<PAGE>
                                                        Private Client Group

                                                        Merrill Lynch Business
                                                        Financial Services Inc.
                                                        222 North LaSalle Street
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] MERRILL LYNCH                         17th Floor
                                                        Chicago, Illinois 60601
                                                        (312) 269-4438
                                                        FAX: (312)499-3256

                                                        November 12, 1999

Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.
495 River Street
Paterson, NJ 07524

                  Re: WCMA Line of Credit Increase

Ladies & Gentlemen:

This Letter Agreement will serve to confirm certain agreements of Merrill Lynch
Business Financial Services Inc. ("MLBFS") and Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.
("Customer") with respect to: (i) that certain WCMA AND TERM LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT No. 9811551601 between MLBFS and Customer (including any previous
amendments and extensions thereof), and (ii) all other agreements between MLBFS
and Customer or any party who has guaranteed or provided collateral for
Customer's obligations to MLBFS (a "Guarantor") in connection therewith
(collectively, the "Loan Documents"). Capitalized terms used herein and not
defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Loan Documents.

Subject to the terms hereof, effective as of the "Effective Date" (as defined
below), the Loan Documents are hereby amended as follows:

(a) The term "Maximum WCMA Line of Credit" shall mean an amount equal to the
lesser of: (A) $3,800,000.00 or (B) the sum of: (i) 80% of Customer's domestic
Accounts and Chattel Paper, as shown on its regular books and records (excluding
Accounts over 90 days old, Chattel Paper with installments or other sums more
than 90 days past due, and Accounts and Chattel Paper directly or indirectly due
from any person or entity not domiciled in the continental United States, Alaska
or Hawaii, or from any shareholder, officer or employee of Customer or any
affiliated entity), (ii) 50% of Customer's Inventory, as shown on its regular
books and records, up to a maximum of $2,750,000.00, and (iii) less the
aggregate value of the outstanding balance of Customer's Term Loan Nos.
9811551601 and 9911550701 and issued Letters of Credit.

(b) The annual "Line Fee" is hereby increased to $28,500.00. In connection with
the increase in the Maximum WCMA Line of Credit pursuant hereto, a portion of
such new Line Fee in the amount of $5,000.00 (the "Increase Fee") is now due and
owing. Customer hereby authorizes and directs MLBFS to charge the Increase Fee
to WCMA Account No. 885-07E38 on or at any time after the Effective Date. Once
charged, the Increase Fee is non-refundable.

Except as expressly amended hereby, the Loan Documents shall continue in full
force and effect upon all of their terms and conditions.

By its execution of this Letter Agreement, the below-named Guarantor hereby
consents to the foregoing modifications to the Loan Documents, and hereby agree
that the "Obligations" under its



<PAGE>

                                                                          [LOGO]
Sel-Lab Marketing, Inc.
November 12, 1999
Page No. 2


Unconditional Guaranty shall extend to and include the Obligations of Customer
under the Loan Documents, as amended hereby.

Customer and said Guarantor acknowledge, warrant and agree, as a primary
inducement to MLBFS to enter into this Agreement, that: (a) no Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Loan Documents; (b) each of
the warranties of Customer in the Loan Documents are true and correct as of the
date hereof and shall be deemed remade as of the date hereof; (c) neither
Customer nor said Guarantor have any claim against MLBFS or any of its
affiliates arising out of or in connection with the Loan Documents or any other
matter whatsoever; and (d) neither Customer nor said Guarantor have any defense
to payment of any amounts owing, or any right of counterclaim for any reason
under, the Loan Documents.

Provided that no Event of Default, or event which with the giving of notice,
passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall then have
occurred and be continuing under the terms of the Loan Documents, the amendments
and agreements in this Letter Agreement will become effective on the date (the
"Effective Date") upon which: (a) Customer and the Guarantor shall have executed
and returned the duplicate copy of this Letter Agreement and the other documents
enclosed herewith; and (b) an officer of MLBFS shall have reviewed and approved
this Letter Agreement and such other documents as being consistent in all
respects with the original internal authorization hereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Customer and the Guarantor do not execute and
return the duplicate copy of this Letter Agreement and said other documents
within 14 days from the date hereof, or if for any other reason (other than the
sole fault of MLBFS) the Effective Date shall not occur within said 14-day
period, then all of said amendments and agreements will, at the sole option of
MLBFS, be void.

Very truly yours,

Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc.


By: --------------------------------------------
     Dustin Van Peursem
     Senior Portfolio Manager

Accepted:

Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.


By: ---------------------------------------------

Printed Name: -----------------------------------

Title: ------------------------------------------

<PAGE>


                                                                          [LOGO]
Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.
November 12, 1999
Page No. 3

Approved:

Ales Signature Ltd.


By: ---------------------------------------------

Printed Name: -----------------------------------

Title: ------------------------------------------





<PAGE>


                                                        Private Client Group

                                                        Merrill Lynch Business
                                                        Financial Services Inc.
                                                        222 North LaSalle Street
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] MERRILL LYNCH                         17th Floor
                                                        Chicago, Illinois 60601
                                                        (312) 269-4438
                                                        FAX: (312)499-3256

                                                        November 12, 1999

Mr. Jan Mirsky
President
Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.
495 River Street
Paterson, NJ 07524

                  Re: WCMA Line of Credit Increase

Dear Mr. Mirsky,

I am pleased to advise you that the request of Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc. for an
increase of its WCMA Line of Credit has been approved upon the terms set forth
in the enclosed Letter Agreement.

Note that, among other conditions in said Letter Agreement, in order for this
increase to become effective, one copy of the enclosed Letter Agreement and the
other documents enclosed herewith must be fully executed and returned to me
within 14 days from the date hereof.

If you have any questions, please call me at (312) 269-4438.

Very truly yours,

Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc.


By: -------------------------------------------
         Dustin Van Peursem
         Senior Portfolio Manager

cc: Wayne Dedrick


<PAGE>



[LOGO]                TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
================================================================================

Term Loan and Security Agreement NO. 9911550701 ("Loan Agreement") dated as of
November 12, 1999, between SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of New York having its principal office at
495 River Street, Paterson, NJ 07524 ("Customer"), and MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS
FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the State of Delaware having its principal office at 222 North LaSalle Street,
Chicago, IL 60601 ("MLBFS").

In consideration of the mutual covenants of the parties hereto, Customer and
MLBFS hereby agree as follows:

                             Article I. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Specific Terms. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Loan
Agreement, when used herein the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

(a) "Account Debtor" shall mean any party who is or may become obligated with
respect to an Account or Chattel Paper.

(b) "Additional Agreements" shall mean all agreements, instruments, documents
and opinions other than this Loan Agreement, whether with or from Customer or
any other party, which are contemplated hereby or otherwise reasonably required
by MLBFS in connection herewith, or which evidence the creation, guaranty or
collateralization of any of the Obligations or the granting or perfection of
liens or security interests upon the Collateral or any other collateral for the
Obligations, and shall include, without limitation, the Note.

(c) "Bankruptcy Event" shall mean any of the following: (i) a proceeding under
any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt or
receivership law or statute shall be filed or consented to by Customer or any
Guarantor; or (ii) any such proceeding shall be filed against Customer or any
Guarantor and shall not be dismissed or withdrawn within sixty (60) days after
filing; or (iii) Customer or any Guarantor shall make a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors; or (iv) Customer or any Guarantor shall generally fail
to pay or admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; or
(v) Customer or any Guarantor shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent.

(d) "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, federal
holiday or other day on which the New York Stock Exchange is regularly closed.

(e) "Closing Date" shall mean the date upon which all conditions precedent to
MLBFS' obligation to make the Loan shall have been met to the satisfaction of
MLBFS.

(f) "Collateral" shall mean all Accounts, Chattel Paper, Contract Rights,
Inventory, Equipment, Fixtures, General Intangibles, Deposit Accounts,
Documents, Instruments, Investment Property and Financial Assets of Customer,
howsoever arising, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or
arising, and wherever located; together with all parts thereof (including spare
parts), all accessories and accessions thereto, all books and records (including
computer records) directly related thereto, all proceeds thereof (including,
without limitation, proceeds in the form of Accounts and insurance proceeds),
and the additional collateral described in Section 3.6 (c) hereof.

(g) "Commitment Expiration Date" shall mean December 12, 1999.

(h) "Commitment Fee" shall mean a fee of $5,000.00 due to MLBFS in connection
with this Loan Agreement.

(i) "Default" shall mean either an "Event of Default" as defined in Section 3.5
hereof, or an event which with the giving of notice, passage of time, or both,
would constitute such an Event of Default.

(j) "General Funding Conditions" shall mean each of the following conditions to
each loan or advance by MLBFS hereunder: (i) no Default shall have occurred and
be continuing or would result from the making of any such loan or advance
hereunder by MLBFS; (ii) there shall not have occurred and be continuing any
material adverse change in the business or financial condition of Customer or
any Guarantor; (iii) all representations and warranties of Customer or any
Guarantor herein or in any Additional Agreements shall then be true and correct
in all material respects; (iv) MLBFS shall have received this Loan Agreement and
all Additional Agreements, duly executed and filed or recorded where applicable,
all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to MLBFS;
(v) the Commitment Fee shall have been paid in full; (vi) MLBFS shall have
received, as and to the extent applicable, copies of invoices, bills of sale,
loan payoff letters and/or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that the
proceeds of the Loan will satisfy the Loan Purpose; (vii) MLBFS shall have
received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the ownership of the
Collateral and the perfection and priority of MLBFS' liens and security
interests thereon, as well as the ownership of and the perfection and priority
of MLBFS' liens and security interests on any other collateral for the
Obligations furnished pursuant to any of the Additional Agreements; (viii) MLBFS
shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the insurance
required hereby or by any of the Additional Agreements; and (ix) any additional
conditions specified in the "Term Loan Approval" letter executed by MLBFS with
respect to the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been met to the
reasonable satisfaction of MLBFS.

(k) "Guarantor" shall mean a person or entity who has either guaranteed or
provided collateral for any or all of the Obligations; and "Business Guarantor"
shall mean any such Guarantor that is a corporation, partnership,
proprietorship, limited liability company or other entity regularly engaged in a
business activity.



<PAGE>



(l) "Loan" shall mean a five-year term installment loan in an amount equal to
the lesser of: (A) 100% of the amount required by Customer to satisfy or fulfill
the Loan Purpose, (B) the aggregate amount which Customer shall request be
advanced by MLBFS on account of the Loan Purpose, or (C) $500,000.00.

(m) "Loan Purpose" shall mean the purpose for which the proceeds of the Loan
will be used; to wit: to refinance a portion of Customer's WCMA Line of Credit
No. 885-07E38.

(n) "Location of Tangible Collateral" shall mean the address of Customer set
forth at the beginning of this Loan Agreement, together with any other address
or addresses set forth on an exhibit hereto as being a Location of Tangible
Collateral.

(o) "Obligations" shall mean all liabilities, indebtedness and obligations of
Customer to MLBFS, howsoever created, arising or evidenced, whether now existing
or hereafter arising, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or
to become due, primary or secondary or joint or several, and, without limiting
the foregoing, shall include interest accruing after the filing of any petition
in bankruptcy, and all present and future liabilities, indebtedness and
obligations of Customer under the Note and this Loan Agreement.

(p) "Permitted Liens" shall mean with respect to the Collateral: (i) liens for
current taxes not delinquent, other non-consensual liens arising in the ordinary
course of business for sums not due, and, if MLBFS' rights to and interest in
the Collateral are not materially and adversely affected thereby, any such liens
for taxes or other non-consensual liens arising in the ordinary course of
business being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (ii) liens in
favor of MLBFS; (iii) liens which will be discharged with the proceeds of the
initial WCMA Loan; and (iv) any other liens expressly permitted in writing by
MLBFS.

1.2 Other Terms. Except as otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this Loan
Agreement which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of Illinois ("UCC")
shall have the meanings set forth in the UCC.

                              Article II. THE LOAN

2.1 Commitment. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, MLBFS hereby agrees
to make the Loan to Customer for the Loan Purpose, and Customer agrees to borrow
all amounts borrowed to satisfy the Loan Purpose from MLBFS. The entire proceeds
of the Loan shall be disbursed on the Closing Date either directly to the
applicable third party or parties on account of the Loan Purpose or to reimburse
Customer for amounts directly expended by it; all as directed by Customer in a
Closing Certificate to be executed by Customer and delivered to MLBFS prior to
the Closing Date.

2.2 Note. The Loan will be evidenced by and repayable in accordance with that
certain Collateral Installment Note made by Customer payable to the order of
MLBFS and issued pursuant to this Loan Agreement (the "Note"). The Note is
hereby incorporated as a part hereof as if fully set forth herein.

2.3 Conditions of MLBFS' Obligation. The Closing Date and MLBFS' obligation to
make the Loan on the Closing Date are subject to the prior fulfillment of each
of the following conditions: (a) MLBFS shall have received a written request
from Customer that the Loan be funded in accordance with the terms hereof,
together with a written direction from Customer as to the method of payment and
payee(s) of the proceeds of the Loan, which request and direction shall have
been received by MLBFS not less than two Business Days prior to any requested
funding date; (b) MLBFS shall have received a copy of invoices, bills of sale,
payoff letters or other applicable evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that
the proceeds of the Loan will satisfy or fulfill the Loan Purpose; (c) the
Commitment Expiration Date shall not then have occurred; and (d) each of the
General Funding Conditions shall then have been met or satisfied to the
reasonable satisfaction of MLBFS.

2.4 Use of Loan Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loan shall be used by Customer
solely for a Loan Purpose, or, with the prior written consent of MLBFS, for
other lawful business purposes of Customer not prohibited hereby. Customer
agrees that under no circumstances will the proceeds of the Loan be used: (a)
for personal, family or household purposes of any person whatsoever, or (b) to
purchase, carry or trade in securities, or repay debt incurred to purchase,
carry or trade in securities, or (c) unless otherwise consented to in writing by
MLBFS, to repay any debt to Merrill Lynch and Co., Inc. or any of its
subsidiaries.

2.5 Commitment Fee. In consideration of the agreement by MLBFS to extend the
Loan to Customer in accordance with and subject to the terms hereof, Customer
has paid or shall, on or before the Closing Date pay, the Commitment Fee to
MLBFS. Customer acknowledges and agrees that the Commitment Fee has been fully
earned by MLBFS, and that it will not under any circumstances be refundable.

                         Article III. GENERAL PROVISIONS

3.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Customer represents and warrants to MLBFS that:

(a) Organization and Existence. Customer is a corporation, duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of New York and is
qualified to do business and in good standing in each other state where the
nature of its business or the property owned by it make such qualification
necessary; and, where applicable, each Business Guarantor is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its
formation and is qualified to do business and in good standing in each other
state where the nature of its business or the property owned by it make such
qualification necessary.

(b) Execution, Delivery and Performance. The execution, delivery and performance
by Customer of this Loan Agreement and by Customer and each Guarantor of such of
the Additional Agreements to which it is a party: (i) have been duly authorized
by all requisite action, (ii) do not and will not violate or conflict with any
law or other governmental requirement, or any of the agreements, instruments or
documents which formed or govern Customer or any such



                                      -2-
<PAGE>
Guarantor, and (iii) do not and will not breach or violate any of the provisions
of, and will not result in a default by Customer or any such Guarantor under,
any other agreement, instrument or document to which it is a party or by which
it or its properties are bound.

(c) Notices and Approvals. Except as may have been given or obtained, no notice
to or consent or approval of any governmental body or authority or other third
party whatsoever (including, without limitation, any other creditor) is required
in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Customer or any
Guarantor of such of this Loan Agreement, the Note and the other Additional
Agreements to which it is a party.

(d) Enforceability. This Loan Agreement, the Note and such of the other
Additional Agreements to which Customer or any Guarantor is a party are the
respective legal, valid and binding obligations of Customer and such Guarantor,
enforceable against it or them, as the case may be, in accordance with their
respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy and
other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally or by general
principles of equity.

(e) Collateral. Except for any Permitted Liens: (i) Customer has good and
marketable title to the Collateral, (ii) none of the Collateral is subject to
any lien, encumbrance or security interest, and (iii) upon the filing of all
Uniform Commercial Code financing statements executed by Customer with respect
to the Collateral in the appropriate jurisdiction(s) and/or the completion of
any other action required by applicable law to perfect its liens and security
interests, MLBFS will have valid and perfected first liens and security
interests upon all of the Collateral.

(f) Financial Statements. Except as expressly set forth in Customer's or any
Business Guarantor's financial statements, all financial statements of Customer
and each Business Guarantor furnished to MLBFS have been prepared in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, are true
and correct in all material respects, and fairly present the financial condition
of it as at such dates and the results of its operations for the periods then
ended (subject, in the case of interim unaudited financial statements, to normal
year-end adjustments); and since the most recent date covered by such financial
statements, there has been no material adverse change in any such financial
condition or operation. All financial statements furnished to MLBFS of any
Guarantor other than a Business Guarantor are true and correct in all material
respects and fairly represent such Guarantor's financial condition as of the
date of such financial statements, and since the most recent date of such
financial statements, there has been no material adverse change in such
financial condition.

(g) Litigation. No litigation, arbitration, administrative or governmental
proceedings are pending or, to the knowledge of Customer, threatened against
Customer or any Guarantor, which would, if adversely determined, materially and
adversely affect the liens and security interests of MLBFS hereunder or under
any of the Additional Agreements, the financial condition of Customer or any
such Guarantor or the continued operations of Customer or any Business
Guarantor.

(h) Tax Returns. All federal, state and local tax returns, reports and
statements required to be filed by Customer and each Guarantor have been filed
with the appropriate governmental agencies and all taxes due and payable by
Customer and each Guarantor have been timely paid (except to the extent that any
such failure to file or pay will not materially and adversely affect either the
liens and security interests of MLBFS hereunder or under any of the Additional
Agreements, the financial condition of Customer or any Guarantor, or the
continued operations of Customer or any Business Guarantor).

(i) Collateral Location. All of the tangible Collateral is located at a Location
of Tangible Collateral.

(j) No Outside Broker. Except for employees of MLBFS, MLPF&S or one of their
affiliates, Customer has not in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby directly or indirectly engaged or dealt with, and was not introduced or
referred to MLBFS by, any broker or other loan arranger.

Each of the foregoing representations and warranties: (i) has been and will be
relied upon as an inducement to MLBFS to make the Loan, and (ii) is continuing
and shall be deemed remade by Customer on the Closing Date.

3.2 FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Customer shall furnish or cause to be furnished to MLBFS during the term of
this Loan Agreement all of the following:

(i) Annual Financial Statements. Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal
year of Customer, a copy of the annual audited financial statements of Customer
and the annual audited financial statements of each Business Guarantor,
including, in each case, in reasonable detail, a balance sheet and statement of
retained earnings as at the close of such fiscal year and statements of profit
and loss and cash flow for such fiscal year;

(ii) Interim Financial Statements. Within 45 days after the close of each fiscal
quarter of Customer, a copy of the interim financial statements of Customer and
each Business Guarantor for such fiscal quarter (including in reasonable detail
both a balance sheet as of the close of such fiscal period, and statement of
profit and loss for the applicable fiscal period);

(iii) A/R Agings. Within 15 days after the close of each fiscal month of
Customer, a copy of the Accounts Receivable Aging of Customer and each Business
Guarantor as of the end of such fiscal month;

(iv) Inventory Reports. Within 15 days after the close of each fiscal month of
Customer, a copy of the Inventory Report (as and to the extent applicable,
breaking out Inventory by location, and separately reporting any work in
process) of Customer and each Business Guarantor as of the end of such fiscal
month; and

(v) Other Information. Such other information as MLBFS may from time to time
reasonably request relating to Customer, any Guarantor or the Collateral.



                                      -3-
<PAGE>
(b) General Agreements With Respect to Financial Information. Customer agrees
that except as otherwise specified herein or otherwise agreed to in writing by
MLBFS: (i) all annual financial statements required to be furnished by Customer
to MLBFS hereunder will be prepared by either the current independent
accountants for Customer or other independent accountants reasonably acceptable
to MLBFS, and (ii) all other financial information required to be furnished by
Customer to MLBFS hereunder will be certified as correct by the party who has
prepared such information, and, in the case of internally prepared information
with respect to Customer or any Business Guarantor, certified as correct by
their respective chief financial officer.

3.3 OTHER COVENANTS

Customer further agrees during the term of this Loan Agreement that:

(a) Financial Records; Inspection. Customer and each Business Guarantor will:
(i) maintain at its principal place of business complete and accurate books and
records, and maintain all of its financial records in a manner consistent with
the financial statements heretofore furnished to MLBFS, or prepared on such
other basis as may be approved in writing by MLBFS; and (ii) permit MLBFS or its
duly authorized representatives, upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times,
to inspect its properties (both real and personal), operations, books and
records.

(b) Taxes. Customer and each Guarantor will pay when due all taxes, assessments
and other governmental charges, howsoever designated, and all other liabilities
and obligations, except to the extent that any such failure to pay will not
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder or under any of the Additional Agreements, the financial condition of
Customer or any Guarantor or the continued operations of Customer or any
Business Guarantor.

(c) Compliance With Laws and Agreements. Neither Customer nor any Guarantor will
violate any law, regulation or other governmental requirement, any judgment or
order of any court or governmental agency or authority, or any agreement,
instrument or document to which it is a party or by which it is bound, if any
such violation will materially and adversely affect either the liens and
security interests of MLBFS hereunder or under any of the Additional Agreements,
the financial condition of Customer or any Guarantor, or the continued
operations of Customer or any Business Guarantor.

(d) No Use of Merrill Lynch Name. Except upon the prior written consent of
MLBFS, neither Customer nor any Guarantor will directly or indirectly publish,
disclose or otherwise use in any advertising or promotional material, or press
release or interview, the name, logo or any trademark of MLBFS, MLPF&S, Merrill
Lynch and Co., Incorporated or any of their affiliates.

(e) Notification By Customer. Customer shall provide MLBFS with prompt written
notification of: (i) any Default; (ii) any materially adverse change in the
business, financial condition or operations of Customer or any Business
Guarantor; (iii) any information which indicates that any financial statements
of Customer or any Guarantor fail in any material respect to present fairly the
financial condition and results of operations purported to be presented in such
statements; and (iv) any change in Customer's outside accountants. Each
notification by Customer pursuant hereto shall specify the event or information
causing such notification, and, to the extent applicable, shall specify the
steps being taken to rectify or remedy such event or information.

(f) Notice of Change. Customer shall give MLBFS not less than 30 days prior
written notice of any change in the name (including any fictitious name) or
principal place of business or residence of Customer or any Guarantor.

(g) Continuity. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld: (i) neither Customer nor any Business
Guarantor shall be a party to any merger or consolidation with, or purchase or
otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or any material
stock, partnership, joint venture or other equity interest in, any person or
entity, or sell, transfer or lease all or any substantial part of its assets, if
any such action would result in either: (A) a material change in the principal
business, ownership or control of Customer or such Business Guarantor, or (B) a
material adverse change in the financial condition or operations of Customer or
such Business Guarantor; (ii) Customer and each Business Guarantor shall
preserve their respective existence and good standing in the jurisdiction(s) of
establishment and operation; (iii) neither Customer nor any Business Guarantor
shall engage in any material business substantially different from their
respective business in effect as of the date of application by Customer for
credit from MLBFS, or cease operating any such material business; (iv) neither
Customer nor any Business Guarantor shall cause or permit any other person or
entity to assume or succeed to any material business or operations of Customer
or such Business Guarantor; and (v) neither Customer nor any Business Guarantor
shall cause or permit any material change in its controlling ownership.

(h) Minimum Tangible Net Worth. Customer's "tangible net worth" shall at all
times exceed $6,500,000.00. For the purposes hereof, the term "tangible net
worth" shall mean Customer's net worth as shown on Customer's regular financial
statements prepared in a manner consistent with the terms hereof, but excluding
an amount equal to (i) any assets which are ordinarily classified as
"intangible" in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
(ii) any amounts now or hereafter directly or indirectly owing to Customer by
officers, shareholders or affiliates of Customer.

(i) Borrowed Debt. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, Customer
shall not directly or indirectly hereafter incur or permit to exist any debt of
Customer for borrowed money or the lease under a capital lease or deferred
purchase price of real or personal property other than: (i) debt to MLBFS, (ii)
debt existing as of the date of and reflected on the last financial statements
of Customer submitted to MLBFS prior to the date hereof and not refinanced by
MLBFS, and (iii) debt secured by Permitted Liens .

3.4 COLLATERAL

(a) Pledge of Collateral. To secure payment and performance of the Obligations,
Customer hereby pledges, assigns, transfers and sets over to MLBFS, and grants
to MLBFS first liens and security interests in and upon all of the Collateral,
subject only to Permitted Liens.

(b) Liens. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, Customer shall not
create or permit to exist any lien, encumbrance or security interest upon or
with respect to any Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired other than
Permitted Liens.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

(c) Performance of Obligations. Customer shall perform all of its obligations
owing on account of or with respect to the Collateral; it being understood that
nothing herein, and no action or inaction by MLBFS, under this Loan Agreement or
otherwise, shall be deemed an assumption by MLBFS of any of Customer's said
obligations.

(d) Sales and Collections. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, Customer may in the ordinary course of its business: (i) sell
any Inventory normally held by Customer for sale, (ii) use or consume any
materials and supplies normally held by Customer for use or consumption, and
(iii) collect all of its Accounts. Customer shall take such action with respect
to protection of its Inventory and the other Collateral and the collection of
its Accounts as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request.

(e) Account Schedules. Upon the request of MLBFS, made now or at any reasonable
time or times hereafter, Customer shall deliver to MLBFS, in addition to the
other information required hereunder, a schedule identifying, for each Account
and all Chattel Paper subject to MLBFS' security interests hereunder, each
Account Debtor by name and address and amount, invoice or contract number and
date of each invoice or contract. Customer shall furnish to MLBFS such
additional information with respect to the Collateral, and amounts received by
Customer as proceeds of any of the Collateral, as MLBFS may from time to time
reasonably request.

(f) Alterations and Maintenance. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS,
Customer shall not make or permit any material alterations to any tangible
Collateral which might materially reduce or impair its market value or utility.
Customer shall at all times keep the tangible Collateral in good condition and
repair, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and shall pay or cause to be paid all
obligations arising from the repair and maintenance of such Collateral, as well
as all obligations with respect to any Location of Tangible Collateral, except
for any such obligations being contested by Customer in good faith by
appropriate proceedings.

(g) Location. Except for movements required in the ordinary course of Customer's
business, Customer shall give MLBFS 30 days' prior written notice of the placing
at or movement of any tangible Collateral to any location other than a Location
of Tangible Collateral. In no event shall Customer cause or permit any material
tangible Collateral to be removed from the United States without the express
prior written consent of MLBFS.

(h) Insurance. Customer shall insure all of the tangible Collateral under a
policy or policies of physical damage insurance providing that losses will be
payable to MLBFS as its interests may appear pursuant to a Lender's Loss Payable
Endorsement and containing such other provisions as may be reasonably required
by MLBFS. Customer shall further provide and maintain a policy or policies of
comprehensive public liability insurance naming MLBFS as an additional party
insured. Customer and each Business Guarantor shall maintain such other
insurance as may be required by law or is customarily maintained by companies in
a similar business or otherwise reasonably required by MLBFS. All such insurance
policies shall provide that MLBFS will receive not less than 10 days prior
written notice of any cancellation, and shall otherwise be in form and amount
and with an insurer or insurers reasonably acceptable to MLBFS. Customer shall
furnish MLBFS with a copy or certificate of each such policy or policies and,
prior to any expiration or cancellation, each renewal or replacement thereof.

(i) Event of Loss. Customer shall at its expense promptly repair all repairable
damage to any tangible Collateral. In the event that any tangible Collateral is
damaged beyond repair, lost, totally destroyed or confiscated (an "Event of
Loss") and such Collateral had a value prior to such Event of Loss of $25,000.00
or more, then, on or before the first to occur of (i) 90 days after the
occurrence of such Event of Loss, or (ii) 10 Business Days after the date on
which either Customer or MLBFS shall receive any proceeds of insurance on
account of such Event of Loss, or any underwriter of insurance on such
Collateral shall advise either Customer or MLBFS that it disclaims liability in
respect of such Event of Loss, Customer shall, at Customer's option, either
replace the Collateral subject to such Event of Loss with comparable Collateral
free of all liens other than Permitted Liens (in which event Customer shall be
entitled to utilize the proceeds of insurance on account of such Event of Loss
for such purpose, and may retain any excess proceeds of such insurance), or
prepay the Loan by an amount equal to the actual cash value of such Collateral
as determined by either the insurance company's payment (plus any applicable
deductible) or, in absence of insurance company payment, as reasonably
determined by MLBFS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at the time of occurrence
of such Event of Loss or any time thereafter prior to replacement or prepayment,
as aforesaid, an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
hereunder, then MLBFS may at its sole option, exercisable at any time while such
Event of Default shall be continuing, require Customer to either replace such
Collateral or make a prepayment on account of the Loan, as aforesaid. Any
partial prepayment of the Loans shall be applied to installments due in inverse
order of maturity.

(j) Notice of Certain Events. Customer shall give MLBFS immediate notice of any
attachment, lien, judicial process, encumbrance or claim affecting or involving
$25,000.00 or more of the Collateral.

(k) Indemnification. Customer shall indemnify, defend and save MLBFS harmless
from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, costs and expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) of any
nature whatsoever which may be asserted against or incurred by MLBFS arising out
of or in any manner occasioned by (i) the ownership, collection, possession, use
or operation of any Collateral, or (ii) any failure by Customer to perform any
of its obligations hereunder; excluding, however, from said indemnity any such
claims, liabilities, etc. arising directly out of the willful wrongful act or
active gross negligence of MLBFS. This indemnity shall survive the expiration or
termination of this Loan Agreement as to all matters arising or accruing prior
to such expiration or termination.

3.5 EVENTS OF DEFAULT

The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an "Event of
Default" under this Loan Agreement:

(a) Failure to Pay. Customer shall fail to pay when due any amount owing by
Customer to MLBFS under the Note or this Loan Agreement, or shall fail to pay
when due any other Obligations, and any such failure shall continue for more
than five (5) Business Days after written notice thereof shall have been given
by MLBFS to Customer.



                                      -5-
<PAGE>
(b) Failure to Perform. Customer or any Guarantor shall default in the
performance or observance of any covenant or agreement on its part to be
performed or observed under this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other
Additional Agreements (not constituting an Event of Default under any other
clause of this Section), and such default shall continue unremedied for ten (10)
Business Days after written notice thereof shall have been given by MLBFS to
Customer.

(c) Breach of Warranty. Any representation or warranty made by Customer or any
Guarantor contained in this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other
Additional Agreements shall at any time prove to have been incorrect in any
material respect when made.

(d) Default Under Other Agreement. A default or Event of Default by Customer or
any Guarantor shall occur under the terms of any other agreement, instrument or
document with or intended for the benefit of MLBFS, Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") or any of their affiliates, and any
required notice shall have been given and required passage of time shall have
elapsed.

(e) Bankruptcy Event. Any Bankruptcy Event shall occur.

(f) Material Impairment. Any event shall occur which shall reasonably cause
MLBFS to in good faith believe that the prospect of full payment or performance
by Customer or any Guarantor of any of their respective liabilities or
obligations under this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other Additional
Agreements to which Customer or such Guarantor is a party has been materially
impaired. The existence of such a material impairment shall be determined in a
manner consistent with the intent of Section 1-208 of the UCC.

(g) Acceleration of Debt to Other Creditors. Any event shall occur which results
in the acceleration of the maturity of any indebtedness of $100,000.00 or more
of Customer or any Guarantor to another creditor under any indenture, agreement,
undertaking, or otherwise.

(h) Seizure or Abuse of Collateral. The Collateral, or any material part
thereof, shall be or become subject to any material abuse or misuse, or any
levy, attachment, seizure or confiscation which is not released within ten (10)
Business Days.

3.6 REMEDIES

(a) Remedies Upon Default. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, MLBFS may at its sole option do any one or more or all of the
following, at such time and in such order as MLBFS may in its sole discretion
choose:

(i) Termination. MLBFS may without notice terminate its obligation to make the
Loan (if the Loan has not then been funded) or otherwise extend any credit to or
for the benefit of Customer (it being understood, however, that upon the
occurrence of any Bankruptcy Event all such obligations shall automatically
terminate without any action on the part of MLBFS); and upon any such
termination MLBFS shall be relieved of all such obligations.

(ii) Acceleration. MLBFS may declare the principal of and interest and any
premium on the Note, and all other Obligations to be forthwith due and payable,
whereupon all such amounts shall be immediately due and payable, without
presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of protest, notice of
dishonor, notice of acceleration, notice of intent to accelerate or other notice
or formality of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived; provided,
however, that upon the occurrence of any Bankruptcy Event all such principal,
interest, premium and other Obligations shall automatically become due and
payable without any action on the part of MLBFS.

(iii) Exercise Other Rights. MLBFS may exercise any or all of the remedies of a
secured party under applicable law, including, but not limited to, the UCC, and
any or all of its other rights and remedies under this Loan Agreement and the
Additional Agreements.

(iv) Possession. MLBFS may require Customer to make the Collateral and the
records pertaining to the Collateral available to MLBFS at a place designated by
MLBFS which is reasonably convenient to Customer, or may take possession of the
Collateral and the records pertaining to the Collateral without the use of any
judicial process and without any prior notice to Customer.

(v) Sale. MLBFS may sell any or all of the Collateral at public or private sale
upon such terms and conditions as MLBFS may reasonably deem proper. MLBFS may
purchase any Collateral at any such public sale. The net proceeds of any such
public or private sale and all other amounts actually collected or received by
MLBFS pursuant hereto, after deducting all costs and expenses incurred at any
time in the collection of the Obligations and in the protection, collection and
sale of the Collateral, will be applied to the payment of the Obligations, with
any remaining proceeds paid to Customer or whoever else may be entitled thereto,
and with Customer and each Guarantor remaining jointly and severally liable for
any amount remaining unpaid after such application.

(vi) Delivery of Cash, Checks, Etc. MLBFS may require Customer to forthwith upon
receipt, transmit and deliver to MLBFS in the form received, all cash, checks,
drafts and other instruments for the payment of money (properly endorsed, where
required, so that such items may be collected by MLBFS) which may be received by
Customer at any time in full or partial payment of any Collateral, and require
that Customer not commingle any such items which may be so received by Customer
with any other of its funds or property but instead hold them separate and apart
and in trust for MLBFS until delivery is made to MLBFS.

(vii) Notification of Account Debtors. MLBFS may notify any Account Debtor that
its Account or Chattel Paper has been assigned to MLBFS and direct such Account
Debtor to make payment directly to MLBFS of all amounts due or becoming due with
respect to such Account or Chattel Paper; and MLBFS may enforce payment and
collect, by legal proceedings or otherwise, such Account or Chattel Paper.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>
(viii) Control of Collateral. MLBFS may otherwise take control in any lawful
manner of any cash or non-cash items of payment or proceeds of Collateral and of
any rejected, returned, stopped in transit or repossessed goods included in the
Collateral and endorse Customer's name on any item of payment on or proceeds of
the Collateral.

(b) Collection Fee. If following any acceleration of the Note and other
Obligations pursuant to Section 3.6 (a) (ii) hereof Customer shall fail to pay
the entire balance of the Note and all such other Obligations in full within ten
(10) Business Days after Customer is notified of such acceleration, then
Customer shall pay to MLBFS, in addition to all other sums payable hereunder, a
collection fee in an amount equal to the lesser of: (i) five percent (5%) of the
sum of the then outstanding balance of the Note and then outstanding
Obligations, or (ii) the maximum collection fee permitted by law. Such
collection fee, which is intended to compensate MLBFS for its administrative
costs incident to the collection of the Note and other Obligations following an
Event of Default and acceleration, shall be payable on demand.

(c) Set-Off. MLBFS shall have the further right upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default to set-off, appropriate and apply toward
payment of any of the Obligations, in such order of application as MLBFS may
from time to time and at any time elect, any cash, credit, deposits, accounts,
financial assets, investment property, securities and any other property of
Customer which is in transit to or in the possession, custody or control of
MLBFS, MLPF&S or any agent, bailee, or affiliate of MLBFS or MLPF&S. Customer
hereby collaterally assigns and grants to MLBFS a continuing security interest
in all such property as additional Collateral.

(d) Power of Attorney. Effective upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of an Event of Default, Customer hereby irrevocably appoints MLBFS as its
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, in its place and stead and in
its name or in the name of MLBFS, to from time to time in MLBFS' sole discretion
take any action and to execute any instrument which MLBFS may deem necessary or
advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Loan Agreement, including, but not
limited to, to receive, endorse and collect all checks, drafts and other
instruments for the payment of money made payable to Customer included in the
Collateral.

(e) Remedies are Severable and Cumulative. All rights and remedies of MLBFS
herein are severable and cumulative and in addition to all other rights and
remedies available in the Note, the other Additional Agreements, at law or in
equity, and any one or more of such rights and remedies may be exercised
simultaneously or successively.

(f) Notices. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Customer hereby
irrevocably waives and releases MLBFS of and from any and all liabilities and
penalties for failure of MLBFS to comply with any statutory or other requirement
imposed upon MLBFS relating to notices of sale, holding of sale or reporting of
any sale, and Customer waives all rights of redemption or reinstatement from any
such sale. Any notices required under applicable law shall be reasonably and
properly given to Customer if given by any of the methods provided herein at
least 5 Business Days prior to taking action. MLBFS shall have the right to
postpone or adjourn any sale or other disposition of Collateral at any time
without giving notice of any such postponed or adjourned date. In the event
MLBFS seeks to take possession of any or all of the Collateral by court process,
Customer further irrevocably waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any
bonds and any surety or security relating thereto required by any statute, court
rule or otherwise as an incident to such possession, and any demand for
possession prior to the commencement of any suit or action.

3.7 MISCELLANEOUS

(a) Non-Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of MLBFS in exercising any
right, power or remedy pursuant to this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the
other Additional Agreements shall operate as a waiver thereof, and no single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy shall preclude any other or
further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.
Neither any waiver of any provision of this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of
the other Additional Agreements, nor any consent to any departure by Customer
therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by
MLBFS. Any waiver of any provision of this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of
the other Additional Agreements and any consent to any departure by Customer
from the terms of this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other Additional
Agreements shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which given. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no
notice to or demand on Customer shall in any case entitle Customer to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Disclosure. Customer hereby irrevocably authorizes MLBFS and each of its
affiliates, including without limitation MLPF&S, to at any time (whether or not
an Event of Default shall have occurred) obtain from and disclose to each other
any and all financial and other information about Customer.

(c) Communications. All notices and other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be either delivered personally, mailed
by postage prepaid certified mail or sent by express overnight courier or by
facsimile. Such notices and communications shall be deemed to be given on the
date of personal delivery, facsimile transmission or actual delivery of
certified mail, or one Business Day after delivery to an express overnight
courier. Unless otherwise specified in a notice sent or delivered in accordance
with the terms hereof, notices and other communications in writing shall be
given to the parties hereto at their respective addresses set forth at the
beginning of this Loan Agreement, or, in the case of facsimile transmission, to
the parties at their respective regular facsimile telephone number.

(d) Costs, Expenses and Taxes. Customer shall upon demand pay or reimburse MLBFS
for: (i) all Uniform Commercial Code and other filing and search fees and
expenses incurred by MLBFS in connection with the verification, perfection or
preservation of MLBFS' rights hereunder or in the Collateral or any other
collateral for the Obligations; (ii) any and all stamp, transfer and other taxes
and fees payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution,
delivery and/or recording of this Loan Agreement or any of the Additional
Agreements; and (iii) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including,
but not limited to, reasonable fees and expenses of outside counsel) incurred by
MLBFS in connection with the collection of any sum payable hereunder or under
any of the Additional Agreements not paid when due, the enforcement of this Loan
Agreement or any of the Additional Agreements and the protection of MLBFS'
rights hereunder or thereunder, excluding, however, salaries and normal overhead
attributable to MLBFS' employees. The obligations of Customer under this
paragraph shall survive the expiration or termination of this Loan Agreement and
the discharge of the other Obligations.



                                      -7-
<PAGE>
(e) Right to Perform Obligations. If Customer shall fail to do any act or thing
which it has covenanted to do under this Loan Agreement or any representation or
warranty on the part of Customer contained in this Loan Agreement shall be
breached, MLBFS may, in its sole discretion, after 5 Business Days written
notice is sent to Customer (or such lesser notice, including no notice, as is
reasonable under the circumstances), do the same or cause it to be done or
remedy any such breach, and may expend its funds for such purpose. Any and all
reasonable amounts so expended by MLBFS shall be repayable to MLBFS by Customer
upon demand, with interest at the "Interest Rate" (as that item is defined in
the Note) during the period from and including the date funds are so expended by
MLBFS to the date of repayment, and all such amounts shall be additional
Obligations. The payment or performance by MLBFS of any of Customer's
obligations hereunder shall not relieve Customer of said obligations or of the
consequences of having failed to pay or perform the same, and shall not waive or
be deemed a cure of any Default.

(f) Further Assurances. Customer agrees to do such further acts and things and
to execute and deliver to MLBFS such additional agreements, instruments and
documents as MLBFS may reasonably require or deem advisable to effectuate the
purposes of this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other Additional
Agreements, or to establish, perfect and maintain MLBFS' security interests and
liens upon the Collateral, including, but not limited to: (i) executing
financing statements or amendments thereto when and as reasonably requested by
MLBFS; and (ii) if in the reasonable judgment of MLBFS it is required by local
law, causing the owners and/or mortgagees of the real property on which any
Collateral may be located to execute and deliver to MLBFS waivers or
subordinations reasonably satisfactory to MLBFS with respect to any rights in
such Collateral.

(g) Binding Effect. This Loan Agreement, the Note and the other Additional
Agreements shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of MLBFS,
Customer and their respective successors and assigns. Customer shall not assign
any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this Loan Agreement,
the Note or any of the other Additional Agreements without the prior written
consent of MLBFS. Unless otherwise expressly agreed to in a writing signed by
MLBFS, no such consent shall in any event relieve Customer of any of its
obligations under this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other Additional
Agreements.

(h) Headings. Captions and section and paragraph headings in this Loan Agreement
are inserted only as a matter of convenience, and shall not affect the
interpretation hereof.

(i) Governing Law. This Loan Agreement, the Note and, unless otherwise expressly
provided therein, each of the other Additional Agreements, shall be governed in
all respects by the laws of the State of Illinois.

(j) Severability of Provisions. Whenever possible, each provision of this Loan
Agreement, the Note and the other Additional Agreements shall be interpreted in
such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law. Any provision of
this Loan Agreement, the Note or any of the other Additional Agreements which is
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction,
be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability
without invalidating the remaining provisions of this Loan Agreement, the Note
and the other Additional Agreements or affecting the validity or enforceability
of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

(k) Term. This Loan Agreement shall become effective when accepted by MLBFS at
its office in Chicago, Illinois, and subject to the terms hereof, shall continue
in effect so long thereafter as there shall be any moneys owing hereunder or
under the Note, or there shall be any other Obligations outstanding.

(l) Counterparts. This Loan Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts which, when taken together, constitute one and the same agreement.

(m) Jurisdiction; Waiver. Customer acknowledges that this Loan Agreement is
being accepted by MLBFS in partial consideration of MLBFS' right and option, in
its sole discretion, to enforce this Loan Agreement, the Note and the other
Additional Agreements in either the State of Illinois or in any other
jurisdiction where Customer or any collateral for the Obligations may be
located. Customer consents to jurisdiction in the State of Illinois and venue in
any State or Federal Court in the County of Cook for such purposes, and Customer
waives any and all rights to contest said jurisdiction and venue. Customer
further waives any rights to commence any action against MLBFS in any
jurisdiction except in the County of Cook and State of Illinois. MLBFS and
Customer hereby each expressly waive any and all rights to a trial by jury in
any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought BY either of the parties against
the other party with respect to any matter relating to, arising out of or in any
way connected with the Loan, the Note, this Loan Agreement, any other Additional
Agreements and/or any of the transactions which are the subject matter of this
Loan Agreement.

(n) Integration. This Loan Agreement, together with the Note and the other
Additional Agreements, constitutes the entire understanding and represents the
full and final agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior written agreements or
prior, contemporaneous or subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are
no unwritten oral agreements of the parties. Without limiting the foregoing,
Customer acknowledges that: (i) no promise or commitment has been made to it by
MLBFS, MLPF&S or any of their respective employees, agents or representatives to
make the Loan on any terms other than as expressly set forth herein and in the
Note, or to make any other loan or otherwise extend any other credit to Customer
or any other party; and (ii) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this
Loan Agreement supersedes and replaces any and all proposals, letters of intent
and approval and commitment letters from MLBFS to Customer, none of which shall
be considered an Additional Agreement. No amendment or modification of this
Agreement or any of the Additional Agreements to which Customer is a party shall
be effective unless in a writing signed by both MLBFS and Customer.



                                      -8-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Loan Agreement has been executed as of the day and year
first above written.

SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC.


By: ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Signature (1)                      Signature (2)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Printed Name                       Printed Name

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Title                              Title


Accepted at Chicago, Illinois:
MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


By:___________________________________________________________



                                      -9-
<PAGE>
                                                   [LOGO]

                                    EXHIBIT A

ATTACHED TO AND HEREBY MADE A PART OF TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT NO.
9911550701 BETWEEN MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. AND SEL-LEB
MARKETING, INC.
================================================================================

Additional Locations of Tangible Collateral:




<PAGE>

[LOGO]                                                            No. 9911550701
================================================================================
$500,000.00                                                    November 12, 1999

                           COLLATERAL INSTALLMENT NOTE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of New York ("Customer") hereby promises to
pay to the order of MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware
("MLBFS"), in lawful money of the United States, the principal sum of Five
Hundred Thousand And 00/100 Dollars ($500,000.00), or if more or less, the
aggregate amount advanced by MLBFS to Customer pursuant to the Loan Agreement
(the "Loan Amount"); together with interest on the unpaid balance of the Loan
Amount, from the Closing Date until payment, at the Interest Rate (or, if
applicable, at the Default Interest Rate), as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS.

(a)     In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Note, as used herein, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:

(i)     "Closing Date" shall mean the date of advancement of funds hereunder.

(ii)    "Default Interest Rate" shall mean a rate equal to the sum of the
"Interest Rate", as determined below, plus two percent (2%) per annum.

(iii)   "Excess Interest" shall mean any amount of interest in excess of the
maximum amount of interest permitted to be charged by law.

(iv)    "Interest Rate" shall mean a variable per annum rate equal to the sum of
(i) 2.65% per annum, and (ii) the interest rate from time to time published in
the "Money Rates" section of The Wall Street Journal for 30-day high-grade
unsecured notes sold through dealers by major corporations (the "30-day Dealer
Commercial Paper Rate"). The Interest Rate will change as of the date of
publication in The Wall Street Journal of a 30-day Dealer Commercial Paper Rate
that is different from that published on the preceding Business Day. In the
event that The Wall Street Journal shall, for any reason, fail or cease to
publish the 30-day Dealer Commercial Paper Rate, MLBFS will choose a reasonably
comparable index or source to use as the basis for the Interest Rate. Upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of a Default, the Interest Rate may be
increased to the "Default Interest Rate", as herein provided.

(v)     "Loan Agreement" shall mean that certain TERM LOAN AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT No. 9911550701 between Customer and MLBFS, as the same may have been
or may hereafter be amended or supplemented.

(vi)    "Note" shall mean this COLLATERAL INSTALLMENT NOTE.

(b)     Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the
meaning set forth in the Loan Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the
terms "Additional Agreements", "Bankruptcy Event" and "Event of Default" shall
have
the respective meanings set forth in the Loan Agreement.

2. PAYMENT AND OTHER TERMS. Customer shall pay the indebtedness under this Note
in 60 consecutive monthly installments commencing on the first day of the second
calendar month following the Closing Date and continuing on the first day of
each calendar month thereafter until this Note shall be paid in full. Each such
installment in an amount equal to the sum of (i) accrued interest, and (ii)
1/60th of the Loan Amount (with the first such installment including interest
accrued from the date of funding).

Each payment received hereunder shall be applied first to any fees and expenses
of MLBFS payable by Customer under the terms of the Loan Agreement (including,
without limitation, collection fees), next to accrued interest at the Interest
Rate and/or Default Interest Rate, as applicable, with the balance applied on
account of the unpaid principal hereof. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of any Default, but without limiting the rights and remedies
otherwise available to MLBFS or waiving such Default, the interest payable by
Customer hereunder shall at the option of MLBFS accrue and be payable at the
Default Interest Rate. The Default Interest Rate, once implemented, shall
continue to apply to this Note and be payable by Customer until the date such
Default is either cured or waived in writing by MLBFS. All interest shall be
computed on the basis of actual days elapsed over a 360-day year. All sums
payable hereunder shall be payable at the office of MLBFS at 222 North LaSalle
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601, or at such other place or places as the holder
hereof may from time to time appoint in writing.

Customer may prepay this Note at any time in whole or in part without premium or
penalty. Any partial prepayment shall be applied to installments of the Loan
Amount in inverse order of maturity.

This Note is the Collateral Installment Note referred to in, and is entitled to
all of the benefits of the Loan Agreement and any Additional Agreements. If
Customer shall fail to pay when due any installment or other sum due hereunder,
and any such failure shall continue for more than five (5) Business Days after
written notice thereof shall have been given by the holder hereof to Customer,
or if any other Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then at
the option of the holder hereof (or, upon the occurrence of any Bankruptcy
Event, automatically, without any action on the part of the holder hereof), and
in addition to all other rights and remedies available to such holder under the
Loan Agreement, any Additional Agreements, and otherwise, the entire Loan Amount
at such time remaining unpaid, together with accrued interest thereon and all
other sums then owing by Customer under the Loan Agreement, may be declared to
be and thereby become immediately due and payable.



<PAGE>
It is expressly understood, however, that nothing contained in the Loan
Agreement, any other agreement, instrument or document executed by Customer, or
otherwise, shall affect or impair the right, which is unconditional and
absolute, of the holder hereof to enforce payment of all sums due under this
Note at or after maturity, whether by acceleration or otherwise, or shall affect
the obligation of Customer, which is also unconditional and absolute, to pay the
sums payable under this Note in accordance with its terms. Except as otherwise
expressly set forth herein or in the Loan Agreement, Customer hereby waives
presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of protest, notice of
dishonor, notice of acceleration, notice of intent to accelerate and all other
notices and formalities in connection with this Note.

Wherever possible each provision of this Note shall be interpreted in such
manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision
of this Note shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such provision
shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without
invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this
Note. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Note, the Loan
Agreement or any of the Additional Agreements, no provision of this Note, the
Loan Agreement or any of the Additional Agreements shall require the payment or
permit the collection of any Excess Interest. If any Excess Interest is provided
for, or is adjudicated as being provided for, in this Note, the Loan Agreement
or any of the Additional Agreements, then: (a) Customer shall not be obligated
to pay any Excess Interest; and (b) any Excess Interest that MLBFS may have
received under this Note, the Loan Agreement or any of the Additional Agreements
shall, at the option of MLBFS, be: (i) applied as a credit against the then
unpaid principal balance of this Note, or accrued interest hereon not to exceed
the maximum amount permitted by law, or both, (ii) refunded to the payor
thereof, or (iii) any combination of the foregoing.

This Note shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Illinois and may be enforced by the holder hereof in any jurisdiction in which
the Loan Agreement may be enforced.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Note has been executed by Customer as of the day and
year first above written.

SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC.


By: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Signature (1)                      Signature (2)

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Printed Name                       Printed Name

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Title                              Title




                                      -2-
<PAGE>
[LOGO]                                                   SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE
================================================================================

The undersigned hereby certifies to Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services
Inc. that the undersigned is the duly appointed and acting Secretary (or
Assistant Secretary) of SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC., a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York;
and that the following is a true, accurate and compared transcript of
resolutions duly, validly and lawfully adopted on the _______ day of
____________________, 1999 by the Board of Directors of said Corporation acting
in accordance with the laws of the state of incorporation and the charter and
by-laws of said Corporation:

"RESOLVED, that this Corporation is authorized and empowered, now and from time
to time hereafter, to borrow and/or obtain credit from, and/or enter into other
financial arrangements with, MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
("MLBFS"), and in connection therewith to grant to MLBFS liens and security
interests on any or all property belonging to this Corporation; all such
transactions to be on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed from
time to time between this Corporation and MLBFS; and

"FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President, any Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
or other officer of this Corporation, or any one or more of them, be and each of
them hereby is authorized and empowered to: (a) execute and deliver to MLBFS on
behalf of this Corporation any and all loan agreements, promissory notes,
security agreements, pledge agreements, financing statements, mortgages, deeds
of trust, leases and/or all other agreements, instruments and documents required
by MLBFS in connection therewith, and any present or future extensions,
amendments, supplements, modifications and restatements thereof; all in such
form as any such officer shall approve, as conclusively evidenced by his or her
signature thereon, and (b) do and perform all such acts and things deemed by any
such officer to be necessary or advisable to carry out and perform the
undertakings and agreements of this Corporation in connection therewith; and any
and all prior acts of each of said officers in these premises are hereby
ratified and confirmed in all respects; and

"FURTHER RESOLVED, that MLBFS is authorized to rely upon the foregoing
resolutions until it receives written notice of any change or revocation from an
authorized officer of this Corporation, which change or revocation shall not in
any event affect the obligations of this Corporation with respect to any
transaction conditionally agreed or committed to by MLBFS or having its
inception prior to the receipt of such notice by MLBFS."

The undersigned further certifies that: (a) the foregoing resolutions have not
been rescinded, modified or repealed in any manner, are not in conflict with any
agreement of said Corporation and are in full force and effect as of the date of
this Certificate, and (b) the following individuals are now the duly elected and
acting officers of said Corporation and the signatures set forth below are the
true signatures of said officers:

         President: ________________________________________________

         Vice President: ___________________________________________

         Treasurer: ________________________________________________

         Secretary:_________________________________________________

         _________________: ________________________________________
         Additional Title

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate and has
affixed the seal of said Corporation hereto, pursuant to due authorization, all
as of this ________ day of _________________, 1999.

 (Corporate Seal)               ____________________________________
                                                           Secretary

                   Printed Name:____________________________________



<PAGE>


[LOGO]                                                    UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTY
================================================================================

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, and in order to induce MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL
SERVICES INC. ("MLBFS") to advance moneys or extend or continue to extend credit
or lease property to or for the benefit of, or modify its credit relationship
with, or enter into any other financial accommodations with SEL-LEB MARKETING,
INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
York (with any successor in interest, including, without limitation, any
successor by merger or by operation of law, herein collectively referred to as
"Customer") under: (a) that certain TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT No.
9911550701 between MLBFS and Customer (the "Loan Agreement"), (b) any
"Additional Agreements", as that term is defined in the Loan Agreement,
including, without limitation, the NOTE incorporated by reference in the Loan
Agreement, and (c) all present and future amendments, restatements, supplements
and other evidences of any extensions, increases, renewals, modifications and
other changes of or to the Loan Agreement or any Additional Agreements)
(collectively, the "Guaranteed Documents"), and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
undersigned, ALES SIGNATURE LTD., a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of New York ("Guarantor"), hereby unconditionally guarantees
to MLBFS: (i) the prompt and full payment when due, by acceleration or
otherwise, of all sums now or any time hereafter due from Customer to MLBFS
under the Guaranteed Documents, (ii) the prompt, full and faithful performance
and discharge by Customer of each and every other covenant and warranty of
Customer set forth in the Guaranteed Documents, and (iii) the prompt and full
payment and performance of all other indebtedness, liabilities and obligations
of Customer to MLBFS, howsoever created or evidenced, and whether now existing
or hereafter arising (collectively, the "Obligations"). Guarantor further agrees
to pay all reasonable costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, court
costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) paid or incurred by MLBFS in endeavoring
to collect or enforce performance of any of the Obligations, or in enforcing
this Guaranty. Guarantor acknowledges that MLBFS is relying on the execution and
delivery of this Guaranty in advancing moneys to or extending or continuing to
extend credit to or for the benefit of Customer.

This Guaranty is absolute, unconditional and continuing and shall remain in
effect until all of the Obligations shall have been fully and indefeasibly paid,
performed and discharged. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any
default or Event of Default under any of the Guaranteed Documents, any or all of
the indebtedness hereby guaranteed then existing shall, at the option of MLBFS,
become immediately due and payable from Guarantor (it being understood, however,
that upon the occurrence of any "Bankruptcy Event", as defined in the Loan
Agreement, all such indebtedness shall automatically become due and payable
without action on the part of MLBFS). Notwithstanding the occurrence of any such
event, this Guaranty shall continue and remain in full force and effect. To the
extent MLBFS receives payment with respect to the Obligations, and all or any
part of such payment is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or
preferential, set aside, required to be repaid by MLBFS or is repaid by MLBFS
pursuant to a settlement agreement, to a trustee, receiver or any other person
or entity, whether under any Bankruptcy law or otherwise (a "Returned Payment"),
this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case
may be, to the extent of such payment or repayment by MLBFS, and the
indebtedness or part thereof intended to be satisfied by such Returned Payment
shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if said Returned
Payment had not been made.

The liability of Guarantor hereunder shall in no event be affected or impaired
by any of the following, any of which may be done or omitted by MLBFS from time
to time, without notice to or the consent of Guarantor: (a) any renewals,
amendments, restatements, modifications or supplements of or to any of the
Guaranteed Documents, or any extensions, forbearances, compromises or releases
of any of the Obligations or any of MLBFS' rights under any of the Guaranteed
Documents; (b) any acceptance by MLBFS of any collateral or security for, or
other guarantees of, any of the Obligations; (c) any failure, neglect or
omission on the part of MLBFS to realize upon or protect any of the Obligations,
or any collateral or security therefor, or to exercise any lien upon or right of
appropriation of any moneys, credits or property of Customer or any other
guarantor, possessed by or under the control of MLBFS or any of its affiliates,
toward the liquidation or reduction of the Obligations; (d) any invalidity,
irregularity or unenforceability of all or any part of the Obligations, of any
collateral security for the Obligations, or the Guaranteed Documents; (e) any
application of payments or credits by MLBFS; (f) the granting of credit from
time to time by MLBFS to Customer in excess of the amount set forth in the
Guaranteed Documents; or (g) any other act of commission or omission of any kind
or at any time upon the part of MLBFS or any of its affiliates or any of their
respective employees or agents with respect to any matter whatsoever. MLBFS
shall not be required at any time, as a condition of Guarantor's obligations
hereunder, to resort to payment from Customer or other persons or entities
whatsoever, or any of their properties or estates, or resort to any collateral
or pursue or exhaust any other rights or remedies whatsoever.

No release or discharge in whole or in part of any other guarantor of the
Obligations shall release or discharge Guarantor unless and until all of the
Obligations shall have been indefeasibly fully paid and discharged. Guarantor
expressly waives presentment, protest, demand, notice of dishonor or default,
notice of acceptance of this Guaranty, notice of advancement of funds under the
Guaranteed Documents and all other notices and formalities to which Customer or
Guarantor might be entitled, by statute or otherwise, and, so long as there are
any Obligations or MLBFS is committed to extend credit to Customer, waives any
right to revoke or terminate this Guaranty without the express written consent
of MLBFS.

So long as there are any Obligations, Guarantor shall not have any claim, remedy
or right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution,
indemnification, or participation in any claim, right, or remedy of MLBFS
against Customer or any security which MLBFS now has or hereafter acquires,
whether or not such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract, by
statute, under common law, or otherwise.

MLBFS is hereby irrevocably authorized by Guarantor at any time during the
continuance of an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement or any other of the
Guaranteed Documents or in respect of any of the Obligations, in its sole
discretion and without demand or notice of any kind, to appropriate, hold, set
off and apply toward the payment of any amount due hereunder, in such order of
application as MLBFS may elect, all cash, credits, deposits, accounts, financial
assets, investment property, securities and any other property of Guarantor
which is in transit to or in the possession, custody or control of MLBFS or
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), or any of their
respective agents, bailees or affiliates. Guarantor hereby collaterally assigns
and grants to MLBFS a continuing security interest in all such property as
additional security for the Obligations. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, MLBFS shall have all rights in such property
available to collateral assignees and secured parties under all applicable laws,
including, without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code.



<PAGE>
Guarantor agrees to furnish to MLBFS such financial information concerning
Guarantor as may be required by any of the Guaranteed Documents or as MLBFS may
otherwise from time to time reasonably request. Guarantor further hereby
irrevocably authorizes MLBFS and each of its affiliates, including without
limitation MLPF&S, to at any time (whether or not an Event of Default shall have
occurred) obtain from and disclose to each other any and all financial and other
information about Guarantor.

No delay on the part of MLBFS in the exercise of any right or remedy under any
of the Guaranteed Documents, this Guaranty or any other agreement shall operate
as a waiver thereof, and, without limiting the foregoing, no delay in the
enforcement of any security interest, and no single or partial exercise by MLBFS
of any right or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or
the exercise of any other right or remedy. This Guaranty may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which counterparts, once they are executed and
delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts,
taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Guaranty. This Guaranty
shall be binding upon Guarantor and its successors and assigns, and shall inure
to the benefit of MLBFS and its successors and assigns. If there are more than
one guarantor of the Obligations, all of the obligations and agreements of
Guarantor are joint and several with such other guarantors.

This Guaranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. WITHOUT
LIMITING THE RIGHT OF MLBFS TO ENFORCE THIS GUARANTY IN ANY JURISDICTION AND
VENUE PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, GUARANTOR AGREES THAT THIS GUARANTY MAY AT
THE OPTION OF MLBFS BE ENFORCED BY MLBFS IN ANY JURISDICTION AND VENUE IN WHICH
ANY OF THE GUARANTEED DOCUMENTS MAY BE ENFORCED. GUARANTOR AND MLBFS HEREBY EACH
EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING
OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER OF THE PARTIES AGAINST THE OTHER PARTY IN ANY
WAY RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS GUARANTY OR THE OBLIGATIONs. Wherever
possible each provision of this Guaranty shall be interpreted in such manner as
to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this
Guaranty shall be prohibited by or invalid under such law, such provision shall
be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without
invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this
Guaranty. No modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Guaranty
shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both Guarantor and an officer
of MLBFS. Each signatory on behalf of Guarantor warrants that he or she has
authority to sign on behalf of Guarantor, and by so signing, to bind Guarantor
hereunder.

Dated as of November 12, 1999.

ALES SIGNATURE LTD.


By: ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Signature (1)                      Signature (2)

    ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Printed Name                       Printed Name

    ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Title                              Title

Address of Guarantor:
            495 River Street
            Paterson, NJ 07524




                                      -2-
<PAGE>
[LOGO]                          ]                       SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE
================================================================================

                            (Guaranty by Corporation)

The undersigned hereby certifies to Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services
Inc. that the undersigned is the duly appointed and acting Secretary (or
Assistant Secretary) of ALES SIGNATURE LTD., a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York;
and that the following is a true, accurate and compared transcript of
resolutions duly, validly and lawfully adopted on the _______ day of
____________________, 1999 by the Board of Directors of said Corporation acting
in accordance with the laws of the state of incorporation and the charter and
by-laws of said Corporation:

"RESOLVED, that it is advisable and in the best interests and to the benefit of
this Corporation to guaranty the obligations of SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC.
("Customer") to MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. ("MLBFS"); and

"FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President, any Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
or other officer of this Corporation, or any one or more of them, be and each of
them hereby is authorized and empowered for and on behalf of this Corporation
to: (a) execute and deliver to MLBFS: (i) an Unconditional Guaranty of the
obligations of Customer, (ii) any other agreements, instruments and documents
required by MLBFS in connection therewith, including, without limitation, any
agreements, instruments and documents evidencing liens or security interests on
any of the property of this Corporation as collateral for said Unconditional
Guaranty and/or the obligations of Customer to MLBFS, and (iii) any present or
future amendments to any of the foregoing; all in such form as such officer
shall approve, as evidenced by his signature thereon; and (b) to do and perform
all such acts and things deemed by any such officer to be necessary or advisable
to carry out and perform the undertakings and agreements of this Corporation set
forth therein; and all prior acts of each of said officers in these premises are
hereby ratified and confirmed; and

"FURTHER RESOLVED, that MLBFS is authorized to rely upon the foregoing
resolutions until it receives written notice of any change or revocation from an
authorized officer of this Corporation, which change or revocation shall not in
any event affect the obligations of this Corporation with respect to any
transaction conditionally agreed or committed to by MLBFS or having its
inception prior to the receipt of such notice by MLBFS."

The undersigned further certifies that: (a) the foregoing resolutions have not
been rescinded, modified or repealed in any manner, are not in conflict with any
agreement of said Corporation and are in full force and effect as of the date of
this Certificate, and (b) the following individuals are now the duly elected and
acting officers of said Corporation and the signatures set forth below are the
true signatures of said officers:

         President: _____________________________________________

         Vice President: ________________________________________

         Treasurer: _____________________________________________

         Secretary:______________________________________________

         ________________: ______________________________________
         Additional Title

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate and has
affixed the seal of said corporation hereto, pursuant to due authorization, all
as of this ________ day of _________________, 1999.

(Corporate Seal)                    _____________________________
                                            Secretary

                  Printed Name:     _____________________________




<PAGE>
[LOGO]                          ]                            SECURITY AGREEMENT
================================================================================

Security Agreement ("Agreement") dated as of November 12, 1999, between ALES
SIGNATURE LTD., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State
of New York having its principal office at 495 River Street, Paterson, NJ 07524
("Grantor"), and MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware having its
principal office at 222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601 ("MLBFS").

In order to induce MLBFS to extend or continue to extend credit to SEL-LEB
MARKETING, INC. ("Customer") under the Loan Agreement (as defined below) or
otherwise, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Grantor hereby agrees with MLBFS as
follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

(a)   Specific Terms. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement,
when used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(i)   "Account Debtor" shall mean any party who is or may become obligated with
respect to an Account or Chattel Paper.

(ii)  "Bankruptcy Event" shall mean any of the following: (A) a proceeding under
any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt or
receivership law or statute shall be filed or consented to by Grantor or
Customer; or (B) any such proceeding shall be filed against Grantor or Customer
and shall not be dismissed or withdrawn within sixty (60) days after filing; or
(C) Grantor or Customer shall make a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors; or (D) Grantor or Customer shall generally fail to pay or admit in
writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; or (E) Grantor or
Customer shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent.

(iii) "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, federal
holiday or other day on which the New York Stock Exchange is regularly closed.

(iv)  "Collateral" shall mean all Accounts, Chattel Paper, Contract Rights,
Inventory, Equipment, Fixtures, General Intangibles, Deposit Accounts,
Documents, Instruments, Financial Assets and Investment Property of Grantor,
howsoever arising, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or
arising, and wherever located; together with all parts thereof (including spare
parts), all accessories and accessions thereto, all books and records (including
computer records) directly related thereto, all proceeds thereof (including,
without limitation, proceeds in the form of Accounts and insurance proceeds),
and the additional collateral described in Section 7 (b) hereof.

(v)   "Default" shall mean an "Event of Default", as defined in Section 6
hereof,or any event which with the giving of notice, passage of time, or both,
would constitute such an Event of Default.

(vi)  "Loan Agreement" shall mean that certain TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
No. 9911550701 between MLBFS and Customer, together with all agreements,
instruments and documents executed pursuant thereto, as any or all of the same
may from time to time be or have been amended, restated, extended or
supplemented.

(vii) "Location of Tangible Collateral" shall mean the address of Grantor set
forth at the beginning of this Agreement, together with any other address or
addresses set forth on any exhibit hereto as being a Location of Tangible
Collateral.

(viii)"Obligations" shall mean all liabilities, indebtedness and other
obligations of Customer or Grantor to MLBFS, howsoever created, arising or
evidenced, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary or
joint or several, and, without limiting the foregoing, shall include interest
accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, and all present and
future liabilities, indebtedness and obligations of Customer under the Loan
Agreement and the agreements, instruments and documents executed pursuant
thereto, and of Grantor under this Agreement.

(ix)  "Permitted Liens" shall mean with respect to the Collateral: (A) liens for
current taxes not delinquent, other non-consensual liens arising in the ordinary
course of business for sums not due, and, if MLBFS' rights to and interest in
the Collateral are not materially and adversely affected thereby, any such liens
for taxes or other non-consensual liens arising in the ordinary course of
business being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (B) liens in
favor of MLBFS; and (C) any other liens expressly permitted in writing by MLBFS.

(b) Other Terms. Except as otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this
Agreement which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of Illinois ("UCC")
shall have the meanings set forth in the UCC.

2. COLLATERAL

(a) Pledge of Collateral. To secure payment and performance of the Obligations,
Grantor hereby pledges, assigns, transfers and sets over to MLBFS, and grants to
MLBFS a first lien and security interest in and upon all of the Collateral,
subject only to Permitted Liens.

(b) Liens. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, Grantor shall not
create or permit to exist any lien, encumbrance or security interest upon or
with respect to any Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired other than
Permitted Liens.



<PAGE>
(c) Performance of Obligations. Grantor shall perform all of its obligations
owing on account of or with respect to the Collateral; it being understood that
nothing herein, and no action or inaction by MLBFS, under this Agreement or
otherwise, shall be deemed an assumption by MLBFS of any of Grantor's said
obligations.

(d) Notice of Certain Events. Grantor shall give MLBFS immediate notice of any
attachment, lien, judicial process, encumbrance or claim affecting or involving
$25,000.00 or more of the Collateral.

(e) Indemnification Grantor shall indemnify, defend and save MLBFS harmless from
and against any and all claims, losses, costs, expenses (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), demands, liabilities,
penalties, fines and forfeitures of any nature whatsoever which may be asserted
against or incurred by MLBFS arising out of or in any manner occasioned by (i)
the ownership, use, operation, condition or maintenance of any Collateral, or
(ii) any failure by Grantor to perform any of its obligations hereunder;
excluding, however, from said indemnity any such claims, losses, etc. arising
out of the willful wrongful act or active gross negligence of MLBFS. This
indemnity shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement as to
all matters arising or accruing prior to such expiration or termination.

(f) Insurance. Grantor shall insure all of the tangible Collateral with an
insurer or insurers reasonably acceptable to MLBFS, under a policy or policies
of physical damage insurance reasonably acceptable to MLBFS providing that (i)
losses will be payable to MLBFS as its interests may appear pursuant to a
Lender's Loss Payable endorsement , and (ii) MLBFS will receive not less than 10
days prior written notice of any cancellation; and containing such other
provisions as may be reasonably required by MLBFS. Grantor shall maintain such
other insurance as may be required by law or otherwise reasonably required by
MLBFS. Grantor shall furnish MLBFS with a copy or certificate of each such
policy or policies and, prior to any expiration or cancellation, each renewal or
replacement thereof.

(g) Event of Loss. Grantor shall at its expense promptly repair all repairable
damage to any tangible Collateral. In the event that any tangible Collateral is
damaged beyond repair, lost, totally destroyed or confiscated (an "Event of
Loss") and such Collateral had a value prior to such Event of Loss of $25,000.00
or more, then, on or before the first to occur of (i) 90 days after the
occurrence of such Event of Loss, or (ii) 10 Business Days after the date on
which either Grantor or MLBFS shall receive any proceeds of insurance on account
of such Event of Loss, or any underwriter of insurance on such tangible
Collateral shall advise either Grantor or MLBFS that it disclaims liability in
respect of such Event of Loss, Grantor shall, at Grantor's option, either
replace the Collateral subject to such Event of Loss with comparable Collateral
free of all liens other than Permitted Liens (in which event Grantor shall be
entitled to utilize the proceeds of insurance on account of such Event of Loss
for such purpose, and may retain any excess proceeds of such insurance), or pay
to MLBFS on account of the Obligations an amount equal to the actual cash value
of such Collateral as determined by either the applicable insurance company's
payment (plus any applicable deductible) or, in absence of insurance company
payment, as reasonably determined by MLBFS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at
the time of occurrence of such Event of Loss or any time thereafter prior to
replacement or payment, as aforesaid, an Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing hereunder, then MLBFS may at its sole option, exercisable at
any time while such Event of Default shall be continuing, require Grantor to
either replace such Collateral or make a payment on account of the Obligations,
as aforesaid.

(h) Sales and Collections. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, Grantor may in the ordinary course of its business: (i) sell
any Inventory normally held by Grantor for sale, (ii) use or consume any
materials and supplies normally held by Grantor for use or consumption, and
(iii) collect all of its Accounts. Grantor shall take such action with respect
to protection of its Inventory and the other Collateral and the collection of
its Accounts as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request.

(i) Account Schedules. Upon the request of MLBFS, made now or at any time or
times hereafter, Grantor shall deliver to MLBFS, in addition to the other
information required hereunder, a schedule identifying, for each Account and all
Chattel Paper subject to MLBFS' security interests hereunder, each Account
Debtor by name and address and amount, invoice number and date of each invoice.
Grantor shall furnish to MLBFS such additional information with respect to the
Collateral, and amounts received by Grantor as proceeds of any of the
Collateral, as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request.

(j) Location. Except for movements in the ordinary course of its business,
Grantor shall give MLBFS 30 days' prior written notice of the placing at or
movement of any tangible Collateral to any location other than a Location of
Tangible Collateral. In no event shall Grantor cause or permit any tangible
Collateral to be removed from the United States without the express prior
written consent of MLBFS.

(k) Alterations and Maintenance. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS,
Grantor shall not make or permit any material alterations to any tangible
Collateral which might materially reduce or impair its market value or utility.
Grantor shall at all times keep the tangible Collateral in good condition and
repair and shall pay or cause to be paid all obligations arising from the repair
and maintenance of such Collateral, as well as all obligations with respect to
each Location of Tangible Collateral, except for any such obligations being
contested by Grantor in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Grantor represents and warrants to MLBFS that:

(a) Organization. Grantor is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
in good standing under the laws of the State of New York, and is qualified to do
business and in good standing in each other state where the nature of its
business or the property owned by it make such qualification necessary.

(b) Execution, Delivery and Performance. The execution, delivery and performance
by Grantor of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all requisite action,
do not and will not violate or conflict with any law or other governmental
requirement, or any of the agreements, instruments or documents which formed or
governed Grantor, and do not and will not breach or violate any of the
provisions of, and will not result in a default by Grantor under, any other
agreement, instrument or document to which it is a party or by which it or its
properties are bound.



                                      -2-
<PAGE>
(c) Notice or Consent. Except as may have been given or obtained, no notice to
or consent or approval of any governmental body or authority or other third
party whatsoever (including, without limitation, any other creditor) is required
in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Grantor of this
Agreement.

(d) Valid and Binding. This Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation
of Grantor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy and other similar laws affecting the
rights of creditors generally or by general principles of equity.

(e) Financial Statements. Except as expressly set forth in Grantor 's financial
statements, all financial statements of Grantor furnished to MLBFS have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied, are true and correct, and fairly present the financial
condition of it as at such dates and the results of its operations for the
periods then ended; and since the most recent date covered by such financial
statements, there has been no material adverse change in any such financial
condition or operation.

(f) Litigation, etc. No litigation, arbitration, administrative or governmental
proceedings are pending or threatened against Grantor, which would, if adversely
determined, materially and adversely affect the financial condition or continued
operations of Grantor, or the liens and security interests of MLBFS hereunder.

(g) Taxes. All federal, state and local tax returns, reports and statements
required to be filed by Grantor have been filed with the appropriate
governmental agencies and all taxes due and payable by Grantor have been timely
paid (except to the extent that any such failure to file or pay will not
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder or the financial condition or continued operations of Grantor).

(h) Collateral. Grantor has good and marketable title to the Collateral, and,
except for any Permitted Liens: (i) none of the Collateral is subject to any
lien, encumbrance or security interest, and (ii) upon the filing of all Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements executed by Grantor with respect to the
Collateral or a copy of this Agreement in the appropriate jurisdiction(s) and/or
the completion of any other action required by applicable law to perfect is lien
and security interests, MLBFS will have valid and perfected first liens and
security interests upon all of the Collateral.

Each of the foregoing representations and warranties has been and will be relied
upon as an inducement to MLBFS to advance funds or extend or continue to extend
credit to Customer, and is continuing and shall be deemed remade by Grantor
concurrently with each such advance or extension of credit by MLBFS to Customer.

4. FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

Grantor covenants and agrees that Grantor will furnish or cause to be furnished
to MLBFS during the term of this Agreement such financial and other information
as may be required by the Loan Agreement or any other document evidencing the
Obligations or as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request relating to
Grantor or the Collateral.

5. OTHER COVENANTS

Grantor further agrees during the term of this Agreement that:

(a) Financial Records; Inspection. Grantor will: (i) maintain complete and
accurate books and records at its principal place of business, and maintain all
of its financial records in a manner consistent with the financial statements
heretofore furnished to MLBFS, or prepared on such other basis as may be
approved in writing by MLBFS; and (ii) permit MLBFS or its duly authorized
representatives, upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times, to inspect its
properties (both real and personal), operations, books and records.

(b) Taxes. Grantor will pay when due all taxes, assessments and other
governmental charges, howsoever designated, and all other liabilities and
obligations, except to the extent that any such failure to pay will not
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder, or the financial condition or continued operations of Grantor.

(c) Compliance With Laws and Agreements. Grantor will not violate any law,
regulation or other governmental requirement, any judgment or order of any court
or governmental agency or authority, or any agreement, instrument or document to
which it is a party or by which it is bound, if any such violation will
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder, or the financial condition or continued operations of Grantor.

(d) Notification By Grantor. Grantor shall provide MLBFS with prompt written
notification of: (i) any Default; (ii) any materially adverse change in the
business, financial condition or operations of Customer or Grantor; and (iii)
any information which indicates that any financial statements of Customer or
Grantor fail in any material respect to present fairly the financial condition
and results of operations purported to be presented in such statements. Each
notification by Grantor pursuant hereto shall specify the event or information
causing such notification, and, to the extent applicable, shall specify the
steps being taken to rectify or remedy such event or information.

(e) Notice of Change Grantor shall give MLBFS not less than 30 days prior
written notice of any change in the name (including any fictitious name) or
principal place of business of Grantor.

(f) Continuity. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld: (i) Grantor shall not be a party to any
merger or consolidation with, or purchase or otherwise acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of, or any material stock, partnership, joint
venture or other equity interest in, any person or entity, or sell, transfer or
lease all or any substantial part of its assets, if any such action would result
in either: (A) a material change in the principal business, ownership or control
of Grantor, or (B) a material adverse change in the financial condition or
operations of Grantor; (ii) Grantor shall preserve its existence and good
standing in the jurisdiction(s) of establishment and operation; (iii) Grantor
shall not engage in any material



                                      -3-
<PAGE>
business substantially different from its business in effect as of the date of
application by Customer for credit from MLBFS, or cease operating any such
material business; (iv) Grantor shall not cause or permit any other person or
entity to assume or succeed to any material business or operations of Grantor;
and (iv) Grantor shall not cause or permit any material change in its
controlling ownership.

6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an "Event of
Default" under this Agreement:

(a) Event of Default Under any Loan Agreement. An Event of Default shall occur
under the terms of the Loan Agreement.

(b) Failure to Perform. Grantor shall default in the performance or observance
of any covenant or agreement on its part to be performed or observed under this
Agreement (not constituting an Event of Default under any other clause of this
Section), and such default shall continue unremedied for 10 Business Days after
written notice thereof shall have been given by MLBFS to Grantor.

(c) Breach of Warranty. Any representation or warranty made by Grantor contained
in this Agreement shall at any time prove to have been incorrect in any material
respect when made.

(d) Default Under Other Agreement. A default or Event of Default by Grantor
shall occur under the terms of any other agreement, instrument or document with
or intended for the benefit of MLBFS, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S") or any of their affiliates, and any required notice
shall have been given and required passage of time shall have elapsed.

(e) Seizure or Abuse of Collateral. The Collateral, or any material part
thereof, shall be or become subject to any levy, attachment, seizure or
confiscation which is not released within 10 Business Days.

(f) Bankruptcy Event. Any Bankruptcy Event shall occur.

(g) Material Impairment. Any event shall occur which shall reasonably cause
MLBFS to in good faith believe that the prospect of payment or performance by
Grantor has been materially impaired. The existence of such a material
impairment shall be determined in a manner consistent with the intent of Section
1-208 of the UCC.

(h) Acceleration of Debt to Other Creditors. Any event shall occur which results
in the acceleration of the maturity of any indebtedness of $100,000.00 or more
of Grantor to another creditor under any indenture, agreement, undertaking, or
otherwise.

7. REMEDIES

(a)   Remedies Upon Default Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
any Event of Default, MLBFS may at its sole option do any one or more or all of
the following, at such time and in such order as MLBFS may in its sole
discretion choose:

(i)   Acceleration. MLBFS may declare all Obligations to be forthwith due and
payable, whereupon all such amounts shall be immediately due and payable,
without presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of protest, notice
of dishonor, notice of acceleration, notice of intent to accelerate or other
notice or formality of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived;
provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any Bankruptcy Event all
Obligations shall automatically become due and payable without any action on the
part of MLBFS.

(ii)  Exercise Rights of Secured Party. MLBFS may exercise any or all of the
remedies of a secured party under applicable law, including, but not limited to,
the UCC, and any or all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement.

(iii) Possession. MLBFS may require Grantor to make the Collateral and the
records pertaining to the Collateral available to MLBFS at a place designated by
MLBFS which is reasonably convenient to Grantor, or may take possession of the
Collateral and the records pertaining to the Collateral without the use of any
judicial process and without any prior notice to Grantor.

(iv)  Sale. MLBFS may sell any or all of the Collateral at public or private
sale upon such terms and conditions as MLBFS may reasonably deem proper, and
MLBFS may purchase any Collateral at any such public sale; and the net proceeds
of any such public or private sale and all other amounts actually collected or
received by MLBFS pursuant hereto, after deducting all costs and expenses
incurred at any time in the collection of the Obligations and in the protection,
collection and sale of the Collateral, will be applied to the payment of the
Obligations, with any remaining proceeds paid to Grantor or whoever else may be
entitled thereto, and with Customer and each guarantor of Customer's obligations
remaining jointly and severally liable for any amount remaining unpaid after
such application.

(v)   Delivery of Cash, Checks, Etc. MLBFS may require Grantor to forthwith upon
receipt, transmit and deliver to MLBFS in the form received, all cash, checks,
drafts and other instruments for the payment of money (properly endorsed, where
required, so that such items may be collected by MLBFS) which may be received by
Grantor at any time in full or partial payment of any Collateral, and require
that Grantor not commingle any such items which may be so received by Grantor
with any other of its funds or property but instead hold them separate and apart
and in trust for MLBFS until delivery is made to MLBFS.

(vi)  Notification of Account Debtors. MLBFS may notify any Account Debtor that
its Account or Chattel Paper has been assigned to MLBFS and direct such Account
Debtor to make payment directly to MLBFS of all amounts due or becoming due with
respect to such Account or Chattel Paper; and MLBFS may enforce payment and
collect, by legal proceedings or otherwise, such Account or Chattel Paper.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>
(vii) Control of Collateral. MLBFS may otherwise take control in any lawful
manner of any cash or non-cash items of payment or proceeds of Collateral and of
any rejected, returned, stopped in transit or repossessed goods included in the
Collateral and endorse Grantor name on any item of payment on or proceeds of the
Collateral, and, in connection therewith, MLBFS may notify the postal
authorities to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to Grantor to
such address as MLBFS may designate.

(b)   Set-Off. MLBFS shall have the further right upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default to set-off, appropriate and apply toward
payment of any of the Obligations, in such order of application as MLBFS may
from time to time and at any time elect, any cash, credits, deposits, accounts,
financial assets, investment property, securities and any other property of
Grantor which is in transit to or in the possession, custody or control of
MLBFS, MLPF&S or any agent, bailee, or affiliate of MLBFS or MLPF&S. Grantor
hereby collaterally assigns and grants to MLBFS a security interest in all such
property as additional Collateral.

(c)   Power of Attorney. Effective upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints MLBFS as
its attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, in its place and stead
and in its name or in the name of MLBFS, to from time to time in MLBFS' sole
discretion take any action and to execute any instrument which MLBFS may deem
necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including,
but not limited to, to receive, endorse and collect all checks, drafts and other
instruments for the payment of money made payable to Grantor included in the
Collateral.

(d)   Remedies are Severable and Cumulative. All rights and remedies of MLBFS
herein are severable and cumulative and in addition to all other rights and
remedies available at law or in equity, and any one or more of such rights and
remedies may be exercised simultaneously or successively. Any notice required
under this Agreement or under applicable law shall be deemed reasonably and
properly given to Grantor if given at the address and by any of the methods of
giving notice set forth in this Agreement at least 5 Business Days before taking
any action specified in such notice.

(e)   Notices. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Grantor hereby
irrevocably waives and releases MLBFS of and from any and all liabilities and
penalties for failure of MLBFS to comply with any statutory or other requirement
imposed upon MLBFS relating to notices of sale, holding of sale or reporting of
any sale, and Grantor waives all rights of redemption or reinstatement from any
such sale. MLBFS shall have the right to postpone or adjourn any sale or other
disposition of Collateral at any time without giving notice of any such
postponed or adjourned date. In the event MLBFS seeks to take possession of any
or all of the Collateral by court process, Grantor further irrevocably waives to
the fullest extent permitted by law any bonds and any surety or security
relating thereto required by any statute, court rule or otherwise as an incident
to such possession, and any demand for possession prior to the commencement of
any suit or action.

8. MISCELLANEOUS

(a) Non-Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of MLBFS in exercising any
right, power or remedy pursuant to this Agreement shall operate as a waiver
thereof, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy
shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. Neither any waiver of any provision of this
Agreement, nor any consent to any departure by Grantor therefrom, shall be
effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by MLBFS. Any waiver of
any provision of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by Grantor from
the terms of this Agreement shall be effective only in the specific instance and
for the specific purpose for which given. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, no notice to or demand on Grantor shall in any case entitle Grantor to
any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b) Communications. All notices and other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be either delivered personally, mailed
by postage prepaid certified mail or sent by express overnight courier or by
facsimile. Such notices and communications shall be deemed to be given on the
date of personal delivery, facsimile transmission or actual delivery of
certified mail, or one Business Day after delivery to an express overnight
courier. Unless otherwise specified in a notice sent or delivered in accordance
with the terms hereof, notices and other communications in writing shall be
given to the parties hereto at their respective addresses set forth at the
beginning of this Agreement, and, in the case of facsimile transmission, to the
parties at their respective regular facsimile telephone number.

(c) Costs, Expenses and Taxes. Grantor shall pay or reimburse MLBFS upon demand
for: (i) all Uniform Commercial Code filing and search fees and expenses
incurred by MLBFS in connection with the verification, perfection or
preservation of MLBFS' rights hereunder or in the Collateral; (ii) any and all
stamp, transfer and other taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable in
connection with the execution, delivery and/or recording of this Agreement; and
(iii) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including, but not limited
to, reasonable fees and expenses of outside counsel) incurred by MLBFS in
connection with the enforcement of this Agreement or the protection of MLBFS'
rights hereunder, excluding, however, salaries and expenses of MLBFS' employees.
The obligations of Grantor under this paragraph shall survive the expiration or
termination of this Agreement and the discharge of the other Obligations.

(d) Right to Perform Obligations. If Grantor shall fail to do any act or thing
which it has covenanted to do under this Agreement or any representation or
warranty on the part of Grantor contained in this Agreement shall be breached,
MLBFS may, in its sole discretion, after 5 Business Days written notice is sent
to Grantor (or such lesser notice, including no notice, as is reasonable under
the circumstances), do the same or cause it to be done or remedy any such
breach, and may expend its funds for such purpose. Any and all reasonable
amounts so expended by MLBFS shall be repayable to MLBFS by Grantor upon demand,
with interest at the highest "Interest Rate" under the Loan Agreement under the
Loan Agreement, or the highest interest rate permitted by law, whichever is
less, during the period from and including the date funds are so expended by
MLBFS to the date of repayment, and any such amounts due and owing MLBFS shall
be additional Obligations. The payment or performance by MLBFS of any of
Grantor's obligations hereunder shall not relieve Grantor of said obligations or
of the consequences of having failed to pay or perform the same, and shall not
waive or be deemed a cure of any Default.



                                      -5-
<PAGE>
(e) Further Assurances. Grantor agrees to do such further acts and things and to
execute and deliver to MLBFS such additional agreements, instruments and
documents as MLBFS may reasonably require or deem advisable to effectuate the
purposes of this Agreement, or to establish, perfect and maintain MLBFS'
security interests and liens upon the Collateral, including, but not limited to:
(i) executing financing statements or amendments thereto when and as reasonably
requested by MLBFS; and (ii) if in the reasonable judgment of MLBFS it is
required by local law, causing the owners and/or mortgagees of the real property
on which any Collateral may be located to execute and deliver to MLBFS waivers
or subordinations reasonably satisfactory to MLBFS with respect to any rights in
such Collateral.

(f) Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon Grantor and its
successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of MLBFS and its
successors and assigns.

(g) Headings. Captions and section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are
inserted only as a matter of convenience, and shall not affect the
interpretation hereof.

(h) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws
of the State of Illinois.

(i) Severability of Provisions. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating
the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

(j) Term. This Agreement shall become effective upon acceptance by MLBFS, and,
subject to the terms hereof, shall continue in effect so long thereafter as
either MLBFS shall be committed to advance funds or extend credit to Customer or
there shall be any Obligations outstanding.

(k) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts
which, when taken together, constitute one and the same agreement.

(l) Jurisdiction; Waiver. GRANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS BEING
ACCEPTED BY MLBFS IN PARTIAL CONSIDERATION OF MLBFS' RIGHT AND OPTION, IN ITS
SOLE DISCRETION, TO ENFORCE THIS AGREEMENT IN EITHER THE STATE OF ILLINOIS OR IN
ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE GRANTOR OR ANY COLLATERAL FOR THE OBLIGATIONS MAY
BE LOCATED GRANTOR CONSENTS TO JURISDICTION IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS AND VENUE
IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN THE COUNTY OF COOK FOR SUCH PURPOSES, AND
GRANTOR WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO CONTEST SAID JURISDICTION AND VENUE.
GRANTOR FURTHER WAIVES ANY RIGHTS TO COMMENCE ANY ACTION AGAINST MLBFS IN ANY
JURISDICTION EXCEPT IN THE COUNTY OF COOK AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. MLBFS AND
GRANTOR HEREBY EACH EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER OF THE PARTIES AGAINST THE
OTHER PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER RELATING TO, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY
CONNECTED WITH THE LOAN AGREEMENT, THIS AGREEMENT AND/OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS
WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT OR THIS AGREEMENT.

(m) Integration. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING AND
REPRESENTS THE FULL AND FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR WRITTEN
AGREEMENTS OR PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE
PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. NO AMENDMENT OR
MODIFICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UNLESS IN A WRITING SIGNED BY
BOTH MLBFS AND GRANTOR.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the day and year
first above written.

ALES SIGNATURE LTD.


By: ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Signature (1)                      Signature (2)

    ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Printed Name                       Printed Name

    ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Title                              Title


Accepted at Chicago, Illinois:
MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL
SERVICES INC.


By: __________________________________________________________



                                      -6-
<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT A

ATTACHED TO AND HEREBY MADE A PART OF SECURITY AGREEMENT NO. 9911550701 BETWEEN
MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. AND ALES SIGNATURE LTD.
================================================================================

Locations of Tangible Collateral:


<PAGE>

[LOGO]                                        LANDLORD'S SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
================================================================================
The undersigned Landlord is the record owner and lessor to ALES SIGNATURE LTD.
("Tenant") of the real property commonly known as 495 River Street, Paterson, NJ
07524 (the "Premises").

Landlord has been advised that MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
("MLBFS") has or is about to lend moneys to, extend or continue to extend credit
to or for the benefit of, or enter into another financial accommodation with,
Tenant, or for the benefit of a third party based upon the credit and/or
collateral of Tenant, and in connection therewith that Tenant has granted or is
about to grant to MLBFS a security interest in, among other collateral, the
following property of Tenant; to wit:

         all accounts receivable, equipment, inventory, removable trade fixtures
         and other tangible and intangible personal property now or hereafter
         owned by Tenant ("MLBFS' Collateral").

Among other conditions thereof, MLBFS has required that Landlord execute and
deliver this Agreement.

Accordingly, and for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord hereby agrees as follows:

1. Landlord hereby subordinates for the benefit of MLBFS, and with respect to
all present and future obligations of or secured by Tenant to MLBFS, any right
or interest in MLBFS' Collateral which, but for this Agreement, would or might
be prior to the security interests of MLBFS, as aforesaid; and Landlord agrees
so long as Tenant shall be obligated to MLBFS, it will not, without the prior
consent of MLBFS, exercise any right under local law to levy or distrain upon
any of MLBFS' Collateral.

2. Landlord further agrees that in the event that MLBFS shall at any time seek
to take possession of or remove all or any part of MLBFS' Collateral from the
Premises, Landlord will not hinder the same or interfere or object thereto, and
Landlord hereby consents to MLBFS' entry upon the Premises for such purposes;
provided, however, that: (i) any such removal shall be made during reasonable
business hours; (ii) MLBFS shall not, without the prior written consent of
Landlord, conduct any public or auction sale on the Premises; and (iii) MLBFS
shall promptly at its expense repair any damage to the Premises directly caused
by any such removal by MLBFS or its agents of MLBFS' Collateral from the
Premises.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Landlord
and it successors, assigns, heirs and/or personal representatives, as
applicable, and MLBFS and its successors and assigns.

Dated as of November 12, 1999.

Landlord: ______________________________________________________________________


By: ____________________________________________________________________________
              (Signature 1)                      (Signature 2)

    ____________________________________________________________________________
              (Printed Name)                     (Printed Name)

    ____________________________________________________________________________
              (Title)                            (Title)



<PAGE>

[LOGO]                                        LANDLORD'S SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
================================================================================
The undersigned Landlord is the record owner and lessor to SEL-LEB MARKETING,
INC. ("Tenant") of the real property commonly known as 495 River Street
Paterson, NJ 07524 (the "Premises").

Landlord has been advised that MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
("MLBFS") has or is about to lend moneys to, extend or continue to extend credit
to or for the benefit of, or enter into another financial accommodation with,
Tenant, or for the benefit of a third party based upon the credit and/or
collateral of Tenant, and in connection therewith that Tenant has granted or is
about to grant to MLBFS a security interest in, among other collateral, the
following property of Tenant ("MLBFS' Collateral"); to wit:

         All equipment, inventory, removable trade fixtures and other tangible
         and intangible personal property now and hereafter owned by Tenant.

Among other conditions thereof, MLBFS has required that Landlord execute and
deliver this Agreement. Accordingly, and for valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Landlord hereby agrees as
follows:

1. Landlord hereby subordinates for the benefit of MLBFS, and with respect to
all present and future obligations of or secured by Tenant to MLBFS, any right
or interest in MLBFS' Collateral which, but for this Agreement, would or might
be prior to the rights and/or security interests of MLBFS, as aforesaid; and
Landlord agrees so long as Tenant shall be obligated to MLBFS, it will not,
without the prior consent of MLBFS, exercise any right under local law to levy
or distrain upon any of MLBFS' Collateral.

2. Landlord further agrees that in the event that MLBFS shall at any time seek
to take possession of or remove all or any part of MLBFS' Collateral from the
Premises, Landlord will not hinder the same or interfere or object thereto, and
Landlord hereby consents to MLBFS' entry upon the Premises for such purposes;
provided, however, that: (i) any such removal shall be made during reasonable
business hours; (ii) MLBFS shall not, without the prior written consent of
Landlord, conduct any public or auction sale on the Premises; and (iii) MLBFS
shall promptly at its expense repair any damage to the Premises directly caused
by any such removal by MLBFS or its agents of MLBFS' Collateral from the
Premises.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Landlord
and it successors, assigns, heirs and/or personal representatives, as
applicable, and MLBFS and its successors and assigns.

Dated as of November 12, 1999.

Landlord:__________________________________________________________________


By: _______________________________________________________________________
         (Signature 1                       (Signature 2)

    _______________________________________________________________________
         (Printed Name)                     (Printed Name)

    _______________________________________________________________________
         (Title)                            (Title)



<PAGE>

[LOGO]                                                       CLOSING CERTIFICATE
================================================================================
The undersigned, SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC., a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of New York ("Customer"), as a primary inducement to
MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. ("MLBFS") to make a loan to
Customer (the "Loan") pursuant to that certain TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
NO. 9911550701 between Customer and MLBFS dated as of November 12, 1999 (the
"Loan Agreement") DOES HEREBY REPRESENT, WARRANT AND AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1. All of Customer's representations and warranties in the Loan Agreement are
true and correct and remade as of the date hereof, and, without limiting the
foregoing: (i) subject only to "Permitted Liens" (as defined in the Loan
Agreement), MLBFS has a first lien and security interest upon all of the
"Collateral" under the Loan Agreement (including any Collateral financed or
refinanced with the proceeds of the Loan), and (ii) the Loan is being applied on
account of and will satisfy the "Loan Purpose" under the Loan Agreement.

2. There has not occurred any event which constitutes an "Default" under the
Loan Agreement.

3. There has not occurred any material adverse change in the business or
financial condition of Customer or any Guarantor of Customer's obligations to
MLBFS since the date of the last financial statements submitted to MLBFS.

4. MLBFS is hereby authorized and directed to disburse the proceeds of the Loan
in the amount of $500,000.00, by:

check   wire transfer    deposit as follows:

To paydown Customer's WCMA Line of Credit No. 885-07E38.











Dated this ____ day of ____________, 1999

SEL-LEB MARKETING, INC.


By: ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Signature (1)                      Signature (2)

    ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Printed Name                       Printed Name

    ____________________________________________________________________________
                  Title                              Title


<PAGE>

                                                       Private Client Group

                                                       Merrill Lynch Business
                                                       Financial Services Inc.
                                                       222 North LaSalle Street
                                                       17th Floor
[LOGO]                                                 Chicago, Illinois 60601
                                                       312-269-4438
                                                       FAX: (312) 499-3256

                                                       November 12, 1999

Mr. Jan Mirsky
Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.
495 River Street
Paterson, NJ 07524

                                     Re: Term Loan Approval

Dear Mr. Mirsky,

As I believe you know, we have approved the request of Sel-Leb Marketing, Inc.
("Customer") for a Term Loan upon the terms and conditions set forth in the
enclosed documents ("Loan Documents").

For your information, the following are some of the principal terms of the
approval:

Loan Purpose: The purpose of the Term Loan is to refinance a portion of
Customer's WCMA Line of Credit No. 885-07E38.

Maximum Loan Amount: An amount equal to the lesser of: (A) 100% of the amount
required by Customer to satisfy or fulfill the Loan Purpose, (B) the aggregate
amount which Customer shall request be advanced by MLBFS on account of the Loan
Purpose, or (C) $500,000.00.

Term: 5-years from the first day of the calendar month immediately following the
date of funding.

Interest Rate: Variable at a per annum rate equal to the sum of 2.65% plus the
30-day Dealer Commercial Paper Rate published from time to time in The Wall
Street Journal, based upon actual days elapsed over a 360-day year.

Commitment Fee: $5,000.00.

Please refer to the Loan Documents for a complete statement of the terms of the
Term Loan.

In addition to conditions set forth in the Loan Documents, our approval is
subject to:

(a) Our receipt of all of the Loan Documents together with any additional
documents contemplated thereby or otherwise reasonably required by us, all of
which shall be duly executed and, if applicable, recorded, and all of which
shall be in form and substance satisfactory to us.

(b) Acceptance by us in writing of the executed Loan Documents at our office in
Chicago after review and a final determination by us of the consistency of the
Loan Documents with our original internal credit approval. (Without limiting the
foregoing, it should be understood that prior to such acceptance we are not
bound by any clerical or other errors in or omissions from the Loan Documents.)

(c) Our continuing satisfaction with the financial condition of Customer and
each guarantor of Customer's obligations to us.

(d) There not occurring any event which under the terms of the Loan Documents
would constitute a Default.

(e) Evidence satisfactory to us of the perfection and priority of any liens
required by us in the Loan Documents.



<PAGE>

(f) Our receipt of a Certificate of Insurance satisfactory to us evidencing a
policy or policies of physical damage insurance on the tangible collateral
described in the Loan Documents, and providing that losses shall be payable to
us as our interests may appear pursuant to a Lender's Loss Payable Endorsement,
and that we shall receive not less than 10 days prior notice of any cancellation
or material amendment.

Our approval will remain open subject to said conditions until December 12,
1999, after which time it shall be void.

Note that as set forth above the Loan Documents require a Commitment Fee of
$5,000.00. If this fee has not yet been paid, please furnish your check to cover
this fee at the time you return the executed Loan Documents. Note further that
under the terms of the Loan Documents Customer is responsible for UCC filing and
search fees and expenses and any taxes in connection with the Loan Documents
and/or such filing .

To assist you in completing the Loan Documents, we have affixed a "Sign Here"
sticker to each page requiring a signature, and have penciled an "x" in front of
each signature line.

In order to minimize signature requirements, we normally seek only one copy of
each of the Loan Documents. After the Loan has been funded, we will return a
fully executed duplicate copy for your records.

If you have any questions about our approval or the structure or terms of the
facility, please call me at 312-269-4438.

Very truly yours,

MERRILL LYNCH BUSINESS
FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.


By: _________________________________________________
         Dustin Van Peursem
         Senior Portfolio Manager


cc:  Wayne Dedrick