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                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.215

(Multicurrency--Cross Border)

                                     ISDA(R)

                  International Swap Dealers Association, Inc.
                                MASTER AGREEMENT

                              Dated as of 07/12/00

                SOVEREIGN BANK and PREFERRED EQUITIES CORPORATION

have entered and/or anticipate entering into one or more transactions (each a
"Transaction") that are or will be governed by this Master Agreement, which
includes the schedule (the "Schedule"), and the documents and other confirming
evidence (each a "Confirmation") exchanged between the parties confirming those
Transactions.

Accordingly, the parties agree as follows: --

1. INTERPRETATION

(a) Definitions. The terms defined in Section 14 and in the Schedule will have
the meanings therein specified for the purpose of this Master Agreement.

(b) Inconsistency. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of
the Schedule and the other provisions of this Master Agreement, the Schedule
will prevail. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of any
Confirmation and this Master Agreement (including the Schedule), such
Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of the relevant Transaction.

(c) Single Agreement. All Transactions are entered into in reliance on the fact
that this Master Agreement and all Confirmations form a single agreement between
the parties (collectively referred to as this "Agreement"), and the parties
would not otherwise enter into any Transactions.

2. OBLIGATIONS

(a) General Conditions.

        (i) Each party will make each payment or delivery specified in each
        Confirmation to be made by it, subject to the other provisions of this
        Agreement.

        (ii) Payments under this Agreement will be made on the due date for
        value on that date in the place of the account specified in the relevant
        Confirmation or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement, in freely
        transferable funds and in the manner customary for payments in the
        required currency. Where settlement is by delivery (that is, other than
        by payment), such delivery will be made for receipt on the due date in
        the manner customary for the relevant obligation unless otherwise
        specified in the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement.

        (iii) Each obligation of each party under Section 2(a)(i) is subject to
        (1) the condition precedent that no Event of Default or Potential Event
        of Default with respect to the other party has occurred and is
        continuing, (2) the condition precedent that no Early Termination Date
        in respect of the relevant Transaction has occurred or been effectively
        designated and (3) each other applicable condition precedent specified
        in this Agreement.

       Copyright (C) 1992 by International Swap Dealers Association. Inc.



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(b) Change of Account. Either party may change its account for receiving a
payment or delivery by giving notice to the other party at least five Local
Business Days prior to the scheduled date for the payment or delivery to which
such change applies unless such other party gives timely notice of a reasonable
objection to such change.

(c) Netting. If on any date amounts would otherwise be payable: ---

        (i) in the same currency; and

        (ii) in respect of the same Transaction,

by each party to the other, then, on such date, each party's obligation to make
payment of any such amount will be automatically satisfied and discharged and,
if the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by one party
exceeds the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by the other
party, replaced by an obligation upon the party by whom the larger aggregate
amount would have been payable to pay to the other party the excess of the
larger aggregate amount over the smaller aggregate amount.

The parties may elect in respect of two or more Transactions that a net amount
will be determined in respect of all amounts payable on the same date in the
same currency in respect of such Transactions, regardless of whether such
amounts are payable in respect of the same Transaction. The election may be made
in the Schedule or a Confirmation by specifying that subparagraph (ii) above
will not apply to the Transactions identified as being subject to the election,
together with the starting date (in which case subparagraph (ii) above will not,
or will cease to, apply to such Transactions from such date). This election may
be made separately for different groups of Transactions and will apply
separately to each pairing of Offices through which the parties make and receive
payments or deliveries.

(d) Deduction or Withholding for Tax.

        (i) Gross-Up. All payments under this Agreement will be made without any
        deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax unless such
        deduction or withholding is required by any applicable law, as modified
        by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, then in
        effect. If a party is so required to deduct or withhold, then that party
        ("X") will:--

                (1) promptly notify the other party ("Y") of such requirement:

                (2) pay to the relevant authorities the full amount required to
                be deducted or withheld (including the full amount required to
                be deducted or withheld from any additional amount paid by X to
                Y under this Section 2(d)) promptly upon the earlier of
                determining that such deduction or withholding is required or
                receiving notice that such amount has been assessed against Y:

                (3) promptly forward to Y an official receipt (or a certified
                copy), or other documentation reasonably acceptable to Y,
                evidencing such payment to such authorities; and

                (4) if such Tax is an Indemnifiable Tax, pay to Y, in addition
                to the payment to which Y is otherwise entitled under this
                Agreement, such additional amount as is necessary to ensure that
                the net amount actually received by Y (free and clear of
                Indemnifiable Taxes, whether assessed against X or Y) will equal
                the full amount Y would have received had no such deduction or
                withholding been required. However, X will not be required to
                pay any additional amount to Y to the extent that it would not
                be required to be paid but for: --

                        (A) the failure by Y to comply with or perform any
                        agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or
                        4(d); or

                        (B) the failure of a representation made by Y pursuant
                        to Section 3(f) to be accurate and true unless such
                        failure would not have occurred but for (I) any action
                        taken by a taxing authority, or brought in a court of
                        competent jurisdiction, on or after the date on which a
                        Transaction is entered into (regardless of whether such
                        action is taken or brought with respect to a party to
                        this Agreement) or (II) a Change in Tax Law.



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        (ii) Liability. If:--

                (1) X is required by any applicable law, as modified by the
                practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, to make
                any deduction or withholding in respect of which X would not be
                required to pay an additional amount to Y under Section
                2(d)(i)(4);

                (2) X does not so deduct or withhold; and

                (3) a liability resulting from such Tax is assessed directly
                against X,

        then, except to the extent Y has satisfied or then satisfies the
        liability resulting from such Tax, Y will promptly pay to X the amount
        of such liability (including any related liability for interest, but
        including any related liability for penalties only if Y has failed to
        comply with or perform any agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i),
        4(a)(iii) or 4(d)).

(e) Default Interest; Other Amounts. Prior to the occurrence or effective
designation of an Early Termination Date in respect of the relevant Transaction,
a party that defaults in the performance of any payment obligation will, to the
extent permitted by law and subject to Section 6(c), be required to pay interest
(before as well as after judgment) on the overdue amount to the other party on
demand in the same currency as such overdue amount, for the period from (and
including) the original due date for payment to (but excluding) the date of
actual payment, at the Default Rate. Such interest will be calculated on the
basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days elapsed. If, prior to
the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination Date in respect
of the relevant Transaction, a party defaults in the performance of any
obligation required to be settled by delivery, it will compensate the other
party on demand if and to the extent provided for in the relevant Confirmation
or elsewhere in this Agreement.

3. Representations

Each party represents to the other party (which representations will be deemed
to be repeated by each party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into
and, in the case of the representations in Section 3(f), at all times until the
termination of this Agreement) that:--

(a) Basic Representations.

        (i) Status. It is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of
        the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation and, if relevant
        under such laws, in good standing;

        (ii) Powers. It has the power to execute this Agreement and any other
        documentation relating to this Agreement to which it is a party, to
        deliver this Agreement and any other documentation relating to this
        Agreement that it is required by this Agreement to deliver and to
        perform its obligations under this Agreement and any obligations it has
        under any Credit Support Document to which it is a party and has taken
        all necessary action to authorize such execution, delivery and
        performance;

        (iii) No Violation or Conflict. Such execution, delivery and performance
        do not violate or conflict with any law applicable to it, any provision
        of its constitutional documents, any order or judgment of any court or
        other agency of government applicable to it or any of its assets or any
        contractual restriction binding on or affecting it or any of its assets;

        (iv) Consents. All governmental and other consents that are required to
        have been obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit
        Support Document to which it is a party have been obtained and are in
        full force and effect and all conditions of any such consents have been
        complied with: and

        (v) Obligations Binding. Its obligations under this Agreement and any
        Credit Support Document to which it is a party constitute its legal,
        valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their
        respective terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization,
        insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
        generally and subject, as to enforceability, to equitable principles of
        general application (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a
        proceeding in equity or at law)).



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(b) Absence of Certain Events. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default
or, to its knowledge, Termination Event with respect to it has occurred and is
continuing and no such event or circumstance would occur as a result of its
entering into or performing its obligations under this Agreement or any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party.

(c) Absence of Litigation. There is not pending or, to its knowledge, threatened
against it or any of its Affiliates any action, suit or proceeding at law or in
equity or before any court, tribunal, governmental body, agency or official or
any arbitrator that is likely to affect the legality, validity or enforceability
against it of this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a
party or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or such
Credit Support Document.

(d) Accuracy of Specified Information. All applicable information that is
furnished in writing by or on behalf of it to the other party and is identified
for the purpose of this Section 3(d) in the Schedule is, as of the date of the
information, true, accurate and complete in every material respect.

(e) Payer Tax Representation. Each representation specified in the Schedule as
being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(e) is accurate and true.

(f) Payee Tax Representations. Each representation specified in the Schedule as
being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(f) is accurate and true.

4. Agreements

Each party agrees with the other that, so tong as either party has or may have
any obligation under this Agreement or under any Credit Support Document to
which it is a party:--

(a) Furnish Specified Information. It will deliver to the other party or, in
certain cases under subparagraph (iii) betow, to such government or taxing
authority as the other party reasonably directs:--

        (i) any forms, documents or certificates relating to taxation specified
        in the Schedule or any Confirmation:

        (ii) any other documents specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation;
        and

        (iii) upon reasonable demand by such other party, any form or document
        that may be required or reasonably requested in writing in order to
        allow such other party or its Credit Support Provider to make a payment
        under this Agreement or any applicable Credit Support Document without
        any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax or with such
        deduction or withholding at a reduced rate (so tong as the completion,
        execution or submission of such form or document would not materially
        prejudice the legal or commercial position of the party in receipt of
        such demand), with any such form or document to be accurate and
        completed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to such other party and to
        be executed and to be delivered with any reasonably required
        certification,

in each case by the date specified in the Schedule or such Confirmation or, if
none is specified, as soon as reasonably practicable.

(b) Maintain Authorizations. It will use all reasonable efforts to maintain in
full force and effect all consents of any governmental or other authority that
arc required to be obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party and will use all reasonable efforts to
obtain any that may become necessary in the future.

(c) Comply with Laws. It will comply in all material respects with all
applicable laws and orders to which it may be subject if failure so to comply
would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party.

(d) Tax Agreement. It will give notice of any failure of a representation made
by it under Section 3(f) to be accurate and true promptly upon learning of such
failure.

(e) Payment of Stamp Tax. Subject to Section 11, it will pay any Stamp Tax
levied or imposed upon it or in respect of its execution or performance of this
Agreement by a jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, organized, managed and
controlled, or considered to have its seat, or in which a branch or office
through which it is acting for the purpose of this Agreement is located ("Stamp
Tax Jurisdiction") and will indemnify the other party against any Stamp Tax
levied or


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imposed upon the other party or in respect of the other party's execution or
performance of this Agreement by any such Stamp Tax Jurisdiction which is not
also a Stamp Tax Jurisdiction with respect to the other party.

5. Events of Default and Termination Events

(a) Events of Default. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or, if
applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity of
such party of any of the following events constitutes an event of default (an
"Event of Default") with respect to such party:--

        (i) Failure to Pay or Deliver. Failure by the party to make, when due,
        any payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or
        2(e) required to be made by it if such failure is not remedied on or
        before the third Local Business Day after notice of such failure is
        given to the party;

        (ii) Breach of Agreement. Failure by the party to comply with or perform
        any agreement or obligation (other than an obligation to make any
        payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or 2(e)
        or to give notice of a Termination Event or any agreement or obligation
        under Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d)) to be complied with or
        performed by the party in accordance with this Agreement if such failure
        is not remedied on or before the thirtieth day after notice of such
        failure is given to the party;

        (iii) Credit Support Default.

                (1) Failure by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such
                party to comply with or perform any agreement or obligation to
                be complied with or performed by it in accordance with any
                Credit Support Document if such failure is continuing after any
                applicable grace period has elapsed;

                (2) the expiration or termination of such Credit Support
                Document or the failing or ceasing of such Credit Support
                Document to be in full force and effect for the purpose of this
                Agreement (in either case other than in accordance with its
                terms) prior to the satisfaction of all obligations of such
                party under each Transaction to which such Credit Support
                Document relates without the written consent of the other party;
                or

                (3) the party or such Credit Support Provider disaffirms,
                disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part. or
                challenges the validity of, such Credit Support Document:

        (iv) Misrepresentation. A representation (other than a representation
        under Section 3(e) or (f)) made or repeated or deemed to have been made
        or repeated by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such party in
        this Agreement or any Credit Support Document proves to have been
        incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or repeated or
        deemed to have been made or repeated;

        (v) Default under Specified Transaction. The party, any Credit Support
        Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party
        (1) defaults under a Specified Transaction and, after giving effect to
        any applicable notice requirement or grace period, there occurs a
        liquidation of, an acceleration of obligations under, or an early
        termination of, that Specified Transaction, (2) defaults, after giving
        effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period, in making
        any payment or delivery due on the last payment, delivery or exchange
        date of, or any payment on early termination of, a Specified Transaction
        (or such default continues for at least three Local Business Days if
        there is no applicable notice requirement or grace period) or (3)
        disaffirms, disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part. a
        Specified Transaction (or such action is taken by any person or entity
        appointed or empowered to operate it or act on its behalf);

        (vi) Cross Default. If "Cross Default" is specified in the Schedule as
        applying to the party, the occurrence or existence of (1) a default,
        event of default or other similar condition or event (however described)
        in respect of such party, any Credit Support Provider of such party or
        any applicable Specified Entity of such party under one or more
        agreements or instruments relating to Specified Indebtedness of any of
        them (individually or collectively) in an aggregate amount of not less
        than the applicable Threshold Amount (as specified in the Schedule)
        which has resulted in such Specified Indebtedness becoming, or becoming
        capable at such time of being declared, due and payable under such
        agreements or instruments, before it would otherwise have been due and
        payable or (2) a default by such party, such Credit Support Provider or
        such Specified Entity (individually or collectively) in making one or
        more payments on the due date thereof in an aggregate amount of not less
        than the applicable Threshold Amount under such agreements or
        instruments (after giving effect to any applicable notice requirement or
        grace period);



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        (vii) Bankruptcy. The party, any Credit Support Provider of such party
        or any applicable Specified Entity of such party:--

                (1) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation,
                amalgamation or merger); (2) becomes insolvent or is unable to
                pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability
                generally to pay its debts as they become due: (3) makes a
                general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the
                benefit of its creditors; (4) institutes or has instituted
                against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or
                bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or
                insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors' rights,
                or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation,
                and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition instituted
                or presented against it, such proceeding or petition (A) results
                in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an
                order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or
                liquidation or (B) is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or
                restrained in each case within 30 days of the institution or
                presentation thereof; (5) has a resolution passed for its
                winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than
                pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (6) seeks
                or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator,
                provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee,
                custodian or other similar official for it or for all or
                substantially all its assets: (7) has a secured party lake
                possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a
                distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal
                process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or
                substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains
                possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged,
                stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter:
                (8) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which,
                under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous
                effect to any of the events specified in clauses (1) to (7)
                (inclusive); or (9) takes any action in furtherance of, or
                indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any
                of the foregoing acts: or

        (viii) Merger Without Assumption. The party or any Credit Support
        Provider of such party consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with
        or into, or transfers all or substantially all its assets to, another
        entity and, at the time of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or
        transfer:--

                (1) the resulting, surviving or transferee entity fails to
                assume all the obligations of such party or such Credit Support
                Provider under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to
                which it or its predecessor was a party by operation of law or
                pursuant to an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the other
                party to this Agreement; or

                (2) the benefits of any Credit Support Document fail to extend
                (without the consent of the other party) to the performance by
                such resulting, surviving or transferee entity of its
                obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Termination Events. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or,
if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity
of such party of any event specified below constitutes an Illegality if the
event is specified in (i) below, a Tax Event if the event is specified in (ii)
below or a Tax Event Upon Merger if the event is specified in (iii) below, and,
if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event Upon Merger if the event is
specified pursuant to (iv) below or an Additional Termination Event if the event
is specified pursuant to (v) below:--

        (i) Illegality. Due to the adoption of, or any change in, any applicable
        law after the date on which a Transaction is entered into, or due to the
        promulgation of, or any change in, the interpretation by any court,
        tribunal or regulatory authority with competent jurisdiction of any
        applicable law after such date, it becomes unlawful (other than as a
        result of a breach by the party of Section 4(b)) for such party (which
        will be the Affected Party):--

                (1) to perform any absolute or contingent obligation to make a
                payment or delivery or to receive a payment or delivery in
                respect of such Transaction or to comply with any other material
                provision of this Agreement relating to such Transaction; or

                (2) to perform, or for any Credit Support Provider of such party
                to perform, any contingent or other obligation which the party
                (or such Credit Support Provider) has under any Credit Support
                Document relating to such Transaction;

        (ii) Tax Event. Due to (x) any action taken by a taxing authority, or
        brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, on or after the date on
        which a Transaction is entered into (regardless of whether such action
        is taken or brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (y) a
        Change in Tax Law, the party (which will be the Affected Party) will,


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        or there is a substantial likelihood that it will, on the next
        succeeding Scheduled Payment Date ( 1 ) be required to pay to the other
        party an additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under
        Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 2(e),
        6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) or (2) receive a payment from which an amount is
        required to be deducted or withheld for or on account of a Tax (except
        in respect of interest under Section 2(e), 6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) and no
        additional amount is required to be paid in respect of such Tax under
        Section 2(d)(i)(4) (other than by reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or
        (B));

        (iii) Tax Event Upon Merger. The party (the "Burdened Party") on the
        next succeeding Scheduled Payment Date will either (1) be required to
        pay an additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under
        Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 2(e),
        6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) or (2) receive a payment from which an amount has been
        deducted or withheld for or on account of any Indemnifiable Tax in
        respect of which the other party is not required to pay an additional
        amount (other than by reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or (B)), in either
        case as a result of a party consolidating or amalgamating with, or
        merging with or into, or transferring all or substantially all its
        assets to. another entity (which will be the Affected Party) where such
        action does not constitute an event described in Section 5(a)(viii);

        (iv) Credit Event Upon Merger. If "Credit Event Upon Merger" is
        specified in the Schedule as applying to the party, such party ("X"),
        any Credit Support Provider of X or any applicable Specified Entity of X
        consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or transfers
        all or substantially all its assets to, another entity and such action
        does not constitute an event described in Section 5(a)(viii) but the
        creditworthiness of the resulting, surviving or transferee entity is
        materially weaker than that of X, such Credit Support Provider or such
        Specified Entity, as the case may be, immediately prior to such action
        (and, in such event, X or its successor or transferee, as appropriate,
        will be the Affected Party); or

        (v) Additional Termination Event. If any "Additional Termination Event"
        is specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation as applying, the
        occurrence of such event (and, in such event, the Affected Party or
        Affected Parties shall be as specified for such Additional Termination
        Event in the Schedule or such Confirmation).

(c) Event of Default and Illegality. If an event or circumstance which would
otherwise constitute or give rise to an Event of Default also constitutes an
Illegality, it will be treated as an Illegality and will not constitute Event of
Default.

6. Early Termination

(a) Right to Terminate Following Event of Default. If at any time an Event of
Default with respect to a party (the "Defaulting Party") has occurred and is
then continuing, the other party (the "Non-defaulting Party") may. by not more
than 20 days notice to the Defaulting Party specifying the relevant Event of
Default, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is effective as an
Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions. If, however,
"Automatic Early Termination" is specified in the Schedule as applying to a
party, then an Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions
will occur immediately upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an
Event of Default specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(l), (3), (5), (6) or, to the
extent analogous thereto, (8), and as of the time immediately preceding the
institution of the relevant proceeding or the presentation of the relevant
petition upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an Event of Default
specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(4) or, to the extent analogous thereto, (8).

(b) Right to Terminate Following Termination Event.

        (i) Notice. If a Termination Event occurs, an Affected Party will,
        promptly upon becoming aware of it, notify the other party, specifying
        the nature of that Termination Event and each Affected Transaction and
        will also give such other information about that Termination Event as
        the other party may reasonably require.

        (ii) Transfer to Avoid Termination Event. If either an Illegality under
        section 5(b)(i)(l) or a Tax Event occurs and there is only one Affected
        Party, or if a Tax Event Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is
        the Affected Party, the Affected Party will, as a condition to its right
        to designate an Early Termination Date under Section 6(b)(iv), use all
        reasonable efforts (which will not require such party to incur a loss,
        excluding immaterial, incidental expenses) to transfer within 20 days
        after it gives notice under Section 6(b)(i) all its rights and
        obligations under this Agreement in respect of the Affected Transactions
        to another of its Offices or Affiliates so that such Termination Event
        ceases to exist.



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        If the Affected Party is not able to make such a transfer it will give
        notice to the other party to that effect within such 20 day period,
        whereupon the other party may effect such a transfer within 30 days
        after the notice is given under Section 6(b)(i).

        Any such transfer by a party under this Section 6(b)(ii) will be subject
        to and conditional upon the prior written consent of the other party,
        which consent will not be withheld if such other party's policies in
        effect at such time would permit it to enter into transactions with the
        transferee on the terms proposed.

        (iii) Two Affected Parties. If an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(l) or
        a Tax Event occurs and there are two Affected Parties, each party will
        use all reasonable efforts to reach agreement within 30 days after
        notice thereof is given under Section 6(b)(i) on action to avoid that
        Termination Event.

        (iv) Right to Terminate. If:-

                (1) a transfer under Section 6(b)(ii) or an agreement under
                Section 6(b)(iii). as the case may be, has not been effected
                with respect to all Affected Transactions within 30 days after
                an Affected Party gives notice under Section 6(b)(i): or

                (2) an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(2), a Credit Event Upon
                Merger or an Additional Termination Event occurs, or a Tax Event
                Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is not the Affected
                Party,

        either party in the case of an Illegality, the Burdened Party in the
        case of a Tax Event Upon Merger, any Affected Party in the case of a Tax
        Event or an Additional Termination Event if there is more than one
        Affected Party, or the party which is not the Affected Party in the case
        of a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event if
        there is only one Affected Party may, by not more than 20 days notice to
        the other party and provided that the relevant Termination Event is then
        continuing, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is
        effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of all Affected
        Transactions.

(c) Effect of Designation.

        (i) If notice designating an Early Termination Date is given under
        Section 6(a) or (b), the Early Termination Date will occur on the date
        so designated, whether or not the relevant Event of Default or
        Termination Event is then continuing.

        (ii) Upon the occurrence or effective designation of an Early
        Termination Date, no further payments or deliveries under Section
        2(a)(i) or 2(e) in respect of the Terminated Transactions will be
        required to be made, but without prejudice to the other provisions of
        this Agreement. The amount, if any, payable in respect of an Early
        Termination Date shall be determined pursuant to Section 6(e).

(d) Calculations.

        (i) Statement. On or as soon as reasonably practicable following the
        occurrence of an Early Termination Date, each party will make the
        calculations on its part, if any, contemplated by Section 6(e) and will
        provide to the other party a statement (1) showing, in reasonable
        detail, such calculations (including all relevant quotations and
        specifying any amount payable under Section 6(e)) and (2) giving details
        of the relevant account to which any amount payable to it is to be paid.
        In the absence of written confirmation from the source of a quotation
        obtained in determining a Market Quotation, the records of the party
        obtaining such quotation will be conclusive evidence of the existence
        and accuracy of such quotation.

        (ii) Payment Date. An amount calculated as being due in respect of any
        Early Termination Date under Section 6(e) will be payable on the day
        that notice of the amount payable is effective (in the case of an Early
        Termination Date which is designated or occurs as a result of an Event
        of Default) and on the day which is two Local Business Days after the
        day on which notice of the amount payable is effective (in the case of
        an Early Termination Date which is designated as a result of a
        Termination Event). Such amount will be paid together with (to the
        extent permitted under applicable law) interest thereon (before as well
        as after judgment) in the Termination Currency, from (and including) the
        relevant Early Termination Date to (but excluding) the date such amount
        is paid, at the Applicable Rate. Such interest will be calculated on the
        basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days elapsed.



                                       8
<PAGE>   9

(e) Payments on Early Termination. If an Early Termination Date occurs, the
following provisions shall apply based on the parties' election in the Schedule
of a payment measure, either "Market Quotation" or "Loss", and a payment method,
either the "First Method" or the "Second Method". If the parties fail to
designate a payment measure or payment method in the Schedule, it will be deemed
that "Market Quotation" or the "Second Method", as the case may be, shall apply.
The amount, if any, payable in respect of an Early Termination Date and
determined pursuant to this Section will be subject to any Set-off.

        (i) Events of Default, if the Early Termination Date results from an
        Event of Default:--

                (1) First Method and Market Quotation. If the First Method and
                Market Quotation apply, the Defaulting Party will pay to the
                Non-defaulting Party the excess, if a positive number, of (A)
                the sum of the Settlement Amount (determined by the
                Non-defaulting Party) in respect of the Terminated Transactions
                and the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts
                owing to the Non-defaulting Party over (B) the Termination
                Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the
                Defaulting Party.

                (2) First Method and Loss. If the First Method and Loss apply,
                the Defaulting Party will pay to the Non-defaulting Party, if a
                positive number, the Non-defaulting Party's Loss in respect of
                this Agreement.

                (3) Second Method and Market Quotation. If the Second Method and
                Market Quotation apply, an amount will be payable equal to (A)
                the sum of the Settlement Amount (determined by the
                Non-defaulting Party) in respect of the Terminated Transactions
                and the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts
                owing to the Non-defaulting Party less (B) the Termination
                Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the
                Defaulting Party. If that amount is a positive number, the
                Defaulting Party will pay it to the Non-defaulting Party; if it
                is a negative number, the Non-defaulting Party will pay the
                absolute value of that amount to the Defaulting Party.

                (4) Second Method and Loss. If the Second Method and Loss apply,
                an amount will be payable equal to the Non-defaulting Party's
                Loss in respect of this Agreement. If that amount is a positive
                number, the Defaulting Party will pay it to the Non-defaulting
                Party; if it is a negative number, the Non-defaulting Party will
                pay the absolute value of that amount to the Defaulting Party.

        (ii) Termination Events. If the Early Termination Date results from a
        Termination Event:--

                (1) One Affected Party. If there is one Affected Party, the
                amount payable will be determined in accordance with Section
                6(e)(i)(3), if Market Quotation applies, or Section 6(e)(i)(4),
                if Loss applies, except that, in either case, references to the
                Defaulting Party and to the Non-defaulting Party will be deemed
                to be references to the Affected Party and the party which is
                not the Affected Party, respectively, and, if Loss applies and
                fewer than all the Transactions are being terminated. Loss shall
                be calculated in respect of all Terminated Transactions.

                (2) Two Affected Parties. If there are two Affected Parties:--

                        (A) if Market Quotation applies, each party will
                        determine a Settlement Amount in respect of the
                        Terminated Transactions, and an amount will be payable
                        equal to (I) the sum of (a) one-half of the difference
                        between the Settlement Amount of the party with the
                        higher Settlement Amount ("X") and the Settlement Amount
                        of the party with the tower Settlement Amount ("Y") and
                        (b) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid
                        Amounts owing to X less (II) the Termination Currency
                        Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to Y; and

                        (B) if Loss applies, each party will determine its Loss
                        in respect of this Agreement (or, if fewer than all the
                        Transactions are being terminated, in respect of all
                        Terminated Transactions) and an amount will be payable
                        equal to one-half of the difference between the Loss of
                        the party with the higher Loss ("X") and the Loss of the
                        party with the tower Loss ("Y").

If the amount payable is a positive number, Y will pay it to X; if it is a
negative number, X will pay the absolute value of that amount to Y.

        (iii) Adjustment for Bankruptcy. In circumstances where an Early
        Termination Date occurs because "Automatic Early Termination" applies in
        respect of a party, the amount determined under this Section 6(e) will
        be subject to


                                       9
<PAGE>   10

        such adjustments as are appropriate and permitted by law to reflect any
        payment or deliveries made by one party to the other under this
        Agreement (and retained by such other party) during the period from the
        relevant Early Termination Date to the date for payment determined under
        Section 6(d)(ii).

        (iv) Pre-Estimate. The panics agree that if Market Quotation applies an
        amount recoverable under this Section 6(e) is a reasonable pre-estimate
        of loss and not a penalty. Such amount is payable for the loss of
        bargain and the loss of protection against future risks and except as
        otherwise provided in this Agreement neither party will be entitled to
        recover any additional damages as a consequence of such losses.

7. Transfer

Subject to Section 6(b)(ii), neither this Agreement nor any interest or
obligation in or under this Agreement may be transferred (whether by way of
security or otherwise) by either party without the prior written consent of the
other party, except that:--

(a) a party may make such a transfer of this Agreement pursuant to a
consolidation or amalgamation with, or merger with or into, or transfer of all
or substantially all its assets to, another entity (but without prejudice to any
other right or remedy under this Agreement); and

(b) a party may make such a transfer of all or any part of its interest in any
amount payable to it from a Defaulting Party under Section 6(e).

Any purported transfer that is not in compliance with this Section will be void.

8. Contractual Currency

(a) Payment in the Contractual Currency. Each payment under this Agreement will
be made in the relevant currency specified in this Agreement for that payment
(the "Contractual Currency"). To the extent permitted by applicable law, any
obligation to make payments under this Agreement in the Contractual Currency
will not be discharged or satisfied by any tender in any currency other than the
Contractual Currency, except to the extent such tender results in the actual
receipt by the party to which payment is owed, acting in a reasonable manner and
in good faith in convening the currency so tendered into the Contractual
Currency, of the full amount in the Contractual Currency of all amounts payable
in respect of this Agreement. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual
Currency so received falls short of the amount in the Contractual Currency
payable in respect of this Agreement, the party required to make the payment
will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, immediately pay such additional
amount in the Contractual Currency as may be necessary to compensate for the
shortfall. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual Currency so received
exceeds the amount in the Contractual Currency payable in respect of this
Agreement, the party receiving the payment will refund promptly the amount of
such excess.

(h) Judgments. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if any judgment or
order expressed in a currency other than the Contractual Currency is rendered
(i) for the payment of any amount owing in respect of this Agreement, (ii) for
the payment of any amount relating to any early termination in respect of this
Agreement or (iii) in respect of a judgment or order of another court for the
payment of any amount described in (i) or (ii) above, the party seeking
recovery, after recovery in full of the aggregate amount to which such party is
entitled pursuant to the judgment or order, will be entitled to receive
immediately from the other party the amount of any shortfall of the Contractual
Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in such other
currency and will refund promptly to the other party any excess of the
Contractual Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in
such other currency if such shortfall or such excess arises or results from any
variation between the rate of exchange at which the Contractual Currency is
converted into the currency of the judgment or order for the purposes of such
judgment or order and the rate of exchange at which such party is able, acting
in a reasonable manner and in good faith in converting the currency received
into the Contractual Currency, to purchase the Contractual Currency with the
amount of the currency of the judgment or order actually received by such party.
The term "rate of exchange" includes, without limitation, any premiums and costs
of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of or conversion into the
Contractual Currency.

(c) Separate Indemnities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these
indemnities constitute separate and independent obligations from the other
obligations in this Agreement, will be enforceable as separate and independent
causes of action, will apply notwithstanding any indulgence granted by the party
to which any payment is owed and will


                                       10
<PAGE>   11

not be affected by judgment being obtained or claim or proof being made for any
other sums payable in respect of this Agreement.

(d) Evidence of Loss. For the purpose of this Section 8, it will be sufficient
for a party to demonstrate that it would have suffered a loss had an actual
exchange or purchase been made.

9. Miscellaneous

(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes
all oral communication and prior writings with respect thereto.

(b) Amendments. No amendment, modification or waiver in respect of this
Agreement will be effective unless in writing (including a writing evidenced by
a facsimile transmission) and executed by each of the parties or confirmed by an
exchange of telexes or electronic messages on an electronic messaging system.

(c) Survival of Obligations. Without prejudice to Sections 2(a)(iii) and
6(c)(ii), the obligations of the parties under this Agreement will survive the
termination of any Transaction.

(d) Remedies Cumulative. Except as provided in this Agreement, the rights,
powers, remedies and privileges provided in this Agreement are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights, powers, remedies and privileges provided by law.

(e) Counterparts and Confirmations.

        (i) This Agreement (and each amendment, modification and waiver in
        respect of it) may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including
        by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original.

        (ii) The parties intend that they are legally bound by the terms of each
        Transaction from the moment they agree to those terms (whether orally or
        otherwise). A Confirmation shall be entered into as soon as practicable
        and may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by
        facsimile transmission) or be created by an exchange of telexes or by an
        exchange of electronic messages on an electronic messaging system, which
        in each case will be sufficient for all purposes to evidence a binding
        supplement to this Agreement. The parties will specify therein or
        through another effective means that any such counterpart, telex or
        electronic message constitutes a Confirmation.

(f) No Waiver of Rights. A failure or delay in exercising any right, power or
privilege in respect of this Agreement will not be presumed to operate as a
waiver, and a single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege will
not be presumed to preclude any subsequent or further exercise, of that right,
power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

(g) Headings. The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into
consideration in interpreting this Agreement.

10. Offices; Multibranch Parties

(a) If Section 10(a) is specified in the Schedule as applying, each party that
enters into a Transaction through an Office other than its head or home office
represents to the other party that, notwithstanding the place of booking office
or jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of such party, the obligations
of such party are the same as if it had entered into the Transaction through its
head or home office. This representation will be deemed to be repeated by such
party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into.

(b) Neither party may change the Office through which it makes and receives
payments or deliveries for the purpose of a Transaction without the prior
written consent of the other party.

(c) If a party is specified as a Multibranch Party in the Schedule, such
Multibranch Party may make and receive payments or deliveries under any
Transaction through any Office listed in the Schedule, and the Office through
which it makes and receives payments or deliveries with respect to a Transaction
will be specified in the relevant Confirmation.

11. Expenses



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

A Defaulting Party will, on demand, indemnify and hold harmless the other party
for and against all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including legal fees and
Stamp Tax, incurred by such other party by reason of the enforcement and
protection of its rights under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to
which the Defaulting Party is a party or by reason of the early termination of
any Transaction, including, but not limited to, costs of collection.

12. Notices

(a) Effectiveness. Any notice or other communication in respect of this
Agreement may be given in any manner set forth below (except that a notice or
other communication under Section 5 or 6 may not be given by facsimile
transmission or electronic messaging system) to the address or number or in
accordance with the electronic messaging system details provided (see the
Schedule) and will be deemed effective as indicated:--

        (i) if in writing and delivered in person or by courier, on the date it
        is delivered;

        (ii) if sent by telex, on the date the recipient's answerback is
        received;

        (iii) if sent by facsimile transmission, on the date that transmission
        is received by a responsible employee of the recipient in legible form
        (it being agreed that the burden of proving receipt will be on the
        sender and will not be met by a transmission report generated by the
        sender's facsimile machine):

        (iv) if sent by certified or registered mail (airmail, if overseas) or
        the equivalent (return receipt requested), on the date that mail is
        delivered or its delivery is attempted; or

        (v) if sent by electronic messaging system, on the date that electronic
        message is received,

unless the date of that delivery (or attempted delivery) or that receipt, as
applicable, is not a Local Business Day or that communication is delivered (or
attempted) or received, as applicable, after the close of business on a Local
Business Day, in which case that communication shall be deemed given and
effective on the first following day that is a Local Business Day.

(b) Change of Addresses. Either party may by notice to the other change the
address, telex or facsimile number or electronic messaging system details at
which notices or other communications are to be given to it.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

(a) Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law specified in the Schedule.

(b) Jurisdiction. With respect to any suit, action or proceedings relating to
this Agreement ("Proceedings"), each party irrevocably:--

        (i) submits to the jurisdiction of the English courts, if this Agreement
        is expressed to be governed by English law, or to the non-exclusive
        jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the United
        Suites District Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in New York
        City, if this Agreement is expressed to be governed by the laws of the
        State of New York: and

        (ii) waives any objection which it may have at any time to the laying of
        venue of any Proceedings brought in any such court, waives any claim
        that such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and
        further waives the right to object, with respect to such Proceedings,
        that such court does not have any jurisdiction over such party.

Nothing in this Agreement precludes either party from bringing Proceedings in
any other jurisdiction (outside, if this Agreement is expressed to he governed
by English law, the Contracting Stales, as defined in Section 1(3) of the Civil
Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 or any modification, extension or
re-enactment thereof for the time being in force) nor will the bringing of
Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the bringing of
Proceedings in any other jurisdiction.



                                       12
<PAGE>   13

(c) Service of Process. Each party irrevocably appoints the Process Agent (if
any) specified opposite its name in the Schedule to receive, for it and on its
behalf, service of process in any Proceedings. If for any reason any party's
Process Agent is unable to act as such, such party will promptly notify the
other party and within 30 days appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to
the other party. The parties irrevocably consent to service of process given in
the manner provided for notices in Section 12. Nothing in this Agreement will
affect the right of either party to serve process in any other manner permitted
by law.

(d) Waiver of Immunities. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, with respect to itself and its revenues and assets
(irrespective of their use or intended use), all immunity on the grounds of
sovereignty or other similar grounds from (i) suit, (ii) jurisdiction of any
court, (iii) relief by way of injunction, order for specific performance or for
recovery of property, (iv) attachment of its assets (whether before or after
judgment) and (v) execution or enforcement of any judgment to which it or its
revenues or assets might otherwise be entitled in any Proceedings in the courts
of any jurisdiction and irrevocably agrees, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, that it will not claim any such immunity in any Proceedings.

14. Definitions

As used in this Agreement:--

"Additional Termination Event" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Affected Party" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Affected Transactions" means (a) with respect to any Termination Event
consisting of an Illegality, Tax Event or Tax Event Upon Merger, all
Transactions affected by the occurrence of such Termination Event and (b) with
respect to any other Termination Event, all Transactions.

"Affiliate" means, subject to the Schedule, in relation to any person, any
entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by the person, any entity that
controls, directly or indirectly, the person or any entity directly or
indirectly under common control with the person. For this purpose, "control" of
any entity or person means ownership of a majority of the voting power of the
entity or person.

"Applicable Rate" means:--

(a) in respect of obligations payable or deliverable (or which would have been
but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Defaulting Party, the Default Rate:

(b) in respect of an obligation to pay an amount under Section 6(e) of either
party from and after the date (determined in accordance with Section 6(d)(ii))
on which that amount is payable, the Default Rate;

(c) in respect of all other obligations payable or deliverable (or which would
have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Non-defaulting Party, the Non-default
Rate: and

(d) in all other cases, the Termination Rate.

"Burdened Party" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Change in Tax Law" means the enactment, promulgation, execution or ratification
of. or any change in or amendment to, any law (or in the application or official
interpretation of any law) that occurs on or after the date on which the
relevant Transaction is entered into.

"consent" includes a consent, approval, action, authorization, exemption,
notice, filing, registration or exchange control consent.

"Credit Event Upon Merger" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Credit Support Document" means any agreement or instrument that is specified as
such in this Agreement.



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

"Credit Support Provider" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

"Default Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or
evidence of any actual cost) to the relevant payee (as certified by it) if it
were to fund or of funding the relevant amount plus 1 % per annum.

"Defaulting Party" has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

"Early Termination Date" means the date determined in accordance with Section
6(a) or 6(b)(iv).

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5(a) and, if applicable,
in the Schedule.

"Illegality" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Indemnifiable Tax" means any Tax other than a Tax that would not be imposed in
respect of a payment under this Agreement but for a present or former connection
between the jurisdiction of the government or taxation authority imposing such
Tax and the recipient of such payment or a person related to such recipient
(including, without limitation, a connection arising from such recipient or
related person being or having been a citizen or resident of such jurisdiction,
or being or having been organized, present or engaged in a trade or business in
such jurisdiction, or having or having had a permanent establishment or fixed
place of business in such jurisdiction, but excluding a connection arising
solely from such recipient or related person having executed, delivered,
performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, this
Agreement or a Credit Support Document).

"law" includes any treaty, law, rule or regulation (as modified, in the case of
tax matters, by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority) and
"lawful" and "unlawful" will be construed accordingly.

"Local Business Day" means, subject to the Schedule, a day on which commercial
banks are open for business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign
currency deposits) (a) in relation to any obligation under Section 2(a)(i), in
the place(s) specified in the relevant Confirmation or, if not so specified, as
otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or determined pursuant to provisions
contained, or incorporated by reference, in this Agreement, (b) in relation to
any other payment, in the place where the relevant account is located and, if
different, in the principal financial center, if any, of the currency of such
payment, (c) in relation to any notice or other communication, including notice
contemplated under Section 5(a)(i), in the city specified in the address for
notice provided by the recipient and, in the case of a notice contemplated by
Section 2(b), in the place where the relevant new account is to be located and
(d) in relation to Section 5(a)(v)(2), in the relevant locations for performance
with respect to such Specified Transaction.

"Loss" means, with respect to this Agreement or one or more Terminated
Transactions, as the case may be, and a party, the Termination Currency
Equivalent of an amount that party reasonably determines in good faith to be its
total losses and costs (or gain, in which case expressed as a negative number)
in connection with this Agreement or that Terminated Transaction or group of
Terminated Transactions, as the case may be, including any loss of bargain, cost
of funding or, at the election of such party but without duplication, loss or
cost incurred as a result of its terminating, liquidating, obtaining or
reestablishing any hedge or related trading position (or any gain resulting from
any of them). Loss includes losses and costs (or gains) in respect of any
payment or delivery required to have been made (assuming satisfaction of each
applicable condition precedent) on or before the relevant Early Termination Date
and not made, except, so as to avoid duplication, if Section 6(e)(i)(l) or (3)
or 6(e)(ii)(2)(A) applies. Loss does not include a party's legal fees and
out-of-pocket expenses referred to under Section 11. A party will determine its
Loss as of the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if that is not reasonably
practicable, as of the earliest date thereafter as is reasonably practicable. A
party may (but need not) determine its Loss by reference to quotations of
relevant rates or prices from one or more leading dealers in the relevant
markets.

"Market Quotation" means, with respect to one or more Terminated Transactions
and a party making the determination, an amount determined on the basis of
quotations from Reference Market-makers. Each quotation will be for an amount,
if any, that would be paid to such party (expressed as a negative number) or by
such party (expressed as a positive number) in consideration of an agreement
between such party (taking into account any existing Credit Support Document
with respect to the obligations of such party) and the quoting Reference
Market-maker to enter into a transaction (the "Replacement Transaction") that
would have the effect of preserving for such party the economic equivalent of
any payment or delivery (whether the underlying obligation was absolute or
contingent and assuming the satisfaction of each applicable condition precedent)
by the panics under Section 2(a)(i) in respect of such Terminated Transaction or
group of Terminated Transactions that would, but for the occurrence of the
relevant Early Termination Date, have been required after that date. For this
purpose, Unpaid Amounts in respect of the Terminated Transaction or group of
Terminated Transactions are to be


                                       14
<PAGE>   15

excluded but, without limitation, any payment or delivery that would, but for
the relevant Early Termination Date, have been required (assuming satisfaction
of each applicable condition precedent) after that Early Termination Date is to
be included. The Replacement Transaction would be subject to such documentation
as such party and the Reference Market-maker may, in good faith, agree. The
party making the determination (or its agent) will request each Reference
Market-maker to provide its quotation to the extent reasonably practicable as of
the same day and time (without regard to different time zones) on or as soon as
reasonably practicable after the relevant Early Termination Date. The day and
time as of which those quotations are to be obtained will be selected in good
faith by the party obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), and, if
each party is so obliged, after consultation with the other. If more than three
quotations are provided, the Market Quotation will be the arithmetic mean of the
quotations, without regard to the quotations having the highest and lowest
values. If exactly three such quotations are provided, the Market Quotation will
be the quotation remaining after disregarding the highest and lowest quotations.
For this purpose, if more than one quotation has the same highest value or
lowest value, then one of such quotations shall be disregarded. If fewer than
three quotations are provided, it will be deemed that the Market Quotation in
respect of such Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions
cannot be determined.

"Non-default Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or
evidence of any actual cost) to the Non-defaulting Party (as certified by it) if
it were to fund the relevant amount.

"Non-defaulting Party" has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

"Office" means a branch or office of a party, which may be such party's head or
home office.

"Potential Event of Default" means any event which, with the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

"Reference Market-makers" means four leading dealers in the relevant market
selected by the party determining a Market Quotation in good faith (a) from
among dealers of the highest credit standing which satisfy all the criteria that
such party applies generally at the time in deciding whether to offer or to make
an extension of credit and (b) to the extent practicable, from among such
dealers having an office in the same city.

"Relevant Jurisdiction" means, with respect to a party, the jurisdictions (a) in
which the party is incorporated, organized, managed and controlled or considered
to have its seat, (b) where an Office through which the party is acting for
purposes of this Agreement is located, (c) in which the party executes this
Agreement and (d) in relation to any payment, from or through which such payment
is made.

"Scheduled Payment Date" means a date on which a payment or delivery is to be
made under Section 2(a)(i) with respect to a Transaction.

"Set-off" means set-off, offset, combination of accounts, right of retention or
withholding or similar right or requirement to which the payer of an amount
under Section 6 is entitled or subject (whether arising under this Agreement,
another contract. applicable law or otherwise) that is exercised by, or imposed
on, such payer.

"Settlement Amount" means, with respect to a party and any Early Termination
Date, the sum of:--

(a) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Market Quotations (whether
positive or negative) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions for which a Market Quotation is determined; and

(b) such party's Loss (whether positive or negative and without reference to any
Unpaid Amounts) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions for which a Market Quotation cannot be determined or would not (in
the reasonable belief of the party making the determination) produce a
commercially reasonable result.

"Specified Entity'" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

"Specified Indebtedness" means, subject to the Schedule, any obligation (whether
present or future, contingent or otherwise, as principal or surety or otherwise)
in respect of borrowed money.

"Specified Transaction" means, subject to the Schedule, (a) any transaction
(including an agreement with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered
into between one party to this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such
party or


                                       15
<PAGE>   16

any applicable Specified Entity of such party) and the other party to this
Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such other party or any applicable
Specified Entity of such other party) which is a rate swap transaction, basis
swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or
equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate
option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar
transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction,
currency option or any other similar transaction (including any option with
respect to any of these transactions), (b) any combination of these transactions
and (c) any other transaction identified as a Specified Transaction in this
Agreement or the relevant confirmation.

"Stamp Tax" means any stamp, registration, documentation or similar tax.

"Tax" means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, assessment or
fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and additions thereto) that is
imposed by any government or other taxing authority in respect of any payment
under this Agreement other than a stamp, registration, documentation or similar
tax.

"Tax Event" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Tax Event Upon Merger" has the meaning specified in Section 5Cb).

"Terminated Transactions" means with respect to any Early Termination Date (a)
if resulting from a Termination Event, all Affected Transactions and (b) if
resulting from an Event of Default, all Transactions (in either case) in effect
immediately before the effectiveness of the notice designating that Early
Termination Date (or, if "Automatic Early Termination" applies, immediately
before that Early Termination Date).

"Termination Currency" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

"Termination Currency Equivalent" means, in respect of any amount denominated in
the Termination Currency, such Termination Currency amount and, in respect of
any amount denominated in a currency other than the Termination Currency (the
"Other Currency"), the amount in the Termination Currency determined by the
party making the relevant determination as being required to purchase such
amount of such Other Currency as at the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if
the relevant Market Quotation or Loss (as the case may be), is determined as of
a later date, that later date, with the Termination Currency at the rate equal
to the spot exchange rate of the foreign exchange agent (selected as provided
below) for the purchase of such Other Currency with the Termination Currency at
or about 11:00 a.m. (in the city in which such foreign exchange agent is
located) on such date as would he customary for the determination of such a rate
for the purchase of such Other Currency for value on the relevant Early
Termination Date or that later date. The foreign exchange agent will. if only
one party is obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), be selected in
good faith by that party and otherwise will be agreed by the parties.

"Termination Event" means an Illegality, a Tax Event or a Tax Event Upon Merger
or, if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional
Termination Event.

"Termination Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the arithmetic mean of the
cost (without proof or evidence of any actual cost) to each party (as certified
by such party) if it were to fund or of funding such amounts.

"Unpaid Amounts" owing to any party means, with respect to an Early Termination
Date, the aggregate of (a) in respect of all Terminated Transactions, the
amounts that became payable (or that would have become payable but for Section
2(a)(iii)) to such party under Section 2(a)(i) on or prior to such Early
Termination Date and which remain unpaid as at such Early Termination Date and
(b) in respect of each Terminated Transaction, for each obligation under Section
2(a)(i) which was (or would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) required to be
settled by delivery to such party on or prior to such Early Termination Date and
which has not been so settled as at such Early Termination Date, an amount equal
to the fair market value of that which was (or would have been) required to be
delivered as of the originally scheduled date for delivery, in each case
together with (to the extent permitted under applicable law) interest, in the
currency of such amounts, from (and including) the date such amounts or
obligations were or would have been required to have been paid or performed to
(but excluding) such Early Termination Date, at the Applicable Rate. Such
amounts of interest will be calculated on the basis of daily compounding and the
actual number of days elapsed. The fair market value of any obligation referred
to in clause (b) above shall be reasonably determined by the party obliged to
make the determination under Section 6(e) or, if each party is so obliged, it
shall be the average of the Termination Currency Equivalents of the fair market
values reasonably determined by both parties.



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<PAGE>   17

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective
dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of
this document.


------------------------------         -----------------------------------
Sovereign Bank                         Preferred Equities Corporation

By: s/s Thomas J. Morris               By: s/s Charles G. Baltuskonis
   ---------------------------            --------------------------------
Name:  Thomas J. Morris                Name:  Charles G. Baltuskonis
Title: Director                        Title: Vice President and Chief
                                              Accounting Office
Date: 8/31/00                          Date: 8/31/00



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