REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Hach Company: We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows of Hach Company and Subsidiaries as of January 28, 1995 and January 29, 1994, and for the nine-month periods then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompany financial statements for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Denver, Colorado February 16, 1995 12