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                                                                    Exhibit 10.1
                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                            ------------------------

         THIS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into effective as of the
1st day of January, 2000 (the "Effective Date"), between BELDEN & BLAKE
CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation with its principal office at 5200 Stoneham
Road, North Canton, Ohio 44720 ("Seller"), and North Coast Energy, Inc., a
Delaware corporation with its principal office at 1993 Case Parkway, Twinsburg,
Ohio 44087 ("Buyer").

         WITNESSETH THAT:

         WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of all the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of Peake Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PEI"), and

         WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell and Buyer desires to purchase all of
the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of PEI.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, agreements and
covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Seller and Buyer,
and in reliance upon the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements contained herein, Seller and Buyer agree, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions contained herein, as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                PURCHASE AND SALE

1.1 AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to
purchase from Seller, all the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
PEI (the "Stock") for the price of $72,500,000.00 (the "Purchase Price")
adjusted as provided in Section 1.3 (as so adjusted, the "Adjusted Purchase
Price").

1.2 ESCROW DEPOSIT. Buyer, Seller and the Escrow Agent have entered into an
Escrow Agreement of even date herewith (in the form of Exhibit A hereto)
providing for the payment of certain escrowed amounts by the Escrow Agent in
accordance with the provisions of Section 5.4 of this Agreement.

1.3 PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS.


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         (a) The Purchase Price shall be adjusted downward by (i) the amount of
cash dividends and other cash distributions, transfers or payments of any kind
(including, without limitation, fees) received by Seller, directly or
indirectly, from PEI in excess of the aggregate amount of cash disbursements
paid by Seller on behalf of PEI from Seller's funds and excluding any costs or
expenses associated with this transaction from January 1, 2000 through the
Closing Date (the "Adjustment Period"), (ii) the aggregate amount of the
adjustments to the Purchase Price made pursuant to Section 5.3(iii) and (iii)
the amount by which PEI's Net Working Capital (as defined below) as shown on the
December 31, 1999 audited balance sheet of PEI is less than $1,885,000. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Net Working Capital" of PEI will be
determined by subtracting (A) the sum of Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and
any liabilities of PEI ("Liabilities") from (B) the sum of the cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable (net), inventories and other current assets of
PEI ("Assets"), in each case excluding Assets which will not become the property
of PEI or Liabilities which will be assumed by Seller.

"Other current assets" include accrued revenues, prepaid expenses and deposits.
Assets to be included in the Net Working Capital calculation at December 31,
1999 will be Assets of a similar nature to those included in the Net Working
Capital calculation at August 31, 1999 ($1,885,000). Such Assets are to be
accounted and classified in a similar manner to those Assets included in the Net
Working Capital calculation at August 31, 1999. Any assets included in the Net
Working Capital at December 31, 1999 that are of dissimilar nature to those
Assets included in the Net Working Capital at August 31, 1999 can be included at
the extent they are offset by Liabilities of a nature not previously included in
the August 31, 1999 calculation.

         (b) The Purchase Price shall be adjusted upward by (i) the amount of
cash contributed to PEI by Seller during the Adjustment Period, (ii) the
aggregate amount of cash disbursements paid by Seller on behalf of PEI from
Seller's funds in excess of the amount of cash distributions, transfers or
payments received by Seller, directly or indirectly, from PEI during the
Adjustment Period, and (iii) the amount by which PEI's Net Working Capital as
shown on the December 31, 1999 audited balance sheet of PEI exceeds $1,885,000.

         (c) Any adjustments proposed in (a) or (b) above will be only in
accordance with such payments by or contributions to or on behalf of PEI as
accurately and fully disclosed to Buyer in accordance with Section 6.1(g) or as
properly determined in accordance with Section 5.3(iii) and, where applicable,
Section


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5.4.

1.4 ESTIMATE OF PURCHASE PRICE. No later than five (5) days prior to the
Closing Date, Seller shall prepare and deliver to Buyer an estimate of the
adjustments to the Purchase Price to be made pursuant to Section 1.3. Such
estimate shall be accompanied by a worksheet setting forth in reasonable detail
each of the adjustments required by Section 1.3 and the net adjustment. If Buyer
has not given Seller notice of any objections to this estimate of adjustments at
least one (1) day prior to the Closing Date, then the Purchase Price will be
adjusted in accordance with such estimate. If the Buyer objects to Seller's
estimate, the parties will negotiate in good faith to resolve their objections
prior to Closing. If the parties are unable to resolve such objections prior to
the Closing Date, the net adjustment shall be the average of the net adjustments
proposed by Buyer and Seller. The Purchase Price as adjusted in accordance with
this Section 1.4 is hereinafter referred to as "Estimated Purchase Price."

1.5 SETTLEMENT STATEMENT.

         (a) Within ninety (90) days following the Closing, Buyer and Seller
shall jointly prepare a final statement (the "Settlement Statement") setting
forth adjustments to be made to the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 1.3. The
Settlement Statement is intended to reflect the resolution of proposed Purchase
Price adjustments pending pursuant to Section 5.4 at the time of Closing or
claims by either Seller or Buyer with respect to the accuracy of adjustments
previously made pursuant to Section 1.3(a) or (b).

         (b) If Buyer and Seller shall be unable to agree on the Settlement
Statement within such ninety (90) day period, a nationally or regionally
recognized public accounting firm mutually acceptable to Buyer and Seller shall
be engaged to make its determination of the amount in dispute (and only such
amount). Each party shall bear and pay one-half of the fees and other costs
charged by such accounting firm.

         (c) If any accounting firm is engaged as provided in this Section 1.5,
Seller and Buyer agree to provide such accounting firm with all books, records
and other information relevant to the determination of the amount in dispute.
Such accounting firm shall be instructed to make such determination in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement as soon as practicable. The
final determination of any disputed adjustments to the Purchase Price made
pursuant to this Section 1.5 shall be binding on the parties hereto.



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         (d) The amount of the difference between the Estimated Purchase Price
and the Adjusted Purchase Price, together with interest thereon at a rate of ten
percent (10%) per annum from the Closing Date to the date of payment thereof,
shall be paid by the appropriate party to the party to whom it is owed within
five (5) business days after its final determination in immediately available
funds.

1.6 ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE. Seller and Buyer agree that the Purchase Price
shall initially be allocated among the assets of PEI as set forth in Schedule
1.6. Such allocations shall be modified after the Closing to reflect all
adjustments to the Purchase Price made pursuant to Section 1.3 (such allocations
are referred to as "Allocated Values").

                                   ARTICLE II

                                     CLOSING

2.1 TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING. The consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby (the "Closing") shall be held at the offices of Seller at 11:00 a.m.
local time, on March 17, 2000 or at such other place, time or date as the
parties may mutually agree. The date upon which Closing actually occurs is
referred to herein as the "Closing Date".

2.2 CLOSING OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Buyer
stock certificates for the Stock duly endorsed for transfer to Buyer or
accompanied by stock powers duly executed in blank and all other documents,
instruments and writings required to be delivered by Seller at the Closing
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement including, without limitation, those
items referred to in Section 7.2(a), (b), (e) and (i).

2.3 CLOSING OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER. At the Closing, Buyer shall pay to Seller an
amount equal to the Estimated Purchase Price by wire transfer in federal or
other immediately available funds to an account of Seller (which account shall
be designated in writing by Seller to Buyer at least one (1) business day prior
to the Closing Date), together with all other documents, instruments and writing
required to be delivered by Buyer to Seller at the Closing pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement.

2.4 DELIVERY OF RECORDS. On the Closing Date, Seller will deliver or cause to be
delivered to Buyer at the offices of PEI in Ravenswood, West Virginia or at the
place of Closing, the minute books and stock record books of PEI, all originals
and copies of agreements, documents, personal computer files



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(including all personal computer-generated disks, diskettes and tapes), maps,
books, records and files not then in the possession of PEI relating to the
business and operations of PEI prior to the Closing Date, including, without
limitation, all land, lease, division and transfer order, prospect and title
files and records and a copy of the land records software and source code (known
as the "Peake Land System"), geological and seismic records (including any
seismic records held in the name of Seller which relate to PEI properties),
production records, accounting records (except accounting records for periods
prior to the Closing date), copies of AS 400 data files, engineering records and
data, logs, core data, pressure data, decline curve and related data, to the
extent and only to the extent any of the foregoing relate to the business and
operations of PEI prior to the Closing Date (as so limited and excluding
information described in (b) below, the "Records"), subject to the following:

         (a)      Seller may retain the originals of all Records that contain
                  information relating to PEI but principally relate to Seller
                  or its affiliates other than PEI (with Buyer to have access
                  thereto), and Seller may retain copies of all Records that
                  contain information relating to Seller or its Affiliates other
                  than PEI but principally relate to PEI;

         (b)      Seller may retain all information prepared in connection with
                  the sale of the Stock, including, without limitation, offers
                  received from prospective purchasers of the Stock and any
                  information relating to such offers, and Buyer shall not be
                  entitled to copies thereof or access thereto;

         (c)      Seller may retain originals of all consolidating financial
                  information and all other accounting records of PEI prepared
                  or used in connection with the preparation of financial
                  statements of Seller or its affiliates or the preparation and
                  filing of income tax returns.

                                   ARTICLE III

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

         Seller represents and warrants to Buyer, as follows:

3.1 ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY OF SELLER. Seller is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Ohio. Seller has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver


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this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller and the performance of the
transactions contemplated hereby by Seller have been duly and validly authorized
by the Board of Directors of Seller and by any other corporate action required
of Seller. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against
Seller in accordance with its terms.

3.2 CAPITALIZATION OF PEI. (a) The authorized share capital of PEI consists
solely of ten (10) shares of common stock, par value $100 per share, all of
which are issued and outstanding. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.2(a) all of
the issued and outstanding shares of PEI are (a) duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable, (b) owned beneficially and of record by
Seller free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, security interests, liens or
encumbrances of any kind and (c) not subject to any voting agreements, buy-sell
agreements, options or rights of first purchase agreements or other agreements
relating to the voting, transfer or any right to purchase any such shares. There
are no subscriptions, options, convertible securities, warrants, calls,
conversion rights or other securities granting rights to purchase or otherwise
acquire any securities of PEI or any commitments or agreements of any character
obligating Seller or PEI to issue or transfer any such securities. Seller has
full power and authority to sell and transfer the Stock to Buyer. There are no
outstanding contractual obligations of Seller or PEI to purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any of the shares of Stock. PEI has no subsidiaries.

         (b) PEI does not own or have any contract or agreement to acquire any
equity securities or other securities of any person or any direct or indirect
equity or ownership interest in any other business. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.2(b), PEI is not a partner in any partnership or a party to any joint
venture.

3.3 CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND QUALIFICATION OF PEI. PEI is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, operate
and lease its properties and to carry on its business as currently conducted.
Seller has delivered to Buyer copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of PEI, as currently in effect. PEI is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its
business or its ownership or leasing of property makes such qualification
necessary under applicable law, which jurisdictions are



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identified on Schedule 3.3.

3.4 NO DEFAULT OR CONSENTS. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.4, neither the
execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein will:

         (a)      conflict with or result in a breach, default or violation of
                  the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Seller of PEI;

         (b)      entitle any person to exercise any preferential purchase
                  right, option to purchase or similar right with respect to any
                  of the assets or properties of PEI;

         (c)      except for compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
                  Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and
                  regulations promulgated thereunder (the "HSR Act"), conflict
                  with or result in a breach, default or violation of, or
                  require any third party consent with respect to, any
                  agreement, document, instrument, judgment, decree, order,
                  governmental permit, certificate or license to which PEI is a
                  party or to which PEI is subject or by which any of its
                  properties or assets are bound;

         (d)      result in the creation of any lien, charge or other
                  encumbrance upon any of the assets or properties of PEI; or

         (e)      except for compliance with the HSR Act and the periodic
                  reporting obligations of Seller under the Securities Exchange
                  Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), require Seller
                  or PEI to obtain any waiver, consent, approval, clearance or
                  authorization of, or to make any registration, declaration or
                  filing with, any governmental authority.

3.5 OIL AND GAS WELLS.

         (a) PEI owns interests, either directly or as joint venturer, in the
producing oil or gas wells listed and described in Schedule 3.5(a) (the "Wells",
in the oil and gas leases upon which the Wells are located described in Schedule
3.5(b) (the "Leases") or on the fee interests described in Schedule 3.5(c) (the
"Fee Interests"). For purposes of this Agreement, any reference to Leases also
will include the Fee Interests except as otherwise provided.



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         (b) Schedule 3.5(a) accurately sets forth the name and location of each
Well, the applicable identification and permit number, and the Net Revenue
Interest and Working Interest of PEI therein. "Net Revenue Interest" means the
percentage of production from a well which PEI is entitled to receive as a
result of its interest in a Lease which pertains to such Well. "Working
Interest" means PEI's percentage share of all costs of drilling, equipping and
operating a Well. PEI is being credited on a current basis for the proceeds of
production from each Well in an amount not less than the Net Revenue Interest of
PEI therein, and is currently paying costs and expenses relating to each Well
not in excess of the Working Interest of PEI therein.

         (c) The Wells have been drilled and completed within the boundaries
specified in any applicable permit or within the limits otherwise permitted by
contract or law and in accordance with the provisions of the Leases applicable
thereto. All Wells on the Leases have been drilled, completed and operated in
substantial compliance with all applicable laws (other than Environmental Laws),
rules, regulations, permits, orders, judgments and decrees of any court or
governmental or regulatory authority, including, without limitation, all
applicable permitting procedures for the drilling or operation of oil and gas
wells and all applicable laws regarding the spacing, completion and bottoming of
wells.

         (d) Except for damage claims not exceeding $25,000 with respect to any
one Lease or $100,000 with respect to all Leases, all claims relating to damages
to the surface estate caused by operations of PEI on the Leases have been
resolved and any required payments in full settlement thereof have been accepted
by the appropriate owner of the surface estate.

         (e) PEI holds all governmental licenses and permits necessary to
operate the Wells as currently operated and sell production therefrom and all
such licenses and permits are in full force and effect and no violations have
occurred or exist in respect of any such license or permit. No proceeding is
pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened involving the revocation or
limitation of any such license or permit nor, to the knowledge of Seller, is
there any basis for any such revocation or limitation.

3.6 LEASES.

         (a) The Leases are valid, binding and in full force and effect and no
default exists thereunder in the payment of rentals, royalties or other amounts
due thereunder or in the performance of any other obligation of PEI thereunder.


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         (b) Each of the Leases covers the lands embraced thereby to all depths
which it purports to cover and there are no provisions or terms in any of the
Leases which would increase the royalty share of the lessor thereunder, other
than as set forth in Schedule 3.6(b).

         (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.6(c), none of the Leases requires
the drilling of additional wells or other development operations in order to
earn or to continue to hold such Leases (insofar as they cover lands embracing
drainage areas for the Wells) or permit the continued operation of the Wells
thereon.

         (d) Schedule 3.6(d) sets forth the Wells that may be required to be
plugged and abandoned without compensation to PEI by virtue of the superior
property rights residing in certain coal leases.

3.7 GATHERING SYSTEMS.

         (a) PEI owns or has an ownership interest in the gathering systems
described in Schedule 3.7 (the "Gathering Systems") and in all assets reasonably
necessary for the operation thereof, free and clear of any mortgages, liens,
security interests or other encumbrances except mortgages and security interests
in favor of The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. Schedule 3.7 identifies the Gathering
Systems that are owned solely by PEI and those in which it owns an undivided
fractional interest.

         (b) PEI owns or holds all easements, rights-of-way, licenses or other
rights necessary for the operation of the Gathering Systems.

         (c) The Gathering Systems are located within the boundaries of valid
and subsisting easements, rights-of-way, licenses or other rights held by PEI.

         (d) To Seller's knowledge, neither the Seller nor PEI has received any
notice of any action, suit or proceeding pending or threatened against PEI
adverse to the ownership of PEI in the Gathering Systems or the right of PEI to
operate or maintain the Gathering Systems under any permit, right-of-way,
easement or lease under or on which the Gathering Systems are located. As used
in this Agreement, "Seller's knowledge" shall refer to matters which are known
to Paul Poole, Tom Liberatore, Tony Anderson or Dave Cox or by the current
officers or directors of PEI.

3.8 CONTRACTS. Schedule 3.8 contains a complete and


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correct list of (a) all communitization, unitization and pooling agreements
relating to the Wells, (b) all operating, exploration, seismic exploration,
drilling, area of mutual interest, participation, farmout and farmin agreements
to which PEI is a party or by which PEI is bound and, (c) all gas purchase,
sales, exchange, transportation and processing agreements extending for a term
of greater than thirty (30) days to which PEI is a party or by which PEI is
bound, (d) all contracts and commitments of PEI for capital expenditures in
excess of $50,000 for any one project or in the aggregate or for the performance
of a material amount of services for a period extending beyond the Closing Date
and (e) all material contracts or leases for the purchase or lease of any real
or personal property (other than the Leases). All agreements, contracts and
commitments listed in Schedule 3.8 are in full force and effect and no default
exists thereunder in the payment of any amounts due from PEI thereunder or in
the performance of any material obligation of PEI thereunder.

3.9 LITIGATION. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.9, there is no action, suit,
proceeding, arbitration or governmental investigation pending or, to the
knowledge of Seller threatened against PEI and, to the knowledge of Seller, no
facts exist that might result in or form the basis for any such action, suit,
proceeding, arbitration or investigation.

3.10 ROLLING STOCK. Schedule 3.10 contains a complete list of the vehicles and
rolling stock owned by PEI, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, all of
which have had reasonable maintenance, upkeep and repair.

3.11 CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO PRODUCTION.


         (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11, PEI is not obligated, by
virtue of a "take-or-pay" or other prepayment arrangement, a gas balancing
agreement or any similar provision in any contract for the sale of production,
to deliver production from the Wells at some future time without receiving full
payment therefor.

         (b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11, PEI has not charged or
received any proceeds from the sale of production from the Wells in excess of
amounts (i) permitted under the applicable laws, rules and regulations of the
federal, state or local government or (ii) due to it under the Leases.

3.12 BUYER'S LIABILITY FOR FEES. Seller has incurred no liability, contingent or
otherwise, for brokers, or finders' fees with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby for which


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Buyer or PEI shall have any responsibility whatsoever.

3.13 INSURANCE AND BONDS. Schedule 3.13 contains a true and complete list, as of
the date hereof, of (a) all material policies of insurance (other than officer's
and director's liability policies) which cover PEI or any of its assets or
properties against losses, and (b) all bonds which are required by laws, rules
or regulations of any applicable governmental authority. Buyer recognizes that
the insurance coverages set forth in Schedule 3.13 are policies covering the
operations and assets of Seller and its affiliates and the limits of coverage
available thereunder to PEI are subject to claims by Seller and its affiliates.
There are no third party liability claims or automobile accident claims against
PEI currently pending involving such insurance except as disclosed in Schedule
3.13.

3.14 EMPLOYEES.

         (a) Schedule 3.14 sets forth a complete list reflecting the name and
compensation rate of each employee of PEI as of the date hereof and as of
December 31, 1998. Neither Seller nor PEI has made any increase in compensation
for any such employees which is not in the ordinary course of business for PEI.

         (b) PEI is not a party to, and has no obligation under, any agreement
with any party relating to the employment, compensation, severance pay or
working conditions of any of PEI's employees. There are no existing or
threatened labor strikes, slowdowns, disputes or disturbances affecting or which
might affect the business or operations of PEI. PEI has not engaged in any
unfair labor practice, illegal employment practice or unlawful discriminatory
practice in the conduct of its business. PEI has complied in all material
respects with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to wages,
hours and collective bargaining and has withheld all amounts required to be
withheld from the wages or salaries of employees. PEI is not a party to, or to
Seller's knowledge, threatened with, or in danger of being a party to, any labor
dispute which would materially interfere with the conduct of their businesses.

         (c) PEI is not an "administrator," "plan sponsor" or "fiduciary" as
such terms are defined in Section 3(16) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") of any "employee benefit plan" as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA. PEI does not contribute to any employee benefit plan.
Employees of PEI are entitled to participate in employee benefit plans
maintained by Seller so long as PEI remains a subsidiary of Seller. All employee
benefit plans in which employees of PEI are eligible to participate are in full
compliance with all



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applicable laws, and there has been no violation of or default under any
provision of any such employee benefit plan and no event has occurred or
circumstance exists that would subject Buyer or PEI to any taxes, penalties or
other liabilities after the Closing Date, whether to governmental authorities or
to current or former PEI employees (or their beneficiaries).

3.15 BANKS AND ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT. Schedule 3.15 sets forth a complete list
reflecting (a) the name of each bank or financial institution with which PEI
maintains banking relations or has an account, (b) the names of all persons
authorized by PEI to effect transactions with each such bank or financial
institution, (c) the name of each bank in which PEI maintains a safe deposit box
and the persons authorized to have access thereto, and (d) the names of all
persons authorized by powers of attorney to act on behalf of PEI and the
circumstances under which each such power of attorney may be revoked by PEI.

3.16 WELL REVENUES AND EXPENSES. The historical information consisting of
production history data, operating cost history and data showing PEI's Working
Interest and Net Revenue Interest in the Wells furnished to Ryder Scott Company,
petroleum engineers, in connection with its reserve report as of December 31,
1998, accurately reflects the quantities of oil and gas produced from the Wells,
the prices at which such oil and gas was sold, the operating expenses relating
to the Wells and the Net Revenue Interest and Working Interest of PEI therein.
The updated reserve report as of October 1, 1999 furnished to Buyer by Seller
was derived from records which accurately reflect the quantities of oil and gas
sold from January 1, 1999 to October 1, 1999 (but not the prices at which such
oil and gas was being sold on October 1, 1999). It is expressly understood that,
with the exception of the express terms of the representations and warranties
contained in this Section 3.16, Seller makes no representations or warranties,
express or implied, with respect to the reserve reports, including, without
limitation, any conclusions, opinions, projections, assumptions or judgments
that were made by the engineers, Seller or PEI.

3.17 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Schedule 3.17 includes the following financial
statements: (i) the unaudited balance sheet of PEI as of August 31, 1999,
November 30, 1999 and December 31, 1999 and the related statement of income for
the periods then ended, and (ii) the unaudited balance sheets of PEI as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related statements of income for the years
then ended. Such financial statements fairly present the financial position and
results of operations of PEI as of the dates and for the periods therein set
forth, and are correct and complete and are consistent with the books and


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records of PEI. Such financial statements are in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods, except for certain items which were not allocated from the Seller to
PEI as identified in Schedule 3.17 and the exclusion of footnote disclosures.
Such exceptions do not materially impact the PEI income statement. Except as
reflected on the November 30, 1999 balance sheet of PEI and Schedule 3.17, as of
November 30, 1999, PEI did not have any debts or liabilities of a nature
required by generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected as a
liability on such balance sheet other than liabilities which will be assumed or
retained by Seller. Since November 30, 1999, PEI has conducted its business in
the ordinary course consistent with past practice (except for matters
contemplated by this Agreement), including, without limitation, the collection
of accounts receivable, payment of accounts payable and maintenance of working
capital, and there has not been any event or occurrence that has had a material
adverse effect on the assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of
operations of PEI other than events or occurrences generally affecting the oil
and gas industry (including, without limitation, decreases in the prices of oil
and gas) or the geographic area in which PEI operates, any change resulting from
normal production declines, sales curtailments due to general market conditions,
accidents or acts of God.

3.18 GUARANTEES. Schedule 3.18 sets forth a complete list of all obligations
with respect to which PEI is a guarantor, indemnitor or surety.

3.19 LIABILITIES ON CLOSING. On the Closing Date, PEI will have no debts,
liabilities or obligations (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise)
incurred prior to Closing of a nature required by generally accepted accounting
principles to be reflected on a balance sheet of PEI except (i) trade payables
and accrued expenses, (ii) production, severance or similar taxes payable by PEI
with respect to hydrocarbons produced prior to the Closing Date, (iii) ad
valorem taxes attributable to periods prior to the Closing Date which will
become due and payable after the Closing Date, (iv) amounts payable to holders
of royalty, overriding royalty, working interest and other interests by PEI with
respect to the sale of hydrocarbons produced prior to the Closing Date and (v)
as guarantor of Seller's indebtedness under Seller's Credit Agreement dated June
27, 1997 (the "Credit Agreement") and under the 97/8% Senior Subordinated Notes
of Seller due 2007 (the "Senior Notes") as to which PEI shall be released at or
before the Closing.

3.20 LIENS. PEI has good and marketable title to the


                                                                            -13-

<PAGE>   14

assets and properties used in its business (except assets and properties leased
by PEI). Such assets and properties are not subject to, or encumbered by any
mortgages, security interests, liens, claims and encumbrances except for
Permitted Encumbrances or those set forth in Schedule 3.20 which are to be
released at or prior to the Closing. For purposes of this Agreement, "Permitted
Encumbrances" means: (i) lessors' royalties, overriding royalties, reversionary
interests and similar burdens of record on or deductions from the proceeds of
production which operate to reduce the net revenue interests of PEI in
production from any Well or Lease; (ii) division orders and sales contracts
terminable without penalty upon notice to the purchaser and any division orders
and sales contracts of longer duration which are not material in relation to the
Wells or Leases; (iii) preferential rights to purchase and required third-party
consents and similar agreements which are not applicable to the purchase or with
respect to which waivers or consents are obtained from the appropriate parties
or for which the appropriate time period for asserting the right has expired
without an exercise of the right; (iv) liens for taxes or assessments not yet
delinquent or, if delinquent, have been disclosed to Buyer and are being
contested in good faith by appropriate action; (v) materialman's, mechanic's,
repairman's, employee's, contractor's, operator's, and other similar liens or
charges arising in the ordinary course of business (a) if they have not been
filed pursuant to any applicable law, or (b) if filed, they have been disclosed
to Buyer and they have not yet become due and payable or payment is being
withheld as provided by any applicable law or the validity of which is being
contested in good faith by appropriate action; and (vi) easements,
rights-of-way, servitudes, permits, surface leases and other rights in respect
of surface operations.

3.21 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. PEI is not in material violation of, or subject to
any material liability for the violation of, any applicable law governing the
ownership or operation of its assets, properties and business, other than
violations which individually or in the aggregate would not subject PEI to
material liabilities, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not be
applicable to (i) Environmental Laws, as to which the provisions of Section 3.26
shall be exclusive, (ii) Taxes or Returns, as to which the provisions of Section
3.22 shall be exclusive, (iii) laws relating to the drilling, completion and
operation of oil and gas wells, as to which the provisions of Section 3.5(c)
shall be exclusive, or (iv) laws relating to the employment of labor and
employee benefit plans, as to which the provisions of Sections 3.14 shall be
exclusive.

3.22 TAXES. Seller has (i) timely filed or will timely file all tax returns,
schedules, declarations, and tax-related


                                                                            -14-

<PAGE>   15

documents (collectively, "Returns") required to be filed in any jurisdictions to
which PEI is or has been subject, which include, on a consolidated or any other
reporting basis, the results of operations of PEI and any partnership or joint
venture of which PEI is a member, (ii) timely paid in full any interest and
penalties with respect thereto, subject to audit by the taxing authorities of
such jurisdictions, (iii) made timely payments of the taxes required to be
deducted and withheld from the wages paid to PEI employees, and (iv) otherwise
satisfied, in all material respects, all legal requirements applicable to each
with respect to all aforementioned obligations to taxing jurisdictions. Except
as set forth in Schedule 3.22, Seller has no knowledge that an audit of any of
the federal income tax returns relating to PEI is in progress and no reason to
believe that any such audit is contemplated. There are no other pending material
questions relating to, or claims asserted for (or to Seller's knowledge any
basis therefor), taxes or assessments of or attributable to PEI. For purposes of
this Section, "Tax" and "Taxes" (when not modified by other words such as
"income" or "franchise") shall include all income, gross receipts, franchise,
single business excise, real and personal property, and other taxes imposed by
any federal, state, municipal, local, or other governmental agency, including
assessments in the nature of taxes. All returns which include the operations of
PEI are true, accurate and complete.

3.23 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. All accounts receivable of PEI that are reflected on
the books or on the accounting records of PEI as of December 31, 1999 and the
Closing Date (collectively, the "Accounts Receivable") represent or will
represent valid obligations arising from sales actually made or services
actually performed in the ordinary course of business. Unless paid prior to the
Closing Date, the Accounts Receivable are or will be as of the Closing Date
current and collectible net of the respective reserves shown on the balance
sheet or on the accounting records of PEI as of the Closing Date (which reserves
are adequate and calculated consistent with past practice and will not represent
a material adverse change in the composition of such Accounts Receivable in
terms of aging). There is no contest, claim, or right of set-off, other than
returns in the ordinary course of business, under any contract with any obligor
of an Accounts Receivable relating to the amount or validity of such Accounts
Receivable. All Accounts Receivable (net of their respective reserves)
classified as current in PEI's balance sheets, with the exception of up to
$100,000, are expected to be collected within 120 days of the balance sheet
dates.

3.24 CONDITION AND SUFFICIENCY OF ASSETS. The buildings, plants, structures, and
equipment of PEI are structurally sound,


                                                                            -15-

<PAGE>   16

are in reasonably good operating condition and repair, and are adequate for the
uses to which they are being put, and none of such buildings, plants,
structures, or equipment is in need of maintenance or repairs except for
ordinary, routine maintenance and repairs that are not material in nature or
cost. The building, plants, structures, and equipment of PEI are sufficient for
the continued conduct of PEI's businesses after the Closing in substantially the
same manner as conducted prior to the Closing.

3.25 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Schedule 3.25 is a list of all Intellectual Property
(patents and patent applications, trade names, trademarks, trade name and
trademark registrations (and pending applications therefor), service marks, and
copyrights) owned or licensed by PEI. Except as may be identified in Schedule
3.25, PEI has the right to use all of its Intellectual Property whenever
employed in connection with its business. PEI is the owner of all right, title
and interest in and to its trade name and any trademark identified on Schedule
3.25, free and clear of all liens, security interest charges, encumbrances and
other adverse claims. To Seller's knowledge, PEI has not infringed upon or
improperly used any Intellectual Property of any third party.

3.26 NO VIOLATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.26,
the business of PEI does not materially violate any Environmental Law and there
are no conditions existing on the Wells or Leases or resulting from the
operation of the Wells that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any
material on-site or off-site remedial obligations under any Environmental Law.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth on
Schedule 3.26(a) PEI has either directly transported and/or disposed of effluent
chemical, waste, sewage and other waste materials in material compliance with
all applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations or
has utilized disposal and treatment contractors and facilities permitted or
authorized to handle such substances by the government agency with jurisdiction
thereof; (b) no wastes generated by PEI from the Wells and Leases or other wells
previously owned or operated by PEI have ever been sent or are being sent,
directly or indirectly, to any site listed on the National Priority List
promulgated pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act ("CERCLA") or to any site listed on any other federal or state
governmental list of hazardous substance sites requiring investigation or clean
up; (c) to Seller's knowledge, there are no underground tanks used to store any
"hazardous substance" as defined in CERCLA or petroleum located upon the real
property on which the Wells and Leases are located or upon any other real estate
owned


                                                                            -16-

<PAGE>   17


or leased by PEI, or in which PEI holds an interest, in connection with the
Wells and Leases; (d) no real estate or improvements owned or leased by PEI, or
in which PEI holds an interest, in connection with the Wells and Leases, or any
ground water located thereunder, is contaminated with any chemical, petroleum
product, toxic or hazardous waste or substances in quantities exceeding levels
permitted by applicable laws and regulations which would create a legal duty to
incur material expenses for removal or other remedies, or any other material
costs, fines or penalties; (e) no brine, hazardous, toxic or polluting
substances has been released, discharged or disposed of by PEI on the real
property on which the Wells and Leases are located in violation of any law, rule
or regulation which has not been remediated such that there is no legal duty to
incur expenses for removal or remediation or any other costs, fines or
penalties; (f) PEI has not received any notice, nor does PEI have any reasonable
basis to expect that it is subject to any material liability under RCRA, CERCLA,
SARA, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the Federal Clean Water Act or the
Federal Clean Air Act, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky or Virginia, or any
applicable local, environmental laws or regulations ("Environmental Laws"), nor,
to the knowledge of PEI, subject to any material investigations, inspections or
citations under any applicable laws, rules or regulations; and (g) PEI has not
received any notice of violation that is now pending and unresolved of any such
applicable law, ordinance, regulation, order or requirement relating to the
Wells and Leases.

3.27 INVENTORY. All inventory of PEI, whether or not reflected in the balance
sheet delivered pursuant to Section 3.17 or any subsequent financial statement
delivered to Buyer, consists of a quality and quantity usable and salable in the
ordinary course of business, except for obsolete items and items of
below-standard quality, all of which have been written off or written down to
net realizable value in the Balance Sheet or the Interim Balance Sheet or on the
accounting records of PEI as of the Closing Date, as the case may be.

3.28 TAX CREDIT CONTRACTS. The Tax Credit Contracts identified on Schedule
3.28(a) are legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect
except to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting enforceability or the
availability of equitable remedies; (b) except as disclosed in Schedule 3.28(a),
the Tax Credit Contracts will continue to be legal, valid, binding and
enforceable and in full force and effect on identical terms following the
Closing; (c) neither PEI or Seller is, and Seller has no knowledge that the
other party is, in breach or default and no event has occurred which with notice
or lapse of time


                                                                            -17-

<PAGE>   18

would constitute a breach or default or permit termination, modification or
acceleration under such Tax Credit Contract; and (d) neither PEI or Seller has,
and the Seller has no knowledge that the other party has, repudiated any
provision of the Tax Credit Contracts. There are no negotiations of, attempts to
renegotiate, or outstanding rights to renegotiate any material amounts paid or
payable by or to PEI under the Tax Credit Contracts and neither party to any
such contracts has made written demand for such renegotiation. Seller has
delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of each Tax Credit Contract (as
amended to date).

                                   ARTICLE IV

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

         Buyer represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

4.1 CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND QUALIFICATION. Buyer is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation. Buyer has all requisite corporate power and
authority to own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business
as presently conducted.

4.2 AUTHORITY, APPROVAL AND ENFORCEABILITY. Buyer has all requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations under this Agreement. Subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors of Buyer, all corporate action necessary to authorize the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and the performance of the transactions
contemplated hereby by Buyer has been duly and validly taken. This Agreement has
been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of Buyer.

4.3 NO DEFAULT OR CONSENTS. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement
nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein will:

         (a)      conflict with or result in a breach, default or violation of
                  the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Buyer;

         (b)      except for compliance with the HSR Act, conflict with or
                  result in a breach, default or violation of, or require any
                  consent with respect to, any agreement, document, instrument,
                  judgment, decree, order, governmental permit, certificate or
                  license to which


                                                                            -18-

<PAGE>   19

                  Buyer or any affiliate of Buyer is a party or to which Buyer
                  or any affiliate of Buyer is subject or by which any of their
                  property is bound; or

         (c)      except for compliance with the HSR Act, require Buyer or any
                  affiliate of Buyer to obtain any waiver, consent, approval,
                  clearance or authorization of, or to make any registration,
                  declaration or filing with, any governmental authority.

4.4 INVESTMENT. Buyer is acquiring the Stock for its own account, for investment
and not with a view to, or for offer or resale in connection with, a
distribution thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

4.5 SELLER'S LIABILITIES FOR FEES. Neither Buyer nor any affiliate of Buyer has
incurred any liability, contingent or otherwise, for brokers' or finders' fees
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby for which Seller or any
affiliate of Seller shall have any responsibility whatsoever.

                                    ARTICLE V

                          DUE DILIGENCE AND ADJUSTMENTS

5.1 REVIEW BY BUYER. For the period beginning on the date of this Agreement
until Closing, Buyer may conduct, at its sole cost, such title examination or
investigation and such other investigations as it may, in its sole discretion
choose to conduct with respect to the assets and properties of PEI in order to
determine whether any Defect (as defined below) exists. If, as a result of such
examinations and investigations, one or more matters come to Buyer's attention
which would constitute a Defect which Buyer is unwilling to waive, Buyer shall
notify Seller in writing of such Defect as soon as reasonably practicable prior
to the Closing Date (such Defects of which Buyer so provides notice are called
"Asserted Defects"). Such notification shall include a description of the
Asserted Defect and the property to which it relates, all supporting
documentation necessary to describe the basis for the Defect and the amount by
which Buyer proposes to adjust the Purchase Price.

5.2 NATURE OF DEFECTS. The term Defect as used in this Section shall mean the
inaccuracy of (i) any representation or warranty of Seller set forth herein or
(ii) any historical financial and statistical data identified in Schedule 5.2.

5.3 SELLER'S RESPONSE. In the event that Buyer notifies


                                                                            -19-

<PAGE>   20

Seller of an Asserted Defect:

                                    (i) Object. Seller may notify the Buyer in
                           writing that it does not agree that the matter
                           described in Buyer's notification constitutes a
                           Defect, in which event the dispute shall be resolved
                           in accordance with the procedure described in Section
                           5.4;

                                    (ii) Cure. Seller may, at its election,
                           attempt to cure such Defect which relates to title
                           representations and warranties made in Sections 3.5,
                           3.6, 3.7 or 3.20 hereof or to environmental
                           remediation in Section 3.26 hereof to the reasonable
                           satisfaction of Buyer prior to the Closing; provided
                           that Buyer and Seller may mutually agree to postpone
                           the Closing to allow Seller to cure such Defect;

                                    (iii) Price Adjustment. In the event the
                           Defect is not resolved through (ii) or (iv) of this
                           Section, the parties shall negotiate in good faith in
                           an attempt to agree upon an appropriate downward
                           adjustment. If they are unable to agree on the amount
                           of the adjustment at or prior to the Closing, the
                           dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the
                           procedure described in Section 5.4 unless the parties
                           mutually agree that the asset or property to which
                           such Asserted Defect relates shall be transferred to
                           Seller and the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the
                           amount of the Purchase Price allocated thereto as set
                           forth in Schedule 1.6 or a mutually agreed
                           alternative value;

                                    (iv) Indemnity. Seller may elect to
                           permanently indemnify Buyer against such Defect
                           provided, however, that the terms of, and security
                           for, such indemnity shall be satisfactory to Buyer;
                           or

                                    (v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, and
                           subject only to Buyer's obligation to act in a
                           reasonable manner, Buyer may elect, in its sole
                           discretion, to reject any cure proposals or
                           indemnification proposals from Seller pursuant to
                           (ii) or (iv) above and elect to resolve Asserted
                           Defects in accordance with the terms of (iii) above.



                                                                            -20-

<PAGE>   21

5.4 DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties shall cooperate in good faith to resolve
expeditiously any disputes between them with respect to the existence of a
Defect or the amount of the Purchase Price adjustment to be made with respect to
a Defect; provided that if they are unable to do so on or prior to the Closing
Date, the parties shall refer the dispute to three disinterested arbitrators, of
whom one shall be selected by Seller, one by Buyer and one by the two
arbitrators selected by Seller and Buyer and the parties shall be obligated to
close the transaction contemplated hereby unless the performance of either party
is otherwise excused. Each party will select its arbitrator within five (5)
business days of the reference of the dispute to arbitration and the two
arbitrators so selected must select the third arbitrator within five (5)
business days of the latest date on which they have been selected. The failure
of either party to select an arbitrator within the time allowed shall be deemed
to an agreement to the appointment of the arbitrator selected by the other
party.

Seller and Buyer shall each submit to the arbitrators their position on the
matter in dispute and the arbitrators shall be limited in their determination to
adopting the position of either Seller or Buyer on the matter. For issues of
valuation the arbitrators may consider all pertinent factors including the
retrospective or prospective effect of a Defect and the Defect's potential
effect on multiple factors relevant to the value of PEI's assets, properties and
business.

The resolution of any dispute by the majority vote of the three arbitrators
shall be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto. The costs of the
arbitration shall be borne equally by Seller and Buyer. If any such dispute is
not resolved on or prior to the Closing Date, then the amount of the Purchase
Price adjustment proposed by Buyer in its notice of Asserted Defect shall be
withheld from the Estimated Purchase Price, and deposited in escrow with the
Escrow Agent for distribution in accordance with the final arbitration award.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                          COVENANTS OF SELLER AND BUYER

6.1 COVENANTS OF SELLER. Seller covenants and agrees with Buyer as follows:

         (a)      Access to Information. Subject to Section 12.1, from the date
                  hereof through the Closing Date, Seller shall, and shall cause
                  PEI to (i) permit Buyer and its


                                                                            -21-

<PAGE>   22

                  authorized employees, agents, accountants, legal counsel, and
                  other representatives to have reasonable access, at Buyer's
                  sole expense, risk and cost, during normal business hours, to
                  PEI's properties and the Records and (ii) furnish Buyer with
                  such additional financial and operating data and other
                  information pertaining to PEI and its assets and operations as
                  Buyer may reasonably request, in each case to the extent that
                  such access and disclosure would not violate the terms of any
                  agreement to which Seller, PEI or any affiliate thereof is
                  bound or any applicable law or regulation.

         (b)      Certain Changes. Except as otherwise contemplated in this
                  Agreement, from the date hereof through the Closing Date,
                  Seller will not permit, without first obtaining the consent of
                  Buyer, PEI to:

                  (i)          make any material change in the nature of its
                               business;

                  (ii)         enter into, voluntarily terminate or amend in any
                               material respect any material contract or
                               agreement other than in the ordinary course of
                               business;

                  (iii)        merge into or with or consolidate with, or
                               acquire all or substantially all of the business
                               or assets of any corporation, partnership or
                               other business organization or division thereof;

                  (iv)         make any change in its Certificate of
                               Incorporation or Bylaws;

                  (v)          purchase any securities except for short-term
                               investments made in the ordinary course of
                               business;

                  (vi)         other than pursuant to existing contracts or
                               commitments listed in the Schedules to this
                               Agreement, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of
                               any of its assets or properties other than in the
                               ordinary course of business, or pledge, grant a
                               security interest in or otherwise materially
                               encumber any of its assets or properties.

                  (vii)        incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or


                                                                            -22-

<PAGE>   23

                               incur any material liability or obligation except
                               in the ordinary course of business;

                  (viii)       issue any securities or grant any options,
                               warrants or rights to purchase any of its
                               securities;

                  (ix)         increase the compensation payable or to become
                               payable to any officer, director or employee of
                               PEI or enter into any employment contract or
                               severance arrangement with any officer, director
                               or employee of PEI; or

                  (x)          commit itself to do any of the foregoing.

         (c)      Conduct of Business. Except as otherwise contemplated in this
                  Agreement, from the date hereof through the Closing Date,
                  Seller will cause PEI, unless consent to act to the contrary
                  is first obtained from Buyer, to conduct its business in the
                  ordinary course, including, without limitation, to use all
                  reasonable efforts to comply in all material respects with all
                  applicable laws, rules, regulations, judgments, orders and
                  decrees, and to use reasonable efforts to maintain good
                  relationships with the customers, suppliers and others it
                  customarily transacts business with, to maintain its assets
                  and properties in the same condition as it has heretofore
                  maintained same and to maintain compliance in all material
                  respects with all of its material agreements. In addition to
                  the foregoing, Seller will, or will cause PEI to, timely pay
                  all accounts payable and collect accounts receivable in the
                  ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice.

         (d)      Insurance and Bonds. Seller shall not voluntarily terminate
                  and will use all reasonable efforts to maintain in force and
                  effect through the Closing the insurance and bond coverages
                  set forth in Schedule 3.13 or will use all reasonable efforts
                  to cause to be placed in force and effect comparable insurance
                  or bond coverage.

         (e)      Litigation. Seller shall furnish to Buyer a written supplement
                  to Schedule 3.9 promptly after Seller's receipt of notice of
                  any occurrence that would cause said Schedule to be in error.
                  Seller will consult with Buyer and will make available to
                  Buyer for its review and reproduction, upon Buyer's request,
                  all pleadings, correspondence and other relevant documentation
                  and


                                                                            -23-
<PAGE>   24

                  information relating to the items described in any such
                  supplement to Schedule 3.9.

         (f)      HSR Act. Seller will (i) if required by the HSR Act, file as
                  promptly as practicable with the Department of Justice and the
                  Federal Trade Commission the notification and report form with
                  respect to the transactions contemplated hereunder specified
                  by the HSR Act requesting early termination of the waiting
                  period thereunder, and (ii) respond promptly to inquiries from
                  the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice in
                  connection with such filing, and (iii) pay fifty percent (50%)
                  of the fee required by the HSR Act.

         (g)      Updated Financial Statements and Information. As soon as
                  practicable after the end of each month during the period from
                  the date of this Agreement until the Closing Date (including
                  for purposes of this Section, an obligation with respect to
                  the month ended December 31, 1999), and in no event later than
                  thirty (30) days after the end of each such month, Seller will
                  prepare and promptly deliver to Buyer copies of an unaudited
                  balance sheet, related unaudited income statement and
                  statement of retained earnings for PEI for the month and year
                  to date then ended. All financial statements delivered
                  pursuant to this Section 6.1(g) will, when delivered, comply
                  in all respects with, and otherwise be subject to, the
                  representations and warranties set forth herein including
                  those set forth in Section 3.17. In addition thereto, Seller
                  will provide monthly written reports to Buyer with respect to
                  (i) PEI's payment of any cash dividend or other cash
                  distribution, transfer or payment of any kind (including,
                  without limitation, fees) to Seller, (ii) Seller's
                  contribution of any cash to PEI and (iii) the payment of cash
                  disbursements made by Seller on behalf of PEI during the
                  period from January 1, 2000 to the Closing for purposes of
                  which Seller would propose to claim a purchase price
                  adjustment pursuant to Section 1.3(b)(ii)) with all
                  appropriate supporting detail.

         (h)      Audited Financial Statements. As soon as practicable, however
                  no later than March 31, 2000, Seller will deliver to Buyer the
                  Balance Sheets of PEI as of December 31, 1998 and 1999, and
                  the statements of operations, cash flows and equity for the
                  three years ended December 31, 1999 along with the related
                  footnote disclosures, together with the report thereon of
                  Ernst


                                                                            -24-

<PAGE>   25

                  & Young LLP, independent certified public accountants (the
                  "Audited Financial Statements"). The Audited Financial
                  Statements and notes will fairly present the Balance Sheets
                  and the statements of operations, cash flows and equity of PEI
                  at the respective dates of and for the periods referred to in
                  such financial statements, all in accordance with generally
                  accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. The
                  Audited Financial Statements will be prepared at Seller's sole
                  cost and expense.


         (i)      Notification by Seller of Certain Matters. Throughout the
                  period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the earlier
                  of the Closing Date and the date on which this Agreement shall
                  have been terminated pursuant to Section 10.1, Seller shall
                  notify Buyer in writing of any fact or development that, to
                  Seller's knowledge, causes or constitutes a breach of any of
                  Seller's representations or warranties set forth herein.

         (j)      Exclusivity. On and after the date hereof, unless this
                  Agreement shall have terminated in accordance with the
                  provisions of Article X, Seller shall not, and shall cause PEI
                  and the officers, directors and employees of Seller and PEI
                  not to, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate, authorize
                  the solicitation of or enter into any discussions with any
                  person or entity other than Buyer involving the possible
                  acquisition of all or part of the Stock or the business or
                  assets of PEI.

         (k)      Cooperation. Seller agrees to use all reasonable efforts to
                  cause the conditions set forth in Section 7.1 to be satisfied,
                  including, without limitation, the delivery of all legal
                  opinions, certificates and other documents or instruments
                  required to obtain the releases provided for in Section
                  7.1(d).

6.2 COVENANTS OF BUYER. Buyer covenants and agrees with Seller as follows:

         (a)      BONDS. Buyer shall have taken such actions necessary to
                  satisfy Seller, as of the Closing, that Seller will be
                  released from all obligations under the bonds set forth in
                  Schedule 3.13.

         (b)      HSR ACT. Buyer will (i) if required by the HSR Act, file as
                  promptly as practicable with the Department of Justice and the
                  Federal Trade Commission the


                                                                            -25-

<PAGE>   26

                  notification and report form with respect to the transactions
                  contemplated hereunder specified by the HSR Act requesting
                  early termination of the waiting period thereunder, and (ii)
                  respond promptly to inquiries from the Federal Trade
                  Commission or the Department of Justice in connection with
                  such filing, and (iii) pay fifty percent (50%) of the fee
                  required by the HSR Act.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                              CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

7.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER. The obligations of Seller to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction
at or prior to the Closing of all of the following conditions, any one or more
of which may be waived in writing in whole or in part by Seller (which waiver
shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any liability Buyer may have under
this Agreement with respect to the event or condition causing such condition not
to be satisfied at the Closing):

         (a) COMPLIANCE. Buyer shall have complied in all material respects with
its covenants and agreements contained herein, and Buyer's representations and
warranties contained herein, shall be true and correct in all material respects
on and as of the Closing Date, with the same effect as though made at such time.

         (b) NO ORDERS. No order, writ, injunction or decree shall have been
entered and be in effect by any court of competent jurisdiction or any
governmental authority, and no statute, rule, regulation or other requirement
shall have been promulgated or enacted and be in effect, that restrains, enjoins
or invalidates the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (c) NO SUITS. No suit or other proceeding shall be pending by any third
party before any court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental authority
seeking to restrain or prohibit or declare illegal, or seeking substantial
damages in connection with, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.


         (d) RELEASES. PEI shall have been released of its obligations as a
guarantor under the Credit Agreement and as a guarantor of the Senior Notes, the
Stock shall have been released from the pledge thereof given to the lenders
under the Credit Agreement and the assets and properties of PEI shall have been
released from any and all mortgages and security interests in


                                                                            -26-

<PAGE>   27

favor of such lenders.

         (e) HSR ACT. All applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act shall
have expired or been terminated.

         (f) PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS. The sum of (i) the Purchase Price
adjustments agreed upon in accordance with Section 5.3 plus (ii) the aggregate
amount of the Purchase Price adjustments proposed by Buyer pursuant to Section
5.1 that are unresolved as of the Closing Date does not exceed $7,400,000.

7.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER. The obligations of Buyer to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction
at or prior to the Closing of all of the following conditions, any one or more
of (which may be waived in writing in whole or in part by Buyer which waiver
shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of any liability Seller may have under
this Agreement with respect to the event or condition causing such condition not
to be satisfied at the Closing):

         (a) COMPLIANCE. Seller shall have complied in all material respects
with its covenants and agreements contained herein, and Seller's representations
and warranties contained herein (except those which are the subject of an
Asserted Defect which has been cured or for which a Purchase Price reduction has
been made or from which Buyer has been indemnified as provided in Section 5.3)
shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing
Date, with the same effect as though made at such time; provided that if a
representation or warranty is expressly made only as of a specific date, it need
only be true and correct in all material respects as of such date. Seller shall
have delivered to Buyer at the Closing a certificate of the Chief Executive
Officer of Seller, dated the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect.

         (b) RESIGNATIONS. Seller shall have delivered to Buyer the written
resignations, effective as of the Closing Date, of all of the members of the
Board of Directors and all officers of PEI.

         (c) NO ORDERS. No order, writ, injunction or decree shall have been
entered and be in effect by any court of competent jurisdiction or any
governmental authority, and no statute, rule, regulation or other requirement
shall have been promulgated or enacted and be in effect, that restrains, enjoins
or invalidates the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (d) NO SUITS. No suit or other proceeding shall be pending or
threatened by any third party before any court of competent


                                                                            -27-

<PAGE>   28

jurisdiction or any governmental authority seeking to restrain or prohibit or
declare illegal, or seeking substantial damages in connection with, the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         (e) RELEASES. Seller shall have delivered appropriate releases of (i)
the guarantees of PEI referred to in Section 7.1(d) and (ii) all mortgages,
security interests and liens against the properties and assets of PEI referred
to in Section 7.1(d).

         (f) HSR ACT. All applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act shall
have expired or been terminated.

         (g) PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENTS. The sum of (i) the Purchase Price
adjustments agreed upon in accordance with Section 5.3 plus (ii) the aggregate
amount of the Purchase Price adjustments proposed by Buyer pursuant to Section
5.1 that are unresolved as of the Closing Date does not exceed $7,400,000.

         (h) [Intentionally Omitted]

         (i) COUNSEL OPINION. Buyer shall have received the favorable opinion of
Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh as to the matters set forth in Sections 3.1,
3.2 and 3.3.

         (j) TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT. Buyer and Seller shall have entered
into the Transition Services Agreement (in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
B) with respect to Seller's agreement to provide certain services to Buyer as
provided therein (including, without limitation, Seller's agreement to provide
health care coverage as provided in Section 11.3(b)(vii)).

         (k) CONSENTS. Each of the consents identified in Schedule 3.4 must have
been obtained and must be in full force and effect.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   TAX MATTERS

8.1 LIABILITY FOR TAXES.

         (a) BUYER INDEMNIFICATION. Buyer shall indemnify and hold harmless each
member of the Seller Group (as defined in Section 8.7(a)) from and against any
liability for taxes attributable to the operations of PEI, or any consolidated
group of which PEI is a member, for any period commencing after the Closing
Date.

         (b) SELLER INDEMNIFICATION. Seller shall be liable for and shall
indemnify and hold harmless Buyer from and against any


                                                                            -28-

<PAGE>   29

liability for taxes attributable to the operations of PEI, or any consolidated
group including the Seller, for any period ending prior to or on the Closing
Date.

         (c) PREPARATION OF INCOME TAX RETURNS. Seller shall prepare and file,
in a timely fashion, all appropriate and necessary federal, state and other
income tax returns, reports and estimates, the filing of which is required by
law ("Income Tax Returns") which include, on a consolidated or any other
reporting basis, the results of operations of PEI and any partnership or joint
venture of which PEI is a member for all taxable years ending prior to or on the
Closing Date. Seller shall pay or discharge any and all federal, state or local
income taxes for which PEI may be held liable as a result of Income Tax Returns
required to be filed by or on behalf of PEI with respect to any taxable years
ending prior to or on the Closing Date.

         (d) OTHER AGREEMENTS. Any and all consolidated tax sharing or other
agreements with respect to any taxes executed by PEI which are continuing in
effect will be terminated without liability to either party effective as of the
Closing Date.

         (e) COMPLIANCE. For the taxable year which ends on or includes the
Closing Date, Seller will make all computations, allocations, determinations and
elections affecting the Seller and its affiliates in accordance with the
provisions of the U.S. Treasury Department regulations promulgated under
Sec.1502 of the Code, in particular, Treas. Reg. 1502-76(b)(4).

8.2 TAX AUDITS. Seller shall be responsible for any audit or other proceeding
involving a taxable year ending on or prior to the Closing Date which involves
any tax liability of PEI. Seller, Buyer and PEI shall cooperate with each other
in the conduct of any audit or other proceedings.

8.3 COOPERATION. Buyer agrees to give to Seller prompt written notice of any
claim, demand, action, suit, proceeding, audit or assessment raised, brought,
threatened, made or commenced against PEI that relates to any matter to which
the foregoing indemnification provisions shall apply and agrees further, except
as provided below, not to make any admission or effect any settlement with
respect to any such claim without the written consent of Seller.

8.4 DEFENSE BY SELLER. If any claim shall be made or any action or proceeding
shall be commenced against Buyer or PEI in respect of any liability, obligation
or claim to which the indemnity pursuant to Section 8.1(b) relates, Seller shall
have the right, at its own expenses, to undertake the defense of any


                                                                            -29-

<PAGE>   30

such claim, action or proceeding by written notice given to Buyer at any time
before the final determination thereof, and Seller shall further have the right
in its sole discretion to settle any such claim, action or proceeding by payment
to the complainant.

8.5 ASSUMPTION OF DEFENSE. If Seller shall, within a reasonable time after
receipt of notice by Buyer, fail to defend a claim subject to indemnification
pursuant to Section 8.1(b), Buyer shall have the right, but not the obligation,
to undertake the defense of, and to compromise or settle (exercising reasonable
business judgment) the claim or other matter on behalf, for the account, and at
the risk, of Seller.

8.6 OTHER TAX MATTERS. Buyer shall timely prepare and file, or cause to be
timely prepared and filed, all applicable tax returns or other similar reports
for all taxes of PEI which relate to taxable periods ending subsequent to the
Closing Date and are due subsequent to the Closing Date. Buyer shall pay or
cause to be paid any and all taxes due as a result of the tax returns or reports
required to be filed pursuant to the preceding sentence.

8.7 SECTION 338(h)(10) ELECTION. The Seller covenants as follows:

         (a) Seller is a member of an "affiliated group" of corporations (as
defined in Sec.1504(a) of the Code), which includes Seller and PEI. Such
"affiliated group" of corporations is referred to herein as the "Seller Group"
and Seller is the common parent (as also defined in Sec.1504(a) of the Code).

         (b) The Seller and the Buyer will make a joint election pursuant to
Sec.338(h)(10) of the Code and Treas. Reg. Sec.1.338(h)(10)-1T(d)(1) and the
analogous provisions of applicable state income tax law for both federal and
state income tax (where permissible)purposes with respect to the purchase of the
Stock as described herein whereby (i) PEI will be treated as having sold all of
its assets in a single transaction as of the close of business on the Closing
Date while a member of the Seller Group and (ii) no gain or loss will be
recognized to the Seller with respect to the sale of the Stock. The election
will include the execution and subsequent filing of Internal Revenue Service
Form 8023 and the analogous state income tax forms pursuant to the requirements
as stated therein.

         (c) The income of PEI will be apportioned to the period from January 1,
1999 up to and including the Closing Date and to the period after the Closing
Date by closing the books of PEI as of the close of business on the Closing
Date. Seller will be


                                                                            -30-

<PAGE>   31

responsible for taxes attributable to the income of PEI allocated to the period
from January 1, 1999 through the Closing Date and Buyer or PEI will be
responsible for taxes attributable to the income of PEI allocated to the period
after the Closing Date, which income shall include any income generated pursuant
to making the Section 338(h)(10) election as provided in Section 8.7(b).

         (d) The allocation of purchase price among the assets of PEI will be
made in accordance with Code Sections 338 and 1060 and any comparable provisions
of state or local law, as appropriate. Seller shall, unless it would be
unreasonable to do so, accept Buyer's determination of such purchase price
allocations and shall report, act, file in all respects and for all purposes
consistent with such determination of Buyer. Seller and Buyer's agreement with
respect to Schedule 1.6 shall not otherwise limit or control Buyer's financial
statement presentation with respect to PEI or its assets.


8.8 REFUNDS. If after the Closing Date, PEI receives or is credited with a
refund of any tax arising from or attributable to the business of PEI through
the Closing Date, Buyer shall promptly pay to Seller an amount equal to the
amount of such refund together with any interest received from or credited
thereon by the applicable taxing authority.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

9.1 SURVIVAL: LIMITATION ON REMEDIES.


         (a) The representations and warranties contained in Articles III and IV
shall survive the Closing and terminate eighteen (18) months after the Closing
Date or, with respect to any claim for indemnification by Buyer based upon
Section 3.28, such representation and warranty shall survive so long as PEI has
any indemnification or any other liability or obligation with respect to the Tax
Credit Contracts. NO ACTION CAN BE BROUGHT WITH RESPECT TO ANY BREACH OF ANY
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY ON THE PART OF SELLER OR BUYER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
UNLESS A WRITTEN NOTICE SPECIFYING THE BREACH OF THE REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY
FORMING THE BASIS OF SUCH CLAIM HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO THE PARTY ALLEGED TO HAVE
BREACHED SUCH REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY PRIOR TO THE TERMINATION DATE OF SUCH
REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. The right to indemnification will
not be affected by any investigation conducted with respect to, or any knowledge
acquired at any time, whether before or after the date


                                                                            -31-

<PAGE>   32

hereof or the Closing with respect to the inaccuracy or accuracy of any such
representation or warranty.

         (b) Without in any way limiting Buyer's rights to indemnification, the
parties recognize that some of the matters as to representations and warranties
made by Seller in this Agreement are outside the knowledge of Seller. The
purpose of the representations and warranties is to allocate the risk of loss in
the event of adverse consequences resulting from any such representation or
warranty being untrue, and to define the rights of the parties in such event, as
provided in this Agreement.

         (c) Seller shall not be liable for Losses (as defined below) arising
out of, relating to or attributable to a breach of any representation or
warranty contained in Article III unless and until the aggregate amount of such
Losses exceeds on a cumulative basis $400,000, in which case Buyer shall be
entitled to recover the full amount of such Losses in excess of $400,000.
Subject to the foregoing, Seller shall not be responsible for any Loss with
respect to a breach of or inaccuracy in the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 3.26 except for any Loss arising out of a claim asserted or
brought by (i) any third person or any agency, branch or representative of any
federal, state or local government against PEI or Buyer or (ii) Buyer for
remediation arising out of or related to personal injury, death, damage,
destruction or loss of property, or any contamination of natural resources
(including air, soil, surface water or ground water) based upon a claim made or
asserted by a third party with respect to any such occurrence or event. Subject
to the foregoing, Seller shall not be responsible for any loss with respect to a
breach of or inaccuracy in the representations and warranties set forth in
Section 3.28 to the extent that such breach arises from any affirmative action
taken by PEI (or Buyer) after the Closing Date. In addition, Seller shall not be
liable for any Losses arising out of, relating to or attributable to breaches of
the representations and warranties contained in Sections, 3.5(a), 3.6(a) and
3.7(a) to the extent any such Loss would exceed the Allocated Value for the
asset to which such Loss relates plus the amount of any third party costs or
liabilities incurred by Buyer or PEI with respect thereto.

9.2 INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a) Subject to Section 9.1, Seller shall indemnify and hold harmless
Buyer and PEI, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and
controlling persons, against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, or
expenses (including, without limitation, interest, penalties and reasonable
attorney fees) ("Losses") sustained or incurred by Buyer or PEI directly


                                                                            -32-

<PAGE>   33


attributable to (i) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty made by
Seller herein, (ii) the breach of any covenant or agreement of Seller set forth
herein, and (iii) any claim for indemnification or similar remedy by the other
party to the Tax Credit Contracts attributable to a (i) Change in Law (as that
term is defined in the Tax Credit Contracts), but not in excess of the allocated
value of the Tax Credit Contracts, or (ii) the breach of any warranty or
representation made by PEI in the Tax Credit Contract except the Credit
Calculation Representation set forth in Section 7.01 thereof with respect to
Quarterly Statements for Credit Payment Periods commencing after the Closing
Date.

         (b) Buyer shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller against any and all
Losses sustained or incurred by Seller or any affiliate thereof directly
attributable to (i) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty made by
Buyer herein, (ii) the breach of any covenant or agreement of Buyer set forth
herein, (iii) any claims arising out of or relating to the operation or conduct
of the business of PEI after the Closing Date; (iv) the breach by PEI of the
Credit Calculation Representation set forth in Section 7.01 of the Tax Credit
Contract with respect to Quarterly Statements for Credit Payment Periods
commencing after the Closing Date or the non-payment of amounts owing by PEI
under Section 6.03 of the Tax Credit Contract with respect to any calendar year
commencing on or after January 1, 2000, and (v) any claims asserted against
Seller for indemnification pursuant to the Indemnity Agreement between Seller
and BBD Gas LLC dated as of March 1, 1998 arising out of or related to any
insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation of, or any
similar occurrence with respect to, or cessation of existence of, or change of
ownership of, PEI other than the change of ownership contemplated by this
Agreement.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                   TERMINATION

10.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated in the following instances:

         (a) By written notice from either Buyer or Seller to the other party
hereto if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to March 20, 2000,
unless extended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

         (b) By written notice from either Buyer or Seller to the other party
hereto if a non-appealable judgment or order has been


                                                                            -33-

<PAGE>   34

entered, against either party or their affiliates restraining, prohibiting,
declaring illegal, or awarding substantial damages in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby; or

         (c)      At any time by the mutual written agreement of Buyer and
                  Seller.

         (d)      [Intentionally Omitted]

         (e) By written notice from either Buyer or Seller to the other if the
sum of (i) the Purchase Price adjustments made pursuant to Section 5.3 plus (ii)
the aggregate amount of the Purchase Price adjustments proposed by Buyer that
are unresolved equals or exceeds $7,400,000 in the aggregate.

10.2 LIMITATION ON RIGHT TO TERMINATE: EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

         (a) Neither Seller nor Buyer shall be allowed to exercise any right of
termination pursuant to Section 10.1 if the event giving rise to the termination
right shall be due to the willful failure of such party seeking to terminate
this Agreement to perform or observe in any material respect any of the
covenants or agreements set forth herein to be performed or observed by such
party.

         (b) If this Agreement is terminated as permitted under Section 10.1,
such termination shall be without liability of any party to this Agreement, or
any shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, servant, consultant or
representative of such party; provided, if such termination shall result from
the willful failure of any party to fulfill a condition to the performance of
the other party or to perform a covenant of this Agreement, then such party
shall be fully liable for any and all damages sustained or incurred by the other
party in connection with such failure. In no event shall either party ever be
entitled to consequential or speculative damages including, without limitation,
lost profits.

         (c) Seller and Buyer hereby agree that the provisions of this Section
10.2 and Sections 3.12, 4.5, 12.1 and 12.2 shall survive any termination of this
Agreement pursuant to the provisions of this Article X.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                              POST CLOSING MATTERS

11.1 PRESERVATION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS: ACCESS. For a


                                                                            -34-

<PAGE>   35

period of five (5) years after the Closing Date, Buyer shall, or shall cause PEI
to, (a) preserve and retain all corporate, accounting, legal, tax, litigation
and other books and records of PEI (including, without limitation, any documents
relating to any governmental or non-governmental actions, suits, proceedings or
investigations) relating to the conduct of the business of PEI prior to the
Closing Date and (b) cause PEI to permit Seller and its authorized
representatives to have reasonable access thereto in connection with any legal
or arbitration proceedings, tax audits or governmental investigations or actions
involving Seller and subject to any confidentiality agreement that Buyer or PEI
may reasonably request and to meet with employees of Buyer or PEI on a mutually
convenient basis in order to obtain additional information and explanations with
respect to such books and records. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during such
five (5) year period, Buyer may dispose of any such Records and other
information which are offered to, but not accepted by, Seller. For a period of
five (5) years after the Closing Date, Seller shall preserve and retain all
records pertaining to PEI as described in Section 2.4(a) or (c) and permit Buyer
or its representatives reasonable access thereto for appropriate purposes
concerning PEI.

11.2 FURTHER ASSURANCES. After the Closing, Seller and Buyer will take all
appropriate action and execute any documents, instruments or conveyances of any
kind that may be reasonably necessary to effectuate the intent of this
Agreement.

11.3 EMPLOYEE MATTERS.

         (a) Buyer will cause PEI to retain in its employ for a period of not
less than six (6) months after the Closing all persons who were employees of PEI
immediately prior to the Closing in the same or comparable positions and at the
same salaries or hourly rates, subject in all respects to the provisions of
Section 11.3(b)(vi) and 11.3(c) hereof.

         (b)      With respect to each PEI employee:

                  (i) Buyer shall waive pre-existing condition requirements,
         evidence of insurability provisions, waiting period requirements or any
         similar provisions under any welfare benefit plan maintained or
         sponsored by Buyer for PEI employees after the Closing Date but only to
         the extent such PEI employee had satisfied such requirements under the
         appropriate provisions of Seller's such plans as of the Closing Date;

                  (ii) Seller's plans shall be responsible for expenses


                                                                            -35-

<PAGE>   36

         covered by Seller's medical plans which were incurred prior to the
         Closing Date. Buyer's plans shall assume responsibility for all health
         and accident expenses incurred by PEI employees on and after the
         Closing Date in accordance with the terms of such plans, except that
         Seller shall be responsible for the hospitalization and related charges
         incurred for any PEI employee hospitalized before the Closing Date who
         remains continuously hospitalized after the Closing Date until such
         employee's date of discharge from the hospital.

                  (iii) Buyer shall apply toward any deductible requirements and
         out-of-pocket maximum limits under its employee welfare benefit plans
         any amounts paid by each PEI employee that qualified as such under
         Seller's employee welfare benefit plans during the current plan year in
         which the Closing occurs.

                  (iv) Buyer shall recognize for purposes of participation,
         eligibility and vesting (but not for purposes of benefit accrual and
         compensation arrangements) under its employee benefit plans (including
         vacation), the service of any PEI employee with Seller or its
         affiliates prior to the Closing Date.

                  (v) Buyer shall cause PEI to be responsible for accrued
         vacation, sick days and personal days earned by PEI employees prior to
         the Closing Date but not taken as of the Closing.

                  (vi) Nothing contained in this Section 11.3 shall be deemed to
         constitute a contract of employment, and Buyer or PEI may terminate the
         employment of, or change the terms and conditions of the employment of,
         any such PEI employees at such time and under such circumstances as
         Buyer or PEI deems appropriate, subject to Buyer's obligations under
         Section 11.3(c) as a result of such termination.

                  (vii) Nothing contained in this Section 11.3(b) shall in any
         way obligate Buyer to provide PEI employees with benefits greater than
         those which Buyer currently provides to its employees generally. Seller
         and Buyer understand that Buyer may not be able to provide PEI
         employees with the same health and medical insurance which Buyer
         provides to its employees generally but that Buyer will provide
         coverage after the Closing either from a separate insurance arrangement
         or through Seller's agreement to cover such employees at Buyer's cost
         for up to sixty (60) days, with the charges being as set forth in
         Schedule


                                                                            -36-

<PAGE>   37

         11.3(b).

         (c) If Buyer or PEI terminates the employment of any PEI employee other
than for Cause within six (6) months following the Closing Date, or if any PEI
employee resigns from his employment within six (6) months following the Closing
Date in response to a reduction in his base compensation to a rate less than
that in effect immediately prior to the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay Seller for
any severance pay Seller is obligated to pay such employee as a result of such
termination under Seller's Change in Control Protection Plan for Employees of
Peake Energy, Inc. (the "Protection Plan"). In each case, such payment by Buyer
to Seller shall be made no later than three (3) business days after Buyer is
notified of Seller's determination that such PEI employee is entitled to
severance pay under the Protection Plan and the amount thereof. As used herein,
"Cause" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Protection Plan.

11.4 NONSOLICITATION. Seller agrees that neither it or any of its controlling
persons or affiliates will, during and for a two (2) year period commencing with
the Closing Date, directly or indirectly solicit or induce any Key Employee of
PEI to terminate his employment or offer employment to or hire or engage any
such person.

                                   ARTICLE XII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

12.1 CONFIDENTIALITY. Buyer and Seller shall hold in strict confidence all
aspects of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all information
and data concerning PEI and its business obtained in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (other than information and data
that becomes generally available to the public other than through disclosure by
a party hereto or its partners, officers, employees or representatives) and
without the prior written consent of the other party hereto neither Buyer nor
Seller shall disclose any such information to anyone other than to its officers,
employees and representatives; provided, however, the foregoing shall not
restrict disclosures by Buyer or Seller in compliance with applicable securities
or other laws in such party's discretion or in compliance with existing loan or
other agreements binding such party or any affiliates thereof. The aforesaid
shall terminate as the information and data in question become generally
available to the public other than through the breach by either party or its
partners, officers, employees or representatives of said obligation. If this
Agreement is terminated for any reason, Buyer shall, at Seller's request,
promptly return to Seller all


                                                                            -37-

<PAGE>   38

information and data furnished or made available by Seller to Buyer and obtained
by Buyer in the course of its investigation of the business of PEI and Buyer
agrees not to retain copies of any such information or data in such event, to
keep all such information and data confidential, and not to disclose any such
information or data to any third party without obtaining the prior written
consent of Seller to such disclosure unless such information and data have
become generally available to the public other than through disclosure by Buyer
or its officers, employees or representatives or unless otherwise required under
applicable securities or other laws or by existing loan or other agreements
binding such party (or its affiliated companies).

12.2 EXPENSES. Except as specifically provided herein, each party hereto shall
pay all legal and other costs and expenses incurred by such party or any of its
affiliates in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.

12.3 INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION. Buyer acknowledges and confirms that in making
the decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby, it has relied solely on (a) the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements of Seller set forth in this Agreement and
(b) its own independent investigation, analysis and evaluation of PEI and its
properties (including Buyer's own estimate and appraisal of the extent and value
of PEI's hydrocarbon reserves, pipelines and contracts), business, financial
condition, operations and prospects.

12.4 SCOPE OF REPRESENTATIONS. Except to the extent expressly set forth in this
Agreement, Seller makes no representations or warranties whatsoever and
disclaims all liability and responsibility for any other representation,
warranty, statement or information made or communicated (orally or in writing)
to Buyer. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth
in Article III, NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE
MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE MERCHANTABILITY, USEFULNESS OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY
PURPOSE OF ANY PERSONAL PROPERTY OF PEI, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION (a) ANY
IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, (b) ANY RIGHTS OF BUYER UNDER APPROPRIATE STATUTES TO CLAIM DIMINUTION
OF CONSIDERATION AND (c) ANY CLAIM BY BUYER FOR DAMAGES BECAUSE OF DEFECTS,
WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, WITH RESPECT TO SUCH PERSONAL PROPERTY, IT BEING
UNDERSTOOD THAT, EXCEPT AS AFORESAID, SUCH PERSONAL PROPERTY SHALL EXIST IN ITS
PRESENT CONDITION AND STATE OF REPAIR, "AS IS" AND "WHERE IS", WITH ALL FAULTS.

12.5 NOTICES. Any notice, request, instruction,


                                                                            -38-

<PAGE>   39

correspondence or other communication to be given or made hereunder by either
party to the other (herein collectively called "Notice") shall be in writing and
(a) delivered by hand, (b) mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid and return
receipt requested, (c) sent by telecopier, or (d) sent by Express Mail, Federal
Express, or other courier delivery service, as follows:

If to Buyer, addressed to:

                  North Coast Energy, Inc.
                  1993 Case Parkway
                  Twinsburg, Ohio  44087-2343
                  Attention:  Omer Yonel, Chief Executive Officer
                  Telephone:  (330) 425-2330
                  Fax:  (330) 405-3298

If to Seller, addressed to:

                  Belden & Blake Corporation
                  5200 Stoneham Road
                  North Canton, Ohio  44720
                  Attention:  Joseph M. Vitale
                  Telephone:  (330) 499-1660
                  Fax:        (330) 497-5470

Notice given by hand, Express Mail, Federal Express or other courier delivery
service or by mail shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice given by
telecopier shall be effective upon actual receipt if received during the
recipient's normal business hours, or at the beginning of the recipient's next
business day after receipt if not received during the recipient's normal
business hours. All Notices by telecopier shall be confirmed promptly after
transmission in writing by Certified Mail or personal delivery. No Notice shall
be given to or by PEI. Any party may change any address to which Notice is to be
given to it by giving Notice as provided above of such change of address.

12.6 GOVERNING LAW. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE SCHEDULES HERETO, AND
THE DOCUMENTS DELIVERED PURSUANT HERETO SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO (EXCLUDING ANY CONFLICTS-OF-LAW
RULE OR PRINCIPLE THAT MIGHT REFER SUCH MATTERS TO THE LAWS OF ANOTHER
JURISDICTION).

12.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT: AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. This Agreement, together with all
Schedules hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto
pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements,


                                                                            -39-

<PAGE>   40


understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the
parties. No supplement, modification or waiver of this Agreement shall be
binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. The rights
and remedies of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not
alternative. Neither the failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any
right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or the documents referred to in
this Agreement will operate as a waiver of such right, power, or privilege, and
no single or partial exercise of any such right, power, or privilege will
preclude any other or further exercise of such right, power, or privilege or the
exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. To the maximum extent
permitted by applicable law, (a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement
or the documents referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party,
in whole or in part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in
writing signed by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party
will be applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and
(c) no notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any
obligation of such party or of the right of the party giving such notice or
demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in this
Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

12.8 BINDING EFFECT AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted
successors and assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, benefits
or obligations hereunder shall be assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, by
any party hereto prior to the Closing without the prior written consent of the
other party. Except as expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement is
intended to confer upon any person, firm, corporation or legal entity other than
the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, any
rights, benefits or obligations hereunder.

12.9 SEVERABILITY. If any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement or in any other document delivered pursuant hereto shall, for any
reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any material respect,
such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other
provision of this Agreement or any other such document. If the final judgment of
a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is
invalid or unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making the
determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to reduce
the scope, duration or area of the term or provision, to delete specific words
or phrases or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a
term or provision that is


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<PAGE>   41

valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the
invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this Agreement shall be
enforceable as so modified after the expiration of the time within which the
judgment may be appealed.

12.10 CONSTRUCTION. The language used in this Agreement, including the
documents, instruments, agreements, exhibits, schedules and annexes hereto will
be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual
intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.
Any reference to any federal, state, local or foreign statute or law shall be
deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless
the context requires otherwise. The parties intend that each representation,
warranty and covenant contained herein shall have independent significance. If
any party has breached any representation, warranty or covenant contained herein
in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty or
covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels
of specificity) which the party has not breached shall not detract from or
mitigate the fact that the party is in breach of the first representation,
warranty or covenant.

12.11 INCORPORATION OF EXHIBITS, ANNEX AND SCHEDULES. The Exhibits, Annex and
Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and
made a party hereof.

12.12 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. Each of the parties submits to the exclusive
jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting within the Northern District
of Ohio, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, agrees that all claims in respect of the action or proceeding may be
heard and determined in any such court and agrees not to bring any action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Each
of the parties waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of
any action or proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety or other
security that might be required of any other party with respect thereto.

12.13 SECTION HEADINGS, CONSTRUCTION. The headings of Sections in this Agreement
are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or
interpretation. All references to "Section" or "Sections" refer to the
corresponding Section or Sections of this Agreement. All words used in this
Agreement will be construed to be of such gender or number as the circumstances
require. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the word "including" does not
limit the preceding words or terms.



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<PAGE>   42

12.14 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument
and each of which shall be considered an original for all purposes.

12.15 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. Subject to applicable laws, Buyer and Seller agree
(and further agree to cause their respective employees, agents and
representatives) (i) to keep confidential the contents of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, as well as all information received or
generated in connection herewith, and (ii) not to issue a press release or any
other public announcement with respect to this Agreement without the prior
written consent of the other party hereto, with it being further understood and
agreed that the contents of any such press release or such public announcement
shall be mutually agreed by both parties hereto.


BELDEN & BLAKE CORPORATION                         NORTH COAST ENERGY, INC.


By:   /S/JOHN L. SCHWAGER                          By:     /S/OMER YONEL
   -------------------------------------              ------------------

Its:  CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER                     Its:  CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
    ------------------------------------              -------------------------


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