Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.5

[LEGEND FOR INCLUSION IN GLOBAL SECURITY -- THIS [NOTE/DEBENTURE] IS A GLOBAL
SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS
REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS
[NOTE/DEBENTURE] IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR [NOTES/DEBENTURES] REGISTERED IN THE NAME
OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED
CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE AND, UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED
IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR [NOTES/DEBENTURES] IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS
[NOTE/DEBENTURE] MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR
ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A
SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.]

[LEGEND FOR INCLUSION IN GLOBAL SECURITY -- UNLESS THIS [NOTE/DEBENTURE] IS
PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW
YORK CORPORATION ("DTC"), TO THE COMPANY (AS DEFINED BELOW) OR ITS AGENT FOR
REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY [NOTE/DEBENTURE] ISSUED
IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO
SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY
TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON
IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST
HEREIN.]

C____________
No.:
CUSIP No.:      [FOR INCLUSION IN CERTIFICATED SECURITIES--Principal Amount: $!]

                         PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP COMPANY

                           !% [Notes/Debentures] due !

         Performance Food Group Company, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter
called the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation under the
Indenture referred to below), for value received, hereby promises to pay to !,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of [FOR INCLUSION IN GLOBAL
SECURITIES -- indicated on Schedule A hereto] [FOR INCLUSION IN CERTIFICATED
SECURITIES -- ! DOLLARS ($!)] on !, and to pay interest thereon from !, ! or
from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for,
semiannually in arrears on ! and ! of each year (each, an "Interest Payment
Date"), commencing !, !, and at Maturity, at the rate of !% per annum, until the
principal hereof is paid or duly made available for payment. Interest on this
[Note/Debenture] shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting
of twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable and punctually paid or duly
provided for on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture,
be paid to the Person in whose name this [Note/Debenture] (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular
Record Date for such interest, which shall be the ! or ! (whether or not a
Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
Any such interest which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided
for, on any Interest Payment Date shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
registered Person who was the Holder hereof on the relevant Regular Record Date
by virtue of having been such Holder, and may be paid to the Person in whose
name this [Note/Debenture] (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered
at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such
Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to
the Holder of this [Note/Debenture] not less than 10 days prior to such Special
Record Date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not
inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
[Notes/Debentures] may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by
such exchange, all as more fully provided in such Indenture.

<PAGE>   2

         Payment of the principal of and [premium, if any, and] the interest on
this [Note/Debenture] will be made at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York
and !, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time
of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided,
however, that, at the option of the Company, interest may be paid by check
mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall
appear in the Security Register or by transfer to an account maintained by the
payee with a bank located in the United States.

         This [Note/Debenture] is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities
of the Company (herein called the ["Notes/Debentures"]) issued and to be issued
in one or more series under an Indenture dated as of ! (herein called, together
with all indentures supplemental thereto, the "Indenture") between the Company
and !, as trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any
successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective
rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company,
the Trustee and the Holders of the [Notes/Debentures], and the terms upon which
the [Notes/Debentures] are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This
[Note/Debenture] is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited
(subject to exceptions provided in the Indenture and subject to the right of the
Company to reopen such series for issuances of additional Securities of such
series on the terms and subject to the conditions specified in the Indenture) in
aggregate principal amount to $!,000,000.

         [INCLUDE FOR SUBORDINATED SECURITIES -- Subject to Section ! of the
Indenture, the payment of the indebtedness evidenced by this [Note/Debenture]
is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Indenture, expressly
subordinated to all Senior Indebtedness of the Company. This [Note/Debenture] is
issued subject to such provisions of the Indenture, and each Holder of this
[Note/Debenture], by accepting the same, agrees to and shall be bound by such
provisions and authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf, as between the
Holders of the [Notes/Debentures] and the holders of Senior Indebtedness, to
take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate such
subordination as provided in the Indenture and appoints the Trustee his
attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.]

         [INCLUDE IF SECURITIES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION PRIOR TO
MATURITY -- The [Notes/Debentures] are not subject to redemption prior to the
Stated Maturity of the principal thereof.]

         [INCLUDE IF SECURITIES ARE REDEEMABLE PRIOR TO MATURITY OR ADD OTHER
APPROPRIATE REDEMPTION provisions -- The [Notes/Debentures] shall not be subject
to redemption prior to !. The Company shall have the right to redeem the
[Notes/Debentures], in whole or in part from time to time, on or after !, upon
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the following prices
(expressed as percentages of the principal amount of the [Notes/Debentures] to
be redeemed) together (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture) with
accrued and unpaid interest, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, if redeemed
during the 12-month period beginning ! of the years set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Redemption
   Year                                                          Price
   ----                                                          -----
<S>                                                           <C>
    !      .....................................................   !%
    !      .....................................................   !
    !      .....................................................   !
    !      .....................................................   !
    !      .....................................................   !
</TABLE>

and 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on or after ! [CONFORM THE
FOLLOWING TO THE INDENTURE AS APPROPRIATE --; provided, however, that
installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to a Redemption
Date will be payable to the Holders of the [Notes/Debentures] (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) registered as such at the close of business on the
relevant Regular Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of the
Indenture.]

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

         If an Event of Default with respect to the [Notes/Debentures] shall
occur and be continuing, the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the
[Notes/Debentures] may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the
effect provided in the Indenture.

         The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series issued
under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent
of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding of each series affected thereby. The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified
percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of any series at the
time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and
certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such
consent or waiver by the Holder of this [Note/Debenture] shall be conclusive and
binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this [Note/Debenture]
and of any [Notes/Debentures] issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or
in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent
or waiver is made upon this [Note/Debenture].

         No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
[Note/Debenture] or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and
[premium, if any, and] interest on this [Note/Debenture], at the time, place and
rate, and in the coin or currency, herein and in the Indenture prescribed.

         As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations set
forth therein, the transfer of this [Note/Debenture] may be registered on the
Security Register upon surrender of this [Note/Debenture] for registration of
transfer at the Office or Agency of the Company maintained for the purpose in
any place where the principal of and interest on this [Note/Debenture] are
payable, duly endorsed, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in
form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by the
Holder hereof or by his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one
or more new [Notes/Debentures], of authorized denominations and for the same
aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.

         The [Notes/Debentures] are issuable only in registered form without
coupons in the denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations set forth therein,
the [Notes/Debentures] are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
[Notes/Debentures] of authorized denominations as requested by the Holders
surrendering the same.

         No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer
or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith, other than
in certain cases provided in the Indenture.

         Prior to due presentment of this [Note/Debenture] for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name this [Note/Debenture] is registered as the
owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this [Note/Debenture] shall be
overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

         The Indenture contains provisions whereby (i) the Company may be
discharged from its obligations with respect to the [Notes/Debentures] (subject
to certain exceptions) or (ii) the Company may be released from its obligations
under specified covenants and agreements in the Indenture, in each case if the
Company irrevocably deposits with the Trustee money or Government Obligations
sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on all
[Notes/Debentures], and satisfies certain other conditions, all as more fully
provided in the Indenture. In addition, the Indenture shall cease to be of
further effect (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to the
[Notes/Debentures] when (1) either (A) all [Notes/Debentures] previously
authenticated and delivered have been delivered (subject to certain exceptions)
to the Trustee for cancellation, or (B) all [Notes/Debentures] (i) have become
due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity
within one year or [(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year] and,
in the case of (i), (ii) [or (iii)] above, the Company has irrevocably deposited
with the Trustee money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on all such

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

[Notes/Debentures] not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation,
and (2) the Company satisfies certain other conditions, all as more fully
provided in the Indenture.

         This [Note/Debenture] shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

         All terms used in this [Note/Debenture] which are defined in the
Indenture [and not defined herein] shall have the meanings assigned to them in
the Indenture.

         Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or
on behalf of the Trustee under the Indenture by the manual signature of one of
its authorized signatories, this [Note/Debenture] shall not be entitled to any
benefits under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.

Dated:  !

[Seal]                                  !

Attest:                                 By:
        ---------------------------         ------------------------------------
        Name:                               Name:
        Title:                              Title:

TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF
AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities
of the series designated
therein referred to in the
within-mentioned Indenture.

!, as Trustee

By:
    --------------------------------
          Authorized Signatory

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                                  ABBREVIATIONS

         The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>                   <C>
TEN COM--as tenants in common               UNIF GIFT MIN ACT --               Custodian
                                                                  --------------         -----------------
TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties                                 (Cust)                   (Minor)
JT TEN--as joint tenants with right of survivorship               Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
and not as tenants in common
                                                                  ------------------------------------
                                                                                     (State)
</TABLE>

     Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

                     --------------------------------------

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned registered holder hereby sell(s), assign(s)
and transfer(s) unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the within security and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting
and appointing

----------------------------------------------------------------------- Attorney
to transfer said security on the books of the Company with full power
of substitution in the premises.

Dated:                              Signed:
      ---------------------                 ------------------------------------

               Notice: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the
        name as it appears upon the face of the within security in every
        particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatever.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                      [FOR INCLUSION IN GLOBAL SECURITIES]

                                   SCHEDULE A

      The initial principal amount of this Global Security is ! Dollars ($!).
The following increases or decreases in the principal amount of this Global
Security have been made:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================================================
                         Amount of increase      Amount of decrease     Principal amount of     Signature of
                         in principal amount     in principal amount    this Global Security    authorized
                         of this Global          of this Global         following such          signatory
Date made                Security                Security               decrease or increase    of Trustee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                     <C>                    <C>                     <C>

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       7<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.16

                         COMMON STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is
entered into as of June 19, 2001 by and among ATHEROGENICS, INC., a Georgia
corporation ("AtheroGenics"), and the purchasers listed on Schedule I hereto
(individually a "Purchaser" and collectively the "Purchasers").

                  WHEREAS, AtheroGenics desires to sell and the Purchasers
desire to purchase shares of common stock, no par value per share, of
AtheroGenics ("Common Stock"), for the consideration and upon the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the
mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree
as follows:

                  1.       Sale and Purchase of Common Shares.

                           (a)      Sale and Purchase. Subject to the terms and
conditions hereof, AtheroGenics hereby agrees to sell, and the Purchasers,
severally and not jointly, hereby agree to purchase, on the date hereof (the
"Closing Date") shares of Common Stock (the "Common Shares") at a price per
Common Share (the "Share Price") equal to Five Dollars and Seventy-Five Cents
($5.75). Schedule I hereto sets forth the number of shares to be purchased by
each Purchaser opposite such Purchaser's name. The total purchase price to be
paid by each Purchaser shall be equal to the number of Common Shares to be
purchased by such Purchaser multiplied by the Share Price, and is set forth
opposite each Purchaser's name as that Purchaser's "purchase commitment" on
Schedule I hereto. The total aggregate number of Common Shares to be purchased
by all of the Purchasers shall not exceed 3,585,000 shares.

                           (b)      Closing. The purchase and sale of the Common
Shares shall take place at the offices of Long Aldridge & Norman LLP, 303
Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 5300, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Time, on June 19, 2001 or at such other time and place as AtheroGenics and
Purchasers who have agreed to purchase a majority of the Common Shares listed in
Schedule I mutually agree upon (which time and place are referred to in this
Agreement as the "Closing"). At the Closing, the Purchaser will purchase the
number of shares apportioned to it on Schedule I against delivery to Purchaser
(or its designated custodian) by AtheroGenics of a certificate representing such
Common Shares. The full purchase price for such Common Shares shall be paid,
subject to delivery of the above-mentioned certificate, by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to AtheroGenics.

                  2.       Representations and Warranties of AtheroGenics.
AtheroGenics hereby represents, warrants and agrees, as follows:

<PAGE>   2

                           (a)      Organization, Good Standing and
Qualification. AtheroGenics is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
under the laws of the State of Georgia, and has full corporate power and
corporate authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. AtheroGenics is currently in the process of preparing, and
warrants the completion and filing in reasonable due course of, its 2000 federal
corporate income tax return and 2000/2001 Georgia corporate income/net worth tax
return. An estimated tax payment of $3,500 has been submitted to the Georgia
Department of Revenue for estimated amounts due under the Georgia tax return.
Upon the filing of the Georgia tax return and payment of any additional amounts
due, if any, AtheroGenics will be in good standing under the laws of the State
of Georgia. AtheroGenics does not believe that there are any material amounts
owing under the foregoing tax returns that have not previously been paid.
AtheroGenics is qualified in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so
qualify would have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, financial
conditions, results, or operations of AtheroGenics ("Material Adverse Effect").
AtheroGenics has no subsidiaries.

                           (b)      Immediately before the Closing, the
capitalization of AtheroGenics will consist of 105,000,000 shares of capital
stock in the following amounts and classes: (i) 100,000,000 shares are
designated Common Stock, of which 24,124,948 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding and were duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and were issued in material compliance with applicable Federal and
state securities laws, including exemptions therefrom and none of such issuances
were made in violation of any preemptive right and (ii) 5,000,000 shares are
designated preferred stock, no par value per share, none of which were
outstanding on June 1, 2001 or are outstanding on the date hereof. AtheroGenics
has no other classes of stock authorized or outstanding.

                           (c)      As of the date of this Agreement, options
and warrants to purchase 2,706,935 and 250,290 shares of Common Stock,
respectively, were outstanding, and when such options and warrants are exercised
and the prescribed exercise price paid, the shares of Common Stock issued with
respect to such options and warrants will be duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in material compliance with
applicable Federal and state securities laws, including exemptions therefrom and
none of such issuances were made in violation of any preemptive right. Except as
set forth above and other than (i) 1,264,084 shares of Common Stock reserved for
issuance under AtheroGenics' 1995 Stock Option Plan of which 267,800 shares have
not been issued, (ii) 3,724,416 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
under AtheroGenics' Equity Ownership Plan of which 2,956,800 shares have not
been issued, and (iii) 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
under AtheroGenics' 2001 Equity Ownership Plan none of which have been issued,
there are no existing options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any
character to purchase or otherwise acquire from AtheroGenics shares of capital
stock of any class, no outstanding securities of AtheroGenics that are
convertible into shares of capital stock of AtheroGenics of any class, and no
options, warrants or rights to purchase from AtheroGenics any such convertible
securities. AtheroGenics has no outstanding contractual or other obligation to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any outstanding shares of its capital
stock. The issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock have not been, and the
Common Shares to be issued to Purchasers hereunder will not be, issued

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3

in violation of any preemptive or other rights of any person, whether arising by
statute, under the Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the
"Articles of Incorporation") or Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws")
of AtheroGenics or in any other manner known to AtheroGenics. No person or
entity is entitled to any preemptive or similar right with respect to the
issuance of any capital stock of AtheroGenics.

                           (d)      All corporate action on the part of
AtheroGenics and its officers, directors and shareholders necessary for the
authorization, execution and delivery of, and the performance of all obligations
of AtheroGenics under this Agreement and the authorization, issuance,
reservation for issuance and delivery of all the Common Shares sold and
purchased under this Agreement has been taken or will be taken at or prior to
the Closing.

                           (e)      This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of AtheroGenics, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of
the transactions contemplated herein, will (i) violate any law, rule,
regulation, judgment, injunction, decree, determination, award or order of any
court or governmental agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, or (ii)
conflict with or result in any breach of any of the terms of or constitute a
default under, or result in the termination of or the creation or imposition of
any mortgage, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any
nature under, AtheroGenics' Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or the terms of
any material contract or agreement to which AtheroGenics is a party or by which
AtheroGenics or any of the assets and properties of AtheroGenics is bound, other
than any such conflict, breach or default that would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. Neither the execution and delivery by AtheroGenics of this Agreement,
nor the consummation by AtheroGenics of any of the transactions contemplated
herein, requires any consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration with, or the giving of notice to, any governmental or public body
or authority or any other person, except for such notices, consents or approvals
which have previously been obtained or which will be obtained on or before the
Closing Date and notices and filings that may be required under applicable state
and federal securities laws that will be undertaken after the Closing Date.

                           (f)      The Common Shares, when issued, sold and
delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement for the consideration
provided for herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and free and clear of all pledges, liens, encumbrances and
restrictions (other than those arising under Federal or state securities laws as
a result of the private placement of the Common Shares to the Purchasers) and
are not subject to any preemptive or other similar rights of any shareholder of
AtheroGenics.

                           (g)      Since becoming subject to the periodic
reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), AtheroGenics has made all required filings pursuant to the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and all such filings, as may have
been amended, complied in all material respects with the Exchange Act and such
rules and regulations as of the date filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"). Such filings did not and do not contain any untrue
statement or omission of material

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4

fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                           (h)      As of their respective dates, the financial
statements of AtheroGenics, together with related notes and schedules, included
in all of its filings made pursuant to the Exchange Act complied in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto. Such financial statements and
related notes and schedules have been prepared in accordance with United States
generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, during the
period involved (except (i) as may be otherwise indicated in such financial
statements or the notes thereto, or (ii) in the case of unaudited interim
statements, to the extent they may not include footnotes or may be condensed or
summary statements) and fairly present in all material respects the financial
position of AtheroGenics as of the dates thereof and its results of operations
and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited
statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments).

                           (i)      Except as may be disclosed in any filing
with the SEC, AtheroGenics owns, or possesses adequate rights to use, all
patents, patent rights, inventions, trade secrets, licenses, know-how,
trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights which are necessary for
the conduct of AtheroGenics' business as presently conducted or as proposed to
be conducted.

                           (j)      AtheroGenics shall use its best efforts to
promptly secure the listing of the Common Shares upon each national securities
exchange or automated quotation system, if any, upon which shares of Common
Stock are then listed (subject to official notice of issuance) and, so long as
any Purchaser owns any of the Common Shares, shall maintain, so long as any
other shares of Common Stock shall be so listed, such listing of all Common
Shares.

                           (k)      No consent, approval, order or authorization
of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any
federal, state or local governmental authority on the part of AtheroGenics is
required in connection with the valid execution and delivery of this Agreement,
the offer, sale and issuance of the Common Shares, or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for qualifications or
filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") and the
applicable rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations") of the SEC under
the Act, and all other applicable securities laws as may be required in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. All such
qualifications will be effective on the Closing, and all such filings be made
within the time prescribed by law.

                           (l)      After the respective dates as of which
information is given in the AtheroGenics' Proxy Statement for the most recent
annual meeting of shareholders held on April 18, 2001, the AtheroGenics' Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, the AtheroGenics'
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, and any
press releases of

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5

AtheroGenics released on or after January 1, 2001, respectively (such documents
referred to collectively as the "Disclosure Documents"), there has not been (i)
any material adverse change in the business, financial condition or results of
operations of AtheroGenics, (ii) any transaction that is material to
AtheroGenics, (iii) any obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to
AtheroGenics, incurred by AtheroGenics, (iv) any change in the outstanding
indebtedness of AtheroGenics that is material to AtheroGenics, (v) any dividend
declared, paid or made on the capital stock of AtheroGenics or (vi) any loss or
damage (whether or not insured) to the property of AtheroGenics which has been
sustained which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                           (m)      There is no action, suit, proceeding, claim,
arbitration or investigation ("Action") pending (or, to AtheroGenics' knowledge,
currently threatened) against AtheroGenics, its activities, properties or
assets, which (i) might prevent the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or (ii) if adversely resolved against AtheroGenics would
adversely affect the validity or enforceability of, or the authority or ability
of AtheroGenics to perform its obligations under this Agreement, or would have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                           (n)      AtheroGenics possesses all licenses,
franchises, governmental approvals, permits or other governmental authorizations
(collectively, "Authorizations") relating to the operation of its business,
except for those Authorizations the failure of which to possess would not,
separately or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. AtheroGenics is
in material compliance with the terms of all Authorizations and all laws,
ordinances, regulations and decrees which to AtheroGenics' knowledge are
applicable to its business, except for such non-compliance which does not,
separately or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

                           (o)      AtheroGenics is covered by insurance with
companies AtheroGenics believes to be responsible and in such amounts and
covering such risks as it believes to be adequate for the conduct of its
business and the value of its properties and as is customary for companies
engaged in similar businesses in similar industries. AtheroGenics has no
knowledge that any such carrier has grounds or intends to cancel or fail to
renew such policies.

                           (p)      AtheroGenics has good and marketable title
in fee simple to all real property and personal property owned by it which is
material to the business of AtheroGenics, in each case free and clear of all
liens and encumbrances, except for liens that do not materially affect the value
of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed
to be made of such property by AtheroGenics. Any real property and facilities
held under lease by AtheroGenics are held by it under valid, subsisting and
enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are not material and do not
interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and
facilities by AtheroGenics.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6

                  3.       Representations and Warranties of the Purchasers.
Each Purchaser for itself, severally and not jointly, hereby represents,
warrants and agrees, as follows:

                           (a)      Such Purchaser is acquiring the Common
Shares subscribed for hereunder for its own account as principal, for investment
purposes and not with a view to any distribution thereof in violation of the Act
or any other securities laws. Such Purchaser further understands and
acknowledges that the offer and sale of the Common Shares to the Purchaser
pursuant to this Agreement will not be registered under the Act or any foreign
or state securities laws on the assumption that the offer and sale of the Common
Shares to the Purchasers are exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2)
of the Act and Regulation D thereunder and that AtheroGenics' reliance upon such
exemption is predicated upon such Purchaser's representations set forth in the
Agreement.

                           (b)      Such Purchaser is an "accredited investor"
within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Act, and by virtue
of such Purchaser's experience in financial and business matters, is capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of such Purchaser's investment in the Common
Shares, has the ability to bear the economic risks of such an investment,
including a complete loss of the investment, and has the capacity to protect the
Purchaser's own interests. For purposes of the requirements of state securities
laws, such Purchaser represents that it is solely a resident of the state set
forth opposite its name on Schedule I hereto and that the offer and purchase of
the Common Shares pursuant hereto has and will occur solely in such state.

                           (c)      Such Purchaser acknowledges that the
certificates representing the Common Shares shall bear a legend substantially as
set forth below indicating the restrictions on transfers to which the Common
Shares are subject, and instructions shall be given to the transfer agent for
the Common Stock that no transfer is to be effected except in compliance with
such transfer restrictions:

                  THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE (THE "SECURITIES")
                  HAVE BEEN ISSUED AND SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM
                  REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
                  "1933 ACT"), AND APPROPRIATE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION
                  UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF APPLICABLE JURISDICTIONS. THE
                  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED
                  OTHER THAN PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION OR AN
                  EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF
                  COMPLIANCE WITH THE 1933 ACT AND THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES
                  LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. THE ISSUER SHALL BE ENTITLED
                  TO REQUIRE AN OPINION OF COUNSEL REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO IT
                  WITH RESPECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE 1933 ACT.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7

                           (d)      Because the Common Shares have not been
registered under the Act or applicable foreign or state securities laws, such
Purchaser acknowledges that the economic risk of the investment must be borne
indefinitely by such Purchaser, the Common Shares cannot be sold by the
Purchaser unless subsequently registered under the Act and such laws or unless
an exemption from such registration is available.

                           (e)      Such Purchaser hereby acknowledges that
AtheroGenics has made available to such Purchaser such books, records, corporate
documents and all other information as Purchaser has requested and considers
necessary to evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Common
Shares. Each Purchaser acknowledges that it has been afforded the opportunity to
ask questions concerning AtheroGenics and has received satisfactory answers
thereto, to obtain all additional information that it has requested and to
request and receive all documents concerning AtheroGenics and the terms and
conditions of such Purchaser's investment. Such Purchaser acknowledges that it
has not been offered the Common Shares by any means of general solicitation or
advertisement, and that no commission or sales charge is payable by the
Purchaser to any third party in connection with the purchase of the Common
Shares. Nothing contained in this Section (3)(e) modifies, amends or affects
each Purchaser's right to rely on AtheroGenics' representations and warranties
contained in section 2 above.

                           (f)      Such Purchaser recognizes that investment in
the Common Shares involves a high degree of risk. In evaluating the suitability
of an investment in the Common Shares, such Purchaser has not (A) relied upon
any representations or other information (whether oral or written) other than
(i) the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, (ii) the
documents and answers to questions furnished to such Purchaser by AtheroGenics
(or its designated representatives) and (iii) AtheroGenics' filings made
pursuant to the Exchange Act, or (B) relied upon any projections or predictions
as to the future business or financial performance of AtheroGenics which
AtheroGenics has not disclosed to the public. Such Purchaser is aware that no
federal or state agency has made any finding or determination as to the fairness
of the Common Shares for investment, nor any recommendation or endorsement of
the Common Shares.

                  4.       Registration Rights.

                           (a)      Initial Registration. Within fifteen (15)
days following the Closing, AtheroGenics shall prepare and file with the SEC
(and such state securities commissions as may be necessary or appropriate to
permit the registration of the Common Shares in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia) and use its best efforts (i) to have declared effective as soon as
practicable thereafter a registration statement on Form S-1 (or such other form
as AtheroGenics deems appropriate) (the "Registration Statement") providing for
the resale by the Purchasers of all the Common Shares, (ii) to cause the Common
Shares to be listed on the appropriate national market exchange and (iii) to
provide a transfer agent and registrar for all securities registered pursuant to
the Registration Statement and a CUSIP number for such securities. If the
Registration Statement is not declared effective within 120 days of Closing,
then the Purchasers shall be entitled to receive from AtheroGenics (pro rata in
accordance with

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8

Schedule I) an aggregate number of shares equal to 1% of the number of Common
Shares for each month (and prorated for any partial month) after such 120 days
that the Registration Statement is not declared effective (or does not remain
effective), up to a maximum aggregate amount of 5% of the Common Shares.
AtheroGenics shall use best efforts to keep the Registration Statement
continuously effective, pursuant the Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, until the earlier to occur (i) the second anniversary of
the Closing, (ii) as to a particular Purchaser, the date on which the Purchaser
may sell all Common Shares then held by Purchaser without restriction by the
volume limitation of Rule 144(e) of the Act, and (iii) such time as all Common
Shares held by such Purchaser have been sold (A) pursuant to the Registration
Statement, (B) to or through a broker or dealer or underwriter in a public
distribution or public securities transaction, and/or (C) in a transaction
exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Act
under Section 4(1) thereof so that all transfer restrictions and restrictive
legends with respect thereto, if any, are removed upon the consummation of such
sale. In the event that the Registration Statement shall cease to be effective,
AtheroGenics shall promptly prepare and file a new registration statement
covering the Common Shares and shall use best efforts to have such registration
statement declared effective as soon as possible. Any such registration
statement shall be considered a "Registration Statement" hereunder.

                                    All expenses of AtheroGenics associated with
the preparation of the Registration Statement and the filing thereof shall be
borne by AtheroGenics, including the payment of any applicable listing fees. The
Purchasers shall be responsible for fees and expenses of their own counsel and
any commissions or underwriting discounts payable with respect to any resale of
the Common Shares. In connection with the Registration Statement, but subject to
the limitations of Section 4(b) hereof, AtheroGenics will prepare and file with
the SEC and any state securities commissions such amendments and supplements to
the Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as
may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective and to comply
with the provisions of the Act and Rule 415 thereunder with respect to the
disposition of all the Common Shares covered by such Registration Statement.

                                    AtheroGenics shall furnish, at its sole
cost, to each Purchaser such number of copies of the Registration Statement and
of each amendment and supplement thereto, such number of copies of the
prospectus included in such Registration Statement and such other related
documents as such Purchaser may reasonably request in order to facilitate the
disposition of the Common Shares by such Purchaser.

                           (b)      Limitations. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
AtheroGenics shall notify each Purchaser at any time after effectiveness of the
Registration Statement (when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be
delivered under the Act) of the happening of any event or other circumstance as
the result of which (i) the prospectus included in such Registration Statement,
as then in effect, would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances then existing, not
misleading or (ii) the continued effectiveness of such Registration Statement or
a subsequent Registration Statement, and the use of such prospectus, would
otherwise have a material and adverse effect on any

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9

proposed or pending acquisition, merger, business combination or other material
transaction involving AtheroGenics, and, upon receipt of such notice and until
AtheroGenics makes available to each Purchaser a supplemented or amended
prospectus, the Purchaser shall not offer or sell any Common Shares pursuant to
such Registration Statement and shall return all copies of such prospectus to
AtheroGenics if requested to do so by it. As promptly as practicable following
any such occurrence, AtheroGenics shall prepare and furnish to each Purchaser a
reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such
prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to subsequent
purchasers of the Common Shares, such prospectus shall meet in all material
respects the requirements of the Act and relevant state securities laws. Each
Purchaser shall furnish to AtheroGenics such information regarding each such
Purchaser and its proposed method of distribution of the Common Shares as
AtheroGenics may from time to time request and as shall be required by law to
effect and maintain the registration of such Common Shares under the Act and any
state securities laws.

                           (c)      Agreements of AtheroGenics. AtheroGenics
shall use reasonable efforts to (i) register and qualify the Common Shares under
such other securities or "blue sky" laws of such jurisdictions in the United
States as the Purchasers shall reasonably request, (ii) prepare and file in
those jurisdictions such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and
supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to
maintain the effectiveness thereof during the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement, (iii) to keep such registration or qualification in effect for so
long as the Registration Statement remains in effect, and (iv) to take any other
action which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable the Purchasers
to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the securities to be sold
by the Purchasers, consistent with the plan of distribution described in the
prospectus included in the Registration Statement, provided, however, that
AtheroGenics shall not be required in connection with or as a condition to the
foregoing to (A) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not
otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 4(c), (B) subject itself
to general taxation in any jurisdiction, (C) file a general consent to service
of process in any such jurisdiction, (D) provide any undertakings that cause
AtheroGenics undue expense or burden, or (E) make any change in its charter or
bylaws, which in each case AtheroGenics' Board of Directors determines to be
contrary to the best interests of AtheroGenics and its shareholders.

                           (d)      Indemnification.

                                    (i)      To the extent permitted by law,
AtheroGenics will indemnify and hold harmless each Purchaser and each person
(including each officer, director, trustee or partner thereof) who controls the
Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act and any underwriter for
each (as defined in the Act) (collectively, "Person") with respect to which any
registration statement under the Act has been filed and become effective
pursuant to this Agreement, against all claims, losses, expenses, damages and
liabilities, or actions in respect thereto (or any settlement of any claim),
arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of
a material fact contained in any definitive prospectus contained in any
registration statement, as may be amended or supplemented, covering the Common
Shares for resale, or based on any omission (or alleged omission) to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10

under which they were made, not misleading, any violation or alleged violation
by AtheroGenics of the Act, the Exchange Act, any federal or state securities
law or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Act, the Exchange Act or any
federal or state securities law, in each case in connection with the offering
covered by such registration statement, any failure by AtheroGenics to fulfill
any undertaking included in a registration statement and for any material
misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty given or made by
AtheroGenics in this Agreement, and will reimburse each such Purchaser and each
Person for any reasonable legal and any other expenses incurred in connection
with investigating, defending or settling any such claim, loss, damage,
liability or action, provided that (A) such legal and other expenses shall be
limited to not more than one legal counsel for the Purchasers and each Person,
and (B) AtheroGenics will not be liable in any such case to the extent that (xx)
any such claim, loss, damage or liability arises out of or is based on any
untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) or omission (or alleged omission)
based upon written information furnished to AtheroGenics by such Purchaser
specifically for use in such prospectus, or (yy) the Purchaser or its
representative fails to deliver a copy of the definitive prospectus most
recently furnished by AtheroGenics and contained in any such registration
statement, as may be amended or supplemented, to the buyer of any Common Shares.

                                    (ii)     To the extent permitted by law,
each Purchaser will indemnify and hold harmless AtheroGenics and each person
(including each officer and director thereof) who controls AtheroGenics within
the meaning of Section 15 the Act, and each other such Purchaser and each person
(including each officer, director and partner thereof) who controls the
Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act against all claims,
losses, expenses, damages and liabilities, or actions in respect thereof (or any
settlement of any claim) arising out of or based on (A) any untrue statement (or
alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained in any such prospectus,
or any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and which are made
in reliance upon any and in conformity with written information furnished by
such Purchaser specifically for use in connection with such Registration
Statement, (B) any violation or alleged violation by such Purchaser of the Act,
the Exchange Act, any federal or state securities law or any rule or regulation
promulgated under the Act, the Exchange Act or any federal or state securities
law, in each case in connection with the offering covered by such registration
statement, (C) any failure by such Purchaser to fulfill any undertaking included
in a registration statement and (D) for any material misrepresentation or breach
of any representation or warranty given or made by such Purchaser in this
Agreement, and will reimburse AtheroGenics, such Purchaser and each Person
(including directors, officers or partners thereof) who controls AtheroGenics or
such Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act for any reasonable
legal or any other expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending
or settling any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action, provided,
however, that the liability of each Purchaser under the provisions of this
Section (4)(d)(ii) shall be limited to an amount equal to (x) the gross proceeds
received by such Purchaser upon the sale of the Common Shares purchased by such
Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, less (y) the total "purchase commitment"
set forth opposite such Purchaser's name on Schedule I hereto.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11

                                    (iii)    Each party entitled to
indemnification under this Section 4(d) (the "Indemnified Party") shall give
notice to the party required to provide indemnification (the "Indemnifying
Party") promptly after such Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of any claim
as to which indemnity may be sought, and shall permit the Indemnifying Party to
assume the defense of any such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom,
provided that counsel for the Indemnifying Party, who shall conduct the defense
of such claim or litigation, shall be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and the Indemnified Party may
participate in such defense at such party's expense, and provided further that
the failure of any Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not
relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder, unless such failure
prejudiced the rights of the Indemnifying Party. No Indemnifying Party, in the
defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except with the consent of each
Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement
which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the
claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release from all liability
in respect to such claim or litigation.

                                    (iv)     In order to provide for just and
equitable contribution to joint liability under the Act in any case in which any
person or entity entitled to indemnification under Section 4(d) makes a claim
for indemnification pursuant to this Section 4(d) but it is judicially
determined (by entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent
jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last
right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case
notwithstanding the fact that this Section 4(d) provides for indemnification in
such case; then, and in such case, the party that would otherwise be required to
indemnify under Section 4(d) will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims,
damages or liabilities to which the other parties may be subject (after
contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative fault of the parties in connection with the losses suffered, as well as
any other relevant equitable considerations.

                  5.       Information Rights. At such time as AtheroGenics is
not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and so long as
the aggregate number of Common Shares then beneficially owned (as determined
pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by a Purchaser is not less than
50% of the sum of the initial number of Common Shares purchased by such
Purchaser hereunder, AtheroGenics shall deliver the following to such Purchaser:

                           (a)      As soon as available, and in any event
within 45 days after the end of each of the first three quarters in each fiscal
year of AtheroGenics, unaudited consolidated statements of income, cash flows
and shareholders' equity for such quarterly period and for the period from the
beginning of the then current fiscal year to the end of such quarterly period,
and an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of AtheroGenics as at the end of
such quarterly period, in each case setting forth in comparative form
consolidated figures for the corresponding periods in the preceding fiscal year,
all in reasonable detail, prepared by AtheroGenics in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently followed throughout the periods
involved, subject to normal year-end adjustments, and certified by the principal
financial officer

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

of AtheroGenics and accompanied by a written discussion of operations in summary
form with respect to such quarterly period.

                           (b)      As soon as available, and in any event
within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of AtheroGenics, consolidated
statements of income, cash flows and shareholders' equity for such fiscal year,
and a consolidated balance sheet of AtheroGenics as at the end of such year, in
each case setting forth in comparative form consolidated figures for the
preceding fiscal year, prepared by AtheroGenics in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently followed throughout the periods
involved, and certified by Ernst & Young LLP or another nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants, and accompanied by a written discussion
of operations in summary form with respect to such fiscal year.

                  6.       Notices. All notices, demands, requests, or other
communications which may be or are required to be given, served, or sent by any
party to any other party pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be mailed by first-class, registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, or transmitted by hand delivery, overnight or
express mail, facsimile, telegram or telex, addressed as follows:

                           (i)      If to AtheroGenics:

                                    AtheroGenics, Inc.
                                    8995 Westside Parkway
                                    Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
                                    Attention:  Russell M. Medford, M.D., Ph.D.,
                                                President and Chief Executive
                                                Officer

                           with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                                    Long Aldridge & Norman LLP
                                    303 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                    Suite 5300
                                    Atlanta, Georgia 30308
                                    Attention:  Leonard A. Silverstein, Esq.

                         (ii)       If to Purchasers:

                                    The address listed under each Purchaser's
                                    name on Schedule I hereto.

Each party may designate by notice in writing a new address to which any notice,
demand, request or communication may thereafter be so given, served or sent.
Each notice, demand, request, or communication which shall be mailed, delivered
or transmitted in the manner described above shall be deemed sufficiently given,
served, sent and received for all purposes at such time as it is delivered to
the addressee (with the return receipt, the delivery receipt, the

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

affidavit of messenger or (with respect to a facsimile or telex) the answerback
being deemed conclusive evidence of such delivery) or at such time as delivery
is refused by the addressee upon presentation.

                  7.       Publicity. AtheroGenics and the Purchasers shall
notify each other prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise making any
news release or other public announcement with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby, other than as required in connection with any filings with
any federal or state governmental or regulatory agency with respect thereto, and
in no event will the Purchasers issue any such release or make any such public
announcement without the prior approval of AtheroGenics. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Purchasers hereby agree that AtheroGenics may issue a press
release with regard to the subject matter of this Agreement on or after the
Closing Date without providing the Purchasers with the notification required by
this Section 7.

                  8.       Legal Opinion of AtheroGenics' Counsel. On or before
the Closing Date, AtheroGenics shall deliver to each Purchaser an opinion of
Long Aldridge & Norman LLP, counsel to AtheroGenics, as to the validity of the
Common Shares, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

                  9.       Miscellaneous.

                           (a)      This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions
contemplated herein, and the Agreement supersedes and terminates all prior oral
or written agreements, commitments or understandings with respect to the matters
provided for herein.

                           (b)      No amendment or modification hereof shall be
binding unless set forth in writing and duly executed by the parties hereto.
This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder may not
be assigned without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.

                           (c)      The representations or warranties of the
Purchasers and AtheroGenics contained herein shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.

                           (d)      Each of the Purchasers and AtheroGenics
agrees to take such further actions and to execute and deliver such further
instruments as may reasonably be necessary from time to time in order to fully
effectuate the purposes, terms and conditions of this Agreement.

                           (e)      For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"business day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on
which banking institutions in the State of Georgia are authorized or obligated
by law or executive order to close. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"trading day" shall mean any day on which the Nasdaq Stock Market or the

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

principal securities exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is
traded is open for regular trading.

                           (f)      This Agreement shall be enforced, governed
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. The parties
hereby expressly agree that all claims in respect of this Agreement shall be
brought in the state and federal courts of the State of Georgia, the parties
hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of such courts for purposes of any
such action and the parties hereby expressly waive the right to a jury trial in
connection with any such action. The Purchasers acknowledge that any breach or
threatened breach by a Purchaser of the terms of this Agreement would cause
irreparable harm to AtheroGenics which would not be compensable by money damages
alone, and the Purchasers agree that AtheroGenics shall have the right to
enforce this Agreement and any such terms by injunction, specific performance or
other equitable relief in order to prevent or restrain any such breach by a
Purchaser.

                           (g)      This Agreement and the rights, power and
duties set forth herein shall be binding upon the Purchasers and AtheroGenics,
their successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of AtheroGenics and
the Purchasers, respectively. Failure of the Purchasers or AtheroGenics to
exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement, or a delay by the Purchasers
or AtheroGenics in exercising the same, will not operate as a waiver thereof. No
waiver by the Purchasers or AtheroGenics will be effective unless and until it
is in writing and signed by the party whose consent is required by the terms
hereof.

                           (h)      It is the explicit intention of the parties
hereto that no person or entity other than the parties hereto is or shall be
entitled to bring any action to enforce any provision of this Agreement against
any of the parties hereto, and that the covenants, undertakings and agreements
set forth in this Agreement shall be solely for the benefit of, and shall be
enforceable only by, the parties hereto or their respective successors and
assigns as permitted hereunder.

                           (i)      If any provision or clause of this Agreement
shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision
of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall be construed as if such provision or
clause had never been contained in the Agreement, and there shall be deemed
substituted therefor such other provision or clause as will most nearly
accomplish the intent of the parties as expressed in this Agreement to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

                           (j)      This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original or a photocopy or
facsimile of an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the
same document.

                           (k)      Each Purchaser represents that it neither is
nor will be obligated for any finder's or broker's fee or commission in
connection with this transaction. Each Purchaser agrees to indemnify and to hold
harmless AtheroGenics from any liability for any commission or compensation in
the nature

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15

of a finder's or broker's fee (and any asserted liability) for which the
Purchaser or any of its officers, partners, employees, or representatives is
responsible. AtheroGenics agrees to indemnify and to hold harmless each
Purchaser from any liability for any commission or compensation in the nature of
a finder's or broker's fee (and any asserted liability) for which AtheroGenics
or any of its officers, employees or representatives is responsible.

                           (l)      Each party's costs in connection with the
preparation, execution delivery and performance of this Agreement (including
without limitation legal fees) shall be borne by that party.

                           (m)      AtheroGenics hereby covenants and agrees
that it will not grant registration rights to or register any securities held by
any third party (other than the registration pursuant to the Registration
Statement of securities subject to registration rights granted prior to the date
hereof) before the Registration Statement becomes effective, unless such
registration rights are subordinate to those granted under this Agreement and
otherwise would not adversely affect the ability of AtheroGenics to register the
Common Shares subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

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                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement, or have caused this Agreement to be executed, as of the date written
below.

Date:  June 19, 2001

ATHEROGENICS, INC.

By:
   -------------------------------------
   Name:
         -------------------------------
   Title:
         -------------------------------

                  (Signatures of Purchasers on following pages)

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17

PURCHASERS:

PRUDENTIAL SMALL COMPANY FUND, INC.

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA VCA-6

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

VULCAN VENTURES INC.

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

PROMED PARTNERS, L.P.

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

DEUTSCHE ASSET MANAGEMENT HEALTH SCIENCES FUND I, LTD.

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

SEI INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENTS TRUST

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

                    (Signatures continued on following page)

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18

SEI INSTITUTIONAL MANAGED TRUST

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

THE COLLINS FOUNDATION

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

ASCENSION HEALTH DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY FUND P

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

GOLDMAN SACHS GMMS, LLC

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

MARIN COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

PORTLAND GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC. PENSION PLAN TRUST

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

                    (Signatures continued on following page)

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19

PORTLAND GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC. EMPLOYEES' BENEFIT TRUST, FUND II

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

LES SCHWAB PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT TRUST

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

UNDISCOVERED MANAGERS SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

ALFRED I. DUPONT TESTAMENTARY TRUST

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

THE NEMOURS FOUNDATION

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

SAFECO COMMON STOCK TRUST - SAFECO GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

                    (Signatures continued on following page)

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20

SAFECO RESOURCE SERIES TRUST - GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO

         By:
              ----------------------------
         Its:
              ----------------------------

Closing Date: June 19, 2001

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21

                                   SCHEDULE I

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NAME AND ADDRESS                           PURCHASE
                    OF PURCHASER                            COMMITMENT             NUMBER OF SHARES        STATE OF RESIDENCE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                    <C>                     <C>
Prudential Small Company Fund, Inc.                         $1,564,000                 272,000                 New Jersey
466 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attn:  Heather Geller
Phone: 212-421-1000
Fax: 212-682-9831

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prudential Insurance Company of America VCA-6                $736,000                  128,000                 New Jersey
466 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attn:  Heather Geller
Phone: 212-421-1000
Fax: 212-682-9831

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEI Institutional Investments Trust.                        $1,484,075                 258,100                Pennsylvania
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEI Institutional Managed Trust                             $2,466,750                 429,000                Pennsylvania
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -1-
<PAGE>   22

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NAME AND ADDRESS                           PURCHASE
                    OF PURCHASER                            COMMITMENT             NUMBER OF SHARES        STATE OF RESIDENCE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                    <C>                     <C>

Ascension Health Daughters of Charity Fund P                 $389,275                   67,700                    Utah
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marin County Employment Retirement Association               $343,275                   59,700                 California
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goldman Sachs GMMS, LLC                                      $239,200                   41,600                  New York
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undiscovered Managers Small Cap Growth Fund                  $234,600                   40,800                    Texas
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   23

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NAME AND ADDRESS                           PURCHASE
                    OF PURCHASER                            COMMITMENT             NUMBER OF SHARES        STATE OF RESIDENCE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                    <C>                     <C>
Les Schwab Profit Sharing Retirement Trust                   $213,900                   37,200                   Oregon
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portland General Holdings, Inc. Pension Plan Trust            $82,800                   14,400                   Oregon
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alfred I. DuPont Testamentary Trust                          $204,125                   35,500                   Florida
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Nemours Foundation                                        $56,925                   9,900                    Florida
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   24

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NAME AND ADDRESS                           PURCHASE
                    OF PURCHASER                            COMMITMENT             NUMBER OF SHARES        STATE OF RESIDENCE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                    <C>                     <C>
Portland General Holdings, Inc. Employees' Benefit            $21,275                   3,700                    Oregon
Trust, Fund II
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Collins Foundation                                        $13,800                   2,400                    Oregon
c/o Brian Alfrey
Chief Operating Officer
Mazama Capital Management, Inc.
One SW Columbia, Suite 1860
Portland, OR 97258
Phone: 503-944-6245
Fax: 503-221-8738

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vulcan Ventures Inc.                                        $2,300,000                 400,000                 Washington
505 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98104
Attn:  William D. Savoy, with copy to Michael Rodden
Phone: 206-342-2000
Fax:  206-342-3000

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ProMed Partners, L.P.                                        $268,525                   46,700                  New York
200 Park Avenue, Suite 3900
New York, NY 10166
Attn:  Barry Kurokawa
Phone:  212-692-3626
Fax:  212-692-3627

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   25

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NAME AND ADDRESS                           PURCHASE
                    OF PURCHASER                            COMMITMENT             NUMBER OF SHARES        STATE OF RESIDENCE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                     <C>                     <C>
Deutsche Asset Management Health Sciences Fund I,             $220,225                 38,300               Cayman Islands
Ltd.
200 Park Avenue, Suite 3900
New York, NY 10166
Attn:  Barry Kurokawa
Phone:  212-692-3626
Fax:  212-692-3627

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAFECO COMMON STOCK TRUST - SAFECO Growth                   $6,612,500                1,150,000                Washington
Opportunities Fund
c/o SAFECO Asset Management Company
601 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2500
Seattle, WA 98101

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAFECO RESOURCE SERIES TRUST                                $3,162,500                 550,000                 Washington
-Growth Opportunities Portfolio
c/o SAFECO Asset Management Company
601 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2500
Seattle, WA 98101
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                                      $20,613,750               3,585,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -5-

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