DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, no par value, and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, no par value.

COMMON STOCK

As of December 31, 1996, there were 12,448,537 shares of Common Stock outstanding that were held of record by approximately 700 shareholders, assuming no exercise after December 31, 1996 of outstanding stock options. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. See "Dividend Policy." In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of Preferred Stock, if any, then outstanding. The Common Stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable, and the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon completion of this offering will be fully paid and nonassessable.

UNDESIGNATED PREFERRED STOCK

The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorizes 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, without further vote or action by the shareholders. The issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company without further action by the shareholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of Common Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock with voting and conversion rights may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of Common Stock, including the loss of voting control to others.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

The Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock on terms that the Board of Directors has the authority to fix at the time of issuance. The Articles and Bylaws provide for the elimination of cumulative voting. The Bylaws also require that any action taken by shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of shareholders and may not be affected by written consent without a meeting. These provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company. These provisions are also intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the Board of Directors and in the policies formulated by the Board of Directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of the Company. These provisions are designed to reduce the vulnerability of the Company to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions, alone or in combination, could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for the Company's shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of the Company's shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in the management of the Company.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Holders of approximately 8,680,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Registrable Stock") are entitled to certain rights with respect to the registration of such shares under the Securities Act. Under the terms of an agreement between the Company and the holders of the Registrable Stock, if the Company proposes to

register any of its securities under the Securities Act, either for its own account or the account of other security holders exercising registration rights, those holders are entitled to notice of registration and are entitled to include shares of Registrable Stock therein. These registration rights have been waived with respect to the registration herein of the Convertible Notes and Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof. The holders of a majority of Registrable Stock may also require the Company to file up to two registration statements under the Securities Act at its expense with respect to their Registrable Stock, and the Company is required to use its best efforts to effect that registration. Further, those shareholders may require the Company to file additional registration statements on Form S-3. These registration rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations, among them the right of the underwriters of an offering to limit the number of shares included in that registration.

DESCRIPTION OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES

GENERAL

The Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of February 15, 1997 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as trustee (the "Trustee"). The following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture and the Registration Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Indenture and the Registration Agreement, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. The definitions of certain terms used in the following summary are set forth below under "-- Certain Definitions." References in this section to the "Company" are solely to Intevac, Inc., a California corporation, and not to any subsidiary.

The Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Debt of the Company to the extent set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture does not limit the amount of other indebtedness or securities that may be issued by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or contain any other financial covenants.

The Convertible Notes are currently eligible for trading in the PORTAL Market. Convertible Notes sold pursuant to this Prospectus will not remain eligible for trading on the PORTAL Market.

PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST

The Convertible Notes will bear interest from February 25, 1997, at the rate per annum of 6 1/2% and will mature on March 1, 2004.

Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year (each an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing on September 1, 1997, to holders of record at the close of business on the February 15 or August 15 (each a "Regular Record Date") immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

Interest on the Convertible Notes accrues from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from February 25, 1997.

The Convertible Notes are payable both as to principal and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within the City and State of New York or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the holders of the Convertible Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of holders of Convertible Notes; provided that a holder of Convertible Notes with an aggregate principal amount in excess of $2,000,000 will be paid by wire transfer in immediately available funds at the election of the holder. Until otherwise designated by the Company, the Company's office or agency in New York will be the office of the Trustee or its agent maintained for such purpose. The Convertible Notes are issued in registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

                                                                            REDEMPTION
                                   YEAR                                       PRICE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
2000......................................................................    103.714%
2001......................................................................    102.786%
2002......................................................................    101.857%
2003......................................................................    100.929%

and 100% at March 1, 2004, in each case together with accrued interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date).

If less than all of the Convertible Notes are to be redeemed at any time, selection of Convertible Notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Convertible Notes are listed, or, if the Convertible Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, provided that no Convertible Notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notice of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 15 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of Convertible Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any Convertible Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Convertible Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. If a portion of a holder's Convertible Notes are selected for partial redemption and such holder converts a portion of such Convertible Notes, such converted portion shall be deemed to be taken from the portion selected for redemption. A new Convertible Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Convertible Note. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Convertible Notes or portions of them called for redemption.

MANDATORY REDEMPTION

The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Convertible Notes.

REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS

Upon the occurrence of a Designated Event, each holder of Convertible Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such holder's Convertible Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Designated Event Offer") at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Designated Event Payment Date (the "Designated Event Payment"). Within 30 days following any Designated Event, the Company will mail a notice to each holder stating: (1) that the Designated Event Offer is being made pursuant to the covenant entitled "Designated Event" and that all Convertible Notes tendered will be accepted for payment; (2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 40 days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Designated Event Payment Date"); (3) that any Convertible Notes not tendered will continue to accrue interest; (4) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Designated Event Payment, all Convertible Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Designated Event Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Designated Event Payment Date; (5) that holders electing to have any Convertible Notes purchased pursuant to a Designated Event Offer will be required to surrender the Convertible Notes, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of the Convertible Notes completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Designated Event Payment Date; (6) that holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the Designated Event Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the holder, the principal amount of Convertible Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Convertible Notes purchased; and (7) that holders whose Convertible Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Convertible Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Convertible Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple thereof.

The Company will comply with the requirements of Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Convertible Notes in connection with a Designated Event.

On the Designated Event Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment Convertible Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Designated Event Offer, (2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Designated Event Payment in respect of all Convertible Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Convertible Notes so accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the Convertible Notes or portions thereof tendered to

the Company. The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each holder of Convertible Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price for such Convertible Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail to each holder a new Convertible Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Convertible Notes surrendered, if any; provided, that each such new Convertible Note will be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Company will publicly announce the results of the Designated Event Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Designated Event Payment Date.

Except as described above with respect to a Designated Event, the Indenture does not contain any other provisions that permit the holders of the Convertible Notes to require that the Company repurchase or redeem the Convertible Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring.

The Designated Event purchase feature of the Convertible Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a takeover of the Company, and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Designated Event purchase feature, however, is not the result of management's knowledge of any specific effort to accumulate the Company's stock or to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise, or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of antitakeover provisions. Instead, the Designated Event purchase feature was a result of negotiations between the Company and the Initial Purchasers in the original offering of the Convertible Notes by the Company in February and March of 1997. Management has no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Designated Event, although it is possible that the Company could decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations on mergers, consolidations and sale of assets described herein, the Company could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Designated Event under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness (including Senior Debt) outstanding at such time or otherwise affect the Company's capital structure or credit ratings. The payment of the Designated Event Payment is subordinated to the prior payment of Senior Debt as described under "-- Subordination of Convertible Notes" below.

If a Designated Event were to occur, there can be no assurance that the Company would have sufficient financial resources, or would be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price for all Convertible Notes tendered by holders thereof. The Company's Credit Agreement may prohibit the Company from repurchasing any Convertible Notes. Any future credit agreements or other agreements relating to other indebtedness (including other Senior Debt) to which the Company becomes a party may contain similar restrictions and provisions. If the Company does not obtain such a consent or repay the Convertible Notes upon a Designated Event, the Company would remain prohibited from repurchasing the Convertible Notes. The subordination provisions of the Indenture prohibit any repurchase of Convertible Notes if, on such date, a payment default exists on Senior Debt or a notice has been given of a covenant default on Designated Senior Debt. Any failure by the Company to repurchase the Convertible Notes when required following a Designated Event would result in an Event of Default under the Indenture whether or not such repurchase is permitted by the subordination provisions of the Indenture. Any such default may, in turn, cause a default under Senior Debt of the Company. Moreover, the occurrence of a Designated Event may cause an event of default under Senior Debt of the Company. As a result, in each case, any repurchase of the Convertible Notes would, absent a waiver, be prohibited under the subordination provisions of the Indenture until the Senior Debt is paid in full.

A "Designated Event" will be deemed to have occurred upon a Change of Control or a Termination of Trading.

A "Change of Control" will be deemed to have occurred when: (i) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of shares representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in elections of directors of the Company ("Voting Stock"), (ii) the Company consolidates with or merges into any other corporation, or any other corporation merges into the Company, and, in the case of any such transaction, the outstanding Common Stock of the Company is reclassified into or exchanged for any other property or security, unless the shareholders of the Company immediately before such transaction own, directly or indirectly immediately following such transaction, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such transaction in substantially the same proportion as their

ownership of the Voting Stock immediately before such transaction, (iii) the Company conveys, transfers or leases all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, unless such conveyance, transfer or lease is to a corporation and the shareholders of the Company immediately before such conveyance, transfer or lease own, directly or indirectly immediately following such transaction, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the corporation to which such assets are so conveyed, transferred or leased in the same proportion as their ownership of the Voting Stock immediately before such transaction, or (iv) any time the Continuing Directors do not constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (or, if applicable, a successor corporation to the Company); provided, that a Change of Control shall not be deemed to have occurred if at least 90% of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares) in the transaction or transactions constituting the Change of Control consists of shares of common stock that are, or upon issuance will be, traded on a United States national securities exchange or approved for trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the United States.

The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer or lease of "all or substantially all" of the assets of the Company. Although there is a developing body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of Convertible Notes to require the Company to repurchase such Convertible Notes as a result of a conveyance, transfer or lease of less than all of the assets of the Company to another person or group may be uncertain.

"Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Company who (i) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of the Indenture or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election.

A "Termination of Trading" will be deemed to have occurred if the Common Stock (or other common stock into which the Convertible Notes are then convertible) is neither listed for trading on a United States national securities exchange nor approved for trading on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the United States.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Pursuant to the Registration Agreement, the Company has agreed for the benefit of the holders of the Convertible Notes and Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof that are, in either case, Registrable Securities, that it will, at its cost, use all reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, continuously effective under the Securities Act until the earlier of (a) February 20, 2000, (b) the date on which all of the Convertible Notes or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof may be sold by non-affiliates of the Company pursuant to paragraph (k) of Rule 144 (or any successor provision) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act or (c) the date as of which all the Convertible Notes or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof have been sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement (the "Shelf Registration Period"). The Company shall have the right, however, to defer the use of the prospectus which will be a part of the Shelf Registration Statement, as more fully described below. The Registration Statement and this Prospectus which forms a part thereof have been filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to the Registration Agreement and is a "Shelf Registration Statement" within the meaning of this paragraph.

The Company will provide or cause to be provided to each holder of the Convertible Notes, or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, copies of this Prospectus, and take certain other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the Convertible Notes or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. A

holder of Convertible Notes or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes that sells such securities pursuant to this Prospectus is required to be named as a selling security holder herein and to deliver a copy of this Prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and will be bound by the provisions of the Registration Agreement that are applicable to such holder (including certain indemnification and contribution rights or obligations).

At least four business days prior to any intended resale of the Convertible Notes or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof, the holder thereof must notify the Company of such intention and provide such information with respect to such holder and the specifics of the intended resale as may be required to amend this Prospectus (a holder giving such notice, a "Notice Holder"). Within three Business days after the foregoing notice is provided by a Notice Holder, the Company will either (i) notify such Notice Holder that resales may proceed or file any amendment to the Shelf Registration Statement or supplement to this Prospectus needed to ensure that those documents, among other things, comply with the Securities Act, cause any such amendment to be declared effective and notify such Notice Holder thereof or (ii) notify such Notice Holder of the Company's election to defer resales until further notice (a "Deferral Period") under certain circumstances relating to issuance of a stop order by the Commission, suspension of qualification under state law, accuracy of this Prospectus, pending corporate developments, public filings with the Commission and similar events. If the Company elects the option described in clause (i) of the preceding sentence, such Notice Holder may resell Convertible Notes or the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof pursuant to this Prospectus for a period of 45 days (with respect to such Notice Holder, a "Selling Period") from the date notice of such election is given and, if the Company elects the option described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, such Notice Holder may resell such securities for a Selling Period that commences at the end of the Deferral Period. The Company may also defer until further notice a Notice Holder's existing Selling Period upon the occurrence of the events described in clause (ii) of the second preceding sentence; provided that upon receipt of such further notice, such Selling Period shall be extended by the number of days elapsed prior to deferral. The Company may not defer Selling Periods more than one time in any three month period or three times in any twelve month period and no deferral shall exceed 30 days. The Company will pay all expenses of the Shelf Registration Statement, provide to each registered holder of Convertible Notes copies of this Prospectus, notify each such registered holder when the Shelf Registration Statement has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to permit, subject to the foregoing, unrestricted resales of the Convertible Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

In the event a stop order is issued by the Commission prior to the end of the Shelf Registration Period or Selling Periods have been deferred more frequently or for longer periods than are described above, the Company has agreed to pay liquidated damages to all Notice Holders of Convertible Notes and of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof for so long as such event has occurred and is continuing. Further, if such event continues for a period in excess of 30 days, the Company has agreed to pay liquidated damages to all holders of Convertible Notes and Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof which are, in either case, Registrable Securities, without regard to whether such holder is a Notice Holder, for so long as such event has occurred and is continuing. Liquidated damages shall be calculated, with respect to Convertible Notes held by a holder, at a rate of one-half of one percent (50 basis points) per annum of the aggregate principal amount of such Convertible Notes and, with respect to shares of Common Stock held by a holder and issued upon conversion of Convertible Notes, the same percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes that were converted into such shares. Liquidated damages will not accrue as to any Convertible Notes or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion thereof from and after the earlier of (i) the date such Convertible Notes or Common Stock are no longer Registrable Securities and (ii) the expiration of the Shelf Registration Period. In addition, liquidated damages will not accrue as to any Convertible Notes or Common Stock issuable upon the conversion thereof represented by the Unrestricted Global Note (as defined in the Indenture) provided that such securities

are not subject to limitations on transfer under U.S. federal or state securities laws and there shall have been at least six months during which the Shelf Registration Statement was effective and available for effecting resales of the Convertible Notes and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.

"Registrable Securities" means the Convertible Notes and shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, excluding any such securities that, and any such securities the predecessors of which, were previously sold pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

CONVERSION

The holder of any Convertible Note will have the right, exercisable at any time after May 21, 1997 and prior to maturity, to convert the principal amount thereof (or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of $1,000) into shares of Common Stock at the conversion price set forth on the cover page of this Offering Memorandum, subject to adjustment as described below (the "Conversion Price"), except that if a Convertible Note is called for redemption, the conversion right will terminate at the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption. Except as described below, no adjustment will be made on conversion of any Convertible Notes for interest accrued thereon or for dividends on any Common Stock issued. If Convertible Notes not called for redemption are converted after a record date for the payment of interest and prior to the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, such Convertible Notes must be accompanied by funds equal to the interest payable on such succeeding Interest Payment Date on the principal amount so converted. No fractional shares will be issued upon conversion but a cash adjustment will be made for any fractional interest.

The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including: (i) the issuance of shares of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on the Common Stock; (ii) the subdivision or combination of the outstanding Common Stock; (iii) the issuance to substantially all holders of Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock (or securities convertible into Common Stock) at a price per share less than the then current market price per share (determined as set forth below); (iv) the distribution of shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Common Stock), evidences of indebtedness or other assets (excluding dividends in cash, except as described in clause (v) below) to all holders of Common Stock; (v) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of cash to all holders of Common Stock in an aggregate amount that, together with the aggregate of any other distributions of cash that did not trigger a Conversion Price adjustment to all holders of its Common Stock within the 12 months preceding the date fixed for determining the shareholders entitled to such distribution and all Excess Payments in respect of each tender offer or other negotiated transaction by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Common Stock concluded within the preceding 12 months not triggering a Conversion Price adjustment, exceeds 15% of the product of the current market price per share on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution times the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date; (vi) payment of an Excess Payment in respect of a tender offer or other negotiated transaction by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Common Stock, if the aggregate amount of such Excess Payment, together with the aggregate amount of cash distributions made within the preceding 12 months not triggering a Conversion Price adjustment and all Excess Payments in respect of each tender offer or other negotiated transaction by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for Common Stock concluded within the preceding 12 months not triggering a Conversion Price adjustment, exceeds 15% of the product of the current market price per share on the expiration of such tender offer times the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on such date; and (vii) the distribution to substantially all holders of Common Stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for securities (other than those securities referred to in clause
(iii) above). In the event of a distribution to substantially all holders of Common Stock of rights to subscribe for additional shares of the Company's capital stock (other than those securities referred to in clause (iii) above), the Company may, instead of making any adjustment in the Conversion Price, make proper provision so that each holder of a Convertible Note who converts such Convertible Note after the record date for such distribution and prior to the expiration or redemption of such rights shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to shares of Common Stock, an appropriate number of such rights. The Indenture also provides that if rights, warrants or options expire unexercised the Conversion Price will be readjusted to take into account the actual

number of such warrants, rights or options which were exercised. No adjustment of the Conversion Price will be made until cumulative adjustments amount to one percent or more of the Conversion Price as last adjusted.

The Indenture provides that, if the Company implements a shareholder rights plan, such rights plan must provide that upon conversion of the Convertible Notes the holders will receive, in addition to the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, such rights (whether or not such rights have separated from the Common Stock at the time of such conversion).

If the Company reclassifies or changes its outstanding Common Stock, or consolidates with or merges into any person or transfers or leases all or substantially all its assets, or is a party to a merger that reclassifies or changes its outstanding Common Stock, the Convertible Notes will become convertible into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets which the holders of the Convertible Notes would have owned immediately after the transaction if the holders had converted the Convertible Notes immediately before the effective date of the transaction.

In the Indenture, the "current market price" per share of Common Stock on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the Daily Market Prices (as defined in the Indenture) for the shorter of (i) 30 consecutive business days ending on the last full trading day on the exchange or market referred to in determining such Daily Market Prices prior to the time of determination (as defined in the Indenture) or (ii) the period commencing on the date next succeeding the first public announcement of the issuance of such rights or warrants or such distribution through such last full trading day prior to the time of determination.

"Excess Payment" means the excess of (A) the aggregate of the cash and fair market value of other consideration paid by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the shares acquired in the tender offer or other negotiated transaction over (B) the market value of such acquired shares after giving effect to the completion of the tender offer or other negotiated transaction.

The Company from time to time may to the extent permitted by law reduce the Conversion Price by any amount for any period of at least 20 days, in which case the Company shall give at least 15 days' notice of such reduction, if the Board of Directors has made a determination that such reduction would be in the best interests of the Company, which determination shall be conclusive. The Company may, at its option, make such reductions in the Conversion Price, in addition to those set forth above, as the Board of Directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Common Stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations."

SUBORDINATION OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES

The Convertible Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Debt. As of February 28, 1997, the Company had approximately $2 million of outstanding indebtedness that would have constituted Senior Debt. Such indebtedness is secured by a $2 million letter of credit that was issued under the Company's $20.0 million Credit Agreement. To the extent the line of credit provided for under the Credit Agreement is drawn upon, any such borrowings would constitute Senior Debt. In addition, the Convertible Notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables and lease obligations) of the Company's Subsidiaries, as any right of the Company to receive any assets of its Subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the Holders of the Convertible Notes to participate in those assets) will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that Subsidiary's creditors (including trade creditors and lessors), except to the extent that the Company itself is recognized as a creditor of such Subsidiary, in which case the claims of the Company would still be subordinate to any security interest in the assets of such Subsidiary and any indebtedness of such Subsidiary senior to that held by the Company. The Indenture does not restrict the amount of Senior Debt or other indebtedness or liabilities which may be incurred by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest or liquidated damages, if any, on or any other amounts due on the Convertible Notes are subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt of the Company. No payment on account of principal of, redemption of, interest on, liquidated damages on or any other amounts due on the Convertible Notes (including, without limitation, any

Designated Event Payments), and no redemption, purchase or other acquisition of the Convertible Notes (including, without limitation, pursuant to a Designated Event Offer) may be made unless (i) full payment of amounts then due on all Senior Debt have been made or duly provided for pursuant to the terms of the instrument governing such Senior Debt, and (ii) at the time for, or immediately after giving effect to, any such payment, redemption, purchase or other acquisition, there shall not exist under any Senior Debt or any agreement pursuant to which any Senior Debt has been issued, any default which shall not have been cured or waived and which shall have resulted in the full amount of such Senior Debt being declared due and payable. In addition, the Indenture provides that if any of the holders of any issue of Designated Senior Debt notify (the "Payment Blockage Notice") the Company and the Trustee that a default has occurred giving the holders of such Designated Senior Debt or the Representative of such holders the right to accelerate the maturity thereof, no payment on account of principal of, redemption of, interest on, liquidated damages on or any other amounts due on the Convertible Notes (including, without limitation, any Designated Event Payments), and no purchase, redemption or other acquisition of the Convertible Notes (including, without limitation, pursuant to a Designated Event Offer) will be made for the period (the "Payment Blockage Period") commencing on the date notice is received and ending on the earlier of (A) the date on which such event of default shall have been cured or waived or (B) 180 days from the date notice is received. Notwithstanding the foregoing (but subject to the provisions contained in the first sentence of this paragraph), unless the holders of such Designated Senior Debt or the Representative of such holders shall have accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Debt, the Company may resume payments on the Convertible Notes after the end of such Payment Blockage Period. Not more than one Payment Blockage Notice may be given in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to Senior Debt during such period.

Upon any distribution of its assets in connection with any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company or acceleration of the principal amount due on the Convertible Notes because of an Event of Default, all Senior Debt must be paid in full before the holders of the Convertible Notes are entitled to any payments whatsoever.

If payment of the Convertible Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Company or the Trustee shall promptly notify the holders of Senior Debt or the Representative(s) of such holders for such Senior Debt of the acceleration. The Company may not pay the Convertible Notes until five days after such holders or Representative(s) of such holders of Senior Debt receive notice of such acceleration and, thereafter, may pay the Convertible Notes only if the subordination provisions of the Indenture otherwise permit payment at that time.

As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of the Company's insolvency, holders of the Convertible Notes may recover ratably less than general creditors of the Company.

MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS

The Indenture provides that the Company may not consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) any person, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets unless (i) (a) the Company is the surviving or continuing corporation or (b) the person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or the person which acquires by sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition the properties and assets of the Company is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (ii) the entity or person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) assumes all the Obligations of the Company, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Convertible Notes and the Indenture;
(iii) such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's properties or assets shall be as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to one person and such person shall have assumed all the obligations of the Company, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Convertible Notes and the Indenture; (iv) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; and (v) the Company or such person shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an

Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such transaction and the supplemental indenture comply with the Indenture and that all conditions precedent in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied.

PAYMENTS FOR CONSENT

Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any holder of any Convertible Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the Convertible Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to all holders of the Convertible Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

REPORTS

Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, so long as any Convertible Notes are outstanding, the Company will file with the Commission and, if requested by any holders of Convertible Notes, furnish to such holders of Convertible Notes all quarterly and annual financial information required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and, with respect to the annual consolidated financial statements only, a report thereon by the Company's independent auditors.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

The Indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of Default: (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the Convertible Notes; (ii) default in payment when due of principal on the Convertible Notes; (iii) default in the payment of the Designated Event Payment in respect of the Convertible Note on the date therefor, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Indenture; (iv) failure to provide timely notice of a Designated Event; (v) failure by the Company for 60 days after notice to comply with any other covenants and agreements contained in the Indenture or the Convertible Notes; (vi) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the date on which the Convertible Notes were first authenticated and issued, which default (a) is caused by a failure to pay when due principal or interest on such indebtedness within the grace period provided in such indebtedness (which failure continues beyond the longer of any applicable grace period or 30 days) (a "Payment Default") or (b) results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of any such indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10 million or more; (vii) failure by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to pay final judgments (other than any judgment as to which a reputable insurance company has accepted full liability) aggregating in excess of $10 million, which judgments are not stayed within 60 days after their entry; and (viii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries.

If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Convertible Notes may declare all the Convertible Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the Company or any Material Subsidiary, all outstanding Convertible Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Convertible Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Convertible Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Convertible Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from holders of the Convertible Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the Convertible Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the Designated Event Payment or interest on, or the principal of, the Convertible Notes.

The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

A holder may transfer or exchange Convertible Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to exchange or register the transfer of (i) any Convertible Note for a period of 15 days next preceding any selection of Convertible Notes to be redeemed, (ii) any Convertible

Note or portion thereof selected for redemption or (iii) any Convertible Note or portion thereof surrendered for repurchase (and not withdrawn) in connection with a Designated Event.

The registered holder of a Convertible Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Except as provided in the next succeeding paragraph, the Indenture or the Convertible Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Convertible Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Convertible Notes), and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Convertible Notes may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Convertible Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for Convertible Notes).

Without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any Convertible Notes held by a nonconsenting holder of Convertible Notes) (i) reduce the amount of Convertible Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver, (ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Convertible Note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Convertible Notes, (iii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Convertible Note, (iv) waive a default in the payment of principal of or interest on any Convertible Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Convertible Notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration), (v) make any Convertible Note payable in money other than that stated in the Convertible Notes, (vi) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of Convertible Notes to receive payments of principal of or interest on the Convertible Notes, (vii) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Convertible Note, (viii) impair the right to convert the Convertible Notes into Common Stock, (ix) modify the conversion or subordination provisions of the Indenture in a manner adverse to the holders of the Convertible Notes or (x) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions.

Without the consent of any holder of Convertible Notes, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Convertible Notes to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Convertible Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Convertible Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company's obligations to holders of the Convertible Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of the Convertible Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such holder, or to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to qualify, or maintain the qualification of, the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

An affiliate of the Trustee is also the transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Convertible Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that, in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any holder of Convertible Notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein, for which no definition is provided.

"Capital Stock" means any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of equity interests in any entity, including, without limitation, corporate stock and partnership interests.

"Default" means any event that is or, with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, would be an Event of Default.

"Designated Senior Debt" means any Senior Debt which, at the date of determination, has an aggregate principal amount outstanding of, or commitments to lend up to, at least $10.0 million and is specifically designated by the Company in the instrument evidencing or governing such Senior Debt as "Designated Senior Debt" for purposes of the Indenture.

"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, which are in effect from time to time.

"Guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any indebtedness.

"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any person, all obligations, whether or not contingent, of such person (i)(a) for borrowed money (including, but not limited to, any indebtedness secured by a security interest, mortgage or other lien on the assets of such person which is (1) given to secure all or part of the purchase price of property subject thereto, whether given to the vendor of such property or to another, or (2) existing on property at the time of acquisition thereof), (b) evidenced by a note, debenture, bond or other written instrument, (c) under a lease required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee under GAAP or under any lease or related document (including a purchase agreement) which provides that such person is contractually obligated to purchase or to cause a third party to purchase such leased property, (d) in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers' acceptances, (e) with respect to Indebtedness secured by a mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, charge or adverse claim affecting title or resulting in an encumbrance to which the property or assets of such person are subject, whether or not the obligation secured thereby shall have been assumed or guaranteed by or shall otherwise be such person's legal liability, (f) in respect of the balance of deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property or assets, (g) under interest rate, currency or credit swap agreements, cap, floor and collar agreements, spot and forward contracts and similar agreements and arrangements; (ii) with respect to any obligation of others of the type described in the preceding clause (i) or under clause (iii) below assumed by or guaranteed in any manner by such person or in effect guaranteed by such person through an agreement to purchase (including, without limitation, "take or pay" and similar arrangements), contingent or otherwise (and the obligations of such person under any such assumptions, guarantees or other such arrangements); and (iii) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions, refinancings and refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to, any of the foregoing.

"Material Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company which is "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (as such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof).

"Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

"Representative" means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Senior Debt.

"Senior Debt" means the principal of, premium, if any, interest and liquidated damages, if any, on, and fees, costs and expenses in connection with, and other amounts due on, Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by the Company, unless, in the instrument creating or evidencing or pursuant to which Indebtedness is outstanding, it is expressly provided that such Indebtedness is not senior in right of payment to the Convertible Notes. Senior Debt includes, with respect to the obligations described above, interest accruing, pursuant to the terms of such Senior Debt, on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company, whether or not post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding, at the rate specified in the instrument governing the relevant obligation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Senior Debt shall not include: (a) Indebtedness of or amounts owed by the Company for compensation to employees, or for goods, services or materials purchased in the ordinary course of business;
(b) Indebtedness of the Company to a Subsidiary of the Company or (c) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company.

"Subsidiary" means any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that person or a combination thereof.