FindLaw - Agreement and Plan of Reorganization - Sagent Technology Inc. and Talus Inc.



                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION



                                  BY AND AMONG



                            SAGENT TECHNOLOGY, INC.,



                            TALUS ACQUISITION CORP.,



                               TALUS, INCORPORATED



                                       AND



                           CERTAIN OF THE SHAREHOLDERS



                                 OF TALUS, INC.





















                          DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1998





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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



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ARTICLE I



         THE MERGER.................................................................................................-1-

                    The Merger......................................................................................-1-

         1.2        Effective Time..................................................................................-2-

         1.3        Effect of the Merger............................................................................-2-

         1.4        Articles of Incorporation; Bylaws...............................................................-2-

         1.5        Directors and Officers..........................................................................-2-

         1.6        Cash Consideration..............................................................................-2-

         1.7        Effect on Capital Stock.........................................................................-3-

         1.8        Dissenting Shares...............................................................................-4-

         1.9        Surrender of Certificates.......................................................................-4-

         1.10       No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock.............................................-6-

         1.11       Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates..........................................................-6-

         1.12       Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action......................................................-6-



ARTICLE II



         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY..............................................................-6-

         2.1        Organization of the Company.....................................................................-6-

         2.2        Company Capital Structure.......................................................................-7-

         2.3        Subsidiaries....................................................................................-7-

         2.4        Authority.......................................................................................-7-

         2.5        No Conflict; No Default.........................................................................-7-

         2.6        Company Financial Statements....................................................................-8-

         2.7        No Undisclosed Liabilities......................................................................-8-

         2.8        No Changes......................................................................................-8-

         2.9        Tax and Other Returns and Reports...............................................................-9-

         2.10       Restrictions on Business Activities............................................................-10-

         2.11       Title of Properties; Absence of Liens and Encumbrances; Condition of Equipment.................-11-

         2.12       Intellectual Property..........................................................................-11-

         2.13       Agreements, Contracts and Commitments..........................................................-12-

         2.14       Interested Party Transactions..................................................................-13-

         2.15       Governmental Authorization.....................................................................-14-

         2.16       Litigation.....................................................................................-14-

         2.17       Minute Books...................................................................................-14-

         2.18       Brokers' and Finders' Fees.....................................................................-14-

         2.19       Insurance......................................................................................-14-

         2.20       Compliance With Laws...........................................................................-14-

         2.21       Complete Copies of Materials...................................................................-15-

         2.22       Binding Agreements; No Default.................................................................-15-

         2.23       Environmental Matters..........................................................................-15-

         2.24       Employee Matters and Benefit Plans.............................................................-16-

         2.25       Representations Complete.......................................................................-19-

         2.26       Third Party Consents...........................................................................-20-

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ARTICLE III



         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB...................................................-20-

         3.1        Organization, Standing and Power...............................................................-20-

         3.2        Capital Structure..............................................................................-20-

         3.3        Authority......................................................................................-21-

         3.4        Representations Complete.......................................................................-21-

         3.5        Litigation.....................................................................................-21-

         3.6        Broker's and Finders' Fees.....................................................................-22-

         3.7        Parent Financial Statements....................................................................-22-

         3.8        No Undisclosed Liabilities.....................................................................-22-

         3.9        No Changes.....................................................................................-22-

         3.10       ...............................................................................................-23-

         3.12       Restrictions on Business Activities............................................................-24-

         3.13       Intellectual Property..........................................................................-24-

         3.14       Compliance With Laws...........................................................................-24-

         3.11       Agreements, Contracts and Commitments..........................................................-24-



ARTICLE IV



         CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME.......................................................................-26-

         4.1        Conduct of Business of the Company.............................................................-26-

         4.2        No Solicitation................................................................................-28-

         4.3        Strategic Agreements...........................................................................-29-



ARTICLE V



         ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.....................................................................................-29-

         5.1        Resolutions of Company Shareholders............................................................-29-

         5.2        Access to Information..........................................................................-29-

         5.3        Expenses.......................................................................................-29-

         5.4        Public Disclosure..............................................................................-29-

         5.5        Consents.......................................................................................-30-

         5.6        FIRPTA.........................................................................................-30-

         5.7        Legal Requirements.............................................................................-30-

         5.8        Blue Sky Laws..................................................................................-30-

         5.9        Best Efforts; Additional Documents and Further Assurances......................................-30-

         5.10       Indemnification................................................................................-30-

         5.11       Employee Agreements.  Each employee of and consultant to the Company will sign

                    promptly a Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement in Sagent's standard form..........-31-

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ARTICLE VI



         CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER..................................................................................-31-

         6.1        Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger...................................-31-

         6.2        Additional Conditions to Obligations of Company................................................-32-

         6.3        Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub..............................-32-



ARTICLE VII



         SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION...............................................-34-

         7.1        Survival of Representations and Warranties.....................................................-34-

         7.2        Agreement to Indemnify.........................................................................-34-

         7.3        Expiration of Indemnification..................................................................-34-

         7.4        Escrow Fund....................................................................................-35-

         7.5        Termination of Escrow Fund.....................................................................-35-

         7.6        Protection of Escrow Fund......................................................................-35-

         7.7        Claims Upon Escrow Fund........................................................................-35-

         7.8        Objections to Claims...........................................................................-35-

         7.9        Resolution of Conflicts........................................................................-36-

         7.10       Distribution Upon Termination of Escrow Period.................................................-37-

         7.11       Shareholders' Agent; Power of Attorney.........................................................-37-

         7.12       Actions of the Shareholders' Agent.............................................................-38-

         7.13       Third-Party Claims.............................................................................-38-

         7.14       Escrow Agent's Duties..........................................................................-38-

         7.15       No Joint Liability; Maximum Liability..........................................................-39-

         7.16       Remedies.......................................................................................-39-



ARTICLE VIII



         TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.........................................................................-39-

         8.1        Termination....................................................................................-39-

         8.2        Effect of Termination..........................................................................-40-

         8.3        Amendment......................................................................................-40-

         8.4        Extension; Waiver..............................................................................-40-



ARTICLE IX



         GENERAL PROVISIONS........................................................................................-41-

         9.1        Notices........................................................................................-41-

         9.2        Interpretation.................................................................................-43-

         9.3        Counterparts...................................................................................-43-

         9.4        Miscellaneous..................................................................................-43-

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         9.5        Governing Law..................................................................................-43-

         9.6        Attorneys' Fees................................................................................-43-

         9.7        Resolution of Disputes; Stipulation Regarding Confidentiality..................................-43-

         9.8        Rules of Construction..........................................................................-44-

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                      AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION





      This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement") is made and

entered into as of February 27, 1998 among Sagent Technology, Inc., a California

corporation ("Parent"), Talus Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Merger

Sub") and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, Talus, Incorporated, a Virginia

corporation (the "Company"), Michael P. Venerable and Matthew Comstock as

shareholders of the Company, and Michael P. Venerable, the representative of all

of the shareholders (the "Shareholders' Agent").



                                    RECITALS



      A.    The Boards of Directors of each of the Company, Parent and Merger

Sub believe it is in the best interests of each company and their respective

stockholders and shareholders that the Company and Merger Sub combine into a

single company through the statutory merger of Company with and into the Merger

Sub (the "Merger") and, in furtherance thereof, have approved the Merger.



      B.    The Company has 18,290 shares of Common Stock subject to unexercised

options which it expects to be exercised prior to the Closing, as hereinafter

defined. The persons who hold these options (the "Optionees"), Michael P.

Venerable and Matthew E. Comstock are hereinafter referred to collectively as

the "Shareholders." Each of them is listed on Exhibit A hereto. In exercising

their options, the Optionees will appoint Michael P. Venerable as the

Shareholder Agent.



      C.    Pursuant to the Merger, among other things, the outstanding shares

of Common Stock of the Company ("Company Common Stock") shall be converted into

shares of Series E Preferred Stock of Parent ("Parent Preferred Stock") at the

rate determined herein.



      D.    The Company, Parent and Merger Sub desire to make certain

representations and warranties and other agreements in connection with the

Merger.



      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, promises and

representations set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration,

the parties agree as follows:





                                    ARTICLE I



                                   THE MERGER



      1.1   The Merger. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2) and

subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Merger

Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Merger Agreement") and the

applicable provisions of (i) the California Corporations Code ("California

Law"), (ii) Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware Law"), and (iii) the

Virginia Stock Corporation Act ("Virginia Law") (Delaware Law, California Law

and Virginia Law, collectively,





<PAGE>   7

"Applicable Law"), Company shall be merged with and into the Merger Sub, the

separate corporate existence of Company shall cease and the Merger Sub shall

continue as the surviving corporation. The Merger Sub as the surviving

corporation after the Merger is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the

"Surviving Corporation."



      1.2   Effective Time. As promptly as practicable after the satisfaction or

waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VI, the parties hereto shall cause

the Merger to be consummated by filing the Merger Agreement with the Secretaries

of State of the States of Delaware and Virginia, in accordance with the relevant

provisions of Applicable Law (the time of the later of such filing being the

"Effective Time"). The Closing of the transaction contemplated hereby (the

"Closing") shall take place at 11:00 a.m. at the offices of Wilson Sonsini

Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., 650 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California, 94304 on

February 27, 1998, or at such other time, date and location as the parties

hereto agree (the "Closing Date").



      1.3   Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the

Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the

applicable provisions of Applicable Law. Without limiting the generality of the

foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time all the property, rights,

privileges, powers and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in

the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company

and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving

Corporation.



      1.4   Articles of Incorporation; Bylaws.



            (a)   Unless otherwise determined by Parent prior to the Effective

Time, at the Effective Time, the Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub

shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until

thereafter amended as provided by law and such Certificate of Incorporation;

provided, however, that Article I of the Certificate of Incorporation of the

Surviving Corporation shall be amended to read as follows: "The name of the

corporation is Sagent Professional Services, Inc."



            (b)   The Bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to

the Effective Time, shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until

thereafter amended.



      1.5   Directors and Officers. The director(s) of Merger Sub immediately

prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial director(s) of the Surviving

Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of

Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The officers of Merger

Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial officers of the

Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Bylaws of the

Surviving Corporation.



      1.6   Cash Consideration. At the Closing, Parent or Merger Sub shall

deliver in the aggregate $1,170,000.00 by check or wire transfer of immediately

available funds, as follows:





                                      -2-

<PAGE>   8

            (a)   $150,000 to Greater Bay Trust Company, as escrow agent (the

"Escrow Agent"), to be held, administered and released in accordance with the

terms of an Escrow Agreement to be executed by the Shareholders' Agent, Parent,

Merger Sub, Company and the Escrow Agent at the Closing in the form of Exhibit C

attached hereto (the "Escrow Agreement"), which funds shall be held in escrow

until thirty (30) days after such time as Parent's outside public accounting

firm has released its annual audit of the consolidated financial statements

applicable to the Parent for the period ending December 31, 1998 and will be

used to satisfy indemnification claims of Buyer pursuant to Article VII hereof:

and



            (b)   the balance to Shareholders in such amounts and to persons as

set forth on Exhibit A.



         1.7 Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the

Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, the Company or any of

the Shareholders, the following shall occur:



            (a)   Conversion of Company Common Stock. Each share of common

stock, no par value, of the Company (the "Company Common Stock") issued and

outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than any Dissenting

Shares (as defined and to the extent provided in Section 1.8(a)) will be

canceled and extinguished and be converted automatically into the right to

receive 2.155 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of the Parent Preferred Stock.



            (b)   Capital Stock of Merger Sub. Each share of common stock,

$0.001 par value, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the

Effective Time shall continue unchanged and remain outstanding as a share of

common stock of the Surviving Corporation. Each stock certificate of Merger Sub

evidencing ownership of any such shares shall continue to evidence ownership of

such shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.



            (c)   Adjustments to Exchange Ratio. The Exchange Ratio shall be

adjusted to reflect fully the effect of any stock split, reverse split, stock

dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into

the common stock of Parent or Company Common Stock), reorganization,

recapitalization or other like change with respect to Parent Preferred Stock or

Company Common Stock occurring after the date hereof and prior to the Effective

Time.



      1.8   Dissenting Shares.



            (a)   Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the

contrary, any shares of capital stock of the Company held by a holder who has

exercised dissenters' rights for such shares in accordance with Virginia Law and

who, as of the Effective Time, has not effectively withdrawn or lost such

dissenters rights ("Dissenting Shares"), shall not be converted into or

represent a right to receive Parent Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 1.7, but

the holder thereof shall only be entitled to such rights as are granted by

Virginia Law.





                                      -3-

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            (b)   Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), if any

holder of Dissenting Shares shall effectively withdraw or lose (through failure

to perfect or otherwise) his or her dissenters' rights, then, as of the later of

the Effective Time or the occurrence of such event, such holder's shares shall

automatically be converted into and represent only the right to receive Parent

Preferred Stock and payment for fractional shares as provided in Section 1.7,

without interest thereon, upon surrender of the certificate representing such

shares.



            (c)   The Company shall give Parent (i) prompt notice of any written

demand received by the Company to require the Company to purchase shares of the

Company's Common Stock pursuant to the applicable provisions of Virginia Law and

(ii) the opportunity to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with

respect to such demands. The Company shall not, except with the prior written

consent of Parent, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any such demands

or offer to settle or settle any such demands.



      1.9   Surrender of Certificates.



            (a)   Exchange Agent. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati shall act as

exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent") in the Merger.



            (b)   Parent to Provide Preferred Stock. Promptly after the

Effective Time, Parent shall make available to the Exchange Agent for exchange

in accordance with this Article I, through such reasonable procedures as Parent

may adopt, the shares of Parent Preferred Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.7

in exchange for outstanding shares of Company Common Stock.



            (c)   Exchange Procedures. At or before the Effective Time, each

holder of a certificate or certificates (the "Certificates") which immediately

prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares of Company Common

Stock shall surrender to the Exchange Agent for cancellation the Certificates,

duly endorsed to Parent or accompanied by duly executed stock powers and

assignments separate from certificate transferring title to such shares to

Parent. Promptly after the Effective Time, and against receipt of such

Certificates, the Exchange Agent shall issue to each tendering holder of a

Certificate a certificate for the number of shares of Parent Preferred Stock to

which such holder is entitled and payment in lieu of fractional shares pursuant

to Section 1.7 hereof and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be

cancelled.



      To the extent that any holder of a Certificate does not so surrender such

Certificate at or before the Effective Time, then promptly after the Effective

Time, the Surviving Corporation shall cause to be mailed to each holder of

record of a Certificate or Certificates, (i) a letter of transmittal (which

shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the

Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange

Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Parent may

reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of

the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing shares of Parent

Preferred Stock. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the

Exchange Agent after the Effective Time, or to such other agent or agents as may

be appointed by Parent, together with such letter of transmittal, duly





                                      -4-

<PAGE>   10

completed and validly executed in accordance with the instructions thereto, the

holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a

certificate representing the number of whole shares of Parent Preferred Stock

and payment in lieu of fractional shares which such holder has the right to

receive pursuant to Section 1.7, and the Certificate so surrendered shall

forthwith be canceled. Until so surrendered, each outstanding certificate that,

prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Company Common Stock will be

deemed from and after the Effective Time, for all corporate purposes, other than

the payment of dividends, to evidence the ownership of the number of full shares

of Parent Preferred Stock into which such shares of Company Common Stock shall

have been so converted and the right to receive an amount in cash in lieu of the

issuance of any fractional shares in accordance with Section 1.7.



            (d)   Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends

or other distributions declared or made after the date of this Agreement with

respect to Parent Preferred Stock with a record date after the Effective Time

will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the

shares of Parent Preferred Stock represented thereby until the holder of record

of such Certificate shall surrender such Certificate. Subject to applicable law,

following surrender of any such Certificate, there shall be paid to the record

holder of the certificates representing whole shares of Parent Preferred Stock

issued in exchange therefor, without interest, at the time of such surrender,

the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the

Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of Parent

Preferred Stock.



            (e)   Transfers of Ownership. If any certificate for shares of

Parent Preferred Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the

certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it will be a

condition of the issuance thereof that the certificate so surrendered will be

properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person

requesting such exchange will have paid to Parent or any agent designated by it

any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate

for shares of Parent Preferred Stock in any name other than that of the

registered holder of the certificate surrendered, or established to the

satisfaction of Parent or any agent designated by it that such tax has been paid

or is not payable.



            (f)   No Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this

Section 1.9, none of the Exchange Agent, the Surviving Corporation or any party

hereto shall be liable to a holder of shares of Parent Preferred Stock for any

amount properly paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned

property, escheat or similar law.



      1.10  No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock. All shares of

Parent Preferred Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of shares of

Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash

paid in respect thereof) shall be deemed to have been issued in full

satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of Company Common Stock,

and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the

Surviving Corporation of shares of Company Common Stock which were outstanding

immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,

Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason, they

shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article I.





                                      -5-

<PAGE>   11

      1.11  Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any

certificates evidencing shares of Company Common Stock shall have been lost,

stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall issue in exchange for such lost,

stolen or destroyed certificates, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact

by the holder thereof, such shares of Parent Preferred Stock and cash for

fractional shares, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 1.7; provided,

however, that Parent may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the

issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed

certificates to deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as

indemnity against any claim that may be made against Parent or the Exchange

Agent with respect to the certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or

destroyed.



      1.12  Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after

the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out

the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full

right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers

and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub, the officers and directors of the

Company and Merger Sub are fully authorized in the name of their respective

corporations or otherwise to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary

action, so long as such action is consistent with this Agreement.





                                   ARTICLE II



                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY



      The Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub, subject to

the exceptions set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule attached hereto as

Exhibit E (the "Disclosure Schedule"), as follows:



      2.1   Organization of the Company. The Company is a corporation duly

organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of

Virginia. The Company has the corporate power to own its property and to carry

on its business as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted by the

Company. The Company is duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a

foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified

would have a material adverse effect on the business, assets (including

intangible assets), financial condition, results of operations or prospects

("Material Adverse Effect") of the Company. The Company has delivered a true and

correct copy of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, each as amended to

date, to counsel for Parent.



      2.2   Company Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of the

Company consists of 200,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value. There are

102,000 shares of the Company Common Stock issued and outstanding held by the

persons, and in the amounts, set forth on Exhibit A. At the time of the Closing,

such list shall have been appropriately adjusted to reflect option exercises and

stock repurchases since the date hereof. All outstanding shares of Company

Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable

and not subject to preemptive rights created by statute, the Articles of

Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or any agreement to which the Company





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<PAGE>   12

is a party or by which it is bound. The Company has reserved 98,000 shares of

Common Stock for issuance to employees and consultants pursuant to the Company

Stock Option Plan, of which 18,290 shares are subject to options which have been

exercised effective immediately prior to the Effective Time (at which time the

Company will have outstanding 120,290 shares of Common Stock), and no shares are

subject to outstanding, unexercised options (the "Options"). There are no other

options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character to

which the Company is a party or by which it is bound obligating the Company to

issue, deliver, sell, repurchase or redeem, or cause to be issued, delivered,

sold, repurchased or redeemed, any shares of the capital stock of the Company or

obligating the Company to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of, change the

price of, or otherwise amend or enter into any such option, warrant, call,

right, commitment or agreement.



      2.3   Subsidiaries. The Company does not have and has never had any

subsidiaries or affiliated companies and does not otherwise own and has never

otherwise owned any shares of stock or any interest in, or control, directly or

indirectly, any other corporation, partnership, association, joint venture or

business entity.



      2.4   Authority. The Company has all requisite corporate power and

authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions

contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the

consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized

by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, subject only to

the approval of the Merger by the Shareholders as contemplated by Section

6.1(a). This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and

constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company.



      2.5   No Conflict; No Default. The execution and delivery of this

Agreement by the Company does not, and the consummation of the transactions

contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or

default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or give rise

to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or

loss of any benefit under (i) any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or

Bylaws, each as amended as of the date hereof, of the Company or (ii) any other

material mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement or instrument,

permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law,

ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or its properties or

assets. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,

declaration or filing with, any court, administrative agency or commission or

other governmental authority or instrumentality ("Governmental Entity"), is

required by or with respect to the Company in connection with the execution and

delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated

hereby, except for (i) the filing of the Merger Agreement with the Virginia and

Delaware Secretaries of State, (ii) such consents, approvals, orders,

authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under

applicable federal and state securities laws and the laws of any foreign country

and (iii) such other consents, authorizations, filings, approvals and

registrations which, if not obtained or made, would not have a Material Adverse

Effect on the Company.



      2.6   Company Financial Statements. Section 2.6 of the Company Disclosure

Schedule includes the Company's unaudited balance sheet as of February 25, 1998

(the "Company Balance Sheet").





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<PAGE>   13

      2.7   No Undisclosed Liabilities. The Company does not have any

liabilities, either accrued or contingent (whether or not required to be

reflected in financial statements in accordance with generally accepted

accounting principles), and whether due or to become due, which individually or

in the aggregate are material and (i) have not been reflected in the Company

Balance Sheet, (ii) have not been specifically described in this Agreement or in

the Company Schedules or (iii) are not normal or recurring liabilities incurred

since February 25, 1998 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past

practices.



      2.8   No Changes. Since the date of the Company Balance Sheet there has

not been, occurred or arisen any:



            (a)   material adverse change in the financial condition,

liabilities, assets, business, or prospects of the Company;



            (b)   amendments or changes in the Articles of Incorporation or

Bylaws of the Company;



            (c)   capital expenditure by the Company, either individually or in

the aggregate, exceeding $5,000.



            (d)   destruction, damage to, or loss of any assets of the Company

(whether or not covered by insurance) that constitutes a Material Adverse Effect

on the Company;



            (e)   labor trouble or claim of wrongful discharge of which the

Company has received written notice or of which the Company is aware, or other

unlawful labor practice or action;



            (f)   change in accounting methods or practices (including any

change in depreciation or amortization policies or rates) by the Company;



            (g)   revaluation by the Company of any of its assets;



            (h)   declaration, setting aside, or payment of a dividend or other

distribution with respect to the shares of the Company, or any direct or

indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition by the Company of any of its

shares;



            (i)   increase in the salary or other compensation payable or to

become payable by the Company to any of its officers, directors or employees, or

the declaration, payment, or commitment or obligation of any kind for the

payment, by the Company, of a bonus or other additional salary or compensation

to any such person;



            (j)   acquisition, sale or transfer of any material asset of the

Company other than in the ordinary course of business;





                                      -8-

<PAGE>   14

            (k)   amendment or termination of any material contract, agreement

or license to which the Company is a party;



            (l)   loan by the Company to any person or entity, or guaranty by

the Company of any loan;



            (m)   waiver or release of any material right or claim of the

Company, including any write-off or other compromise of any account receivable

of the Company;



            (n)   the commencement or notice or threat of commencement of any

governmental proceeding against or investigation of the Company or its affairs,

to the best of the Company's knowledge;



            (o)   other event or condition of any character that has or might

reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;



            (p)   issuance or sale by the Company of any of its shares or of any

other of its securities except for issuances or sales as a result of exercises

of stock options granted under the Company Stock Option Plan or rights

previously granted to purchase shares of the Company's capital stock;



            (q)   change in pricing or royalties set or charged by the Company;

or



            (r)   negotiation or agreement by the Company to do any of the

things described in the preceding clauses (a) through (q) (other than

negotiations with Parent and its representatives regarding the transactions

contemplated by this Agreement).



      2.9   Tax and Other Returns and Reports.



            (a)   Definition of Taxes. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Tax"

or, collectively, "Taxes," means any and all federal, state, local and foreign

taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, duties, impositions and

liabilities, including taxes based upon or measured by gross receipts, income,

profits, sales, use and occupation, and value added, ad valorem, transfer,

franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment, excise and property

taxes, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect

to such amounts and any obligations under any agreements or arrangements with

any other person with respect to such amounts and including any liability for

taxes of a predecessor entity.



            (b)   Tax Returns and Audits.



                  (i)   The Company as of the Closing Date will have prepared

and timely filed or made a timely request for extension for all required

federal, state, local and foreign returns, estimates, information statements and

reports (collectively the "Returns") relating to any and all Taxes concerning





                                      -9-

<PAGE>   15

or attributable to the Company or its operations and such Returns are true and

correct and have been completed in accordance with applicable law.



                  (ii)  The Company as of the Closing Date: (A) will have paid

or accrued all Taxes it is required to pay or accrue and (B) will have withheld

and timely remitted with respect to its employees all federal and state income

taxes, FICA, FUTA and other Taxes required to be withheld and remitted.



                  (iii) There are no liens, pledges, charges, claims, security

interests or other encumbrances of any sort ("Liens") on the assets of the

Company relating to or attributable to Taxes other than Liens for taxes not yet

due and payable.



                  (iv)  The Company's tax basis in its assets for purposes of

determining its future amortization, depreciation and other federal income tax

deductions is properly reflected on the Company's tax books and records.



                  (v)   The Company has established (and until the Effective

Time will establish) on its respective books and records reserves (to be

specifically designated as an increase to current liabilities) that are adequate

for the payment of all taxes not yet due and payable.



                  (vi)  No federal, state, local or foreign audits or other

administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending with

regard to any Taxes or Returns.



                  (vii) The Company is not a party to any tax-sharing or

allocation agreement, nor does the Company owe any amount under any tax-sharing

or allocation agreement.



      2.10  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no material agreement,

judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon the Company which has or

could reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially

impairing any business practice of the Company, any acquisition of property by

the Company or the conduct of business by the Company as currently conducted or

as currently proposed to be conducted.



      2.11  Title of Properties; Absence of Liens and Encumbrances; Condition of

Equipment.



            (a)   The Company neither owns nor leases any real property.



            (b)   The Company has good and valid title to, or, in the case of

leased properties and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its material

tangible properties and assets, real, personal and mixed, used in its business,

free and clear of any liens, charges, pledges, security interests or other

encumbrances except for such imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any,

which are not substantial in character, amount or extent, and which do not

materially detract from the value, or interfere with the present use, of the

property subject thereto or affected thereby.





                                      -10-

<PAGE>   16

            (c)   Section 2.11(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule set forth

all equipment (the "Equipment") owned or leased by the Company. The Equipment

is, taken as a whole, (i) adequate for the conduct of the business of the

Company consistent with its past practice, (ii) suitable for the uses to which

it is currently employed, (iii) in good operating condition, (iv) regularly and

properly maintained, and (v) not obsolete, dangerous or in need of renewal or

replacement, except for renewal or replacement in the ordinary course of

business.



      2.12  Intellectual Property. The "Company Intellectual Property Rights"

include all patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, and any

applications therefor, internet domain names, trade secrets, maskworks, net

lists, schematics, technology, know-how, computer software programs or

applications and tangible or intangible proprietary information or material that

are used or currently proposed to be used in the business of the Company as

currently conducted. Section 2.12 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth

a non-exclusive list of all patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade names and

service marks, and any applications for registration or registrations therefor,

included in the Company Intellectual Property Rights, and specifies the

jurisdictions in which any such registration has been filed, including the

respective registration or application numbers, dates and the names of all

registered owners. Section 2.12 of the Company Disclosure Schedule also sets

forth a list of the Company's currently marketed software products and an

indication as to which, if any, of such software products have been registered

for copyright protection with the United States Copyright Office and any foreign

offices and by whom such items have been registered. The Company is not, nor

will it be as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the

performance of its obligations hereunder, in violation of any license,

sublicense or agreement described in Section 2.12 of the Company Disclosure

Schedule. The Company is either (i) the sole and exclusive owner of, with all

right, title and interest in and to (free and clear of any liens or

encumbrances), the Company Intellectual Property Rights, and has sole and

exclusive rights (and is not contractually obligated to pay any compensation to

any third party in respect thereof) to the use thereof or (ii) is a licensee of

such Company Intellectual Property Rights used in the business of the Company as

currently conductd. No claims with respect to the Company Intellectual Property

Rights have been asserted or, to the knowledge of the Company, are threatened by

any person, nor does the Company know of any valid grounds for any bona fide

claims (i) to the effect that the manufacture, sale, licensing or use of any

product as now used, sold or licensed or proposed for use, sale or license by

the Company infringes on any copyright, patent, trade mark, service mark or

trade secret, (ii) against the use by the Company of any trademarks, trade

names, trade secrets, copyrights, patents, technology, know-how or computer

software programs and applications used in the Company's business as currently

conducted or as proposed to be conducted, or (iii) challenging the ownership,

validity or effectiveness of any of the Company Intellectual Property Rights.

All registrations for trademarks, service marks and copyrights held by the

Company are valid and subsisting. There is no material unauthorized use,

infringement or misappropriation of any of the Company Intellectual Property

Rights by any third party, including any employee or former employee of the

Company. The Company (i) has not been sued or charged in writing as a defendant

in any claim, suit, action or proceeding which involves a claim of infringement

of any patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights or violation of any trade

secret or other proprietary right of any third party and which has not been

finally terminated prior to the date hereof, (ii) has no knowledge of any such

charge or claim and (iii) has no knowledge of any infringement liability with

respect to, or infringement or





                                      -11-

<PAGE>   17

violation by, the Company of any patent, trademark, service mark, copyright,

trade secret or other proprietary right of another. None of the Company

Intellectual Property Rights are subject to any outstanding order, judgment,

decree, stipulation or agreement restricting in any manner the use or licensing

thereof by the Company. The Company has not entered into any agreement to

indemnify any other person against any charge of infringement of any of the

Company Intellectual Property Rights.



      2.13  Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. Except as disclosed in

Section 2.13 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company does not have and

is not a party to:



            (a)   any collective bargaining agreements,



            (b)   any agreements that contain any unpaid severance liabilities

or obligations,



            (c)   any bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation,

pension, profit-sharing or retirement plans, or any other employee benefit plans

or arrangements,



            (d)   any employment or consulting agreement, contract or commitment

with an employee or individual consultant or salesperson or consulting or sales

agreement, contract or commitment with a firm or other organization, not

terminable by the Company on thirty days notice without liability, except to the

extent general principles of wrongful termination law may limit the Company's

ability to terminate employees at will,



            (e)   agreement or plan, including, without limitation, any stock

option plan, stock appreciation right plan or stock purchase plan, any of the

benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of benefits of which will be

accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this

Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the

basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,



            (f)   any fidelity or surety bond or completion bond,



            (g)   any lease of personal property having a value individually in

excess of $5,000,



            (h)   any agreement of indemnification or guaranty not entered into

in the ordinary course of business,



            (i)   any agreement, contract or commitment containing any covenant

limiting the freedom of the Company to engage in any line of business or compete

with any person,



            (j)   any agreement, contract or commitment relating to capital

expenditures and involving future obligations in excess of $5,000,





                                      -12-

<PAGE>   18

            (k)   any agreement, contract or commitment relating to the

disposition or acquisition of assets not in the ordinary course of business or

any ownership interest in any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other

business enterprise,



            (l)   any mortgages, indentures, loans or credit agreements,

security agreements or other agreements or instruments relating to the borrowing

of money or extension of credit, including guaranties referred to in clause (h)

hereof,



            (m)   any purchase order or contract for the purchase of raw

materials or acquisition of assets involving $5,000 or more,



            (n)   any construction contracts,



            (o)   any distribution, joint marketing or development agreement,



            (p)   any other agreement, contract or commitment which involves

$50,000 or more and is not cancelable without penalty within thirty (30) days,

or



            (q)   any agreement which is otherwise material to the Company's

business.



      The Company has not breached, or received in writing any claim or threat

that it has breached, any of the terms or conditions of any material agreement,

contract or commitment to which it is bound (including those set forth in any of

the lists separately certified by the Company) in such manner as would permit

any other party to cancel or terminate the same.



      2.14  Interested Party Transactions. Except as disclosed in Section 2.14

of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no officer or director of the Company or

person who owns at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding stock of the

Company (nor any parent, child or spouse of any of such persons, or any trust,

partnership or corporation in which any of such persons has or has had an

interest), has or has had, directly or indirectly, (i) an interest in any entity

which furnished or sold, or furnishes or sells, services or products which the

Company furnishes or sells, or proposes to furnish or sell, or (ii) any interest

in any entity which purchases from or sells or furnishes to, the Company, any

goods or services, or (iii) a beneficial interest in any contract or agreement

described in Section 2.13; provided, that ownership of no more than one percent

(1%) of the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not

be deemed an "interest in any entity" for purposes of this Section 2.14.



      2.15  Governmental Authorization. Section 2.15 of the Company Disclosure

Schedule accurately lists each material federal, state, county, local or foreign

governmental consent, license, permit, grant, or other authorization issued to

the Company (i) pursuant to which the Company currently operates or holds any

interest in any of its properties or (ii) which is required for the operation of

its business or the holding of any such interest (herein collectively called

"Company Authorizations"), which Company Authorizations are in full force and

effect and constitute all Company Authorizations required to permit the Company

to operate or conduct its business or hold any interest in its properties.





                                      -13-

<PAGE>   19

      2.16  Litigation. To the best of the Company's knowledge, there is no

action, suit, claim or proceeding of any nature pending, or to the Company's

knowledge, threatened against the Company, its properties or any of its officers

or directors, in their capacities as agents of the Company. To the best of the

Company's knowledge, there is no investigation pending or, to the Company's

knowledge, threatened against the Company, its properties or any of its officers

or directors, in their capacities as agents of the Company by or before any

governmental entity. To the best of the Company's knowledge, no governmental

entity has at any time challenged or questioned the legal right of the Company

to manufacture, offer or sell any of its products in the present manner or style

thereof.



      2.17  Minute Books. The minute books of the Company made available to

counsel for Parent contain complete and accurate minutes of all meetings of

directors and shareholders or actions by written consent since the time of

incorporation of the Company.



      2.18  Brokers' and Finders' Fees. The Company has not incurred, nor will

it incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees

or agents' commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement

or any transaction contemplated hereby.



      2.19  Insurance. The Company has no insurance policies and fidelity bonds

covering the assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, employees,

officers and directors of the Company.



      2.20  Compliance With Laws. Except as disclosed in Section 2.20 of the

Company Disclosure Schedule, and except as to matters of which the Company is

not aware and which do not either individually or in the aggregate result in a

Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company, the Company has complied

with, is not in violation of, and has not received any notices of violation with

respect to, any federal, state or local statute, law or regulation with respect

to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or operation of its business.



      2.21  Complete Copies of Materials. The Company has delivered or made

available true and complete copies of each document (or summaries of same) which

has been requested by Parent or its counsel.



      2.22  Binding Agreements; No Default. Each of the contracts, agreements

and other instruments shown on the Exhibits or on any lists or statements set

forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule to which the Company is a party is a

legal, binding, and enforceable obligation by or against the Company (assuming

such contract, agreement or instrument has been duly authorized, executed and

delivered by the other party(ies) thereto and except to the extent that its

non-enforceability would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company), and

no party with whom the Company has an agreement or contract is, to the Company's

knowledge, in material default thereunder or has breached any material terms or

provisions thereof (subject to all applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,

reorganization and other laws applicable to creditors' rights and remedies and

to the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of

equity).



      2.23  Environmental Matters.





                                      -14-

<PAGE>   20

            (a)   Hazardous Material. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.23, the

Company has not: (i) operated any underground storage tanks at any property that

the Company has at any time owned, operated, occupied or leased; or (ii)

illegally released any amount of any substance that has been designated by any

Governmental Entity or by applicable federal, state or local law as radioactive,

toxic, hazardous or otherwise a danger to health or the environment, including,

without limitation, PCBs, asbestos, petroleum, urea-formaldehyde and all

substances listed as hazardous substances pursuant to the Comprehensive

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or

defined as a hazardous waste pursuant to the United States Resource Conservation

and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the regulations promulgated pursuant

to said laws, (a "Hazardous Material"), but excluding janitorial supplies

properly and safely maintained. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.23, no

Hazardous Materials are present, as a result of the deliberate actions of the

Company or, to the Company's knowledge, as a result of any actions of any third

party or otherwise, in, on or under any property, including the land and the

improvements, ground water and surface water thereof, that the Company has at

any time owned, operated, occupied or leased.



            (b)   Hazardous Materials Activities. Except as set forth in

Schedule 2.23, the Company has not transported, stored, used, manufactured,

disposed of, released or exposed its employees or others to Hazardous Materials

in violation of any law in effect on or before the Closing Date, nor has the

Company disposed of, transported, sold, or manufactured any product containing a

Hazardous Material (any or all of the foregoing being collectively referred to

as "Hazardous Materials Activities") in violation of any rule, regulation,

treaty or statute promulgated by any Governmental Entity in effect prior on or

before the date hereof to prohibit, regulate or control Hazardous Materials or

any Hazardous Material Activity.



            (c)   Permits. The Company currently holds all environmental

approvals, permits, licenses, clearances and consents (the "Environmental

Permits") necessary for the conduct of the Company's Hazardous Material

Activities and other businesses of the Company as such activities and businesses

are currently being conducted.



            (d)   Environmental Liabilities. Except as set forth in Schedule

2.23(d), no action, proceeding, revocation proceeding, amendment procedure,

writ, injunction or claim is pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened

against the Company concerning any Environmental Permit, Hazardous Material or

any Hazardous Materials Activity of the Company and the Company is not aware of

any fact or circumstance which could involve the Company in any environmental

litigation or impose upon the Company any environmental liability.



      2.24  Employee Matters and Benefit Plans.



            (a)   Definitions. With the exception of the definition of

"Affiliate" set forth in Section 2.24(a)(i) below (such definition shall only

apply to this Section 2.24), for purposes of this Agreement, the following terms

shall have the meanings set forth below:





                                      -15-

<PAGE>   21

                  (i)   "Affiliate" shall mean any other person or entity under

common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m)

or (o) of the Code and the regulations thereunder;



                  (ii)  "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income

Security Act of 1974, as amended;



                  (iii) "Company Employee Plan" shall refer to any plan,

program, policy, practice, contract, agreement or other arrangement providing

for compensation, severance, termination pay, performance awards, stock or

stock-related awards, fringe benefits or other employee benefits or remuneration

of any kind, whether formal or informal, funded or unfunded, including without

limitation, each "employee benefit plan", within the meaning of Section 3(3) of

ERISA which is or has been maintained, contributed to, or required to be

contributed to, by the Company or any Affiliate for the benefit of any

"Employee" (as defined below), and pursuant to which the Company or any

Affiliate has or may have any material liability contingent or otherwise;



                  (iv)  "Employee" shall mean any current, former, or retired

employee, officer, or director of the Company or any Affiliate;



                  (v)   "Employee Agreement" shall refer to each management,

employment, severance, consulting, relocation, repatriation, expatriation, visa,

work permit or similar agreement or contract between the Company or any

Affiliate and any Employee or consultant;



                  (vi)  "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service;



                  (vii) "Multiemployer Plan" shall mean any "Pension Plan" (as

defined below) which is a "multiemployer plan", as defined in Section 3(37) of

ERISA; and



                  (viii) "Pension Plan" shall refer to each Company Employee

Plan which is an "employee pension benefit plan", within the meaning of Section

3(2) of ERISA.



            (b)   Schedule. Schedule 2.24(b) contains an accurate and complete

list of each Company Employee Plan and each Employee Agreement, together with a

schedule of all liabilities under any Employee Agreement, whether or not

accrued, under each such Company Employee Plan or Employee Agreement. The

Company does not have any stated plan or commitment to establish any new Company

Employee Plan or Employee Agreement, to modify any Company Employee Plan or

Employee Agreement (except to the extent required by law or to conform any such

Company Employee Plan or Employee Agreement to the requirements of any

applicable law, in each case as previously disclosed to Parent in writing, or as

required by this Agreement), or to enter into any Company Employee Plan or

Employee Agreement.



            (c)   Documents. The Company has provided access to Parent (i)

correct and complete copies of all documents embodying or relating to each

Company Employee Plan and each





                                      -16-

<PAGE>   22

Employee Agreement including all amendments thereto and written interpretations

thereof; (ii) the most recent annual actuarial valuations, if any, prepared for

each Company Employee Plan; (iii) the three most recent annual reports (Series

5500 and all schedules thereto), if any, required under ERISA or the Code in

connection with each Company Employee Plan or related trust; (iv) if the Company

Employee Plan is funded, the most recent annual and periodic accounting of

Company Employee Plan assets; (v) the most recent summary plan description

together with the most recent summary of material modifications, if any,

required under ERISA with respect to each Company Employee Plan; (vi) all IRS

determination letters and rulings relating to Company Employee Plans and copies

of all applications and correspondence to or from the IRS or the Department of

Labor ("DOL") with respect to any Company Employee Plan; (vii) in the case of

Multiemployer Plans, all valuation reports, summaries of contributions and

statements or schedules or notices of liabilities received from such

Multiemployer Plan at any time during the three years preceding the date of this

Agreement; (viii) all communications material to any Employee or Employees

relating to any Company Employee Plan and any proposed Company Employee Plans,

in each case, relating to any amendments, terminations, establishments,

increases or decreases in benefits, acceleration of payments or vesting

schedules or other events which would result in any material liability to the

Company; and (ix) all registration statements and prospectuses prepared in

connection with each Company Employee Plan.



            (d)   Employee Plan Compliance. Except as set forth on Schedule

2.24(d), (i) the Company has performed in all material respects all obligations

required to be performed by it under each Company Employee Plan and each Company

Employee Plan has been established and maintained in all material respects in

accordance with its terms and in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes,

orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to ERISA or the Code;

(ii) no "prohibited transaction", within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code

or Section 406 of ERISA, has occurred with respect to any Company Employee Plan;

(iii) there are no actions, suits or claims pending, or, to the knowledge of the

Company, threatened or anticipated (other than routine claims for benefits)

against any Company Employee Plan or against the assets of any Company Employee

Plan; and (iv) each Company Employee Plan can be amended, terminated or

otherwise discontinued after the Effective Time in accordance with its terms,

without liability to the Company, Parent or any of its Affiliates (other than

ordinary administration expenses typically incurred pursuant to an amendment or

a termination event); (v) there are no inquiries or proceedings pending or, to

the knowledge of the Company or any Affiliates, threatened by the IRS or DOL

with respect to any Company Employee Plan; and (vi) neither the Company nor any

Affiliate is subject to any penalty or tax with respect to any Company Employee

Plan under Section 402(i) of ERISA or Section 4975 through 4980 of the Code.



            (e)   Pension Plans. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.24(e), the

Company does not now, nor has it ever, maintained, established, sponsored,

participated in, or contributed to, any Pension Plan which is subject to Part 3

of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code.



            (f)   Multiemployer Plans. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.24(f),

at no time has the Company contributed to any Multiemployer Plan.





                                      -17-

<PAGE>   23

            (g)   The Company has paid all premiums (and interest charges and

penalties for late payment, if applicable) due the Pension Benefit Guarantee

Corporation ("PBGC") with respect to each Pension Plan for each plan year they

are up for which premiums are required. The Company has not engaged in, or is a

successor or parent corporation to an entity that has engaged in, a transaction

described in Section 4069 of ERISA. There has been no "reportable event" (as

defined in Section 4043(b) of ERISA and the PBGC regulations under such Section)

with respect to any Pension Plan. No filing has been made by the Company with

the PBGC, and no proceeding has been commenced by the PBGC, to terminate any

Pension Plan. No condition exists and no event has occurred that would

constitute grounds for the termination of any Pension Plan by the PBGC. The

Company has not, at any time, (1) ceased operations in a facility so as to

become subject to the provisions of Section 4062(e) of ERISA, (2) withdrawn as a

substantial employer so as to become subject to provisions of Section 4063 of

ERISA, or (3) ceased to making contributions on or before the effective date to

any Pension Plan subject to Section 4064(a) of ERISA to which the Company made

contributions during the six years prior to the effective date. The Company has

not incurred any material liability at any time under Title IV of ERISA arising

in Multiemployer Plan covered or previously covered by Title IV of ERISA. If a

"complete withdrawal" by the Company were to occur as of the Closing Date with

respect to all Multiemployer Plans, the Company would not incur any withdrawal

liability under Title IV of ERISA.



            (h)   No Post-Employment Obligations. Except as set forth in

Schedule 2.24(h), no Company Employee Plan provides, or has any liability to

provide, life insurance, medical or other employee benefits to any Employee upon

his or her retirement or termination of employment for any reason, except as may

be required by statute.



            (i)   Effect of Transaction.



                  (i)   Except as set forth on Schedule 2.24(i)(i), the

execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions

contemplated hereby will not (either alone or upon the occurrence of any

additional or subsequent events) constitute an event under any Company Employee

Plan, Employee Agreement, trust or loan that will or may result in any payment

(whether of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of

indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits or obligation to fund

benefits with respect to any Employee.



                  (ii)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.24(i)(ii), no payment

or benefit which will or may be made by the Company or any of its affiliates

with respect to any Employee will be characterized as an "excess parachute

payment", within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code.



            (j)   Employment Matters. The Company (i) is in compliance in all

material respects with all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws,

rules and regulations respecting employment, employment practices, terms and

conditions of employment and wages and hours, in each case, with respect to

Employees; (ii) has withheld all amounts required by law or by agreement to be

withheld from the wages, salaries and other payments to Employees; (iii) is not

liable for any arrears of wages or any taxes or any penalty for failure to

comply with any of the foregoing; and (iv) is not liable for any





                                      -18-

<PAGE>   24

payment to any trust or other fund or to any governmental or administrative

authority, with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security

or other benefits or obligations for Employees (other than routine payments to

be made in the normal course of business and consistent with past practice).



            (k)   Labor. No work stoppage or labor strike against the Company is

pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened. Except as set

forth in Schedule 2.24(k), the Company is not involved in or, to the knowledge

of the Company, threatened with, any labor dispute, grievance, or litigation

relating to labor, safety or discrimination matters involving any Employee,

including, without limitation, charges of unfair labor practices or

discrimination complaints, which, if adversely determined, would, individually

or in the aggregate, result in a material liability to the Company or the loss

of a material benefit by the Company. Neither the Company nor any of its

subsidiaries has engaged in any unfair labor practices within the meaning of the

National Labor Relations Act which would, individually or in the aggregate,

directly or indirectly result in a material liability to the Company or the loss

of a material benefit by the Company. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.24(k),

the Company is not presently, nor has it been in the past, a party to, or bound

by, any collective bargaining agreement or union contract with respect to

Employees and no collective bargaining agreement is being negotiated by the

Company.



      2.25  Representations Complete. None of the representations or warranties

made by the Company, nor any statement made in any list or other statement

separately certified by the Company, Exhibit or certificate furnished by the

Company pursuant to this Agreement, when all such documents are read together in

their entirety, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact

at the Effective Time, or omits or will omit to state any material fact

necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein, in the

light of the circumstances under which made, not misleading.



      2.26  Third Party Consents. No consent or approval is needed from any

third party except as disclosed in Section 2.26 of the Company Disclosure

Schedule in order to effect the Merger, this Agreement or any of the

transactions contemplated hereby.





                                   ARTICLE III



             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB



      Parent and Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Company, Michael

Venerable and Matthew Comstock, subject to the exceptions previously certified

in writing by Parent or Merger Sub, as follows:



      3.1   Organization, Standing and Power. Parent is a corporation duly

organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of

California. Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in

good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company and Merger

Sub are duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a foreign

corporation in each jurisdiction in which the failure to be so qualified would

have a Material Adverse Effect on the business,





                                      -19-

<PAGE>   25

assets (including intangible assets), financial condition, results of operations

or prospects of the Company and Merger Sub, as appropriate. Each of Parent and

Merger Sub has the corporate power to own its properties and to carry on its

business as now being conducted. Parent has delivered a true and correct copy of

the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of each of Parent and

Merger Sub, as amended to date, to counsel for the Company.



      3.2   Capital Structure.



            (a)   The authorized stock of Parent consists of 25,000,000 shares

of Common Stock, par value $0.001 of which 3,461,284 shares were issued and

outstanding as of February 11, 1998, and 15,555,555 shares of Preferred Stock,

12,435,415 of which are issued or outstanding as of February 11, 1998. The

authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of Common Stock,

par value $0.001, 1,000 shares of which, as of the date hereof, are issued and

outstanding and are held by Parent. All such shares have been duly authorized,

and all such issued and outstanding shares have been validly issued, are fully

paid and nonassessable and are free of any liens or encumbrances other than any

liens or encumbrances created by or imposed upon the holders thereof. A warrant

to purchase 70,000 shares of Common Stock has been granted, for which the

Company has reserved 70,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance. A warrant to

purchase 42,222 shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been granted, for which

the Company has reserved 42,222 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for issuance

upon the exercise of such warrant and 42,222 shares of Common Stock for issuance

upon the conversion of such Series A Preferred Stock. Warrants to purchase an

aggregate of 60,695 shares of Series B Preferred Stock have been granted, for

which the Company has reserved 60,695 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for

issuance upon the exercise of such warrants and 60,695 shares of Common Stock

for issuance upon the conversion or such Series B Preferred Stock. A warrant to

purchase 22,400 shares of Series C Preferred Stock has been granted, for which

the Company has reserved 22,400 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for issuance

upon the exercise of such warrant and 22,400 shares of Common Stock for issuance

upon the conversion of such Series C Preferred Stock. As of February 11, 1998,

there were 2,800,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the

Company's Amended 1995 Stock Plan and 268,255 shares of Common Stock issued

which were not under the Company's Amended 1995 Stock Plan. Except as set forth

above, there are no other options, warrants or other rights to purchase any of

the Company's authorized and unissued capital stock.



            (b)   The shares of Parent Preferred Stock to be issued pursuant to

the Merger will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable.



      3.3   Authority. Parent and Merger Sub have all requisite corporate power

and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions

contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the

consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized

by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and Merger Sub. This

Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and

constitutes the valid and binding obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The

execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the

transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any

violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or

give rise to a right of termination,





                                      -20-

<PAGE>   26

cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or to loss of a benefit under (i)

any provision of the Certificates of Incorporation or Bylaws of Parent and

Merger Sub or (ii) any mortgage, indenture, lease, contract or other agreement

or instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree,

statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent 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 Parent and Merger Sub in connection with the execution and

delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub or the consummation by

Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for (i)

the filing of the Merger Agreement with the California and Delaware Secretaries

of State, (ii) any filings as may be required under applicable state and federal

securities laws and the laws of any foreign country, and (iii) such other

consents, authorizations, filings, approvals and registrations which if not

obtained or made would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.



      3.4   Representations Complete. None of the representations or warranties

made by Parent herein, nor any statement made in any list or other statement

separately certified by Parent, or in any Exhibit or certificate furnished by

Parent pursuant to this Agreement, when all such documents are read together in

their entirety, contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact

at the Effective Time, or omits or will omit to state any material fact

necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein, in the

light of the circumstances under which made, not misleading.



      3.5   Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration

or investigation pending, or as to which Parent has received any notice of

assertion or as to which Parent has a reasonable basis to expect such notice of

assertion, against Parent which in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent,

enjoin, alter or materially delay any of the transactions contemplated by this

Agreement or which could reasonably be anticipated to have a Material Adverse

Effect on Parent.



      3.6   Broker's and Finders' Fees. Parent has not incurred, and will not

incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees or

agents' commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement,

the Merger or any transaction contemplated hereby.



      3.7   Parent Financial Statements. Parent has delivered to the

Shareholders a copy of Parent's audited financial statements for the year ended

December 31, 1997 (the "Financial Statements").



      3.8   No Undisclosed Liabilities. As of December 31, 1997, Parent did not

have any liabilities, either accrued or contingent (whether or not required to

be reflected in financial statements in accordance with generally accepted

accounting principles), and whether due or to become due, which individually or

in the aggregate are material and (i) have not been reflected in the Financial

Statements, (ii) have not been specifically described in this Agreement or in

the Schedules hereto or (iii) are not normal or recurring liabilities incurred

since December 31, 1997 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past

practices.



      3.9   No Changes. Since the date of the Financial Statements there has not

been, occurred or arisen any:





                                      -21-

<PAGE>   27

            (a)   material adverse change in the financial condition,

liabilities, assets, business, or prospects of the Parent;



            (b)   destruction, damage to, or loss of any assets of the Parent

(whether or not covered by insurance) that constitutes a Material Adverse Effect

on the Parent;



            (c)   labor trouble or claim of wrongful discharge of which the

Parent has received written notice or of which the Parent is aware, or other

unlawful labor practice or action;



            (d)   change in accounting methods or practices (including any

change in depreciation or amortization policies or rates) by the Parent;



            (e)   revaluation by the Parent of any of its assets;



            (f)   declaration, setting aside, or payment of a dividend or other

distribution with respect to the shares of the Parent, or any direct or indirect

redemption, purchase or other acquisition by the Parent of any of its shares;



            (g)   acquisition, sale or transfer of any material asset of the

Parent other than in the ordinary course of business other than as contemplated

in this Agreement;



            (h)   loan by the Parent to any person or entity, or guaranty by the

Parent of any loan;



            (i)   waiver or release of any material right or claim of the

Parent, including any write-off or other compromise of any account receivable of

the Parent;



            (j)   the commencement or notice or threat of commencement of any

governmental proceeding against or investigation of the Parent or its affairs,

to the best of the Parent's knowledge;



            (k)   other event or condition of any character that has or might

reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent;



            (l)   negotiation or agreement by the Parent to do any of the things

described in the preceding clauses (a) through (k) (other than negotiations with

Parent and its representatives regarding the transactions contemplated by this

Agreement).



      3.10  Tax Returns and Audits.



                  (i)   The Parent as of the Closing Date will have prepared and

timely filed or made a timely request for extension for all required federal,

state, local and foreign returns, estimates, information statements and reports

(collectively the "Returns") relating to any and all Taxes concerning or

attributable to the Parent or its operations and such Returns are true and

correct and have been completed in accordance with applicable law.





                                      -22-

<PAGE>   28

                  (ii)  The Parent as of the Closing Date: (A) will have paid or

accrued all Taxes it is required to pay or accrue and (B) will have withheld and

timely remitted with respect to its employees all federal and state income

taxes, FICA, FUTA and other Taxes required to be withheld and remitted.



                  (iii) There are no liens, pledges, charges, claims, security

interests or other encumbrances of any sort ("Liens") on the assets of the

Parent relating to or attributable to Taxes other than Liens for taxes not yet

due and payable.



                  (iv)  The Parent's tax basis in its assets for purposes of

determining its future amortization, depreciation and other federal income tax

deductions is properly reflected on the Parent's tax books and records.



                  (v)   The Parent has established (and until the Effective Time

will establish) on its respective books and records reserves (to be specifically

designated as an increase to current liabilities) that are adequate for the

payment of all taxes not yet due and payable.



                  (vi)  No federal, state, local or foreign audits or other

administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending with

regard to any Taxes or Returns.



                  (vii) The Parent is not a party to any tax-sharing or

allocation agreement, nor does the Parent owe any amount under any tax-sharing

or allocation agreement



      3.12  Restrictions on Business Activities. There is no material agreement,

judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon Parent which has or could

reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing

any business practice of Parent, any acquisition of property by Parent or the

conduct of business by Parent as currently conducted or as currently proposed to

be conducted.



      3.13  Intellectual Property. Parent (i) has not been sued or charged in

writing as a defendant in any claim, suit, action or proceeding which involves a

claim of infringement of any patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights or

violation of any trade secret or other proprietary right of any third party and

which has not been finally terminated prior to the date hereof, (ii) has no

knowledge of any such charge or claim or (iii) has no knowledge of any

infringement liability with respect to, or infringement or violation by, Parent

of any patent, trademark, service mark, copyright, trade secret or other

proprietary right of another.



      3.14  Compliance With Laws. Parent has complied with, is not in violation

of, and has not received any notices of violation with respect to, any federal,

state or local statute, law or regulation with respect to the conduct of its

business, or the ownership or operation of its business.



      3.11  Agreements, Contracts and Commitments. Except as disclosed in

Schedule 3.11, the Parent does not have and is not a party to:





                                      -23-

<PAGE>   29

            (a)   any collective bargaining agreements,



            (b)   any agreements that contain any unpaid severance liabilities

or obligations,



            (c)   any bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation,

pension, profit-sharing or retirement plans, or any other employee benefit plans

or arrangements,



            (d)   any employment or consulting agreement, contract or commitment

with an employee or individual consultant or salesperson or consulting or sales

agreement, contract or commitment with a firm or other organization, not

terminable by the Parent on thirty days notice without liability, except to the

extent general principles of wrongful termination law may limit the Parent's

ability to terminate employees at will,



            (e)   agreement or plan, including, without limitation, any stock

option plan, stock appreciation right plan or stock purchase plan, any of the

benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of benefits of which will be

accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this

Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the

basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,



            (f)   any fidelity or surety bond or completion bond,



            (g)   any lease of personal property having a value individually in

excess of $75,000,



            (h)   any agreement of indemnification or guaranty not entered into

in the ordinary course of business,



            (i)   any agreement, contract or commitment containing any covenant

limiting the freedom of the Parent to engage in any line of business or compete

with any person,



            (j)   any agreement, contract or commitment relating to capital

expenditures and involving future obligations in excess of $75,000,



            (k)   any agreement, contract or commitment relating to the

disposition or acquisition of assets not in the ordinary course of business or

any ownership interest in any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other

business enterprise,



            (l)   any mortgages, indentures, loans or credit agreements,

security agreements or other agreements or instruments relating to the borrowing

of money or extension of credit, including guaranties referred to in clause (h)

hereof,



            (m)   any purchase order or contract for the purchase of raw

materials or acquisition of assets involving $75,000 or more,





                                      -24-

<PAGE>   30

            (n)   any construction contracts,



            (o)   any distribution, joint marketing or development agreement

other than entered in to in the ordinary course of business,



            (p)   any other agreement, contract or commitment which involves

$75,000 or more and is not cancelable without penalty within thirty (30) days,

or



            (q)   any agreement which is otherwise material to the Parent's

business.



      The Parent has not breached, or received in writing any claim or threat

that it has breached, any of the terms or conditions of any material agreement,

contract or commitment to which it is bound (including those set forth in any of

the lists separately certified by the Parent) in such manner as would permit any

other party to cancel or terminate the same.





                                   ARTICLE IV



                       CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME



      4.1   Conduct of Business of the Company. During the period from the date

of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this

Agreement or the Effective Time, the Company agrees (except to the extent that

Parent shall otherwise consent in writing), to carry on its business in the

usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as

heretofore conducted, to pay its debts and taxes when due subject (i) to good

faith disputes over such debts or taxes and (ii) in the case of taxes, to

Parent's consent to the filing of material Returns if applicable, to pay or

perform other obligations when due, and, to the extent consistent with such

business, use all reasonable efforts consistent with past practice and policies

to preserve intact the Company's present business organizations, keep available

the services of its present officers and key employees and preserve their

relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees, and

others having business dealings with it, to the end that the Company's goodwill

and ongoing businesses shall be unimpaired at the Effective Time. The Company

shall promptly notify Parent of any event or occurrence not in the ordinary

course of business of the Company which could have a Material Adverse Effect on

the Company. Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Company

shall not, without the prior written consent of Parent:



            (a)   Except pursuant to existing contractual provisions of options

outstanding on the date hereof and which are disclosed in writing pursuant to

Section 2.2, accelerate, amend or change the period of exercisability of options

or restricted stock granted under the employee stock plans of the Company or

authorize cash payments in exchange for any options granted under any of such

plans;



            (b)   Enter into any commitment or transaction (i) which requires

performance over a period longer than six months in duration except transactions

in the ordinary course of business, or





                                      -25-

<PAGE>   31

(ii) to purchase fixed assets for a purchase price in excess of $5,000; except

as mutually agreed by Parent and the Company and set forth on a separate

certificate;



            (c)   Grant any severance or termination pay (i) to any director or

officer or (ii) to any other employee except (x) payments made pursuant to

standard written agreements outstanding on the date hereof and as disclosed on

Schedule 2.13 or (y) in the case of employees who do not have standard written

agreements, payments of up to two months salary;



            (d)   Transfer to any person or entity any rights to the Company's

Intellectual Property other than nonexclusive object code licenses except as

mutually agreed by Parent and the Company and set forth on a separate

certificate;



            (e)   Enter into or amend any agreements pursuant to which any other

party is granted marketing or other rights of any type or scope with respect to

any products or technology of the Company, except as mutually agreed by Parent

and the Company and set forth on a separate certificate;



            (f)   Violate, amend or otherwise modify the terms of any of the

contracts set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule;



            (g)   Commence any litigation;



            (h)   Declare or pay any dividends on or make any other

distributions (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its

capital stock, or 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 capital stock of the Company, or repurchase or

otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital stock

except from former employees, directors and consultants in accordance with

agreements providing for the repurchase of shares in connection with any

termination of service to the Company;



            (i)   Issue, deliver or sell or authorize or propose the issuance,

delivery or sale of, or purchase or propose the purchase of, any shares of its

capital stock or securities convertible into, or subscriptions, rights, warrants

or options to acquire, or other agreements or commitments of any character

obligating it to issue any such shares or other convertible securities, other

than the repurchase of shares of the Company's Common Stock from terminated

employees pursuant to the terms of restricted stock purchase agreements and the

issuance of shares of the Company's Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of

Company Incentive Options (as defined below) outstanding as of the date of this

Agreement;



            (j)   Cause or permit any amendments to its Articles of

Incorporation or Bylaws;



            (k)   Acquire or agree to acquire 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, association or other business

organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree





                                      -26-

<PAGE>   32

to acquire any assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to

the business of the Company;



            (l)   Sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any of its

properties or assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to

the business of the Company, except in the ordinary course of business, except

as mutually agreed by Parent and the Company and set forth on a separate

certificate;



            (m)   Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any

such indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities of the Company or

guarantee any debt securities of others except with respect to an existing lease

line in an amount not more than $5,000;



            (n)   Adopt or amend any employee benefit plan, or enter into any

employment contract except for offer letters in the Company's standard form for

newly hired employees, pay any special bonus or special remuneration to any

director or employee, or increase the salaries or wage rates of its employees;



            (o)   Revalue any of its assets, including without limitation

writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable

other than in the ordinary course of business;



            (p)   Pay, discharge or satisfy in an amount in excess of $5,000 in

any one case any claim, liability or obligation (absolute, accrued, asserted or

unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or

satisfaction in the ordinary course of business of liabilities reflected or

reserved against in the Company Financial Statements (or the notes thereto);



            (q)   Make or change any material election in respect of Taxes,

adopt or change any accounting method in respect of Taxes, file any material

Return or any amendment to a material Return, enter into any closing agreement,

settle any claim or assessment in respect of Taxes, or consent to any extension

or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any claim or assessment in

respect of Taxes; or



            (r)   Take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the

actions described in Sections 4.1(a) through (q) above, or any action which

would make any of the representations or warranties of the Company contained in

this Agreement untrue or incorrect or prevent the Company from performing or

cause the Company not to perform its covenants hereunder.



      4.2   No Solicitation. After the date of this Agreement and prior to the

Effective Date, the Company will not (nor will the Company permit any of the

Company's officers, directors, agents, representatives or affiliates to)

directly or indirectly, take any of the following actions with any party other

than Parent and its designees:



            (a)   solicit, encourage, initiate or participate in any

negotiations or discussions with respect to, any offer or proposal to acquire

all or substantially all of the Company's business and





                                      -27-

<PAGE>   33

properties or to purchase or acquire capital stock of the Company whether by

merger, purchase of assets, tender offer or otherwise (an "Acquisition"),



            (b)   disclose any information not customarily disclosed to any

person other than its attorneys or financial advisors concerning the Company's

business and properties or afford to any person or entity access to its

properties, books or records, or



            (c)   assist or cooperate with any person to make any proposal to

purchase all or any part of the Company's capital stock or assets, other than

licensing of software in the ordinary course of business (a "Purchase"),

provided, however, that the Company may participate in negotiations with, or

furnish information to, a party other than Parent or its designees who has made

a written Acquisition or Purchase offer or proposal if the Company's Board of

Directors, upon receipt of a written opinion from its outside counsel,

determines that failure to do so would constitute a breach of the Board's

fiduciary duty under applicable law.



      In the event the Company shall receive any such written offer or proposal,

directly or indirectly, of the type referred to in clause (a) or (c) above, or

any request for disclosure or access pursuant to clause (b) above, the Company

party shall immediately inform Parent as to all material facts relating to any

such offer or proposal (including the identity of the party making such offer or

proposal and the specific terms thereof) and will cooperate with Parent by

furnishing any information it may reasonably request.



      4.3   Strategic Agreements. The Company agrees that it will not without

the prior written consent of Parent, which consent will not be unreasonably

withheld, enter into any strategic alliance, joint development or joint

marketing agreement during the period from the date of this Agreement and

continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement and the

Effective Time.





                                    ARTICLE V



                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS



      5.1   Resolutions of Company Shareholders. The Company shall promptly

after the date hereof take all action necessary in accordance with Virginia Law,

and the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to prepare and solicit an

Action By Written Consent of the Company Shareholders. The Company shall use its

best efforts to obtain the approval of the shareholders of the Company for the

Merger and shall take all other action necessary or advisable to secure the vote

or consent of its shareholders required by Virginia Law to effect the Merger.



      5.2   Access to Information. The Company shall afford Parent and its

accountants, counsel and other representatives, reasonable access during normal

business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time to (a) all of the

Company's properties, books, contracts, commitments and records, and (b) all

other information concerning the business, properties and personnel of the

Company as Parent





                                      -28-

<PAGE>   34

may reasonably request. The Company agrees to provide to Parent and its

accountants, counsel and other representatives copies of internal financial

statements promptly upon request. Parent shall provide the Company with copies

of such publicly available information about Parent as the Company may request

and shall provide the Company with reasonable access to its Chief Executive

Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Marketing in this

connection. No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant

to this Section 5.2 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or

warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to

consummate the Merger.



      5.3   Expenses. In the event the Merger is not consummated, all expenses

incurred in connection with the Merger and this Agreement shall be the

obligation of the party incurring such expenses; provided if the Merger shall

fail to close for any reason within the control of the Company or Parent, such

party shall reimburse the other for all expenses incurred in connection with the

Merger and this Agreement.



      5.4   Public Disclosure. Unless otherwise required by law, prior to the

Effective Time no disclosure (whether or not in response to an inquiry)

regarding the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby

shall be made by any party hereto unless approved by Parent and the Company

prior to release, provided that such approval shall not be unreasonably

withheld, subject, in the case of Parent, to Parent's obligation to comply with

applicable securities laws.



      5.5   Consents. Each of Parent and the Company shall promptly apply for or

otherwise seek, and use its best efforts to obtain, all consents and approvals

required to be obtained by it for the consummation of the Merger, and the

Company shall use its best efforts to obtain all necessary consents, waivers and

approvals under any of the Company's material agreements, contracts, licenses or

leases in connection with the Merger. All such necessary consents are set forth

in Section 2.26 of the Company Disclosure Schedule.



      5.6   FIRPTA. Upon request by Parent after the Effective Time, the Company

shall use its best efforts to deliver to the Internal Revenue Service a notice

that it is not a "United States Real Property Holding Corporation" as defined in

and in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section

1.897-2(h)(2).



      5.7   Legal Requirements. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company will

take all reasonable actions necessary to comply promptly with all legal

requirements which may be imposed on them with respect to the consummation of

the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and will promptly cooperate with

and furnish information to any party hereto necessary in connection with any

such requirements imposed upon such other party in connection with the

consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and will take

all reasonable actions necessary to obtain (and will cooperate with the other

parties hereto in obtaining) any consent, approval, order or authorization of,

or any registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity or

other person, required to be obtained or made in connection with the taking of

any action contemplated by this Agreement.





                                      -29-

<PAGE>   35

      5.8   Blue Sky Laws. Parent shall take such steps as may be necessary to

comply with the securities and blue sky laws of all jurisdictions which are

applicable to the issuance of the Parent Preferred Stock pursuant hereto. The

Company shall use its best efforts to assist Parent as may be necessary to

comply with the securities and blue sky laws of all jurisdictions which are

applicable in connection with the issuance of Parent Preferred Stock pursuant

hereto.



      5.9   Best Efforts; Additional Documents and Further Assurances. Each of

the parties to this Agreement shall each use its best efforts to effectuate the

transactions contemplated hereby and to fulfill and cause to be fulfilled the

conditions to closing under this Agreement. Each party hereto, at the reasonable

request of another party hereto, shall execute and deliver such other

instruments and do and perform such other acts and things as may be necessary or

desirable for effecting completely the consummation of this Agreement and the

transactions contemplated hereby.



      5.10  Indemnification. Parent shall either (i) cause the Company to

continue to indemnify or (ii) directly indemnify the persons who are currently

officers and directors of the Company substantially in accordance with the

Bylaws of the Company as they are currently in effect for action or inaction by

such person prior to the Merger. For so long as the insurer under the Company's

officer and director indemnification insurance policy is willing to continue

such insurance policy after the Merger at approximately the same premium as

currently in effect, the Parent shall continue such policy in effect until the

third anniversary of the Closing.



      5.11  Employee Agreements. Each employee of and consultant to the Company

will sign promptly a Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement in

Sagent's standard form.





                                   ARTICLE VI



                            CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER



      6.1   Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The

respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to effect the Merger

shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the

following conditions:



            (a)   Shareholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have

been approved and adopted by all of the Shareholders of the Company entitled to

vote and the sole shareholder of Merger Sub.



            (b)   Board Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have been

approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the Board of Directors of the

Company, Parent and Merger Sub.



            (c)   No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. 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 consummation of the Merger or limiting or restricting the





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<PAGE>   36

operation of the business of the Company following the Merger shall be in

effect, nor shall any proceeding brought by an administrative agency or

commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality, domestic or

foreign, seeking any of the foregoing be pending; nor shall there be any action

taken, or any statute, rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or

deemed applicable to the Merger, which makes the consummation of the Merger

illegal.



            (d)   Employment and Non-Competition Agreements. Parent shall have

entered into employment and non-competition agreements with Michael Venerable

and Matthew Comstock substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.



            (e)   Approval. Parent, Company and Merger Sub shall have timely

obtained all necessary approvals from Governmental Entities.



            (f)   Option Exercises. The holders of all of the outstanding

options of the Company shall have exercised such options.



      6.2   Additional Conditions to Obligations of Company. The obligations of

the Company to consummate and effect this Agreement and the transactions

contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the

Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived,

in writing, exclusively by the Company:



            (a)   Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The representations

and warranties of Parent in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all

material respects on and as of the Effective Time as though such representations

and warranties were made on and as of such time and Parent shall have performed

and complied in all material respects with all covenants, obligations and

conditions of this Agreement required to be performed and complied with by it as

of the Effective Time.



            (b)   Certificate of Parent. The Company shall have been provided

with a certificate executed on behalf of Parent by its President or its Chief

Financial Officer to the effect that, as of the Effective Time:



                  (i)   all representations and warranties made by Parent and

Merger Sub under this Agreement are true and complete in all material respects;



                  (ii)  all covenants, obligations and conditions of this

Agreement to be performed by Parent and Merger Sub on or before such date have

been so performed in all material respects; and



                  (iii) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have

been approved by the Board of Directors of Parent.





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<PAGE>   37

            (c)   Legal Opinion. The Company shall have received a legal opinion

from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, counsel to

Parent, substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto.



      6.3   Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.

The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate and effect this Agreement

and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction at

or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following conditions, any of which

may be waived, in writing, exclusively by Parent:



            (a)   Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The representations

and warranties of the Company in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all

material respects on and as of the Effective Time as though such representations

and warranties were made on and as of such time and the Company shall have

performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants, obligations

and conditions of this Agreement required to be performed and complied with by

it as of the Effective Time.



            (b)   Certificate of the Company. Parent shall have been provided

with a certificate executed on behalf of the Company by its President to the

effect that, as of the Effective Time:



                  (i)   all representations and warranties made by the Company

under this Agreement are true and complete in all material respects;



                  (ii)  all covenants, obligations and conditions of this

Agreement to be performed by the Company on or before such date have been so

performed in all material respects; and



                  (iii) attached to such certificate are true and correct copies

of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, as certified by the Virginia

Secretary of State, Bylaws and resolutions of the Company's Board of Directors

and Shareholders approving the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.



            (c)   Third Party Consents. Parent shall have been furnished with

evidence satisfactory to it of the consent or approval of those persons whose

consent or approval shall be required in order to assign the agreements listed

pursuant to Section 5.5.



            (d)   Legal Opinion. Parent shall have received a legal opinion from

legal counsel to the Company, in substantially the form of Exhibit G.



            (e)   No Material Adverse Changes. There shall not have occurred any

material adverse change in the business, properties, results of operations or

financial condition of the Company since February 25, 1998;



            (f)   Dissenters. No holders of the Company's Common Stock shall

have exercised, or shall continue to have the right to exercise, dissenters'

rights with respect to the transactions contemplated by this agreement.





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<PAGE>   38

            (g)   Resignation of Current Directors and Officers of the Company.

Parent shall have received letters of resignation of all of the directors and

officers of the Company effective as of the Effective Time.



            (h)   Assignment. All right, title and interest in and to all assets

of the Company are properly assigned to Buyer.



            (i)   No Distributions or Adjustments. No cash distributions or

compensation adjustments prior to the Effective Time other than such cash

distributions or compensation adjustments made pursuant to agreements

outstanding as of the date hereof or pursuant to standard corporate policies in

effect on the date hereof.



                                   ARTICLE VII



           SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION



      7.1   Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and

warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this

Agreement shall survive the Merger and continue for a period ending on the date

which is thirty (30) days after such time as Parent's outside public accounting

firm has released its annual audit of the consolidated financial statements

applicable to the Parent for the period ending December 31, 1998 (such date, the

"Escrow Release Date"), subject to Section 7.3 hereof; provided, however, that

as to the Shareholders the representations and warranties relating or pertaining

to Taxes set forth in Section 2.9 hereof, shall survive until ninety (90) days

following the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitations governing the

Company's Taxes or Returns.



      7.2   Agreement to Indemnify. Michael P. Venerable and Matthew C. Comstock

(the "Indemnifying Shareholders"), severally but not jointly, hereby agree to

indemnify and hold Parent, Merger Sub and their affiliates harmless against all

claims, losses, liabilities, damages, deficiencies, costs and expenses,

including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses of investigation (hereinafter

individually a "Loss" and collectively "Losses") incurred by Parent as a result

of (i) any breach of a representation, warranty or obligation of the Company

contained in Article II herein, (ii) any failure by the Company to perform or

comply with any covenant contained herein, (iii) failure to disclose requested

material information which is known or should be known during the due diligence

process, or (iv) delivery of incorrect or misleading material information during

the due diligence process; provided, that no such representation or warranty

shall be deemed breached (for purposes of this Article VII only and not for

purposes of the conditions to the obligations of Parent to effect the Merger

under Article VI) with respect to information disclosed in the Company

Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Company at the Closing to the extent such

schedule provides exceptions to any representation or warranty. Parent shall be

entitled to recover from the Escrow Fund as defined in Section 7.4 hereof, for

any Loss pursuant to the terms hereof.





                                      -33-

<PAGE>   39

      7.3   Expiration of Indemnification.



            (a)   Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.3(b), the

indemnification obligations of the Indemnifying Shareholders under Section 7.2

shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, on the Escrow Release Date

but shall not terminate as to any Loss asserted in good faith pursuant to

Section 7.7 on or prior to such date.



            (b)   The indemnification obligations of the Indemnifying

Shareholders under Section 7.2 related to Taxes or a breach of the

representations and warranties contained in Section 2.9 shall terminate 90 days

following the expiration of all applicable statutes of limitations relating to

Taxes subject to the claim of indemnification hereunder, but shall not terminate

as to a Loss (or a potential claim by an appropriate party) asserted in good

faith prior to such date; provided however that no claim for indemnification

with regard to the Indemnifying Shareholders shall terminate with respect to any

Loss arising due to any willful or grossly negligent breach of any

representation or warranty contained in Section 2.9.



      7.4   Escrow Fund.



            At the Effective Time, Parent, Merger Sub, Company, the Shareholders

Agent, on behalf of the Indemnifying Shareholders, and the Escrow Agent shall

execute the Escrow Agreement, and the Parent shall deposit with the Escrow Agent

the sum of $150,000 (the "Escrow Cash") to be held in the Escrow Fund and

administered in accordance with the Escrow Agreement. The Escrow Agent shall

administer the Escrow Fund, as it may exist from time to time, on behalf of

Parent, Merger Sub, Company and Indemnifying Shareholders, for the purposes of

securing Company and Indemnifying Shareholders indemnity obligations under

Article VII hereof.