Document:

exv10w76

 

EXHIBIT 10.76

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 10, 2004

BETWEEN

ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC.

AND

FRED W. WAGENHALS

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Page

	1.

	 	Position and Duties
	 	 	1	 
	2.

	 	Term of Employment
	 	 	1	 
	3.

	 	Compensation and Other Benefits
	 	 	1	 
	

	 	(a) Base Salary
	 	 	1	 
	

	 	(b) Bonus
	 	 	2	 
	

	 	(c) Stock Options
	 	 	2	 
	

	 	(d) Benefits
	 	 	2	 
	

	 	(e) Vacations
	 	 	2	 
	

	 	(f) Business Expenses
	 	 	2	 
	4.

	 	Termination by Employer
	 	 	2	 
	

	 	(a) Termination for Cause
	 	 	2	 
	

	 	(b) Termination without Cause
	 	 	3	 
	5.

	 	Termination by Executive
	 	 	3	 
	

	 	(a) Termination for Good Reason
	 	 	3	 
	

	 	(b) Change of Control
	 	 	3	 
	

	 	(c) Termination Without Good Reason
	 	 	4	 
	6.

	 	Death or Disability
	 	 	4	 
	

	 	(a) Death
	 	 	4	 
	

	 	(b) Disability
	 	 	5	 
	7.

	 	Severance Benefits
	 	 	5	 
	

	 	(a) Effective Date
	 	 	5	 
	

	 	(b) Benefits
	 	 	5	 
	

	 	(c) Exceptions to Benefits
	 	 	5	 
	

	 	(d) Future Employment
	 	 	6	 
	8.

	 	Covenant-Not-to-Compete
	 	 	6	 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Page

	

	 	(a) Interests to be Protected
	 	 	6	 
	

	 	(b) Devotion to Employment
	 	 	6	 
	

	 	(c) Non-Solicitation of Customers
	 	 	7	 
	

	 	(d) Non-Solicitation of Executives
	 	 	7	 
	

	 	(e) Competing Business
	 	 	7	 
	

	 	(f) Limitation and Judicial Amendment
	 	 	7	 
	

	 	(g) Injunctive Relief, Damages and Forfeiture
	 	 	8	 
	

	 	(h) Survival
	 	 	8	 
	9.

	 	Confidential Information
	 	 	8	 
	10.

	 	Indemnity by Employer
	 	 	8	 
	

	 	(a) Generally
	 	 	8	 
	

	 	(b) Expenses
	 	 	8	 
	

	 	(c) Proceeding
	 	 	8	 
	

	 	(d) Payment of Executive Expenses
	 	 	9	 
	11.

	 	Miscellaneous
	 	 	9	 
	

	 	(a) Notices
	 	 	9	 
	

	 	(b) Indulgences
	 	 	9	 
	

	 	(c) Controlling Law
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(d) Binding Nature of Agreement
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(e) Execution in Counterpart
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(f) Provisions Separable
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(g) Entire Agreement
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(h) Paragraph Headings
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(i) Number of Days
	 	 	10	 
	

	 	(j) Successors and Assigns
	 	 	10	 

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT dated as of the 10th day of December, 2004 by and
between ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC., an Arizona corporation (“Employer”)
and FRED W. WAGENHALS (“Executive”). For purposes of paragraphs 8, 9, and 10
of this Agreement, the term “Employer” shall include each of Employer’s
subsidiaries and operating divisions.

W I T N E S S E T H:

     Executive currently serves as Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief
Executive Officer of Employer pursuant to the terms of an employment agreement
dated as of July 31, 2000 (the “2000 Agreement”).

     Employer desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to
accept such continued employment, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter
set forth.

     This Agreement shall replace the 2000 Agreement in all respects.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
covenants set forth in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1. Position and Duties. Executive shall be employed as the Chairman of
the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Employer and shall report
only to the Board of Directors of Employer (the “Board”). Executive shall
devote substantially all of his business time to the business of Employer and
serve Employer faithfully, loyally, honestly, and to the best of his ability.
This Agreement, however, shall not preclude Executive from (a) serving on the
board of directors of not more than three other companies that do not compete
with Employer, (b) serve on the governing body of a reasonable number of trade
associations or charitable organizations, (c) engaging in charitable activities
and community affairs, and (d) managing his personal investments and affairs,
provided that such activities do not conflict or materially interfere with the
effective discharge of his duties and responsibilities to Employer and to the
extent Employer does not reasonably object to any service by Executive on
behalf of any such third party.

     2. Term of Employment. The term of Executive’s employment hereunder shall
commence on the date hereof and shall continue until December 31, 2007 (the
“Initial Term”) and from year to year thereafter (each a “Renewal Term”),
unless and until terminated by either party giving written notice to the other
not less than sixty (60) days prior to the end of the then current term, unless
earlier terminated under the terms of this Agreement.

     3. Compensation and Other Benefits.

          (a) Base Salary. Employer shall pay to Executive a base salary at a rate
of Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($800,000) per annum to be paid in equal
monthly installments, or in such other periodic installments upon which
Employer and Executive shall mutually agree. On at least an annual basis, the
Compensation Committee of the Board shall

 

 

review Executive’s base salary and may increase but not decrease
Executive’s base salary in the committee’s discretion.

          (b) Bonus. Executive shall be entitled to participate in all bonus
programs maintained for executives of Employer. The amount of any bonuses
under such programs or otherwise shall be determined by the Compensation
Committee of the Board.

          (c) Stock Options. Executive shall be entitled to participate in all
stock option and comparable programs available to executives of Employer. The
granting of any stock options and the provisions thereof shall be determined by
the Compensation Committee of the Board.

          (d) Benefit Plans. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any
benefit plans maintained by Employer, including, but not limited to, retirement
plans, disability plans, life insurance plans, and health and dental plans
available to other executive employees of Employer, subject to any
restrictions, including waiting periods, specified in the plans.

          (e) Other Benefits Executive shall also receive (i) reimbursement for
reasonable annual tax and financial consulting fees, (ii) reimbursement for the
costs of an annual physical by the doctor of his choice, and (iii)
reimbursement for reasonable legal and accounting fees and expenses incurred by
Executive in connection with this Agreement, all of which shall be subject to a
gross up, which means that Executive will receive an additional payment in an
amount such that after Executive’s payment of taxes on that additional payment,
a sufficient sum remains to pay Executive’s tax liability resulting from such
reimbursement.

          (f) Vacations. Executive shall also be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid
vacation each calendar year, with such vacations to be scheduled and taken by
Executive in his discretion, provided no such vacation shall interfere with the
performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and no unused vacation may be
carried over to a succeeding calendar year.

          (g) Business Expenses. Employer shall reimburse Executive for any and all
necessary, customary, and usual expenses, properly receipted in accordance with
Employer’s policies, incurred by Executive on behalf of Employer. If Executive
is required to travel in the performance of his duties under this Agreement,
Executive shall be entitled to use any plane maintained by Employer or to fly
first class on commercial flights at his election at Employer’s cost.

     4. Termination by Employer.

          (a) Termination for Cause. Employer may terminate Executive’s employment
under this Agreement for Cause at any time upon written notice to Executive.
For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall be limited to discharge resulting
from a determination by the Board that Executive (i) has been convicted of a
felony, involving dishonesty, fraud, theft, or embezzlement; (ii) has
repeatedly failed or refused, after written notice from Employer along with
failure of Executive to cure within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice,
in a material respect to follow reasonable policies or directives established
by Employer; (iii) has willfully and persistently failed, after written notice
from Employer within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice, to attend to
material duties or obligations imposed upon him under this Agreement; or

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(iv) has performed an act or failed to act for which if he were prosecuted
and convicted, would constitute a felony involving One Thousand Dollars
($1,000) or more of money or property of Employer. The existence of “Cause”
shall be determined by the Board acting in good faith after prior notice to
Executive and after providing Executive with an opportunity to be heard. If
Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, Executive shall receive no
Severance Benefits pursuant to paragraph 7.

          (b) Termination without Cause. Employer also may terminate Executive’s
employment under this Agreement without Cause at any time upon written notice
to Executive. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated by Employer
without Cause, Executive shall receive the Severance Benefits pursuant to
paragraph 7.

     5. Termination by Executive. Executive may terminate his employment under
this Agreement with or without “Good Reason” in accordance with the provisions
of this paragraph 5.

          (a) Termination for Good Reason. Executive may terminate his employment
under this Agreement for “Good Reason” by giving written notice to Employer
within sixty (60) days, or such longer period as may be agreed to in writing by
Employer, of Executive’s receipt of notice of the occurrence of any event
constituting “Good Reason,” as described below. Executive shall have “Good
Reason” to terminate his employment under this Agreement upon the occurrence of
any of the following events:

               (i) Any reduction in Executive’s status, duties, authority, or
compensation.

               (ii) Executive is demoted to a position of less stature or importance
within Employer than the position described in paragraph 1;

               (iii) Executive is assigned duties inconsistent with the positions,
duties, responsibilities, or status of the Chief Executive Officer of Employer;

               (iv) Executive is required to relocate to an employment location that is
more than twenty-five (25) miles from his current employment location, which
the parties agree is Employer’s present corporate headquarters; or

               (v) Upon an event of a “Change of Control” of Employer, provided that a
change of control shall not be considered to have taken place for purposes of
this Agreement in the event the Change of Control shall have been specifically
approved by the Board and the provisions of this Agreement remain in full force
and effect as to Executive and Executive suffers no reduction in Executive’s
status, duties, authority, or compensation.

          (b) Change of Control. For the purposes of this paragraph 5, the term
“Change in Control” of Employer shall mean a Change in Control of a nature that
would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of
Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as in
effect on the date of this Agreement or, if Item 6(e) is no longer in effect,
any regulations issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission

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pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that serve similar
purposes; provided that, without limitation, such a Change in Control shall be
deemed to have occurred if and when

               (i) any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) directly or indirectly of
equity securities of Employer representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the
combined voting power of Employer’s then-outstanding equity securities;

               (ii) during the term of this Agreement, individuals who, at the beginning
of such period, constituted the Board of Directors of Employer (the “Original
Directors”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof
unless the election or nomination for election of each new director was
approved (an “Approved Director”) by the unanimous vote of the Board
constituted entirely of Existing Directors and/or Approved Directors;

               (iii) a tender offer or exchange offer is made whereby the effect of such
offer is to take over and control Employer, and such offer is consummated for
the equity securities of Employer representing twenty percent (20%) or more of
the combined voting power of Employer’s then-outstanding voting securities;

               (iv) Employer is merged, consolidated, or enters into a reorganization
transaction with another person and, as the result of such merger,
consolidation, or reorganization, less than 75 percent (75%) of the outstanding
equity securities of the surviving, or resulting person shall then be owned in
the aggregate by the former stockholders of Employer; or

               (v) Employer transfers substantially all of its assets to another person
or entity which is not a wholly owned subsidiary of Employer.

 If Executive terminates this Agreement and his employment for Good Reason,
Executive shall be entitled to receive Severance Benefits pursuant to paragraph
7.

          (c) Termination Without Good Reason. Executive also may terminate his
employment without Good Reason at any time by giving written notice to
Employer. If Executive terminates his employment under this Agreement without
Good Reason, Executive shall not receive Severance Benefits pursuant to
paragraph 7.

     6. Death or Disability.

          (a) Death. Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically on
Executive’s death. Any compensation or other amounts due to Executive for
services rendered prior to his death shall be paid to Executive’s surviving
spouse, or if Executive does not leave a surviving spouse, to Executive’s
estate. No other benefits shall be payable to Executive’s heirs pursuant to
this Agreement, but amounts may be payable pursuant to any life insurance or
other benefit plans maintained by Employer.

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          (b) Disability. In the event Executive becomes “Disabled,” Executive’s
employment hereunder and Employer’s obligation to pay Executive’s Base Salary
shall continue for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of Executive’s
initial absence due to such Disability and, in the event Executive becomes
“Disabled” during the first year of his employment with Employer. Executive
shall also receive any additional compensation to which Executive may be
entitled pursuant to paragraph 3 (less any amounts payable to Executive
pursuant to any long-term disability insurance policy paid for by Employer).
If at the end of the twelve (12) month period, Executive has not recovered from
such Disability, Executive’s employment hereunder shall automatically cease and
terminate. Executive shall be considered “Disabled” or to be suffering from a
“Disability” for purposes of this paragraph 6(b) if, in the judgment of a
licensed physician selected by the Board and confirmed by a licensed physician
designated by Executive, and after any reasonable accommodations required by
applicable law, he is unable to perform the essential functions of his position
due to a physical or mental impairment, and such incapacity is expected to
continue for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months from the date
of the initial absence due to such incapacity. The determination by such
physicians shall be binding and conclusive for all purposes. If the physician
selected by the Board and the physician selected by Executive cannot agree, the
two (2) physicians shall select a third (3rd) physician. The decision of the
third (3rd) physician concerning Executive’s Disability then shall be binding
and conclusive on all interested parties.

     7. Severance Benefits. If during the Initial Term or any Renewal Term,
Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated without Cause by
Employer pursuant to paragraph 4(b) prior to the last day of the Initial Term
or any Renewal Term, or if Executive elects to terminate his employment for
Good Reason pursuant to paragraph 5(a), Executive shall receive the “Severance
Benefits” provided by this paragraph. In addition, Executive also shall
receive the Severance Benefits if his employment is terminated due to
Disability pursuant to paragraph 6(b).

          (a) Effective Date. The Severance Benefits shall begin immediately
following the effective date of termination of employment and shall continue to
be payable for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the effective
date, in all events except as set forth in paragraph 6(b).

          (b) Benefits. The Executive’s Severance Benefits shall consist of the
continuation of the Executive’s then Base Salary and any applicable additional
compensation as set forth in paragraph 3 for a period of twenty-four (24)
months following the effective date. The Severance Benefits shall also consist
of the continuation of any health, life, disability, or other insurance
benefits that Executive was receiving as of his last day of active employment
for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the effective date, but only
to the extent permitted under the policies for such benefits. If a particular
insurance benefit may not be continued for any reason, Employer shall pay the
cash equivalent to the Executive on a monthly basis or in a single lump sum.
The amount of the cash equivalent of the benefit and whether the cash
equivalent will be paid in monthly installments or in a lump sum will be
determined by Employer in the exercise of its discretion.

          (c) Exceptions to Benefits. If Executive voluntarily terminates this
Agreement and his employment without Good Reason prior to the end of the
Initial Term or any

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Renewal Term, or if Employer terminates the Agreement and Executive’s
employment for Cause, no Severance Benefits shall be paid to Executive. No
Severance Benefits are payable in the event of Executive’s death while in the
active employ of Employer.

          (d) Future Employment. The payment of Severance Benefits shall not be
affected by whether Executive seeks or obtains other employment. Executive
shall have no obligation to seek or obtain other employment, and Executive’s
Severance Benefits shall not be impacted by Executive’s failure to mitigate.

     8. Covenant-Not-to-Compete.

          (a) Interests to be Protected.

               (i) Customers. The parties acknowledge that during the term of his
employment under this Agreement, Executive will perform essential services for
Employer, its employees, and shareholders, and for customers of Employer.
Therefore, Executive will be given an opportunity to meet, work with, and
develop close working relationships with Employer’s customers on a first-hand
basis and will gain valuable insight as to the customers’ operations,
personnel, and need for services. In addition, Executive will be exposed to,
have access to, and be required to work with, a considerable amount of
Employer’s Confidential and Proprietary Information.

               (ii) Employees. The parties also expressly recognize and acknowledge that
the personnel of Employer have been trained by, and are valuable to Employer,
and that if Employer must hire new personnel or retrain existing personnel to
fill vacancies it will incur substantial expense in recruiting and training
such personnel. The parties expressly recognize that should Executive compete
with Employer in any manner whatsoever, it could seriously impair the goodwill
and diminish the value of Employer’s business.

               (iii) Extended Duration. The parties acknowledge that this covenant has
an extended duration; however, they agree that this covenant is reasonable and
it is necessary for the protection of Employer, its shareholders and employees.

               (iv) Fair and Reasonable. For these and other reasons, and the fact that
there are many other employment opportunities available to Executive if his
employment with Employer should terminate, the parties are in full and complete
agreement that the following restrictive covenants (which together are referred
to as the “Covenant-Not-To-Compete”) are fair and reasonable and are freely,
voluntarily, and knowingly entered into. Further, each party has been given the
opportunity to consult with independent legal counsel before entering into this
Agreement.

          (b) Devotion to Employment. Executive shall devote substantially all his
business time and efforts to the performance of his duties on behalf of
Employer during the term of his employment under this Agreement. During his
term of employment, Executive shall not at any time or place or to any extent
whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, without the express written consent
of Employer, engage in any outside employment, or in any activity competitive
with or adverse to Employer’s business or affairs, whether alone or as partner,
officer, director, employee, shareholder of any corporation or as a trustee,
fiduciary, consultant or other

6

 

representative. This is not intended to prohibit Executive from engaging
in nonprofessional activities, such as personal investments or conducting to a
reasonable extent private business affairs, which may include other boards of
directors’ activity, so long as they do not conflict with Employer’s business.
Participation to a reasonable extent in civic, social, or community activities
is encouraged.

          (c) Non-Solicitation of Customers. During the term of Executive’s
employment with Employer under this Agreement and for a period of twenty-four
(24) months after the termination of employment with Employer under this
Agreement, regardless of who initiates the termination and for whatever reason,
Executive shall not directly or indirectly, for himself, or on behalf of, or in
conjunction with, any other person, company, partnership, corporation, or
governmental entity, in any manner whatsoever, call upon, contact, encourage,
handle, or solicit customers of Employer with whom he has worked as an employee
of Employer at any time prior to termination, or at the time of termination,
for the purpose of soliciting or selling such customer the same, similar, or
related services that he provided on behalf of Employer.

          (d) Non-Solicitation of Executives. During the term of Executive’s
employment with Employer under this Agreement and for a period of twenty-four
(24) months after the termination of employment with Employer under this
Agreement, regardless of who initiates the termination and for whatever reason,
Executive shall not directly or indirectly, for himself, or on behalf of, or in
conjunction with, any other person, company, partnership, corporation, or
governmental entity, seek to hire, and/or hire any of Employer’s personnel or
employees for the purpose of having such employee engage in services that are
the same, similar, or related to the services that such employee provided for
Employer.

          (e) Competing Business. During the term of Executive’s employment with
Employer under this Agreement and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after
the termination of employment with Employer under this Agreement, regardless of
who initiates the termination and for whatever reason, Executive shall not,
directly or indirectly, for himself, or on behalf of, or in conjunction with,
any other person, company, partnership, corporation, or governmental entity, in
any manner whatsoever, engage in the same or similar business as Employer,
which would be in direct competition with any Employer line of business, in any
geographical service area where Employer engaged in business at time of
termination. For the purposes of this provision, the term “competition” shall
mean directly or indirectly engaging in or having a substantial interest in a
business or operation which has been, is, or will be, providing the same
products provided by Employer; provided, however the ownership of not more than
5% by Executive of a publicly held corporation shall not constitute competition
which is prohibited by this paragraph 8(e).

          (f) Limitation and Judicial Amendment. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, the provisions contained in paragraphs 8(c), 8(d),
and 8(e) shall not apply for more than twelve (12) months after Executive no
longer receives Severance Benefits under this Agreement. If the scope of any
provision of this Agreement is found by the Court to be too broad to permit
enforcement to its full extent, then such provision shall be enforced to the
maximum extent permitted by law. The parties agree that the scope of any
provision of this Agreement may be modified by a judge in any proceeding to
enforce this Agreement, so that

7

 

such provision can be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law. If
any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this
Agreement.

          (g) Injunctive Relief, Damages and Forfeiture. Due to the nature of
Executive’s position with Employer, and with full realization that a violation
of this Agreement will cause immediate and irreparable injury and damage, which
is not readily measurable, and to protect Employer’s interests, Executive
understands and agrees that in addition to instituting legal proceedings to
recover damages resulting from a breach of this Agreement, Employer may seek to
enforce this Agreement with an action for injunctive relief, to cease or
prevent any actual or threatened violation of this Agreement on the part of
Executive.

          (h) Survival. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the
termination of Executive’s employment to the extent necessary to enforce such
provisions.

     9. Confidential Information. During the course of his employment under
this Agreement, Executive will become exposed to a substantial amount of
confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to,
financial information, annual reports, audited and unaudited financial reports,
operational budgets and strategies, methods of operation, customer lists,
strategic plans, business plans, marketing plans and strategies, new business
strategies, merger and acquisition strategies, management systems programs,
computer systems, personnel and compensation information and payroll data, and
other such reports, documents, or information (collectively the “Confidential
and Proprietary Information”). In the event his employment is terminated by
either party for any reason, Executive agrees that he will not take with him
any copies of such Confidential and Proprietary Information in any form,
format, or manner whatsoever (including computer print-outs, computer tapes,
floppy disks, and CD roms) nor will he disclose the same in whole or in part to
any person or entity, in any manner either directly or indirectly. Excluded
from this Agreement is information that is already disclosed to third parties
and is in the public domain or that Employer consents to be disclosed, with
such consent to be in writing. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive
the termination of this Agreement.

     10. Indemnity by Employer.

          (a) Generally. Unless Executive is covered by an indemnity agreement
covering the directors and executive officers of Employer, Employer shall
indemnify Executive to the fullest extent permitted or required by the laws of
the state of Arizona of and from any “Expenses” incurred by Executive in any
“Proceeding.”

          (b) Expenses. For purposes of this paragraph 10, “Expenses” shall mean
and include all expense, liability, and loss, including expenses of
investigations, judicial or administrative proceedings or appeals, attorney,
accountant and other professional fees and disbursements, judgments, fines, and
amounts paid in settlement.

          (c) Proceeding. For purposes of this paragraph 10, “Proceeding” shall
mean and include any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or
proceeding, whether brought in the right of Employer or otherwise, and whether
of a civil, criminal, administrative, or

8

 

investigative nature, in which the Executive may be or may have been
involved as a party, witness or otherwise, by reason of the fact that the
Executive is or was an officer of Employer or is or was serving at the request
of Employer as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, whether or not serving
in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which
indemnification may be provided under this Agreement.

          (d) Payment of Executive Expenses. Employer shall pay the Expenses
incurred by Executive in any Proceeding in advance of the final disposition of
the Proceeding at the written request of Executive, if Executive (i) furnishes
Employer with a written affirmation of Executive’s good faith belief that he is
entitled to indemnification by Employer; and (ii) furnishes Employer with a
written undertaking to repay the advance to the extent that it is ultimately
determined that Executive is not entitled to be indemnified by Employer. Such
undertaking shall be an unlimited general obligation of Executive, but need not
be secured. Advances pursuant to this paragraph 10 shall be made no later than
twenty (20) days after Employer’s receipt of the affirmation and undertakings
set forth above and shall be made without regard to the Executive’s ability to
repay the amount advanced and without regard to Executive’s ultimate
entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement.

     11. Miscellaneous.

          (a) Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon (a) personal delivery, (b) transmitter’s
confirmation of the receipt of a facsimile or e-mail transmission, (c)
confirmed delivery by a standard overnight carrier, or (d) the expiration of
three business days after the day when mailed via United States Postal Service
by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid at
the following addresses:

	 	(i)	 	If to Employer:
	 
	 	 	 	Action Performance Companies, Inc.

1480 South Hohokam Avenue

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Attention: Chief Financial Officer
	 
	 	(ii)	 	If to Executive:
	 
	 	 	 	1480 South Hohokam Avenue

Tempe, Arizona 85281

Either party may alter the address to which communications are to be sent by
giving notice of such change of address in conformity with the provisions of
this paragraph for the giving of notice.

          (b) Indulgences. Neither any failure nor any delay on the part of either
party to exercise any right, remedy, power, or privilege under this Agreement
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any right, remedy, power, or privilege preclude any other or further exercise
of the same or of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor

9

 

shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power, or privilege with respect to
any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power, or
privilege with respect to any other occurrence.

          (c) Controlling Law. This Agreement and all questions relating to its
validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement, shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Arizona,
notwithstanding any Arizona or other conflict-of-interest provisions to the
contrary.

          (d) Binding Nature of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors, and permitted assigns.

          (e) Execution in Counterpart. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as
against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall
together constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become
binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together,
shall bear the signatures of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.

          (f) Provisions Separable. The provisions of this Agreement are
independent of and separable from each other, and no provision shall be
affected or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for
any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole
or in part.

          (g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding
between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
inducements, and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, except as
herein contained. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of
performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms
hereof. This Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an
agreement in writing.

          (h) Paragraph Headings. The paragraph headings in this Agreement are for
convenience only; they form no part of this Agreement and shall not affect its
interpretation.

          (i) Number of Days. In computing the number of days for purposes of this
Agreement, all days shall be counted, including Saturdays, Sundays, and
holidays; provided, however, that if the final day of any time period falls on
a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then the final day shall be deemed to be the
next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

          (j) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto; provided
that because the obligations of Executive hereunder involve the performance of
personal services, such obligations shall not be delegated by Executive. For
purposes of this Agreement, successors and assigns shall include, but not be
limited to, any individual, corporation, trust, partnership, or other entity
that acquires a majority of the stock or assets of Employer by sale, merger,
consolidation, liquidation, or other form of transfer. Employer shall require
any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation,
or otherwise) to all or

10

 

substantially all of the business and/or assets of Employer to expressly
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
extent that Employer would be required to perform it if no such succession had
taken place. Without limiting the foregoing, unless the context otherwise
requires, the term “Employer” includes all subsidiaries of Employer.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	EMPLOYER:

ACTION PERFORMANCE COMPANIES, INC., 
an
Arizona corporation

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/  David M. Riddiford
 	 
	 	Name:	     	David M. Riddiford 	 
	 	Its:	     	        Chief Financial Officer 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	EXECUTIVE:

 	 
	 	/s/  Fred W. Wagenhals
 	 
	 	Fred W. Wagenhals 	 
	 	 	 

11EXHIBIT 10.1

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

================================================================================

                              PUT OPTION AGREEMENT

                          dated as of December 10, 2004

                                     between

                           XL FINANCIAL ASSURANCE LTD.

                                       and

                             TWIN REEFS ASSET TRUST

================================================================================

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page

                      ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION

         Section 1.01      Definitions........................................1
         Section 1.02      Interpretations....................................6

                           ARTICLE II PUT OPTION; TERM

         Section 2.01      Grant of Put Option................................7
         Section 2.02      Termination of Put Option..........................7

                 ARTICLE III EXERCISE OF PUT OPTION; REDEMPTION

         Section 3.01      Exercise...........................................8
         Section 3.02      Set-Off Against Series B Preferred Shares
                             Purchase Price...................................9

                          ARTICLE IV PUT OPTION PREMIUM

         Section 4.01      Put Option Premium.................................9
         Section 4.02      Put Option Premium Certificate....................10

                         ARTICLE V OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE

         Section 5.01      Obligation Absolute...............................10
         Section 5.02      No Waiver, etc....................................11

                              ARTICLE VI COVENANTS

         Section 6.01      Covenants of XLFA.................................11
         Section 6.02      Covenants of The Asset Trust......................12

                      ARTICLE VII THIS AGREEMENT TO GOVERN

                   ARTICLE VIII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Section 8.01      Representations of the Asset Trust................12
         Section 8.02      Representations of XLFA...........................13

                            ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 9.01      Severability......................................14
         Section 9.02      Notices...........................................14
         Section 9.03      Counterparts......................................15
         Section 9.04      Benefit of Agreement and Disclaimer...............15
         Section 9.05      Amendment and Assignment..........................15
         Section 9.06      Governing Law.....................................16

                                      -i-
<PAGE>

         Section 9.07      Jurisdiction......................................16
         Section 9.08      Limitation of Liability...........................16
         Section 9.09      Tax Confidentiality Waiver........................16

ANNEX A...................................................Form of Overdue Notice

ANNEX B.......................................................Form of Put Notice

ANNEX C......................................Put Option Premium Certificate XLFA

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>

     PUT OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of December 10, 2004 (this "Agreement"),
between XL Financial Assurance Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company ("XLFA"), and
Twin Reefs Asset Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Asset Trust").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, XLFA is authorized to issue shares of non-cumulative, redeemable,
perpetual Series B Preferred Shares, par value $120.00 per share (the "Series B
Preferred Shares"), with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share and with
the voting powers, preferences and restrictions and other terms set forth in
Exhibit A to the Amended and Restated Bye-Laws (as defined below), and which
shares have not been and will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

     WHEREAS, XLFA and the Asset Trust desire to enter into a binding agreement
pursuant to which XLFA will have the irrevocable right to sell, at its option,
shares of the Series B Preferred Shares with an aggregate liquidation preference
of up to $200,000,000 to the Asset Trust, and the Asset Trust will have an
obligation to purchase up to such number of shares of the Series B Preferred
Shares upon XLFA's exercise of its option and upon the other terms and
conditions set forth herein;

     NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                           DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION

     Section 1.01 Definitions. In this Agreement:

     "Actual/360 Basis" means that the annualized distribution rate, interest
rate or dividend rate, as the case may be, accrues or is calculated from and
including the prior payment date (or December 10, 2004, in the case of the first
payment date) to but excluding the current payment date, and is computed on the
basis of actual days elapsed and a 360-day year.

     "Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

     "Amended and Restated Bye-Laws" means the second amended and restated
bye-laws of XLFA dated as of November 12, 2004.

     "Asset Trust" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

     "Asset Trust Declaration" means the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust of the Asset Trust, dated as of December 10, 2004, among UBS Securities
LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as depositors, The
Bank of New York (Delaware), a Delaware banking corporation, as Asset Trustee
and Delaware Trustee, GSS Holdings II, Inc., as Tax Matters Partner and XL
Financial Assurance Ltd.

     "Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement" has the meaning set forth in
the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Asset Trust Securities" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

<PAGE>

     "Asset Trust Termination Date" means a Trust Termination Date under (and as
defined in) the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Asset Trustee" means The Bank of New York (Delaware), in its capacity as
trustee of the Asset Trust, pursuant to the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Bankruptcy Event" means a voluntary or involuntary case or other
proceeding commenced with respect to XLFA seeking liquidation, winding-up,
rehabilitation, conservation or other relief with respect to XLFA or its debts
under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect
or seeking the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, rehabilitator, conservator
or other similar official of XLFA or any substantial part of its property, and
such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed
for a period of 60 days.

     "Business Day" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Calculation Agent" means the Asset Trustee.

     "Change In Law" means (a) a change in any, or adoption of any new, laws,
regulations or rulings, (b) a change in, or adoption of any new, official
application or interpretation of the laws, regulations or rulings or (c) an
adverse court decision or a settlement of a tax audit, in each case occurring
after the date of this Agreement.

     "Collection Date" has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the
Asset Trust Securities attached to the Asset Trust Declaration as Appendix A.

     "Default" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

     "Designated Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

     "Distribution Date" has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the
Asset Trust Securities attached to the Asset Trust Declaration as Appendix A.

     "Distribution Period" has the meaning set forth in the General Terms of the
Asset Trust Securities attached to the Asset Trust Declaration as Appendix A.

     "Eligible Assets" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Eligible Bank" means a commercial bank organized under the laws of the
United States or a state thereof, the deposits of which are insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which commercial bank has total assets of
not less than $10 billion and which has a long-term debt rating of not less than
"Aa2" as assigned by Moody's, "AA-" as assigned by Standard & Poor's and "AA" as
assigned by Fitch.

     "Expected Income Distribution" means, at any time, with respect to any
Distribution Date occurring after such time and on or prior to December 10,
2009, an amount equal to a per annum rate of One-Month LIBOR in effect on the
date that is three Business Days prior to the date that the Termination Payment
is due, plus 1.00% applied to the outstanding Face Amount of each Pass-Through
Trust Security at such time on an Actual/360 Basis.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

     "Face Amount" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Fitch" means Fitch, Inc. and its successors and assigns.

     "Income Collections" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

     "Invested Amount" means, for a given determination date, the aggregate
purchase price of all Eligible Assets held by the Asset Trust, plus any
Principal Proceeds from the sale or maturity of Eligible Assets.

     "Investment Manager" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

     "London Banking Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on
which commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in deposits in
U.S. Dollars) in London.

     "Losses" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Majority in Face Amount" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

     "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its successors and
assigns.

     "One-Month LIBOR" means, with respect to any Distribution Period, the rate
(expressed as a percentage per annum) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a
one-month period commencing on the first day of that Distribution Period that
appears on Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the second
London Banking Day proceeding the first day of that Distribution Period. If such
rate does not appear on Telerate Page 3750, One-Month LIBOR will be determined
on the basis of the rates at which deposits in U.S. dollars for a one-month
period commencing on the first day of that Distribution Period and in a
principal amount of not less than US$1,000,000 are offered to prime banks in the
London interbank market by four major banks in the London interbank market
selected by the Calculation Agent, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on
the second London Banking Day prior to the first day of such Distribution
Period. The Calculation Agent will request the principal London office of each
of such banks to provide a quotation of its rate. If two or more such quotations
are provided, One-Month LIBOR with respect to that Distribution Period will be
the arithmetic mean of the quotations provided. If fewer than two quotations are
provided, One-Month LIBOR with respect to that Distribution Period will be the
arithmetic mean of the rates quoted by three major banks in New York City
selected by the Calculation Agent, at approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City
time, on the first day of that Distribution Period for loans in U.S. dollars to
leading European banks for a one-month period commencing on the first day of
that Distribution Period and in a principal amount of not less than
US$1,000,000. However, if the banks selected by the Calculation Agent to provide
quotations are not quoting as described above, One-Month LIBOR for that
Distribution Period will be the same as One-Month LIBOR as determined for the
previous Distribution Period. The establishment of One-Month LIBOR for each
Distribution Period by the Calculation Agent shall (in the absence of manifest
error) be final and binding.

     "Overdue Notice" means a written notice of a failure of XLFA to pay the Put
Option Premium or any amount due under the Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement
Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Annex A.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

     "Pass-Through Trust" means Twin Reefs Pass-Through Trust, a statutory trust
duly declared and established pursuant to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act.

     "Pass-Through Trust Declaration" has the meaning set forth in the Asset
Trust Declaration.

     "Pass-Through Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement" has the meaning set
forth in the Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Pass-Through Trustee" means The Bank of New York (Delaware), in its
capacity as trustee of the Pass-Through Trust, pursuant to the Pass-Through
Trust Declaration.

     "Pass-Through Trust Securities" has the meaning set forth in the Asset
Trust Declaration.

     "Permitted Investments" means (i) demand and time deposits in, certificates
of deposit of, or federal funds sold by, an Eligible Bank and (ii) investments
in The Bank of New York Cash Reserve Fund; provided that The Bank of New York is
an Eligible Bank at the time of the relevant investment.

     "Principal Proceeds" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

     "Proceedings" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.07.

     "Put Notice" means a written notice substantially in the form attached as
Annex B.

     "Put Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

     "Put Option Premium" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01.

     "Put Option Premium Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.02.

     "Put Option Premium Rate" means:

     o    for each Distribution Period ending on or prior to December 10, 2009,
          One-Month LIBOR plus 1.00% per annum, calculated on an Actual/360
          Basis, and

     o    for each subsequent Distribution Period commencing after, but not
          including, December 10, 2009, One-Month LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum,
          calculated on an Actual/360 Basis.

     "Put Option Termination Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

     "Relevant Jurisdiction" means the jurisdictions, political subdivisions and
taxing authorities of (a) Bermuda or any political subdivision or governmental
authority of or in Bermuda with the power to tax, (b) any jurisdiction from or
through which XLFA or its paying agent is making payments on the Series B
Preferred Shares or any political subdivision or governmental authority of or in
that jurisdiction with the power to tax or (c) any other jurisdiction in which
XLFA or a successor corporation is organized or generally subject to taxation as
a resident or any political subdivision or governmental authority of or in that
jurisdiction with the power to tax.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

     "Remaining Expected Distributions" means at any time (i) the Invested
Amount at that time; plus (ii) the amount of all Expected Income Distributions
on the Pass-Through Trust Securities that would be expected to be made on all of
the Pass-Through Trust Securities at any time on or after such time (including
accrued and unpaid distributions in respect of the Distribution Period during
which the Put Option Termination Date occurs) and on or prior to December 10,
2009, but for the termination of the Put Option, multiplied in the case of each
Expected Income Distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
Invested Amount and the denominator of which is the aggregate Face Amount of all
of the Asset Trust Securities at such time. For the purposes of this definition,
it will be assumed that the Invested Amount would have been distributed to the
holders of the Asset Trust Securities on December 10, 2009.

     "Series A Preferred Shares" mean the Series A preferred shares of XLFA.

     "Series B Preferred Shares" has the meaning set forth in the recitals to
this Agreement.

     "Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01.

     "Settlement Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

     "Standard & Poor's" means Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. and its successors and assigns.

     "Stated Yield" means, with respect to any Eligible Assets (including
defaulted Eligible Assets, if any) held by the Asset Trust and any Distribution
Period, all amounts of interest (including accreted interest) and other payments
due and payable (upon maturity or otherwise) by the issuer of such Eligible
Assets on the principal amounts of such Eligible Assets (excluding any repayment
of principal) held by the Asset Trust as calculated on or prior to 11:00 A.M.,
New York City time, on the Collection Date on which such Distribution Period
ends, regardless of whether such amounts are ultimately paid.

     "Tax Event" means (a) a change in any, or adoption of any new, laws,
regulations or rulings of any Relevant Jurisdiction, (b) a change in, or
adoption of any new, official application or interpretation of the laws,
regulations or rulings of any Relevant Jurisdiction, (c) any execution of or
change to any treaty affecting taxation to which any Relevant Jurisdiction is a
party or (d) an adverse court decision or resolution of a tax audit, in each
case occurring after the date of this Agreement and, in each case, that would
require XLFA or any successor corporation to pay any additional amounts with
respect to the Series B Preferred Shares, and the payment of such additional
amounts cannot be avoided by the use of any commercially reasonable measures
available to XLFA or any successor corporation.

     "Tax Matters Partner" has the meaning set forth in the Asset Trust
Declaration.

     "Tax Matters Partner Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the Asset
Trust Declaration.

     "Tax Matters Partner Fee" has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters
Partner Agreement.

     "Telerate Page 3750" means the display page so designated on the
Moneyline/Telerate Service (or such other page as may

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

replace that page on that service, or such other service as may be nominated as
the information vendor, for the purpose of displaying rates or prices comparable
to London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits).

     "Termination Payment" means the greater of:

     (i)  zero; and

     (ii) an amount equal to:

          (a) the sum of the present values of all of the Remaining Expected
     Distributions discounted to the Put Option Termination Date on a monthly
     basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve thirty-day months) at
     the Termination Payment Rate; minus

          (b) the Invested Amount on the Put Option Termination Date.

     "Termination Payment Rate" means One-Month LIBOR in effect on the date that
is three Business Days prior to the date that the Termination Payment is due,
plus 0.15%.

     "Trustee's Ordinary Fees and Expenses" has the meaning set forth in the
Asset Trust Declaration.

     "Unexercised Portion" means, at any time, the maximum aggregate liquidation
preference of the Series B Preferred Shares that XLFA may require the Asset
Trust to purchase at that time pursuant to this Agreement, which maximum
liquidation preference shall equal $200,000,000 as of the date of this
Agreement, and thereafter shall equal (i) the then aggregate Face Amount of all
Asset Trust Securities less (ii) the aggregate liquidation preference of the
Series B Preferred Shares outstanding at such time and held by the Asset Trust.

     "XLFA" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

     Section 1.02 Interpretations. In this Agreement, except where the context
otherwise requires:

     (a) any reference to this Agreement or any other agreement or document
shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or such other agreement or
document, as applicable, as the same may have been, or may from time to time be,
amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with its terms;

     (b) any reference to a statute or regulation shall be construed as a
reference to such statute or regulation as the same may have been, or may from
time to time be, amended, varied, novated or supplemented in accordance with its
terms;

     (c) the words "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of similar
import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section,
clause or other subdivision, and references to "Articles", "Sections" and
"Annexes" refer to Articles or Sections and Annexes to this Agreement except as
otherwise expressly provided;

     (d) the word "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation";

     (e) any reference to a "company" shall be construed so as to include any
corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other legal
entity, wheresoever incorporated or established;

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

     (f) any definition shall be equally applicable to both the singular and
plural forms of the defined terms;

     (g) headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of
reference only and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any
provision hereof;

     (h) whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is named or
referred to, the successors and assigns of such party shall be deemed to be
included, and all covenants and agreements in this Agreement by XLFA and the
Asset Trust shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors
and assigns, whether so expressed; and

     (i) all percentages resulting from any calculations relating to the amount
of the Put Option Premium payable on any Collection Date will be rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with
five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward (e.g., 9.876545% (or
..09876545) being rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all dollar amounts used
in or resulting from such calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent (with
one-half cent being rounded upward).

                                   ARTICLE II

                                PUT OPTION; TERM

     Section 2.01 Grant of Put Option. (a) In consideration of the payment of
the Put Option Premium and subject to the terms of this Agreement (including the
next succeeding sentence), the Asset Trust hereby grants to XLFA the irrevocable
right at any time and from time to time to require the Asset Trust to purchase
shares of the Series B Preferred Shares bearing an aggregate liquidation
preference of up to $200,000,000 on the terms set forth in this Agreement (the
"Put Option"). The Asset Trust agrees that it shall, upon exercise of the Put
Option, in whole or in part, as provided in Section 3.01, purchase Series B
Preferred Shares from XLFA having an aggregate liquidation preference equal to
the lesser of (x) the Designated Amount and (y) the aggregate Principal Proceeds
received upon the maturity of the Eligible Assets of the Asset Trust (and, if
applicable, liquidation of any Eligible Assets in Default, in whole or in part)
on the designated Settlement Date, after taking into account all Losses suffered
in respect of the Eligible Assets on or prior to that date and the satisfaction
of all obligations of the Asset Trust due and payable on that date. The purchase
price payable by the Asset Trust in respect of each share of such Series B
Preferred Shares (the "Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price"), will be equal
to the liquidation preference of such share.

     (b) The Put Option created hereby is irrevocable and shall remain in effect
and be exercisable, in whole or in part, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, at any time and from time to time prior to termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 2.02.

     Section 2.02 Termination of Put Option. (a) The Put Option shall terminate
on the date (the "Put Option Termination Date") that is the earliest to occur
of:

          (i) any Collection Date that occurs at any time on or after December
     9, 2009 and is specified in any notice delivered by XLFA to the Asset
     Trust, which notice shall be irrevocable, stating that XLFA is electing to
     terminate the Put Option, provided that such Collection Date is at least
     five Business Days after the date of delivery of such notice;

          (ii) XLFA fails to pay the Put Option Premium or any amount due under
     the Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement when due and payable and,
     upon delivery of an

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

     Overdue Notice by the Asset Trustee no later than three Business Days after
     the applicable Collection Date, does not cure such failure by (A) paying
     the accrued and unpaid amount within seven Business Days after receipt of
     an Overdue Notice from the Asset Trustee or (B) notifying the Asset Trust
     within seven Business Days after receipt of an Overdue Notice from the
     Asset Trustee that it intends to exercise the Put Option, in whole or in
     part (and, if in part, such part must be for at least $1,000,000), on the
     Distribution Date which next occurs after the expiration of such seven
     Business Day period, in which event any amounts due but unpaid under this
     Agreement or the Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement will be set
     off against the price paid by the Asset Trust for the Series B Preferred
     Shares (provided that the failure to exercise the Put Option and issue the
     Series B Preferred Shares on the next Distribution Date pursuant to clause
     (B) above shall result in the termination of this Agreement);

          (iii) the date on which a Bankruptcy Event occurs; provided that if
     the Put Option is terminated pursuant to this Section 2.02(a)(iii), none of
     the Asset Trustee, the Pass-Through Trustee or any holder of Pass-Through
     Trust Securities shall have any claim against XLFA for any unpaid amounts
     due under this Agreement or the Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement
     Agreement;

          (iv) the first Distribution Date occurring at least seven days after
     any date on which either the Asset Trustee or the Pass-Through Trustee
     receives an opinion from a nationally recognized tax counsel selected by
     XLFA and reasonably satisfactory to the Asset Trustee or the Pass-Through
     Trustee, as the case may be, advising XLFA and the Asset Trustee or the
     Pass-Through Trustee, as applicable, that, as a result of a Change In Law
     occurring after the date hereof, either the Asset Trust or the Pass-Through
     Trust is, or there is a reasonable likelihood that either the Asset Trust
     or the Pass-Through Trust, as the case may be, will be, classified as an
     association or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for
     United States federal income tax purposes; and

          (v) the first date on which aggregate Face Amount of the Asset Trust
     Securities issued is less than $20,000,000.

     (b) Additionally, XLFA may at its option terminate the Put Option (i) on or
after December 9, 2009 or (ii) if at any time a Tax Event occurs; provided,
however, that if XLFA redeems all of the Series B Preferred Shares pursuant to
the terms thereof (A) in connection with the occurrence of a Tax Event or (B) in
connection with XLFA's redemption right that arises if XLFA submits to the
holders of its common shares a proposal for an amalgamation, consolidation,
merger, arrangement, reconstruction, reincorporation, deregistration or any
other similar transaction involving XLFA, XLFA will be deemed to have terminated
the Put Option as provided above.

     (c) If the Put Option is terminated prior to December 10, 2009 pursuant to
Section 2.02(a)(ii), XLFA shall pay to the Asset Trust, in addition to any due
and unpaid Put Option Premium, the Termination Payment.

                                  ARTICLE III

                       EXERCISE OF PUT OPTION; REDEMPTION

     Section 3.01 Exercise.

     (a) XLFA may exercise the Put Option, in whole or in part, at any time and
from time to time, by delivering a Put Notice to the Asset Trustee, specifying
(i) a settlement date (each, a "Settlement

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

Date"), which shall be any succeeding Distribution Date that falls no earlier
than five days after the date on which the Put Notice is delivered to the Asset
Trustee and (ii) the aggregate liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred
Shares that it wishes to require the Asset Trust to purchase on such Settlement
Date (the "Designated Amount"). The Designated Amount must not exceed the
Unexercised Portion at the time of such delivery.

     (b) XLFA may, in its sole discretion, partially exercise the Put Option in
any Designated Amount that is equal to an integral multiple of $1,000,000.

     (c) On each Settlement Date, XLFA shall issue and deliver to the Asset
Trust against payment of the Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price, Series B
Preferred Shares with an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the lesser of
(x) the Designated Amount, and (y) the Principal Proceeds received upon the
maturity of the Eligible Assets of the Asset Trust (and, if applicable,
liquidation of any Eligible Assets in Default) on such Settlement Date, after
taking into account all Losses suffered in respect to the Eligible Assets on or
prior to that date and the satisfaction of all expenses and other obligations of
the Asset Trust due and payable on that date. The Series B Preferred Shares
shall be delivered free and clear of any defect in title, together with all
transfer and registration documents (or all notices, instructions or other
communications) as are necessary to convey title to the Series B Preferred
Shares to the Asset Trust (or its nominee).

     (d) Payment of the Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price by the Asset
Trust shall be made to the account of XLFA specified in the Put Notice.

     (e) For the avoidance of doubt, only cash received by the Asset Trust as
Principal Proceeds of the Eligible Assets of the Asset Trust (net of fees and
expenses of the Asset Trust that exceed Income Collections) and the proceeds of
any redemption of Series B Preferred Shares shall be used to purchase Series B
Preferred Shares.

     (f) There is no limitation on the number of times XLFA may exercise the Put
Option pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, other
than the limit resulting from the minimum Designated Amount specified in Section
3.01(b).

     Section 3.02 Set-Off Against Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price.
Payment of the Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price by the Asset Trust shall
be made as provided in Section 3.01 without setoff, claim, recoupment, deduction
or counterclaim; provided, however, that if XLFA exercises the Put Option at any
time that it has failed to pay all or a portion of the Put Option Premium as
provided in Section 2.02(a)(ii) or any amount due by it but unpaid under the
Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement, and such failure has not been cured
on or before the Settlement Date, the Asset Trust shall be entitled to set-off
such unpaid portion of the Put Option Premium and any amount due by XLFA but
unpaid under the Asset Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement against the Series
B Preferred Shares Purchase Price.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                               PUT OPTION PREMIUM

     Section 4.01 Put Option Premium. In consideration of the Asset Trust's
agreement to purchase the Series B Preferred Shares upon the exercise of the Put
Option in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, XLFA will pay to the
Asset Trust, in U.S. dollars payable in arrears on each Collection Date relating
to any Distribution Period during which the Put Option remains in effect, a
premium (the "Put Option Premium,") in an amount equal to the sum of:

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

          (i) (A) the sum of (x) the Trustee's Ordinary Fees and Expenses and
     the Tax Matters Partner's Fee for that Distribution Period and (y) the
     expenses payable by the Asset Trust under the Pass-Through Trust Expense
     Reimbursement Agreement attributable to fees of the Pass-Through Trustee
     multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Unexercised
     Portion of the Put Option on the Collection Date for that Distribution
     Period and the denominator of which is the aggregate Face Amount of the
     Asset Trust Securities on such Collection Date;

          (ii) the fees of the Investment Manager for that Distribution Period;
     and

          (iii) the excess, if any, of:

               (A) an amount equal to the Put Option Premium Rate, multiplied by
          the actual number of days elapsed in the Distribution Period in which
          the relevant Collection Date falls, divided by 360, and multiplied by
          the Invested Amount, over

               (B) the aggregate Stated Yield on all the Eligible Assets
          (including defaulted Eligible Assets, if any) held by the Asset Trust
          during such Distribution Period, whether or not such Stated Yield is
          actually realized during that Distribution Period, together with any
          interest income received by the Asset Trust during that Distribution
          Period from holding its assets in overnight interest-bearing deposit
          accounts held at Eligible Banks or Permitted Investments, as
          applicable.

     Section 4.02 Put Option Premium Certificate. The Put Option Premium,
payable on any Collection Date, shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and
delivered in writing (the "Put Option Premium Certificate") to XLFA and the
Asset Trustee prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City time, one Business Day prior to
the Collection Date on which such payment is due. The Put Option Premium
Certificate shall also set forth the Eligible Assets held by the Asset Trust,
the Stated Yield on each Eligible Asset, the One-Month Libor Rate and the
computation of the Put Option Premium for that Distribution Period, and shall be
in the form attached as Annex C.

                                   ARTICLE V

                              OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE

     Section 5.01 Obligation Absolute. Subject to the provisions of Section
2.02(a)(iii), each of XLFA and the Asset Trust acknowledge that, provided the
other party has complied with the terms of this Agreement, the obligations of
XLFA and the Asset Trust, as the case may be, undertaken under this Agreement
are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional irrespective of any circumstances
whatsoever, including any defense otherwise available to XLFA or the Asset
Trust, respectively, in equity or at law, including the defense of fraud, any
defense based on the failure of XLFA or the Asset Trust, respectively, to
disclose any matter, whether or not material, to XLFA or the Asset Trust,
respectively, or any other person, and any defense of breach of warranty or
misrepresentation, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might
otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense under any and all
circumstances. The enforceability and effectiveness of this Agreement and the
liability of XLFA or the Asset Trust, and the rights, remedies, powers and
privileges of XLFA or the Asset Trust under this Agreement shall not be
affected, limited, reduced, discharged or terminated, and the Asset Trust hereby
expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any defense
now or in the future arising by reason of:

     (a)  the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of all or any part of
          the Asset Trust Declaration;

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

     (b)  any action taken by XLFA or the Asset Trust expressly provided for
          herein;

     (c)  any change in the direct or indirect ownership or control of XLFA or
          the Asset Trust or of any shares or ownership interests thereof not in
          contravention of Section 6.01 hereof; and

     (d)  any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a
          legal or equitable discharge or defense of or for XLFA or the Asset
          Trust;

provided, however, that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.01,
neither XLFA nor the Asset Trust shall have no further obligations under this
Agreement after the termination of the Put Option (other than as expressly
provided for herein). In addition, the breach of any covenant made in this
Agreement by the Asset Trust shall not terminate the Put Option or limit the
rights of XLFA hereunder.

     Section 5.02 No Waiver, etc. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as the Put
Option has not terminated, no failure or delay by XLFA in exercising its rights
hereunder shall operate as a waiver of its rights hereunder except as
specifically provided in this Agreement, including in respect of the notice
periods and payment dates set forth in Section 3.01.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    COVENANTS

     Section 6.01 Covenants of XLFA.

     (a) XLFA hereby covenants and agrees that, prior to the termination of this
Agreement, it shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights,
terms and preferences of the Series B Preferred Shares, whether by operation of
merger, reorganization or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Asset
Trust, and it will not register the Series B Preferred Shares with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
prior to the termination of the Put Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, XLFA
may enter into a plan of merger, sale of assets or voluntary liquidation only if
(A) following the transaction, (i) the surviving corporation has no outstanding
equity securities (or obligation to issue such equity securities) that rank
senior to the Series B Preferred Shares as to dividends or in a liquidation or
dissolution of the surviving corporation, (ii) the Series B Preferred Shares are
exchanged for Series B Preferred Shares or securities of the surviving
corporation having the same rights and preferences as the Series B Preferred
Shares and (iii) either by law or express agreement the surviving corporation
assumes all of the obligations of XLFA under this Agreement and under the Asset
Trust Expense Reimbursement Agreement or (B) XLFA has redeemed or called for
redemption all of the Series B Preferred Shares.

     (b) XLFA hereby covenants and agrees that any Series B Preferred Shares
delivered to the Asset Trust shall rank, at the time of delivery, (a) senior to
the common stock of XLFA and (b) senior to (i) the Series A Preferred Shares and
(ii) the most senior preferred shares of XLFA then authorized by its Memorandum
of Association and its Amended and Restated Bye-Laws or then issued and
outstanding (other than the Series B Preferred Shares and any shares ranking on
a parity with the Series B Preferred Shares as to dividends, distributions or in
a liquidation or dissolution of XLFA); provided that this covenant may be
amended with the consent of XLFA and the Asset Trust (provided that such consent
of the Asset Trust shall only be granted following a vote or consent in which at
least a Majority in Face Amount of the Asset Trust Securities provide such
consent).

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

     (c) XLFA hereby covenants that it shall take all reasonable action
necessary to enable Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch to provide their
respective ratings with respect to the Series B Preferred Shares.

     Section 6.02 Covenants of The Asset Trust. The Asset Trust hereby covenants
and agrees that, at all times prior to the termination of the Put Option it
shall not amend, restate, revise or otherwise alter the rights, terms and
preferences of the Asset Trust Securities, whether by operation of merger,
reorganization or otherwise, and it will not register the Asset Trust Securities
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, without the consent of XLFA.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                            THIS AGREEMENT TO GOVERN

     If there is any inconsistency between any provision of this Agreement and
any other agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail to the
extent of such inconsistency but not otherwise.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     Section 8.01 Representations of the Asset Trust. The Asset Trust represents
and warrants to XLFA that, as of the date hereof:

     (a)  the Asset Trust is duly organized and validly existing under the
          Delaware Statutory Trust Act and has the power and authority to own
          its assets and to conduct its activities;

     (b)  its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or
          compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will
          not violate (i) any law to which it is subject on such date, (ii) any
          of its constituent documents in effect on such date or (iii) any
          agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it or its
          assets on such date;

     (c)  it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and
          comply with its obligations under, this Agreement and has taken all
          necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance
          of this Agreement;

     (d)  it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all
          necessary consents, registrations and the like of or with any
          government or other regulatory body or authority applicable to this
          Agreement;

     (e)  its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and
          enforceable at law;

     (f)  it is not in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by
          which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation, arbitration
          or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default,
          litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in
          the context of this Agreement;

     (g)  it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity,
          effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that
          any document be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or
          elsewhere;

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

     (h)  no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or
          governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other
          regulatory authority is required for the consummation by the Asset
          Trust of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

     (i)  assuming compliance with the transfer restrictions with respect to the
          Asset Trust Securities set forth in the Declaration, the Asset Trust
          is not required to register with the Securities and Exchange
          Commission as an investment company under the Investment Company Act
          of 1940, as amended.

     Section 8.02 Representations of XLFA. XLFA represents and warrants to the
Asset Trust that, as of the date hereof:

     (a) it is duly incorporated and validly existing as an exempted company in
good standing under the laws of Bermuda and has the power and authority to own
its assets and to conduct its activities;

     (b) its entry into, exercise of its rights and/or performance of or
compliance with its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not violate
(i) any law to which it is subject on such date, (ii) any of its constituent
documents in effect on such date or (iii) any material agreement to which it is
a party or which is binding on it or its assets on such date;

     (c) it has the power to enter into, exercise its rights and perform and
comply with its obligations under this Agreement and has taken all necessary
action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;

     (d) it will obtain and maintain in effect and comply with the terms of all
necessary consents and registrations of or with any government or other
regulatory body or authority necessary for the due performance of its
obligations under this Agreement;

     (e) its obligations under this Agreement are valid, binding and enforceable
at law;

     (f) it is not in default under any material agreement to which it is a
party or by which it or its assets is or are bound and no litigation,
arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending, which default,
litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are material in the
context of this Agreement;

     (g) it is not necessary or advisable in order to ensure the validity,
effectiveness, performance or enforceability of this Agreement that any document
be filed, registered or recorded in any public office or elsewhere other than
those that have been duly filed, registered or recorded and are in full force
and effect;

     (h) no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or
governmental authority, agency, commission or commissioner or other regulatory
authority is required for the consummation by XLFA of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, other than as have been received on or before
such date, and the sale of the Series B Preferred Shares to the Asset Trust,
pursuant to the terms hereof, need not be registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and

     (i) the Series B Preferred Shares are and at all times will be duly
authorized for issuance and sale to the Asset Trust, pursuant to this Agreement,
and, when issued and delivered by XLFA, pursuant to this Agreement, against
payment of the Series B Preferred Shares Purchase Price, will be validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable; and the Series B Preferred Shares will conform in
all respects to the terms

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

of the Series B Preferred Shares set forth in the Amended and Restated Bye-Laws;
and the Series B Preferred Shares will not be subject to preemptive or other
similar rights.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 9.01 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is or
becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction may be severed
from the other provisions of this Agreement without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof, and any such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall
not invalidate or render illegal or unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

     Section 9.02 Notices. Each communication to be made hereunder shall be
deemed to have been given (i) five days after deposit of such communication with
a reputable national courier service addressed to such party at its address
specified below (or at such other address as such party shall specify to the
other party hereto in writing) or (ii) when transmitted by facsimile to such
party at its facsimile number specified below (or at such other facsimile number
as such party shall specify to the other party hereto in writing):

         If to XLFA at:

                  XL Financial Assurance Ltd.
                  XL House
                  One Bermudiana Road
                  Hamilton HM11
                  Bermuda
                  Attention:  Kirstin Romann Gould
                  Facsimile:  441-295-2840
                  Email: Kirstin.Gould@xlgroup.com

         If to the Asset Trust at:

                  Twin Reefs Asset Trust
                  c/o The Bank of New York (Delaware)
                  White Clay Center, Route 273
                  Newark, Delaware 19711
                  Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration
                  Facsimile:  (302) 283-8279
                  Email: Kgullo@bankofny.com

         copies to:

                  The Bank of New York
                  Corporate Trust Division
                  101 Barclay Street - 8 East
                  New York, New York 10286
                  Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group
                  Facsimile:  (212) 815-2830
                  Email: Gmckeever@bankofny.com

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

         If to Standard & Poor's at:

                  Standard & Poor's, a division of
                  The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
                  55 Water Street, 38th Floor
                  New York, NY  10041-0003
                  Attention:   David S. Veno,
                               Director - Global Bond Insurer Ratings
                  Facsimile:  (212) 438-2108
                  Email: david_veno@standardandpoors.com

         If to Moody's at:

                  Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
                  99 Church Street, 6th Floor
                  New York, NY  10007
                  Attention:   Kendra Tan-Wu
                               Senior Associate - Financial Institutions Group
                  Facsimile:   (212) 553-4805
                  Email: Kendra.tan-wu@moodys.com

         copies to:

                  Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
                  99 Church Street, 6th Floor
                  New York, NY  10007
                  Attention:   Matthew Noll
                               Lead Analyst for XL Financial Assurance Ltd.
                  Facsimile:   (212) 553-4805
                  Email: Matthew.noll@moodys.com

         If to Fitch at:

                  Fitch Ratings
                  ABCP Surveillance
                  One State Street Plaza
                  New York, NY  10004
                  Attention:  Michael FitzSimons
                  Facsimile:  (212) 514-9879
                  Email: surveillance-abs-abcp@fitchratings.com

     Section 9.03 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts each
of which when executed and delivered shall constitute an original, but all the
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

     Section 9.04 Benefit of Agreement and Disclaimer. This Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors and permitted
assigns and transferees.

     Section 9.05 Amendment and Assignment. (a) This Agreement may not be
amended or modified in any respect, nor may any provision be waived, without the
written agreement of both parties. No waiver by one party of any obligation of
the other hereunder shall be considered a waiver of any other obligation of such
party.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

     (b) Neither the Asset Trust nor XLFA may assign its rights or obligations
under this Agreement to any other person, except that XLFA may assign its rights
and obligations under this Agreement to another person as a result of a merger
of XLFA with another person or as a result of a sale of all or substantially all
of the assets of XLFA to another person satisfying the requirements set forth in
Section 6.01(a).

     (c) Notice of (i) any amendment or modification of this Agreement pursuant
to clause (a) of this Section 9.05 or (ii) any assignment of this Agreement
pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 9.05 shall be promptly provided in
writing to Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch pursuant to the notice
provisions contained herein.

     Section 9.06 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

     Section 9.07 Jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits
to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in
respect of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement ("Proceedings"). Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or
hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceedings in the courts
of the State of New York and any claim that any Proceeding brought in any such
court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each of the Asset Trust and
XLFA agrees that it shall at all times have an authorized agent in the State of
New York upon whom process may be served in connection with any Proceedings, and
each of the Asset Trust and XLFA hereby authorizes and appoints CT Corporation
System to accept service of all legal process arising out of or connected with
this Agreement in the State of New York and service on such person shall be
deemed to be service on the Asset Trust or XLFA, as the case may be. If for any
reason such person shall cease to act as agent for the service of process, each
of the Asset Trust and XLFA shall promptly appoint another such agent, and shall
forthwith notify the other of such appointment. The submission to jurisdiction
reflected in this paragraph shall not (and shall not be construed so as to)
limit the right of any person to take Proceedings in any court of competent
jurisdiction, nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more
jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction
(whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by law.

     Section 9.08 Limitation of Liability. It is expressly understood that (a)
this Agreement is executed and delivered by The Bank of New York (Delaware), not
individually or personally but solely as trustee, in the exercise of the powers
and authority conferred and vested in it under the Asset Trust Declaration, (b)
each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part
of the Asset Trust is made and intended not as personal representations,
undertakings and agreements by The Bank of New York (Delaware), but is made and
intended for the purpose of binding only the Asset Trust, and (c) under no
circumstances shall The Bank of New York (Delaware) be personally liable for the
breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made
or undertaken by the Asset Trust under this Agreement or any other related
document.

     Section 9.09 Tax Confidentiality Waiver. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, all persons may disclose to any and all
persons, without limitation of any kind, the federal income tax treatment of the
Pass-Through Trust Securities or the Series B Preferred Shares, any fact
relevant to understanding the federal income tax treatment of the Pass-Trust
Trust Securities or the Series B Preferred Shares, and all materials of any kind
(including opinions or other tax analyses) relating to such federal income tax
treatment.

                    [Rest of page intentionally left blank.]

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                TWIN REEFS ASSET TRUST

                                By:   The Bank of New York (Delaware),
                                      not in its individual capacity
                                      but solely as Asset Trustee

                                By:   /s/ Kristine K. Gullo
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      Name:    Kristine K. Gullo
                                      Title:   Asst. Vice President

                                XL FINANCIAL ASSURANCE LTD.

                                By:   /s/ Michael E. Rego
                                      -----------------------------------
                                      Name:   Michael E. Rego
                                      Title:  Deputy Chairman &
                                              Chief Operating Officer

<PAGE>

                                                                         ANNEX A

                             Form of OVERDUE NOTICE

To:      XL Financial Assurance Ltd.
         XL House
         One Bermudiana Road
         Hamilton HM11
         Bermuda
         Attention:  Kirstin Romann Gould
         Facsimile:  441-295-2840
         Email: Kirstin.Gould@xlgroup.com

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We refer to the Put Option Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2004, (the
"Put Option Agreement"), entered into between the Asset Trust and you. Terms
defined therein shall have the same respective meanings herein.

     This notice is an Overdue Notice for the purposes of Section 2.02(a)(ii) of
the Put Option Agreement.

     [The Put Option Premium was not paid on the Collection Date of
_______________][The amount of $_____________ due under the Asset Trust Expense
Reimbursement Agreement was not paid on the Collection Date of
________________]:

Yours faithfully,

THE BANK OF NEW YORK (DELAWARE),
not in its individual capacity but solely as Asset Trustee

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

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

                                                                         ANNEX B

                               Form of Put Notice

To:      Twin Reefs Asset Trust
         c/o The Bank of New York (Delaware)
         White Clay Center, Route 273
         Newark, Delaware 19711
         Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration
         Facsimile:  (302) 283-8279
         Email: Kgullo@bankofny.com

With copies to:

         The Bank of New York
         Corporate Trust Division
         101 Barclay Street - 8 East
         New York, New York 10286
         Attention:  Dealing and Trading Group
         Facsimile:  (212) 815-2830
         Email: Gmckeever@bankofny.com

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We refer to the Put Option Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2004, (the
"Put Option Agreement"), entered into between us and you. Terms defined therein
shall have the same respective meanings herein.

     This notice is a Put Notice for the purposes of Section 3.01(a) of the Put
Option Agreement.

     The Designated Amount with respect to this exercise shall be $____________
(which must be a multiple of $1,000,000). The Settlement Date with respect to
this exercise shall be ________________ (which must be a Distribution Date
occurring no earlier than five days after the effective date of this Put
Notice). We hereby require you to pay the Series B Preferred Shares Purchase
Price as provided in Section 3.01, to the following account:

                                         Yours faithfully,

                                         XL FINANCIAL ASSURANCE LTD.

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

                                      B-1

<PAGE>

                                                                         ANNEX C

                         Put Option Premium Certificate
                           XL FINANCIAL ASSURANCE LTD.

1. Distribution Period: [first day of
   Period]-[last day of Period]:
   [number of days in period -
   generally 30 or 31]

2. Unexercised Portion as of the
   Collection Date:

3. Applicable Put Option Premium
   Rate: __%

4. Trustee's Ordinary Fees and
   Expenses:

5. Investment Manager Fees:

6. Tax Matters Partner Fees:

7. Allocable Portion of Trustee's
   Ordinary Fees and Expenses and Tax
   Matters Partner Fee:

8. Fees Reimbursable Under Pass-
   Through Trust Expense
   Reimbursement Agreement:

9. Put Option Premium Rate Applied to
   Unexercised Portion for Distribution
   Period:

10.Aggregate Stated Yield on Eligible
   Assets and stated interest on
   overnight deposits, if any:

11.Put Option Premium Due on [insert
   Distribution Date] as of 11:00 a.m.
   New York City Time on Collection Date:

Attachment: List of Eligible Assets held by Asset Trust and Stated Yield
applicable to each.

                                      C-1

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