<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10.25f

                           REGAL SUBLICENSE AGREEMENT

     This Sublicense Agreement is made and entered into the 18th day of
December, 1996, to be effective as of August 1, 1996 (the "Effective Date") by
and between Richfield Holdings, Inc., a Colorado corporation ("Licensor") and
Durham Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Licensee").

                                    RECITALS

     A.  Licensor has the exclusive license to use the Regal trademarks, service
marks, tradenames, logos, and other property in North America (the "Trademarks")
and the full right to further sublicense the Trademarks to certain of its
affiliates and subsidiaries for the purpose of using the Trademarks in the
business of owning and operating full service hotels and restaurant services.

     B.  Licensor is willing to license the Trademarks to Licensee for use and
in connection with the REGAL UNIVERSITY HOTEL located at 2800 Middleton Avenue,
Durham, North Carolina (the "Hotel");

     THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of
which are hereby acknowledged, Licensor and Licensee hereby agree as follows:

                                   AGREEMENT

     1.  Grant of License.  Licensor hereby grants to Licensee, during the term
         ----------------                                                     
of this Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, the
non-exclusive right and license to use the Trademarks in connection with the
business of the Hotel (the "License").  No license is granted under this
Agreement for the use of the Trademarks for any purpose other than in connection
with the business of the Hotel.

     2.  Term.  The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and
         ----                                                                  
(unless earlier terminated pursuant to Sections 16 and 17 hereof) shall expire
on December 31, 2015 (the "Term").  The Term shall be automatically extended for
successive one-year periods unless either party notifies the other no later than
90 days prior to the next scheduled expiration date that it does not elect to
renew. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement at any time without cause on 90 days' written notice to
the other party.

     3.  License Fees.  In consideration of the License, Licensee agrees to pay
         ------------                                                         
to Licensor, on a monthly basis, a License Fee equal to 2% of Total Sales
Revenues from the Hotel (the "License Fee") for the period August 1, 1996
through December 31, 1996 and 2.5% of Total Sales Revenue for the period from
January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997.  In the calendar year 1998 and
thereafter, the License Fee shall be 3% of Total Sales Revenues from the Hotel.
"Total Sales Revenues" means all revenues derived from the rental, sale, use, or
occupancy of the guest rooms or meeting rooms in the Hotel and all adjacent
facilities and all revenues derived 


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from: vending machines, food and beverage services, including room service;
local and long distance telephone calls; and all other services of every kind
and nature available to Hotel guests. Total Sales Revenues include cash and
credit transactions whether or not actually collected by Licensee but excludes
sales taxes or other similar taxes that Licensee is required by law to collect
from guests or in conjunction with the rental of guest rooms or meeting rooms;
food and beverage services; or other Hotel services.

     4.  Marketing.  Licensor agrees to apply a portion of the License Fee
         ---------                                                       
actually received by Licensor from Licensee on an annualized basis for the
purposes of national and international advertising, promotion, publicity,
marketing research, and other marketing programs and related activities designed
by Licensor, in its sole discretion, to promote the Regal hotel name and the
Hotel or other hotels and resorts so licensed by Licensor.

     5.  Representations of Licensor.  Licensor represents and warrants that:
         ---------------------------                                         
the Trademarks have been registered or applications for registrations have been
lodged with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office;  it has all necessary rights,
power, and authority to enter into this Agreement;  it has not entered into any
agreement or commitment with any third party that would materially impair,
interfere with, or infringe upon the rights granted under this Agreement;  and,
to the best of its knowledge, no infringement or similar claims or actions
related to the Trademarks and the rights granted in this Agreement have been
filed or threatened.

     6.  Limitations on Licensee's Rights.  Licensee recognizes the considerable
         --------------------------------                                      
value of the goodwill associated with the Trademarks and acknowledges that all
rights therein and goodwill attached thereto in North America belong exclusively
to the Licensor and that such Trademarks have secondary meanings in the minds of
the public.  Licensee acknowledges the validity of the Trademarks and agrees not
to contest such validity or to perform any act adverse to Licensor's rights
therein.  Licensee agrees that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed in any
way to constitute an assignment by Licensor of the Trademarks or any rights
therein or to give Licensee any right, title, or interest therein other than the
right to use the Trademarks as expressly provided in this Agreement.  Licensee
agrees that any goodwill arising out of its use of the Trademarks shall inure
solely to the benefit of Licensor.

     7.  Cooperation.  Licensee agrees that, both during and after the Term or
         -----------                                                         
any  extension hereof, it will cooperate fully and in good faith with the
Licensor and execute such documents as Licensor may reasonably request for the
purposes of securing and preserving the rights of Licensor in and to the
Trademarks.

     8.  Infringement.  Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor in writing of
         ------------                                                       
any infringement, imitation, passing-off, or other use of the Trademarks by any
third party that comes to Licensee's attention.  If Licensor determines that
action should be taken against any such third party, Licensor may take such
action in its own name and at its own expense or, where required by law, in
Licensee's name, in which event Licensor shall bear the cost of such action and
shall be entitled to control the prosecution thereof.  Licensee agrees to
cooperate fully with Licensor to whatever extent is necessary to prosecute any
such action.

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<PAGE>
 
     9.  Books and Records. Licensee agrees to keep accurate books of account
         -----------------                                                  
and records covering all transactions relating to the License, and Licensor or
its duly authorized representatives shall have the right during normal business
hours to examine all of Licensee's books of account and records and all other
documents and materials in the possession or under the control of Licensee with
respect to the subject matter and terms of this Agreement, and shall have free
and full access thereto for such purpose and for the purpose of making
photocopies therefrom.  All books of account and records shall be kept available
by Licensee for at least one year after the calendar quarter or part thereof to
which they relate.

     10.  Licensor's Right to Monitor Trademark Use.
          -----------------------------------------

          (a)  The Licensor or its duly authorized representatives shall have
the right during regular business hours and upon reasonable notice to enter and
inspect the Hotel where the Trademarks are being used and all documents,
depiction's, and materials in which the Trademark is used.

          (b)  From time to time, Licensee shall furnish to Licensor, free of
any cost or charge, for the Licensor's approval, samples of any documents,
depiction, or materials using the Trademarks (including all advertising,
promotional and display material on which the Trademarks are to be used).  Any
items submitted by pre-paid air express to the Licensor that are not approved
and rejected within 45 days after receipt by the Licensor shall be deemed to
have been approved.

          (c)  Without the prior approval of Licensor, Licensee shall not sell
or distribute any product, document, depiction, or material containing the
Trademarks that deviate from the standard then in effect or from the uses
approved by Licensor as provided above.

     11.  Trademark Notice.  Licensee agrees that it will cause to be affixed,
          ----------------                                                   
in connection with any use of the Trademarks, the letter "R" encircled, the
letters "TM," or such other trademark notice or other notice as may be required
by Licensor from time to time.

     12.  Indemnification.
          ---------------

          (a)  Licensee shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Licensor
from and against:  (i) all losses, liabilities, actions, claims, costs, damages,
and expenses including without limitation attorneys' fees and court costs that
arise out of or are in any way based upon the use or exploitation of any of the
Trademarks including, without limitation, all losses, liabilities, actions,
claims, costs, damages and expenses relating to any claim for product liability
or otherwise arising in any way related to this Agreement and (ii)  any claims
of any nature related to the operation, maintenance, management, or physical
attributes of the Hotel, including without limitation its compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (the "ADA") or any state or local
law that is similar to the ADA or is otherwise related to the rights of
disadvantaged or disabled persons to public accommodations.

          (b)  Licensor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Licensee from
against all actions, claims, costs, demands and expenses that arise from any
claim that the use of the 

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Trademarks by Licensee accordance with this Agreement constitutes an
infringement of the rights of any third party with respect to the Trademarks.

          (c)  Any legal proceedings that are instituted by any third party
against Licensor or Licensee related to this Agreement shall be defended at
Licensee's expense except for claims that specifically refer to a claim of
infringement of the rights of any third party with respect to the Trademarks,
which shall be defended at Licensor's expense.  The party obligated to pay the
expenses of defense under this subsection (c) shall have the right to select
counsel to provide such defense, subject to the approval of the other party of
the counsel selected, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  No
claim for which one party has any indemnity obligation under this Section 12
shall be settled or compromised, or the defense thereof terminated, without the
prior approval of the indemnifying party.  The party entitled to indemnification
under this Section 12 shall have the right to affirmative injunctive relief to
compel the provision of the defense required in this subsection (c) and the
right to pursue such defense at the indemnifying party's expense until such
defense is fully undertaken by the indemnifying party.

     13.  No Partnership or Agency.  This Agreement does not constitute a
          ------------------------                                      
partnership agreement and nothing herein is intended to constitute, nor shall
anything herein be construed to constitute, Licensor and Licensee as partners of
each other.  Nothing herein shall operate to constitute either party as agent of
the other party, and neither party has any authority to act on behalf of the
other party.  Neither party shall incur, accept any liability, or enter into any
commitments or contracts on behalf of the other party.  No obligation of either
party under this Agreement shall be enforceable by any person other than a party
hereto and no third party is intended to be or shall be deemed to be a third-
party beneficiary of this Agreement.

     14.  Assignment.
          ----------

          (a)  Assignment by Licensor.  Licensor shall have the right to assign
               ----------------------                                         
all or any part of its rights or obligations under this Agreement to any person
or legal entity.  No such assignment shall, however, relieve Licensor of its
obligations under this Agreement.

          (b)  Assignment by Licensee.  Licensee acknowledges that the rights
               ----------------------                                       
and duties set forth in this Agreement are personal to Licensee and that
Licensor has granted this license to Licensee in reliance on Licensee's business
skills and financial capacity and the personal character of it officers.
Accordingly, Licensee shall not sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise encumber or
convey any direct or indirect interest in the Trademarks or in this Agreement or
any rights or obligations created in this Agreement without the prior written
consent of Licensor, which may be withheld by Licensor in its sole discretion.

     15.  Licensee's Covenants and Duties.  Licensee covenants and agrees:
          -------------------------------                                

          (a)  to operate the Hotel in strict conformity with this Agreement and
to feature the Trademarks in all advertising together with the distinguishing
characteristics of the Regal license prescribed by the Licensor or under such
other name and trademark as may be adopted 

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<PAGE>
 
by Licensor for use in connection with the Regal license such that the Hotel
will be recognizable by the general public as an integral part of the Regal
system.

          (b)  to maintain the Hotel interior and exterior, including parking
and automotive areas and any food and beverage facilities located on the
premises of the Hotel in a clean, sound and attractive condition and good repair
at all times.  Licensee shall undertake all repairs, cleaning, redecoration,
periodic repainting, and replacement of obsolete or out-moded signs, equipment,
furnishings, fixtures, and furniture and such other corrective action as may be
directed by Regal or is otherwise necessary to comply with the standards to be
set forth by Regal from time to time.

          (c)  to use its best efforts to insure that:  (i) all items on which
the Trademarks are used are of high standard, style, appearance, and quality;
(ii) such items are manufactured, packaged, sold, distributed, and advertised in
accordance with this Agreement and all applicable laws and regulations;  (iii)
the policy of sales, distribution, or other exploitation of the Trademarks by
Licensee shall be of high standard and to the best advantage of the Trademarks;
(iv) all such policies shall in no manner reflect adversely upon the good name
of Licensor or the Trademarks.

          (d)  to use in connection with the Hotel only business stationery,
business cards, marketing materials, advertising materials, printed materials,
and forms that are approved by Licensor.

          (e)  to refrain from using or permitting the use of the Trademarks for
any purpose or activity not contemplated herein at any time without first
obtaining the prior written consent of Licensor.

          (f)  to obtain and display in a prominent location at the Hotel
approved by Licensor one or more illuminated signs using the Trademarks as may
be directed and approved by Licensor from time to time and to maintain such
exterior signs in good working condition and appearance at all times.

          (g)  to obtain and install at the Hotel reservations equipment that
meets all specifications prescribed from time to time by Licensor and to
maintain such equipment in good working condition at all times.

          (h)  to permit Licensor and its agents to enter the Hotel at any
reasonable time with or without prior notice and to inspect, photograph or
videotape the Hotel and operations therein and to otherwise evaluate the
Licensee's compliance with this Agreement.  Licensee agrees to cooperate with
Licensor's representatives in such inspections by rendering such assistance as
they may reasonably request during any inspection visit.  Licensee agrees to
provide one room night four times per year at the Hotel free of charge to
Licensor's representatives.  If a re-inspection is required due to the
Licensee's failure to comply with the standards set forth herein, Licensor may
assess the Licensee a reasonable fee for such re-inspection.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
          (i)  to submit the Hotel's rate information and accurate descriptive
information for inclusion in such directories as Licensor may from time to time
publish on or before the deadlines for the receipt of such information that are
established by Licensor.  If such information is not submitted, Licensor is
authorized to publish the latest available rates and descriptive information
submitted by Licensee and Licensee shall be deemed to have waived any claims
related to the accuracy of the information so published.
          (j) to honor the terms of any discount or promotional program that
Licensor elects to offer to the public and to honor the rate quoted to any guest
at the time of making an advance reservation whether made through an advance
reservation system or otherwise.

          (k)  to pay reasonable travel agent commissions in the form and manner
specified by Licensor.

          (l)  to use its best efforts to maximize the business conducted at the
Hotel and to promote the increase of business at all hotels affiliated with the
Regal license.  If Licensee is unable to accommodate a potential guest, the
Licensee agrees to refer the guest to other hotels, if any, affiliated with the
Regal name or license near the Hotel.

          (m)  to participate in any advance reservation systems designated by a
Licensor to make reservations and to accept reservations in accordance with
Licensor's procedures promulgated from time to time.

          (n)  to conduct all advertising and promotion of the Hotel in a
dignified manner that conforms to the standards and requirements specified from
time to time by Licensor.

          (o)  to comply with all operational standards and specifications
adopted from time to time by Licensor.

     16.  Insurance.
          ---------

          (a)  The Licensee shall procure and maintain in full force and effect
during the entire term of this Agreement, at the Licensee's sole cost and
expense, all-risk physical damage coverage, insuring the Hotel for an amount not
less than 80% of the replacement cost thereof as well as full coverage for 12
months of business interruption losses.  Subject to the provisions of any
mortgage or deed of trust that encumbers the Hotel, if the Hotel or any portion
thereof is damaged or destroyed by any casualty, the proceeds of any such
insurance shall be used to repair or restore the Hotel in accordance with plans
and specifications prepared by the Licensee and approved in writing by Licensor.
Such insurance shall contain a waiver of subrogation.

          (b)  Licensee agrees to procure and maintain in full force and affect
during the entire term of this Agreement, at Licensee's sole cost and expense,
Commercial General Liability Insurance Policies written on an occurrence form
protecting the Licensee, with the Licensor as an additional insured party, from
and against all types of losses and liabilities, including without limitation,
personal injury and property damage of any nature, together with the costs and

                                       6
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expenses of the defense and settlement of adjustment thereof, without exception,
arising out of or in any way related to any operation or activity at the Hotel
or related in any way to this Agreement, inclusive of adjacent areas.  Such
policies shall respond to lawsuits or actions brought anywhere in the world.
Such policies shall provide limits of not less than $10,000,000.00 per
occurrence and shall be accompanied by a waiver of subrogation.  These total
minimum limits can be provided through a combination of primary and umbrella
policies.

          Comprehensive General Liability coverages shall include, without
limitation, Broad Form Contractual, Products and Completed Operations,
Automobile, Independent Contractors, Personal Injury, Broad Form Property
Damage, Extended Bodily Injury, Owner's and Contractor's Protective, and Host
Liquor Liability.  In addition, if alcoholic beverages are sold at the Hotel,
Dram Shop/Liquor Liability Insurance shall also be provided.  The Automobile
Liability Policy shall cover owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles.

          Furthermore, the Hotel shall also provide statutory Workers'
Compensation insurance coverage and Employers Liability insurance in an amount
satisfactory to Licensor.

          Licensor may, from time to time, during the term of this Agreement, at
its sole option, require that the minimum limits of insurance coverage, as
aforesaid, be reasonably adjusted in any area in amounts determined solely by
Licensor and Licensee hereby agrees to comply with such requirements, at
Licensee's sole cost and expense, and to deliver evidence of such compliance to
Licensor within 30 days of receipt of Licensor's written request.

          The foregoing insurance shall be placed with an insurance company or
companies satisfactory to Licensor.

          (c)  Within 10 days after Licensor's execution of this Agreement,
Licensee agrees to furnish to Licensor certificates of such insurance indicating
thereon the name and address of the Hotel and that Licensor is an additional
insured party, together with evidence showing that all premiums therefor have
been paid.  Additionally, evidence of renewal will be furnished to  Licensor
prior to the expiration date of each such insurance policy.  Such policy or
policies shall be endorsed to require that Licensor shall receive 30-days' prior
written notice of cancellation, reduction in coverage, or other modification of
the policy or policies.

          (d)  If Licensee fails to comply with the provisions of this
paragraph, Licensor may, at its option, (a) without notice, in addition to such
other rights and remedies that it may have, procure and maintain such insurance,
and charge all costs and premiums related thereto to Licensee or (b) immediately
terminate this Agreement.

          (e)  The procuring and maintenance of such insurance and the
performance by Licensee of its obligations under this Agreement shall not
relieve Licensee of any liability imposed by or under Section 12 of this
Agreement, which shall survive any termination hereof.

                                       7
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     17.  Termination by Licensor.
          -----------------------

          (a)  If Licensee makes any assignment of its assets or business for
the benefit of creditors, or if a trustee or receiver is appointed to administer
or conduct its business, or if it is adjudged in any legal proceeding to be a
voluntary or involuntary bankrupt, then Licensor shall have the option to
terminate this Agreement on five days' written notice.

          (b)  If Licensee violates its obligation to pay the License Fee,
Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon 15 days' written
notice, and such notice of termination shall become effective (except with
respect to Licensee's obligation to pay the License Fee) unless Licensee
completely cures the violation within such 15 day period to Licensor's
satisfaction.

          (c)  If Licensee defaults under any of its obligations under the terms
of this Agreement other than its obligation to pay the License Fee, Licensor
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on ten days' written notice,
and such notice of termination shall become effective unless Licensee completely
cures the default within such ten-day period to Licensor's satisfaction;
provided, however, that, if the default giving rise to Licensor's notice of
termination is of such character that it cannot be completely cured within such
ten-day period, then Licensee shall have a further reasonable period not to
exceed 30 additional days in which to cure the default completely.  The
foregoing extension shall be available only if Licensee commences action within
the first ten-day period to cure such default and diligently pursues such cure
efforts thereafter.

          (d)  Upon any default by Licensee under this Agreement, the license to
use the Trademarks granted under this Agreement shall be immediately revoked,
subject to reinstatement only as the result of a cure permitted under this
Section 17.

     18.  Termination by the Licensee.
          ---------------------------

          If Licensor defaults in the performance of any of its obligations
under this Agreement, Licensee shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
on 30 days' written notice to Licensor unless Licensor cures the default within
such 30-day period;  provided, however, that, if the default giving rise to
Licensor's notice of termination is of such character that it cannot be
completely cured within such 30-day period, then Licensor shall have a further
reasonable period in which to cure the default.  The foregoing extension shall
be available only if Licensor commences action within the first 30-day period to
cure the default and diligently pursues such cure efforts thereafter.

     19.  Effect of Termination or Expiration.
          -----------------------------------

          (a)  Licensee acknowledges and agrees that the damages that may be
suffered by Licensor as a result of a termination of this Agreement under
Section 17 are difficult if not impossible to ascertain, and therefore the
parties hereto agree that should the Agreement be terminated, Licensee shall pay
to Licensor as liquidated damages and not as a penalty a sum 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
equal to twelve times the average monthly License Fee under this Agreement for
the 12 months that immediately preceded the effective date of termination;
provided however that, if the effective date of termination occurs during the
first year of the term, such liquidated damages shall be a sum equal to the
product of the then-applicable License Fee percentage rate set forth in
paragraph 3 of this Agreement times Total Sales Revenues for the 12-month period
                              -----
that immediately preceded the effective date of termination.

          (b)  After termination of this Agreement for any reason, Licensee
shall not use or otherwise dispose of items it may have on hand on which the
Trademarks appear without the express written consent of Licensor.

          (c)  Upon and after the termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall:
(i) discontinue all further use of the Trademarks;  (ii) make no further
reference to the Trademarks direct or indirect;  (iii) discontinue the use of
anything deemed by Licensor to be similar to the Trademarks in any respect
whatsoever;  and (iv) at Licensor's request and at Licensee's expense, deliver
to Licensor all advertising, promotional pieces, and similar materials that bear
any of the Trademarks that are then at the Hotel or otherwise in the possession
of Licensee or any of its contractors or agents.  Licensee acknowledges that the
failure of Licensee to cease the use of the Trademarks at the termination or
expiration of this Agreement will result in immediate and irremediable damage to
Licensor and to the rights of any subsequent licensee.  Licensee acknowledges
and agrees that there is no adequate remedy at law for such failure and agrees
that, in the event of such failure, Licensor shall be entitled (without
prejudice to any other rights it may have, including any rights to monetary
damages) to equitable relief, including without limitation affirmative
injunctive relief,  to secure the compliance of Licensee with the provisions of
this Section 17(c).

     20.  No Waiver.  Any failure of any party hereto to comply with any of the
          ---------                                                           
obligations or agreements set forth in this Agreement or to fulfill any
condition set forth herein may be waived only by a written instrument signed by
the other party.  No failure by any party to exercise, and no delay in
exercising, any right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of such
right, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right provided in this
Agreement by any party preclude any other or future exercise of that right or
any other right.

     21.  Notices.  All notices, requests, or other communications required or
          -------                                                            
permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing by hand delivery or by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the
party at its respective address set forth below, or at such other address as may
from time to time be designated by such party to the other in accordance with
this Section 21:

     If to the Licensor:

          Richfield Holdings, Inc.
          5775 DTC Boulevard, Suite 300
          Englewood, Colorado  80111
          Attention:  General Counsel

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     If to the Licensee:

          Durham Operating Partnership, L.P.
          5775 DTC Boulevard, Suite 300
          Englewood, Colorado  80111
          Attention:  Operations

     22.  This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of
the State of Colorado.

     23.  If any legal proceedings are required to enforce any provision of this
Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all of its costs
and expenses related to such proceedings, including without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees.

     24.  This Agreement can be modified only by a written instrument executed
by Licensee and Licensor.

     25.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto
and supersedes all prior agreements, whether oral or written.

                         RICHFIELD HOLDINGS, INC.,
                         a Colorado corporation

                         By:  /s/   Michael Sheh
                              ------------------
                         Name:  Michael Sheh
                         Title:  Sr. Vice President

                         By:  /s/   Joel W. Hiser
                              -------------------
                         Name:  Joel W. Hiser
                         Title:  Sr. Vice President

                         DURHAM OPERATING PARTNERSHIP. L.P.
                         a Delaware limited partnership

                         By:  AIRCOA HOSPITALITY SERVICES, INC.
                         a Delaware corporation
                         its managing general partner

                         By:  /s/   Michael Sheh
                              ------------------
                         Name:  Michael Sheh
                         Title:  Sr. Vice President

                         By:  /s/   Mark L. T. Butler
                              -----------------------
                         Name:  Mark L. T. Butler
                         Title:  Sr. Vice President

                                       10