1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
                                   (MARK ONE)

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934
                                 [FEE REQUIRED]

                   FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                       OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

                FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM       TO      .

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-25890

                      INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


       DELAWARE                                                  22-2769024
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION                                  (IRS EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                            IDENTIFICATION NO.)


    10055 SWEET VALLEY DRIVE
        VALLEY VIEW, OHIO                                               44125
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                              (ZIP CODE)

        REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (216) 447-9000

        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE

               SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
                          COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)

         Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

         The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the Registrant is approximately $150,000,912 million as of March 27, 1997.
The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant's common stock is 34,724,428
shares as of March 25 1997.

                     DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Part III     Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy
                      Statement relative to the 1997 Annual Meeting of
                      Stockholders.

         Part IV      Portions of previously filed reports and registration
                      statements.

   2



                    INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.
                    -------------------------------------
                                      

                          ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
                          --------------------------

                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                     ------------------------------------

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
                              -----------------
                                      
PART I Page Items 1 and 2. Business and Properties.......................................................... 2 Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................................ 15 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.............................. 17 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters............. 19 Item 6. Selected Consolidated and Combined Historical Financial Data..................... 20 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...................................................... 21 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 27 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure....................................................... 27 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............................... 27 Item 11. Executive Compensation........................................................... 27 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management................... 27 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................................... 27 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................................. 27
3 THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO) APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K ("ANNUAL REPORT"). UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, REFERENCES IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT TO "IASI" OR THE "COMPANY" SHALL MEAN INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION, AND ITS OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES. PART I ITEMS 1 AND 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES OVERVIEW IASI is a diversified services company which, acting through its subsidiaries, provides specialty insurance services, business outsourcing services and environmental services. In October 1996, IASI completed two acquisitions (the "Merger Transactions") pursuant to which it acquired, through a reverse merger, Century Surety Company ("CSC") and its subsidiaries (together with CSC, the "CSC Group"), which includes three insurance companies, and Commercial Surety Agency, Inc. d/b/a Century Surety Underwriters ("CSU"), an insurance agency that markets surety bonds. Through its insurance subsidiaries, IASI provides specialty insurance and bonding services to small and medium sized commercial enterprises throughout the United States. In December 1996, IASI acquired SMR & Co. Business Services ("SMR"). Through SMR, IASI provides a wide range of business outsourcing services, including information technology consulting, tax return preparation and compliance, tax planning, business valuation, human resource management, succession and estate planning, personal financial planning and employee benefit program design and administration to individuals and small and medium sized commercial enterprises primarily in Ohio. In February 1997, IASI signed a non-binding letter of intent and confidentiality agreement (collectively, the "Letter of Intent") to sell IASI's environmental services operations. The Letter of Intent also contemplates the formation of a strategic alliance between IASI and the purchaser whereby IASI will continue to have access to IASI's environmental resources for the benefit of its insurance customers after the sale. IASI anticipates that the sale will be completed by mid-1997. Consummation of the transaction remains subject to the purchaser's due diligence, the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation and the receipt of necessary governmental and third party approvals and consents. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the transaction will be consummated. See "- Environmental Services - General." IASI's strategy is to aggressively grow as a diversified services company by expanding its recently acquired specialty insurance and business outsourcing services operations through internal growth and additional acquisitions in such industries. See "- Business Strategy." IASI was formed as a Delaware corporation in 1987 under the name Stout Environmental, Inc. ("Stout"). In 1992, IASI was acquired by Republic Industries, Inc. (formerly known as Republic Waste Industries, Inc., "RII"). In April 1995, RII effected a spin-off of its hazardous waste operations through a distribution of the common stock, $.01 par value per share ("Common Stock"), of IASI to the stockholders of record of RII (the "Spin-off"). In connection with the Merger Transactions, in October 1996, IASI changed its name to International Alliance Services, Inc. from Republic Environmental Systems, Inc. IASI's Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under the trading symbol "IASI." In June 1996, IASI declared and distributed a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend ("Stock Split"). All the share numbers and per share amounts set forth herein reflect the Stock Split. The principal executive office of IASI is located at 10055 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, Ohio, 44125 and its telephone number is (216) 447-9000. BUSINESS STRATEGY IASI's business strategy is to expand its current operations in the specialty insurance and business outsourcing services areas, and discontinue its operations in the environmental services area. IASI plans to implement its business strategy through internal growth and by acquiring and integrating existing businesses that provide specialty insurance services or business outsourcing services. IASI generally targets acquisitions in markets where it will be, or the prospects are favorable to increase its market share to become, a significant provider of a comprehensive range of specialty insurance and business outsourcing services. IASI's strategy is to acquire companies that (i) have strong and energetic entrepreneurial leadership; (ii) have solid historic and expected future internal growth; (iii) can add to the level and breadth of services 2 4 offered by IASI thereby enhancing IASI's competitive advantage over other specialty insurance and business outsourcing services providers; (iv) have a strong income stream; and (v) have a strong potential for cross-selling among IASI's subsidiaries. As opportunities are identified, within or outside such criteria, IASI may acquire specialty insurance and business outsourcing operations throughout the United States. IASI uses internal acquisition teams and its contacts in the specialty insurance and business outsourcing services industries to identify, evaluate and acquire businesses in attractive markets. Acquisition candidates are evaluated by IASI's internal acquisition teams based on a comprehensive process which includes operational, legal and financial due diligence reviews. Although management believes that IASI currently has sufficient resources, including cash on hand, cash flow from operating activities, credit facilities and access to financial markets to fund current and planned operations, service any outstanding debt and make certain acquisitions, there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on a timely basis, if at all, or that it will be available on terms acceptable to IASI. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources." ACQUISITIONS RECENT ACQUISITIONS The following are acquisitions completed since the consummation of the Merger Transactions in October 1996: In November 1996, IASI acquired Environmental and Commercial Insurance Agency, Inc. ("ECI"), a small, privately-held insurance agency, for $1.0 million in cash and 192,500 shares of Common Stock. ECI markets, through over 100 independent agents, property and casualty insurance surety bonds to environmental remediation contractors, landfill operators, consultants, and other small and medium sized companies specializing in environmental businesses throughout the United States. In December 1996, IASI completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of SMR in exchange for 600,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase an additional 900,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.375 per share. In January 1997, IASI acquired certain of the assets and business of Midwest Indemnity Corporation ("Midwest"), in exchange for $3.3 million in cash, 407,256 shares of Common Stock and $1.8 million in non-interest bearing notes payable in installments through December 31, 1998. Midwest markets environmental and surety bond products throughout the United States through a system of approximately 100 independent agents and subagents. In February 1997, IASI acquired Midland Consultants, Inc., a full-service specialized employment firm, in exchange for $208,000 in cash, 87,500 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase an additional 20,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.625 per share. In March 1997, IASI acquired M&N Risk Management, Inc., M&N Enterprises, Inc. and Millisor Firmco, Inc. (collectively, the "M&N Companies") for $1.0 million in cash, 384,600 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase an additional 900,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00 per share. The M&N Companies provide third party workers' compensation administration services. PENDING ACQUISITIONS In March 1997, IASI announced the contemplated acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of The Benefits Group Agency, Inc, a full-service corporate benefits administration company. ("The Benefits Group"), for $2.5 million in cash, 395,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase an additional 500,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $12.50 per share. SPECIALTY INSURANCE SERVICES GENERAL Through its insurance subsidiaries, IASI provides specialty insurance and bonding services to small and medium sized commercial enterprises throughout the United States. The following is a description of the specialty insurance and bonding services currently offered by IASI. 3 5 OPERATIONS The products provided by IASI's insurance subsidiaries can be divided into two categories: commercial lines, which constitutes approximately 85% of IASI's specialty insurance business, and surety bonds, which constitutes the other 15% of IASI's specialty insurance business. In addition, IASI employs reinsurance to limit its exposure on policies and bonds that it has written. COMMERCIAL LINES. IASI's commercial lines operations consist of approximately 40 different programs for a wide variety of specialty risk groups. Largest among these are general liability insurance and related coverages for small construction contractors; restaurants, bars, and taverns; small commercial and retail establishments; sun tanning salons; and environmental contractors and professionals. Insurance coverages offered to environmental contractors and professionals, include (i) property and general liability insurance for remediation action contractors engaged in a full hazard range of clean-ups; asbestos abatement contractors; underground storage tank removal and remediation contractors; and solid waste landfill operators; and (ii) errors and omissions insurance for environmental consultants. In addition IASI conducts a comprehensive inspection of environmental risks which management believes enhances its position as a provider of environmental insurance. IASI's commercial lines business is produced by a network of approximately 72 agents (with 104 offices) and 28 brokers (with 28 offices). Subject to strict and detailed written underwriting guidelines regarding pricing and coverage limitations published by IASI, agents have limited authority to bind coverage. For casualty coverage, agents may bind and write up to $1.0 million combined single limit of liability for risks other than those on the list of prohibited classes or on the list for referral to IASI. Policies that are bound by agents are immediately forwarded to IASI for review and inspection and IASI reserves the right to make the final underwriting decision based on IASI's acceptance or rejection of individual risks. Risks outside the written guidelines must be submitted to IASI for specific approval for underwriting. Brokers have no underwriting authority and must submit all risks to IASI for underwriting, quoting, binding and policy insurance. IASI checks premium ratings on a selective basis to verify that program rules and rates are being followed. In addition, underwriters perform monthly reviews of files for renewal risks. Files are reviewed on a selective basis by policy types, particular risk classes, or individual general agents as loss experience or changing underwriting practices dictate. In addition to other underwriting quality control measures, a continuous audit process for each general agent is maintained. At least once a year, a visit to each agent's office is arranged to review all of the foregoing areas, as well as premium production, losses and loss ratio. Management also performs internal underwriting audits of all underwriters on a regular basis to maintain control of the underwriting quality and pricing of IASI. All claims against commercial policies are managed by IASI's claim departments. Outside adjusters and attorneys are engaged, as necessary, to supplement IASI's in-house staff and to represent IASI in litigation over disputed claims. Claims guidelines are in place on all programs. State regulations and data on unfair claims practices are also provided to the staff members as necessary and appropriate. IASI's philosophy is to pay valid claims as expeditiously as possible but to resist firmly what management believes are unjust and fraudulent claims. In an effort to provide adequate resources to the claims staff, CSC became a member of the Property Loss Research Bureau and the Liability Insurance Research Bureau in 1995. IASI also submits claim data to the index bureaus of the American Services Insurance Group and the Property Insurance Loss Register. It is the responsibility of the claims manager to appoint outside adjusting firms to work on behalf of IASI. These firms, however, are given no authority to settle any claims without IASI's prior agreement. The internal adjuster assigned to each individual claim determines, after coverage is analyzed, whether the claim can be handled in house or should be assigned to an outside firm. SURETY BONDING. IASI's surety bonding operations consist of two major programs: contract surety bonds for smaller construction contractors (with work programs typically ranging from $250,000 to $10.0 million per year) and bonds for the solid waste industry, including waste haulers and landfill operators. Contract surety consists of bonds that government authorities and some private entities require construction contractors to post to provide assurance that contract work will be performed timely, to specification, on budget, and without encumbrance from suppliers or subcontractors who may have lien rights for non-payment. Contract surety business is underwritten by IASI subject to authority defined in agency agreements with the insurance companies. The business is produced by approximately 100 appointed agents, who have limited authority to bind the companies in accordance with specific guidelines established by IASI. Because the contract surety business is specialized in smaller, newer and more difficult accounts, underwriters take collateral, require contract funds control, and take other risk control measures considered extraordinary by standard market sureties. In virtually all cases, bond principals indemnify the surety against loss with their personal as well as corporate assets. 4 6 Once bonds are issued, IASI continues to review all projects to determine job progress, bill payment, and other factors. IASI maintains real-time records of all bonded exposures, amended as appropriate, in an effort to obtain the most current possible assessment of exposures for each account and to avoid excessive exposure on any one account. IASI also strives through its review procedures to provide the companies with the earliest possible notice of potential difficulty so that claim resources can be brought to bear at the earliest possible stage in an effort to mitigate losses. While claims against surety bonds are managed by IASI, outside counsel are engaged to handle surety defense litigation. In addition, IASI has or has access to completion capability for finishing bonded work which bonded principals are unable to prosecute, and pursues recoveries on behalf of the companies from principals who have defaulted on bond obligations. Such recovery efforts range from execution on collateral posted by bonded principals to indemnity litigation to recover surety losses from indemnitors' business and personal assets. Finally, IASI manages funds control escrow accounts as specified by the underwriters for particular accounts. IASI's solid waste bond program, which is national in scope, is primarily written directly by IASI, and serves bond accounts that are generally much larger than those handled by IASI's contract surety program. The primary focus of this program is bonds for landfill closure and post-closure care required by states in accordance with Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended ("RCRA"). These bonds are designed to assure that non-hazardous solid waste landfills will be closed when their useable airspace is exhausted in accordance with Subtitle D closure requirements (or such higher standards as individual states may impose) and that the sites will be maintained in accordance with Subtitle D standards for a period of at least 30 years after closure. Management believes that this program is one of only a few landfill bond programs in the United States, although bank letters of credit and other devices may be used to satisfy Subtitle D financial assurance requirements. Full implementation of RCRA financial assurance requirements by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") is not currently scheduled until after April 1997, although several states have already proceeded with such implementation, including, most significantly for IASI, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. See "- Regulation." IASI currently writes landfill bonds for some of the larger solid waste disposal firms in the country. As a companion to the landfill closure bonds, IASI also writes bonds required of waste haulers to assure the observance of terms of their contracts with the local communities from which they collect waste. To stay abreast of technical and market developments in the surety industry, certain of IASI's subsidiaries are members of the Surety Association of America, the National Association of Independent Sureties, National Association of Surety Bond Producers, the Surety Federation of Ohio, and The American Surety Association, on which Board of Directors CSC occupies a position. REINSURANCE. IASI employs reinsurance to limit its exposure on the policies and bonds it has written. IASI utilizes several different reinsurance programs to cover its exposure, including "treaties" that cover all business in a defined class and "facultative" reinsurance that covers individual risks. IASI retains from $50,000 to $200,000 of each commercial line risk, depending on the program. Surety retentions may go as high as $1.0 million or more, but typically are less than $250,000. Numerous domestic and international reinsurers support these various programs in different combinations. Generally, IASI's reinsurers are rated A- or better by A.M. Best, a leading rating agency of insurance companies and reinsurers, and demonstrate capital and surplus in excess of $80.0 million (collectively in excess of $10.0 billion). Cessions are diversified so that every reinsurance treaty (i.e., excluding facultative arrangements) is supported by more than one reinsurer and no reinsurer is participating in all of IASI's reinsurance programs. MARKETING IASI's insurance and bonding business is focused on niche insurance and surety coverages known in the insurance business as "non-standard" or specialty coverages. These terms refer to risks regarded as higher than standard or normal risks and to risk groups regarded as too small or too specialized to permit profitable underwriting by larger, "standard market" insurance companies. In general, non-standard insurance and bonds are more expensive, and coverage more limited, because of perceived additional risk associated with this type of business. IASI attempts to identify and exploit such niches in the non-standard insurance market where management believes the actual risk is significantly less than the perceived risk at which the coverage is defined and priced, or where IASI, because of its smaller size and lower overhead, is able to underwrite coverages more economically than larger carriers. Many non-standard insurance products can be marketed on an excess and surplus lines basis, which means that the carrier is not fully admitted in a given state but instead satisfies a less restrictive threshold of regulatory scrutiny, known as "eligibility," to write excess and surplus lines ("E&S"). E&S eligibility offers much more flexibility than admitted carriers enjoy. For example, E&S eligibility offers certain marketing advantages, principally, exemption from rate and form filing requirements that apply to admitted carriers, which permits E&S carriers to adjust prices and coverages, or to cease writing altogether. Accordingly, the majority of the non-surety business of IASI is written on an 5 7 E&S basis. Through certain of its subsidiaries, IASI is admitted in 34 states, but is eligible to write on an E&S basis in 39 other states plus the District of Columbia, the most significant of such states being California, Texas and Florida. Certain commercial lines products, however, are virtually impossible to write on an E&S basis because of competitive or regulatory requirements to use admitted carriers. In order to market these programs, IASI uses its admitted subsidiaries, thereby reaching a market of 30 states. Management believes that this strategy of employing both admitted and non-admitted E&S carriers helps to maximize IASI's flexibility within the insurance regulatory environment in an effort to market a broad range of products on a profitable basis. IASI also employs reinsurance arrangements to market certain products in all 50 states. COMPETITION Both the commercial lines and the surety industries have been highly competitive in recent years, resulting in the consolidation of some of the industries' largest companies. Competition is particularly acute for smaller, specialty carriers like IASI because the market niches exploited by IASI are small and can be penetrated by a large carrier that elects to cut prices or expand coverage. IASI has endured this risk historically by maintaining a high level of development of new products, such as its environmental coverage and landfill bonds eschewed by most major carriers. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that future development efforts will succeed or that product erosion from intensifying competition will not outpace development efforts. CUSTOMERS IASI provides specialty insurance services to approximately 6,000 clients through a network of nearly 200 agents. IASI attempts to maintain diversity within its client base to lower its exposure to downturns or volatility in any particular industry and help insulate IASI to some extent from general economic cyclicality. All prospective customers are evaluated individually on the basis of insurability, financial stability and operating history. No customer individually comprises more than 3.5% of the total consolidated revenue of IASI. REGULATION FEDERAL REGULATION. IASI's specialty insurance operations are vulnerable to both judicial and legislative law changes. Judicial expansion of terms of coverage can increase risk coverage beyond levels contemplated in the underwriting and pricing process. According to industry estimates reported by A.M. Best, judicial imposition of pollution liability on insurers before the era of specific pollution exclusions in insurance policies created an estimated $25 billion liability for U.S. insurers and reinsurers that such companies did not know they were underwriting and for which they received no premium. At the same time, coverages that are established by statute may be adversely affected by legislative or administrative changes of law. Most surety bonds exist because they are required by government agencies. When governments change the threshold for requiring surety, the market for surety bonds is directly affected. The repeated postponement by the EPA of deadlines for compliance with the financial assurance portions of RCRA Subtitle D has significantly slowed growth of IASI's landfill closure bond program, which was begun in March 1994 because of the anticipated deadline of April 1994 for universal compliance. Such compliance currently is not anticipated to be universally mandated until after April 1997. STATE REGULATION. The companies of the CSC Group are subject to regulation and supervision by state insurance regulatory agencies, applicable generally to each insurance company in its state of incorporation. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition - Sources of Cash." These regulatory bodies have broad administrative powers relating to (i) standards of solvency, which must be met on a continuing basis; (ii) granting and revoking of licenses; (iii) licensing of agents; (iv) approval of policy forms; (v) maintenance of adequate reserves; (vi) form and content of financial statements; (vii) types of investments permitted; (viii) issuance and sale of stock; and (ix) other matters pertaining to insurance. Each of the CSC Group companies are required to file detailed annual statements with the respective state regulatory bodies and are subject to periodic examination by the regulators. The most recent regulatory examination for CSC was made as of December 31, 1993. The most recent regulatory examinations of each of Evergreen National Indemnity Company ("Evergreen") and Continental Heritage Insurance Company ("Continental Heritage"), each subsidiaries of IASI, were made December 31, 1993 and December 31, 1994. 6 8 BUSINESS OUTSOURCING SERVICES GENERAL Through its subsidiary, SMR, IASI provides a wide range of business outsourcing services. It is IASI's goal to expand the business outsourcing services offered by IASI into a comprehensive personnel, consulting and management system that enables IASI to assist its clients with substantially all business outsourcing matters. The following is a description of the business outsourcing services currently offered by IASI. OPERATIONS IASI provides a comprehensive range of business outsourcing services, including information technology consulting, tax return preparation and compliance, tax planning, business valuation, human resource management, succession and estate planning, personal financial planning and employee benefit program design and administration services to individuals and small and medium sized commercial enterprises engaged in a wide variety of businesses. IASI contracts with its clients based upon the services they require. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING. IASI provides a wide range of information technology services. Such services include developing strategic technology plans, determining emerging technology capabilities (such as imaging and the Internet), reviewing operational use of software and hardware, defining and implementing software and hardware systems to address day-to-day business challenges and designing and implementing network solutions for clients with multiple sites. TAX RETURN PREPARATION AND COMPLIANCE; TAX PLANNING. IASI's tax return preparation and compliance services include the preparation and review of federal and state tax returns on behalf of IASI clients. In addition, IASI offers tax planning services to businesses with the goal of reducing the client's tax liabilities. Such services include assistance with the choice of business entity, development of executive compensation plans and employee benefit and retirement policies, and evaluation of investments. BUSINESS VALUATION. IASI's business valuation services are designed to assist a client in determining the precise value of a business or professional practice, either to avoid tax and regulatory problems or simply to facilitate organizational change. Such services are required in a variety of contexts, including litigation, sales, employee stock ownership plans, corporate recapitalization, succession plans or acquisitions. Business valuation involves a formalized system of gathering information to gain an in-depth understanding of a client's business and the pertinent factors affecting its value. IASI employs a team of Certified Valuation Analysts to perform such analyses. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. As part of its human resource management services, IASI performs organizational development audits and analyses and organizational structure analyses to provide its clients with solutions to strengthen both the financial and human resource side of the clients' businesses. IASI then works with its clients to implement such solutions. Included in the services provided by IASI is the development of detailed personnel guides, which set forth a systematic approach to administering personnel policies and practices including recruiting, discipline and termination procedures. In addition, IASI will review and revise, if necessary, personnel policies and employee handbooks or will create customized handbooks for its clients. IASI's human resource management services include the recruiting of new employees. IASI will also perform executive compensation analyses and provide management with detailed information regarding competitive salaries for a wide variety of positions throughout the United States. SUCCESSION AND ESTATE PLANNING. IASI provides business and estate planning services, as well as assists in the review of estate planning documents. Such services include the review and analysis of the laws affecting, and the development of customized plans regarding, the management and succession of businesses and estates. PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING. IASI offers financial planning services to individuals. IASI employs tax and financial planners who assess the individual's cash flow and tax situation, financial requirements and financial objectives, and work with the individual to define his or her short and long term financial goals. IASI's financial planners then work with the individual to develop and implement plans and methods for achieving the individual's goals. 7 9 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAM DESIGN AND ADMINISTRATION. IASI currently offers small group health care plans and other insurance coverages that its clients may provide to their employees. Such insurance coverages include group term life, universal life, accidental death and dismemberment and long-term disability. IASI works with the client to determine its needs and, in accordance with such needs, gives the client the opportunity to select from among several different plan packages or, with the assistance of IASI, design a personalized package of benefits for the client. As part of its services, IASI administers the foregoing benefit plans and is responsible for negotiating the benefits and costs of such plans. IASI serves as a liaison for the delivery of such services to its client's employees and monitors and reviews claims for loss control purposes. In addition, IASI offers to its clients 401(k), profit-sharing, defined benefit and money purchase plans, as well as administration and consulting services associated with such plans. IASI also provides support services to insurance companies who offer retirement plans. IASI's QuickVal Daily Valuation System ("QuickVal") provides 24-hour telephone access to qualified retirement plan administration information for individual participants. QuickVal provides participants with their account balances and enables participants to change investments at any time. OTHER BUSINESS OUTSOURCING SERVICES. In addition to the business outsourcing services described above, IASI also provides the following business outsourcing services: merger and acquisition analysis; litigation support; cash flow management; process improvement consulting, including quality management and strategic services; business management consulting, including communications consulting, market research and organizational development; and bookkeeping services. MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS IASI's business outsourcing services are sold primarily in Ohio. All services use common marketing techniques, including direct sales methodologies with emphasis on referral sources. None of IASI's major business outsourcing services groups have a single homogeneous client base. Rather, IASI's clients come from a large variety of industries and markets. IASI believes that such diversity helps to insulate IASI from a downturn in a particular industry. In addition, none of IASI's business outsourcing services are overly sensitive to price change. Nevertheless, economic conditions among selected clients and groups of clients may have a temporary impact on the demand for such services. COMPETITION The business outsourcing services industry has been highly competitive in recent years resulting in consolidation and strategic alliances across industry lines. The principal competitive factors in this industry are service and price. This is particularly important to small to medium sized providers because larger providers, or alliances with larger providers, can create service and price distortions in the market place. IASI's competitors in the business outsourcing services industry include independent consulting services companies, divisions of diversified enterprises and banks. REGULATION IASI's provision of business outsourcing services is vulnerable to legislative changes with respect to its tax advisory, compliance and preparation services. Legislative changes may expand or contract the types and amounts of business services that individuals and businesses require. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES GENERAL In February, 1997, IASI signed the non-binding Letter of Intent to sell IASI's environmental services operations. The Letter of Intent also contemplates the formation of a strategic alliance between IASI and the purchaser whereby IASI will continue to have access to IASI's environmental resources for the benefit of its insurance customers after the sale. IASI anticipates that the sale will be completed by mid-1997. Consummation of the transaction remains subject to the purchaser's due diligence review, the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation and the receipt of necessary government and third party approvals and consents. Accordingly, there can be no assurance, however, that the transaction will be consummated or, if consummated, that the transaction will be consummated on the terms set forth herein. 8 10 The following is a description of IASI's environmental services business as of the date of this Annual Report. OPERATIONS IASI's environmental services operations include the operation of its treatment, storage and disposal facilities ("TSD Facilities"), transportation, remediation and technical services and related engineering, consulting and analytical services. IASI currently operates seven hazardous and non-hazardous TSD Facilities located in the United States and Canada. These TSD Facilities are serviced by IASI's integrated trucking operations. IASI does not own any hazardous waste disposal sites. IASI also provides a broad range of related environmental services including engineering, consulting and analysis, remediation, groundwater/wastewater services and other technical services. TSD FACILITIES. IASI provides hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal services through seven commercial hazardous TSD Facilities located in the United States and Canada. The wastes handled by these TSD Facilities include substances which are classified as hazardous under applicable law because of their source of generation, characteristic properties, specific constituents and other substances subject to federal, provincial and state environmental regulations. Treatment, storage and disposal services are typically performed under service agreements that obligate IASI to accept from its customer waste material conforming to the specifications set forth in the services agreement. Before IASI signs a service agreement with a customer, a representative sample of the waste is analyzed by a laboratory to enable IASI to recommend the best method of transportation, treatment and disposal. Prior to unloading at IASI's treatment facility, a representative sample of the delivered waste is tested and analyzed on site to ensure that it conforms to the customer's waste profile sheet. Once the wastes are characterized, compatible groups are consolidated to achieve economies in storage, handling, transportation and ultimate treatment and disposal. The operational and permitted capabilities of the seven TSD Facilities operated by IASI vary extensively with each facility operating under site specific permit requirements. The seven TSD Facilities in the aggregate have the ability to process bulk liquids, solids, drums and laboratory-packaged waste materials. Six of these TSD Facilities have received final hazardous waste permits (EPA and/or state-issued Part B Permits or Canadian Ministry of the Environment ("MOE") Permits) from the appropriate regulatory agencies and the remaining TSD Facility is operating under an interim status permit. See "- Regulation." IASI expects to obtain the final Part B permit for this facility in 1997. If this Part B permit application is denied, the TSD Facility would be forced to cease hazardous waste operations and be subject to closure procedures with respect to such operations. The oil recycling operations that are conducted at such location would be permitted to continue even if the permit is denied. It is the opinion of management that the failure to obtain such permit and the subsequent closure of the facility would not have a material adverse effect on IASI. The TSD Facilities have the collective ability to accept virtually all types of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, except radioactive materials. Each TSD Facility is specifically regulated with respect to waste types that are included in its permits. The TSD Facilities collectively perform the following treatment and storage services: - -- bulking and consolidation for off-site incineration - -- waste water treatment, including heavy metal precipitation, carbon absorption, oxidation, reduction, biological treatment and filtration - -- low level cyanide destruction - -- fuels blending - -- oil recycling - -- phase separation - -- PCB storage - -- solids liquification - -- stabilization of solid and semi-solid sludges 9 11 IASI currently owns nine TSD Facilities, seven of which are operational. The following table provides certain information concerning the operating TSD Facilities owned by IASI. These facilities serve markets in the northeastern and midwestern United States and southern Ontario regions.
PERMITTED OPERATING AND STORAGE TSD FACILITY PERMITTED ACTIVITIES CAPACITIES ------------ -------------------- ---------- Republic Environmental Part B Permit - hazardous waste Operating capacities - approximately 55 Systems (Pennsylvania), treatment and storage facilities million gallons per year bulk liquid, Inc., Hatfield, PA; for hazardous and non-hazardous 73,000 tons per year bulk solid, 99,000 (formerly known as Waste solid and liquid waste in bulk, drums per year; storage capacity Conversion, Inc., "RES drum and lab pack; interim status -approximately 568 drums, 335,000 gallons (Pennsylvania)") PCB storage bulk liquid, 1,500 cubic yards solid Republic Environmental Part B application filed in 1986; Operating capacities - approximately 18 Recycling (New Jersey), EPA and NJDEP (defined herein) million gallons per year of bulk waste; Inc.; Clayton, New Jersey interim status-waste oil blending storage capacity - 2 million gallons and recycling, fuels blending and transfer facility Republic Environmental Part B Permit - bulk solid Operating capacities - approximately Systems (Cleveland), Inc., hazardous waste treatment and 124,800 tons per year bulk solid, 18,250 Bedford, Ohio; (formerly storage, hazardous and drums per year; storage capacity Evergreen Environmental non-hazardous drum treatment, -approximately 975 drums and 47,500 Group, Inc., "RES bulk liquids and oils treatment gallons bulk liquid, 1,000 cubic yards (Cleveland)") and fuels blending solid Republic Environmental MOE Permit - hazardous waste Operating capacities - approximately 3.4 Systems (Fort Erie) Ltd.; treatment, processing, recovery, million gallons per year bulk liquid, Fort Erie, Ontario transfer and storage 1,170 tons per year bulk solid, 52,000 drums per year; storage capacity - approximately 1,300 drums and 65,000 gallons bulk liquid, 120 tons solid Republic Environmental MOE Permit - hazardous waste Operating capacities - approximately 12.5 Systems (Brantford) Ltd.; treatment, processing, recovery, million gallons per year bulk liquid; Brantford, Ontario transfer and storage storage capacity - 175,000 gallons bulk liquid Republic Environmental MOE Permit - hazardous waste Operating capacities - approximately 2.9 Systems (Pickering) Ltd.; treatment, processing, recovery, million gallons per year bulk or drum Pickering, Ontario transfer and storage liquid or solid; storage capacity - 110,000 gallons bulk or drum Republic Environmental MOE Permit - hazardous waste Operating capacities - approximately 3.1 Systems (Brockville) Ltd.; treatment, processing, recovery, million gallons per year bulk liquid, Brockville, Ontario transfer and storage 24,000 tons per year bulk solid, approximately 39,000 drums per year; storage capacity - 3,000 drums and 120,000 gallons bulk liquid
10 12 IASI also owns TSD Facilities in Farmingdale, New York and Dayton, Ohio, at which operations terminated in June 1993 and October 1995, respectively. See "Legal Proceedings - Administrative Proceedings - RES (Cleveland) and Republic Environmental Systems (Ohio), Inc." and "- Republic Environmental Systems (New York), Inc."). With respect to the closing of both of these TSD Facilities, IASI believes that it has accrued the appropriate costs. During June 1996, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (the "Ohio EPA") approved the expansion of the types of waste managed in IASI's TSD Facility located in Cleveland, Ohio. The remaining permit revisions are currently still under review. Management expects final approval of the remaining permit revisions during 1997. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. As an integral part of IASI's treatment, storage and disposal operations, hazardous and non-hazardous wastes are collected from customers and transported by IASI to and between its TSD Facilities for treatment or bulking in preparation for shipment to final disposal locations. In providing this service, IASI utilizes a variety of specially designed and constructed tank trucks, vacuum trucks and semi-trailers. Liquid waste is frequently transported in bulk, but may also be transported in drums. Heavier sludges or bulk solids are transported in sealed roll-off containers or sealed gate-dump trailers. IASI's United States hazardous waste transportation services are performed primarily by two of IASI's waste services subsidiaries, Republic Environmental Systems (Transportation Group), Inc. ("RES (Transportation Group)") and Chem-Freight, Inc. ("Chem-Freight"). RES (Transportation Group) is located in Hatfield, Pennsylvania and has been operating since 1985. Chem-Freight is located in Walton Hills, Ohio and has been operating since 1971. These trucking companies provide a majority of their direct services to IASI's TSD Facilities. IASI believes that this transportation arrangement ensures quality control and improved efficiency and helps prevent delays at the TSD Facilities. Trucking revenues for services provided to third parties, such as other environmental service companies, waste brokers and waste generators, are recognized as trucking revenue. Third-party customers of RES (Transportation Group) and Chem-Freight include general industrial businesses and other waste management companies. RES (Transportation Group) is licensed to haul in 36 states from the eastern to the midwestern regions of the United States and Chem-Freight is licensed to haul in the 48 contiguous states. Most of the transportation services provided to IASI's Canadian TSD Facilities are performed by one of IASI's subsidiaries, Republic Environmental Systems (Brockville) Ltd. ("RES (Brockville)"). RES (Brockville) is licensed to haul in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada and in the states of Michigan and New York in the United States. REMEDIATION. IASI's hazardous waste division provides selected remediation services through its subsidiary, Republic Environmental Systems (Technical Services Group), Inc. ("RES (Technical Services)"). RES (Technical Services) is a full-service environmental remediation contractor specializing in remedial services, tank cleaning, testing and removal, decontamination/lagoon closure, excavation and removal of contaminated soils, dewatering, emergency response, "Superfund" clean-up work and waste sampling. These services are provided to IASI's TSD Facility customers and others on a competitive bid basis. When IASI is engaged to perform an entire environmental remediation project, it will first perform a site or situation assessment which involves gathering samples from the contaminated site and then analyzing them to establish or verify the nature and extent of the contaminants. Analysis of samples is conducted by IASI at its TSD Facilities or by independently-operated laboratory companies. IASI's engineering and consulting group then develops, evaluates and presents alternative solutions to remedy the particular situation. TECHNICAL SERVICES. At IASI's analytical facilities, technicians test samples provided by customers through the use of comprehensive analytical procedures to identify and quantify toxic pollutants in virtually every component of the environment, including, without limitation, drinking water, surface and groundwater, soil, air, food, industrial effluents and biological tissues. The laboratory staff evaluates the properties of a given material, selects appropriate analytical methods, and designs, documents and executes a laboratory work plan that results in a comprehensive technical report. IASI also provides environmental consulting services, including regulatory consulting, RCRA consulting, Environmental Clean-up Responsibility Act site assessment, remedial action plan preparation, treatment process technology and system design, waste minimization programs planning and alternate waste disposal evaluations. SALES AND MARKETING IASI's sales and marketing strategy is to provide full-service environmental management to its customers. IASI targets customers of all sizes from small quantity generators to large "Fortune 100" companies. Marketing efforts also target environmental engineers, real estate brokers, potentially responsible party ("PRP") committees, lawyers, hospitals and waste brokers. 11 13 IASI believes in maintaining a strong foundation of repeat business. IASI derives its business from a broad base of clientele which management believes enables IASI to experience stable growth. Marketing efforts focus on continuing and increasing business with existing customers, as well as attracting new clients. COMPETITION The hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal industry is highly competitive and requires substantial amounts of capital. The competition in this industry includes large national companies such as Clean Harbors, Inc., Laidlaw Environmental Services, Inc. and Rollins Environmental, Inc., as well as local TSD Facilities and disposal and treatment companies. IASI environmental services subsidiaries compete for business on the basis of price and geographic location. CUSTOMERS IASI's sales efforts with respect to its environmental services operations have been directed toward establishing and maintaining business relationships with businesses in the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States and Ontario, Canada, which have ongoing requirements for one or more of IASI's services. No one customer individually comprises more than 5% of the total consolidated revenue of IASI. SEASONALITY IASI's environmental services operations experience seasonal fluctuations, with higher demand commencing in approximately April of each year and continuing through October, and lower demand occurring from November through March. Additionally, IASI's environmental services operations may experience operational limitations from November through March due to weather conditions in the northeastern United States and southeastern Ontario. Severe weather experienced during winter months may adversely affect IASI's results of operations. REGULATION The transportation and disposal of solid and chemical wastes and rendering of related environmental services are subject to federal, state, provincial and local requirements which regulate health, safety, the environment, zoning and land-use. Operating permits are generally required for TSD Facilities and certain transportation vehicles, and these permits are subject to revocation, modification and renewal. Federal, state, provincial and local regulations vary, but generally govern waste management activities (including final disposal), the location and use of facilities and also impose restrictions to prohibit or minimize air and water pollution. In addition, governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and to obtain injunctions or impose fines in the case of violations, including criminal penalties. These regulations are administered by the EPA and various other federal, state, provincial and local environmental, health and safety agencies and authorities, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor. Although IASI strives to conduct its operations in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, IASI believes that in the existing climate of heightened legal, political and citizen awareness and concerns, companies in the hazardous waste and environmental services industry, including IASI, may be faced with fines and penalties and the need to expend funds for remedial work and related activities at TSD Facilities. IASI has established a reserve to cover such fines, penalties and costs which management believes will be adequate. Further, in connection with the acquisition of certain TSD Facilities, IASI has been indemnified against certain environmental liabilities. See "Legal Proceedings." While such amounts expended in the past or anticipated to be expended in the future have not had and are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on IASI's financial condition or operations, the possibility remains that technological, regulatory or enforcement developments, the results of environmental studies or other factors could materially alter this expectation and despite such reserves and indemnification obligations, could adversely affect IASI's operating results. IASI's operation of TSD Facilities subjects it to certain operating, monitoring, site maintenance and closure obligations. In order to construct, expand and operate a TSD Facility, one or more construction or operating permits, as well as zoning approvals, must be obtained. These operating permits and zoning approvals are difficult and time-consuming to obtain, and the issuance of such permits and approvals often is opposed by neighboring landowners and local and national citizens' groups. Once obtained, the operating permits may be subject to periodic renewal and are subject to modification and revocation by the issuing agency. In connection with IASI's acquisition of existing TSD Facilities, it often may be necessary to expend considerable time, effort and money to bring the acquired facilities into compliance with applicable requirements and to obtain the permits and approvals necessary to increase their capacity. The failure of IASI to renew existing permits or obtain newly required permits, could adversely affect IASI's operating results. In addition, IASI's waste transportation operations are subject to evolving and expanding laws and regulations that may impose additional monitoring, training and safety requirements. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with regulations and permit conditions and to obtain injunctions or impose fines in case of violations. Citizens' groups may also bring suit for alleged violations. 12 14 During the ordinary course of its operations, IASI may from time to time receive citations or notices from such authorities that its operations are not in compliance with applicable environmental, health or safety regulations. Upon receipt of such citations or notices, IASI will work with the authorities to attempt to resolve the issues raised. Failure to correct the problems to the satisfaction of the authorities could lead to monetary or criminal penalties, curtailed operations or facility closure any of which could have a material adverse effect on IASI's operating results. FEDERAL REGULATION. The following summarizes the primary United States federal statutes affecting the business of IASI: (1) THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT ("SWDA"), AS AMENDED BY RCRA. SWDA and its implementing regulations establish a framework for the regulation of the generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. They also require states to develop programs to insure the safe disposal of solid wastes in sanitary landfills. Subtitle C of RCRA imposes a variety of regulatory requirements on a person who is either a "generator" or "transporter" of hazardous waste, or an "owner" or "operator" of a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility. The EPA has issued regulations under RCRA for hazardous waste generators, transporters, and owners and operators of TSD Facilities. These regulations impose, among other requirements, detailed operating, inspection, training and emergency preparedness and response standards, as well as requirements for permitting, manifesting, record keeping and reporting, facility closure, post-closure care and financial assurance. Owners and operators of TSD Facilities also are subject to stringent corrective action requirements that can be very expensive. The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendment of 1984 mandated that hazardous wastes be treated prior to land disposal. Owners and operators of TSD Facilities must treat wastes to meet specified performance-based or technology-based treatment standards. (2) THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT OF 1980, AS AMENDED ("CERCLA"). CERCLA, also known as "Superfund," among other things, established a regulatory and remedial program intended to provide for the investigation and the clean-up of sites from which there is or has been a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance into the environment. CERCLA's primary mechanism for remedying such problems is to impose strict liability (and pursuant to the interpretation of certain courts, joint and several liability) for clean-up and for damages to natural resources upon: (a) any person who currently owns or operates the facility or site; (b) any person who owned or operated the facility or site at the time of disposal of hazardous substances; (c) any person who by contract, agreement or otherwise, arranged or accepted for disposal or treatment (or for transport for disposal or treatment) of the hazardous substances; and (d) any generator of the hazardous substances. Under the authority of CERCLA and its implementing regulations, detailed requirements apply to the manner and degree of remediation of facilities and sites where hazardous substances have been or are threatened to be released into the environment. The costs of CERCLA investigation and clean-up can be substantial. Among other things, CERCLA authorizes the federal government either to remediate sites at which hazardous substances were disposed and have been or are threatened to be released into the environment, or to order (or offer an opportunity to order) persons potentially liable for the clean-up of the hazardous substances to do so. Both the government and the potentially liable party may seek to recover the cost of clean-up from the responsible class of persons. In addition, CERCLA requires the EPA to establish a National Priorities List of sites at which hazardous substances have been or are threatened to be released and which require investigation or clean-up. Liability under CERCLA is not dependent upon the intentional disposal of "hazardous wastes." It can be founded upon the release or threatened release, even as a result of unintentional and non-negligent action, of very small amounts of any one of thousands of "hazardous substances" listed by the EPA, many of which can be found in household waste. If this is the case, and if there is a release or threatened release of such substances, IASI could be held liable under CERCLA for all investigative and remedial costs even if others may also be liable. CERCLA also authorizes the imposition of a lien in favor of the United States upon all real property subject to or affected by a remedial action for all costs for which a party is liable. The ability of IASI to obtain reimbursement from others for their allocable share of such costs would be limited by its ability to find other responsible parties and prove the extent of each of such other parties' responsibility and by the financial resources of such other parties. The costs of a CERCLA clean-up can be very expensive. Given the difficulty of obtaining insurance for environmental impairment liability, such liability could have a material impact on IASI's business and financial condition. See "--Liability Insurance and Bonding." (3) THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED (THE "CLEAN WATER ACT"). The Clean Water Act establishes a framework for regulating the discharge of pollutants from a variety of sources, including TSD Facilities, into streams, rivers and other waters. Whenever point source runoff from IASI's facilities is to be discharged into surface waters, the Clean Water Act requires IASI to apply for and obtain discharge permits, conduct sampling and monitoring and, under certain circumstances, reduce the quantity of pollutants in those discharges. In 1990, the EPA published new storm water discharge regulations which 13 15 require a facility to apply for a storm water discharge permit unless it is covered under a storm water general permit promulgated by the agency. These storm water discharge regulations also require a permit for certain construction activities, which may affect IASI's operations. If a facility discharges wastewater through a sewage system to a publicly-owned treatment works ("POTW"), the facility must comply with discharge limits imposed by the POTW. In addition, states may adopt groundwater protection programs under the Clean Water Act or Safe Drinking Water Act or independent state authority that could affect TSD Facilities. (4) THE CLEAN AIR ACT. The Clean Air Act establishes a framework for the federal, state and local regulation of the emission of air pollutants. These regulations may impose emission limitations and monitoring and reporting requirements on certain of IASI's operations. The Clean Air Act Amendments, which were enacted into law at the end of 1990, resulted in the imposition of stringent requirements on many activities that were previously largely unregulated, such as emissions of solvents used in small parts degreasing baths in IASI's vehicle maintenance shops, as well as imposing more stringent requirements on, among others, motor vehicle emissions and emissions of hazardous air pollutants. (5) THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1970 ("OSHA"). OSHA authorizes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to promulgate occupational safety and health standards. Various of these standards, including standards for notices of hazardous chemicals and the handling of asbestos, may apply to IASI's operations. STATE REGULATION. Each state in which IASI operates has its own laws and regulations governing hazardous and solid waste disposal, water and air pollution and, in most cases, release and clean-up of hazardous substances and liability for such matters. The states also have adopted regulations governing the design, operation, maintenance and closure of TSD Facilities. IASI's facilities and operations are likely to be subject to many, if not all, of these types of requirements. Finally, various states have enacted, are considering enacting or are considering repealing, laws that restrict the disposal within the state of solid or hazardous wastes generated outside the state. While laws that overtly discriminate against out-of-state waste have been found to be unconstitutional, some laws that are less overtly discriminatory have been upheld in court. Challenges to other such laws are pending. The outcome of pending litigation and the likelihood that other such laws will be passed and will survive constitutional challenge are uncertain. In addition, Congress is currently considering legislation authorizing states to adopt such restrictions. CANADIAN REGULATION. IASI's operations in Canada relating to hazardous waste treatment, recycling and recovery of chemical waste and waste water are subject to the general business and environmental laws and regulations of Canada, which are similar in nature to United States laws and regulations. While IASI believes that its Canadian operations are in substantial compliance with applicable laws and regulations, IASI is unable to predict the course of development of such laws and regulations. LIABILITY INSURANCE AND BONDING IASI carries commercial general liability insurance, automobile liability insurance, workers' compensation, pollution legal liability and employer's liability insurance as required by law in the various states and provinces in which operations are conducted and umbrella policies to provide excess limits of liability over the underlying limits contained in the commercial general liability, automobile liability and employer's liability policies. The nature of IASI's environmental services operations exposes it to a significant risk of liability for legal damages arising out of such operations. See "Legal Proceedings." The majority of IASI's environmental services operations have environmental liability insurance subject to certain limitations and exclusions in excess of the limits required by permit regulations; however, there is no assurance that such limits would be adequate in the event of a major loss. From time to time, IASI may be required to post a performance bond or a bank letter of credit in connection with the operation of TSD Facilities, certain remediation contracts or certain environmental permits. Bonds issued by surety companies operate as a financial guarantee of IASI's performance. To date, IASI has satisfied financial responsibility requirements by making cash deposits, obtaining bank letters of credit or by obtaining surety bonds. EMPLOYEES At December 31, 1996, IASI employed approximately 451 employees, 6 of whom are party to collective bargaining agreements. IASI considers its relationships with its employees to be satisfactory. PROPERTIES IASI's corporate headquarters are located in Valley View, Ohio in leased premises. Certain of the property and equipment of IASI are subject to liens securing payment of portions of the indebtedness of IASI and its subsidiaries. IASI and its subsidiaries also lease six offices in five states, as well as one office in Canada, and certain of their equipment. IASI believes that all of its facilities are sufficient for its needs. 14 16 In addition, IASI operates seven TSD Facilities in the United States and Canada. For more information regarding these properties, see "- Environmental Services - Operations." ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS RES (CLEVELAND) AND REPUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (OHIO), INC. In June 1993, RES (Cleveland) received a Complaint and Compliance Order from the Enforcement Division of EPA Region 5 alleging that the former owners of RES (Cleveland)'s TSD Facility failed to submit a proper RCRA Facility Investigation ("RFI") workplan to the EPA on a timely basis and fined RES (Cleveland). In September 1993, EPA Region 5 granted approval for implementation of the RFI workplan submitted by RES (Cleveland). In June 1995, RES (Cleveland) reached an agreement with EPA Region 5 by consent agreement and final order (the "CAFO") to settle the issues related to the former owners' failure to achieve an approvable RFI workplan. The CAFO included a fine of $60,000 and required the meeting of certain stipulations. IASI paid the fine in June 1995 and completed all required activities stipulated under the CAFO in December 1996, and submitted a final report to the EPA detailing the results. In 1996, the EPA accepted and approved the final RFI report. The EPA has requested and approved a second phase of the RFI workplan which requires additional sample collections. In addition, RES (Cleveland) was involved in negotiations with the Ohio EPA to bring RES (Cleveland)'s facility located in Bedford, Ohio into full compliance with the Ohio EPA regulations and settle a proposed penalty. In August 1994, RES (Cleveland) reached an agreement by consent order with the Ohio EPA which included a penalty for $250,000, payable over a three-year period, as well as meeting certain stipulations. Final payment on the penalty was made in 1996. RES (Cleveland) has provided all of the required deliverables specified in the consent order to Ohio EPA and is presently awaiting their final approval. In June 1996, the Ohio Attorney General's Office began enforcement proceedings against Republic Environmental Systems (Ohio), Inc. (formerly known as Ecolotec, Inc., "RES (Ohio)") related to several past alleged violations at the Dayton, Ohio facility, at which IASI ceased operations in September 1995. Such violations included the failure to construct certain tertiary containment features at the facility and issues related to the submission of permit revisions in connection with the facility's groundwater monitoring program. At this time, both parties have agreed to enter into a mediation agreement to attempt to settle these matters with a third party mediator. In addition, RES (Ohio)'s recent groundwater monitoring program results indicate that past operations at the facility may have potentially affected groundwater quality. RES (Ohio) is currently investigating the groundwater further to determine what, if any, corrective measures should be taken. In October 1996, the Ohio attorney general's office determined that the Merger Transactions constituted a change of ownership of Ohio EPA permitted facilities owned by RES (Cleveland) and RES (Ohio). In addition, the Ohio EPA may determine that the Merger Transactions constitute a modification of such permits. As a result, Ohio law requires that the change of ownership of the permitted facilities, as well as the permit modifications, if any, be approved by the director of the Ohio EPA, based upon the disclosure statements and an investigative report prepared by the Ohio attorney general's office. IASI consummated the Merger Transactions prior to receipt of the requisite approval of the director of the Ohio EPA as permitted by applicable law. During the approval process, IASI does not anticipate that the operations at such facilities will be affected. In the event that the director of the Ohio EPA ultimately disapproves such change of ownership or, if required, such permit modifications, IASI would be required to effect the negation of the change of ownership of such facilities. The negation could be accomplished through the restoration of the original ownership structure of such facilities, the disposition of the facilities or another means that complies with the requirements of applicable law. REPUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (NEW YORK), INC. In late June 1993, Republic Environmental Systems (New York), Inc. ("RES (New York")) ceased operations at its TSD Facility in Farmingdale, New York, due to ongoing disputes and negotiations with various regulatory agencies including the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (the "New York DEC"), the town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County. In addition, RES (New York) received from the New York DEC a proposed Summary Order in an Administrative Action commenced by the New York DEC against the RES (New York) facility, whereby the New York DEC sought revocation of RES (New York)'s permit to operate as a TSD Facility. The New York DEC withdrew a previous consent order against RES (New York), under which RES (New York) had agreed to pay $100,000 for past alleged violations at the facility and to resolve several administrative permit issues. In early 1994, RES (New York) voluntarily ceased operations at its hazardous waste TSD Facility and discontinued any efforts to pursue its permit for this facility as a result of the ongoing disputes described above. In addition, RES (New York) entered into negotiations for a consent order with the New York DEC which provided for (i) 15 17 payment of a fine by RES (New York) of $270,000, $170,000 of which will be suspended upon successful completion of the terms of the consent order, and (ii) the closure of the facility in accordance with the requirements specified by the order. RES (New York) has begun closure activities at the facility which it expects to complete by the end of 1997. PROCEEDINGS COVERED BY THIRD PARTY INDEMNITY In connection with the acquisition of Stout, the former stockholders of Stout (the "Party Stockholders") agreed to indemnify RII, IASI, subsidiaries of IASI and their respective officers, directors, agents and representatives from losses associated with, among other things, soil, water and groundwater contamination occurring prior to RII's acquisition of Stout. IASI has been identified as a PRP in a number of governmental investigations and actions relating to waste disposal facilities which may be subject to remedial action under CERCLA. Proceedings arising under CERCLA typically involve numerous waste generators and other waste transportation and disposal companies. Generally, these proceedings are based on allegations that these entities (or their predecessors) transported hazardous substances to the facilities in question, in all cases prior to acquisition of Stout by RII. As a successor to Stout, IASI and RII have become a party to and become potentially liable in these proceedings to the same extent as Stout. IASI and RII have been indemnified for all costs and expenses incurred with regard to these proceedings by Party Stockholders. The Party Stockholders' obligation under the indemnity was secured by a first lien and perfected security interest covering two million shares of RII's common stock. During June 1995, Party Stockholders had placed $7.0 million in an escrow account (the "Party Collateral") in lieu of the two million shares of RII's stock as security for the remaining indemnification obligations. IASI is currently paying costs and legal expenses with regard to these proceedings which are then reimbursed by the Party Stockholders. Pursuant to agreements with RII, IASI has agreed to assume any and all liabilities of RII in these proceedings and has accepted assignment from RII of all of its rights in connection therewith, including, without limitation, RII's rights as indemnitee and pledgee pursuant to the Party Stockholders indemnification obligations. Management believes that the legal and environmental proceedings covered by the indemnity will be resolved in a manner that will not have a materially adverse effect on IASI's results of operations or combined financial position. The following is a description of proceedings whose claims are covered by the indemnity obligations of the Party Stockholders. ADAMS OIL, INC. In March 1996, IASI and the Party Stockholders entered into an agreement amending the Merger Agreement and the Settlement Agreement to which they are parties and voiding the transfer of Adams Oil, Inc. ("Adams Oil") to IASI. Adams Oil is the owner of a former oil terminal located in Camden, New Jersey at which there is evidence of contamination. Pursuant to such agreement, on March 3, 1997, IASI transferred ownership of all of the capital stock of Adams Oil to the Party Stockholders and released to the Party Stockholders $1.5 million of the Party Collateral. The Party Stockholders have agreed to use the released Party Collateral to comply with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") requirements regarding the clean-up of the Camden facility, including the requirement that the Party Stockholders post $500,000 with the NJDEP within 30 days after the transfer to secure such clean-up. At such time that the Party Stockholders post the required $500,000 with the NJDEP, IASI has agreed to release an additional $500,000 of the Party Collateral to the Party Stockholders. The Party Stockholders also have agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless IASI, its environmental services subsidiary, Republic Environmental Systems, Inc., and RII from losses incurred in connection with the environmental condition of the Camden, New Jersey facility. REPUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (PENNSYLVANIA), INC. RES (Pennsylvania) has been named as a PRP in the North Penn Area No. 2 regional groundwater problem involving 56 square miles occupied by hundreds of industrial companies. The EPA is currently investigating the septic system and the contamination of groundwater and is considering adding other PRP companies. The EPA and RES (Pennsylvania) have entered into an administrative order on consent to investigate and determine: (i) whether or not there is sufficient evidence to indicate that RES (Pennsylvania) has contributed to the groundwater problem, and (ii) if RES (Pennsylvania) should participate in a regional investigation. RES (Pennsylvania) has recently completed the required soil and groundwater testing, as required under the administrative order, and has submitted a final report to the EPA. Based on the results of this testing, RES (Pennsylvania) has requested the EPA to release it from further investigation. In addition, RES (Pennsylvania) also has been named as a PRP along with 13 other primary defendants for the recovery costs to remediate the Moyers Landfill Site in eastern Pennsylvania. A company previously known as Waste Conversion of Delaware, Inc. disposed of materials at Moyers Landfill from 1979 to 1981. This company then sold its assets to RES (Pennsylvania), which was then owned by Stout. RES (Pennsylvania) is currently in settlement negotiations with the EPA to limit its exposure in this matter. 16 18 RES (New York) and RES (Pennsylvania) are parties in a PRP action with respect to a former IASI Aqua-Tech TSD Facility in South Carolina. There are 180 parties to date. In April 1993, an agreement was reached whereby IASI paid approximately $360,000 for proposed settlement of certain issues at the facility, pending the PRP committee's final allocation to the PRPs. REPUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (NEW YORK), INC. The New York DEC has alleged that RES (New York) is liable for unpaid generator fees in the amount of $240,000 plus interest. RES (New York) and other owners of New York TSD Facilities argue that the state is subjecting them to excess fees by categorizing them both as a TSD Facility and as an original waste generator. The central issue of the amount of generator fees owed by RES (New York) has been stayed pending New York DEC determination of the appropriate category for RES (New York) and what generator fee it should pay as a result thereof. This matter will be settled under the consent order being negotiated for the facility's closure. Payments scheduled under this order will be credited to settle this matter. In addition, on March 19, 1992, the New York DEC informed RES (New York) that it may be a PRP with respect to the Quanta Resources site in Queens, New York. At present, RES (New York) is awaiting additional information from the New York DEC in order to assess the extent of its exposure, but believes it is not material. GENERAL IASI is also a party to other administrative proceedings related to its environmental services operations which have arisen in the ordinary course of its business. Although it is possible that losses exceeding amounts already recorded may be incurred upon ultimate resolution of these matters, as well as the matters described above, management believes that such losses, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on IASI's business or financial position; however, unfavorable resolution of each matter individually or in the aggregate could affect the consolidated results of operations for the quarterly periods in which they are resolved. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders during the fourth quarter of 1996. 17 19 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF IASI The following table sets forth certain information as of March 28, 1997 regarding the executive officers of IASI. Each executive officer of IASI named in the following table has been elected to serve until his successor is duly appointed or elected or until his or her earlier removal or resignation from office. No arrangement or understanding exists between any executive officer of IASI and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as an officer.
NAME AGE POSITION(S) ---- --- ----------- Michael G. DeGroote 63 Chairman of the Board Edward F. Feighan 49 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director Roswell P. Ellis 62 Senior Vice President - Insurance Group Douglas R. Gowland 55 Senior Vice President - Environmental Operations and Director Keith W. Reeves 40 Senior Vice President - Business Services Gregory J. Skoda 40 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Craig L. Stout 48 Chief Operating Officer and Director
MICHAEL G. DEGROOTE has served as the Chairman of the Board of IASI since the Spin-off. Mr. DeGroote also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of IASI from the Spin-off until the Merger Transactions in October 1996. Mr. DeGroote has served as Vice Chairman and a director of Republic Industries, Inc. ("RII") since August 1995. Mr. DeGroote also served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of RII from May 1991 to August 1995 and Senior Chairman of the Board of RII from May 1991 to August 1991. Mr. DeGroote is a private investor who owned a controlling interest in Laidlaw Inc., a Canadian waste services company, from 1959 until he sold his interest to Canadian Pacific Limited in 1988. Mr. DeGroote also serves as a director of Gulf Canada Resources, Inc. EDWARD F. FEIGHAN has served as Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of IASI since October 1996. Mr. Feighan is also Vice President of Alliance Holding Corporation ("Alliance Holding"), a position he has held since joining Alliance Holding in 1993. From 1983 until 1993, Mr. Feighan served as the representative from the Ohio 19th Congressional District of the United States House of Representatives. During his tenure in Congress, Congressman Feighan served on the Judiciary and the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Chairman, International Narcotics Control Committee; President, The Interparliamentary Union; and permanent Representative to the Helsinki Commission. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the Handgun Control Federation of Ohio, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. ROSWELL P. ELLIS has served as the Senior Vice President - Insurance Group since March 1997. Mr. Ellis serves as Chairman and President of CSC, a position he has held since 1987, and Chairman of Continental Heritage and Evergreen, all subsidiaries of IASI. DOUGLAS R. GOWLAND has served as the Senior Vice President - Environmental Operations since October 1996 and a Director of IASI. In addition, Mr. Gowland has served as President of IASI's hazardous waste subsidiaries since March 1992. From the date of the Spin-off until the Merger Transactions, Mr. Gowland served as IASI's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From March 1992 until the Spin-off, Mr. Gowland served as President of IASI. From January 1992 to April 1995, Mr. Gowland served as Vice President - Hazardous Waste Operations of RII. From March 1991 to January 1992, Mr. Gowland served as Vice President of DRG Environmental Management, Inc. Prior thereto, he served as President of Great Lakes Environmental Systems, Ltd. KEITH W. REEVES has served as the Senior Vice President - Business Services since March 1997. Mr. Reeves also serves as the President of SMR, a position of which he has held since December 1996. Mr. Reeves served as Vice President of SMR from August 1984 until its acquisition by IASI in December 1996. Mr. Reeves is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. GREGORY J. SKODA has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IASI since December 1996. Mr. Skoda also serves as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Alliance Holding, a position he has held since June 1, 1994. Prior to IASI's acquisition of SMR in December 1996, Mr. Skoda served as President and Chairman of SMR, which Mr. Skoda founded in 1980. Mr. Skoda is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in the Tax, Employee Benefits, and Management Advisory Services divisions. CRAIG L. STOUT has served as Chief Operating Officer and a Director of IASI since October 1996. Mr. Stout also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Alliance Holding, a position he has held since the formation of Alliance Holding in 1987. Prior to the Mergers, Mr. Stout served as President and Chairman of two other companies which 18 20 he founded, Contract Operations Planning, Inc., a surety claims management firm, and Contract Surety Reinsurance Corporation, a reinsurance intermediary for facultative surety reinsurance. These companies were merged into Alliance Holding prior to the effective date of the Merger Transactions and their operations are now conducted by IASI. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS IASI's Common Stock is listed on Nasdaq, which is the principal trading market for these securities, under the symbol "IASI." The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for the Common Stock as listed on Nasdaq.
COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE ---------------------- HIGH LOW ---- --- 1995 Second Quarter(1)....................... $2 1/4 $1 1/4 Third Quarter........................... $4 $1 13/16 Fourth Quarter.......................... $2 5/16 $1 9/16 1996 First Quarter........................... $1 19/32 $1 1/4 Second Quarter.......................... $20 7/8 $1 7/16 Third Quarter........................... $18 3/4 $4 3/4 Fourth Quarter.......................... $12 3/4 $7 1/2
(1) Consisted of the period from the date on which the Common Stock was first listed on Nasdaq, April 27, 1995, through June 30, 1995. On March 27, 1997, the closing sales price of Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq was $11.125 per share. The number of record holders of Common Stock as of March 7, 1997, was 953. Since the Spin-off, IASI has not declared or paid any dividends on its Common Stock and the Board of Directors does not currently anticipate paying dividends on the Common Stock at any time in the foreseeable future. The payment of future dividends will be determined by IASI's Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including IASI's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors. The payment of dividends on the Common Stock is presently prohibited under the terms of IASI's credit facility. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources." 19 21 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table presents selected historical financial data for IASI and are derived from the historical consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report of IASI. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated and combined financial statements of IASI and the notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) Premiums earned .......................... $ 27,743 $ 26,962 $ 23,368 $ 17,373 $ 11,534 Net investment income .................... 3,564 3,341 2,477 1,377 1,272 Net realized gains (losses) on investments 1,529 166 80 (91) 210 Other income ............................. 2,933 470 1,385 1,737 269 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net revenues ............................. $ 35,769 $ 30,939 $ 27,310 $ 20,396 $ 13,285 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Interest expense ......................... $ 46 -- -- -- -- Other expenses ........................... 4,384 $ 3,157 $ 4,544 $ 3,287 $ 2,039 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense ..................... 6,062 4,891 4,844 3,485 2,123 Income tax expense ....................... 1,640 1,422 1,344 1,189 751 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Income from continuing operations ........ 4,422 3,469 3,500 2,296 1,372 Loss from discontinued operations ........ (38) -- -- -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income ............................... $ 4,384 $ 3,469 $ 3,500 $ 2,296 $ 1,372 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Gross written premiums ................... $ 42,888 $ 37,695 $ 37,869 $ 29,992 $ 17,786 Net written premium ...................... 31,149 26,677 27,219 21,173 12,089 Weighted average common and common share equivalents ............... 32,213 16,956 16,956 16,956 16,956 Earnings per share: Primary ................................ $ 0.21 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.14 $ 0.08 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Fully diluted .......................... $ 0.16 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.14 $ 0.08 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Loss ratio ............................... 41.3% 39.2% 37.9% 38.0% 34.6% LAE ratio ................................ 22.5% 16.9% 15.6% 11.6% 11.5% Expense ratio ............................ 38.0% 39.9% 43.5% 39.7% 48.0% --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Combined ratio ........................... 101.8% 96.0% 97.0% 89.3% 94.1% ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Invested assets and cash ................. $ 108,523 $ 60,908 $ 57,642 $ 46,670 $ 30,727 Goodwill, net of amortization ............ 6,048 -- -- -- -- Total assets ............................. 167,330 86,735 81,931 68,117 36,926 Loss and loss expense payable ............ 41,099 37,002 34,661 29,528 14,107 Total liabilities ........................ 76,008 59,967 58,100 50,304 23,895 Total Shareholders' equity ............... 91,322 26,768 23,580 18,401 13,031
20 22 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of IASI's financial position and results of operations for each of the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. This discussion should be read in conjunction with IASI's consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included herein. In accordance with IASI's intent to sell its environmental services operations, the results of operations related to such operations have been reflected as a discontinued operation in IASI's consolidated and combined financial statements. See "Results of Operations - Discontinued Operations." RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 Revenues increased $4.9 million, or 16%, from $30.9 million in 1995 to $35.8 million in 1996 and consist of the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------ DOLLAR 1996 1995 CHANGE ------- ------- ------ (in thousands) Premiums earned............................................... $27,743 $26,962 $781 Net investment income......................................... 3,564 3,341 223 Net realized gains on investments............................. 1,529 166 1,363 Other income.................................................. 2,933 470 2,463 ------- ------- ------ Total revenues................................................ $35,769 $30,939 $4,830 ------- ------- ------
Premiums earned increased approximately $800,000 on an increase of $4.4 million in net written premiums in 1996. Much of the increase in net written premiums was recorded in the second half of 1996, which directly impacted IASI's earned premium. On a gross written basis, IASI reported an increase of $5.1 million in 1996, $5.0 million of which was generated through brokerages and $800,000 of which was generated through general agencies. These increases were offset by a $1.3 million decline in IASI's remedial action coverages. IASI reported increases in net investment income of $223,000 and net realized gains on investments of $1.5 million in 1996. Net investment income grew 6.7% on invested assets of $68.6 million in 1996. IASI's $1.4 million increase in net realized gains on investments from $166,000 in 1995 to $1.5 million in 1996 is attributable to the gains realized on the sale of certain equity investments. Other income increased $2.5 million in 1996 over 1995 and is attributable to non-recurring income of $1.1 million from the American Sentinel settlement, higher commission income of $400,000 and SMR revenues of $600,000 since its acquisition. Total expenses increased $3.7 million to $29.7 million in 1996 from $26.0 million in 1995. Such increase was attributable to the change in loss and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") of $2.5 million and other expenses of $1.2 million. While losses incurred have increased $844,000, loss development from prior years increased $1.4 million and primarily relate to property losses, which were higher than normal. In addition, IASI has experienced increases in LAE to $6.2 million in 1996 from $4.5 million in 1995. Such increases are attributable to IASI's business mix, primarily its casualty lines of business, and to the general litigation climate. The casualty lines of business generally have higher loss adjustment costs relative to premium dollars. Another factor affecting this increase is the court ruling in the case of Montrose Chemical Corporation v. Admiral Insurance Company. The California Supreme Court adopted a "continuous trigger of coverage" in cases involving continuous and progressive third party damage claims. Insurance companies are liable for claims occurring prior to the policy period for claims which continued to progress during the course of the policy term. The exposure to IASI does not have a residual impact on loss reserves but does have a direct effect on IASI's loss adjustment reserving practices due to a higher potential for claims handling and litigation costs. Other expenses increased $1.2 million to $4.4 million in 1996 from $3.2 million in 1995 and primarily were affected by the initial consolidation of SMR in December and other general corporate expenses incurred in the fourth quarter of 1996. Other costs attributable to IASI's insurance services business improved slightly to $2.9 million in 1996 from $3.1 million in 1995. 21 23 Income from continuing operations before taxes increased $1.2 million, or 23.9%, to $6.1 million in 1996 from $4.9 million in 1995 and net income increased $915,000, to $4.4 million in 1996 from $3.5 million in 1995 primarily for the reasons stated above. COMPARISON OF YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 Total revenues increased $3.6 million, or 13% to $30.9 million in 1995 from $27.3 million in 1994. Premiums earned increased $3.6 million to $27.0 million in 1995 from $23.4 million in 1994, while net premiums declined $500,000 to $26.7 million in 1995 from $27.2 million in 1995. The timing of earned premiums primarily accounted for the increase in total revenues. Timing differentials reflect the changing mix of products to a substantially greater concentration in the commercial lines and environmental surety businesses and a decrease in the private passenger auto physical damage and miscellaneous surety business. Commercial lines written premiums increased by $1.5 million but were offset by a reduction in the automotive and miscellaneous surety business following IASI's decision to withdraw from these markets. Also contributing to the revenue increase was $864,000 in net investment income during 1995, a 35% increase over 1994 revenues. Total revenue in 1994 included a gain of $807,000 attributable to the American Sentinel settlement. Total expenses increased $3.5 million to $26.0 million in 1995 from $22.5 million in 1994. Such increase was primarily a result of a $2.6 million increase in loss and LAE. The increase in loss and LAE was a direct result of increased premium revenue of $3.6 million. Acquisition expenses also increased $2.3 million in 1995 from 1994. As a percentage of total revenue, total expenses for 1995 and 1994 were 84% and 82%, respectively. Primarily for the reasons stated above, 1995 income before income taxes increased $47,000, or 1%, to $4.9 million in 1995 from $4.8 million in 1994 and net income decreased $31,000, or 1%, to $3.5 million in 1995 from $3.5 million in 1994. BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY The following tables set forth the key elements of IASI's balance sheet: ASSETS:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Total cash and invested assets................................ $108,523 $60,908 $57,642 Premiums receivable........................................... 7,013 4,467 5,201 Other assets.................................................. 51,794 21,360 19,088 -------- ------- ------- Total assets.................................................. $167,330 $86,735 $81,931 -------- ------- -------
LIABILITIES:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- (in thousands) Total liability for loss/LAE.................................. $41,099 $37,002 $34,661 Unearned premium.............................................. 18,637 15,636 15,453 Other liabilities............................................. 16,272 7,329 8,382 ------- ------- ------- Total liabilities............................................. $76,008 $59,967 $58,496 ------- ------- -------
CAPITAL AND SURPLUS:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Total shareholders' equity.................................... $91,322 $26,768 $23,580
22 24 COMBINED AND OPERATING RATIOS The combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and expense ratio and is the traditional measure of underwriting performance for insurance companies. The operating ratio is the combined ratio less the net investment income ratio (net investment income to net earned premium) excluding realized and unrealized capital gains and is used to measure overall company performance. The following table reflects the loss, LAE, expense, combined, net investment and operation ratios of IASI on a generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis for each of the years ended December 31 1996, 1995 and 1994:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- Loss ratio.................................................... 41.3 39.2 37.9 LAE ratio..................................................... 22.5 16.9 15.6 Expense ratio................................................. 38.0 39.9 43.5 ----- ---- ---- Combined ratio................................................ 101.8 96.0 97.0 Net investment ratio.......................................... 12.9 12.4 10.6 Operating ratio............................................... 88.9 83.6 86.4
EXPENSES The expense ratio reflected in the foregoing table is the relationship of operating costs to net written premiums on a GAAP basis. The statutory ratio differs from the GAAP ratio as a result of different treatment of acquisition costs. Expense ratios have been favorably impacted by reinsurance contingencies. INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT INCOME Investments of IASI are restricted to certain investments permitted by Ohio and Utah insurance laws. IASI's investment policy has been established by IASI's investment committee and is reviewed periodically. IASI has retained an independent professional investment firm to manage its fixed income portion of the investment portfolio pursuant to the investment policy and strategy. IASI accounts for its investment securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" which was adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"). Fixed maturity securities that IASI has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost. As IASI's fixed income securities mature, there can be no assurance that IASI will be able to reinvest in securities with comparable yields. IASI's other fixed maturity and all equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at market value. The unrealized gains and losses as a result of the valuation is reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity net of appropriate deferred income taxes. IASI has no investments classified as trading securities. The following table sets forth IASI's investment income for each of the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ 1996 1995 1994 ------ ------ ------ (in thousands) Net investment income......................................... $3,564 $3,341 $2,477 Net realized gain on investments................................................ 1,529 166 80 ------ ------ ------ Total investment income....................................... $5,093 $3,507 $2,557 ====== ====== ====== Investment yield.............................................. 5.31% 5.56% 4.78% Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments (net of tax)................. $3,696 $3,266 $(1,208)
23 25 LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES PAYABLE As of December 31, 1996, the liability for losses and LAE constituted 54% of IASI's consolidated liabilities. IASI has established reserves that reflect its estimates of the total losses and LAE it will ultimately be required to pay under insurance and reinsurance policies. Such reserves include losses that have been reported but not settled and losses that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR"). Loss reserves are established on an undiscounted basis after reductions for deductibles and estimates of salvage subrogation. For reported losses, IASI establishes reserves on a "case" basis within the parameters of coverage provided in the related policy. For IBNR losses, IASI estimates reserves using established actuarial methods. Case and IBNR loss reserve estimates reflect such variables as past loss experience, social trends in damage awards, changes in judicial interpretation of legal liability and policy coverages, and inflation. IASI takes into account not only monetary increases in the cost of what is insured, but also changes in societal factors that influence jury verdicts and case law and, in turn, claim costs. IASI's loss reserves have been certified in accordance with the requirements of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The consolidated and combined financial statements of IASI include the estimated liability for unpaid losses and LAE of IASI's insurance operations. Reserves for unpaid losses covered by insurance policies and bonds consist of reported losses and IBNR losses. These reserves are determined by claims personnel and the use of actuarial and statistical procedures and they represent undiscounted estimates of the ultimate cost of all unpaid losses and LAE through year end. Although management uses many resources to calculate reserves, a degree of uncertainty is inherent in all such estimates. Therefore, no precise method for determining ultimate losses and LAE exist. These estimates are subject to the effect of future claims settlement trends and are continually reviewed and adjusted (if necessary) as experience develops and new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are reflected in current operations. Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss expense is summarized in the following table:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Balance at January 1.......................................... $37,002 $34,661 $29,528 Less insurance recoverables................................ (8,914) (9,383) (8,505) ------- ------ ------- Net balance at January 1...................................... $28,088 $25,278 $21,023 ------- ------ ------- Incurred related to: Current year............................................... 17,216 17,297 14,753 Prior years................................................ 408 (2,180) (2,259) ------- ------ ------- Total incurred................................. 17,624 15,117 12,494 ------- ------ ------- Paid related to: Current year............................................... 3,684 5,963 4,269 Prior years................................................ 9,043 6,344 3,970 ------- ------ ------- Total paid..................................... 12,727 12,307 8,239 ------- ------ ------- Net balance at end of period.................................. 32,985 28,088 25,278 Plus reinsurance recoverables.............................. 8,114 8,914 9,383 ------- ------ ------- Balance at end of period...................................... $41,099 37,002 $34,661 ======= ====== =======
ANALYSIS OF LOSS AND LAE DEVELOPMENT
Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (in thousands) Net liability for losses and loss expenses................. $2,276 3,484 7,202 8,168 10,428 12,775 14,107 21,023 25,278 28,088 32,985 Cumulative amount of net liability paid through: One year later............ 1,262 1,566 2,985 2,404 2,404 2,811 3,026 4,131 6,309 8,785 -- Two years later........... 1,943 2,172 3,876 3,433 4,090 4,894 3,848 7,503 11,161 Three years later......... 2,205 2,623 4,398 4,322 5,239 5,372 4,786 9,346 Four years later.......... 2,482 2,759 4,799 4,984 5,184 6,010 5,119 Five years later.......... 2,562 2,907 5,140 4,880 5,352 6,102 Six years later........... 2,677 2,927 5,147 4,953 5,352 Seven years later......... 2,693 2,935 5,152 4,947 Eight years later......... 2,702 2,935 5,135 Nine years later.......... 2,702 2,917 Ten years later........... 2,700 The retroactively reestimated net liability for loss and loss expenses as of: One year later............ 2,888 4,277 7,406 8,388 10,674 12,003 12,587 18,910 23,049 28,246 -- Two years later........... 3,375 4,032 7,445 8,504 9,239 10,877 9,829 17,531 22,193 Three years later......... 3,132 4,042 7,419 7,025 8,183 8,419 8,899 16,174 Four years later.......... 3,056 4,028 6,365 6,668 6,631 8,675 7,822 Five years later.......... 3,039 3,420 6,311 5,638 6,320 7,467 Six years later........... 2,849 3,406 5,534 5,243 5,823 Seven years later......... 2,829 3,009 5,308 5,133 Eight years later......... 2,708 2,949 5,230 Nine years later.......... 2,713 2,926 Ten years later........... 2,706 ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)................ $ (430) 558 1,972 3,035 4,605 5,308 6,285 4,849 3,085 (158) -- ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Gross liability - end of year ...................................................................... $34,661 37,002 41,099 Reinsurance recoverable ............................................................................ 9,383 8,914 8,114 ------ ------ ------ Net liability - end of year ........................................................................ 25,278 28,088 32,985 ====== ====== ======
The data set forth in the table above does not reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 113. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS IASI's results of operations related to its environmental services operations have been reflected as a discontinued operation in IASI's consolidated and combined financial statements as a result of IASI's execution of the non-binding Letter of Intent. See Note 15 to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES FINANCIAL CONDITION IASI had cash and investments, excluding mortgage loans, of $104.8 million, $57.5 million, and $54.7 million at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The $47.3 million increase from 1995 to 1996 is a result of IASI's generation of proceeds from stock issuances from exercises of outstanding options and warrants and the Private 24 26 Placement (defined herein), profits and additional loss reserves on an increasing volume of liability coverages which have slower payout patterns than property coverages. Net cash provided by operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 was $13.2 million, $3.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively. These amounts were adequate to meet all of IASI's capital expenditure, operating and acquisition costs and resulted primarily from earnings and the timing of reinsurance contingency transactions. IASI's financing activities provided net cash for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 of $35.7 million, $5.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. During 1996, IASI realized approximately $38.0 million in cash proceeds from a private placement and from stock issuances, offset in part by dividends paid to Alliance Holding by CSC and CSU prior to the Merger Transactions. SOURCES OF CASH IASI's principal source of revenue from its specialty insurance services operations consists of insurance and reinsurance premiums, investment income, commission and fee income, and proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities. Premiums written become premiums earned for financial statement purposes as the premium is earned incrementally over the term of each insurance policy and after deducting the amount of premium ceded to reinsurers pursuant to reinsurance treaties or agreements. The property and liability operation of IASI generates positive cash flow from operations as a result of premiums being received in advance of the time when the claim payments are made. The companies of the CSC Group are subject to regulation and supervision by state insurance regulatory agencies, applicable generally to each insurance company in its state of incorporation. Such regulations limit the amount of dividends or distributions by an insurance company to its shareholders. If insurance regulators determine that payment of a dividend or any other payment to an affiliate (such as a payment under a tax allocation agreement) would, because of the financial condition of the paying insurance company or otherwise, be detrimental to such insurance company's policyholders or creditors, the regulators may block payment of such dividend or such other payment to the affiliates that would otherwise be permitted without prior approval. Ohio law limits the payment of dividends to IASI. The maximum dividend that may be paid without prior approval of the Director of Insurance of the State of Ohio is limited to the greater of the statutory net income of the preceding calendar year or 10% of total statutory shareholder's equity as of the prior December 31. As a result, the maximum dividend CSC may pay to IASI in 1997 without prior approval of the Director of Insurance of the State of Ohio is approximately $2.6 million. IASI's principal source of revenue from its business outsourcing services operation is the collection of fees from professional services rendered to its clients in the areas of information technology consulting, tax return preparation and compliance, and business valuations, as well as other areas that have been previously discussed. In May 1995, IASI secured a $6.0 million credit facility with a United States commercial bank to provide IASI with additional liquidity and working capital. This facility provides for borrowings at the prime lending rate plus 0.5% or adjusted three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.5%, which would be 8.75% and [7.95%], respectively, at December 31, 1996 and will mature in 1998. Up to $4.5 million of the credit facility is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit. At December 31, 1996 IASI had issued $2.4 million in standby letters of credit and had no cash borrowing under the credit facility. The credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, restrict the payment of dividends and require the maintenance of certain financial ratios. Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by all of IASI's United States based assets related to its environmental services operations. In December 1996, IASI issued and sold 3,251,888 units of IASI (the "Units") for $9.00 per Unit (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit consisted of one share of Common Stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock of IASI at an exercise price of $11.00 per share exercisable, in whole or in part, for a three year period from the date of issuance. The Private Placement resulted in net proceeds of approximately $27.6 million, after deducting the placement agent fee and other estimated expenses associated with the Private Placement. In addition, MGD Holdings, the Harve A. Ferrill Trust U/A 12/31/69 (the "Ferrill Trust") and WeeZor I Limited Partnership ("WeeZor"), affiliates of each of Messrs. Michael G. DeGroote, Chairman of the Board of IASI, Harve A. Ferrill and Richard C. Rochon, directors of IASI, respectively, have entered into agreements to purchase an aggregate of 616,611 Units, subject to stockholder approval. On January 6, 1997, the issuance of such Units was approved by written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. In accordance with Rule 14c-2 under the Exchange Act, on or about April 1997, IASI will distribute a Schedule 14C Information Statement (the "Information Statement") to holders of IASI's Common Stock as of the date of such written consent. The Information Statement will be used to notify such holders of Common Stock of the action by written consent approving the issuance of Units to MGD Holdings, the Ferrill Trust and WeeZor. In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the issuance of Units to MGD Holdings and Messrs. Ferrill and Rochon will close no earlier than 25 27 20 days following the distribution of the Information Statement to such holders. Upon the closing of the issuance of such Units, IASI will receive an additional $5.3 million in proceeds. USES OF CASH AND LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK OPERATIONS. IASI's capital expenditures from continuing operations totaled $286,000, $223,000 and $340,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, which included expenditures for fixed assets for normal replacement, compliance with regulations and market development. During the year ended December 31, 1996, IASI funded capital expenditures from cash on hand and operating cash flow. IASI anticipates that during 1997, it will continue to fund expenditures from operating cash flow supplemented by borrowing under its revolving credit facility, as necessary. Management believes that IASI currently has sufficient cash and lines of credit to fund current operations and expansion thereof. Cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 primarily came as the result of differences in the purchases and sales of investments. IASI is required to establish a reserve for unearned premiums. IASI's principal costs and factors in determining the level of profit is the difference between premiums earned and losses, LAE and agent commissions. Loss and LAE reserves are estimates of what an insurer expects to pay on behalf of claimants. IASI is required to maintain reserves for payment of estimated losses and LAE for both reported claims and for IBNR claims. Although the ultimate liability incurred by IASI may be different from current reserve estimates, management believes that the reserves are adequate. IASI believes its cash flow from operations and available financial resources provide for adequate liquidity to fund existing and anticipated capital and operational requirements as well as to fund future growth and expansion. Management is not aware of any current recommendations by regulatory authorities that, if implemented, could have a material impact on IASI's liquidity, capital resources and operations. ACQUISITIONS. IASI's strategy is to aggressively expand its specialty insurance and business outsourcing services operations through internal growth and by acquiring and integrating existing businesses. IASI makes its decision to acquire or invest in businesses based on financial and strategic considerations. See "Business and Properties -- Business Strategy." Businesses acquired to date have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, are included in the financial statements from the date of acquisition. Management believes that IASI currently has sufficient resources, including cash on hand, cash flow from operating activities, credit facilities and access to financial markets to fund current and planned operations, service any outstanding debt and make certain acquisitions. However, substantial additional capital may be necessary to fully implement IASI's aggressive acquisition program. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on a timely basis, if at all, or that it will be available in the amounts or on terms acceptable to IASI. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM In April 1995, IASI's Board of Directors authorized IASI to repurchase up to 500,000 shares or 4.6% of Common Stock during 1995 as deemed appropriate by management and authorized an additional repurchase of 500,000 shares or 4.6% of Common Stock in February 1996. Repurchases were effected at prevailing market prices from time to time on the open market prior to the negotiation of the Merger Transactions. The last repurchase was effected by IASI on March 4, 1996 and as of such date IASI had repurchased approximately 695,842 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $1,040,000. The repurchased shares have been retired and the repurchase program has been discontinued. UNCERTAINTY OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report contains various forward-looking statements and information that are based on management's belief as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Such statements are typically punctuated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "projects," "management believes," "IASI believes" and words or phrases of similar import. Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties or assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on IASI's results of operations and financial condition are: (i) demand for IASI's services; (ii) IASI's ability to integrate the operations of acquired businesses; (iii) IASI's ability to expand into new markets; (iv) the consummation of IASI's disposition of its environmental services operations; (v) environmental liabilities to which IASI may become subject in the future which are not covered by an indemnity or insurance; (vi) the impact of current and future laws and governmental regulations affecting IASI's operations; (vii) competitive practices in the specialty insurance and bonding industries; (viii) competitive practices in the reinsurance markets utilized by IASI; (ix) judicial, legislative, and regulatory changes of law relating to risks covered by IASI or to the operations of insurance companies in general; (x) market fluctuations in the values or 26 28 returns on assets in IASI's investment portfolios; (xi) pricing of IASI insurance products; and (xii) adverse loss development. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. The Financial Statements and Supplementary Data required hereunder are included in this Annual Report as set forth in Item 14(a) hereof. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Described in IASI's Form 8-K dated February 19, 1997. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT. The information appearing under the caption "Election of Directors" in IASI's definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") relating to the 1997 Annual Stockholders Meeting (the "Annual Meeting"), is incorporated herein by reference. The information regarding executive officers of IASI is contained in Part I of this Annual Report under a separate item captioned "Executive Officers of IASI." ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. The information appearing under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. The information appearing under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The information appearing under the captions "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report or incorporated by reference: 1. Financial Statements. As to financial statements and supplementary information, reference is made to "Index to Financial Statements" on page F-1 of this Annual Report. 2. Financial Statement Schedules. As to financial statement schedules, reference is made to "Index to Financial Statements" on page F-1 of this Annual Report. 3. Exhibits. The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601 Regulation S-K. Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IASI (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference). 3.2* Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of IASI dated October 18, 1996. 27 29 3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws of IASI (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 4.1 Form of Stock Certificate of Common Stock of IASI (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 4.2 Promissory Note, dated October 18, 1996, in the aggregate principal amount of $4.0 million issued by IASI payable to Alliance Holding (filed as Exhibit 99.7 to IASI's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 18, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference). 9.1 Voting Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1996, by and between MGD Holdings and Alliance Holding (filed as Exhibit 99.6 to IASI's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 18, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference). 10.1 Spin-off Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.3 Assumption of Liabilities and Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890 and incorporated herein by reference) 10.4 Corporate Services Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.5 Employee Benefits Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.6 Insurance and Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.7 Tax Sharing Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.8 IASI's Adjustment Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.9 Form of Warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of IASI's Common Stock issued to MGD Holdings Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.10 Form of Warrant to purchase 5,000 shares of IASI's Common Stock issued to Douglas R. Gowland (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.11 Form of Warrant to purchase 55,000 shares of IASI's Common Stock issued for Douglas R. Gowland (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.12 Credit Agreement dated as of May 11, 1995 by and among IASI and its Subsidiaries, as Borrowers, and CoreStates Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to IASI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.13 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, Republic/CSA Acquisition Corporation, Republic/CSU Acquisition Corporation, Alliance Holding, CSC and CSU (filed as Appendix I to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.14 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, Republic/CSA Acquisition Corporation, Republic/CSU Acquisition Corporation, Alliance Holding, CSC and CSU (filed as Appendix IV to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.15 Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, Republic/CSA Acquisition Corporation, Republic/CSU Acquisition Corporation, Alliance Holding, CSC and CSU (filed as 28 30 Appendix V to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement by and between IASI and H. Wayne Huizenga (filed as Appendix II to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.17 Stock Purchase Agreement by and between IASI and MGD Holdings (filed as Appendix III to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.18* Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, IASI/SMR Acquisition Co., SMR and its shareholders dated November 30, 1996. 10.19* Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, IASI/ECI Acquisition Co., ECI and its shareholders dated November 5, 1996. 11.1* IASI Earnings per Common Share Data. 21.1* List of Subsidiaries of IASI. 24.1* Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 99.1 Information Statement (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) *Indicates documents filed herewith. (b) Reports on Form 8-K IASI filed the following Current Reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 1996: Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 18, 1996. Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 30, 1996. 29 31 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUBSIDIARIES
Independent Auditors' Report.................................................F-2 Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets December 31, 1996 and 1995.............................................F-3 Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...........................F-4 Consolidated and Combined Statements of Shareholders' Equity Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...........................F-5 Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994...........................F-6 Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.............................................................F-7 Schedule I - Summary of Investments -- Other Than Investments in Related Parties, December 31, 1996.....................F-31 Schedule IV - Reinsurance Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994..........................F-32 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994..................F-33
F-1 32 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ---------------------------- BOARD OF DIRECTORS INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. We have audited the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements of International Alliance Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index on page F-1. In connection with our audits of the consolidated and combined financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index on page F-1. These consolidated and combined financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated and combined financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated and combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of International Alliance Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated and combined financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Cleveland, Ohio March 25, 1997 F-2 33 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
1996 1995 ------------- -------------- ASSETS Investments (Note 4): Fixed maturities held to maturity, at amortized cost $ 15,481 $ 15,309 Securities available for sale, at fair value: Fixed maturities 35,471 33,153 Equity securities 9,213 5,426 Mortgage loans 3,685 3,393 Short-term investments 4,799 843 Other long-term investments - 90 ------------- -------------- Total investments 68,649 58,214 Cash and cash equivalents 39,874 2,694 Premiums receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $284 and $138, respectively 7,013 4,467 Deferred policy acquisition costs (Note 8) 4,345 3,428 Reinsurance recoverables (Note 7) 11,185 12,647 Excess of cost over net assets of businesses acquired , net of accumulated amortization of $33 (Note 2) 6,048 - Net assets held for disposal (Note 15) 22,999 - Other assets 7,217 5,285 ------------- -------------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 167,330 $ 86,735 ============= ============== LIABILITIES Losses and loss expenses payable (Note 6) $ 41,099 $ 37,002 Unearned premiums 18,637 15,636 Note payable and capitalized leases (Note 11) 3,211 47 Income taxes (Note 10) 1,994 1,375 Accrued expenses 5,355 2,672 Other liabilities 5,712 3,235 ------------- -------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 76,008 59,967 ------------- -------------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, par value $.01 per share (Note 5) Authorized - 100,000,000 shares at December 31, 1996; - 20,000,000 shares at December 31, 1995 Issued and outstanding - 33,764,506 shares at December 31, 1996; - 14,760,000 shares at December 31, 1995 338 148 Additional paid-in capital 80,446 19,146 Retained earnings 6,842 4,208 Net Unrealized appreciation of investments (net of tax) 3,696 3,266 ------------- -------------- TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 91,322 26,768 ------------- -------------- Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 167,330 $ 86,735 ============= ==============
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements. F-3 34 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share data) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- --------- Revenues: Premiums earned (Note 7) $ 27,743 $ 26,962 $ 23,368 Net investment income (Note 4) 3,564 3,341 2,477 Net realized gain on investments (Note 4) 1,529 166 80 Other income 2,933 470 1,385 -------------- ------------- -------------- Net revenues 35,769 30,939 27,310 -------------- ------------- -------------- Expenses: Losses and loss adjustment expenses (Note 7) 17,624 15,117 12,494 Policy acquisition expenses (Note 8) 7,699 7,774 5,428 Other expenses 4,384 3,157 4,544 -------------- ------------- -------------- Total expenses 29,707 26,048 22,466 -------------- ------------- -------------- Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 6,062 4,891 4,844 Income tax expense (Note 10) 1,640 1,422 1,344 -------------- ------------- -------------- Income from continuing operations 4,422 3,469 3,500 Loss from discontinued operations (net of income tax expense of $91) (Note 15) (38) - - -------------- ------------ ------------- Net income $ 4,384 $ 3,469 $ 3,500 ============== ============= ============== Earnings per common and common share equivalents (Note 3): Primary: Income from continuing operations $ 0.21 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 Loss from discontinued operations - - - ------------- ------------- -------------- Net income per share $ 0.21 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 ============= ============= ============== Fully Diluted: Income from continuing operations $ 0.16 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 Loss from discontinued operations - - - ------------- ------------- -------------- Net income per share $ 0.16 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 ============= ============= ============== Weighted average common and common share equivalents, primary and fully diluted: 32,213 16,956 16,956 ============== ============= ==============
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements. F-4 35 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands, except share data) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
ADDITIONAL UNREALIZED COMMON PAID-IN RETAINED APPRECIATION SHARES STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS (DEPRECIATION) ------ ----- ------- -------- -------------- December 31, 1993 14,760,000 $ 148 $ 14,744 $ 3,589 $ (80) Net income - - - 3,500 - Pre-merger capital contribution from parent - - 3,807 - - Pre-merger dividends paid to parent - - - (1,000) - Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - - - - (1,164) Cumulative effect of change in accounting for investments - - - - 36 -------------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------- December 31, 1994 14,760,000 148 18,551 6,089 (1,208) Net income - - - 3,469 - Pre-merger capital contribution from parent - - 595 - - Pre-merger dividends paid to parent - - - (5,350) - Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - - - - 4,474 -------------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------- December 31, 1995 14,760,000 148 19,146 4,208 3,266 Net income - - - 4,384 - Pre-merger capital contribution from parent - - 595 - - Pre-merger dividends paid to parent - - - (1,750) - Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - - - - 430 Reverse merger 10,858,158 108 16,136 - - Stock issuances 7,251,888 73 38,164 - - Stock options 101,960 1 1,153 - - Business acquisitions 792,500 8 5,252 - - -------------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------- December 31, 1996 33,764,506 $ 338 $ 80,446 $ 6,842 $ 3,696 ============== ========== ============ =========== ===========
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements. F-5 36 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands, except share data) YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
1996 1995 1994 --------- --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income from continuing operations $ 4,422 $ 3,469 $ 3,500 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Net loss from discontinued operations (38) - - Deprecation and amortization 7,969 8,143 5,866 Deferred income taxes (27) (699) 55 Income on participation transaction - - (807) Cash provided by (used in) changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition: Premiums receivable, net (915) (62) (348) Deferred policy acquisition costs (8,616) (7,476) (6,748) Reinsurance recoverables, net 1,462 (1,671) (1,150) Other assets (1,540) (527) (313) Losses and loss expenses payable 4,097 2,341 5,133 Unearned premiums 3,001 183 3,287 Income taxes 646 725 170 Accrued expenses 1,105 533 (82) Other liabilities 3,292 1,242 1,273 Other, net (1,693) (2,599) (146) -------- ------- ------- Net cash provided by operating activities 13,165 3,602 9,690 -------- ------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of fixed maturities, held to maturity (1,318) (269) (1,805) Purchase of fixed maturities, available for sale (12,408) (9,552) (8,857) Purchase of equity securities (2,921) (228) (223) Redemption of fixed maturities, held to maturity 1,000 1,281 2,009 Sale of fixed maturities, available for sale 9,333 7,089 1,155 Sale of equity securities 675 150 201 Increase in mortgage loans (1,275) (1,342) (1,893) Principal receipts on mortgage loans 983 910 780 Change in short-term investments (3,956) 27 5,968 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired 912 - 538 Acquisition of property and equipment (286) (223) (340) -------- ------- ------- Net cash used in investing activities (9,261) (2,157) (2,467) -------- ------- ------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Pre-merger dividends paid to parent (1,750) (5,350) (1,000) Repayment of debt (836) (295) (380) Proceeds from stock issuances 38,237 - - -------- ------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 35,651 (5,645) (1,380) -------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 39,555 (4,200) 5,843 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 2,694 6,894 1,051 -------- ------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year: Continuing operation 39,874 2,694 6,894 Discontinued operations 2,375 - - -------- ------- ------- Total cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 42,249 $ 2,694 $ 6,894 ======== ======= ======= See the accompanying notes to the consolidated and combined financial statements.
F-6 37 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization ------------ International Alliance Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") is a diversified services organization which provides specialty insurance services and business consulting and management services. The Company markets its specialty insurance and bonding products and business services in the United States. RESI Transaction ---------------- On October 18, 1996, Republic Environmental Services, Inc. ("RESI") issued (a) an aggregate of 14,760,000 shares of RESI common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("RESI Common Stock"), (b) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,200,000 additional shares of RESI Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.625 to $3.875 per share, expiring in two to four years and (c) a promissory note in principal amount of $4,000,000 in exchange for the stock of Century Surety Company ("CSC") and Commercial Surety Agency, Inc. d.b.a. Commercial Surety Underwriters ("CSU") (together the "Alliance Companies") ("the RESI Transaction"). The RESI transaction was accounted for as a reverse merger whereby the Alliance Companies gained a controlling interest in the stock of RESI. Contemporaneously, RESI changed its name to International Alliance Services, Inc. On June 24, 1996, the Company began trading under the symbol "IASI" in anticipation of the name change. The consolidated and combined financial statements presented herein are as follows: i. Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets of the Company at December 31, 1996 and the Alliance Companies at December 31, 1995; ii. Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 1996 of the Alliance Companies and RESI for the period October 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996. The Combined Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 are of the Alliance Companies; iii. Consolidated and Combined Statements of Shareholders' Equity of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 reflecting the number of shares received in the RESI Transaction as if the shares had been issued at January 1, 1994; iv. Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996, and the Alliance Companies for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. The following are significant accounting policies followed by the Company. Basis of Consolidation ---------------------- The Company's consolidated and combined financial statements include the accounts of all wholly owned subsidiaries. Significant subsidiaries of the Company include CSC in continuing operations and RESI in discontinued operations. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. F-7 38 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Accounting Estimates -------------------- In preparing the consolidated and combined financial statements, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated and combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of losses and loss expenses payable, the recoverability of deferred policy acquisition costs, and the net realizable value of reinsurance recoverables and net assets held for disposal. Management believes that the recorded liability for losses and loss expenses is adequate. While management uses available information to estimate losses and loss expenses payable, future changes to the liability may be necessary based on claims experience and changing claims frequency and severity of conditions. Management also believes that deferred policy acquisition costs are recoverable, however, future costs that are associated with the business in the unearned premium liability could exceed management's estimates, causing the recorded asset to be unrecoverable in whole or in part. In addition, management's estimates of amounts recoverable from reinsurers, net of valuation allowance, are believed to be consistent with the claim liability, but the actual amounts recoverable could differ from those estimates. The amounts the Company will ultimately realize from the sale of the net assets held for disposal could differ from management's estimates of their realizable value. Cash and Cash Equivalents ------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents consists of funds held on deposit and short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. At various times during the year, the Company had deposits with financial institutions in excess of the $100,000 federally insured limit. Excess of Cost over Net Assets of Businesses Acquired ----------------------------------------------------- The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired is being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from twenty to twenty-three years. It is the Company's policy to evaluate the excess of cost over the net assets of businesses acquired based on an evaluation of such factors as the occurrence of a significant adverse event or change in the environment in which the business operates or if the expected future net cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, would become less than the carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss would be recorded in the period such determination is made based on the fair value of the related businesses. Amortization expense from continuing operations in 1996 was $33,000 and $0 in 1995 and 1994, respectively. Property and Equipment ---------------------- Property and equipment, which is included in other assets in the consolidated and combined balance sheets, are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company uses an accelerated method of depreciation, which approximates the straight line depreciation method, over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are 5 years. F-8 39 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Income Taxes ------------ The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the applicable tax laws in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred income tax provisions and benefits are based on the changes in the deferred tax asset or tax liability from period to period. Earnings per Common and Common Share Equivalents ------------------------------------------------ The earnings per common share calculation for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was based upon the weighted average number of common and common share equivalents outstanding and the incremental number of outstanding common share equivalents computed under the modified treasury stock method. Because the aggregate number of common shares obtainable upon exercise of the outstanding options and warrants exceeded 20% of the number of common shares outstanding, all options and warrants were assumed to have been exercised and the aggregate proceeds were applied first, to repurchase outstanding common shares at the average market price for primary earnings per share and at the ending market price for fully diluted earnings per share during the period, but not to exceed 20% of the outstanding shares; second, to reduce borrowings; and third, to invest the remaining funds in U.S. government securities or commercial paper. Appropriate recognition relating to the effect of all interest savings and benefits and the respective tax effect was applied. Investments ----------- The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities as of January 1, 1994. Fixed maturity securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are stated at amortized cost; other fixed maturity securities and all equity securities are classified as available for sale and are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income tax, reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity. The Company has no investment securities classified as trading. Pursuant to a Financial Accounting Standards Board Special Report, A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, the Company reassessed the classification of all its investment securities. Effective December 20, 1995, the Company reclassified certain of its held to maturity securities to available for sale (see Note 4). Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific security identification and also includes other than temporary declines, if any. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis and dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs --------------------------------- Acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, premium taxes and certain underwriting expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the production of business, are deferred and amortized ratably over the policy term. The method used limits the amount to its estimated realizable value which gives effect to the premium to be earned, the incurrence of loss and loss expenses and certain other costs expected to be incurred as premium is earned. F-9 40 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Stock Options ------------- The Company accounts for stock option plans under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. The Company has adopted the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Losses and Loss Expenses Payable -------------------------------- The liability for losses and loss expenses is provided based upon case basis estimates for losses reported in respect to direct business; estimates of unreported losses based on estimated loss experience; estimates received and supplemental amounts provided relating to assumed reinsurance; and deduction for estimated salvage and subrogation recoverable. The liability for loss expenses is established by estimating future expenses to be incurred in settlement of the claims provided for in the liability for losses. The liability for losses and loss expenses is not discounted. Premium Recognition ------------------- Premiums are recognized as revenue in proportion to the insurance coverage provided, which is generally ratable over the terms of the policies. Unearned premiums are generally computed on the daily pro rata basis and include amounts relating to assumed reinsurance. Reinsurance Ceded ----------------- In accordance with SFAS No. 113, Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration Contracts, reinsurance receivables are accounted for and reported separately as assets, net of valuation allowance. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability. Contracts not resulting in the reasonable possibility that the reinsurers may realize a significant loss from the insurance risk assumed generally do not meet the conditions for reinsurance accounting and are accounted for as deposits. Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on claims incurred are deducted from the respective revenue and expense accounts. The Company is not relieved of its primary obligation in a reinsurance transaction. Business Risk ------------- The following is a description of the most significant risks facing property and casualty insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks: Inadequate Pricing Risk are the risks that the premium charged for insurance and insurance related products are insufficient to cover the costs associated with the distribution of such products which include: claim and loss costs, loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other corporate expenses. The Company utilizes a variety of actuarial and other qualitative methods to set such levels. F-10 41 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Business Risk (Continued) ------------------------- Adverse Loss Development and Incurred But Not Reported ("IBNR") Risk is the risk inherent in the handling and settling of claims whose ultimate costs, which include loss costs, loss adjustment expenses, and other related expenses, are unknown at the time the claim is presented. An associated risk relates to claims which have been incurred, but for which the Company has no knowledge. The Company makes judgments as to the ultimate costs of presented claims and makes a provision for their future payment by establishing reserves for existing claims (case reserves) and for IBNR claims, however, there can be no assurance that the amounts reserved will be adequate to ultimately make all required payments. Legal/Regulatory Risk is the risk that changes in the legal or regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will occur and create additional loss costs or expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its products. That is, regulatory initiatives designed to reduce insurer profits or new legal theories may create costs for the insurer beyond those recorded in the financial statements. The Company is exposed to this risk by writing approximately 26% of its business in Ohio and surrounding states and 41% in California, thus increasing its exposure in these particular regions. This risk is reduced by underwriting and loss adjusting practices that identify and minimize the adverse impact of this risk. Credit Risk is the risk that issuers of securities and mortgagors of the mortgages owned by the Company will default, or other parties, including reinsurers that owe the Company money, will not pay. The Company minimizes this risk by adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by maintaining sound reinsurance and credit and collection policies, and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible. Interest Rate Risk is the risk that interest rates will change and cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. The Company mitigates this risk by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would have to sell assets prior to maturity and recognize a gain or loss. Management believes that the Company's positive cash flow from investment income and operations will enable the Company to operate without having to recognize significant losses from the sale of investments that have an unrealized holding loss as of December 31, 1996. Reclassifications ----------------- Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1995 and 1994 financial statements to conform to the 1996 presentation. 2. ACQUISITIONS In 1996, the Company made the following acquisitions: On November 6, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Environmental and Commercial Insurance Agency, Inc. ("ECI"), an insurance agency based in Columbus, Ohio for $1,000,000 in cash and 192,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The shares issued are subject to a six month lock-up restriction. F-11 42 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2. ACQUISITIONS (Continued) On December 3, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of SMR & Co. ("SMR"), a business services and consulting firm in Mayfield Village, Ohio. Under the terms of the acquisition, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of SMR for 600,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and three-year warrants to acquire an additional 900,000 shares at $10.375 per share. Of the 600,000 shares issued, 90,000 shares are subject to a six-month lock-up restriction and 510,000 shares are subject to a two-year lock-up restriction. These acquisitions have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. The difference of $6,081,000 between the fair value of net assets acquired and the purchase consideration of $1,000,000 in cash and $5,260,000 of the Company's Common Stock has been allocated to goodwill. The assets, liabilities and operating results of these companies are reflected in the Company's financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition forward. As a result of the nature of the assets and liabilities acquired there are no material identifiable intangible assets or liabilities. The following data summarizes, on an unaudited pro forma basis, the combined results of continuing operations of the Company and the businesses acquired for the two years ended December 31,1996. The pro forma amounts give effect to appropriate adjustments resulting from the combination, but are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations or of what results would have been for the combined companies (in thousands):
1996 1995 ------------- -------------- Net revenues - pro forma $ 44,900 $ 39,848 ============= ============== Net income - pro forma $ 5,084 $ 3,979 ============= ============== Earnings per common and common share equivalent - pro forma - primary $ .24 $ .23 ============= ============== - fully diluted $ .18 $ .23 ============= ==============
3. CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON SHARE EQUIVALENTS Income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 1996 was adjusted to reflect the effect of all interest savings and benefits and the tax effects under the modified treasury stock method. Modifications to income were not required for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994.
Fully Primary Diluted ------------- -------------- (in thousands) Income from continuing operations $ 4,422 $ 4,422 Interest expense reduction less 34% tax rate 30 30 Interest income less 34% tax rate 2,165 626 ------------- -------------- Adjusted income from continuing operations 6,617 5,078 ------------- -------------- Loss from discontinued operations (38) (38) ------------- -------------- Adjusted net income $ 6,579 $ 5,040 ============= ==============
F-12 43 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE AND COMMON SHARE EQUIVALENTS (Continued) For the three years ended December 31, 1996, the Company computed earnings per common and common share equivalents under the modified treasury stock method as follows (in thousands):
Fully Primary Diluted ------------- -------------- Weighted common shares - 1996: Weighted average common shares 17,863 17,863 Additional stock equivalents less 20% limitation on assumed repurchase 14,350 14,350 ------------- -------------- 32,213 32,213 ============= ============== Weighted common shares - 1995 and 1994: Weighted average common shares 14,760 14,760 Additional share equivalents less 20% limitation on assumed repurchase 2,196 2,196 ------------- -------------- 16,956 16,956 ============= ==============
During February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, which is effective for financial statements for annual periods ending after December 15, 1997. However, disclosure of pro forma earnings per share amounts computed using the provisions of SFAS No. 128 is permissible. The unaudited pro forma earnings per share of the Company based on SFAS No. 128 are as follows:
1996 1995 1994 ------------- ------------- ------------- Basic EPS: Continuing operations $ .25 $ .24 $ .24 Discontinued operations - - - ------------ ------------- ------------- Net income per share $ .25 $ .24 $ .24 ============ ============= ============= Diluted EPS from: Continuing operations $ .18 $ .24 $ .24 Discontinued operations - - - ------------ ------------- ------------- Net income per share $ .18 $ .24 $ .24 ============ ============= =============
F-13 44 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. INVESTMENTS The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities held to maturity at December 31, 1996 were as follows (in thousands):
Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Cost Gains Losses Fair Value --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 6,136 $ 28 $ (65) $ 6,099 Corporate securities 8,850 18 (96) 8,772 Mortgage-backed securities 495 10 - 505 --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- Totals $ 15,481 $ 56 $ (161) $ 15,376 =============== ============= ============= ================ The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale at December 31, 1996 were as follows (in thousands): Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Cost Gains Losses Fair Value --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- Fixed Maturities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 16,067 $ 224 $ (93) $ 16,198 Corporate securities 10,962 87 (66) 10,983 Mortgage-backed securities 8,092 207 (9) 8,290 --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- 35,121 518 (168) 35,471 Equity securities 4,349 5,022 (158) 9,213 --------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- Totals $ 39,470 $ 5,540 $ (326) $ 44,684 =============== ============= ============= ================
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities held to maturity at December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, were as follows (in thousands):
Amortized Estimated Cost Fair Value --------------- ---------------- Due in one year or less $ 1,633 $ 1,626 Due after one year through five years 12,921 12,811 Due after five years through ten years 356 347 Due after ten years 76 87 --------------- ---------------- 14,986 14,871 Mortgage-backed securities 495 505 --------------- ---------------- $ 15,481 $ 15,376 =============== ================
F-14 45 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. INVESTMENTS (Continued) The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities available for sale at December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity, were as follows (in thousands):
Amortized Estimated Cost Fair Value --------------- ---------------- Due in one year or less $ 1,182 $ 1,182 Due after one year through five years 21,904 21,969 Due after five years through ten years 3,701 3,795 Due after ten years 242 235 --------------- ---------------- 27,029 27,181 Mortgage-backed securities 8,092 8,290 --------------- ---------------- $ 35,121 $ 35,471 =============== ================
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities held to maturity at December 31, 1995 were as follows (in thousands):
Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Cost Gains Losses Fair Value --------------- ------------- ------------- --------------- U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 6,159 $ 81 $ (9) $ 6,231 Corporate securities 8,654 27 (62) 8,619 Mortgage-backed securities 496 18 - 514 --------------- ------------- ------------- --------------- Totals $ 15,309 $ 126 $ (71) $ 15,364 =============== ============= ============= ===============
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale at December 31, 1995 were as follows (in thousands):
Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated Cost Gains Losses Fair Value --------------- ------------- ------------- --------------- Fixed Maturities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 6,522 $ 303 $ (7) $ 6,818 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 8,339 167 (3) 8,503 Corporate securities 14,990 439 (15) 15,414 Mortgage-backed securities 2,244 174 - 2,418 --------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- 32,095 1,083 (25) 33,153 Equity securities 1,999 3,589 (162) 5,426 --------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- $ 34,094 $ 4,672 $ (187) $ 38,579 =============== ============= ============ ================
On December 20, 1995, the Company reclassified a portion of their held to maturity securities to available for sale. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the securities reclassified were $5,733,000 and $5,897,000, respectively, as of the date of reclassification. F-15 46 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. INVESTMENTS (Continued) Net investment income was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31 as follows (in thousands):
1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Interest $ 3,652 $ 3,455 $ 2,588 Dividends 142 96 96 ------- ------- ------- Total investment income 3,794 3,551 2,684 Less: Investment expense (230) (210) (207) ------- ------- ------- Net investment income $ 3,564 $ 3,341 $ 2,477 ======= ======= ======= Realized gains and losses on investments for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Realized gains: Available for sale: Fixed maturities $ 117 $ 114 $ - Equity securities 1,381 9 146 Other 125 73 - ------- ------- ------- Total realized gains 1,623 196 146 ------- ------- ------- Realized losses: Available for sale: Fixed maturities 32 27 42 Equity securities 35 3 24 Other 27 - - ------- ------- ------- Total realized losses 94 30 66 ------- ------- ------- Net realized gains on investments $ 1,529 $ 166 $ 80 ======= ======= ======= The change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments is summarized as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Available for sale: Fixed maturities $ (709) $ 2,147 $(1,088) Equity securities 1,437 3,583 (76) ------- ------- ------- $ 728 $ 5,730 $(1,164) ======= ======= ======= The components of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on securities available for sale at December 31 were as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 1994 ------- ------- ------- Gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) $ 5,214 $ 4,485 $(1,208) Deferred income tax (1,518) (1,219) - ------- ------- ------- Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) $ 3,696 $ 3,266 $(1,208) ======= ======= =======
F-16 47 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. INVESTMENTS (Continued) Fixed maturities held to maturity and certificates of deposit with a carrying value of approximately $8,939,000 and $8,909,000 at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively, were on deposit with regulatory authorities as required by law. At December 31, 1996 and 1995 all mortgage loans were secured by properties in the states of California, Michigan and Ohio. The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments: Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and premiums receivable: The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated and combined balance sheets for these instruments are at cost, which approximates fair value. Investment securities: Fair values for investments in fixed maturities are based on quoted market prices, where available. For fixed maturities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from independent pricing services. The fair values for equity securities are based on quoted market prices. Fair values for fixed maturities available for sale and equity securities are recognized in the consolidated and combined balance sheets. Mortgage loans: The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated and combined balance sheets are the aggregate unpaid balance of the loans, which approximates fair value. 5. COMMON STOCK The Company's authorized common stock consists of 100,000,000 (20,000,000 at December 31, 1995) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The holders of the Company's Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters voted on by shareholders. On January 22, 1997, the Company completed the registration of 32,126,076 shares of common stock (the "Shares") of which up to 17,925,888 are issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants. The Shares were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 on behalf of certain selling shareholders in order to permit the public or private sale or other public or private distribution of the Shares. Accordingly, the Company will not receive any proceeds for these Shares. On October 18, 1996, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and warrants to purchase an additional 12,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.625 to $3.875 per share, expiring in two to four years, for an aggregate purchase price of $10,500,000. In December 1996, the Company completed a private placement in which the Company offered 3,251,888 units (the "Units") to qualified investors at an aggregate purchase price of $9.00 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.00 per share, exercisable for a three year period from the date of issuance. The Company realized net proceeds of $ 27,737,000. F-17 48 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5. COMMON STOCK (Continued) Prior to the RESI Transaction, certain options were granted to employees, directors and affiliates of RESI's former parent company. When RESI was spun-off in April 1995 (the "Distribution Date"), optionees received options to acquire RESI Common Stock at the ratio of one RESI option for each five options under the former parent's 1990 and 1991 Stock Option plans. The outstanding options at the Distribution Date and the RESI options granted with respect thereto are stapled and are only exercisable if exercised together. Unvested options held and unvested RESI options granted, vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule as long as the optionee is employed by the former parent, RESI or their affiliates. Options granted under these plans expire ten years from the date of grant, and vest over varying periods. The option price is based on the fair market value of the common shares on the date of grant. RESI agreed to issue to holders of unexpired warrants of its former parent, additional RESI warrants to acquire shares of RESI's Common Stock equal to one fifth of the number of shares available. At the Distribution Date, RESI adjusted the per share exercise price of the RESI warrants to reflect the effect of the distribution on the market prices of RESI and its former parent's common stock. These warrants are designated as stapled warrants and expire at various dates through May 2003. In connection with the RESI Transaction, the holders of these warrants are able to exercise under the original terms of the warrants and will receive Company stock. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, there were outstanding unexercised warrants to acquire 434,000 and 622,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, respectively. During 1996, 188,000 RESI warrants were exercised at $3.60 with no cancellations. In 1995, 250,000 RESI warrants were exercised ranging in price from $1.08 to $5.10 with no cancellations. Under the Company's 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan, a maximum of 500,000 options may be awarded. Such options are granted at no less than fair market value at the date of grant, become exercisable in increments of 20% over a five-year vesting period and expire ten years from the date of grant. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the plan, all outstanding employee options shall become immediately exercisable and the prescribed time limits for exercise will run from such vesting. Information relating to the above stock option plans is summarized below:
1996 1995 ------------- ------------ Outstanding at beginning of year 190,200 - Granted at Distribution Date - 420,400 Granted (a) 230,000 31,000 Exercised (b) (101,960) (257,800) Expired or canceled (1,168) (3,400) ------------- ------------ Outstanding at end of year (c) 317,072 190,200 ------------- ------------ Exercisable at end of year (d) 22,320 70,000 ============= ============ Available for future grant at the end of year (e) 273,000 502,000 ============= ============ (a) Options were granted at average costs of $2.31 and $1.50 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. (b) Options were exercised at prices ranging from $1.08 to $3.60 and averaging $3.43 in 1996 and $1.08 to $5.80 and averaging $5.07 in 1995. (c) Prices for options outstanding at December 31, 1996 ranged from $1.08 to $4.10 and averaged $2.11 with expiration dates ranging from May 1997 to May 2006. Prices for options outstanding at December 31, 1995, ranged from $1.08 to $5.80 and averaged $2.25 with expiration dates ranging from May 1996 to May 2004. (d) Options exercisable at December 31, 1996 and 1995 averaged $2.18 and $3.15, respectively (e) Includes stapled options and options relating to the Company's 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan.
F-18 49 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5. COMMON STOCK (Continued) The Company is currently seeking shareholder approval with regards to the 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan. Under the 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan, the Company will reserve 1,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock. The options awarded will be subject to a 20% incremental vesting schedule over a five-year period commencing from the date of grant. The options will be awarded at a price not less than fair market value at the time of the award and will expire six years from the date of grant. Subject to shareholder approval, 251,000 options were granted on December 26, 1996 at a cost of $11.00. Shareholders will also vote on grants to non-employee directors of 150,000 options granted under the 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan, exercisable immediately, with a five year expiration term from the date of grant. The price of these options is $11.00 for 100,000 of the options and $12.00 for the remaining 50,000. Had the cost of stock option plans been determined based on the provision of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share pro forma amounts would be as follows (in thousands):
As Reported Pro Forma (unaudited) Primary Fully Diluted Primary Fully Diluted -------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ 1996 Adjusted net income (1) $ 6,579 $ 5,040 $ 6,553 $ 5,014 ============== ============= ============= ============ Net income per common share $ .21 $ .16 $ .20 $ .16 ============= ============= ============= ============ 1995 Net income $ 3,469 $ 3,469 $ 3,468 $ 3,468 ============= ============= ============= ============ Net income per common share $ .20 $ .20 $ .20 $ .20 ============= ============= ============= ============ (1) See Note 3
The above results may not be representative of the effects of SFAS No. 123 on net income for future years. The Company applied the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of each option granted in 1996 and 1995. Below is a summary of the assumptions used in the calculation: Dividend Yield 0% Expected Volatility 35% Risk-free interest rate 6.01%, 6.03% and 6.21% Expected option life 3.75 years The stock options issued to key employees in 1996 were assumed to vest at a rate of 100%. F-19 50 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6. LIABILITY FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows (in thousands):
1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- --------- Balance at January 1 $ 37,002 $ 34,661 $ 29,528 Less: Reinsurance recoverables, net (8,914) (9,383) (8,505) -------------- ------------- -------------- Net balance at January 1 28,088 25,278 21,023 -------------- ------------- -------------- Incurred related to: Current year 17,216 17,297 14,753 Prior years 408 (2,180) (2,259) -------------- ------------- -------------- Total incurred 17,624 15,117 12,494 -------------- ------------- -------------- Paid related to: Current year 3,684 5,963 4,269 Prior years 9,043 6,344 3,970 -------------- ------------- -------------- Total paid 12,727 12,307 8,239 -------------- ------------- -------------- Net balance at December 31 32,985 28,088 25,278 Plus: reinsurance recoverables, net 8,114 8,914 9,383 -------------- ------------- -------------- Balance at December 31 $ 41,099 $ 37,002 $ 34,661 ============== ============= ==============
In 1995 and 1994, the Company experienced lower than anticipated ultimate losses on prior years due primarily to a reduction in claims severity from that assumed in establishing the liability for losses and loss expenses payable. The Company's environmental exposure from continuing operations relates primarily to its coverage of remediation related risks, thus management believes the Company's exposure to historic pollution situations is minimal. The Company's non-insurance environmental exposure from discontinued operations is discussed in Note 15. 7. REINSURANCE In the ordinary course of business, the Company assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurers and reinsurers. These arrangements provide the Company with a greater diversification of business and generally limit the maximum net loss potential on large risks. Excess of loss reinsurance contracts in effect through December 31, 1996, generally protect against individual property and casualty losses over $200,000 and contract surety and miscellaneous bond losses over $500,000. In addition to the excess of loss contract in effect for contract surety business, a 50% quota share contract on the first $500,000 in losses is in effect. Asbestos abatement, lead abatement, environmental consultants professional liability and remedial action contractors business is 75% ceded on a quota share basis to reinsurers. Catastrophe coverage is also maintained. F-20 51 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7. REINSURANCE (Continued)
The impact of reinsurance is as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- -------------- Premiums written: Direct $ 42,420 $ 36,278 $ 37,127 Assumed 468 1,417 742 Ceded (11,739) (11,018) (10,650) -------------- ------------- -------------- Net $ 31,149 $ 26,677 $ 27,219 ============== ============= ============== Premiums earned: Direct $ 39,388 $ 36,005 $ 34,255 Assumed 591 1,507 414 Ceded (12,236) (10,550) (11,301) -------------- ------------- -------------- Net $ 27,743 $ 26,962 $ 23,368 ============== ============= ============== Losses and loss expense incurred: Direct $ 18,618 $ 16,342 $ 15,088 Assumed 210 1,223 (65) Ceded (1,204) (2,448) (2,529) -------------- ------------- -------------- Net $ 17,624 $ 15,117 $ 12,494 ============== ============= ==============
The reinsurance payables were $2,869,000, $2,259,000 and $2,056,000 at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Reinsurance recoverables were comprised of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- -------------- Receivables on unpaid losses and loss expenses $ 8,113 $ 8,914 $ 9,383 Receivables on ceding commissions and other 2,703 2,892 1,026 Receivables on paid losses and expenses 369 841 478 -------------- ------------- -------------- $ 11,185 $ 12,647 $ 10,887 ============== ============= ==============
The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and establishes a valuation allowance as reinsurance receivables are deemed uncollectible. During 1996, the majority of ceded amounts were ceded to Republic Western Insurance Company and Reliance Insurance Company. The Company monitors concentrations of risks arising from similar geographic regions or activities to minimize its exposure to significant losses from catastrophic events. F-21 52 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS At December 31, 1996 changes in deferred policy acquisition costs were as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- -------------- Balance, beginning of year $ 3,428 $ 3,726 $ 2,406 Policy acquisition costs deferred 8,616 7,476 6,748 Amortized to expense during the year (7,699) (7,774) (5,428) -------------- ------------- -------------- Balance, end of year $ 4,345 $ 3,428 $ 3,726 ============== ============= ==============
9. STATUTORY SURPLUS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTION Ohio law limits the payment of dividends by a company to its parent. The maximum dividend that may be paid without prior approval of the Director of Insurance is limited to the greater of the statutory net income of the preceding calendar year or 10% of total statutory surplus as of the prior December 31. The consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Company's insurance subsidiaries have filed annual financial statements with the Ohio Department of Insurance and Utah Department of Insurance, respectively, and are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed by such regulatory authorities, which differ from GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not prescribed. All material transactions recorded by the Company's insurance subsidiaries are in accordance with prescribed practices. In December 1993, the NAIC adopted the property and casualty Risk-Based Capital ("RBC") formula. This model act requires every property and casualty insurer to calculate its total adjusted capital and RBC requirement, and provides for an insurance commissioner to intervene if the insurer experiences financial difficulty. The model act became law in Ohio in March 1996, and in Utah in April 1996, states where certain subsidiaries of the Company are domiciled. The RBC formula includes components for asset risk, liability risk, interest rate exposure and other factors. The Company's insurance subsidiaries exceeded all required RBC levels for December 31, 1996 and 1995. CSC's statutory net income for the three years ended December 31, 1996, was $1,916,000, $3,681,000 and $1,804,000, respectively, and the statutory capital and surplus was $25,954,000, $22,034,000 and $20,123,000, respectively. F-22 53 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. INCOME TAXES A summary of income tax expense (benefit) included in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income is as follows (in thousands):
1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- ----------- Continuing operations Current: Federal $ 1,654 $ 2,121 $ 1,289 State and Local 13 - - -------------- ------------- ------------- 1,667 2,121 1,289 Deferred: Federal (27) (699) 55 -------------- ------------- ------------- Total continuing operations 1,640 1,422 1,344 Discontinued operations 91 - - -------------- ------------- ------------- $ 1,731 $ 1,422 $ 1,344 ============== ============= =============
The provision for income taxes attributable to earnings from continuing operations differed from the amount obtained by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes, as follows (in thousands):
1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- ------------- Tax at statutory rate (34%) $ 2,061 $ 1,663 $ 1,647 Change in valuation allowance (589) (169) 434 Tax exempt interest and dividends received deduction (33) (106) (123) Nontaxable income on participation transaction - - (274) Change in estimated liabilities 196 - - Other, net 5 34 (340) -------------- ------------- ------------- Provision for income tax from continuing operations $ 1,640 $ 1,422 $ 1,344 ============== ============= ============= Effective income tax rate 27.1% 29.1% 27.7% ============== ============= =============
F-23 54 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. INCOME TAXES (Continued) The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 1996 and 1995, are as follows (in thousands):
1996 1995 -------------- ----------- Deferred tax assets: -------------------- Loss expenses payable discounting $ 2,176 $ 1,957 Net operating loss carryforwards 1,136 1,235 Unearned premiums not deductible 1,105 1,063 Other deferred tax assets 151 143 -------------- ------------- Total gross deferred tax assets 4,568 4,398 Less: valuation allowance (1,379) (1,968) -------------- ------------- Net deferred tax assets 3,189 2,430 -------------- ------------- Deferred tax liabilities: ------------------------- Unrealized appreciation on investments 1,518 1,219 Deferred policy acquisition costs 1,477 1,165 Reinsurance recoverable 302 - Other deferred tax liabilities 219 99 -------------- ------------- Total gross deferred tax liabilities 3,516 2,483 -------------- ------------- Net deferred tax liability, included in income taxes in the consolidated and combined balance sheets $ 327 $ 53 ============== ============= Net deferred tax liability attributable to discontinued operations, included in net assets held for disposal $ 1,340 $ - ============== =============
The company had net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $3,300,000 and $3,600,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, from the separate return years of Evergreen National Indemnity Corporation ("ENIC"). These losses are subject to limitations regarding the offset of the company's future taxable income and will begin to expire in 2007. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company determines a valuation allowance based on their analysis of amounts available in the statutory carryback period, consideration of future deductible amounts, and assessment of ENIC's separate company profitability. The Company has established valuation allowances for portions of ENIC's NOL carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. The net change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 was a decrease of $589,000 and $169,000, respectively. Even though the Company has had taxable income over the last several years, significant income in some instances has been attributable to non-recurring transactions and thus there is no assurance that the Company will remain profitable in future years. However, during 1996, ENIC obtained all licenses necessary to fully operate, commenced underwriting insurance, and reported two consecutive years of profitability. As a result, management determined that a portion of the valuation allowance related to ENIC's NOL carryforwards was no longer required. Otherwise, the Company maintains a policy of recognizing other deferred tax assets recoverable in the carryback period and does not consider future taxable income in excess. F-24 55 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS, NOTE PAYABLE AND CAPITALIZED LEASES Short-Term Borrowings --------------------- The Company secured a $6,000,000 credit facility used for additional working capital and other funding needs. Up to $4,500,000 of the credit facility is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit. At December 31, 1996, the Company had issued $2,400,000 in standby letters of credit. The unused portion of the facility is available for cash borrowings. There were no cash borrowings under the credit facility during 1996 and 1995. The credit facility provides for the maintenance of certain restrictive covenants including, among others, minimum working capital levels, maintaining current and fixed charges ratios and a predetermined level of interest coverage. The Company is also restricted from making any dividend payments and incurring additional debt. This facility is collateralized by certain Company assets. Note Payable and Capitalized Leases ----------------------------------- Note payable and capitalized leases, consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31 -------------------------------- 1996 1995 ------------- -------------- Promissory note payable to a shareholder in quarterly installments of $400,000 plus interest, based on 3 month LIBOR (5.51% at December 31, 1996) compounded daily, through December 15, 1999 $ 3,200 $ - Capitalized leases, secured by equipment, payable monthly through 1997 11 47 ------------- -------------- $ 3,211 $ 47 ============= ==============
At December 31, 1996, aggregate maturities of note payable and capitalized leases, were as follows (in thousands):
YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, ------------ 1997 $ 1,611 1998 1,600 ------------- $ 3,211 =============
Management believes that the carrying amounts of short-term borrowings, note payable and capitalized leases recorded at December 31, 1996 were not impaired and approximate fair values. F-25 56 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Operating Leases ---------------- The Company leases certain of its premises and equipment under various operating lease agreements. At December 31, 1996, future minimum rental commitments becoming payable under all operating leases from continuing operations are as follows (in thousands): YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, ------------ 1997 $ 1,277 1998 1,202 1999 583 2000 563 2001 563 Thereafter 2,793 ------------- $ 6,981 ============= Total rental expense incurred under operating leases was $454,000, $411,000 and $331,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Other ----- In the ordinary course of business, the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. In the opinion of management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to be material to the Company's results of operations or financial position. The Company has profit sharing plans covering substantially all of its employees. Participating employees may elect to contribute, on a tax deferred basis, a portion of their compensation, in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employer contributions made to the plan for 1996, 1995 and 1994, amounted to $240,000, $141,000 and $111,000, respectively. 13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES The Company recorded the acquisition of RESI as a non-cash transaction consisting of a $4,000,000 promissory note and recapitalization of shareholders' equity of $16,244,000. Additionally, during 1996, the Company acquired, in exchange for 792,500 shares of its common stock, and other consideration, 100% of SMR and ECI, which were also recorded as non-cash transactions. F-26 57 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES (Continued) In December 1994, ENIC participated in a transaction whereby ENIC obtained an agreed upon amount of net assets of an unrelated party as consideration in completing the sale and the related settlements of debt of two unrelated parties. The transaction included a contingent receivable of up to $2,900,000 due ENIC from the unrelated party. Based on the performance of the insurance operations sold, it was determined that $807,000 and $1,150,000 be recognized as revenue during 1994 and 1996, respectively. ENIC does not have any future obligations with respect to the insurance operations under the terms of the transaction agreements.
CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR FOR: 1996 1995 1994 -------------- ------------- -------------- INTEREST $ 60 $ 216 $ 469 ============== ============= ============= INCOME TAXES $ 1,290 $ 128 $ 64 ============== ============= =============
14. RELATED PARTIES In October 1996, the Company's Chairman purchased 1,900,000 shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase an additional 5,700,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.625 to $3.875 per share, for an aggregate price of $4,988,000. Additionally, the Chairman held warrants to purchase 240,000 shares of common stock at $3.60 per share The Company's Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") was a one-third owner of SMR. Among the liabilities assumed in connection with the SMR acquisition is a deferred compensation arrangement to which the CFO is entitled to receive 40% of the collections from the acquired receivables of SMR. In addition, in connection with the SMR transaction, the CFO received 195,600 shares of common stock and 293,400 warrants to purchase additional shares of common stock at an exercise price of $10.375. The office building utilized by SMR is leased under a ten-year lease from a partnership in which the CFO is indirectly, a one-third owner. The Company has issued six $500,000 bonds covering certain loans obtained by an unrelated party, maturing from 1996 and 2002. Collateral for these bonds includes the personal indemnification of an indirect shareholder of the Company. The Company's investment portfolios include loans to business organizations associated with a relative of a shareholder of the Company, which aggregate $2,900,000. These loans provide for interest payments only until maturity, which range from December 31, 1997 through April 30, 1999. The stock of ECI, which was acquired by the Company, was 45% owned by the spouse of an officer of a subsidiary of the Company. F-27 58 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In February 1997, the Company signed a letter of intent to sell the Company's Environmental Services business. The sale is subject to a definitive agreement and various governmental and regulatory approvals. The Company anticipates that the sale will be completed during 1997 and will realize the net carrying value of the net assets held for disposal. In accordance with the Company's intent to sell the environmental services business, the related results of operations have been reflected in the Company's results of operations as a discontinued operation for the year ended December 31, 1996. Included in discontinued operations is the following (in thousands):
Revenues $ 9,202 ============= Income before taxes $ 53 Income tax provision 91 ------------- Net loss $ (38) ============= Net assets of the discontinued operations at December 31, 1996 consists of (in thousands): Cash $ 2,375 Accounts receivable, net 7,218 Property, plant and equipment, net 20,598 Excess of cost over net assets of businesses acquired, net 3,305 Other assets 1,074 Accounts payable (3,959) Accrued environmental costs (3,203) Accrued expenses and other liabilities (4,409) ------------- $ 22,999 =============
Accruals for investigatory and remediation costs are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Accrued costs include investigative, administrative, legal and remediation costs associated with site clean-up. Environmental compliance costs including maintenance, monitoring and similar costs are expensed as incurred. F-28 59 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued) The measurement of environmental liabilities is based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site and considers factors such as existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. While the current law potentially imposes joint and several liability upon each party at any Superfund site, the Company's contribution to clean up these sites is expected to be limited, given the number of other companies which have also been named as potentially responsible parties, the volumes of waste involved, and that most of these matters are indemnified by the previous owners of certain RESI facilities. A reasonable basis for apportionment of costs among responsible parties is determined and the likelihood of contribution by other parties is established. If it is considered probable that the Company will only have to pay its expected share of the total site cleanup, the liability reflects the Company's expected share. In determining the probability of contribution, the Company considers the solvency of the parties, whether responsibility is being disputed, the terms of any existing agreements, and experience to date regarding similar matters. These liabilities do not take into account any claims for recoveries from insurance or third parties and are not discounted. As assessments and remediation progress at individual sites, these liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional technical and legal information which becomes available. Actual costs to be incurred at identified sites in future periods may vary from the estimates, given inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures. The Company believes it has sufficiently reserved for all costs of remediation. On January 7, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets and business of Midwest Indemnity Corporation ("Midwest") located in Skokie, Illinois for a total cost of approximately $9,900,000, consisting of 407,256 shares of restricted common stock, $3,250,000 in cash and $1,750,000 in non-interest bearing notes. Midwest markets environmental and surety bond products throughout the United States through a distribution system of agents and subagents. On February 24, the Company completed the acquisition of Midland Consultants, Inc. ("Midland"), located in Brooklyn, Ohio, for 87,500 shares of restricted common stock, $208,000 in cash and warrants to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $11.625 per share exercisable through January 31, 2000. Midland provides specialized employment services. On March 3, 1997, the Company consummated its acquisition of M&N Risk Management, Inc. and M&N Enterprises, Inc. (the "M&N Companies") and MFC, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio for 384,600 shares of restricted common stock, $1,000,000 cash and 900,000 warrants at $13 per share exercisable until March 3, 2000. The M&N Companies provide employers with a turn-key approach to integrate workers' compensation actuarial analysis and underwriting capabilities with claims administration. On March 3, 1997, the Company announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire The Benefits Group Agency, Inc. ("The Benefits Group"), located in Cleveland, Ohio, for 395,000 shares of restricted common stock, $2,500,000 in cash and 500,000 warrants to purchase common stock at $12.50 per share over a three year period. The transaction is subject to a definitive agreement and is expected to close by March 31, 1997. The Benefits Group is a full-service corporate benefits administration company. F-29 60 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 16. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA Quarterly financial data are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
1996 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, --------- -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Revenues $ 9,320 $ 7,346 $ 9,389 $ 9,714 ============== ============= ============= ============== Income from continuing operations $ 655 $ 771 $ 839 $ 2,157 Loss from discontinued operation - - - (38) -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Net income $ 655 $ 771 $ 839 $ 2,119 ============== ============= ============= ============== Earnings per common share: Primary - Continuing operations $ .04 $ .04 $ .05 $ .08 Discontinued operations - - - - -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Net income per share $ .04 $ .04 $ .05 $ .08 ============== ============= ============= ============== Earnings per common share: Fully Diluted - Continuing operations $ .04 $ .04 $ .04 $ .04 Discontinued operations - - - - -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- Net income per share $ .04 $ .04 $ .04 $ .04 ============== ============= ============= ============== Weighted average common and common share equivalents, primary and fully diluted: 16,956 16,956 16,956 32,213 ============== ============= ============= =============
1995 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, -------- -------------- ------------- -------------- ------------- Revenues $ 7,971 $ 8,309 $ 6,496 $ 8,163 ============== ============= ============= ============= Net income (loss) $ 508 $ (220) $ 101 $ 3,080 ============== ============= ============= ============= Earnings per common share: Primary $ .03 $ (.01) $ .01 $ .17 ============== ============= ============= ============= Fully diluted $ .03 $ (.01) $ .01 $ .17 ============== ============= ============= ============= Weighted average common and common share equivalents, primary and fully diluted: 16,956 16,956 16,956 16,956 ============== ============= ============= =============
The increase in net income in the fourth quarter of 1996 and 1995 are a result of the Company's historical policy of engaging an independent actuary to calculate the loss reserves at year end and settling the Company's reinsurance treaties in the fourth quarter. For future periods, this analysis will be completed by management on a quarterly basis. F-30 61 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. SCHEDULE I--SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS--OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES DECEMBER 31, 1996 (In thousands)
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D -------- -------- -------- ----------- AMOUNT AT WHICH SHOWN IN THE TYPE OF INVESTMENT COST VALUE BALANCE SHEET ------------------ ---- ----- ------------- Fixed maturities--held to maturity: Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 6,136 $ 6,099 $ 6,136 States, municipalities and political subdivisions -- -- -- Corporate securities 8,850 8,772 8,850 Mortgage-backed securities 495 505 495 Fixed maturities--available for sale: Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities 16,067 16,198 16,198 Corporate securities 10,962 10,983 10,983 Mortgage-backed securities 8,092 8,290 8,290 ------- ------- ------- Total fixed maturities 50,602 50,847 50,952 ------- ------- ------- Equity securities: Common stock: Public utilities 209 189 189 Banks, trust and insurance companies 225 252 252 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 1,178 6,014 6,014 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 2,737 2,758 2,758 ------- ------- ------- TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES 4,349 9,213 9,213 ------- ------- ------- Mortgage loans 3,685 3,685 Short-term investments 4,799 4,799 ------- ------- Total investments $63,435 $68,649 ======= =======
See accompanying Independent Auditors' Report F-31 62 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. SCHEDULE IV--REINSURANCE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 (In thousands)
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- PERCENTAGE CEDED TO ASSUMED FROM OF AMOUNT GROSS OTHER OTHER NET ASSUMED AMOUNT COMPANIES COMPANIES AMOUNT TO NET ------- --------- ------------ ------ ---------- Year ended December 31, 1996 Property--Casualty Earned Premiums $39,388 $12,236 $591 $27,743 2.13% Year ended December 31, 1995 Property--Casualty Earned Premiums $36,005 $10,550 $1,507 $26,962 5.59% Year ended December 31, 1994 Property--Casualty Earned Premiums $34,255 $11,301 $ 414 $23,368 1.77%
See accompanying Independent Auditors' Report F-32 63 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. SCHEDULE III--SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 (In thousands)
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- FUTURE POLICY DEFERRED BENEFITS, LOSSES OTHER POLICY POLICY CLAIMS AND CLAIMS AND NET ACQUISITION LOSS UNEARNED BENEFITS PREMIUM INVESTMENT SEGMENT COST EXPENSES PREMIUMS PAYABLES REVENUE INCOME ------- ---- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------ Year Ended: December 31, 1996 $4,345 $41,099 $18,637 N/A $27,743 $3,564 December 31, 1995 $3,428 $37,002 $15,636 N/A $26,962 $3,341 December 31, 1994 $3,725 $34,661 $15,453 N/A $23,368 $2,477
COLUMN H COLUMN I COLUMN J COLUMN K -------- -------- -------- -------- AMORTIZATION OTHER DIRECT LOSSES AND OF DEFERRED POLICY OPERATING PREMIUMS LOSS EXPENSES ACQUISITION COSTS EXPENSES WRITTEN ------------- ----------------- --------- -------- Year Ended: December 31, 1996 $17,624 $7,699 $4,384 $42,420 December 31, 1995 $15,117 $7,774 $3,157 $36,278 December 31, 1994 $12,494 $5,428 $4,544 $37,127
See accompanying Independent Auditor's Report F-33 64 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, IASI has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ Edward F. Feighan ------------------------------ Edward F. Feighan Chief Executive Officer and President March 31, 1997 KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears below on this Annual Report hereby constitutes and appoints Edward F. Feighan, Gregory J. Skoda and Craig L. Stout, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution for him and his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities (until revoked in writing), to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report of International Alliance Services, Inc. and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, thereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report has been signed below the following persons on behalf of International Alliance Services, Inc. and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/ Michael G. DeGroote - ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- Michael G. DeGroote Harve A. Ferrill Chairman of the Board and Director Director March 31, 1997 /s/ Edward F. Feighan /s/ Douglas R. Gowland - ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- Edward F. Feighan Douglas R. Gowland Chief Executive Officer, President Vice President - Environmental Operations and Director (Principal Executive Officer) and Director March 31, 1997 March 31, 1997 /s/ Hugh P. Lowenstein /s/ Richard C. Rochon - ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- Hugh P. Lowenstein Richard C. Rochon Director Director March 31, 1997 March 31, 1997 /s/ Gregory J. Skoda /s/ Craig L. Stout - ------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------- Gregory J. Skoda Craig L. Stout Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) March 31, 1997 March 31, 1997
65 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IASI (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference). 3.2* Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of IASI dated October 18, 1996. 3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws of IASI (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 4.1 Form of Stock Certificate of Common Stock of IASI (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 4.2 Promissory Note, dated October 18, 1996, in the aggregate principal amount of $4.0 million issued by IASI payable to Alliance Holding (filed as Exhibit 99.7 to IASI's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 18, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference). 9.1 Voting Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1996, by and between MGD Holdings and Alliance Holding (filed as Exhibit 99.6 to IASI's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 18, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference). 10.1 Spin-off Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.3 Assumption of Liabilities and Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890 and incorporated herein by reference) 10.4 Corporate Services Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.5 Employee Benefits Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.6 Insurance and Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.7 Tax Sharing Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.8 IASI's Adjustment Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.9 Form of Warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of IASI's Common Stock issued to MGD Holdings Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.10 Form of Warrant to purchase 5,000 shares of IASI's Common Stock issued to Douglas R. Gowland (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 66 10.11 Form of Warrant to purchase 55,000 shares of IASI's Common Stock issued for Douglas R. Gowland (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.12 Credit Agreement dated as of May 11, 1995 by and among IASI and its Subsidiaries, as Borrowers, and CoreStates Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to IASI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference) 10.13 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, Republic/CSA Acquisition Corporation, Republic/CSU Acquisition Corporation, Alliance Holding, CSC and CSU (filed as Appendix I to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.14 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, Republic/CSA Acquisition Corporation, Republic/CSU Acquisition Corporation, Alliance Holding, CSC and CSU (filed as Appendix IV to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.15 Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, Republic/CSA Acquisition Corporation, Republic/CSU Acquisition Corporation, Alliance Holding, CSC and CSU (filed as Appendix V to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement by and between IASI and H. Wayne Huizenga (filed as Appendix II to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.17 Stock Purchase Agreement by and between IASI and MGD Holdings (filed as Appendix III to IASI's Definitive Schedule 14C Information Statement dated September 23, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference). 10.18* Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, IASI/SMR Acquisition Co., SMR and its shareholders dated November 30, 1996. 10.19* Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among IASI, IASI/ECI Acquisition Co., ECI and its shareholders dated November 5, 1996. 11.1* IASI Earnings per Common Share Data. 21.1* List of Subsidiaries of IASI. 24.1* Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 99.1 Information Statement (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to IASI's Registration Statement on Form 10, file no. 0-25890, and incorporated herein by reference) *Indicates documents filed herewith.
   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 3.2

                            CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
                                     OF THE
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                      REPUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.

     Republic Environmental Systems, Inc., a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"), does hereby
certifies as follows:

          1. That Article One of the Certificate of Incorporation of the
             Corporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
             follows:

                                 "ARTICLE ONE
                    
                        The name of the Corporation is:

                     International Alliance Services, Inc."
          
          2. That the first paragraph of Article Four of the Certificate of 
             Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated in
             its entirety as follows:

                                        "ARTICLE FOUR

                      The total number of shares of all classes of stock which
                 this Corporation shall have authority to issue is 100,000,000
                 shares, consisting of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01
                 par value per share. The aggregate par value of all shares of 
                 all classes of stock that this Corporation has authority to
                 issue is $1,000,000.00." 

          3. That said amendments to this Certificate of Amendment to the
             Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation were duly
             adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of
             the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
  
          4. That this Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
             Incorporation shall become effective upon filing with the
             Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
   2
    THE UNDERSIGNED, being the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating 
Officer of this Corporation, hereby declares and certifies that this 
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Republic 
Environmental Systems, Inc. is his act and deed and the facts herein stated 
are true, and accordingly has hereunto set his hand this 17th day of 
October, 1996.


                                     REPUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.   
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                     By: /s/ Douglas R. Gowland             
                                         ____________________________       
                                         Douglas R. Gowland,                
                                         Executive Vice President and       
                                         Chief Operating Officer            
                                                                            
                                                                            
   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.18





                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                  by and among

                      INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.

                                       and

                            IASI/SMR ACQUISITION CO.

                                       and

                           SMR & CO. BUSINESS SERVICES

                                       and

                                ITS SHAREHOLDERS



                            Dated: November 30, 1996

   2

                                                    
         This Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") is entered into as
of this 30 day of November, 1996 by and among International Alliance Services,
Inc., ("I-Alliance"), IASI/SMR Acquisition Co., ("Merger Sub"), SMR & Co.
Business Services, an Ohio corporation ("SMR"), and Gregory J. Skoda ("Skoda"),
Michael L. Minotti ("Minotti"), Keith W. Reeves ("Reeves") and Patrick T. Carney
("Carney"), (the preceding individually a "Shareholder" and collectively
"Shareholders").

         WHEREAS, the Shareholders own all of the common stock of SMR, in the
amounts set forth in Exhibit A hereto (collectively the "SMR Shares"); and

         WHEREAS, I-Alliance has determined that it wishes to acquire SMR; and

         WHEREAS, to consummate such acquisition I-Alliance has formed Merger
Sub into which SMR will be merged with SMR as the surviving corporation; and

         WHEREAS, SMR has determined that it wishes to be acquired by
I-Alliance.

Therefore in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration the parties agree as follows.

                                    ARTICLE 1
                                   DEFINITIONS

         As used herein the following terms will have the meanings set forth:
         1.1 "Accrued Shareholder Liability" will mean the obligation of SMR to
the Shareholders, which is shown on the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet in the
approximate amount of $3,300,000, as such amount is subsequentlt adjusted
pursuant to section 9.2.
         1.2      "Actions" will have the meaning set forth in section 4.2.26.
         1.3      "Affiliate of the Shareholder" will have the meaning set 
forth in section 4.1.4.
         1.4      "Benefit Plans" will have the meaning set forth in section 
4.2.22(a).
         1.5      "Closing" will have the meaning set forth in section 9.1.
         1.6      "Closing Date" will have the meaning set forth in section 9.1.
         1.7      "Contracts" will have the meaning set forth in section 4.2.20.
         1.8      "Current  Assets"  means the `Total  Current  Assets' as such
term is used on the  September  30, 1996 Balance Sheet.
         1.9      "Effective Time" will have the meaning set forth in Article 3.
         1.10     "Fixed  Assets" will mean the  property and  equipment,  at 
cost less  accumulated  depreciation, shown as `Total Prop. and Equip. Net, as 
such term is used on the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet.
         1.11     "Holder" will have the meaning set forth in section 7.3.1.
         1.12     "I-Alliance Indemnified Parties" will mean I-Alliance.
         1.13     "I-Alliance Shares" will have the meaning set forth in 
sections 2.6.1 and Article 7.
         1.14     "Issuer" will have the meaning set forth in section 7.3.1.
         1.15     "Law" will mean any federal, state or local law, statute, 
ordinance, regulation of directive.
         1.16     "Leasehold Interests" will have the meaning set forth in 
section 4.2.13.
         1.17     "Liabilities" will have the meaning set forth in section
4.2.25.
         1.18     "Liens" will mean any lien, mortgage, claim, charge, security
interest, encumbrance, restriction or limitation.
         1.19 "Losses" will mean any and all expenses, losses, costs,
deficiencies, liabilities and damages including, but not limited to legal and
professional fees and expenses suffered or incurred in any manner including
investigation and defense of claims.
         1.20     "Merger" will have the meaning set forth in section 2.1.
         1.21     "OGCL" will mean the Ohio General Corporation Law.

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   3

         1.22     "Permits" will have the meaning set forth in section 4.2.19.
         1.23 "Person" will mean any natural person, corporation, partnership,
trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock
company, government (or any agency or political subdivision thereof) or other
entity of any kind.
         1.24     "Receipts" will have the meaning set forth in section 8.7.
         1.25 "Receivable" will mean all of SMR's receivables of any kind as of
the Effective Time, as well as (i) all receivables arising out of work in
process as of the close of business on November 30, 1996, (ii) all receivables
previously written off as uncollectible by SMR to the extent actually collected
after the Effective Time, and (iii) all receivables to the extent they comprise
the allowance for doubtful accounts as stated on the September 30, 1996 Balance
Sheet.
         1.26     "Registrable Securities" will have the meaning set forth in 
section 7.3.7.
         1.27     "Registration Expenses" will have the meaning set forth in 
section 7.3.5.
         1.28     "Returns" will have the meaning set forth in section 4.2.17.
         1.29     "SEC Documents" will have the meaning set forth in section 
5.5.
         1.30     "September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet" will have the meaning set
forth in section 4.2.4.
         1.31     "Registration Statement" will have the meaning set forth in 
section 7.3.2.
         1.32     "Surviving Corporation" will have the meaning set forth in 
section 2.1.
         1.33     "Taxes" will have the meaning set forth in section 4.2.17.
         1.34     "To the best of  knowledge"  (i) when used with an individual
will mean the actual  knowledge of such individual and (ii) when used with an 
entity will mean the personal knowledge of any officer, director, shareholder 
or most senior manager below officer level of the organization responsible for 
the types of matter referenced by that phrase.
         1.35 "Total Liabilities" will mean `Total Liabilities' as such term is
used on the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet, consisting of total current
liabilities and total long term liabilities.
         1.36 "Uncollectible" will mean that with respect to any Receivable (i)
the debtor has had a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding commenced, (ii) the
debtor has discontinued operations and declared it cannot pay its obligations;
or (iii) the receivable is not paid within six months after first billed.

                                    ARTICLE 2
                                     MERGER

         2.1 The Merger Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
and in accordance with the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "OGCL") at the
Effective Time the Merger Sub will be merged with and into SMR (the "Merger")
and the separate existence of Merger Sub will cease and SMR will continue as the
surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation").

         2.2      Effect of the Merger. The Merger will have the effect set 
forth in Section  1701.82 of the OGCL.

         2.3 Certificate of Incorporation and Code of Regulations. At the
Effective Time, the Articles of Incorporation and the Code of Regulations of SMR
prior to the Effective Time, including all amendments thereto made prior to the
Effective Time, will be and continue to be the Articles of Incorporation and
Code of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation.

         2.4 Directors. Each person serving as a director of SMR prior to the
Effective Time will tender a letter of resignation effective as of the Effective
Time. Those persons set forth in Schedule 2.4 will become the initial directors
of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the
Articles of Incorporation until his or her respective successor is duly elected
or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.

                                      -3-
   4


         2.5 Officers. Each person serving as an officer of SMR prior to the
Effective Time will become the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation,
each to hold office in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation until his
or her respective successor is duly elected or appointed and qualified or until
their earlier death, resignation or removal.

         2.6      Conversion of Securities. At the  Effective  Time, by virtue 
of the Merger and without any action on the part of the parties or the holders
of any of the respective securities:
                  2.6.1 All shares of SMR common stock, no par value per share,
         issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (the
         "SMR Shares") will be converted into the right to receive (i) in the
         aggregate Six Hundred Thousand (600,000) shares of I-Alliance common
         stock (the " I-Alliance Shares") as described in Article 7, which will
         be delivered to each Shareholder in the number of shares set forth
         opposite such Shareholder's name on Schedule 2.6, and (ii) warrants to
         purchase in the aggregate Nine Hundred Thousand (900,000) shares of
         I-Alliance common stock at a purchase price of $10.375 per share,
         exercisable in whole or in part at time and from time to time from the
         Closing Date until 6:00 p.m. EST on the date three years from the
         Closing Date, (the "Warrants"), in such form and with such terms as are
         set forth in Exhibit B, which Warrants will be delivered to each
         Shareholder in the number of warrants set forth opposite such
         Shareholder's name on Schedule 2.6.
                  2.6.2 Each share of SMR common stock held in the treasury of
         SMR will automatically be canceled and retired without any conversion
         thereof.
                  2.6.3 Each share of Merger Sub common stock, no par value per
         share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
         will be automatically converted into one share of common stock of the
         Surviving Corporation.

         2.7 Assumption of Liabilities.Surviving Corporation will execute an
assumption of liabilities of SMR substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit
C.

                                    ARTICLE 3
                             CONSUMMATION OF MERGER

         The Closing will take place on the Closing Date at the offices of
I-Alliance, 10055 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH 44125 or such other place
as the parties may agree. At the time of the Closing, the parties will cause the
Merger to be consummated by filing the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary
of State of Ohio, in such form as required by and executed in accordance with
the OGCL. The date and time of such filing will be the Effective Time.

                                    ARTICLE 4
             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SMR AND SHAREHOLDERS

         4.1  Warranties and Representations of Shareholders. Each Shareholder,
severally, represents and warrants to I-Alliance and Merger Sub that:
                  4.1.1 Authority. The Shareholder has the right, power,
         authority and legal capacity to enter into and perform such
         Shareholder's obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the
         transactions contemplated hereby to be performed by such Shareholder.
         This Agreement has been, and each other document ancillary to this
         Agreement to which a Shareholder is a party will be at the Closing,
         duly executed and delivered by such Shareholder and constitute, or will
         when delivered, constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of
         such Shareholder, enforceable against such Shareholder, in accordance
         with their respective terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy,
         insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws and
         equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors' rights
         generally.

                                      -4-
   5

                  4.1.2 Title to the SMR Shares. The Shareholder owns, of record
         and beneficially, all of the SMR Shares set forth opposite such
         Shareholder's name on Exhibit A hereto, free and clear of all Liens,
         taxes, security interests, options, warrants and restrictions on
         transfer.
                  4.1.3 No Brokers. The Shareholder has not employed any broker
         or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions
         or finders' fees in connection with the transactions contemplated
         hereby for which SMR or I-Alliance may be responsible.
                  4.1.4 Affiliated Transactions. Except as specifically set
         forth (including dollar amounts) on Schedule 4.1.4 as of the date
         hereof, neither the Shareholder nor any Affiliate of the Shareholder
         (as defined below) is indebted to, or is a creditor of, or a guarantor
         of any obligation of, or a party to any contract, agreement, license,
         option, commitment or other arrangement, written or oral, express or
         implied, with SMR. For purposes of this Section, an "Affiliate of the
         Shareholder" means any employee, officer or director of the
         Shareholder, any spouse or family member (including in-laws) of the
         Shareholder, or any corporation or other entity in which such
         Shareholder (or spouse or family member) has an equity or ownership
         interest exceeding twenty percent (in the aggregate) or for all
         Shareholders (and Affiliate) exceeding in the aggregate fifty percent.

         4.2  Warranties and Representations of SMR and Shareholders. 
Shareholders, severally, and Shareholders jointly with SMR hereby represent 
and warrant to I-Alliance and Merger Sub that:
                  4.2.1 Organization. SMR is a corporation duly organized,
         validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
         Ohio with full power and authority to own, lease and operate its
         properties and to carry on its business as now being and as heretofore
         conducted.
                  4.2.2 Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by
         SMR of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by all
         necessary corporate action by SMR. This Agreement has been, and each
         other document ancillary to this Agreement to which SMR is a party will
         be at the Closing, duly executed and delivered by SMR and constitute,
         or will when delivered, constitute, the legal, valid and binding
         obligations of SMR, enforceable against SMR, in accordance with their
         respective terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws and equitable
         principles relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally. This
         Agreement, the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby have
         been approved and adopted by the board of directors and the holders of
         a majority of the voting power of the shares of the capital stock of
         SMR entitled to vote thereon in accordance with the Articles of
         Incorporation and Code of Regulations and the applicable Law.
                  4.2.3 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of SMR
         consists of 750 shares of common stock, without par value, of which the
         SMR Shares constitute all of the shares outstanding. The SMR Shares
         have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and
         nonassessable, and there are no outstanding rights, subscriptions,
         warrants, calls, options or other agreements or commitments of any kind
         or character to purchase or otherwise to acquire from SMR any of its
         unissued shares of capital stock or any other security of SMR in favor
         of any Person.
                  4.2.4 Financial Statements. Attached hereto as Schedule 4.2.4
         are true and correct copies of the (a) internally prepared balance
         sheet of SMR as at September 30, 1996 (the "September 30, 1996 Balance
         Sheet") and the related statement of income of SMR for the eight months
         then ended and (b) the internally prepared balance sheet of SMR as of
         January 31, 1996 together with the internally prepared statement of
         income of SMR for the twelve months then ended. I-Alliance has been
         furnished with the internally prepared balance sheets of SMR as of
         January 31, 1995 and the internally prepared related statement of
         income for the fiscal year then ended. All of such financial statements
         (the "Financial Statements"), are true and correct, are in accordance
         with the internal books and records of SMR, and consistent with past
         practices, fairly present the financial condition and results of
         operations of SMR as at the respective dates and for the respective
         periods covered thereby and were prepared in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles (other than the requirements with
         respect to `notes to financial statements') consistently applied over
         the periods referenced and from period to period.

                                      -5-
   6

                  4.2.5 Absence of Changes. Since September 30, 1996, SMR has
         carried on its business in the ordinary course, and there has not been
         any material adverse change in its business condition (financial or
         otherwise), results of operations or liabilities.
                  4.2.6 Net Worth. At November 30, 1996 the Total Liabilities of
         SMR, other than Accrued Shareholder Liability, do not exceed the sum of
         (i) the stated value (computed on the same basis as the September 30,
         1996 Balance Sheet) of the Fixed Assets plus (ii) the difference
         between the stated value of Current Assets and the Accrued Shareholder
         Liability.
                  4.2.7  No Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2.7,
         SMR has no subsidiaries.
                  4.2.8  Articles of Incorporation,  Code of Regulations,
         Corporate Records and Committees.  The copies of the 
         Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of SMR
         heretofore delivered to I-Alliance are correct and complete, to the
         extent of their existence. The stock transfer, minute books and
         corporate records of SMR which have been made available to I-Alliance
         are correct and complete, to the extent of their existence, and
         constitute the only written records and minutes of the meetings,
         proceedings, and other actions of the shareholders and the Board of
         Directors of SMR from the date of its organization to the date hereof,
         there being no committees of its Board of Directors.
                  4.2.9 No Consent. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.9, no
         material consent, order, license, approval or authorization of, or
         exemption by, or registration or declaration or filing with, any
         governmental authority, bureau or agency, and no consent or approval of
         any other Person, is required to be obtained or made in connection with
         the sale of the SMR Shares.
                  4.2.10 No Breach. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.10, the
         performance of this Agreement will not (i) violate any material
         provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of
         SMR; (ii) violate, conflict with or result in the breach or termination
         of, or constitute an amendment to, or otherwise give any Person the
         right to terminate, or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or
         both would constitute) a default (by way of substitution, novation or
         otherwise) under the terms of, any material contract, mortgage, lease,
         bond, indenture, agreement, franchise or other instrument or obligation
         to which SMR is a party or by which SMR or any of its respective assets
         or properties are bound or affected; (iii) result in the creation of
         any material Liens upon the properties or assets of SMR pursuant to the
         terms of any contract, mortgage, lease, bond, indenture, agreement,
         franchise or other instrument or obligation; (iv) materially violate
         any judgment, order, injunction, decree or award of any court,
         arbitrator, administrative agency or governmental or regulatory body
         against, or binding upon, SMR or any of its securities, properties,
         assets or business; (v) constitute a material violation by SMR of any
         statute, law, rule or regulation of any jurisdiction as such statute,
         law, rule or regulation relates to SMR or to any of its securities,
         properties, assets or business; or (vi) materially violate any Permit.
                  4.2.11 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable and
         unbilled work in process of SMR reflected on the September 30, 1996
         Balance Sheet are actual and bona fide accounts receivable and unbilled
         work in process which arose in the ordinary and usual course of SMR's
         business, represent valid obligations due to SMR, are collectible in
         the aggregate recorded amounts thereof on the books of SMR and will be
         fully collected in the ordinary course, except to the extent reflected
         in the allowance for doubtful accounts.
                  4.2.12 Other Tangible Property. SMR has good and marketable
         title to all of the assets reflected on its books and records and on
         the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Liens,
         other than those set forth on Schedule 4.2.12. To the best knowledge of
         SMR and Shareholders the owned tangible personal property material to
         the business of SMR are in good operating condition and repair,
         ordinary wear and tear excepted.
                  4.2.13 Leasehold Interests. SMR has a good and valid leasehold
         interest in all personal property which is leased to be used in the
         business of SMR (the "Leasehold Interests"). All Leasehold Interests
         are used and operated in compliance and conformity with all lease
         agreements creating such Leasehold Interest, except to the extent that
         the failure so to conform would not materially affect the lease. SMR
         has not been notified in writing of any claim that there is under any
         Leasehold Interest, any existing material default (including, but not
         limited to any payment default or event of material default or event
         that would with the passage of time or the giving of notice constitute
         such material default) and to the best knowledge of Shareholders and


                                      -6-
   7

         SMR, SMR is not in material default. All personal property under lease
         agreements are not subject to any charges for excessive usage or wear
         and tear (or would not be subject to such charges if the current rate
         of usage continued for the remainder of the term).
                  4.2.14 Real Property. SMR does not own any real property.
         Schedule 4.2.14 sets forth a true and correct list of all leases,
         subleases or other agreements under which SMR is lessee or lessor of
         any real property or has any interest in real property and, except as
         set forth in Schedule 4.2.14, there are no rights or options held by
         SMR, or any contractual obligations on its part, to purchase or
         otherwise acquire (including by way of lease or sublease) any interest
         in or use of any real property, nor any rights or options granted by
         SMR, or any contractual obligations entered into by it, to sell or
         otherwise dispose of (including by way of lease or sublease) any
         interest in or use of any real property. All such leases, subleases and
         other agreements grant the leasehold estates or other interests they
         purport to grant with the right to quiet possession, are in full force
         and effect and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the
         respective parties hereto, with no existing or claimed default or event
         of default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would
         constitute a default or event of default by SMR by any other party
         thereto, which would materially and adversely affect SMR. To the best
         knowledge of SMR and Shareholders, SMR is not in violation of any
         material building, zoning, health, safety, environmental or other law,
         rule or regulation and no notice from any Person has been served upon
         SMR claiming any such violation.
                  4.2.15 Assets. The assets described in section 4.2.12 and the
         leaseholds described in sections 4.2.13 and 4.2.14 constitute all of
         the material assets and properties used by and necessary for the
         operation of SMR, as of the date of the Effective Time (except for
         items disposed of in the ordinary course of business).
                  4.2.16 Intellectual Property. Except as listed on Schedule
         4.2.16, no person has made or to the knowledge of SMR overtly
         threatened in writing to make any claim that the operation of SMR is in
         violation or infringement of any patent, patent licenses, trade name,
         trade mark, service mark, copyright, software license, know-how or
         other proprietary or trade rights of any third party. Except as listed
         on Schedule 4.2.16, SMR owns or has the right to use any trademarks,
         trade names, trade secrets, computer software, patents, inventions,
         processes, copyrights, or other intellectual property (or applications
         therefor) which are materially used in the conduct of its business.
                  4.2.17 Tax Matters. SMR has timely filed all federal, state,
         county and local tax returns, estimates and reports (collectively,
         "Returns") required to be filed by it through the date hereof, copies
         of which have been made available to I-Alliance for their inspection
         and review, which Returns accurately reflect the taxes due for the
         periods indicated; and SMR has paid in full all income, gross receipts,
         value added, excise, property, franchise, sales, use, employment,
         payroll and other taxes of any kind whatsoever (collectively, "Taxes")
         shown to be due by such Returns. The liabilities, if any, for Taxes
         accrued for operations of SMR from the date of the end of the period
         for which the last return for such Tax was filed through September 30,
         1996 are reflected on the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet. There is no
         unassessed deficiency for Taxes proposed or (to the best knowledge of
         SMR and Shareholders ) threatened against SMR, and no taxing authority
         has raised any issue with respect to SMR which, if adversely
         determined, would result in a material liability for any Tax. There are
         not in force any extensions with respect to the dates on which any
         Return was or is due to be filed by SMR or any waivers or agreements by
         SMR for the extension of time for the assessment or payment of any
         Taxes. SMR has not been, and currently is not being, audited by any
         federal, state or local tax authority.
                  4.2.18 Compliance with Laws. To the best knowledge of SMR and
         Shareholders, SMR is not in violation of any applicable law, rule or
         regulation, the violation of which could materially and adversely
         affect the assets, properties, liabilities, business, results of
         operations, or condition (financial or otherwise) of SMR.
                  4.2.19 Permits. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.19, SMR
         (including, without limitation, its employees) has duly obtained and
         holds in full force and effect all consents, authorizations, permits,
         licenses, orders or approvals of, and has made all declarations and
         filings with, all federal, state or local governmental or regulatory
         bodies that are material or necessary in or to the conduct of its
         business (collectively, the "Permits"); all of the Permits were duly


                                      -7-
   8

         obtained and are in full force and effect; no violations are or have
         been recorded in respect of any such Permit and no proceeding is
         pending or, to the best knowledge of SMR and Shareholders, threatened
         to revoke, deny or limit any such Permit.
                  4.2.20 Contracts and Agreements. Schedule 4.2.20 lists and
         briefly describes all written or oral contracts, agreements, leases,
         mortgages and commitments, which exceed $10,000 in annual payments or
         receipts, and to which SMR is a party or by which it may be bound,
         including, without limitation, all management agreements, joint venture
         agreements, leases, guarantees and indemnifications, employment and
         consulting agreements and instruments of indebtedness (collectively,
         "Contracts"), true and correct copies of which have been made available
         to I-Alliance for its inspection and review. All Contracts constitute
         legal, valid and binding obligations of SMR and are in full force and
         effect on the date hereof, and SMR has paid in full amounts due
         thereunder which are due and payable and is not in default under any of
         them nor, to the best knowledge of SMR or Shareholders, is any other
         party to any such contract or other agreement in default thereunder,
         nor, to the best knowledge of SMR or Shareholders, does any condition
         exist that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a
         default or event of default thereunder by SMR or by any other Person.
         Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2.9, no Contract requires the consent
         or approval of a third party in connection with the Merger.
                  4.2.21 Employee Relations. SMR is not a party to any
         collective bargaining agreement or any negotiations for such an
         agreement. SMR has not experienced in the last five years any strike,
         grievance or unfair labor practice claim, suit or administrative
         proceeding. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2.21, SMR is not party to
         any material obligation with respect to any employment contract with a
         term of one year or more. To the best knowledge of SMR and
         Shareholders, SMR has complied in all material respects with any Law
         relating to employment, civil rights and equal employment
         opportunities.
                  4.2.22 Employee Benefits. (a) Schedule 4.2.22 contains a list
         of all pension, retirement, savings, disability, medical, dental or
         other health plans, life insurance (including any individual life
         insurance policy as to which SMR makes premium payments whether or not
         SMR is the owner, beneficiary or both of such policy) or other death
         benefit plans, profit sharing, deferred compensation, stock option,
         bonus or other incentive plans, vacation benefit plans, severance
         plans, or other employee benefit plans or arrangements (whether written
         or arising from custom), ("Benefit Plans) in which the employees of SMR
         participate, and SMR has no other employee pension benefit plan as
         defined in Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
         of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), or any employee welfare benefit plan as
         defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA.
                  (b) To the best knowledge of SMR and Shareholders, SMR has in
         all material respects complied with the requirements of the Benefit
         Plans and with all Law applicable thereto. There are no actions, suits
         claims or disputes related to the Benefit Plans. To the best knowledge
         of SMR and Shareholders, no prohibited transactions in connection with
         any Benefit Plan have occurred.
                  4.2.23 Employee Compensation. SMR has made available to 
         I-Alliance for its inspection and review the permanent  files of all
         the employees of SMR, together with payroll  information pertinent to
         such employees.
                  4.2.24 Insurance. Schedule 4.2.24 lists all policies of
         property, theft, fire, liability, workers' compensation, title,
         professional liability or life insurance or reinsurance or any other
         insurance owned or maintained by SMR or in which SMR is a named insured
         or on which SMR is paying any premiums. All such policies, are in full
         force and effect at the date hereof, and each of the insured parties
         thereunder is not in default with respect to any provision contained in
         any such insurance policy nor failed to give any notice or present any
         claim thereunder in due and timely fashion. Schedule 4.2.24 sets forth
         a summary of the claims history for SMR under such policies since
         January 1, 1993 and, except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.24, there are
         no claims outstanding under any such policies.
                  4.2.25 Liabilities. To the best knowledge of SMR and
         Shareholders, there are no material liabilities or obligations of SMR
         except (i) those accrued, reflected or otherwise provided for on the
         September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet, (ii) those listed on Schedule 4.2.25,
         or (iii) those arising in the ordinary course of business after
         September 30, 1996.
                  4.2.26 Actions and Proceedings. Except as provided on Schedule
         4.2.26, there are no claims, actions, suits, arbitrations, proceedings,
         investigations or inquiries, whether at law or in equity and whether or

                                      -8-
   9

         not before any court, private body or group, governmental department,
         commission, board, agency or instrumentally (collectively "Actions"),
         pending or to the best knowledge of SMR or Shareholders, threatened
         against SMR or any of its assets, whether or not fully or partially
         covered by insurance, or which would give rise to any right of
         indemnification by any Person from SMR, and there are no outstanding
         orders, writs, injunctions, awards, sentences or decrees of any court,
         private body or group, governmental department, commission, board,
         agency or instrumentality against involving or affecting SMR.
                  4.2.27 Bank Accounts, Guarantees and Powers. Schedule 4.2.27
         sets forth (i) a list of all accounts and deposit boxes maintained by
         SMR at any bank or other financial institution and the names of the
         person authorized to effect transactions in such accounts, to borrow
         pursuant to such resolutions and with access to such boxes; (ii) all
         agreements or commitments of SMR guaranteeing the payment of money or
         the performance of other contracts by any third persons; and (iii) the
         names of all persons, firms, associations, corporations, or business
         organizations holding general or special powers of attorney from SMR
         together with a summary of the terms thereof.
                  4.2.28 Absence of Changes. Except as set forth in Schedule
         4.2.28, since September 30, 1996, SMR has carried on its business in
         the ordinary course, and there has not been:
                  4.2.28.1 any material adverse change in its business condition
                  (financial or otherwise), results of operations or
                  liabilities;
                  4.2.28.2 any pending or, to the best knowledge of SMR and 
                  Shareholders, threatened amendment, modification, or
                  termination of any agreement, license or permit which is
                  material to its business;
                  4.2.28.3 any disposition or acquisition of any of its assets
                  or properties other than in the ordinary course; 
                  4.2.28.4 any damage, destruction or other casualty loss
                  (whether or not covered by insurance) adversely
                  affecting or that could reasonably be expected to adversely
                  affect its business or assets; or 
                  4.2.28.5 except in the ordinary course, any material 
                  obligation or liability incurred.

                                    ARTICLE 5
                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF I-ALLIANCE

         I-Alliance represents and warrants to the Shareholders and SMR that:

         5.1 Organization. I-Alliance is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has full
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now being and as heretofore conducted by it, and is duly qualified
or otherwise authorized as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction in which it is required to be so qualified or
authorized.

         5.2 Authority. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by I-Alliance and is the valid and binding agreement of I-Alliance
enforceable against I-Alliance in accordance with its terms. This Agreement has
been, and each other document ancillary to this Agreement to which I-Alliance is
a party will be at the Closing, duly executed and delivered by I-Alliance and
constitute, or will when delivered, constitute, the legal, valid and binding
obligations of I-Alliance, enforceable against I-Alliance, in accordance with
their respective terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws and equitable principles
relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally. This Agreement, the Merger
and other transactions contemplated hereby have been approved and adopted by the
board of directors and the holders of a majority voting power of the shares of
the capital stock of I-Alliance entitled to vote thereon in accordance with the
Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations and the applicable Law.

         5.3 The I-Alliance Shares. The I-Alliance Shares being delivered
pursuant to this Agreement are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

                                      -9-
   10

         5.4 No Breach. The authorization, execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement by I-Alliance will not violate any provision of its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or violate, conflict with or result in
the breach or termination of, or otherwise give any Person the right to
terminate, any agreement to which it is a party.

         5.5 Documents Delivered. I-Alliance has delivered to Shareholders
I-Alliance's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1996,
June 30, 1996, and September 30, 1996, its Information Statement to Stockholders
dated September 23, 1996 and its 8-K dated October 4, 1996, (collectively
the"SEC Documents"). The SEC Documents were true and complete in all material
respects as at their respective dates, did not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact nor omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and since September
23, 1996, there has not been any material adverse change in I-Alliance's
business condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or
liabilities, not reflected in the SEC Documents.

                                    ARTICLE 6
                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

         6.1 I-Alliance Conditions Precedent.  The obligation of I-Alliance to 
close the transactions herein contemplated is subject to the following express
conditions precedent:
                  6.1.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and
         warranties set forth in Article 4 of this Agreement shall be true and
         correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date.
                  6.1.2 Covenants.  SMR and  Shareholders  shall have  
         performed  and complied with all of their covenants under this 
         Agreement in all material respects through the Closing Date.
                  6.1.3 Satisfactory Performance. All actions to be taken by SMR
         and Shareholders in connection with consummation of the transaction
         contemplated hereby and all certificates, instruments, and other
         documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby have
         been completed in a manner which is reasonably satisfactory in form and
         substance to I-Alliance.
                  6.1.4 Continuation of Business. Between September 30 and the
         Closing Date, except as otherwise provided herein, SMR will have been
         operated in the normal course, consistent with prior practice, and will
         not have suffered any damage, destruction, loss or occurrence, whether
         covered by insurance or not, which may materially adversely affect the
         value of SMR.
                  6.1.5 Legal Actions. No suit, action, or other proceeding
         shall be pending or threatened before any court or governmental agency
         seeking to restrain, prohibit or obtain damages or other relief in
         connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated herein and there shall have been no investigation or
         inquiry made or commenced by any governmental agency in connection with
         this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.
                  6.1.6 Employment Agreement. Each Shareholder will have signed
         and delivered to I-Alliance his commitment, substantially in the form
         of Exhibit D attached hereto, to enter into, within ninety days after
         the Closing Date, an employment agreement and non competition agreement
         on similar terms to those of other officers of I-Alliance.
                  6.1.7 Legal Limitations on Closing. There shall not be in
         effect any statute, rule or regulation which makes it illegal for
         I-Alliance to consummate the transactions contemplated herein or any
         order, decree of judgment which enjoins I-Alliance from consummating
         the transactions contemplated hereby.
                  6.1.8 Deliveries by the Shareholders. The Shareholders will
         have delivered the stock certificates representing the SMR Shares, duly
         endorsed for transfer, the written resignations of the directors of SMR
         requested by I-Alliance and the Lock-up Agreement contemplated by
         Section 7.6.
                  6.1.9 Deliveries by SMR. SMR will have delivered the minute
         book, stock book and stock ledger of SMR, and a good standing
         certificate, dated as of a date not more than sixty days prior to the


                                      -10-
   11

         date hereof as to the corporate existence and good standing of SMR
         certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio.
                  6.1.10 Waivers. I-Alliance may waive one or more of said
         conditions but such waiver shall be effective only if in writing and
         signed on behalf of I-Alliance by one of its duly authorized officers
         and may be conditioned in any manner I-Alliance sees fit.

         6.2 Conditions Precedent to Closing by SMR and Shareholders. The
obligation of SMR and Shareholders to close the transactions herein contemplated
is subject to the following express conditions precedent:
                  6.2.1 Representations and Warranties. Representations and
         warranties set forth in Article 5 of this Agreement shall be true and
         correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date.
                  6.2.2 Covenants. I-Alliance will have performed and complied
         with all of its covenants under this Agreement in all material respects
         through the Closing Date.
                  6.2.3 Employment Agreement. I-Alliance will have signed and
         delivered to each Shareholder its commitment, substantially in the form
         of Exhibit D attached hereto, to enter into, within ninety days after
         the Closing Date, an employment agreement and non competition agreement
         on similar terms to those of other officers of I-Alliance.
                  6.2.4 Legal Limitations on Closing. There shall not be in
         effect any statute, rule or regulation which makes it illegal for
         I-Alliance, SMR or the Shareholders to consummate the transactions
         contemplated herein or any order, decree or judgment which enjoins SMR
         or the Shareholders from consummating the transactions contemplated
         hereby.
                  6.2.5 Legal Actions. No suit, action, or other proceeding
         shall be pending or threatened before any court or governmental agency
         seeking to restrain, prohibit or obtain damages or other relief in
         connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated herein and there shall have been no investigation or
         inquiry made or commenced by any governmental agency in connection with
         this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.
                  6.2.6 Satisfactory Performance. All actions to be taken by
         I-Alliance in connection with consummation of the transactions
         contemplated hereby and all certificates, instruments, and other
         documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby have
         been completed in a manner which is reasonably satisfactory in form and
         substance to SMR and Shareholders.
                  6.2.7 Waiver. SMR and Shareholders may waive one or more of
         the foregoing conditions but such waiver shall only be effective if in
         writing and signed by SMR and Shareholders and may be conditioned in
         any manner SMR and Shareholders see fit.
                  6.2.8 Deliveries. The Assumption  Agreement of the Surviving
         Corporation  will have been delivered to SMR and the Shareholders.

                                    ARTICLE 7
                   I-ALLIANCE SHARES, REGISTRATION AND LOCK-UP

         7.1 Legend. Any certificate or certificates representing I-Alliance
Shares will bear the following legend unless and until removal thereof is
permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:
                  THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
                  REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
                  "ACT") OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAW AND MAY
                  NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN
                  EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT FOR THESE
                  SHARES OR AN OPINION OF I-ALLIANCE'S COUNSEL THAT REGISTRATION
                  IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
                  PROMULGATED THEREUNDER OR UNDER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES
                  LAWS.

         7.2 Examination and Investment Representation. Shareholders, severally,
represent and warrant to I-Alliance that each of them has examined I-Alliance's
Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, its Quarterly


                                      -11-
   12

Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996, and
September 30, 1996, its September 23, 1996 Information Statement to
Stockholders, and its Form 8-K dated October 4, 1996, including the financial
statements contained therein, has had the opportunity to discuss I-Alliance's
operations with its officers and employees, and is acquiring the I-Alliance
Shares for his/her own account for investment within the contemplation of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and not with a view to
the transfer or resale thereof, except to the extent otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement, that he has been advised by his counsel of the legal
implications and effect of the foregoing under the Securities Act and of the
circumstances under which he may dispose of his I-Alliance Shares under the
Securities Act, including the possible limited sale thereof pursuant to Rule 144
under the Securities Act and of the affect of the legending of the certificate
for his I-Alliance Shares with the legend described in Section 7.1.

         7.3  Registration Rights. Each  Shareholder shall have the following
registration  rights with respect to the I-Alliance Shares:
                  7.3.1 Transfer of Registration Rights. Shareholder may assign
         the registration rights with respect to the I-Alliance Shares to any
         party or parties to which he may from time to time transfer the
         I-Alliance Shares. Upon assignment of any registration rights pursuant
         to this Section 7.3, Shareholder shall deliver to the entity issuing
         such shares (the "Issuer") a notice of such assignment which includes
         the identity and address of any assignee (collectively, Shareholder and
         each such subsequent holder is referred to as a "Holder").
                  7.3.2 Required Registration. Issuer agrees to register 
         Registrable  Securities pursuant to a registration statement on Form 
         S-3 (the " Registration Statement") as follows:
                           7.3.2.1  Within four months after the Closing Date,
                  Issuer will register  90,000 of the Shares;
                           7.3.2.2 upon demand, the balance of the Registrable
                  Securities associated with the Shares issued in the
                  transactions contemplated by this Agreement provided that such
                  demand may not be made with respect to any such Registrable
                  Securities until the expiration of twenty months after the
                  Closing Date; and
                           7.3.2.3 upon demand, any Registrable Securities
                  issued in connection with the exercise of the warrants issued
                  in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement provided
                  that such demand may not be made with respect to any such
                  Registrable Securities earlier than four months prior to the
                  date such Registrable Securities are free from the restriction
                  on sale described in section 7.6 below.
                  7.3.3 Timing of Registration. Issuer shall use its best 
           efforts  to  cause  the  Registration  Statement  to be declared  
          effective as quickly as practicable after the period of time or 
          demand  described in section 7.3.2 above,  and to maintain the
          effectiveness of the Registration  Statement until such time as Issuer
          reasonably  determines based on an opinion of counsel that the Holders
          will be eligible to sell all of the Registrable  Securities then owned
          by the Holders  without  the need for  continued  registration  of the
          Shares in the three-month period immediately following the termination
          of  the   effectiveness  of  the  Registration   Statement.   Issuer's
          obligations  contained  in Section  7.3 shall  terminate  on the third
          anniversary  of the  Effective  Time,  provided that if Issuer has not
          fulfilled its obligations  with respect to any demand made before such
          date, its obligations  will continue with respect to such demand until
          satisfied or registration  is no longer  required to sell  Registrable
          Securities covered by such demand. 


                   7.3.4 Registration Procedures. In case of each registration,
          qualification or compliance effected by Issuer subject to this Section
          7.3,  Issuer shall keep Holder advised in writing as to the initiation
          of each such registration,  qualification and compliance and as to the
          completion thereof. In addition, Issuer shall at its own expense:
                           7.3.4.1 subject to this Section 7.3.4, before filing
                  a registration or prospectus or any amendment or supplements
                  thereto, furnish to counsel selected by Holder copies of all
                  such documents proposed to be filed and the portions of such
                  documents provided in writing by Holder for use therein,
                  subject to such Holder's approval, and for which Holder shall
                  indemnify Issuer;


                                      -12-
   13

                           7.3.4.2 prepare and file with the SEC such amendments
                  and supplements to the Registration Statement as may be
                  necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective and
                  comply with provisions of the Securities Act with respect to
                  the disposition of all securities covered thereby during such
                  period;
                           7.3.4.3 update, correct, amend and supplement the
                  Registration Statement as necessary; 
                           7.3.4.4 if such offering is to be underwritten, in 
                  whole or in part, enter into a written agreement in form and 
                  substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the managing 
                  underwriter and the registering Holder;
                           7.3.4.5 furnish to Holder such number of
                  prospectuses, including preliminary prospectuses, and other
                  documents that are included in the Registration Statement as
                  Holder may reasonably request from time to time;
                           7.3.4.6 use its best efforts to register to qualify
                  such Registrable Securities under such other securities or
                  blue sky laws of such jurisdictions of the United States as
                  Holder may request to enable it to consummate the disposition
                  in such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities (provided
                  that Issuer will not be required to qualify generally to do
                  business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be
                  required to qualify but for this section 7.3);
                           7.3.4.7 notify Holder, at any time when the
                  prospectus included the Registration Statement relating to the
                  Registrable Securities is required to be delivered under the
                  Securities Act, of the happening of any event which would
                  cause such prospectus to contain an untrue statement of a
                  material fact or omit any fact necessary to make the statement
                  therein in light of the circumstances under which they are
                  made not misleading and, at the request of Holder, prepare a
                  supplement or amendment to such prospectus, so that, as
                  thereafter delivered to purchasers of such shares, such
                  prospectus will not contain any untrue statements of a
                  material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the
                  statements therein in light of the circumstances under which
                  they are made not misleading;
                           7.3.4.8 use its best efforts to cause all such
                  Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities
                  exchange on which similar securities issued by Issuer are then
                  listed and obtain all necessary approvals from the exchange or
                  the National Association of Securities Dealers for trading
                  thereon; and
                           7.3.4.9 upon the sale of any Registrable Securities
                  pursuant to the Registration, remove all restrictive legends
                  from all certificates or other  instruments  evidencing such
                  Registrable  Securities  (to  the  extent  permitted  by the
                  Securities Act).



                  7.3.5  Delay and Suspension. If Issuer is aware of any event 
         which has occurred or which it  reasonably  expects might occur within
         the next ninety days,  and such event would cause (or Issuer  believes
         might cause) the Registration Statement (or any prospectus) to contain
         any untrue  statements  of a  material  fact or omit to state any fact
         necessary to make the statements therein in light of the circumstances
         under which they are made not  misleading,  then  notwithstanding  any
         other provision of this Section 7.3, Issuer upon notice to Holder, may
         delay filing any Registration  Statement  otherwise required hereunder
         or may  withdraw  or suspend  for up to ninety  days any then  pending
         Registration  Statement.  Upon any such delay or suspension no further
         demand  need be made  with  respect  to those  Registrable  Securities
         subject to such  delay or  suspension,  and the three year  period set
         forth  in  section  7.3.3  will  be  extended  with  respect  to  such
         Registrable Securities for the period of such delay or suspension.
                  7.3.6 Expenses. Except as required by law, all expenses
         incurred by in complying with this Section 7.3, including but not
         limited to, all registration, qualification and filing fees, printing
         expenses, fees and disbursements of counsel and accountants for Issuer,
         blue sky fees and expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel
         related to all blue sky matters) ("Registration Expenses") incurred in
         connection with any registration, qualification or compliance pursuant
         this Section 7.3 will be borne by Issuer. All underwriting discounts
         and selling commissions and any fees of Holder's own attorneys or other
         advisors applicable to a sale incurred in connection with any
         registration of Registrable Shares shall be borne by Holder.

                                      -13-
   14

                  7.3.7 Further Information. If Registrable Securities owned by
         Holder are included in any registration, such Holder shall use
         reasonable efforts to cooperate with Issuer and shall furnish Issuer
         such information regarding itself as Issuer may reasonably request and
         as shall be required in connection with any registration, qualification
         or compliance referred to in this Agreement.
                  7.3.8 Definition For purposes of this Section 7.3,
         "Registrable Securities" will mean the I-Alliance Shares (and all
         I-Alliance shares issued in connection with the Warrants) and all
         common stock or other securities issued in respect of such Shares by
         way of a stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a
         combination or subdivision of shares, recapitalization, merger or
         consolidation or reorganization, and any securities issued in respect
         of the I-Alliance Shares or Warrants by way of stock dividend or stock
         split or in connection with any combination or subdivision of shares,
         recapitalization, merger or consolidation or reorganization; provided,
         however, as to any particular Registrable Securities, such Registrable
         Securities will cease to be subject to this Article when they have been
         sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or in a
         transaction exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery
         requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(1) thereof so that
         all transfer restrictions and restrictive legends with respect thereto
         are removed upon the consummation of such sale and the purchaser and
         seller receive an opinion of counsel from the seller or the purchaser,
         which opinion shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
         the other party and Issuer and their respective counsel, to the effect
         that such stock in the hands of the purchaser is freely transferable
         without restriction or registration under the Securities Act in any
         public or private transaction.

         7.4 Indemnity. I-Alliance shall indemnify Shareholders from and against
any and all liabilities to which they may become subject as a result of any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
related registration statement, or the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statement therein not misleading, other than a statement or omission made in
reliance on and consistent with information furnished in writing by the
Shareholders for use in such registration statement, provided, however, that
each Shareholder shall indemnify I-Alliance and the underwriters of any
offering, if any, from and against any and all liabilities to which I-Alliance
may become subject as a result of any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the related registration statement, or
the omission or alleged omissions to state therein a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statement not misleading, but only
insofar as such statement or omission was made in reliance by I-Alliance on and
consistent with information furnished in writing by such Shareholder.

         7.5 Documents. I-Alliance shall furnish to Shareholder one copy of the
registration statement and any amendments thereto and such number of copies of
the final prospectus as they may reasonably request, and shall deliver to the
NASDAQ such number of copies of the final prospectus required to comply with the
prospectus delivery requirements and permit the sale of the registered
I-Alliance Shares on such Exchange.

         7.6 Lock-Up. Each of the  Shareholders  agrees (other than to spouses
and  children who agree to the terms of this section) that he:
                  7.6.1 will not sell, transfer, pledge, or otherwise dispose of
         the I-Alliance Shares prior to the expiration of a twenty-four month
         period following the Closing Date; provided that after the expiration
         of six months from the Closing Date, each of the Shareholders may
         thereafter sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in the aggregate, up
         to fifteen (15%) per cent of the I-Alliance Shares such Shareholder
         receives.

                  7.6.2 will not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of
         Warrants or any shares of I-Alliance common stock acquired as a result
         of the exercise of the Warrants prior to the expiration of the thirty
         (30) month period following the Closing Date; provided that each of the
         Shareholders may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of Warrants or any
         shares of I-Alliance common stock acquired as a result of the exercise
         of the Warrants, in the aggregate up to the following percentage of 


                                      -14-
   15

         the total of such shares that could be acquired upon exercise of the
         Warrants, after the end of each period specified (such period
         commencing on the Closing Date):

                           Six months                33%
                           Eighteen months           66%

                  7.6.3 will enter into a Lock-Up Agreement in the form set
forth in Exhibit E hereto.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                                 OTHER COVENANTS

         8.1 Announcements. Prior to the Closing, none of the parties will make
any public release of information regarding this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereto, except that the parties may issue a press release to be
mutually agreed upon, after the execution of this Agreement and the Closing and
as otherwise required by law.

         8.2 Conduct of Business. During the period from the date hereof to the
Effective Time, unless I-Alliance consents otherwise in writing (which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld), and except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement or disclosed in the Schedules, SMR will:
         8.2.1    conduct the business of SMR only in the ordinary course of
                  business consistent with past practice except as contemplated
                  by this Agreement;
         8.2.2    use its best efforts preserve the goodwill of those suppliers,
                  customers and distributors having business relations with SMR;
         8.2.3    maintain any insurance  coverages as of the date of this 
                  Agreement  against loss or damage to the Assets;
         8.2.4    not  transfer or encumber any of the Assets  except for the 
                  transfer in the  ordinary  course of business;
         8.2.5    maintain the Assets in conditions comparable to their current
                  condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, except for
                  Assets sold or consumed during the ordinary course of
                  business;
         8.2.6    not create, incur, assume, or guarantee any indebtedness,
                  including capitalized lease obligations, either involving more
                  than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) singly or twenty thousand
                  ($20,000) in the aggregate or for any amount whatsoever
                  outside the ordinary course of business;
         8.2.7    not make capital expenditures or series of related capital
                  expenditures either involving more than Ten Thousand dollars
                  ($10,000) singly or in the aggregate, or make any capital
                  investment in, any loan to, or any acquisition of the
                  securities or assets of any other person or entity or persons
                  or entities;
         8.2.8    not make or pledge to make any charitable contribution
                  (including for capital or building purposes) in amounts or to
                  types of organizations not consistent with past practice;
         8.2.9    not make any recapitalization, reorganization, merger,
                  consolidation, reclassification (voting or nonvoting),
                  dissolution or liquidation of SMR, or sale of a substantial
                  portion of the assets of SMR outside the ordinary course of
                  its business;
         8.2.10   not pay any bonuses or any other extraordinary compensation
                  unless the amount thereof has actually been paid or accrued as
                  a liability of SMR.

         8.3 Cooperation. Each party hereto agrees that before and after the
Closing to execute any and all further documents and writings and to perform
such other reasonable actions which may be or become necessary or expedient to
effectuate and carry out this Agreement.

         8.4 Tax Matters. It is the intent of the parties that the exchange of
the SMR shares for the I-Alliance Shares be a tax free reorganization under
section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. I-Alliance and Merger Sub will use
all reasonable efforts to consummate the merger in such fashion, but neither


                                      -15-
   16


I-Alliance nor Merger Sub makes any representation as to the tax treatment of
Shareholders or any agreement with respect to refraining from taking any future
action which could adversely affect the tax treatment of this transaction.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Shareholders
will remain solely liable for any tax consequences to them as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         8.5 Tax Cooperation. After Closing the Surviving Corporation will 
coordinate the preparation of all necessary  tax  returns.  Each party  agrees
to timely  furnish to  Surviving  Corporation  any  records  and other
information reasonably requested by it in connection therewith.

         8.6 Access To Information. SMR will, during ordinary business hours and
upon reasonable notice from I-Alliance, permit I-Alliance and its authorized
representatives to have access to all Assets, to all books, records, accounts,
documents and other materials relating in any way to the business of SMR. SMR
will, as soon as is practicable, furnish to I-Alliance such other information in
possession of SMR, its officers, employees and shareholders with respect to SMR
as I-Alliance may from time to time reasonably request. SMR will otherwise
cooperate in the examination of SMR by I-Alliance.

         8.7      Confidentiality.
                  8.7.1 Any non-public information received by any party hereto
         as a result of discussions and investigations pursuant to or in
         furtherance of this Agreement or otherwise received prior to the
         Closing Date, will be kept confidential by the recipient and will be
         used only for the purposes of evaluating the transactions contemplated
         herein. The parties may make disclosure information to attorneys,
         accountants and advisors provided such parties agree to be bound by the
         terms of this section.
                  8.7.2 SMR will not disclose any confidential information of
         its clients to I-Alliance unless such information is directly relevant
         to and absolutely necessary for the evaluation of the transactions
         contemplated herein. If any such information is disclosed, I-Alliance
         or its employees and agents agree that such information will not be
         given to any employee or agent who does not have a need to know, will
         not be disclosed to any third party whatsoever (unless required by law)
         and will not be used for any purpose other than the evaluation of the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and will be returned to
         SMR upon completion of the Merger.
                  8.7.3 If this Agreement is terminated for any reason the
         parties will promptly return any copies of confidential information to
         the person who supplied it.

         8.8 Collection of Receivables.Surviving Corporation will use all
reasonable efforts to collect the Receivables and pay down the Accrued
Shareholder Liability, subject to the conditions in this Section 8.8, (the
proceeds of such Receivables collectively the "Receipts").
                  8.8.1 Surviving Corporation will be entitled to retain 100% of
         any Receipts until such Receipts equals the amount, if any, by which
         Current Assets less cash exceeds Accrued Shareholder Liability on
         November 30, 1996 after any adjustments described in Section 9.2.
                  8.8.2 Thereafter, Surviving Corporation will remit at the end
         of each month, 100% of Receipts to Shareholders until the Accrued
         Shareholder Liability is satisfied. Shareholders, within thirty days of
         the Closing Date will furnish Surviving Corporation with a schedule of
         the proportion of Receipts payable to each Shareholder.
                  8.8.3 Payments from accounts having both Receivables and post
         November 30, 1996 receivables will be applied as designated on the
         payment. If no designation is made they will be applied on a first in,
         first out basis. If an account disputes the amount of any Receivable,
         the disputed amount may be withheld from amounts that would otherwise
         be due (on a FIFO basis) as a Receipt until such disputed amount is
         paid.
                  8.8.4 Uncollectibles. At the end of each month after the
         Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation will furnish to the
         Shareholders a statement of all amounts of Receivables becoming
         Uncollectible in the previous month. The amount of such account will be
         offset against the amounts owing the Shareholders under the Accrued
         Shareholder Liability in the same proportion as is set forth in 8.8.2

                                      -16-
   17

         above. The Uncollectible Receivable will be assigned over to the
         Shareholders together with all right, title, interest and power to
         collect. This section 8.8.4 sets forth the exclusive remedy with
         respect to breaches of the warranty on collectibility of Receivables in
         section 4.2.11.

         8.9 Insurance. The Shareholders will cause to be maintained claims made
errors and omission insurance of the type maintained by SMR prior to Closing
with insurers and in amounts substantially equivalent to those of SMR prior to
Closing covering the financial statement business (and any other business which
will not be conducted by Surviving Corporation) previously conducted by SMR for
at least five years after the Closing Date. If Surviving Corporation is able to
purchase such insurance at an incremental cost less than that which the
Shareholders can cause such insurance to be purchased, Surviving Corporation
will purchase such insurance on the request of Shareholders and be reimbursed
therefor by Shareholders.

                                    ARTICLE 9
                  CLOSING, CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS AND TERMINATION

         9.1 Closing. The closing ("Closing"), i.e. the execution and delivery
of the documents contemplated by this Agreement, will take place at the offices
of I-Alliance, as soon as practical after the date of this agreement, or at such
time as mutually agreed, to take effect as of the close of business on November
30, 1996 (the "Closing Date"). The parties agree that time is of the essence.
I-Alliance will deliver the I-Alliance Shares and the Warrants to the respective
Shareholders within thirty (30) days of the Closing Date.

         9.2 Adjustments. As soon as the results are reasonably available, but
in no event longer than sixty days after the Closing Date, a balance sheet will
be prepared for SMR as of November 30,1996. If, on the balance sheet of SMR,
computed as of November 30, 1996 (including current liabilities pro rated to
such date), the Total Liabilities of SMR exceed the sum of (i) Fixed Assets plus
(ii) the Current Assets, then the Accrued Shareholder Liability will be
decreased by the amount of such excess. If the Total Liabilities of SMR are less
than the sum of (i) Fixed Assets plus (ii) the Current Assets, then the Accrued
Shareholder Liability will be increased by the amount of such difference. This
Section sets forth the exclusive remedy with respect to breaches of the Net
Worth warranty set forth in section 4.2.6.

         9.3 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time on or 
prior to the Effective Time:
                  9.3.1    by  I-Alliance or SMR if any court of competent  
                           jurisdiction issues any order (other than temporary
                           restraining order) restraining, enjoining or 
                           prohibiting the  transactions;
                  9.3.2    by mutual written agreement of I-Alliance and SMR;
                  9.3.3    by either I-Alliance or SMR if the Effective Time
                           will not have occurred on or before December 31,
                           1996, time being of the essence, provided that the
                           right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
                           section will not be available to any party whose
                           failure to fulfill any obligation of this Agreement
                           has been the cause or resulted in the failure of the
                           Effective Time to occur on or before such date;
                  9.3.4    Breach by SMR. By I-Alliance if there has been a
                           material breach on the part of SMR in its
                           representations, warranties or covenants set forth
                           herein, provided however that if such breach is
                           susceptible to cure, then SMR will have 30 days after
                           receipt of written notice from I-Alliance, of its
                           intent to terminate this Agreement, in which to cure
                           such breach; and
                  9.3.5    Breach by I-Alliance. By SMR if there has been a
                           material breach on the part of I-Alliance in its
                           representations, warranties or covenants set forth
                           herein, provided however that if such breach is
                           susceptible to cure, then I-Alliance will have 30
                           days after receipt of written notice from SMR, of its
                           intent to terminate this Agreement, in which to cure
                           such breach.


                                      -17-
   18

         9.4 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
this Article, all obligations of the parties under this Agreement will terminate
(except for this Article and section 8.7), and no party hereto will have any
further liability to the other parties hereto, except that such termination will
be without prejudice to any claim which a party may have against another for
breach of this Agreement that occurred prior to the date of termination.

                                   ARTICLE 10
                SURVIVAL, INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMIT OF LIABILITY

         10.1 Survival. All of the representations or warranties contained
herein will survive for a period of one year from the Closing Date and will then
expire. Upon the expiration of representations and warranties pursuant to this
section, unless written notice of a claim based on such representations and
warranty specifying in reasonable detail the facts on which the claim is based
will have been delivered to the indemnifying party prior to expiration of such
representation and warranty, such representation and warranty will be of no
further force or effect, as if never made and no action may be brought based on
the same, whether for breach of contract or any other legal theory, except,
however, that claims based on fraud, willful misrepresentation or with respect
to the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1.1 may be asserted
at any time within one year after I-Alliance learns of such fraud, willful
misrepresentation or breach.

         10.2 Shareholders Indemnity. Except for the representations in sections
4.2.6 and 4.2.11, each Shareholder agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
I-Alliance Indemnified Parties harmless from and against all Losses incurred by
I-Alliance Indemnified Parties resulting from or on account of a breach of any
material representation, warranty or covenant of such Shareholder made in this
Agreement.

         10.3 Limit of Liability. No Shareholder will be liable to I-Alliance
under this Agreement for an amount in excess of the sum of the consideration
received by such Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement (exclusive of the
Shareholder Accrued Liability).

         10.4 Conditions of Indemnification. The respective obligations and
liabilities of the Indemnifying Parties to the Indemnified Party under this
Article will be subject to the following terms and conditions:
                  10.4.1 Notice. Within 15 days after receipt of notice of
         commencement of any action or the assertion of any claim by a third
         party (but in any event at least 10 days preceding the date on which an
         answer or other pleading must be served in order to prevent a judgment
         by default in favor of the parties asserting the claim), the
         Indemnified Parties will give the Indemnifying Party written notice
         thereof, together with a copy of such claim, process or other legal
         pleading and the Indemnifying Party will have the right to undertake
         defense thereof, by representatives of its own choosing, that are
         reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding the
         Indemnifying Parties undertaking of such defense, the Indemnified Party
         will have the right to engage its own counsel, at its own expense and
         participate in the defense of claims; provided, however that the
         Indemnifying Party will retain the right in its sole and absolute
         discretion to make all decisions with respect to the defense,
         settlement or compromise of such claim, provided that the Indemnifying
         Party remains liable for any payments due under any such settlement or
         compromise.
                  10.4.2 Failure to Assume Defense. If the Indemnifying Party by
         the 15th day after receipt of notice of such claim (or if earlier by
         the 5th day preceding the day on which the answer or other pleading
         must be filed in order to prevent judgment by default in favor of the
         person asserting such claim), does not elect to defend against such
         claim, the Indemnified Party will (upon further notice to Indemnifying
         Party) have the right to undertake defense, compromise or settlement of
         such claim on behalf of and for the account and risk of the
         Indemnifying Party; provided however, that the Indemnified Party will
         not settle or compromise such claim without the Indemnifying Parties
         consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld; and provided
         further, that the Indemnifying Party will have the right to assume the

                                      -18-
   19

         defense of such claim with counsel of its own choosing at any time
         prior to settlement, compromise or final termination thereof.
                  10.4.3 Cooperation. In connection with any indemnification,
         the Indemnified Party will cooperate with all reasonable requests of
         the Indemnifying Party, and will be reimbursed all its out of pocket
         expenses.

         10.5 Shareholders Additional Indemnity. Each Shareholder agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold I-Alliance Indemnified Parties harmless from and
against all Losses incurred by I-Alliance Indemnified Parties resulting from or
on account of any and all federal, state or local income tax or franchise tax
liability of SMR (or on account of SMR) whether in the current or future tax
years, on account of the distribution to the Shareholders of the Accrued
Shareholder Liability to the extent such tax liability is not reflected on the
Financial Statements.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         11.1 Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may be amended,  
modified and supplemented only by a writing signed by I-Alliance and the 
Shareholders.

         11.2 Waiver of Compliance. Any failure of I-Alliance or the
Shareholders to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition
herein contained may only be waived in writing by (i) I-Alliance in the case of
any failure of the Shareholders or (ii) the Shareholders in the case of any
failure of I-Alliance. Such waiver shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given.

         11.3 Expenses. Each party will pay its own expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated by this
Agreement. The foregoing shall not be construed as limiting any other rights
which any party may have as a result of misrepresentation of or breach by any
other party.
         11.4 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given when delivered by hand, or when mailed by certified or
registered mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid or when delivered by
fax (evidenced by confirmation of successful transmission), as follows:
                  A. If to I-Alliance:

                  International Alliance Services, Inc.
                  10055 Sweet Valley Drive
                  Valley View, Ohio 44125
                  Phone: (216) 447-9000; Fax:     (216) 447-9137
                  Attn: Joseph E. LoConti

                  With a copy to:
                  Anne L. Meyers & Associates Co., LPA
                  2 Summit Park Drive, Ste. 150
                  Cleveland, Ohio 44131-2553
                  Phone: (216) 520-4344  Fax:     (216) 520-4350
                  Attn: Anne L. Meyers

or to such other person or place as I-Alliance or I-Alliance shall designate by
notice in the manner provided in this Section 11.4:


                                      -19-
   20

                  B. If to the Shareholders:

                  To the Shareholders at their
                  respective addresses set forth on
                  Exhibit A

                  With a copy to:

                  Robert A. Ranallo, Esq.
                  SMR & Co. Business Services
                  6685 Beta Dr.
                  Mayfield Heights, OH
                  Phone: 442-8642; Fax 442-5609

or to such other person as the Shareholders shall designate by notice in the
manner provided in this Section 11.4.

         11.5 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of I-Alliance and its successors and assigns, and to the Shareholders
and their respective successors and assigns or heirs, executors, administrators
and personal representatives, as the case may be, but neither this Agreement nor
any of the rights, interests and obligations hereunder shall be assigned by
I-Alliance or any of the Shareholders without the prior written consent of the
other parties.

         11.6 Third Parties. This Agreement is not intended to and shall not be
construed to give any Person other than the parties hereto any interest or
rights (including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights) with
respect to or in connection with any agreement or provision contained herein or
contemplated hereby.

         11.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the Ohio, without regard to principles of
conflicts of laws. I-Alliance and the Shareholders hereby irrevocably submit to
the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Ohio, with venue in Cuyahoga
County, over any dispute arising out of this Agreement and agree that all claims
in respect of such dispute or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such
court. I-Alliance and the Shareholders hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they may have to the
venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient
forum for the maintenance of such dispute. I-Alliance and the Shareholders
hereby consent to process being served by them in any suit, action or proceeding
by delivering it in the manner specified by the provisions of Section 11.4 of
this Agreement.

         11.8     Severability The invalidity or unenforceability in whole or in
                  part of any covenant, promise or undertaking, or any section,
                  subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or any of the
                  provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or
                  enforceability of the remaining portions of this Agreement. If
                  for any reason, any provision is determined to be invalid or
                  in conflict with any existing, or future law or regulation by
                  a court or agency having valid jurisdiction, such will not
                  impair the operation or have any other effect upon such other
                  provisions of this Agreement as may remain otherwise valid,
                  and the latter will continue to be given full force and effect
                  and bind the parties hereto.

         11.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         11.10 Headings. The headings of the sections, schedules and articles of
this Agreement are inserted for the sake of convenience only and shall not
constitute a part hereof.

                                      -20-
   21

         11.11 Disclosures. Any disclosure in any Schedule to this Agreement
will be deemed a disclosure for all purposes under this Agreement and shall be
considered a disclosure under all other schedules of this Agreement; provided
information in documents referenced in but not included as part of a schedule
will not be disclosure for purposes of this section. Schedule 4.2.4 will be
updated upon completion of the November 30, 1996 balance sheet.

         11.12 Waiver of Conflicts. Each of the parties acknowledge that Gregory
J. Skoda has represented or participated in the management of SMR and I-Alliance
in various capacities, and that SMR has provided financial advice to I-Alliance
and that Skoda has advised SMR and I-Alliance, and SMR has advised I-Alliance
that the economic and financial interests of the parties arising under or
relating to this Agreement are or may be in material conflict. Each party
further acknowledges that they have been advised to seek and consult independent
advice, and has done so to the extent such party deems prudent. Each party
agrees to forever waive any present or future claim of conflict of interest or
other claim or cause of action which they may have as result to the multiple
advice given to the parties by Gregory J. Skoda, or any advice given by SMR to
I-Alliance in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         11.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the schedules and
exhibits, contains the entire understanding of the parties in respect of the
subject matter contained herein and therein and there are no other terms or
conditions, representations or warranties, written or oral, express or implied,
except as set forth herein.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the day and year first above written.

INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.       IASI/SMR ACQUISITION, INC.
         By: ________________________       By: __________________________
         Edward F. Feighan, President             Craig Stout, President

SMR & CO. BUSINESS SERVICES
         By: _______________________
         Keith W. Reeves, President

THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SMR
_______________________________                ________________________
         Gregory J. Skoda                         Keith W.Reeves
_______________________________                ________________________
         Michael L. Minotti                      Patrick T. Carney


                                      -21-






   22


                                    EXHIBIT A
                               Shareholders of SMR


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

            Name                                 Address                    Shares            Warrants        %
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- ---------
- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- ---------
                                                                                                
Gregory J. Skoda                                                            195,600        293,400         32.6

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

Michael L. Minotti                                                          189,000        283,500         31.5

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

Keith W. Reeves                                                             185,400        278,100         30.9

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

Patrick T. Carney                                                            30,000         45,000           5.0

- ------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------- ---------
-22- 23 EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES REQUIRED PLAN & AGREEMENT OF MERGER IASI/SMR ACQUISITION COMPANY AND SMR Exhibit A Shareholders of SMR Exhibit B Terms of Warrants Exhibit C Assumption Agreement Exhibit D Employment Agreement Commitment Exhibit E Lock-Up Agreement Schedule 2.4 Initial Directors of Surviving Corporation Schedule 2.6 Shareholders I-Alliance Shares and Warrants Schedule 4.1.4 Affiliated Transactions Schedule 4.2.4 Financial Statements of SMR Schedule 4.2.7 Subsidiaries of SMR Schedule 4.2.9 No Consent of Outside Parties Schedule 4.2.10 No Breach Schedule 4.2.12 Other Tangible Property Schedule 4.2.14 Real Property Schedule 4.2.16 Intellectual Property Schedule 4.2.19 Permits Schedule 4.2.20 Contracts and Agreements Schedule 4.2.21 Employment and Consulting Contracts Schedule 4.2.22 Employee Benefits Schedule 4.2.24 Insurance Schedule 4.2.25 Liabilities Schedule 4.2.26 Actions and Proceedings Schedule 4.2.27 Bank Accounts, Guarantees and Powers Schedule 4.2.28 Absence of Changes -23-
   1
                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.19





                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                  by and among

                      INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.

                                       and

                            IASI/ECI ACQUISITION CO.

                                       and

                ENVIRONMENTAL & COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

                                       and

                                ITS SHAREHOLDERS



                             Dated: November 5, 1996

   2


         This Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") is entered into as
of this 5th day of November, 1996 by and among International Alliance Services,
Inc., (" I-Alliance"), IASI/ECI Acquisition Co., ("Merger Sub"), Environmental
and Commercial Agency Inc., ("ECI"), and Christopher Timm ("Timm"), Shirley Sue
Ellis aka Shirley K. Ellis ("Ellis") and Mark Perkins ("Perkins"), (the
preceding individually "Shareholder" and collectively "Shareholders").

         WHEREAS, the Shareholders own all of the common stock of ECI, in the
amounts set forth in Exhibit A hereto (collectively the "ECI Shares"); and

         WHEREAS, I-Alliance has determined that it wishes to acquire ECI; and

         WHEREAS, to consummate such acquisition I-Alliance has formed Merger
Sub into which ECI will be merged with ECI as the surviving corporation; and

         WHEREAS, ECI has determined that it wishes to be acquired by
I-Alliance.

Therefore in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other
good and valuable consideration the parties agree as follows.

                                    ARTICLE 1
                                   DEFINITIONS

         As used herein the following terms will have the meanings set forth:
         1.1      "Closing" will have the meaning set forth in section 9.1.
         1.2      "Closing Date" will have the meaning set forth in section 9.1.
         1.3      "Effective Date" will have the meaning set forth in Article 3.
         1.4      "I-Alliance Indemnified Parties" will mean I-Alliance and
                  I-Alliance's employees, directors, officers, shareholders and
                  agents.
         1.5 "Liens" will mean any lien, mortgage, claim, charge, security
interest, encumbrance, restriction or limitation.
         1.6 "Losses" will mean any and all expenses, losses, costs,
deficiencies, liabilities and damages including, but not limited to legal and
professional fees and expenses suffered or incurred in any manner including
investigation and defense of claims.
         1.7 "Person" will mean any natural person, corporation, partnership,
trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock
company, government (or any agency or political subdivision thereof) or other
entity of any kind.

                                    ARTICLE 2

                                     MERGER

         2.1 The Merger Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement
and in accordance with the Ohio General Corporation Law (the "OGCL") at the
Effective Date the Merger Sub will be merged with and into ECI (the "Merger")
and the separate existence of Merger Sub will cease and ECI will continue as the
surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation").

         2.2  Effect of the Merger. The Merger  will have the  effect  set 
forth in Section  1701.82 of the
OGCL.


                                      -2-
   3

         2.3 Certificate of Incorporation and Code of Regulations. At the
Effective Date, the Articles of Incorporation and the Code of Regulations of ECI
prior to the Effective Date will be and continue to be the Articles of
Incorporation and Code of Regulations of the Surviving Corporation.

         2.4 Directors. Each person serving as a director of ECI prior to the
Effective Date will become the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation,
each to hold office in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation until his
or her respective successor is duly elected or appointed and qualified or until
their earlier death, resignation or removal.

         2.5 Officers. Each person serving as an officer of ECI prior to the
Effective Date will become the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation,
each to hold office in accordance with the Article of Incorporation until his or
her respective successor is duly elected or appointed and qualified or until
their earlier death, resignation or removal.

         2.6  Conversion of Securities. At the  Effective Date, by virtue of 
the Merger and without any action on the part of the parties or the holders 
of any of the respective securities:
                  2.6.1 All shares of ECI common stock, issued and outstanding
         immediately prior to the Effective Date (the "ECI Shares") will be
         converted into the right to receive in the aggregate one hundred ninety
         two thousand five hundred (192,500) shares of I-Alliance common stock
         (the "I-Alliance Shares") as described in Article 7, which will be
         delivered to each Shareholder in the number of shares set forth
         opposite such Shareholder's name on Schedule 2.6.
                  2.6.2 Each share of ECI common stock held in the treasury of
         ECI will automatically be canceled and retired without any conversion
         thereof.
                  2.6.3 Each share of Merger Sub common stock, without par
         value, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date
         will be automatically converted into one share of common stock of the
         Surviving Corporation.

         2.7 Consideration. As additional consideration, I-Alliance will pay, at
the Effective Date, to the holders of all the ECI Shares in the aggregate, One
Million Dollars ($1,000,000), to be allocated equally to each such share, to be
delivered to each Shareholder in the amount set forth opposite such
Shareholder's name on Schedule 2.6.

                                    ARTICLE 3
                             CONSUMMATION OF MERGER

         The Closing will take place on the Closing Date at the offices of
I-Alliance, 10055 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH 44125 or such other place
as the parties may agree. At the time of the Closing, the parties will cause the
Merger to be consummated by filing a Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of
State of Ohio, in such form as required by and executed in accordance with the
OGCL. The date and time of such filing will be the Effective Date.

                                    ARTICLE 4
         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ECI, TIMM AND SHAREHOLDERS

         4.1  Warranties and Representations of Shareholders. Each Shareholder,
severally, represents and warrants to I-Alliance and Merger Sub that:
                  4.1.1 Authority. The Shareholder has the right, power,
         authority and legal capacity to enter into and perform such
         Shareholder's obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the
         transactions contemplated hereby to be performed by such Shareholder,
         and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the

                                      -3-
   4

         Shareholder and is a valid and binding agreement of the Shareholder
         enforceable against such Shareholder in accordance with its terms,
         except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or
         similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the availability
         of equitable remedies.
                  4.1.2 Title to the ECI Shares. The Shareholder owns, of record
         and beneficially, all of the ECI Shares set forth opposite such
         Shareholder's name on Exhibit A, hereto free and clear of all Liens.
                  4.1.3 No Brokers. The Shareholder has not employed any broker
         or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions
         or finders' fees in connection with the transactions contemplated
         hereby for which ECI or I-Alliance may be responsible.
                  4.1.4 Affiliated Transactions. Except as specifically set
         forth (including dollar amounts) on Schedule 4.1.4 as of the date
         hereof, neither the Shareholder nor any Affiliate of the Shareholder
         (as defined below) is indebted to, or is a creditor of, or a guarantor
         of any obligation of, or a party to any contract, agreement, license,
         option, commitment or other arrangement, written or oral, express or
         implied, with, ECI except as disclosed on such schedule. For purposes
         of this Section, an "Affiliate of the Shareholder" means any employee,
         officer or director of the Shareholder, any spouse or family member
         (including in-laws) of the Shareholder, or any corporation or other
         entity in which such Shareholder has an equity or ownership interest
         exceeding five percent.
                  4.1.5 Representation. Each Shareholder has has been 
         represented by its own counsel is not relying on or represented by 
         counsel for I-Alliance.

         4.2  Warranties and Representations of ECI and Timm. ECI and Timm 
hereby represent and warrant to I-Alliance and Merger Sub that:
                  4.2.1 Organization. ECI is a corporation duly organized,
         validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
         Ohio with full power and authority (including any applicable licenses)
         to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business
         as now being and as heretofore conducted, and is duly qualified or
         otherwise authorized as a foreign corporation to transact business and
         is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it is required to be
         so qualified or authorized (each of which jurisdictions is set forth on
         Schedule 4.2.1).
                  4.2.2 Authority. The execution, delivery and performance by
         ECI of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement, have been duly authorized by all
         necessary corporate action by ECI. This Agreement has been, and each
         other document ancillary to this Agreement to which ECI is a party will
         be at the Closing, duly executed and delivered by ECI and constitute,
         or will when delivered, constitute, the legal, valid and binding
         obligations of ECI, enforceable against ECI, in accordance with their
         respective terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws and equitable
         principles relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally.
                  4.2.3 Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of ECI
         consists of 100 shares of common stock, of which the ECI Shares
         constitute all of the shares outstanding (there being no treasury
         shares). The ECI Shares have been duly authorized and are validly
         issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and there are no outstanding
         rights, subscriptions, warrants, calls, preemptive rights, options or
         other agreements or commitments of any kind or character to purchase or
         otherwise to acquire from ECI any of its unissued shares of capital
         stock or any other security of ECI in favor of any Person.
                  4.2.4 Financial Statements. There have been delivered to
         I-Alliance and there are attached hereto as Schedule 4.2.4 true and
         correct copies of (a) the balance sheet of ECI as at September 30, 1995
         (the "September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet") and the related unaudited
         statement of income of ECI for the nine months then ended and (b) the
         balance sheet of ECI as at June 30, 1996, together with the unaudited
         statement of income of ECI for the six months then ended. I-Alliance
         previously has been furnished with the unaudited balance sheets of ECI
         as at December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the related unaudited
         statements of income for each of the years then ended. All of such
         financial statements, including the notes thereto, are true and
         correct, are in accordance with the books and records of ECI, fairly

                                      -4-
   5

         present the financial condition and results of operations of ECI as at
         the respective dates and for the respective periods covered thereby and
         were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
         principles consistently applied.

                  4.2.5 Absence of Changes. Since September 30, 1996, ECI has
         carried on its business in the ordinary course, and there has not been
         any material adverse change in its business condition (financial or
         otherwise), results of operations or liabilities.
                  4.2.6 Net Worth. At the Effective Date the net worth of ECI,
         computed  on the same basis as the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet 
         will be One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000).

                  4.2.7 No Subsidiaries. Except as setforth on Schedule 4.2.7,
         ECI has no subsidiaries.
                  4.2.8  Articles of Incorporation, Code of Regulations, 
         Corporate Records and Committees. The copies of the
         Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of ECI
         heretofore delivered to I-Alliance are correct and complete. The stock
         transfer, minute books and corporate records of ECI which have been
         made available to I-Alliance are correct and complete and constitute
         the only written records and minutes of the meetings, proceedings, and
         other actions of the shareholders and the Board of Directors of ECI
         from the date of its organization to the date hereof, there being no
         committees of its Board of Directors.
                  4.2.9 No Consent. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.9, no
         consent, order, license, approval or authorization of, or exemption by,
         or registration or declaration or filing with, any governmental
         authority, bureau or agency, and no consent or approval of any other
         Person, is required to be obtained or made in connection with the sale
         of the ECI Shares.
                  4.2.10 No Breach. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.10, the
         performance of this Agreement will not (i) violate any provision of the
         Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of ECI; (ii) violate,
         conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, or constitute
         an amendment to, or otherwise give any Person the right to terminate,
         or constitute (or with notice or lapse of time or both would
         constitute) a default (by way of substitution, novation or otherwise)
         under the terms of, any contract, mortgage, lease, bond, indenture,
         agreement, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which ECI is
         a party or by which ECI or any of its respective assets or properties
         are bound or affected; (iii) result in the creation of any Liens" upon
         the properties or assets of ECI pursuant to the terms of any contract,
         mortgage, lease, bond, indenture, agreement, franchise or other
         instrument or obligation; (iv) violate any judgment, order, injunction,
         decree or award of any court, arbitrator, administrative agency or
         governmental or regulatory body against, or binding upon, ECI or any of
         its securities, properties, assets or business; (v) constitute a
         violation by ECI of any statute, law, rule or regulation of any
         jurisdiction as such statute, law, rule or regulation relates to ECI or
         to any of its securities, properties, assets or business; or (vi)
         violate any Permit.
                  4.2.11 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable of ECI
         reflected on the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet are actual and bona
         fide accounts receivable which arose in the ordinary and usual course
         of ECI's business, represent valid obligations due to ECI, are
         collectible in the aggregate recorded amounts thereof on the books of
         ECI and substantially all of such accounts will be collected by
         December 31, 1996. Schedule 4.2.11 sets forth a summary of the terms of
         payment (with the aging indicated) of all such accounts receivable at
         the date hereof.
                  4.2.12 Other Tangible Property. ECI has good and marketable
         title to all of the assets reflected on its books and records and on
         the September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Liens,
         except for those assets leased by ECI under leases listed on Schedule
         4.2.12. The tangible personal properties material to the business of
         ECI including, without limitation, ECI's personal computers, are in
         good operating condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
                  4.2.13 Real Property. ECI does not own any real property.
         Schedule 4.2.13 sets forth a true and correct list of all leases,
         subleases or other agreements under which ECI is lessee or lessor of
         any real property or has any interest in real property and, except as
         set forth in Schedule 4.2.13, there are no rights or options held by

                                      -5-
   6


         ECI, or any contractual obligations on its part, to purchase or
         otherwise acquire (including by way of lease or sublease) any interest
         in or use of any real property, not any rights or options granted by
         ECI, or any contractual obligations entered into by it, to sell or
         otherwise dispose of (including by way of lease or sublease) any
         interest in or use of any real property. All such leases, subleases and
         other agreements grant the leasehold estates or other interests they
         purport to grant with the right to quiet possession, are in full force
         and effect and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the
         respective parties hereto, with no existing or claimed default or event
         of default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would
         constitute a default or event of default by ECI or, to the knowledge of
         Timm, by any other party thereto, which would materially and adversely
         affect ECI. ECI is not in violation of any building, zoning, health,
         safety, environmental or other law, rule or regulation and no notice
         from any Person has been served upon ECI claiming any such violation.
                  4.2.14 Intellectual Property. Except as listed on Schedule
         4.2.14, ECI does not own or use any trademarks, trade names, trade
         secrets, patents, inventions, processes, copyrights, copyright rights
         or other intellectual property rights (or applications therefor), nor
         is the use thereof required, in connection with its business.
                  4.2.15 Tax Matters. ECI has timely filed all federal, state,
         county and local tax returns, estimates and reports (collectively,
         "Returns") required to be filed by it through the date hereof, copies
         of which have been delivered to I-Alliance, which Returns accurately
         reflect the taxes due for the periods indicated, and has paid in full
         all income, gross receipts, value added, excise, property, franchise,
         sales, use, employment, payroll and other taxes of any kind whatsoever
         (collectively, "Taxes") shown to be due by such Returns, and adequate
         reserves have been established with respect to any liabilities for
         Taxes accrued through September 30, 1996 and are reflected on the
         September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet and, to the knowledge of Timm, there
         is no unassessed deficiency for Taxes proposed or threatened against
         ECI, and no taxing authority has raised any issue with respect to ECI
         which, if adversely determined, would result in a liability for any Tax
         which has not been reserved against on the September 30, 1996 Balance
         Sheet, and there are not in force any extensions with respect to the
         dates on which any Return was or is due to be filed by ECI or any
         waivers or agreements by ECI for the extension of time for the
         assessment or payment of any Taxes. ECI has not been, and currently is
         not being, audited by any federal, state or local tax authority.
                  4.2.16 Compliance with Laws. ECI is not in violation of any
         applicable law, rule or regulation, the violation of which could
         materially and adversely affect the assets, properties, liabilities,
         business, results of operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or
         prospects of ECI, nor does Timm know of the enactment, promulgation or
         adoption of any such law, rule or regulation which is not yet
         effective.
                  4.2.17 Permits. (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2.17(a),
         ECI (including, without limitation, its employees) has duly obtained
         and holds in full force and effect all consents, authorizations,
         permits, licenses, orders or approvals of, and has made all
         declarations and filings with, all federal, state or local governmental
         or regulatory bodies that are material or necessary in or to the
         conduct of its business (collectively, the "Permits"); all of the
         Permits were duly obtained and are in full force and effect; no
         violations are or have been recorded in respect of any such Permit and
         no proceeding is pending or threatened to revoke, deny or limit any
         such Permit; and (b) Schedule 4.2.17(b) sets forth a true and complete
         list of all local recording agent licenses, surplus lines licenses and
         managing general agency licenses issued by any jurisdiction to ECI,
         together with the expiration dates thereof.
                  4.2.18 Contracts and Agreements. Schedule 4.2.18 lists and
         briefly describes all written or oral contracts, agreements, leases,
         mortgages and commitments to which ECI is a party or by which is may be
         bound, including, without limitation, all insurance underwriting
         agreements, agency agreements, brokerage agreements, management
         agreements, joint venture agreements, leases, guarantees and
         indemnifications, employment and consulting agreements and instruments
         of indebtedness (collectively, "Contracts"), true and correct copies of
         which have been made available to I-Alliance. All Contracts constitute
         legal, valid and binding obligations of ECI and, to the knowledge of
         Timm, of the other parties thereto and are in full force and effect on

                                      -6-
   7


         the date hereof, and ECI has paid in full amounts due thereunder which
         are due and payable and is not in default under any of them nor, to the
         knowledge of Timm, is any other party to any such contract or other
         agreement in default thereunder, nor does any condition exist that with
         notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default or event of
         default thereunder by ECI or, to the knowledge of Timm, by any other
         Person. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2.9, no Contract requires the
         consent or approval of a third party in connection with the sale of the
         ECI Shares.
                  4.2.19 Employee Benefits. (a) Except as set forth on Schedule
         4.2.19, there are no pension, retirement, savings, disability, medical,
         dental or other health plans, life insurance (including any individual
         life insurance policy as to which ECI makes premium payments whether or
         not ECI is the owner, beneficiary or both of such policy) or other
         death benefit plans, profit sharing, deferred compensation, stock
         option, bonus or other incentive plans, vacation benefit plans,
         severance plans, or other employee benefit plans or arrangements
         (whether written or arising from custom), and ECI has no employee
         pension benefit plan as defined Section 3(2) of the Employee Retirement
         Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), or any employee
         welfare benefit plan as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA.
                  (b) ECI has in all material respects complied with the
         requirements to the extent applicable, of the Consolidated Omnibus
         Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA") with respect to the
         continuation of employer-provided health benefits following a
         "qualifying event" which would otherwise terminate such benefits, as
         provided in Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
         amended, and applicable regulations and Internal Revenue Service
         rulings, notices and other pronouncements.
                  4.2.20 Insurance. Schedule 4.2.20 lists and provides a summary
         description of all policies of property, theft, fire, liability,
         workers' compensation, title, professional liability or life insurance
         or reinsurance or any other insurance owned or maintained by ECI or in
         which ECI is a named insured or on which ECI is paying any premiums.
         All such policies are of a type and in amounts of coverage customary in
         businesses such as those engaged in by ECI, and except as set forth on
         Schedule 4.2.20, are in full force and effect at the date hereof, and
         each of the insured parties thereunder is not in default with respect
         to any provision contained in any such insurance policy nor failed to
         give any notice or present any claim thereunder in due and timely
         fashion. Schedule 4.2.20 sets forth a summary of the claims history for
         ECI under such policies since January 1, 1993 and, except as set forth
         on Schedule 4.2.20, there are no claims outstanding under any such
         policies.
                  4.2.21 Accounts Payable. Except as set forth on Schedule
         4.2.21, no accounts payable of ECI have arisen subsequent to September
         30, 1996 that exceed $10,000 for any one payee or $100,000 in the
         aggregate, other than premiums payable to insurance companies.
                  4.2.22 Liabilities. There are no material liabilities or
         obligations of ECI, either accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise,
         whether or not of a kind required by generally accepted accounting
         principles to be set forth on a financial statement ("Liabilities"),
         except (a) those accrued, reflected or otherwise provided for on the
         September 30, 1996 Balance Sheet and (b) those listed on Schedule
         4.2.22.
                  4.2.23 Actions and Proceedings. Except as provided on Schedule
         4.2.23, there are no claims, actions, suite, arbitrations, proceedings,
         investigations or inquiries, whether at law or in equity and whether or
         not before any court, private body or group, governmental department,
         commission, board, agency or instrumentally (collectively "Actions"),
         pending or to the knowledge of Timm or Perkins, threatened against,
         involving or affecting ECI or any of its assets, whether or not fully
         or partially covered by insurance, or which would give rise to any
         right of indemnification by any Person from ECI, and there are no
         outstanding orders, writs, injunctions, awards, sentences or decrees of
         any court, private body or group, governmental department, commission,
         board, agency or instrumentality against involving or affecting ECI.
                  4.2.24 Bank Accounts, Guarantees and Powers. Schedule 4.2.24
         sets forth (i) a list of all accounts, borrowing resolutions and
         deposit boxes maintained by ECI at any bank or other financial
         institution and the names of the person authorized to effect
         transactions in such accounts, to borrow pursuant to such resolutions
         and with access to such boxes; (ii) all agreements or commitments of

                                      -7-
   8

         ECI guaranteeing the payment of money or the performance of other
         contracts by any third persons; and (iii) the names of all persons,
         firms, associations, corporations, or business organizations holding
         general or special powers of attorney from ECI together with a summary
         of the terms thereof.
                  4.2.25 Absence of Changes. Except as set forth in Schedule
         4.2.25, since September 30, 1996, ECI has carried on its business in
         the ordinary course, and there has not been:
                  4.2.25.1 any material adverse change in its business condition
                  (financial or otherwise), results of operations or
                  liabilities; 4.2.25.2 any pending or threatened amendment,
                  modification, or termination of any agreement, license or
                  permit which is material to its business; 4.2.25.3 any
                  disposition or acquisition of any of its assets or properties
                  other than in the ordinary course; 4.2.25.4 any damage,
                  destruction or other casualty loss (whether or not covered by
                  insurance) adversely affecting or that could reasonably be
                  expected to adversely affect its business or assets; 4.2.25.5
                  any increase in the compensation of any of its employees; or
                  4.2.25.6 except in the ordinary course, any obligation or
                  liability (whether matured, unmatured, absolute, accrued,
                  contingent or otherwise) incurred. 4.2.26 Employee Relations.
                  ECI has not at any time during the last five years had, or, to
         the knowledge of Timm, is there now threatened, a strike, picket, work
         stoppage, work slowdown, or other labor trouble or dispute, and Timm
         has no knowledge of any employee's proposed resignation.
                  4.2.27 Full Disclosure. All documents, schedules and other
         materials delivered or made available by ECI to I-Alliance in
         connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
         are true and complete in all material respects, and do not, in light of
         the circumstances under which the statements contained in the
         information so furnished are made, contain any untrue statement of a
         material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the
         statements contained therein not false or misleading.
                  4.2.28 Employee Compensation. Schedule 4.2.28 lists all
         employees of ECI, setting forth their respective salaries, whether they
         are employed under contract or at will, and the expiration date of each
         contract.
                  4.2.29 Representation. ECI has has been  represented  by its
         own counsel is not relying on or represented by counsel for I-Alliance.

                                    ARTICLE 5
                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF I-ALLIANCE

         I-Alliance represents and warrants to the Shareholders and ECI that:

         5.1 Organization. I-Alliance is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has full
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now being and as heretofore conducted by it, and is duly qualified
or otherwise authorized as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction in which it is required to be so qualified or
authorized.

         5.2 Authority. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by I-Alliance and is the valid and bind agreement of I-Alliance
enforceable against I-Alliance in accordance with its terms.

         5.3 The I-Alliance Shares. The I-Alliance Shares being delivered 
hereby are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.


                                      -8-
   9


         5.4 No Breach. The authorization, execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement by I-Alliance will not violate any provision of its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or violate, conflict with or result in
the breach or termination of, or otherwise give any Person the right to
terminate, any agreement to which it is a party.

         5.6 Documents Delivered. I-Alliance has delivered to Shareholders
I-Alliance's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995 (the "1995 Form 10-K"), its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters
ended March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996, its Information Statement dated
September 23, 1996 (collectively the"SEC Documents"). The SEC Documents were
true and complete in all material respects as at their respective dates, did not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact nor omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, and since September 23, 1996, there has not been any material
adverse change in I-Alliance's business condition (financial or otherwise),
results of operations or liabilities, not reflected in the SEC Documents.

                                    ARTICLE 6
                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

         6.1  I-Alliance Conditions Precedent. The obligation of I-Alliance 
to close the transactions herein contemplated is subject to the following 
express conditions precedent:
                  6.1.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and
         warranties set forth in Article 4 of this Agreement shall be true and
         correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date.
                  6.1.2 Covenants. ECI and Shareholders shall have performed
         and complied with all of their covenants under this Agreement in all 
         material respects through the Closing Date.
                  6.1.3 Satisfactory Performance. All actions to be taken by ECI
         and Shareholders in connection with consummation of the transaction
         contemplated hereby and all certificates, opinions, instruments, and
         other documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby
         have been completed in a manner which is reasonably satisfactory in
         form and substance to I-Alliance.
                  6.1.4 Continuation of Business. Between the date of the
         Financial Statements and the Closing Date, ECI will have been operated
         in the normal course and will not have suffered any damage,
         destruction, loss or occurrence, whether covered by insurance or not,
         which may materially adversely affect the value of ECI or its business
         prospects.
                  6.1.5 Legal Actions. No suit, action, or other proceeding
         shall be pending or threatened before any court or governmental agency
         seeking to restrain, prohibit or obtain damages or other relief in
         connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
         contemplate herein and there shall have been no investigation or
         inquiry made or commenced by any governmental agency in connection with
         this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, except that the
         foregoing shall not be a condition precedent if ECI and the
         Shareholders shall have offered indemnity with respect thereto that is
         reasonably satisfactory to I-Alliance .
                  6.1.6 Legal Limitations on Closing. There shall not be in
         effect any statute, rule or regulation which makes it illegal for
         I-Alliance to consummate the transactions contemplated herein or any
         order, decree of judgment which enjoins I-Alliance from consummating
         the transactions contemplated hereby, except that any such order,
         decree or judgment shall not be a condition precedent if ECI and
         Shareholders shall have offered indemnity with respect thereto that is
         reasonably satisfactory to I-Alliance.
                  6.1.7 Deliveries by the Shareholders. The Shareholders will
         have delivered the stock certificates representing the ECI Shares, duly
         endorsed for transfer.
                  6.1.8 Deliveries by ECI. ECI will have delivered the minute
         book, stock book and stock ledger of ECI, and a good standing
         certificate, dated as of a date not more than fourteen (14) days prior

                                      -9-
   10

         to the date hereof as to the corporate existence and good standing of
         ECI certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio.
                  6.1.9 Waivers. I-Alliance may waive one or more of said
         conditions but such waiver shall be effective only if in writing and
         signed on behalf of I-Alliance by one of its duly authorized officers
         and may be conditioned in any manner I-Alliance sees fit.

         6.2 Conditions Precedent to Closing by ECI and Shareholders. The
obligation of ECI and Shareholders to close the transactions herein contemplated
is subject to the following express conditions precedent:
                  6.2.1 Representations and Warranties. Representations and
         warranties set forth in Article 5 of this Agreement shall be true and
         correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date.
                  6.2.2 Covenants. I-Alliance will have performed and complied
         with all of its covenants under this Agreement in all material respects
         through the Closing Date.
                  6.2.3 Legal Limitations on Closing. There shall not be in
         effect any statute, rule or regulation which makes it illegal for
         I-Alliance, ECI or the Shareholders to consummate the transactions
         contemplated herein or any order, decree or judgment which enjoins ECI
         or the Shareholders from consummating the transactions contemplated
         hereby, except that any such order, decree or judgment shall not be a
         condition precedent if I-Alliance shall have offered indemnity with
         respect thereto that is reasonably satisfactory to ECI and
         Shareholders.
                  6.2.4 Legal Actions. No suit, action, or other proceeding
         shall be pending or threatened before any court or governmental agency
         seeking to restrain, prohibit or obtain damages or other relief in
         connection with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
         contemplate herein and there shall have been no investigation or
         inquiry made or commenced by any governmental agency in connection with
         this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, except that the
         foregoing shall not be a condition precedent if I-Alliance shall have
         offered indemnity with respect thereto that is reasonably satisfactory
         to ECI and the Shareholders.
                  6.2.5 Satisfactory Performance. All actions to be taken by
         I-Alliance in connection with consummation of the transactions
         contemplated hereby and all certificates, opinions, instruments, and
         other documents required to effect the transactions contemplated hereby
         have been completed in a manner which is reasonably satisfactory in
         form and substance to ECI and Shareholders.
                  6.2.6 Waiver. ECI and Shareholders may waive one or more of
         the foregoing conditions but such waiver shall only be effective if in
         writing and signed by ECI and Shareholders and may be conditioned in
         any manner ECI and Shareholders see fit.

                                    ARTICLE 7
                                I-ALLIANCE SHARES

         7.1 Legend. Any certificate or certificates representing I-Alliance
Shares will bear the following legend unless and until removal thereof is
permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

                  THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
                  REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
                  "ACT") OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAW AND MAY
                  NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED IN THE ABSENCE OF AN
                  EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT FOR THESE
                  SHARES OR AN OPINION OF I-ALLIANCE'S COUNSEL THAT REGISTRATION
                  IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
                  PROMULGATED THEREUNDER OR UNDER APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES
                  LAWS.

                                      -10-
   11


         7.2 Examination and Investment Representation. Shareholders, severally,
represent and warrant to I-Alliance that each of them has examined I-Alliance's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, its Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1996 and June 30, 1996, and
its Information Statement dated September 23, 1996, including the financial
statements contained therein, has had the opportunity to discuss I-Alliance's
operations with its officers and employees, and is acquiring the I-Alliance
Shares for his/her own account for investment within the contemplation of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and not with a view to
the transfer or resale thereof, except to the extent otherwise expressly
provided in this Agreement, that he has been advised by his counsel of the legal
implications and effect of the foregoing under the Securities Act and of the
circumstances under which he may dispose of his I-Alliance Shares under the
Securities Act, including the possible limited sale thereof pursuant to Rule 144
under the Securities Act and of the affect of the legending of the certificate
for his I-Alliance Shares with the legend described in Section 7.1.

         7.3 Registration Rights. Each Shareholder shall have the following 
registration rights with respect to the I-Alliance Shares:
                  7.3.1 Transfer of Registration Rights. Shareholder may assign
         the registrations rights with respect to the I-Alliance Shares to any
         party or parties to which he may from time to time transfer the
         I-Alliance Shares. Upon assignment of any registration rights pursuant
         to this Section 7.3, Shareholder shall deliver to the transfer agent
         for I-Alliance, a notice of such assignment which includes the identity
         and address of any assignee (collectively, Shareholder and each such
         subsequent holder is referred to as a "Holder").
                  7.3.2 Required Registration. As promptly as practicable after
         the Closing, I-Alliance agrees to register all of the Registrable
         Securities (as hereinafter defined) pursuant to a registration
         statement on Form S-3 (the "Shelf Registration Statement"). I-Alliance
         shall use its best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to
         be declared effective as quickly as practicable and to maintain the
         effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement until such time as
         I-Alliance reasonably determines based on an opinion of counsel that
         the Holders will be eligible to sell all of the Registrable Securities
         then owned by the Holders without the need for continued registration
         of the Shares in the three-month period immediately following the
         termination of the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement.
         I-Alliance's obligations contained in this Section 7.3 shall terminate
         on the third anniversary of the Effective Date.
                  7.3.3 Registration Procedures. In case of each registration,
         qualification or compliance effected by I-Alliance subject to this
         Section 7.3, I-Alliance shall keep Holder advised in writing as to the
         initiation of each such registration, qualification and compliance and
         as to the completion thereof. In addition, I-Alliance shall at its own
         expense:
                           7.3.3.1 subject to this Section 7.3, before filing a
                  registration or prospectus or any amendment or supplements
                  thereto, furnish to counsel selected by Holder copies of all
                  such documents proposed to be filed and the portions of such
                  documents provided in writing by Holder for use therein,
                  subject to such Holder's approval, and for which Holder shall
                  indemnify I-Alliance;
                           7.3.3.2 prepare and file with the SEC such amendments
                  and supplements to the Shelf Registration Statement as may be
                  necessary to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective
                  and comply with provisions of the Securities Act with respect
                  to the disposition of all securities covered thereby during
                  such period;
                           7.3.3.3 update, correct, amend and supplement the
                  Shelf Registration Statement as necessary;
                           7.3.3.4 if such offering is to be underwritten, in
                  whole or in part, enter into a written agreement in form and
                  substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriter
                  and the registering Holder;

                                      -11-
   12


                           7.3.3.5 furnish to Holder such number of
                  prospectuses, including preliminary prospectuses, and other
                  documents that are included in the Shelf Registration
                  Statement as Holder may reasonably request from time to time;
                           7.3.3.6 use its best efforts to register to qualify
                  such Registrable Securities under such other securities or
                  blue sky laws of such jurisdictions of the United States as
                  Holder may request to enable it to consummate the disposition
                  in such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities (provided
                  that I-Alliance will not be required to (A) qualify generally
                  to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not
                  otherwise be required to qualify but for this Article I, or
                  (B) consent to general service of process in any such
                  jurisdiction);
                           7.3.3.7 notify Holder, at any time when the
                  prospectus included the Shelf Registration Statement relating
                  to the Registrable Securities is required to be delivered
                  under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event which
                  would cause such prospectus to contain an untrue statement of
                  a material fact or omit any fact necessary to make the
                  statement therein in light of the circumstances under which
                  they are made not misleading and, at the request of Holder,
                  prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus, so that,
                  as thereafter delivered to purchasers of such shares, such
                  prospectus will not contain any untrue statements of a
                  material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the
                  statements therein in light of the circumstances under which
                  they are made not misleading;
                           7.3.3.8 use its best efforts to cause all such
                  Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities
                  exchange or national market on which similar securities issued
                  by I-Alliance are then listed and obtain all necessary
                  approvals from such exchange or national market for trading
                  thereon;
                           7.3.3.9 provide a transfer agent and registrar for
                  all such Registrable Securities not late than the effective
                  date of the Shelf Registration; and
                           7.3.3.10 upon the sale of any Registrable Securities
                  pursuant to the Shelf
                  Registration, remove all restrictive legends from all 
                  certificates or other instruments evidencing such Registrable
                  Securities (to the extent permitted by the Securities Act).
                  7.3.4 Delay and Suspension. If Issuer is aware of any event 
         which has  occurred or which it  reasonably  expects  might occur
         within the next  ninety  days,  andsuch  event  would cause (or Issuer
         believes  might  cause)  the  Shelf  Registration  Statement  (or  any
         prospectus)  to contain any untrue  statements  of a material  fact or
         omit to state any fact  necessary  to make the  statements  therein in
         light of the  circumstances  under which they are made not misleading,
         then  notwithstanding  any other provision of this Section 7.3, Issuer
         upon  notice to  Holder,  may  delay  filing  any  Shelf  Registration
         Statement  otherwise required hereunder or may withdraw or suspend for
         up to ninety days any then pending Shelf Registration Statement.
                  7.3.5 Expenses. Except as required by law, all expenses
         incurred by in complying with this Section 7.3, including but not
         limited to, all registration, qualification and filing fees, printing
         expenses, fees and disbursements of counsel and accountants for
         I-Alliance, blue sky fees and expenses (including fees and
         disbursements of counsel related to all blue sky matters)
         ("Registration Expenses") incurred in connection with any registration,
         qualification or compliance pursuant this Section 7.3 shall be borne by
         I-Alliance. All underwriting discounts and selling commissions and any
         fees of Holder's own attorneys or other advisors applicable to a sale
         incurred in connection with any registration of I-Alliance Shares and
         the legal fees of Holder shall be borne by Holder.
                  7.3.6 Further Information. If Registrable Securities owned by
         Holder are included in any registration, such Holder shall use
         reasonable efforts to cooperate with I-Alliance and shall furnish
         I-Alliance such information regarding itself as I-Alliance may
         reasonably request and as shall be required in connection with any
         registration, qualification or compliance referred to in this
         Agreement.
                  7.3.7 Definition For purposes of this Section 7.3,
         "Registrable Securities" will mean the I-Alliance Shares and all common
         stock or other securities issued in respect of such Shares by way of a

                                      -12-
   13


         stock dividend or stock split or in connection with a combination or
         subdivision of shares, recapitalization, merger or consolidation or
         reorganization, and any securities issued in respect of the I-Alliance
         Shares by way of stock dividend or stock split or in connection with
         any combination or subdivision of shares, recapitalization, merger or
         consolidation or reorganization; provided, however, as to any
         particular Registrable Securities, such Registrable Securities will
         cease to be subject to this Article when they have been sold pursuant
         to an effective registration statement or in a transaction exempt from
         the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
         Act under Section 4(1) thereof so that all transfer restrictions and
         restrictive legends with respect thereto are removed upon the
         consummation of such sale and the purchaser and seller receive an
         opinion of counsel from the seller or the purchaser, which opinion
         shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other
         party and I-Alliance and their respective counsel, to the effect that
         such stock in the hands of the purchase is freely transferable without
         restriction or registration under the Securities Act in any public or
         private transaction.

         7.4 Indemnity. I-Alliance shall indemnify Shareholders from and against
any and all liabilities to which they may become subject as a result of any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
related registration statement, or the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statement therein not misleading, other than a statement or omission made in
reliance on and consistent with information furnished in writing by the
Shareholders for use in such registration statement, provided, however, that
each Shareholder shall indemnify I-Alliance, and the underwriters of the
offering, if any, from and against any and all liabilities to which I-Alliance
may become subject as a result of any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in the related registration statement, or
the omission or alleged omissions to state therein a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statement not misleading, but only
insofar as such statement or omission was made in reliance by I-Alliance on and
consistent with information furnished in writing by such Shareholder.

         7.5 Documents. I-Alliance shall furnish to Shareholder one copy of the
registration statement and any amendments thereto and such number of copies of
the final prospectus as they may reasonably request, and shall deliver to the
exchanges or NASDAQ (where listed) such number of copies of the final prospectus
required to comply with the prospectus delivery requirements and permit the sale
of the registered I-Alliance Shares on such exchange or national market.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                                 OTHER COVENANTS

         8.1 Announcements. Prior to the Closing, none of the parties will make
any public release of information regarding this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereto, except that I-Alliance may issue press release after the
execution of this Agreement and the Closing and as otherwise required by law.

         8.2 Conduct of Business. During the period from the date hereof to the
Effective Date, unless I-Alliance consents otherwise in writing (which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld), ECI will conduct the business of ECI only in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice except as
contemplated by this Agreement.

         8.3 Cooperation. Each party hereto agrees that before and after the
Closing to execute any and all further documents and writings and to perform
such other reasonable actions which may be or become necessary or expedient to
effectuate and carry out this Agreement.

         8.4 Tax Matters. It is the intent of the parties that the exchange of
the ECI shares for the I-Alliance Shares be a tax free exchange (except to the
extent of the other considerations received). I-Alliance


                                      -13-
   14

and Merger Sub will use all reasonable efforts to consummate the merger in such
fashion, but neither I-Alliance nor Merger Sub makes any representation as to
the tax treatment of Shareholders or any agreement with respect to refraining
from taking any future action which could adversely affect the tax treatment of
this transaction. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
the Shareholders will remain solely liable for any tax consequences to them
as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         8.5 Tax Cooperation. After Closing the parties will cooperate with each
other in the preparation of all tax returns, and will provide to such other
parties any records and other information reasonably requested by such party in
connection therewith as well as access to, and cooperation of, the auditors of
such other party.

                                    ARTICLE 9
                  CLOSING, CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS AND TERMINATION

         9.1 Closing. The closing ("Closing"), i.e. the execution and delivery
of the documents contemplated by this Agreement, will take place at the offices
of I-Alliance, as soon as practical after the date of this agreement, provided
that such date will not be after December 27, 1996, or at such time as mutually
agreed (the "Closing Date"). The parties agree that time is of the essence.

         9.2 Adjustments. The consideration paid to the Shareholders will be
subject to adjustment at or after the Closing for any increase or decrease in
the Net Worth of ECI at the Effective Date above or below $150,000. The amount
of such adjustment will be promptly paid by I-Alliance to the Shareholders (in
proportion to their interests reflected in Schedule 2.6, or will be immediately
refunded to I-Alliance (or ECI as directed by I-Alliance) by each Shareholder
(in proportion to their interests reflected in Schedule 2.6) upon a demand by
I-Alliance.

         9.3      Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time 
                  on or prior to the Effective Date:
         9.3.1    by  I-Alliance  or ECI if any court of competent jurisdiction
                  will issue any order (other than temporary restraining order)
                  restraining, enjoining or prohibiting the transactions; 
         9.3.2    by mutual written agreement of I-Alliance and ECI;
         9.3.3    by either I-Alliance or ECI if the Effective
                  Date will not have occurred on or before December
                  3, 1996, time being of the essence, provided that the right to
                  terminate this Agreement pursuant to this section will not be
                  available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation
                  of this Agreement has been the cause or resulted in the
                  failure of the Effective Date to occur on or before such date;
         9.3.4    Breach by ECI. By I-Alliance if there has been a material
                  breach on the part of ECI in its representations, warranties
                  or covenants set forth herein, provided however that if such
                  breach is susceptible to cure, then ECI will have 30 days
                  after receipt of notice from I-Alliance, of its intent to
                  terminate this Agreement, in which to cure such breach; and
         9.3.5    Breach by I-Alliance. By ECI if there has been a material
                  breach on the part of I-Alliance in its representations,
                  warranties or covenants set forth herein, provided however
                  that if such breach is susceptible to cure, then I-Alliance
                  will have 30 days after receipt of notice from ECI, of its
                  intent to terminate this Agreement, in which to cure such
                  breach.

         9.4 Affect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
this Article, all obligations of the parties under this Agreement will terminate
(except for this Article), and no party hereto will have any further liability
to the other parties hereto, except that such termination will be without
prejudice to any claim which a party may have against another for breach of this
Agreement that occurred prior to the date of termination.


                                      -14-
   15

                                   ARTICLE 10
                SURVIVAL, INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMIT OF LIABILITY

         10.1 Survival. All of the representations or warranties contained
herein will survive for a period of three years from the Closing Date and will
then expire. Upon the expiration of representations and warranties pursuant to
this section, unless written notice of a claim based on such representations and
warranty specifying in reasonable detail the facts on which the claim is based
will have been delivered to the indemnifying party prior to expiration of such
representation and warranty, such representation and warranty will be of no
further force or effect, as if never made and no action may be brought based on
the same, whether for breach of contract or any other legal theory, except,
however, that claims based on fraud, willful misrepresentation or with respect
to the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1.1 may be asserted
at any time within one year after I-Alliance learns of such fraud, willful
misrepresentation or breach.

         10.2 Shareholders Indemnity. Each Shareholder agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold I-Alliance Indemnified Parties harmless from and against all
Losses incurred by I-Alliance Indemnified Parties resulting from or on account
of a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of such Shareholder made
in this Agreement.

         10.3 Limit of Liability. No Shareholder will be liable to I-Alliance
under this Agreement (except for and excluding amounts described in Section 10.4
below) for an amount in excess of the consideration received by such Shareholder
pursuant to this Agreement.

         10.4 Shareholders Additional Indemnity. Each Shareholder agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold I-Alliance Indemnified Parties harmless from and
against all Losses incurred by I-Alliance Indemnified Parties resulting from or
on account of Indemnified Tax Liability or Errors and Omissions Liability (as
defined below).
For purposes of this Article the following definitions apply:
                  10.4.1 "Indemnified Tax Liability" will mean any and all
         federal, state or local income tax or franchise tax liability of ECI
         (or on account of ECI) whether in the current or future tax years, on
         account of the distribution to the Shareholders and others of the
         Contingent Receivable and or the realization thereof.
                  10.4.2 "Errors and Omissions Liability" will mean any
         liability to ECI due to errors and omissions of its employees and
         agents occurring before the Closing Date which has not been disclosed
         in the Schedules to this Agreement and whose existence is not a breach
         of the representations and warranties contained herein, to the extent
         such liability is not reimbursed by insurance coverage maintained by
         ECI prior to the Closing Date.
                  10.4.3 "Contingent Receivable" will mean a certain receivable
         for contingent commissions for business written prior to the Closing
         which was distributed or otherwise transferred from ECI to its then
         shareholders prior to this Agreement.

         10.5 Limit of Liability. No Shareholder will be liable to I-Alliance
under Section 10.4 above for an amount in excess of the amount actually received
by (or on behalf of) such Shareholder from its interest in the Contingent
Receivable (plus any remaining interest the Shareholder has therein), provided
that such Shareholder has given I-Alliance as of the Closing a first security
interest in such Contingent Receivable on terms reasonably satisfactory to
I-Alliance.

                                   ARTICLE 11
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         11.1 Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may be amended, 
modified and supplemented only by a writing signed by I-Alliance and the
Shareholders.


                                      -15-
   16

         11.2 Waiver of Compliance. Any failure of I-Alliance or the
Shareholders to comply with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition
herein contained my be expressly waived, in writing only, by (i) I-Alliance in
the case of any failure of the Shareholders or (ii) the Shareholders in the case
of any failure of I-Alliance. Such waiver shall be effective only in the
specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given.

         11.3 Expenses. Each party will pay its own expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated by this
Agreement. The foregoing shall not be construed as limiting any other rights
which any party may have as a result of misrepresentation of or breach by any
other party.

         11.4 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given when delivered by hand, or when mailed by certified or
registered mail (return receipt requested), postage prepaid or when delivered by
fax (evidenced by confirmation of successful transmission), as follows:
                  A.       If to I-Alliance:

                  International Alliance Services, Inc.
                  10055 Sweet Valley Drive
                  Valley View, Ohio 44125
                  Phone: (216) 447-9000
                  Fax:     (216) 447-9137
                  Attn: Joseph E. LoConti

                  With a copy to:
                  Anne L. Meyers & Associates Co., LPA
                  2 Summit Park Drive, Ste. 150
                  Cleveland, Ohio 44131-2553
                  Phone: (216) 520-4344
                  Fax:     (216) 520-4350
                  Attn: Anne L. Meyers

or to such other person or place as I-Alliance or I-Alliance shall designate by
notice in the manner provided in this Section 11.4:

                  B.       If to the Shareholders:

                           To the Shareholders at their
                           respective addresses set forth on
                           Exhibit A

                           With a copy to:

                           ____________________________
                           ____________________________
                           ____________________________
                           ____________________________
                           ____________________________

                                      -16-
   17


or to such other person as the Shareholders shall designate by notice in the
manner provided in this Section 11.4.

         11.5 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of I-Alliance and its successors and assigns, and to the Shareholders
and their respective successors and assigns or heirs, executors, administrators
and personal representatives, as the case may be, but neither this Agreement nor
any of the rights, interests and obligations hereunder shall be assigned by
I-Alliance or any of the Shareholders without the prior written consent of the
other parties.

         11.6 Third Parties. This Agreement is not intended to and shall not be
construed to give any Person other than the parties hereto any interest or
rights (including, without limitation, any third party beneficiary rights) with
respect to or in connection with any agreement or provision contained herein or
contemplated hereby.
         11.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the Ohio, without regard to principles of
conflicts of laws. I-Alliance and the Shareholders hereby irrevocably submit to
the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Ohio, with venue in Cuyahoga
County, over any dispute arising out of this Agreement and agree that all claims
in respect of such dispute or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such
court. I-Alliance and the Shareholders hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they may have to the
venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient
forum for the maintenance of such dispute. I-Alliance and the Shareholders
hereby consent to process being served by them in any suit, action or proceeding
by delivering it in the manner specified by the provisions of Section 11.4 of
this Agreement.

         11.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

         11.9 Headings. The headings of the sections, schedules and articles of
this Agreement are inserted for the sake of convenience only and shall not
constitute a part hereof.

         11.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the schedules and
exhibits, contains the entire understanding of the parties in respect of the
subject matter contained herein and therein and there are no other terms or
conditions, representations or warranties, written or oral, express or implied,
except as set forth herein.


[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

                                      -17-
   18


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the day and year first above written.

                           INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.


                            By: _____________________________________
                                Joseph E. LoConti, Vice Chairman


                           IASI/ECI ACQUISITION CO.


                           By: ______________________________________
                               Craig L. Stout, President


                           ENVIRONMENTAL & COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
                           AGENCY, INC.


                           By: _____________________________________
                               Christopher J. Timm, President


                           SHAREHOLDERS:


                           ____________________________________
                           Christopher J. Timm


                           ____________________________________
                           Shirley Sue Ellis


                           ____________________________________
                           Mark J. Perkins


                                      -18-

   19



                                LOCK-UP AGREEMENT


         This LOCK-UP AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of November 30,
1996, is entered into by and between
_____________________________("Stockholder"), and International Alliance
Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("I-Alliance").


                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the delivery of this Agreement, SMR &
Co. Business Services, of which Stockholder is a shareholder, and IASI/SMR
Acquisition Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of I-Alliance, are closing the
transactions contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as
of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), providing for, among other
items, the merger of SMR & Co. Business Services with and into IASI/SMR
Acquisition Co. with SMR & Co. Business Services being the surviving corporation
(the "Merger").

         WHEREAS, as a condition to the closing of the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement (the "Closing"), Stockholder agrees not to make any
Transfer (defined herein) of (i) the shares (the "Shares") of I-Alliance common
stock, $.01 par value per share ("Shares"), and warrants to purchase shares of
Common Stock (the "Warrants") to be acquired by Stockholder pursuant to the
Merger Agreement and (ii) the shares of Common Stock to be acquired by
Stockholder upon exercise of the Warrants (the "Warrant Shares"), except as
expressly permitted by this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1 Restrictions on Transfer. Stockholder hereby agrees that, without the
unanimous consent of the Board of Directors of I-Alliance, it will not, directly
or indirectly sell, assign, transfer, pledge (other than by pledge or other
grant of a security interest if the pledgee agrees in writing to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement) or otherwise dispose of, (collectively, "Transfer"),
the Shares prior to the end of the two-year period following the date hereof;
provided, however, that after the expiration of six months from the date hereof,
Stockholder may thereafter Transfer, in the aggregate, up to fifteen (15%) per
cent of the Shares.

Stockholder hereby agrees that, without the unanimous consent of the Board of
Directors of I-Alliance, it will not Transfer the Warrants or the Warrant Shares
prior to the end of the thirty (30) month period following the date hereof;
provided that (a) after the expiration of six months from the date hereof,
Stockholder may thereafter Transfer Warrants for or Warrant Shares totaling, in
the aggregate, up to thirty three (33%) per cent of the number of Warrant Shares
issuable on the exercise of all the Warrants; and (b) after the expiration of
eighteen (18) months from the date hereof, Stockholder may thereafter Transfer
Warrants for or Warrant Shares totaling (together with any Warrants or Warrant
Shares Transferred pursuant to the preceding subparagraph (a)), in the
aggregate, up to sixty six (66%) per cent of the number of Warrant Shares
issuable on the exercise of all the Warrants.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stockholder may Transfer the Shares, Warrants or
Warrant Shares (a) to the spouse or children of such Stockholder, whether
directly or in trust (including pursuant to the uniform gift to minors
provisions) for their sole benefit, provided that the transferee agrees in
writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, and provided further that
Stockholder may not disclaim beneficial ownership of such Shares, Warrants or
Warrant Shares for purposes of any filing pursuant to any securities law, or (b)
to a third party making a cash tender or exchange offer in compliance with
Regulations 14D and 14E under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), following the filing with the SEC in compliance with the


                                      -19-
   20

Exchange Act by I-Alliance of a Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9
pursuant to which I-Alliance affirmatively recommends to the I-Alliance
stockholders the acceptance of such cash tender or exchange offer.

         2        Miscellaneous

                  2.1 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or
restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions,
covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

                  2.2 Binding Effect and Assignment. This Agreement and all of
the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, but except
as otherwise specifically provided, neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations of the parties hereto may be assigned by any of
the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other.

                  2.3 Amendments and Modification. This Agreement may not be
modified, amended, altered or supplemented except upon the execution and
delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.

                  2.4 Specific Performance. The parties hereto acknowledge that
I-Alliance will be irreparably harmed and that there will be no adequate remedy
at law for a violation of any of the covenants or agreements of Stockholder set
forth herein. Therefore, it is agreed that, in addition to any other remedies
which may be available to I-Alliance upon such violation, I-Alliance shall have
the right to enforce such covenants and agreements by specific performance,
injunctive relief or by any other means available to I-Alliance at law or in
equity.

                  2.5 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered in
person, by cable, telecopy, telegram or telex, or sent by mail (registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective
parties as follows:

                  If to Stockholder:

                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  Attention: ________________________
                  Telecopy: _________________________


                  With a copy to:

                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  Attention: ________________________
                  Telecopy: _________________________

                                      -20-
   21


                  If to ______:

                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  Attention: ____________________
                  Telecopy: _________________________

                  With a copy to:

                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  ___________________________________
                  Attention: ________________________
                  Telecopy: _________________________

or to such other address any party may have furnished to the other in writing in
accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall only be
effective upon receipt.

                  2.6______Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by,
construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio as
applied to contracts entered into solely between residents of, and to be
performed entirely in, such state.

                  2.7______Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire
understanding of the parties in respect of the subject matter hereof, and
supersedes all prior negotiations and understandings between the parties with
respect to such subject matters.

                  2.8______Effect of Headings. The section headings herein are
for convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of
this Agreement.

                  2.9______Definitions. All capitalized terms used herein shall
have the meanings defined in the Merger Agreements, unless otherwise defined
herein.

                  2.10_____Counterparts. This Agreement shall be executed in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one instrument.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed on the date first above written.

"Stockholder"

___________________________________

"I-Alliance"
International Alliance Services, Inc.
By: _____________________________________
Printed Name: ___________________________
Title: ____________________________



                                      -21-



   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 11.1


                     International Alliance Services, Inc.
                         Earnings per Common Share Data
                             (Amounts in Thousands)


     Net income and common shares used in the calculations of earnings per 
common share for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 
were computed as follows:

1996(1)(2) ---------- Primary Fully Diluted 1995(1)(2) 1994(1)(2) 1993(1)(2) 1992(1)(2) ------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Income: Income From continuing operations . . . . . . $ 4,422 $ 4,422 $ 3,469 $ 3,500 $ 2,218 $ 1,372 Interest expense reduction, net of tax . . 39 30 - - - - Interest income, net of tax . . . . . . . . 2,165 626 - - - - ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- $ 6,617 $ 5,078 $ 3,469 $ 3,500 $ 2,218 $ 1,372 (38) (38) - - - - Loss from discontinued operations ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income applicable to common stock . . . $ 6,579 $ 5,040 $ 3,469 $ 3,500 $ 2,218 $ 1,372 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Common Shares: Weighted average common shares . . . . . . 17,863 17,863 14,760 14,760 14,760 14,760 Common stock equivalents . . . . . . . . . 14,350 14,350 2,196 2,196 2,196 2,196 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 32,213 32,213 16,956 16,956 16,956 16,956 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
- -------------------------- (1) The Company has reflected the shares received in the RESI Transaction as if the shares had been issued January 1, 1994. (2) As a result of the significant number of warrants outstanding at December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, the Company computed weighted average common shares under the modified treasury stock method.
   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 21.1

                                 SUBSIDIARIES OF
                      INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES, INC.
                            (as of December 31, 1996)


Adams Oil, Inc.
American Inspection and Audit Services, Inc.
Century Surety Company
Century Surety Underwriters, Inc. of Indiana
Chem-Freight, Inc.
Commercial Surety Agency, Inc. dba Century Surety Underwriters
Continental Heritage Insurance Company
Contract Operations Planning, Incorporated
Contract Surety Reinsurance Corp.
CSC Insurance Agency, Inc.
Diversified Environmental Resources, Inc.
Environmental & Commercial Insurance Agency, Inc.
Evergreen National Indemnity Company
IASI Management Co.
Keystone Chemical Co.
Palro Environmental Management Systems Ltd.
RES Finance Co.
RES Trademark Co.
Republic Canada, Inc.
Republic Environmental Recycling (New Jersey), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems, Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (Brantford) Ltd.
Republic Environmental Systems (Brockville) Ltd.
Republic Environmental Systems (Cleveland), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems Ltd.
Republic Environmental Systems (Fort Erie) Ltd.
Republic Environmental Systems Management Co.
Republic Environmental Systems (New York), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (North Jersey), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (Ohio), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (Pennsylvania), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (Pickering) Ltd.
Republic Environmental Systems (Technical Services Group), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (Transportation Group), Inc.
Republic Environmental Systems (Windsor) Ltd.
SMR & Co. Business Services


   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 24.1

                       INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS CONSENT


The Board of Directors
International Alliance Services, Inc.

We consent to incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 2 to the registration
statement (No. 333-15413) on Form S-3 of International Alliance Services, Inc.
of our report dated March 25, 1997, relating to the consolidated and combined
balance sheets of International Alliance Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated and combined statements
of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and all related schedules, which
report appears in the December 31, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of
International Alliance Services, Inc.

/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 28, 1997



WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

 

7 0000944148 INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE SERVICES 1,000 YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR YEAR DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1995 DEC-31-1994 DEC-31-1993 DEC-31-1992 JAN-01-1996 JAN-01-1995 JAN-01-1994 JAN-01-1993 JAN-01-1992 DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1995 DEC-31-1994 DEC-31-1993 DEC-31-1992 35,471 33,153 24,885 0 2,379 15,481 15,309 20,129 35,296 6,648 15,376 15,364 18,583 35,557 0 9,213 5,426 1,765 1,657 1,545 3,685 3,393 2,960 1,548 350 0 0 0 0 0 68,649 58,214 50,749 45,619 26,114 39,874 2,694 6,893 1,051 4,613 11,185 12,647 10,888 10,114 194 4,345 3,428 3,725 2,406 1,677 167,330 86,735 81,931 68,117 36,926 41,099 37,002 34,661 29,528 14,107 18,637 15,636 15,453 12,166 5,352 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3,211 47 503 830 897 338 148 148 148 148 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90,984 26,620 23,432 18,253 12,883 167,330 86,735 81,932 68,117 36,926 27,743 26,962 23,368 17,373 11,534 3,564 3,341 2,477 1,377 1,272 1,529 166 80 (91) 210 2,933 470 1,385 1,737 269 17,624 15,117 12,494 8,612 5,773 7,699 7,774 5,428 5,012 3,787 4,384 3,157 4,544 3,287 2,039 6,062 4,891 4,844 3,485 2,123 1,640 1,422 1,344 1,189 751 4,422 3,469 3,500 2,296 1,372 (38) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,384 3,469 3,500 2,296 1,372 0.21 0.20 0.20 0.14 0.08 0.16 0.20 0.20 0.14 0.08 37,002 34,661 29,528 14,107 0 17,216 17,297 14,753 10,060 0 408 (2,180) (2,259) (1,447) 0 3,684 5,963 4,269 2,823 0 9,043 6,344 3,970 3,054 0 41,099 37,002 34,661 29,528 0 0 0 0 0 0 NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES JAN 1: 8,914 NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES DEC 31: 8,114 NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES JAN 1: 9,383 NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES DEC 31: 8,914 NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES JAN 1: 8,505 NET REINSURANCE RECOVERABLES DEC 31: 9,383