as counsel for Ceramica y Vidrio de Nuevo Leon, S.A. de C.V.
("Ceramica") in connection with that certain Asset Purchase Agreement (together
with all schedules and exhibits thereto, the "Agreement") dated as of January
24, 2003, among Ceramica, Maquiladora Produr, S.A. de C.V. ("Produr"),
Industrias Tromex Corporation, S.A. de C.V. ("Tromex", Produr and Tromex,
collectively, the "Original Owners"), and HI Ceramics, S.A. de C.V., ("HI
Ceramics"), pursuant to which the Original Owners have sold to Ceramica the
Acquired Assets, and Ceramica has purchased from the Original Owners the
Acquired Assets. We are providing this opinion pursuant to Section 7.2(e) of the
Agreement. Capitalized terms utilized and not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings given to them in the Agreement.

     In connection with the delivery of this opinion, we have examined originals
or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the
following documents (the "Transaction Documents");

     1.   the Asset Purchase Agreement;

     2.   the Mortgages releases from HI Ceramics and Xanadu;

     3.   the Public Deeds evidencing the transfer of the Real Estate;

     4.   the Termination Agreements executed as of this date related to the
          described transaction;

     5.   the Closing Agreement.

<PAGE>

HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ y CASTILLO, S.C.

     In connection with this Opinion Letter, we have also examined originals or
copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction as true copies, of
the corporate records of Ceramica, as amended to date, Ceramica's minute books
and stock transfer books, and such additional corporate records, agreements and
other instruments and certificates or comparable documents of public officials
and/or of officers and representatives of Ceramica, and have made such
inquiries of such officers and representatives as we have deemed relevant and
necessary, as the basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth. In such
examination, we have assumed: (i) the genuineness of all signatures, other than
the signatures on behalf of Ceramic; (ii) the authenticity of all documents or
other papers submitted to us as originals, and the conformity to authentic
original documents of all documents or other papers submitted to us as
certified, conformed or photostatic copies thereof; and (iii) the legal capacity
of each natural person executing the Transaction Documents. In addition, we are
unaware of the existence of any fraud or dishonesty with respect to any of the
matters relevant to our opinions and, accordingly, we understand that no fraud
or dishonesty exists with respect to any of the matters relevant to our
opinions.

     With respect to those matters which are stated herein to be "to our
knowledge," our opinions are limited to our current actual knowledge. Such
knowledge does not include constructive knowledge; instead, it is limited to the
conscious awareness of the lawyers in our firm who have participated in the
negotiation and consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement.

     On the basis of and in reliance upon the foregoing and in reliance of the
information provided by Ceramica, and subject to the assumptions,
qualifications, and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

     1. Ceramica is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of Mexico, and Ceramica has all requisite power and
authority to own its assets and to carry on its business.

     2 Ceramica has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute,
deliver and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which
Ceramica is a party; the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and
the other agreements, documents and instruments contemplated thereby to be
executed and delivered by it (collectively, the "Ancillary Documents") and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized
and approved by the board of directors of Ceramica and by all other necessary
corporate action on the part of Ceramica; and the Transaction Documents have
been duly executed and delivered by Ceramica, to the extent they are parties
thereto, and constitute valid and binding obligations of Ceramica, enforceable
in accordance with their respective terms.

<PAGE>

HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ y CASTILLO, S.C.

     3. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents, as applicable,
by Ceramica do not, and consummation by Ceramica of the transactions
contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not: (A) to our actual knowledge,
violate any law, rule, order or regulation applicable to Ceramica; (B) conflict
with any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of Ceramica or to our actual
knowledge, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the assets of Ceramica
pursuant to any mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement or other instrument to
which Ceramica is a party or by which Ceramica or any properly of Ceramica may
be bound; or (C) to our actual knowledge, except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(b)
to the Agreement, result in a default (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both), give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration,
result in the loss of a benefit or breach any prohibition or restriction
concerning assignment or transfer under any of the Material Agreements.

     4. To our current actual knowledge, except as described in Schedule 3.1(e)
to the Agreement, Ceramica is not a party to, and the business and assets of
Ceramica are not the subject of or materially affected by, any pending or
threatened suit, claim, action or litigation by or with any party or any
administrative, arbitration or other governmental proceeding, investigation or
inquiry, which, if determined adversely to Ceramica, would severally or in the
aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect on Ceramica or prevent the consummation
of any of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, nor is there any
judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or
arbitration outstanding against Ceramica which, insofar as reasonably can be
foreseen, could materially prevent the consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated in the Agreement.

     5. As to questions of fact material to the opinions herein expressed, we
have, without verification of their accuracy, relied upon (i) the information
provided by Ceramica and (ii) the representations and warranties and factual
statements contained in the Transaction Documents and upon statements and
representations of the directors and officers of Ceramica and nothing has come
to our attention which has caused us to believe that such representations and
warranties are false in any respect or that would affect the opinions expressed
herein. In addition, as to certain matters, we have obtained and relied upon,
with your permission, such other certificates and assurances from Mexican state
authorities and public officials as we have deemed necessary, desirable, or
appropriate for the purpose of rendering the opinions expressed.

     6. The opinions contained herein are subject to the following limitations
and qualifications:

<PAGE>
HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ Y CASTILLO, S.C.

          (a) The validity, binding effect and enforceability of, and the rights
     and remedies set forth in and the effect of, the Transaction Documents may
     be limited by and subject to (1) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the rights and
     remedies of creditors; (2) the effect of general principles of equity,
     whether applied by a court of law or equity; (3) the possible
     unenforceability of provisions requiring indemnification for, or providing
     exculpation, release, or exemption from liability for, action or inaction,
     to the extent such action or inaction involves negligence or willful
     misconduct or to the extent otherwise contrary to public policy; (4) the
     possible unenforceability of provisions purporting to require arbitration
     of disputes; (5) the possible unenforceability of provisions prohibiting
     competition, the solicitation or acceptance of customers, of business
     relationships, or of employees, the use or disclosure of information, or
     other activities in restraint of trade; (6) the possible unenforceability
     of provisions that waivers or consents by a party may not be given effect
     unless in writing or in compliance with particular requirements or that a
     person's course of dealing, course of performance, or the like or failure
     or delay in taking action may not constitute a waiver of related rights or
     provisions or that one or more waivers may not under certain circumstances
     constitute a waiver of other matters of the same kind; (7) the effect of a
     course of dealing, course of performance, or the like, that would modify
     the terms of an agreement or the respective rights or obligations of the
     parties under an agreement; (8) the possible unenforceability of provisions
     that enumerated remedies are not exclusive or that a party has the right to
     pursue multiple remedies without regard to other remedies elected or that
     all remedies are cumulative; (9) the possible unenforceability of
     provisions that determinations by a party or a party's designee are
     conclusive; (10) the possible unenforceability of provisions permitting
     modifications of an agreement only in writing; (11) the possible
     unenforceability of provisions that the provisions of an agreement are
     severable; (12) the possible unenforceability of provisions permitting the
     exercise, under certain circumstances, of rights without notice or without
     providing opportunity to cure failures to perform; (13) the possible
     unenforceability of provisions which provide for the waiver of any right to
     trial by jury; (14) the possible unenforceability of provisions which
     provide for or otherwise select or elect choice of venue or jurisdiction;
     and (15) the possible unenforceability of provisions which provide for or
     otherwise select or elect choice of law.

          (b) Based on the information provided by Ceramica, we understand the
     enforceability of the Transaction Documents against III Ceramics, Ceramica,
     Produr and Tromex and that HI Ceramics, Ceramica, Produr and Tromex have
     all requisite power and authority and have taken all necessary action to
     authorize, execute, and deliver the Transaction Documents.

<PAGE>

HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ Y CASTILLO, S.C.

          (c) We express no opinion with respect to any violation of law,
     statute, judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation which results from the
     legal or regulatory status of facts relating specifically to HI Ceramics or
     any of its affiliates.

          (d) We have assumed the absence of agreements or understandings
     between Ceramica and the HI Ceramics (other than those, if any, to which
     we have current actual knowledge) that would modify the terms of the
     Transaction Documents or the respective rights and obligations of the
     parties thereunder.

     In rendering the opinions contained herein, we express no opinion with
respect to any other law other than applicable Mexican laws.

     We are authorize to practice law under Mexican law, and we express no
opinion as to any questions of law other than with respect to laws of Mexico in
effect on the date hereof, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any other
matters governed by the laws of any other jurisdiction.

     The opinions expressed herein are specific to the matters and documents
referred to herein, and no opinion may be inferred beyond the opinions stated.
The opinions expressed herein are as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any
obligation to update or modify such opinions because of any changes in the law
or undisclosed information by Ceramica or represented facts relevant thereto.
This opinion is furnished to you solely for your benefit in connection with the
transactions contemplated by the Agreement and may not be relied upon in any
manner, for any other purposes or by any other person or entity, without the
prior written consent of this firm.

                                Very truly yours,

HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ Y CASTILLO, S.C.

/s/ HERNANDEZ, MAYORQUIN, RODRIGUEZ Y CASTILLO, S.C.

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