Document:

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                               RT ACQUISITION LLC
                                  as Purchaser,

                                       and

                    REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC,
                         NIMISHILLEN & TUSCARAWAS, LLC,
                             BLISS & LAUGHLIN, LLC,
                REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LLC
                                       and
                                RTI CAPITAL CORP.
                                   as Sellers

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Page
                                                                                                   ----
<S>                                                                                                <C>
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS ..........................................................................      2

     Section 1.1  Definitions ..................................................................      2
     Section 1.2  Terms Generally ..............................................................     12

ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS .........................................................     13

     Section 2.1  Purchase and Sale of the Purchased Assets ....................................     13
     Section 2.2  Excluded Assets ..............................................................     15

ARTICLE III LIABILITIES ASSUMED ................................................................     16

     Section 3.1  Assumption of Liabilities ....................................................     16

ARTICLE IV PURCHASE PRICE ......................................................................     20

     Section 4.1  Purchase Price for Purchased Assets ..........................................     20
     Section 4.2  Payment of Purchase Price ....................................................     20

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND RELATED UNDERTAKINGS ..............................     21

     Section 5.1  Representations and Warranties of Sellers ....................................     21
     Section 5.2  Representations and Warranties of Purchaser ..................................     35
     Section 5.3  Amendments to Disclosure Schedules ...........................................     36

ARTICLE VI EMPLOYEE MATTERS ....................................................................     36

     Section 6.1  Employees ....................................................................     36
     Section 6.2  Employee Benefit Plans .......................................................     37
     Section 6.3  Workers' Compensation ........................................................     39
     Section 6.4  Management Incentive Plans ...................................................     39
     Section 6.5  Mutual Cooperation ...........................................................     39

ARTICLE VII TAX MATTERS ........................................................................     40

     Section 7.1  Transfer Taxes ...............................................................     40
     Section 7.2  Proration of Real and Personal Property Taxes ................................     40
     Section 7.3  Tax Returns; Cooperation on Tax Matters ......................................     41
     Section 7.4  Allocation Purchase of Price and Purchase Price Allocation Forms .............     42

ARTICLE VIII COVENANTS AND ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS ...............................................     42

     Section 8.1  Approval Proceedings .........................................................     42
     Section 8.2  Good Faith Deposit ...........................................................     42
     Section 8.3  Access to Information, Confidentiality .......................................     43
     Section 8.4  Notification of Certain Matters ..............................................     44
     Section 8.5  HSR Act ......................................................................     44
     Section 8.6  Filings and Approvals Regarding the Railroad Subsidiary ......................     45
     Section 8.7  Further Action ...............................................................     45
     Section 8.8  Conduct of the Business ......................................................     46
     Section 8.9  Non-Assignable Contracts .....................................................     48
</TABLE>

                                       i

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                                            <C>
     Section 8.10  Acquisition Agreements ......................................................     48
     Section 8.11  Indemnification Agreements ..................................................     49
     Section 8.12  Litigation ..................................................................     49
     Section 8.13  Public Announcements ........................................................     50
     Section 8.14  Filings and Authorizations ..................................................     50
     Section 8.15  Amendment to List of Purchased Contracts ....................................     50
     Section 8.16  Use of Cartersville Proceeds ................................................     50
     Section 8.17  Insurance ...................................................................     51
     Section 8.18  Bulk Sale ...................................................................     51
     Section 8.19  Creation of Easement ........................................................     51

ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS TO THE CLOSING ...........................................................     51

     Section 9.1   Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser ......................................     51
     Section 9.2   Conditions to Obligations of Seller .........................................     53

ARTICLE X CLOSING ..............................................................................     54

     Section 10.1  Closing .....................................................................     54
     Section 10.2  Documents to be Delivered at Closing by Sellers .............................     54
     Section 10.3  Documents to be Delivered at Closing by Purchaser ...........................     56

ARTICLE XI INDEMNIFICATION .....................................................................     56

     Section 11.1  Survival; Representations and Warranties ....................................     56
     Section 11.2  Indemnification of Purchaser ................................................     57
     Section 11.3  Indemnification of Sellers ..................................................     57
     Section 11.4  Limitation on Seller' Indemnification Liability .............................     57
     Section 11.5  Limitation on Purchaser's Indemnification Liability .........................     58
     Section 11.6  Satisfaction of Purchaser Claims ............................................     58

ARTICLE XII TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER ..................................................     58

     Section 12.1  Termination .................................................................     58
     Section 12.2  Effect of Termination .......................................................     60
     Section 12.3  Break-Up Fee; Expense Reimbursement .........................................     60

ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS .....................................................................     61

     Section 13.1  Expenses ....................................................................     61
     Section 13.2  Governing Law; Forum ........................................................     61
     Section 13.3  Notices .....................................................................     61
     Section 13.4  Headings ....................................................................     62
     Section 13.5  No Assignment; Benefit to Third Parties .....................................     62
     Section 13.6  Entire Agreement ............................................................     63
     Section 13.7  Counterparts ................................................................     63
     Section 13.8  Waiver ......................................................................     63
     Section 13.9  Amendment ...................................................................     63
     Section 13.10 Severability ................................................................     63
     Section 13.11 Further Assurances ..........................................................     63
</TABLE>

                                       ii

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                                    EXHIBITS
                                    --------
     <S>                                                                        <C>
     Assumption Agreement                                                       Exhibit A
     Bidding Procedures Order                                                   Exhibit B
     Bill of Sale                                                               Exhibit C
     Lender Retention Program                                                   Exhibit D
     Successor Labor Agreement                                                  Exhibit E
     Limited Warranty Deed                                                      Exhibit F
     lease assignment and assumption agreement                                  Exhibit G
     Seller's Officer's Certificate                                             Exhibit H
     Seller's Secretary Certificate                                             Exhibit I
     Sellers' FIRPTA Certificate                                                Exhibit J
     Purchaser's Officer's Certificate                                          Exhibit K
     Purchaser's Secretary Certificate                                          Exhibit L
     Indemnity Interest Formula                                                 Exhibit M
</TABLE>

                                       iii

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SCHEDULES
                                    ---------
     <S>                                                                        <C>
     Excluded Plants                                                            Schedule 1.1
     Real Property                                                              Schedule 2.1(a)
     Owned Machinery and Equipment                                              Schedule 2.1(b)
     Railroad Subsidiary Assets                                                 Schedule 2.1(d)
     Seller's Corporate Headquarters Assets                                     Schedule 2.1(e)
     Purchased Plants - Fixed Assets                                            Schedule 2.1(f)
     Purchased Contracts                                                        Schedule 2.1(k)
     Claims of Credit                                                           Schedule 2.1(n)
     Sellers Excluded Assets or Properties                                      Schedule 2.2(b)
     Excluded Real Property                                                     Schedule 2.2(f)
     Consents, Approvals or Authorizations                                      Schedule 5.1(c)
     Intellectual Property Rights                                               Schedule 5.1(d)
     Material Contracts                                                         Schedule 5.1(e)(i)
     Terminated Material Contracts; Cure Amounts                                Schedule 5.1(e)(ii)
     Non-Violative Agreement Exceptions                                         Schedule 5.1(g)
     Governmental Authority - Permits and Licenses                              Schedule 5.1(h)
     Owned Real Property                                                        Schedule 5.1(i)
     Leased Real Property                                                       Schedule 5.1(j)
     Violations; Defects                                                        Schedule 5.1(m)
     Tax Certiorari Proceedings                                                 Schedule 5.l(p)
     Certain Actions                                                            Schedule 5.1(q)
     Compliance With Laws                                                       Schedule 5.1(r)(i)
     Environmental Matters                                                      Schedule 5.1(r)(ii)
     Employee Matters                                                           Schedule 5.1(s)
     Employer Plan Liability                                                    Schedule 5.1(t)(i)
     Liability Under Employee Benefit Plans Subject to Non-U.S. Laws            Schedule 5.1(t)(ii)
     Unaudited Financial Statements                                             Schedule 5.1(u)(iii)
     Tax Matters                                                                Schedule 5.1(v)
     35 Largest Customers                                                       Schedule 5.l(w)(i)
     35 Largest Suppliers                                                       Schedule 5.1(w)(ii)
     Customer and Supplier Status                                               Schedule 5.1(w)(iii)
     Inventory                                                                  Schedule 5.1(x)
     Affiliate Transactions                                                     Schedule 5.1(y)
     Insurance                                                                  Schedule 5.1(aa)
     Certain Changes or Events                                                  Schedule 5.1(bb)
     Fees                                                                       Schedule 5.1(dd)
     Litigation                                                                 Schedule 5.1(gg)
     Vacation Accruals                                                          Schedule 6.2(b)
     Key Managers                                                               Schedule 6.4(a)
     Key Management Severance and Termination Plans                             Schedule 6.4(b)
     System-Wide or Regional Changes                                            Schedule 8.8(i)
     Prohibited Agreements                                                      Schedule 8.8(j)
     Indemnification Agreements                                                 Schedule 8.11
     Consents and Approvals Related to Purchased Contracts                      Schedule 9.1(e)
     Required Consents and Approvals                                            Schedule 9.2(e)
</TABLE>

                                       iv

<PAGE>

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

          This ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of June 7, 2002, by and among
REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
("Republic"), NIMISHILLEN & TUSCARAWAS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, BLISS & LAUGHLIN, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, REPUBLIC
TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company,
and RTI CAPITAL CORP., a Delaware corporation (together with Republic, "Sellers"
and each a "Seller") which Sellers, other than Nimishillen & Tuscarawas, LLC,
are debtors in possession under Chapter 11 of Title 11, United States Code (as
amended from time to time, the "Bankruptcy Code"), and RT ACQUISITION LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company ("Purchaser").

          WHEREAS, Sellers have determined that it is in their best interest to
sell to Purchaser and Purchaser desires to purchase certain of the assets used
or usable in connection with Sellers' business (the "Business"), and Purchaser
desires to assume certain specified liabilities of Sellers which are related to
the Business, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, Republic and certain of its subsidiaries commenced cases in
the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern
Division under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code on April 2, 2001 (collectively,
the "Chapter 11 Cases"); and

          WHEREAS, Republic and certain of its subsidiaries continue in the
management and possession of their properties as debtors in possession in
the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy
Code and, following approval of this Agreement, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been
implemented through the filing of a motion seeking the entry of an order by the
Bankruptcy Court approving this Agreement and the terms of the sale of the
Purchased Assets and the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities pursuant to
Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, subject to the entry of the Sale Order and on the terms and
conditions set forth herein, Purchaser shall purchase the Purchased Assets and
assume the Assumed Liabilities of Sellers.

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

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

     Section 1.1   Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:

          "Acquisition Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.10.

          "Action" means any claim, charge, action, suit, arbitration,
mediation, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by any Person or Governmental
Authority before any Governmental Authority.

          "Adjustment Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.

          "Affiliate" of a Person means any other Person that directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or
is under common Control with, the first mentioned Person.

          "Agreement" means this Agreement, including the Schedules and the
Exhibits, as amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.

          "Allocation" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.

          "Approvals" means all certificates, licenses, permits or other
approvals required to be obtained by Seller or its Subsidiaries in connection
with the use or ownership of its or their assets or properties or the operation
of its or their business.

          "Assets" means the assets of every type and description, tangible or
intangible, real or personal that are owned, leased or licensed by any Seller.

          "Assumed Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a).

          "Assumption Agreement" means one or more assignment and assumption
agreements in substantially the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A.

          "Attendant Documents" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).

          "Auction" means, as more fully described in the Bidding Procedures
Order, the auction to be held prior to the Sale Hearing for consideration of
qualifying higher and better offers that may be presented to Sellers.

          "Audited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1(u)(ii).

          "Bank Lenders" means the institutional lenders that are parties to the
Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Facility at the date hereof.

          "Bankruptcy Code" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

                                       2

<PAGE>

          "Bankruptcy Court" means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, or such other court as may have
jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.

          "Bidding Procedures Order" means the order of the Bankruptcy Court
entered on May 31, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

          "Bill of Sale" means one or more bills of sale in substantially the
form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit C.

          "Break-Up Fee" has the meaning set forth in Section 12.3.

          "Business" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

          "Business Combination" means with respect to any Person any (a)
merger, consolidation or combination to which such Person is a party, (b) any
sale, dividend, split or other disposition of any capital stock or other equity
interests of such Person, or any acquisition of capital stock or equity
interests or securities of such Person, representing in any such case at least
25% of such class of capital stock or equity interests, (c) any tender offer
(including, without limitation, a self-tender), exchange offer or
recapitalization for or affecting the outstanding equity or debt securities of
such Person, (d) any plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy
Code, (e) any liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving such
Person, (f) any sale, dividend or other disposition of all or a material portion
of the assets of such Person or (g) the entering into of any agreement or
understanding, or the granting of any rights or options, with respect to any of
the foregoing.

          "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other
day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in the City of
New York.

          "Canadian Steel Asset Purchase Agreement" means the asset purchase
agreement by and between Purchaser and Canadian Drawn Steel Company, Inc., a
wholly owned Subsidiary of Republic pursuant to which Purchaser will purchase
substantially all of the assets of such subsidiary in the form reasonably
acceptable to each of Purchaser and Republic.

          "Canton EPA Corrective Action Order" means the Administrative Order on
Consent (U.S. EPA Docket No. R8H-5-99-006) ordered by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 5, on June 16, 1999 proceeding under Section 3008(h)
of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, in the matter of
Republic Engineered Steels, Inc., with respect to the facility at 2633 Eighth
Street N.E., Canton, Ohio 44701.

          "Cartersville Asset Sale" means the sale of certain assets associated
with the Cartersville Cold Finishing Plant, located in Cartersville, Georgia
pursuant to the terms of that certain asset purchase agreement, dated as of May
20, 2002, by and between Republic and AmeriSteel Corporation.

          "Cash Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

          "Chapter 11 Cases" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

                                       3

<PAGE>

          "Chapter 11 Expenses" means the costs incurred and expenses paid or
payable by Debtor Sellers in connection with the administration of the Chapter
11 Cases, including, without limitation, (a) fees and expenses related to the
Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Agreement, (b) obligations to pay
professionals' fees and expenses in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases
(including, without limitation, fees of attorneys, accountants, investment
bankers, financial advisors, and consultants retained by Debtor Sellers, the
Creditors' Committee or the pre-petition lenders, and any compensation for
making a substantial contribution in the Chapter 11 Cases) and reimbursement of
any expenses incurred by Debtor Sellers prior to the Closing Date in connection
therewith (including, without limitation, any obligations to pay any holdback of
any such fees and expenses), (c) fees and expenses payable to the United States
trustee under Section 1930 of title 28, United States Code and (d) expenses of
members of the Creditors' Committee.

          "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.

          "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.

          "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, together
with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "Competing Bid" means a Qualified Bid that is determined to be the
highest or best offer at the Auction in accordance with the procedures set forth
in the Bidding Procedures Order.

          "Competing Bidder" means a Person other than Purchaser that submits a
Qualified Bid.

          "Conducted" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).

          "Contract" means any written agreement, arrangement, understanding,
lease or instrument or other contractual or similar arrangement.

          "Control" (including the terms "Controlled by" and "under common
Control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or
executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of capital stock, including
as trustee (other than a Chapter 11 trustee) or executor, by contract or credit
arrangement or otherwise.

          "Copyrights" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(i).

          "Creditors' Committee" means the statutory committee of unsecured
creditors appointed by the United States trustee in the Chapter 11 Cases.

          "Cure Costs" means all monetary liabilities, including pre-petition
monetary liabilities, of Debtor Sellers that must be paid or otherwise satisfied
to cure all of each Debtor Seller's monetary defaults under the Purchased
Contracts or Reference Leases at the time of the assumption thereof and
assignment to Purchaser as provided hereunder as such amounts are determined by
the Bankruptcy Court.

                                       4

<PAGE>

          "DB Plan" means a defined benefits plan as described in Section 3(35)
of ERISA.

          "Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Agreement" means the
Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2001,
among Republic, Republic's subsidiary guarantors that are a party thereto and
the Bank Lenders, as supplemented or modified from time to time.

          "Debtor Sellers" means those Sellers that are named as debtors and
debtors-in-possession in the Chapter 11 Cases.

          "DOJ" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.5(b).

          "Employee Benefit Plan" means (1) each employee benefit plan within
the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA and (2) each personnel policy; stock option
plan; collective bargaining agreement; bonus plan or arrangement; incentive
award plan or arrangement; workers' compensation program; vacation policy;
voluntary employees' beneficiary association (VEBA); severance pay plan, policy
or agreement; deferred compensation agreement or arrangement; executive
compensation or supplemental income arrangement; consulting agreement;
employment agreement; and other employee benefit plan, agreement arrangement,
program, practice, or understanding, which is sponsored, maintained, or
contributed to by Republic or any ERISA Affiliate for the benefit of any
employee(s), former employee(s), independent contractor(s), or agent(s) of
Republic or any ERISA Affiliate, or has been so sponsored, maintained, or
contributed to at any time since 1974.

          "Encumbrance" means (except for any lien for Taxes not yet due) any
claim, liability, charge, lease, covenant, easement, encumbrance, security
interest, lien, option, pledge, right of others, mortgage, hypothecation,
conditional sale, or restriction (whether on voting, sale, transfer, defenses,
set-off or recoupment rights, disposition, or otherwise) against or with respect
to tangible or intangible property or rights, whether imposed by agreement,
understanding, law, equity, or otherwise, except for any restrictions on
transfer generally arising under any applicable federal or state securities law.

          "Environmental Law" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1(r)(iii)(B).

          "Environmental Reports" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1(r)(iii)(C).

          "Equipment" means all Owned Machinery and Equipment and all of
Sellers' equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures and improvements and tooling
located at or associated with the operation of the Purchased Plants that are
leased pursuant to Purchased Contracts;

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "ERISA Affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(t)(i).

          "Escrow Agent" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

          "Excluded Assets" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 hereof.

                                       5

<PAGE>

          "Excluded Contracts" means any Contracts to which any Seller is a
party or its assets are bound that are not Purchased Contracts.

          "Excluded Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b).

          "Excluded Plants" means the plants and mills described on Schedule
1.1.

          "Expense Reimbursement Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section
12.3.

          "Final Order" means an order of the Bankruptcy Court (a) as to which
the time to appeal shall have expired and as to which no appeal shall then be
pending, or (b) if an appeal shall have been filed or sought, either (i) no stay
of the order shall be in effect or (ii) if such a stay shall have been granted
by the Bankruptcy Court, then (A) the stay shall have been dissolved or (B) a
final order of the district court having jurisdiction to hear such appeal shall
have affirmed the order and the time allowed to appeal from such affirmance or
to seek review or rehearing thereof shall have expired and the taking or
granting of any further hearing, appeal or petition for certiorari shall not be
permissible, and if a timely appeal of such district court order or timely
motion to seek review or rehearing of such order shall have been made, any court
of appeals having jurisdiction to hear such appeal or motion (or any subsequent
appeal or motion to seek review or rehearing) shall have affirmed the district
court's (or lower appellate court's) order upholding the order of the Bankruptcy
Court and the time allowed to appeal from such affirmance or to seek review or
rehearing thereof shall have expired and the taking or granting of any further
hearing, appeal or petition for certiorari shall not be permissible; provided,
however, that Purchaser in its sole discretion may treat as not being a Final
Order, any order for which an appeal, motion to seek review, motion to seek
rehearing, or any similar motion is pending notwithstanding that such order is
not then subject to stay.

          "FTC" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.5(b).

          "Good Faith Deposit" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.

          "Governmental Authority" means any United States federal, state or
local, or any foreign, government, governmental, regulatory or administrative
authority, agency or commission or any court, tribunal or judicial or arbitral
body.

          "Governmental Order" means any order, writ, judgment, injunction,
decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental
Authority.

          "Hazardous Substance" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1(r)(iii)(A).

          "Hired Employees" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

          "HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.

          "ICC Termination Act" means the ICC Termination Act of 1995, as
amended.

                                       6

<PAGE>

          "Indebtedness" means, at any time and with respect to any Person, (a)
all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all indebtedness of such
Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than
property, including inventory, and services purchased, and trade payables, other
expense accruals and deferred compensation items arising, in the ordinary course
of business, consistent with past practice), (c) all obligations of such Person
evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments (other than
performance, surety and appeal bonds arising in the ordinary course of business
in respect of which such Person's liability remains contingent), (d) all
indebtedness of such Person created or arising under any conditional sale or
other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person
(even though the rights and remedies of Sellers or lender under such agreement
in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property),
(e) all obligations of such Person under leases which have been or should be, in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, recorded as capital leases, to the extent required to
be so recorded, (f) all reimbursement, payment or similar obligations of such
Person, contingent or otherwise, under acceptance, letter of credit or similar
facilities, (g) all Indebtedness of others referred to in clauses (a) through
(f) above guaranteed directly or indirectly by such Person, or in effect
guaranteed directly or indirectly by such Person through an agreement (i) to pay
or purchase such Indebtedness or to advance or supply funds for the payment or
purchase of such Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase, sell or lease (as lessee or
lessor) property, or to purchase or sell services, primarily for the purpose of
enabling the debtor to make payment of such Indebtedness, (iii) to supply funds
to or in any other manner invest in the debtor (including any agreement to pay
for property or services irrespective of whether such property is received or
such services are rendered) or (iv) otherwise to assure a creditor against loss
in respect of such Indebtedness, and (h) all Indebtedness referred to in clauses
(a) through (g) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness
has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any
Encumbrance upon or in property (including, without limitation, accounts and
contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed
or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness, and including in clauses
(a) through (h) above any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

          "Indemnification Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section
8.11.

          "Indemnification Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.10.

          "Indemnity Escrow" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.

          "Indemnity Escrow Agreement" has the meaning set forth in Section
11.6.

          "Indemnity Interests" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.6.

          "Insurance Policies" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(aa).

          "Intellectual Property Rights" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.1(i).

          "Inventory" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(l).

          "IRS" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

                                       7

<PAGE>

          "Key Managers" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4(a).

          "Knowledge" means the knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of any of
the following executive officers and managers of Republic and other Sellers:
Joseph F. Lapinsky, John B. George, Joseph A. Kaczka, James T. Kuntz, Ted
Macuzak, Cindy Oney, Leonard Wisniewski and John A. Willoughby.

          "Law" means any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law,
ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, other requirement or rule of law
(other than an Environmental Law).

          "Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement" has the meaning set forth
in Section 10.2(c).

          "Lender Retention Program" means the plan or program attached hereto
as Exhibit D created for the benefit of each of the Key Managers and certain
other employees of Republic by the Bank Lenders pursuant to which the Bank
Lenders have agreed to provide compensation to such employees in order to create
an incentive for such Persons to complete any liquidation of Debtor Sellers.

          "Letter of Intent" means that certain letter of intent, dated on or
about May 17, 2002, between Republic and RTI Acquisition Corporation.

          "Lorain Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.19.

          "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to Sellers, any change,
circumstance or effect that, individually or in the aggregate with other
changes, circumstances and effects, is materially adverse to (i) the business,
operations, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or
prospects of such entity and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) the
validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the ability of Sellers to
perform their respective obligations hereunder in a timely fashion.

          "Material Contracts" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(e).

          "New Credit Facility" means an amended and restated credit facility by
and among Purchaser, or any affiliated designee of Purchaser, and the Bank
Lenders to be executed at Closing to refinance up to a maximum amount of Three
Hundred Twenty Million U.S. Dollars ($320,000,000.00) of Indebtedness at Closing
under the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Facility.

          "Non-Debtor Sellers" means those Sellers that are not named as debtors
or debtors-in-possession in the Chapter 11 Cases.

          "Owned Machinery and Equipment" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.1(b).

          "Patents" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(i).

                                       8

<PAGE>

          "Permits" means licenses, franchises, permits, certificates of
authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, franchises and similar
consents granted from any Governmental Authority.

          "Permitted Real Estate Liens" means (i) all presently existing and
future liens of real estate taxes or assessments and water rates, water meter
charges, water frontage charges and sewer taxes, rents and charges, if any,
provided that such items are not yet due and payable and are apportioned to the
extent provided in this Agreement; (ii) rights of tenants in possession, if any,
under leases disclosed by Sellers to the Purchaser provided same does not
materially and adversely affect the use and operation of the applicable parcel
of Real Property as currently being used and operated by the applicable Seller;
(iii) unpaid state and local franchise, general corporation and/or income taxes,
mechanics liens, or other monetary liens; provided that, based upon a deposit by
any Seller with the Title Company, an indemnity by any Seller to the Title
Company, the order of a bankruptcy court having jurisdiction, or other
assurances by the applicable Seller to the Title Company, such Seller is able to
induce the Title Company to omit such lien or encumbrance as an exception to
title, or insure against its collection out of or enforcement against the
applicable Real Property with respect to the applicable Title Policy issued by
the Title Company; (iv) such matters as the Title Company shall be willing to
omit as exceptions to coverage or, subject to Purchaser's reasonable approval,
by endorsement in form and substance acceptable to Purchaser in its reasonable
discretion, insure against collection out of or enforcement against such Real
Property, with respect to the applicable Title Policy issued by the Title
Company; (v) minor variations between the tax lot lines and the legal
description of each parcel of Real Property; or (vi) any other matter or thing
affecting title to any parcel of Real Property that does not materially and
adversely affect the marketability or the use and operation of the applicable
parcel of Real Property as such parcel of Real Property is currently used and
operated.

          "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, association,
limited liability company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization,
other entity or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).

          "Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).

          "Purchased Assets" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

          "Purchased Contracts" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(k).

          "Purchased Plants" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

          "Purchaser" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

          "Purchaser Interests" means membership interests of Purchaser.

          "Purchaser Member" means a limited partnership to be formed by
affiliates of Purchaser which will be the sole member of Purchaser immediately
prior to the Closing.

          "Purchaser Operating Agreement" means the amended and restated limited
liability company agreement among the Purchaser Member and Republic in such form

                                       9

<PAGE>

reasonably acceptable to each of Purchaser and Republic which agreement shall,
among other things, include the terms set forth in Sections II.B and III.B.5 of
the Letter of Intent.

          "Purchaser Representatives" has the meaning set forth in Section
8.3(c).

          "Purchaser's Plans" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).

          "Qualified Bid" means a bid submitted at the Auction to purchase
assets of Sellers pursuant to the Bidding Procedures Order.

          "Railroad Subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(d).

          "Real Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

          "Reference Lease" means a lease, sublease, license, use or occupancy
agreement or other arrangement conveying the right to use real or personal
property (tangible or intangible, or a combination thereof) to be assumed by
Sellers and assigned to Purchaser as set forth on Schedule 5.1(j).

          "Republic" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

          "Required Creditor Notices" has the meaning set forth in Section
8.1(c).

          "Sale Hearing" means the hearing before the Bankruptcy Court to
approve this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement as more fully described in the Bidding Procedures Order.

          "Sale Order" means an order of the Bankruptcy Court in form and
substance satisfactory to Purchaser and Sellers granting, among other things,
(i) a general release by Sellers and the bankruptcy estate to Purchaser at the
time of Closing, including a release of successor liability, that specifically,
upon Closing, the Purchaser shall not be deemed to (A) be the successor of
Sellers, (B) have, de facto or otherwise, merged with or into the Sellers, or
(C) be a mere continuation or substantial continuation of Sellers or the
enterprise of the Sellers; (ii) that such sale shall be, pursuant to Sections
105, 363(b) and 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, free and clear of all
Encumbrances other than Assumed Liabilities; (iii) that all agreements,
contracts, and leasehold interests required to be assumed by Sellers and
assigned to Purchaser are so assumed and assigned free and clear of all
Encumbrances and Excluded Liabilities other than Assumed Liabilities and
Permitted Real Estate Liens pursuant to Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code; (iv)
that Purchaser is deemed to have purchased the Purchased Assets in good faith
pursuant to Section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (v) that Sellers are
authorized and directed to execute, upon request by Purchaser, one or more
assignments in form, substance, and number reasonably acceptable to Purchaser,
evidencing the conveyance of the Purchased Assets to Purchaser.

          "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          "Seller" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

                                       10

<PAGE>

          "Seller SEC Reports" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(u).

          "Sellers" has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

          "Sellers' Employees" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).

          "Senior Secured Notes" means the senior secured notes to be governed
by the Senior Secured Note Indenture and issued at Closing by Purchaser or an
affiliated designee of Purchaser in the aggregate principal amount equal to the
lesser of (i) 105% of the net orderly liquidation value of the assets included
in the Purchased Assets that secure the outstanding 13 3/4% Senior Secured Notes
of Republic, as agreed by Purchaser and the holders of such 13 3/4% Senior
Secured Notes on the basis of a valuation provided by McDonald Investments Inc.
or as determined by the Bankruptcy Court or (ii) Fifty Million U.S. Dollars
($50,000,000.00).

          "Senior Secured Note Indenture" means the indenture governing the
Senior Secured Notes in such form reasonably acceptable to each of Purchaser and
Republic which agreement shall, among other things, include the terms set forth
in Section V of the Letter of Intent.

          "Subsidiary" means any corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture or other legal entity of which any Seller or any
other Person, as the case may be (either alone or through or together with any
other Subsidiary), owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the capital
stock or other equity interests the holders of which are generally entitled to
vote for the election of the board of directors or other governing body of such
corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture or other
legal entity.

          "Successor Labor Agreement" means the collective bargaining agreement,
dated on or about April 24, 2002, between Purchaser and the United Steel Workers
of America attached hereto as Exhibit E.

          "Surveys" means current surveys of each parcel of owned Real Property,
prepared in insurable form in accordance with ALTA standards applicable to
registered and licensed land surveyors making surveys in the state in which such
Real Property is located.

          "SWMU/AOC" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(viii).

          "Tax" or "Taxes" means any and all taxes, fees, levies, duties,
tariffs, imposts, and other charges of any kind (together with any and all
interest, penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with
respect thereto) imposed by any Tax authority including, without limitation:
taxes or other charges on or with respect to income, franchises, windfall or
other profits, gross receipts, property, sales, use, capital stock, payroll,
employment, social security, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation,
or net worth; taxes or other charges in the nature of excise, withholding, ad
valorem, stamp, transfer, value added, or gains taxes; and customs' duties,
tariffs, and similar charges; and liability for the payment of any of the
foregoing as a result of (x) being a member of an affiliated, consolidated,
combined or unitary group, (y) being party to any tax sharing agreement and (z)
any obligation to indemnify any other Person with respect to the payment of any
of the foregoing.

                                       11

<PAGE>

          "Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, and claim for
refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any
schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

          "Third Party Lease" means each lease or other right of occupancy
affecting or relating to a property in which any Seller (or an entity in which
it directly or indirectly has an interest) is the landlord, either pursuant to
the terms of a lease agreement or as successor to any prior landlord.

          "Title Company" means any nationally recognized title insurance
company or companies engaged to deliver the Title Policies.

          "Title Policies" means the ALTA owner's (extended coverage) policies
of title insurance with respect to each parcel of owned Real Property issued by
the Title Company.

          "Trademarks" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(i).

          "Transfer Tax" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

          "Transition Services Agreement" means the transition services
agreement between Purchaser and Republic pursuant to which Purchaser will be
permitted to remove certain assets from the Excluded Plants and Republic will
operate certain of the Excluded Plants designated by Purchaser in such form
reasonably acceptable to each of Purchaser and Republic which agreement shall
include the terms set forth in Section III.B.6 of the Letter of Intent.

          "Unaudited Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1(u)(iii).

          "Unaudited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1(u)(iii).

          "U.S. GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting
principles in effect from time to time.

          "WARN Act" means the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification
Act.

     Section 1.2   Terms Generally. As used in this Agreement (a) words in the
singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa, (b) words of one
gender shall be held to include the other genders as the context requires, (c)
the terms "hereof", "herein" and "herewith" and words of similar import shall,
unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement and not to any
particular provision of this Agreement, (d) references to Article, Section,
paragraph, Exhibit and Schedule are references to the Articles, Sections,
paragraphs, Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement, unless otherwise
specified, (e) the word "including" and words of similar import when used in
this Agreement, shall mean "including, without limitation", unless otherwise
specified, and (f) the word "or" shall not be exclusive.

                                       12

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II

                           PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS

     Section 2.1  Purchase and Sale of the Purchased Assets. On the Closing
Date, Sellers shall transfer, sell, assign, and deliver to Purchaser, and
Purchaser shall purchase from Sellers, in each case on the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Sale Order, all of Sellers'
right, title and interest in, to and under any and all assets, properties and
business of every kind and description, whether tangible or intangible, real,
personal or fixed wherever situated, owned, held or used by Sellers or in which
Sellers have any right, title or interest, other than the Excluded Assets (all
such assets, properties and business are referred to in this Agreement as the
"Purchased Assets"), free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than the Assumed
Liabilities and the Permitted Real Estate Liens. The Purchased Assets include,
without limitation, the following:

          (a)     all real property and leases or subleases of, and any other
interests in, real property used or owned or held for use in the Business and
listed on the attached Schedule 2.1(a) (the "Real Property"), in each case
together with all buildings and other structures, facilities or improvements
currently or hereafter located thereon, all fixtures of Sellers attached or
appurtenant thereto and all easements, licenses, rights and appurtenances
relating to the foregoing (the "Purchased Plants");

          (b)     all Sellers' owned equipment, machinery and tooling located at
or associated with the operation of the Purchased Plants and the equipment,
machinery, furniture, fixtures and improvements and tooling listed on the
attached Schedule 2.1(b) (the "Owned Machinery and Equipment");

          (c)     all cars, trucks, fork lifts, other industrial vehicles and
other motor vehicles owned by Sellers located at, or associated with, the
operation of the Purchased Plants;

          (d)     all Assets of Nimishillen & Tuscarawas, LLC (the "Railroad
Subsidiary"), including all owned, leased or subleased real property of the
Railroad Subsidiary, and any other interests in, real property used or owned by
the Railroad Subsidiary, rights of way, locomotives, cars and track repair
equipment, including, but not limited to, the Assets listed on the attached
Schedule 2.1(d);

          (e)     all Assets of or related to Republic's corporate headquarters
located at 3770 Embassy Parkway, Akron, Ohio, including, but not limited to, the
Assets listed on the attached Schedule 2.1(e);

          (f)     all furniture, fixtures, improvements and other fixed assets
that are located at or associated with the Purchased Plants, including the
assets listed on the attached Schedule 2.1(f);

                                       13

<PAGE>

          (g)     to the extent transferable under applicable Law and applicable
Environmental Law, all Permits used in the Business in conjunction with the
Purchased Assets and all pending applications therefor, including, without
limitation, those Permits described on the attached Schedule 5.1(h);

          (h)     customer relationships, the goodwill and all other intangible
assets relating to, symbolized by or associated with the Business;

          (i)     all (i) patents, patent applications, provisional patent
applications, patent disclosures, and all related continuation,
continuation-in-part, divisional, reissue, re-examination, utility model,
certificate of invention and design patents, patent application, registrations
and applications for registrations ("Patents"), (ii) trademarks, service marks,
trade dress, logos, trade names, domain names and corporate names and
registrations and applications for registration thereof ("Trademarks"), (iii)
copyrights, copyright applications and registrations ("Copyrights"), (iv)
commercial and technical trade secrets, know-how, confidential information,
other proprietary property rights and interests, and (v) licenses, engineering,
production and other designs, drawings, specifications, formulae, technology,
computer and electronic data processing programs and software, software
licenses, and proprietary property rights and interests and any licenses in
respect thereof (collectively, "Intellectual Property Rights") which are used in
connection with the operation of the Business, including those set forth on the
attached Schedule 5.1(d);

          (j)     copies or originals of all books, files and records used in
the Business relating to the Purchased Assets described in this Section 2.1,
including plans, data, test results, drawings, diagrams, employment records,
sales records, customer and supplier lists, advertising and promotional
materials, engineering data, safety and environmental reports and documents,
maintenance schedules and operating and production records, all other files,
indices, market research studies, surveys, reports, analyses and similar
information of every kind and nature, and in whatever format used in connection
with the operation of the Business;

          (k)     all contracts, agreements and purchase orders set forth on
Schedule 2.1(k) (the "Purchased Contracts");

          (l)     all items of inventory of the Business wherever located,
including, without limitation, raw materials, work in process, finished goods,
supplies used to operate and maintain the Equipment or process raw materials and
work in process, spare parts and supply and packaging items including any of the
aforementioned owned by Sellers but in the possession of manufacturers,
customers, suppliers or dealers, or in transit or returned goods ("Inventory"),
which, for avoidance of doubt, includes any Inventory related to or located at
any of the Excluded Plants;

          (m)     all notes (including notes from employees), accounts
receivable and other receivables, cash, deposits, advances and prepaid expenses
(other than prepaid Taxes) of Sellers related to the Business together with any
unpaid interest or fees accrued thereon or other amounts due with respect
thereto, and any security or collateral therefor, including recoverable advances
and deposits, which, for avoidance of doubt, includes any of the foregoing
related to the Excluded Plants;

                                       14

<PAGE>

          (n)     all prepayments, prepaid expenses and deferred items, refunds,
rights, claims, credits, causes of action, condemnation proceedings, rights of
set-off or other rights against third parties (other than Tax refunds and
credits), including without limitation any rights concerning any litigation in
which, in connection with or with respect to the Business, any Sellers is a
claimant, including without limitation, those identified on Schedule 2.1(n),
except Bankruptcy Code avoiding power actions and claims;

          (o)     all rights under or pursuant to all warranties,
representations and guarantees made by suppliers, manufacturers and contractors
in connection with the operation of the Business or affecting the Equipment;

          (p)     all computer hardware, software programs, databases and other
technology assets whether owned, licensed (subject to applicable restrictions),
leased or internally developed and all documentation related to such computer
software programs and databases used or held for use by Sellers and wherever
located, including any of the foregoing related to the Excluded Plants;

          (q)     that portion of any refunds or refunded pre-payments related
to the Insurance Policies equal to the relative value of the Purchased Assets
compared to the Excluded Assets;

          (r)     any and all assets held in a VEBA (as described in Section
501(c)(9) of the Code) or other trust or welfare benefit fund used to fund
medical, dental, disability, or other welfare benefits for active or retired
employees but only if and to the extent such assets have not been used to pay
benefits under any disability plan that is funded through the VEBA (determined
as of the signing of this Agreement) as of the date Republic no longer has any
obligations to participants under such plan;

          (s)     to the extent that the Cartersville Asset Sale is consummated
after the Closing, all proceeds from the Cartersville Asset Sale; and

          (t)     all air emissions credits and allowances Sellers have, are
entitled to or have applied for, relating to the Purchased Assets or other
emissions units now or previously located on the Real Property, including any
such air emissions credits and allowances that Sellers have credit for or have
banked, applied to bank or agreed to sell or trade.

     Section 2.2  Excluded Assets. Any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary notwithstanding, the following (collectively, the "Excluded Assets")
shall not be included in the Purchased Assets and shall not be sold or assigned
by Sellers to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement:

          (a)     the minute books, stock books, corporate seals and other
corporate records of Sellers relating to their respective organization and
existence; provided, however, that after execution of this Agreement, Sellers
shall, on request by Purchaser, provide copies of such books, records and other
materials not previously provided to Purchaser;

          (b)     any assets or properties of the Sellers described on attached
Schedule 2.2(b);

                                       15

<PAGE>

           (c) all Tax Returns of Sellers; provided, however, that after
execution of this Agreement, Republic shall, on request by Purchaser, provide
copies of such Tax Returns not previously provided to Purchaser;

           (d) any capital stock owned beneficially or of record by any Seller;

           (e) causes of actions and recoveries, in each case under chapter 5 of
the Bankruptcy Code; and

           (f) the real property associated with the Excluded Plants and the
other real property set forth on Schedule 2.2(f);

           (g) except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any Contract
associated with any Employee Benefit Plan;

           (h) any refunds or refunded pre-payments related to the Insurance
Policies not acquired by Purchaser pursuant to Section 2.1(q); and

           (i) all air emissions credits and allowances Sellers have, are
entitled to or have applied for, including any such air emissions credits and
allowances that Sellers have credit for or have banked, applied to bank or
agreed to sell or trade, to the extent not conveyed pursuant to Section 2.1(t).

                                  ARTICLE III

                               LIABILITIES ASSUMED

     Section 3.1 Assumption of Liabilities.

           (a) Assumed Liabilities. On and as of the Closing Date, in connection
with its acquisition of the Purchased Assets, Purchaser shall, except to the
extent specifically excluded under Section 3.1(b) as an Excluded Liability,
assume, and indemnify, defend and hold Sellers harmless with respect to, the
following liabilities and obligations of Sellers and no others (collectively,
the "Assumed Liabilities"):

               (i)  Indebtedness of Republic equal to the aggregate principal
      amount outstanding at Closing under the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving
      Credit Agreement up to an aggregate of Three Hundred Twenty Million U.S.
      Dollars ($320,000,000.00), which Indebtedness shall be assumed by
      Purchaser pursuant to the terms and conditions of the New Credit Facility;

               (ii) executory obligations of any Seller arising or continuing
      after the Closing Date under the Purchased Contracts, including Cure
      Costs, if any, payable in connection with the assumption and assignment of
      the Purchased Contracts to Purchaser;

                                       16

<PAGE>

            (iii)  trade payables of any Seller incurred in the ordinary course
      of business after the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases in an aggregate
      amount not to exceed Thirty-Two Million U.S. Dollars ($32,000,000.00),
      which amount shall include up to but not more than Nine Million U.S.
      Dollars ($9,000,000.00) of trade payables owed to U.S. Steel Corp.;

            (iv)   obligations of any Seller arising or continuing after the
      Closing Date under each Reference Lease relating to leased Real Property,
      including Cure Costs, if any, payable in connection with the assumption
      and assignment of the Reference Leases to Purchaser;

            (v)    accrued freight, utilities, revolver fees and other
      miscellaneous current liabilities incurred by any Seller in the ordinary
      course of business after the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases in an
      aggregate amount of up to Two Million Six Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars
      ($2,600,000.00);

            (vi)   real property Taxes incurred by any Seller in the ordinary
      course of business solely with respect to the Real Property after the
      filing of the Chapter 11 Cases in an aggregate amount of up to Three
      Million Six Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($3,600,000.00);

            (vii)  all liabilities arising from or under the Purchased Assets,
      but only to the extent that all of the events or states of facts giving
      rise to any such liability occur wholly and entirely after the Closing
      Date and not as a result of any pre-Closing act or omission by Sellers or
      their respective predecessors; and

            (viii) the post-Closing Date prospective obligations of any Seller
      under the Canton EPA Corrective Action Order to perform Work (as defined
      therein) with respect to the release or potential release of hazardous
      waste or hazardous constituents from solid waste management units or areas
      of concerns ("SWMU/AOC") (all as defined therein) located on the Real
      Property located in Canton, Ohio, to be acquired by Purchaser pursuant to
      this Agreement, provided that (A) Purchaser does not assume hereunder and
      shall not be liable for any Work or other obligation of Seller under the
      Canton EPA Corrective Action Order, or otherwise, relating to any
      Hazardous Substance existing on any other property whatsoever, including
      without limitation (i) SWMU/AOCs identified now or in the future under the
      Canton EPA Corrective Action Order that are not located on Real Property,
      including without limitation SWMU/AOCs 1, 2, 4 (described as the "RCRA EAF
      Dust Waste Area" in the Order), 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27,
      28, 31, 85, 87, 89, 91 and 106 (described as "Berger Triangle"), and (ii)
      any groundwater, surface water or sediment located outside of such Real
      Property (unless and only to the extent such contamination is solely
      attributable to SWMU/AOCs located on the Real Property); and (B) Purchaser
      does not assume hereunder, and shall not be liable for, any remedies,
      sanctions, stipulated penalties or penalties assertable or assessable by
      the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for any violation of such Order
      by any Seller or the Respondent (as defined therein).

                                       17

<PAGE>

        (b) Excluded Liabilities. Purchaser shall not assume and shall not
be liable for, and Sellers shall indemnify, defend and hold Purchaser harmless
against, any of the following liabilities or obligations of Sellers, regardless
of the type or nature of such liabilities or obligations (collectively, the
"Excluded Liabilities"):

            (i)    Sellers' professional fees and expenses for advisors,
      including without limitation, advisors retained pursuant to an order of
      the Bankruptcy Court;

            (ii)   Chapter 11 Expenses;

            (iii)  all existing Contracts, whether written or oral, between
      Sellers and their respective advisors and consultants;

            (iv)   all employment and change in control agreements (or such
      similar agreements) and all stock option agreements and stock purchase
      agreements to which any Seller is a party, except for the employment
      agreement between Joseph Lapinsky and Republic to be assumed and assigned
      to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement;

            (v)    all Contracts, whether written or oral, between Sellers and
      their respective Affiliates, unless any such Contract is a Purchased
      Contract;

            (vi)   liabilities of Sellers to Sellers' Employees not expressly
      assumed under this Agreement;

            (vii)  other than as expressly assumed herein, any liabilities
      attributable to or incurred in respect of Hired Employees prior to the
      Closing, including by reason of the WARN Act;

            (viii) all obligations, liabilities or amounts payable to any
      existing equity holders of Sellers pursuant to any Contract or otherwise;

            (ix)   any liabilities or obligations in respect of or relating to
      the Excluded Assets, except as expressly set forth in the Transition
      Services Agreement;

            (x)    all Taxes other than (i) real property Taxes to the extent
      set forth in Section 3.1(a)(vi), (ii) Taxes allocated to Purchaser to the
      extent set forth in Section 7.2, and (iii) Taxes with respect to any
      indemnity provision, tax sharing agreement or other arrangement contained
      in a Purchased Contract but only to the extent that all of the events or
      states of facts giving rise to any such liability occur wholly and
      entirely after the Closing;

            (xi)   liabilities or obligations in respect of Indebtedness, except
      for any that are Assumed Liabilities;

            (xii)  liabilities and obligations, whether known or unknown,
      relating to any environmental, health or safety matter (including, without
      limitation, any liability or obligation arising under Laws or
      Environmental Laws) that are not expressly assumed under this Agreement,
      including without limitation:

                                       18

<PAGE>

            (A) any liabilities or obligations associated with any of the
      Excluded Plants or the real property associated therewith;

            (B) any liabilities or obligations of Sellers resulting from the
      transport, storage, disposal, treatment, or other management of any
      Hazardous Substance by Sellers, any predecessors of Sellers, or any other
      Person in connection with the Business prior to the Closing (whether
      generated at the Purchased Plants or the Excluded Plants) to or at any
      location or facility other than the Real Property;

            (C) any liabilities, obligations or claims for personal injury
      resulting from exposure to Hazardous Substances or otherwise, where such
      exposure or other event or occurrence occurred prior to the Closing;

            (D) any liabilities under application of any Laws or Environmental
      Laws imposing successor liability, creating obligations with respect to
      any Excluded Assets, or imposing joint and several liability for any
      co-mingled contamination;

            (E) any liabilities or obligations under the Canton EPA Corrective
      Action Order not expressly assumed under Section 3.1(a)(viii);

            (F) any liabilities or obligations under the Director's Final
      Findings and Order issued on June 16, 1999, to Republic Engineered Steels,
      Inc., as now or hereafter amended, or otherwise relating to the EAF Dust
      Waste Area located on the excluded portion of the property at Canton
      (including closure and post-closure obligations imposed by Environmental
      Law);

            (G) any fines or penalties associated with violations or alleged
      violations arising out of or relating to events, conditions or
      circumstances occurring prior to the Closing;

            (H) any other liabilities, whether known or unknown and whether
      arising prior to or after the Closing Date, relating to, arising from, or
      occurring on, at, or from any Excluded Assets or property other than Real
      Property, including but not limited to (i) excluded properties adjacent or
      proximate to the Purchased Plant located in Lorain, Ohio (which excluded
      properties include the former coke plant complex, the blast furnace slag
      processing area, a construction/debris disposal area, the Charleston Gate
      area, the Pipe Mill Lagoon, and various locations, such as those known as
      the East Fill and North Fill and the area near the heron rookery, used for
      by-product material staging and/or historic waste and dredgings disposal),
      (ii) excluded properties adjacent or proximate to the Purchased Plant
      located in Canton, Ohio (which excluded properties include those
      SWMUs/AOCs identified in Section 3.1(a)(viii)), and (iii) excluded
      properties adjacent or proximate to the Purchased Plant located in Gary,
      Indiana (which

                                       19

<PAGE>

            excluded properties include the former iron bearing landfill area
            and an ancillary building at the Gary Dunes Plant);

               (xiii)  trade payables or general unsecured claims not expressly
      assumed under this Agreement;

               (xiv)   obligations, other than Cure Costs, arising under each
      Reference Lease relating to leased Real Property prior to the Closing
      Date;

               (xv)    obligations, other than Cure Costs, arising under each
      Purchased Contract prior to the Closing Date;

               (xvi)   the Excluded Contracts;

               (xvii)  all obligations and liabilities associated with any
      Employee Benefit Plan; and

               (xviii) any other liability or obligation not expressly assumed
      pursuant to Section 3.1(a).

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                 PURCHASE PRICE

      Section 4.1 Purchase Price for Purchased Assets.

          (a) The purchase price for the Purchased Assets shall be (i) Ten
Million U.S. Dollars ($10,000,000.00) in cash (the "Cash Consideration"); (ii)
the Senior Secured Note; (iii) Purchaser Interests which shall represent
twenty-five percent (25%) of the issued and outstanding Purchaser Interests as
of the Closing Date calculated without giving effect to any Purchaser Interests
issuable pursuant to any management incentive plan of Purchaser; and (iv) the
assumption by Purchaser of the Assumed Liabilities (clauses, (i), (ii), (iii)
and (iv), collectively, the "Purchase Price").

      Section 4.2 Payment of Purchase Price.

          (a) On the Closing Date, Purchaser shall deliver to Republic (i) in
cash, by wire transfer (pursuant to wire transfer instructions provided by
Republic at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date), in
immediately available funds, the Cash Consideration, a portion of which
Purchaser may satisfy pursuant to Section 8.2 herein; (ii) the Senior Secured
Note, duly executed by Purchaser and authenticated by the trustee under the
Senior Secured Note Indenture; and (iii) a certificate, duly authorized and
issued by Purchaser, representing the Purchaser Interests to be issued to
Republic or other evidence that the Purchaser Interests to be issued to Republic
have been issued, which on the Closing Date will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.

                                       20

<PAGE>

               (b) On the Closing Date, Purchaser or its designees shall execute
and deliver to Sellers the Assumption Agreement and Sellers shall execute and
deliver to Purchaser or its designees the Bill of Sale and the Assumption
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE V

             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND RELATED UNDERTAKINGS

        Section 5.1 Representations and Warranties of Sellers. Sellers hereby
jointly represent and warrant to Purchaser as follows:

               (a) Authority. Each Seller is organized and validly existing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and has all corporate or
other power required to own, lease and operate the Purchased Assets and to carry
on the Business as now conducted by such Sellers ("Conducted"). Subject only to
the approval of the Bankruptcy Court in the case of the Debtor Sellers, each
Seller has the corporate or other power and authority to enter into this
Agreement, to enter into any and all agreements contemplated in this Agreement
(the "Attendant Documents") to which it is or is intended to be a party and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Subject only to the
approval of the Bankruptcy Court in the case of the Debtor Sellers, this
Agreement and all of the Attendant Documents to which each Seller is a party,
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have
been duly authorized and approved by all necessary and proper corporate or other
action on the part of each Seller. Subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy
Court in the case of the Debtor Sellers, this Agreement, and all of the
Attendant Documents to which each Seller is a party, have been (or to the extent
to be entered into on or prior to the Closing, will be) duly authorized and duly
and validly executed and delivered, and constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of each Seller enforceable against each Seller in accordance with
their respective terms. Each Non-Debtor Seller is duly authorized to conduct its
business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such
qualification is required. There is no pending or, to Sellers' Knowledge,
threatened action for the dissolution, liquidation, insolvency or rehabilitation
of any Non-Debtor Seller.

               (b) Assets. Other than the Excluded Assets, there are no Assets
necessary to the operation of the Business as Conducted which are not included
in the Purchased Assets. Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, Purchaser will have acquired good and insurable title in and to, or a
valid leasehold interest in or assignment of each of the Purchased Assets to be
acquired by it, free and clear of all Encumbrances, except for the Assumed
Liabilities and Permitted Real Estate Liens. The Purchased Assets constitute, in
the aggregate, all of the Assets necessary for the conduct of the Business at
the Purchased Plants substantially in the manner in which and to the extent to
which such Business is Conducted at the Purchased Plants during the pendency of
the Chapter 11 Cases. The Purchased Assets have been maintained in accordance
with normal industry practices.

               (c) Consents,  Approvals or  Authorizations.  Except as set forth
in Schedule 5.1(c), no consent, approval, waiver, or authorization of, filing or
registration with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority is required in
connection with the execution and

                                       21

<PAGE>

delivery of this Agreement by Sellers or the consummation by Sellers of the
transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(c), no
consent, approval, waiver or authorization of any Person is required in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sellers or the
consummation by Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby. Schedule 5.1(c)
sets forth all consents that must be obtained from any Person in order to sell,
transfer and assign to Purchaser any Purchased Assets to be acquired from any
Non-Debtor Seller pursuant to this Agreement.

               (d) Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Schedule
5.l(d), Sellers hold free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than Encumbrances
set forth in Schedule 5.1(d), which upon the Closing will be released, or
Assumed Liabilities) and free and clear from all contractual restrictions and
any other restriction, all right, title and interest in and to, or valid and
subsisting licenses in, all Intellectual Property Rights material to the
operation of the Purchased Assets as Conducted. All of such Intellectual
Property Rights registrations are valid and subsisting and all pending
applications for such Intellectual Property Rights are live. Sellers are not in
default, and, to Sellers' Knowledge, no event has occurred which with notice or
lapse of time would constitute a material default under any of the agreements,
licenses or sublicenses of Sellers relating to Intellectual Property Rights. To
Sellers' Knowledge, none of the Intellectual Property Rights of Sellers are used
by Sellers in violation of the rights of any third party and no Seller has
received notice alleging that it is infringing on or in violation of the
intellectual property rights of others. Schedule 5.1(d) lists all agreements,
licenses and sublicenses by which Sellers have granted to a third party any
rights to use or possess any Intellectual Property Rights of Sellers. Schedule
5.1(d) lists all Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights owned by Sellers and all
Contracts relating to any third party Intellectual Property Rights licensed or
sublicensed to Sellers. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(d), to Sellers'
Knowledge no third party has infringed upon, misappropriated or wrongfully used
any of Sellers' Intellectual Property Rights. Other than the Intellectual
Property Rights, no intellectual property is necessary to enable Sellers to
conduct the Business as Conducted. There are no claims, demands or proceedings
instituted or pending or, to the Sellers' Knowledge, threatened in writing by
any Person contesting or challenging the right of any Seller to use any
Intellectual Property Rights of Sellers. To Sellers' Knowledge, there are no
patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets or similar
intellectual property rights owned by a Person other than the Sellers which any
Seller is using without a license to do so.

               (e) Material Contracts.

                   (i)  The attached Schedule 5.1(e)(i) identifies all
            Contracts (collectively, the "Material Contracts") in effect as of
            the date of this Agreement to which any Seller is a party as set
            forth below:

                        (A) any lease of personal property involving any annual
            expense in excess of Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($200,000.00)
            and not cancelable without liability within 90 days;

                        (B) any Contract for the purchase of materials,
            supplies, goods, services, consulting, equipment or other assets
            that provides for either (x) annual payments from and after December
            31, 2001 by Sellers of Two Hundred

                                       22

<PAGE>

          Thousand U.S. Dollars ($200,000.00) or more or (y) aggregate payments
          by Sellers of Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($200,000.00) or more,
          in each case that is not cancelable without liability within 90 days;

                    (C) any sales, distribution or similar Contract providing
          for the sale by any Seller of materials, supplies, goods, services,
          equipment or other assets that provide for either (x) annual payments
          to Sellers of Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($200,000.00) or more
          or (y) aggregate payments to Sellers of Two Hundred Thousand U.S.
          Dollars ($200,000.00) or more, in each case that is not cancelable
          without liability within 90 days;

                    (D) any Contract substantially related to the ownership of
          the Purchased Assets or operation of the Business containing warranty
          obligations on the part of Sellers;

                    (E) any Contract substantially related to the ownership of
          the Purchased Assets or operation of the Business containing
          provisions or covenants limiting the freedom of Sellers to engage in
          any line of business or compete with any Person or prohibiting or
          limiting the ability of any Person to compete with Sellers or
          prohibiting or limiting disclosure of confidential or proprietary
          information;

                    (F) any Contract substantially related to the ownership of
          the Purchased Assets or operation of the Business relating to
          Indebtedness for borrowed money, the issuance of any debt security or
          the assumption, guarantee or endorsement of the obligations of any
          Person;

                    (G) any Contract between or among any Seller and any
          Affiliate of any Seller;

                    (H) (x) all Contracts providing for a commitment of
          employment or consultation services for a specified or unspecified
          term, the name, position and rate of compensation of each Person to
          such Contract and the expiration date of each such Contract; and (y)
          any severance agreements or any Contracts or written or unwritten
          representations, commitments, promises, communications or courses of
          conduct involving an obligation of Sellers to make payments (with or
          without notice, passage of time, or both) to any Person in connection
          with, or as a consequence of, the transactions contemplated hereby;

                    (I) all partnership, joint venture, shareholders' or other
          similar Contracts with any Person substantially related to the
          Purchased Assets;

                    (J) all Contracts with independent contractors,
          distributors, dealers, manufacturers' representatives, sales agencies
          or franchisees substantially related to the Purchased Assets;

                    (K) all Contracts substantially related to the Purchased
          Assets and concerning (x) the future disposition or acquisition of any
          asset or property,

                                       23

<PAGE>

          other than dispositions or acquisitions in the ordinary course of
          business and the provisions of this Agreement, and (y) any Business
          Combination;

                    (L) all Contracts substantially related to the Purchased
          Assets and concerning the sharing, allocation or indemnification for
          Taxes;

                    (M) all Contracts that contain a right of first refusal with
          respect to any Purchased Assets or properties with a fair market value
          in excess of Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($200,000.00);

                    (N) all Contracts substantially related to the Purchased
          Assets that provide for the payment or receipt of any licensing fee,
          royalty payment or the like;

                    (O) all Contracts substantially related to the Purchased
          Assets that provide for hedging or any similar financial arrangement;

                    (P) all Contracts substantially related to the Purchased
          Assets pursuant to which a third party has agreed to indemnify any
          Seller;

                    (Q) all Reference Leases relating to Real Property and all
          Third Party Leases; and

                    (R) all licenses substantially related to the Purchased
          Assets with respect to computer software that are necessary for the
          operation of the Business.

              (ii)  Each Contract required to be disclosed in Schedule 5.1(e)(i)
      was entered into in the ordinary course of business, and except as set
      forth on Schedule 5.1(e)(ii), each such Contract that is material to the
      Purchased Assets or to the operation of the Business at the Purchased
      Plants is in full force and effect and constitutes a legal, valid and
      binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms, of Sellers
      and, to Sellers' Knowledge, each other party thereto; and no Seller has
      received written notice that it is in violation or breach of or default
      under any such contract (or with notice or lapse of time or both, would be
      in violation or breach of or default under any such contract). Except as
      set forth on Schedule 5.1(e)(ii), no "cure" amount will be payable upon
      the assumption by the Sellers or any of its Subsidiaries of any Contract.

              (iii) True and complete copies (or written summaries in the case
      of oral Contracts) of all of the Sellers' Contracts have been provided or
      made available to Purchaser.

          (f) Personal Property. Sellers own or hold under a valid lease all
personal property reflected on the Unaudited Balance Sheet and all personal
property of Sellers acquired by Sellers since the date thereof (except such
property as have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business), that is
material to the Purchased Assets or the operation of the Business at the
Purchased Plants free and clear of any Encumbrance, except for those that will
be discharged concurrently with the Closing and Assumed Liabilities. To Sellers'
Knowledge, each of the

                                       24

<PAGE>

Purchased Plants (together with all Equipment therein) is in condition
satisfactory to permit operation of such plants (together with all Equipment
therein) consistent with past practice during the pendency of the Chapter 11
Cases in all material respects.

          (g) Non-Violative Agreement. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(g),
neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Attendant Documents
to which any Seller is a party nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement do or will (i) conflict with or violate in any
material respect any Law, Environmental Law or Governmental Order applicable to
Sellers or by which any of their respective assets or properties is bound, (ii)
result in any breach of or constitute a default under (or an event which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default), or give to others any
rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in
the creation of an Encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of any Seller
pursuant to, any Material Contract that is a Purchased Contract, (iii) with
respect to any Non-Debtor Seller, conflict with or violate the certificate of
formation or operating agreement (or other charter documents) of such Non-Debtor
Seller or (iv) with respect to any Non-Debtor Seller, result in any breach of or
constitute a default under (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would become a default), or give to others any rights of termination,
amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of an
Encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of any Non-Debtor Seller pursuant
to, any agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument or other arrangement to
which any Non-Debtor Seller is a party, to which any Non-Debtor Seller is bound
or to which the properties or assets of any Non-Debtor Seller is subject.

          (h) Permits. The attached Schedule 5.1(h) contains a complete and true
list of Permits that relate to the Business or any of the Purchased Assets and
that are material to the conduct, use or operation or ownership thereof. Sellers
currently have and will use their commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in
effect until the Closing Date all such Permits. No governmental proceeding is
pending nor, to Sellers' Knowledge, is there any threat by any Governmental
Authority to cancel, modify, or fail to renew any such Permit. All such Permits
held by Sellers shall, to the extent permissible, be transferred to Purchaser at
the Closing.

          (i) Owned Real Property. Schedule 5.1(i) contains a complete and
correct list of all Real Property owned by Sellers.

          (j) Leased Real Property. Schedule 5.1(j) contains a complete and
correct list of all Real Property leased by or to Sellers. True, correct and
complete copies of all Reference Leases relating to the leased Real Property
have heretofore been delivered by Sellers to Purchaser. Each such Reference
Lease is valid, binding and in full force and effect and is enforceable by each
Seller that is a party thereto and no Seller has subleased, demised or otherwise
granted any interest in any such Reference Lease or property subject thereto,
except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(j). Sellers have good and valid title to the
leasehold estate or other interest created under each Reference Lease, and to
Sellers' Knowledge, no lessee under any Reference Lease relating to leased Real
Property is in material default of its obligations thereunder.

                                       25

<PAGE>

          (k)  Use and Operation. To Sellers' Knowledge, the use and operation
of the Real Property in the conduct of the Business does not in any material
respect violate any instrument of record or agreement affecting the Real
Property.

          (l)  Title Insurance. To Sellers' Knowledge, Sellers have provided
true and complete copies of all title insurance policies in Sellers' possession
that insure the respective Sellers' fee simple title to the Real Property owned
by such Seller and all surveys conducted in connection with obtaining such title
insurance policies. No material claim has been made against any such title
insurance policy.

          (m)  Violations; Defects. Except as provided in Schedule 5.1(m), (i)
each Permit or license from any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over
any of the Purchased Plants or any agreement, easement or other right which is
material and is necessary to permit the lawful use and operation of the
buildings and improvements on any of the Real Property (as currently being used
and operated by Seller) or which is material and is necessary to permit the
lawful use and operation (as currently being used and operated by Seller) of all
driveways, roads and other means of egress and ingress to and from any of the
Purchased Plants has been obtained and is in full force and effect, and to
Sellers' Knowledge there is no pending threat of modification or cancellation of
any of the same, (ii) no Seller has received written notice issued by any
Governmental Authority of any violation of any federal, state or municipal law,
ordinance, order, regulation or requirement relating to the Real Property, (iii)
to Sellers' Knowledge there are no material structural defects relating to any
Purchased Plant, or (iv) to Sellers' Knowledge there is no material physical
damage to any Purchased Plant for which there is no insurance in effect covering
the cost of the restoration. To Sellers' Knowledge, Republic has made available
to Purchaser all engineering reports in Sellers' possession with respect to the
Purchased Plants.

          (n)  Condemnation; Zoning. No Seller has received any notice in
writing that (i) any condemnation proceeding is pending or threatened with
respect to any Real Property or (ii) any zoning, building or similar law, code,
ordinance, order or regulation is or will be violated by the continued
maintenance, operation or use of any buildings or other improvements on any Real
Property or by the continued maintenance, operation or use of the parking areas.

          (o)  Oral Agreements. To Sellers' Knowledge, Sellers have no material
oral agreements with respect to the Conduct of the Business.

          (p)  Tax Certiorari Proceedings. Except as set forth in Schedule
5.l(p), there are no ongoing tax certiorari proceedings with respect to Real
Property owned by Sellers.

          (q)  Certain Actions. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.1(q):

               (i) there are no Actions or proceedings pending or, to the
     Knowledge of any Seller, threatened against, relating to or affecting any
     of the Purchased Assets individually or in the aggregate, which, if
     adversely decided against Sellers, would reasonably be expected to result
     in the imposition of material liability against Sellers;

                                       26

<PAGE>

               (ii)  to Sellers' Knowledge, there are no facts or circumstances
     relating to the Purchased Assets that would give rise to any Action or
     proceeding against any Seller that would reasonably be expected to result
     in a Material Adverse Effect;

               (iii) none of the Sellers has received written notice, and no
     Seller otherwise has Knowledge, of any orders outstanding against any
     Seller; and

               (iv)  prior to the execution of this Agreement, Republic has
     delivered or made available to Purchaser all responses of counsel for
     Sellers to auditors' requests for information regarding Actions or
     proceedings pending or threatened against, relating to or affecting Sellers
     during the three-year period prior to the date hereof.

          (r)  Compliance with Applicable Laws and Regulations.

               (i)   General. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.1(r)(i), to
     Sellers' Knowledge, Sellers are and for the last three (3) years have been
     in compliance in all material respects with all Laws that are (or were)
     material to the operation of the Business.

               (ii)  Environmental Matters. To Sellers' Knowledge, except as set
     forth on Schedule 5.1(r)(ii), (a) the Business and the Purchased Assets are
     and for the last five (5) years have been in compliance in all material
     respects with Environmental Laws; (b) there have not been and there are no
     actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents,
     including, without limitation, the release, emission, discharge, presence
     or disposal of any Hazardous Substance on any of the Real Property, that
     could reasonably be expected to prevent, hinder or limit continued
     compliance in all material respects with Environmental Laws or could
     reasonably be expected to form the basis of a material environmental claim
     against Sellers or against any Person whose liability for any environmental
     claim a Seller has or may have retained or assumed either contractually or
     by operation of law; (c) none of the following exists at any of the Real
     Property: (i) under- or above-ground storage tanks, (ii) friable asbestos
     containing material, (iii) transformers containing polychlorinated
     biphenyls at concentrations greater than 500 parts per million, or (iv)
     landfills, surface impoundments, or disposal areas (except as could not
     reasonably be expected to form the basis of a material claim); and (d)
     Sellers have provided true and accurate copies of (i) all material reports,
     studies and analyses of the cost for the Business as Conducted to maintain
     or achieve compliance with proposed future requirements of Environmental
     Law, and (ii) Environmental Reports.

               (iii) Definitions. For purposes of this agreement:

                     (A) "Hazardous Substance" means any material, substance, or
          waste, or combination thereof which is classified as hazardous, toxic,
          pollutant or contaminant or words of similar meaning, whether solid,
          liquid or gaseous in nature, under Environmental Laws, including
          without limitation petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction
          thereof), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos and radioactive
          materials;

                                       27

<PAGE>

               (B) "Environmental Law" means any and all applicable federal,
          state, and local statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, orders,
          common law, and similar provisions currently in existence and
          applicable and having the force or effect of law, concerning public
          health or safety, worker health or safety, pollution or protection of
          the environment, including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, 42
          U.S.C.ss.7401 et seq. (the "Clean Air Act"), the Clean Water Act, 33
          U.S.C.ss.1251 et seq., the Resource Conservation Recovery Act, 42
          U.S.C. 6901 et seq. ("RCRA"), the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15
          U.S.C.ss.2601 et seq., the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
          Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.ss.9601 et seq. ("CERCLA"),
          the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (but only to the extent
          it regulates occupational exposure to Hazardous Substances), all as
          amended, and any and all other applicable laws, all as amended, which
          govern: (i) the existence, cleanup, removal and/or remedy of
          contamination or threat of contamination at, on or under owned or
          leased real property; (ii) the release, threatened release, emission
          or discharge of Hazardous Substances into the environment; (iii) the
          control of Hazardous Substances; or (iv) the presence, use,
          manufacturing, refining production, generation, transport, treatment,
          storage, disposal, distribution, importing, labeling, testing,
          processing, removal, recycling, handling or recovery of Hazardous
          Substances; and

               (C) "Environmental Reports" means any and all environmental
          review and assessment reports that Republic, its corporate
          predecessors, or any Subsidiary of Republic has ever caused to be
          prepared or has ever received within the last five (5) years with
          respect to the owned Real Property or leased Real Property.

          (s)  Employment and Labor Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule
5.1(s), (A) there are no material claims or Actions pending or, to Sellers'
Knowledge, threatened between Republic or any of its Subsidiaries and any of
their respective employees; (B) neither Republic nor any of its Subsidiaries is
a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract
applicable to Persons employed by Republic or any such Subsidiary; (C) there are
no unfair labor practice complaints pending or to Sellers' Knowledge threatened
against Republic or any of its Subsidiaries before the National Labor Relations
Board or any similar state or foreign agency or any current union representation
questions involving employees of Republic or any of its Subsidiaries; (D) there
are no union claims to represent the employees of the Business; (E) there is no
material grievance arising out of any collective bargaining agreement or other
grievance procedure; (F) there are no concerted strikes slowdowns, work
stoppages or lockouts by or with respect to any group of employees of Republic
or any of its Subsidiaries and during the past five years there has not been any
such action; (G) there is not any organizational effort presently being made or,
to Sellers' Knowledge, threatened involving any of Republic's or its
Subsidiaries' employees; (H) Republic and each of its Subsidiaries are, and have
at all times been, in material compliance with all applicable Laws relating to
employment and employment practices, including, without limitation, provisions
thereof relating to terms and conditions of employment, wages, hours of work,
occupational safety and health, collective bargaining, the payment of social
security and other payroll or similar taxes, equal employment opportunity,
employment discrimination or harassment, and are not engaged in any unfair labor
practices as defined in the National Labor Relations Act or other applicable
Law,

                                       28

<PAGE>

ordinance or regulation; (I) to Sellers' Knowledge, neither Republic nor any of
its Subsidiaries is liable for any arrears of wages or penalties for failure to
comply with any of the foregoing; (J) Sellers have not received notice of the
intent of any federal, state, local or foreign agency responsible for the
enforcement of labor or employment laws to conduct an investigation with respect
to Sellers and, to Sellers' Knowledge, no such investigation is in progress; and
(K) there are no complaints, lawsuits or other proceedings pending or, to
Sellers' Knowledge, threatened in any forum by or on behalf of any present or
former employee of Republic or any Subsidiary of Republic, any applicant for
employment or classes of the foregoing alleging breach of any express or implied
contract for employment, any law or regulation governing employment or the
termination thereof or other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in
connection with the employment relationship. Except as set forth in Schedule
5.1(s), there are no employment contracts or severance agreements with any
employee of Republic or any Subsidiary of Republic.

          (t)  Employee Benefits.

               (i)   Except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(t)(i), Republic, any
     Subsidiary of Republic or by any trade or business, whether or not
     incorporated that, together with Republic or a Subsidiary of Republic,
     would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 414(b),
     (e), (m), or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b) of ERISA (an "ERISA
     Affiliate") have no liability, and this transition will not cause Purchaser
     to have any liability (including, but not limited to, withdrawal liability)
     with respect to any multi-employer plan as defined in ERISA Section
     4001(a)(3) or any Employee Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA.

               (ii)  Except as set forth in Schedule 5.1(t)(ii), with respect to
     all employee benefit plans and policies of Seller and its ERISA Affiliates
     which are subject to Laws other than those of the United States, each such
     plan has been operated and funded in accordance with its terms and
     applicable Law and in such a manner such that there is no lien on the
     Purchased Assets as of the Closing Date or earlier.

               (iii) There has been no material failure of a group health plan
     (as defined in Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code) sponsored, contributed to,
     or maintained by Republic or any ERISA Affiliate to meet the requirements
     of Section 4980B(f) of the Code with respect to a qualified beneficiary (as
     defined in Section 4980B(f) of the Code). Republic has provided or will
     provide to Purchaser: (i) copies of all such group health plans and their
     respective summary plan descriptions, and (ii) accurate and complete
     information regarding the costs of such group health plans for active
     employees, retirees and COBRA participants for the last two (2) years,
     including an accurate breakdown of numbers of plan participants by category
     (actives, COBRA, retirees) and plant location (for COBRA recipients and
     retirees, the last plant where they worked).

               (iv)  A true and complete copy of the Lender Retention Program is
     attached hereto as Exhibit D. Such program or plan is in full force and
     effect and has not been modified, amended, supplemented or replaced.

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<PAGE>

                     (v) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan under which
     Purchaser may incur any liability as a result of Purchaser complying with
     any provision of this Agreement, including any Assumed Liability, all
     obligations, whether arising by operation of applicable Law or under the
     terms of such Employee Benefit Plan and its operative documents, required
     to be performed with respect to such Employee Benefit Plan have been
     performed and performed timely in all material respects, and there have
     been no material defaults, omissions, or violations by any party with
     respect to such Employee Benefit Plan, and each such Employee Benefit Plan
     has been administered in compliance in all material respects with its
     governing documents and all applicable Law.

               (u)   Reports and Financial Statements.

                     (i)   Republic and Republic Technologies International
     Holdings, LLC have filed, other than immaterial filings, all required
     reports, schedules, forms and other documents required or agreed to be
     filed by either of them with the Securities and Exchange Commission since
     April 10, 1999 (collectively, including all exhibits thereto, the "Seller
     SEC Reports"). None of the Seller SEC Reports, as of their respective dates
     (and if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
     Agreement of the Closing Date, then the date of such filing), contained an
     untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
     in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                     (ii)  Each of the financial statements (including related
     notes) included in the Seller SEC Reports present fairly, in all material
     respects, the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of
     operation and cash flows of the filer thereof and its direct and indirect
     Subsidiaries as of the respective dates or for the respective periods set
     forth therein, all in conformity with U.S. GAAP consistently applied during
     the periods involved except as otherwise noted therein, and, subject, in
     the case of the unaudited interim financial statements, to the absence of
     complete notes and normal year-end adjustments. Such financial statements
     include the audited balance sheet of Republic Technologies International
     Holdings, LLC and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries on a consolidated
     basis as of December 31, 2001 (the "Audited Balance Sheets"), and the
     related audited statements of income and cash flows for the fiscal year
     then ended filed as part of the Republic Technologies International
     Holdings, LLC Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission on April 1, 2002 (together with the Audited Balance
     Sheets, including the notes thereto, the "Audited Financial Statements").

                     (iii) The unaudited combined consolidating balance sheets
     of Sellers as of March 31, 2002 (the "Unaudited Balance Sheets") and the
     related combined consolidating statements of income and cash flows for the
     Sellers for the three-month period then ended (together with the Unaudited
     Balance Sheet, including the notes thereto, the "Unaudited Financial
     Statements") are attached as Schedule 5.1(u)(iii) and were prepared from,
     and in accordance with, Sellers' books and records in accordance with U.S.
     GAAP consistently applied, and present fairly in all material respects the
     financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Sellers on a
     combined

                                       30

<PAGE>

     consolidating basis as of the dates and for the periods indicated, subject
     to the absence of complete notes and normal year-end adjustments.

     (v)  Tax Matters.

          (i)   Except as set forth on the attached Schedule 5.1(v), to the
     Sellers' Knowledge (A) no Encumbrances have been filed on or against the
     Purchased Assets as a result of Sellers' failure to pay, in whole or in
     part, any Taxes; (B) Sellers have no reason to believe that an Encumbrance
     might be filed or imposed in the future on or against the Purchased Assets
     or any owned Real Property or leased Real Property as a result of Sellers'
     failure to pay, in whole or in part, any Taxes; (C) Sellers have timely and
     properly filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by them, and such Tax
     Returns are true, correct and complete and, except as prohibited or stayed
     by the Bankruptcy Court, Sellers have paid all Taxes due from them; and (D)
     none of the Sellers has received any notice of any audit, dispute or claim
     threatened by any taxing authority.

          (ii)  None of the Sellers is a foreign person for purposes of Section
     1445 of the Code.

          (iii) Except as set forth on the attached Schedule 5.1(v), to Sellers'
     Knowledge (A) Republic has not been and is not now in violation (and with
     notice or lapse of time, or both, would not be in violation) of any
     applicable Law relating to the payment or withholding of Taxes; and (B)
     Republic has duly and timely withheld from employee salaries, wages and
     other compensation and paid over to the appropriate taxing authorities all
     amounts required to be so withheld and paid over for all periods under all
     applicable Laws.

     (w)  Substantial Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 5.l(w)(i) lists the
thirty-five (35) largest customers of Sellers, other than the Railroad
Subsidiary, on the basis of revenues for goods sold or services provided for the
most recent fiscal year. Schedule 5.1(w)(ii) lists the thirty-five (35) largest
suppliers of Sellers, other than the Railroad Subsidiary, on the basis of cost
of goods or services purchased for the most recent fiscal year. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 5.1(w)(iii), to Sellers' Knowledge, since December 31,
2001, no such customer or supplier has ceased or materially reduced its
purchases from or sales or provision of services to, or materially modified its
relationship with, Sellers and has not threatened to cease or materially reduce
such purchases or sales or provision of services or has any reason to terminate
or modify such relationship. To Sellers' Knowledge, no such customer or supplier
is threatened with bankruptcy or insolvency.

     (x)  Inventory; Accounts Receivable.

          (i)   Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.1(x), to Sellers' Knowledge,
     all Inventory reflected on the Unaudited Balance Sheet included in Section
     5.1(u) consisted, and all such Inventory acquired since the date of that
     balance sheet, consists of a quality and quantity usable and salable in the
     ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, net of any
     applicable reserve, and was produced or acquired by Sellers in the ordinary
     course of business.

                                       31

<PAGE>

          (ii) The accounts and notes receivable of the Sellers reflected on the
     Audited Balance Sheet and the Unaudited Balance Sheet included in the
     Unaudited Financial Statements and all accounts and notes receivable
     arising subsequent to the date of the Unaudited Balance Sheet (A) arose
     from bona fide sales transactions in the ordinary course of business
     consistent with past practice and are payable on ordinary trade terms, (B)
     are legal, valid and binding obligations of the respective debtors
     enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, (C) are not subject
     to any valid set-off or counterclaim, (D) do not represent obligations for
     goods sold on consignment, on approval or on a sale-or-return basis or
     subject to any other repurchase or return arrangement, and (E) are not the
     subject of any Actions or Governmental Order brought by or on behalf of the
     Seller or any Subsidiary.

     (y)  Affiliates. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.1(y) and for
transactions solely between Republic and its Subsidiaries, no Seller is a party
to any transaction with any Affiliate of any Seller. All of such Contracts
listed on Schedule 5.1(y) have been entered into on an arm's-length basis and
are commercially reasonable.

     (z)  Disclosure. No representation or warranty by Sellers contained in this
Agreement and no statement contained in any of the Attendant Documents or any
other certificate or instrument furnished or to be furnished pursuant to this
Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement
contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or
will omit to state a material fact, necessary in order to make any of the
statements, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.

     (aa) Insurance. Sellers are covered by valid, outstanding and enforceable
policies of insurance covering their respective properties, assets and business
against risks of the nature normally insured against by companies in the same or
similar lines of business and in coverage amounts typically and reasonably
carried by such companies including, without limitation, policies with respect
to workers compensation (the "Insurance Policies"). Such Insurance Policies are
valid and binding and in full force and effect, and all premiums due thereon
have been paid. Sellers have complied with all material provisions of such
Insurance Policies. Schedule 5.1(aa) contains a complete and correct list of all
Insurance Policies and all amendments and riders thereto, and identifies the
name and address of the insurers, the expiration dates thereof, type(s) and
amounts of insurance coverage, policy numbers, the annual premiums and payment
terms thereof, the policy periods for each policy and a brief description of the
interests insured thereby, copies of which have been provided or made available
to Purchaser by Seller. During the three-year period prior to the date hereof,
no Seller has made any claim under any of the Insurance Policies, or has
suffered any losses that would give rise to any such claims, for any amount in
excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars ($250,000.00), except as set
forth on Schedule 5.1(aa). Schedule 5.1(aa) contains a list of all outstanding
claims made under any insurance policy covering Sellers for any amount in excess
of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars ($250,000.00). No Seller (i) has
permitted or suffered any act or omission that would cause nor (ii) knows of any
reason or state of facts that could lead to, the cancellation of or reduction of
coverage provided by such policies. The Insurance Policies listed in Schedule
5.1(aa) are in amounts and have coverages as required by any Contract to which
such Seller is a party or by which any of their Purchased Assets or

                                       32

<PAGE>

properties is bound. No Seller has (i) received written notice, and Seller does
not otherwise have Knowledge, that any insurer under any policy referred to in
this Section 5.1(aa) is denying liability with respect to a claim thereunder or
defending under a reservation of rights clause nor (ii) assigned, pledged,
mortgaged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred the rights under such insurance
policies. Sellers have recorded a reserve for such liabilities in and no
liability beyond such reserve would reasonably be expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect. Workers' compensation claims outside the State of Ohio
for all employees of Sellers have been covered under fully insured programs
since December 31, 2001 and there have been no gaps in such coverage.

     (bb) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. From and after March 31, 2002,
except (x) as contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, or (y) as set forth
in Schedule 5.1(bb), Sellers have conducted their business only in the ordinary
course and in a manner in all material respects consistent with past practice,
and whether or not in the ordinary course during such period, there has not been
any event which, individually or together with any other events, has had or
would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect. In
addition, without limiting the foregoing, except as expressly contemplated
hereby and except as disclosed in Schedule 5.1(bb), there has not occurred since
March 31, 2002 (i) any damage, destruction or loss (whether or not covered by
insurance) with respect to any Purchased Assets in excess of $200,000.00, (ii)
any material change by Sellers in their accounting methods, principles or
practices, (iii) any revaluation by Sellers of any of the Purchased Assets,
including, without limitation, writing down the value of inventory or writing
off notes or accounts receivable other than in the ordinary course of business,
(iv) any entry by Sellers into any commitment or transaction, or series of
commitments or transactions, in respect of Indebtedness of Sellers, (v) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividends or distributions in
respect of the capital stock of Sellers or any redemption, purchase or other
acquisition of any of its securities, (vi) any transfer, lease or other
disposition of any of Sellers' assets or properties, except for fair
consideration in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices
or pursuant to a Bankruptcy Court order, (vii) any acquisition of any of
Sellers' assets or properties, except in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practices, (viii) any investment of a capital nature,
whether by purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property
transfers or otherwise, in any partnership, corporation or other entity, or
entry into any agreement or commitment to do the same, (ix) any acquisition of
(or commitment to acquire) the stock or equity interests of any entity or the
operating assets of any going business, (x) any forgiving, release,
cancellation, compromise or lapse of any debt or claim of Sellers, other than in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or pursuant to a
Bankruptcy Court order, (xi) any incurrence of Indebtedness by Sellers or (xii)
any increase in the compensation payable or to become payable to any officer or
employee of Sellers except for increases in salaries or wages in the ordinary
course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice, or any
material increase in the benefits under, or the establishment of, any employee
benefit plan, including any DB Plan; and Sellers have not agreed to, and do not
intend, to take any action contemplated by the foregoing clauses (i) through
(xii) of this Section 5.1(bb).

     (cc) Undisclosed Liabilities. None of Sellers has any material liability,
except for (i) liabilities set forth on the face of the Unaudited Balance Sheet
(rather than in any notes thereto) and (ii) liabilities which have arisen after
March 31, 2002 in the ordinary course of business of Sellers.

                                       33

<PAGE>

     (dd) Other Negotiations; Brokers. None of Sellers or any Person retained by
or acting for or on behalf of any Seller, or any Affiliate of any such Person
(i) has entered into any agreement that conflicts with any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) has entered into any agreement or had any
discussions with any third party regarding any transaction involving any Seller,
which could result in any such Seller, Purchaser, or their respective
shareholders, members or any general partner, limited partner, manager, officer,
director, employee, agent or Affiliate of any of them being subject to any claim
for liability to said third party as a result of entering into this Agreement or
consummating the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. Except as set
forth in Schedule 5.1(dd), no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to
any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission payable by Seller or any
Subsidiary of Seller in connection with this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by and on behalf of Seller.

     (ee) Investment. Each Seller (i) understands that the Purchaser Interests
and the Senior Secured Note have not been, and will not be, registered under the
Securities Act or under any state securities Laws, and are being offered and
sold in reliance upon federal and state exemptions for transactions not
involving any public offering, (ii) will bear the economic risk of acquiring the
Purchaser Interests and the Senior Secured Note and will not be deemed to be an
underwriter under the Securities Act or any rules or regulations promulgated
thereunder, (iii) acknowledges that Purchaser has made no representations or
warranties to it as to the future financial performance or prospects of
Purchaser, the present or future value of the Purchaser Interests and the Senior
Secured Note, or the likelihood that the obligations constituting the Purchaser
Interests and the Senior Secured Notes will be paid in full and in a timely
fashion, (iv) agrees that it has, independently and without reliance on
Purchaser, and based on each such Seller's detailed knowledge of the Purchased
Assets as owner of such assets and the Assumed Liabilities and such other
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis of
Purchaser, its future financial performance and its prospects and value of the
Purchaser Interests and the Senior Secured Note and has made its own decision to
accept the Purchaser Interests and the Senior Secured Note as part of the
Purchase Price, (v) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon
Purchaser, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in
taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the Attendant Documents,
and (vi) is an "accredited investor" as defined in Regulation D promulgated
under the Securities Act. Each Seller further acknowledges that each Seller will
be restricted from transferring the Purchaser Interests pursuant to the terms of
the Purchaser Operating Agreement or from transferring the Senior Secured Note
pursuant to the terms thereof.

     (ff) Solvency of Non-Debtor Sellers. None of the Non-Debtor Sellers is now
insolvent, nor will any Non-Debtor Seller be rendered insolvent by any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As used in this Section 5.1(ff),
the term "insolvent" means that the sum of the debts and other probable
liabilities of the applicable Non-Debtor Seller exceeds the fair present value
of such Non-Debtor Seller's assets. Immediately after giving effect to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement: (A) each
Non-Debtor Seller will be able to pay its liabilities as they become due in the
ordinary course of business of such Non-Debtor Seller; and (B) each Non-Debtor
Seller will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct its
present or proposed business.

                                       34

<PAGE>

          (gg) Litigation. Schedule 5.1(gg) sets forth each instance in which
any Non-Debtor Seller (i) is subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment,
order, decree, ruling, or charge or (ii) is a party or, to Sellers' Knowledge,
threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, proceeding, hearing, or
investigation of, in, or before any court or administrative agency of any
federal, state, local, or foreign jurisdiction. None of the actions, suits,
proceedings, hearings and investigations set forth in Schedule 5.1(gg) questions
the enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to adversely
affect the Purchased Assets to be acquired from such Non-Debtor Seller,
individually or in the aggregate, by an amount of Two Hundred Thousand U.S.
Dollars ($200,000.00) or more.

     Section 5.2 Representations and Warranties of Purchaser. Purchaser hereby
represents and warrants to Sellers the following:

          (a)  Good Standing and Authority. Purchaser is a limited liability
company organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware. Purchaser is duly qualified to do business as a foreign
entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it is required to
be qualified. Purchaser has full limited liability company power and authority
to enter into this Agreement, to enter into the Attendant Documents to which it
is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
This Agreement and all of the Attendant Documents to which Purchaser is a party,
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, have
been or will be, on or prior to the Closing Date, duly authorized and approved
by all necessary and proper limited liability company action on the part of
Purchaser. This Agreement, and all of the Attendant Documents to which Purchaser
is a party, when executed and delivered, will constitute legal, valid and
binding obligations of Purchaser enforceable against such Purchaser in
accordance with their respective terms.

          (b)  Non-Violative Agreement. Neither the execution and delivery of
this Agreement or the Attendant Documents to which Purchaser is a party nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement will conflict
with, result in the breach or violation of or constitute a default under the
terms, conditions or provisions of Purchaser's certificate of formation or
limited liability company agreement or any other material agreement or
instrument to which Purchaser is a party, or by which Purchaser is bound.

          (c)  Consents, Approvals or Authorizations. Except as contemplated by
this Agreement, no consent, approval or authorization of, filing or registration
with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority is required in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Purchaser or the
consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than
any consent, approval or authorization, filing or registration with, or
notification to, which if not obtained or made would not materially and
adversely affect Purchaser's ability to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. No consent, approval or authorization of any Person is required in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Purchaser or the
consummation by Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                                       35

<PAGE>

             (d) Purchaser Interests. All of the issued and outstanding
Purchaser Interests (i) have been duly authorized, are validly issued, fully
paid, and nonassessable, and (ii) were issued in compliance with all applicable
state and federal securities Laws. The Purchaser Interests to be issued pursuant
to this Agreement will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and will on the Closing Date be issued in compliance with all
applicable federal and state securities Laws.

             (e) Options and Warrants. There is no existing option, warrant,
call, right, commitment or other agreement of any character to which the
Purchaser or Purchaser Member is a party requiring, and there are no securities
of Purchaser outstanding which upon conversion or exchange would require, the
issuance, sale or transfer of any additional Purchaser Interests or other equity
securities of Purchaser or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for
or evidencing the right to subscribe for or purchase Purchaser Interests or
other equity securities of Purchaser. Except for the limited liability company
agreement of Purchaser, neither the Purchaser nor the Purchaser Member is a
party to any voting trust or other voting agreement with respect to any of the
Purchaser Interests or to any agreement relating to the issuance, sale,
redemption, transfer or other disposition of equity interests of Purchaser.

             (f) Operations of Purchaser. Purchaser was formed solely for the
purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby, has engaged in no
other business activities and has and on the Closing Date will have, conducted
its operations only as contemplated hereby.

             (g) Financing. Purchaser shall have on the Closing Date sufficient
unrestricted funds on hand or committed lines of credit or funds to
pay the Cash Consideration.

     Section 5.3 Amendments to Disclosure Schedules. From time to time prior to
the Closing, Sellers shall, by written notice to Purchaser or upon the written
request of Purchaser, amend the Schedules to this Agreement to reflect any
matters hereafter arising or which hereafter come to their attention which, if
existing, occurring or known to Sellers at the date of this Agreement, would
have been required to be set forth or described in the Schedules to this
Agreement; provided that (i) no such notice or amendment to the Schedules
pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall be deemed to cure any breach of any
representation or warranty which is made in this Agreement as of the date hereof
as of the date of such delivery, and (ii) no such notice or amendment shall have
any effect for purposes of determining whether the condition in Section 9.1(c)
has been satisfied.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                EMPLOYEE MATTERS

     Section 6.1 Employees.

             (a) Termination and Rehire of Sellers' Employees. Effective as of
the Closing Date, Sellers shall terminate the employment of all employees of
Sellers at the Purchased Plants ("Sellers' Employees") and Purchaser shall offer
or cause to be offered employment to certain of Sellers' Employees in accordance
with the manning plan agreed to by

                                       36

<PAGE>

Purchaser and Republic as of the date hereof and as may be amended from time to
time by mutual agreement prior to the Closing. Nothing contained in this
Agreement shall require the Purchaser to maintain the employment of any Hired
Employee. For purposes of this Agreement, Sellers' Employees who are offered
and, on or after the Closing Date, accept and actually commence employment with
Purchaser or any Subsidiary of Purchaser shall be referred to herein as "Hired
Employees."

         (b)   WARN Act Notices. The Sellers shall indemnify and hold harmless
Purchaser and its Affiliates from all costs, liabilities and expenses,
including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees, incurred by Purchaser
or any of its Affiliates as a result of any violation of, or failure to comply
with, the WARN Act based on the transaction contemplated by this Agreement. For
purposes of the WARN Act and this Section 6.1(b), "Closing Date" shall mean the
"effective date" of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, as defined
in the WARN Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the Closing Date,
Purchaser shall have the right to negotiate terms of employment with non-union
represented individuals to become effective immediately after the Closing with
such employees of Sellers as is determined by Purchaser in its sole discretion.

         (c)   Alternative Tax Procedure. Pursuant to the "Alternative
Procedure" provided in Section 5 of Revenue Procedure 96-60, 1996-2 C.B. 399,
(i) Purchaser and Republic shall report on a predecessor/successor basis as set
forth therein, (ii) Sellers will be relieved from filing a Form W-2 with respect
to any Hired Employees for the year that includes the Closing Date; and (iii)
Purchaser will undertake to file (or cause to be filed) a Form W-2 and any of
the other tax related forms permitted to be filed on a predecessor/successor
basis in Section 5 of Revenue Procedure 96-60 for each such Hired Employees for
the year that includes the Closing Date (including the portion of such year that
such employee was employed by Seller). Republic shall provide Purchaser on a
timely basis with all payroll and employment-related information with respect to
each Hired Employee.

  Section 6.2  Employee Benefit Plans.

         (a)   Employee Benefit Plans and Fringe Benefit Plans and Policies.
Effective as of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall cause the Hired Employees to
be covered under new or existing employee benefit plans and fringe benefit plans
which, in the aggregate, provide Hired Employees with such benefits as Purchaser
deems appropriate in its sole discretion ("Purchaser's Plans"); provided,
however, that Purchaser's Plans shall meet the requirements of each collective
bargaining agreement to which Purchaser is a party with respect to those Hired
Employees whose terms and conditions of employment are subject to such
collective bargaining agreement; provided further that the compensation and
benefits offered by Purchaser to the Hired Employees shall be sufficient so as
not to constitute a "constructive termination" for purposes of triggering the
WARN Act and other applicable state and federal law.

         (b)   Current Vacation Accruals. Effective as of the Closing Date,
Purchaser shall, in accordance with Schedule 6.2(b), provide each Hired Employee
with the number of his or her unused accrued vacation days (but not sick or
other paid time off days) outstanding as of the Closing Date under the
applicable vacation policy of Sellers or the Successor Labor Agreement and shall
not cause any forfeiture of any such days such that Purchaser shall pay the

                                       37

<PAGE>

cash equivalent of any such days that remain unused as of the Hired Employee's
termination of employment with Purchaser to the extent applicable; provided,
however, that in determining the number of any such days that are unused as of a
Hired Employee's termination of employment with Purchaser, such Hired Employee
shall be deemed to have used days credited under this Section 6.2(b) prior to
any vacation days accrued while such Hired Employee is employed by Purchaser.

         (c)   Group Health Plan. Republic shall continue to maintain its group
health plan for so long as there are any employees at either Republic or any
ERISA Affiliate; provided, however, that Republic may terminate such group
health plan prior to the termination of all such employees if and when it
becomes prohibitively expensive for Republic to maintain such group health plan,
but in no event shall such plan be terminated prior to January 1, 2003.

         (d)   Expense Reimbursement. Purchaser will reimburse Republic for
pre-Closing compensation expenses with respect to both the Hired Employees and
Sellers' employees who do not become Hired Employees, but only if and to the
extent such expenses (i) were incurred in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, (ii) were accrued as of the Closing Date, (iii)
are not covered by any insurance maintained by any Seller, not payable from any
assets held in a VEBA or other welfare benefit fund of any Seller, and not the
obligation of any third party, (iv) consist exclusively of accrued wages, back
payroll taxes (withholding only), accrued vacation benefits, accrued management
performance incentives, health insurance benefits incurred but not reported, and
workers' compensation, and (v) do not in the aggregate exceed Twenty-Nine
Million, Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($29,500,000.00), subject to the
following conditions and limitations:

               (i)    Such accrued wages will be reimbursed only for (x) hourly
     employees (both hourly Hired Employees and hourly employees who do not
     become Hired Employees) and (y) if Closing occurs other than on the 15th or
     last work day of a month, salaried employees (both salaried Hired Employees
     and salaried employees who do not become Hired Employees).

               (ii)   Such accrued vacation will be reimbursed only for Hired
     Employees (both hourly Hired Employees and salaried Hired Employees).

               (iii)  Such incurred but unreported health insurance benefits
     will be reimbursed only for (x) Hired Employees (both hourly Hired
     Employees and salaried Hired Employees) and (y) Sellers' hourly employees
     represented by the United Steel Workers of America who do not become Hired
     Employees, but in the case of such hourly employees who do not become Hired
     Employees, only if and to the extent such expenses consist exclusively of
     health insurance benefits incurred but not reported and only if and to the
     extent such expenses do not in the aggregate exceed Two Million, One
     Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($2,100,000.00).

               (iv)   Such workers' compensation claims will be reimbursed only
     for Ohio employees (both Ohio Hired Employees and Ohio employees who do not
     become Hired Employees).

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<PAGE>

                   (v)    Such back payroll taxes will be reimbursed for both
     Hired Employees and employees who do not become Hired Employees.

                   (vi)   Such management incentives will be reimbursed only for
     salaried employees (both salaried Hired Employees and salaried employees
     who do not become Hired Employees).

                   (vii)  Reimbursement will be made by Purchaser as soon as
     administratively practicable following receipt of written notice of payment
     of any such eligible expenses along with documentation that such payment
     complies with the requirements for reimbursement set forth herein.

                   (viii) Purchaser will have no reimbursement obligation under
     this Section 6.2(d) for any expenses for which Purchaser receives notice of
     a claim following thirteen months after the Closing.

     Section 6.3   Workers' Compensation. Sellers shall be responsible for all
workers' compensation claims arising out of events occurring on or prior to the
Closing Date, except as expressly assumed by Purchaser in this Agreement.
Purchaser shall be responsible for all workers' compensation claims arising out
of events occurring after the Closing Date.

     Section 6.4   Management Incentive Plans.

               (a) Key Management Employment Benefits. Purchaser shall provide
to the managers listed on Schedule 6.4(a) ("Key Managers") employment benefits
similar to those provided by Sellers to such individuals at the date hereof
other than those provided under the Lender Retention Program.

               (b) Key Management Severance and Termination Plans. Purchaser
shall assume the severance and termination plans and protections provided by
Sellers described in Schedule 6.4(b) with respect to Key Managers or adopt new
severance and termination plans and protections on substantially similar terms.

               (c) Equity Incentive Plan. After the Closing, Purchaser shall
adopt an equity-based incentive program for the managers of Purchaser and such
other Persons as the board of directors of Purchaser may determine from time to
time. Such equity-based incentive program initially shall reserve up to 9% of
the Purchaser Interests outstanding immediately after Closing and shall grant
equity incentives to participants in such plan under terms, conditions and
amounts to be determined by the board of directors of Purchaser. The terms of
any such plan will provide for the granting of options and the issuance of
Purchaser Interests. Purchaser Interests issued under such plan will dilute
ratably all equity interests in Purchaser that are outstanding immediately after
Closing.

     Section 6.5   Mutual Cooperation. Each of the parties hereto shall mutually
cooperate and provide the other party with such records, information,
documentation and assistance as such party reasonably requests in order to carry
out the party's respective obligations under this Article VI.

                                       39

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                   TAX MATTERS

        Section 7.1 Transfer Taxes. Subject to bankruptcy court approval, in
accordance with Section 1146(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, the making or delivery
of any instrument of transfer under a plan confirmed under Section 1129 of the
Bankruptcy Code shall not be taxed under any law imposing a stamp tax or similar
tax. The instruments transferring the Purchased Assets to Purchaser shall
contain the following endorsement:

        "Because this [instrument] has been authorized pursuant to Order of the
        United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio,
        Eastern Division, relating to a plan of reorganization of the Grantor,
        it is exempt from transfer taxes, stamp taxes or similar taxes pursuant
        to 11 U.S.C. ss. 1146(c), and any officer receiving this [instrument]
        is hereby authorized and directed to permit the transfer contemplated
        by this [instrument] without the payment of any stamp tax, transfer tax
        or similar tax."

        Purchaser and Sellers shall cooperate in providing each other with any
appropriate resale exemption certifications and other similar documentation.

        In the event real estate, stamp taxes or similar taxes (including,
without limitation, transfer taxes) ("Transfer Taxes") are required to be paid
in order to record the deeds to be delivered to Purchaser in accordance
herewith, or in the event any such Transfer Taxes are assessed at any time
thereafter, such real estate Transfer Taxes incurred as a result of the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid 50% by Purchaser and 50% by
Sellers. In the event sales, use or other Transfer Taxes are assessed on the
transfer of any Purchased Assets as a result of the transactions contemplated
hereby, such Transfer Taxes shall be paid 50% by Purchaser and 50% by Sellers.

        Purchaser and Sellers agree to cooperate to determine the amount of
Transaction Taxes payable in connection with the transactions contemplated under
this Agreement. Purchaser agrees to assist Sellers reasonably in the preparation
and filing of any and all required returns for or with respect to such
Transaction Taxes with any and all appropriate taxing authorities. Nothing in
this Section 7.1 shall require Purchaser to be liable for any of the income tax
liability of Seller.

        Section 7.2 Proration of Real and Personal Property Taxes. The real and
personal property Taxes and assessments on the Purchased Assets for any taxable
period commencing prior to the day immediately preceding the Closing Date (the
"Adjustment Date") and ending after the Adjustment Date shall be prorated
between Purchaser and Seller as of the close of business on the Adjustment Date.
All such prorations shall be allocated so that items relating to time periods
ending on the Adjustment Date shall be allocated to Republic based upon the
number of days in the period prior to the Closing Date and items related to time
periods beginning after the Adjustment Date shall be allocated to Purchaser
based on the number of days in the period from and after the Closing Date;
provided, however, that the parties shall allocate

                                       40

<PAGE>

any real property Tax subject to the limitation set forth in Section 3.1(a)(vi).
The amount of all such prorations shall be settled and paid on the Closing Date;
provided, however, that final payments with respect to prorations that are not
able to be calculated on the Closing Date shall be calculated and paid as soon
as practicable thereafter.

  Section 7.3  Tax Returns; Cooperation on Tax Matters.

         (a)   Republic shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of
all Tax Returns for Sellers for all periods as to which Tax Returns are due
after the Closing Date (including the consolidated, unitary and combined Tax
Returns for such Seller) which include the operations of the Business for any
period ending on or before the Closing Date. Republic shall make all payments
required with respect to any such Tax Returns, to the extent not prohibited,
stayed or discharged by the Bankruptcy Court.

         (b)   Purchaser shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of
all Tax Returns for the Business for all periods as to which Tax Returns are due
after the Closing Date (other than for Taxes with respect to periods for which
the consolidated, unitary, and combined Tax Returns of Republic will include the
operations of the Business). Purchaser will make all payments required with
respect to any such Tax Returns; provided, however, that Republic shall
reimburse Purchaser three (3) Business Days prior to the due date for filing
such Tax Returns to the extent any payment Purchaser makes relates to the
operation of the Business for any period or portion thereof ending on or before
the Closing Date.

         (c)   Purchaser and Republic agree to furnish or cause to be furnished
to each other, as promptly as practicable, such information and assistance
relating to the Purchased Assets and the Assumed Liabilities as is reasonably
necessary for the preparation and filing of any Tax Return, claim for refund or
other required or optional filings relating to Tax matters, for the preparation
for and proof of facts during any Tax audit, for the preparation for any Tax
protest, for the prosecution or defense of any suit or other proceeding relating
to Tax matters and for the answer to any governmental or regulatory inquire
relating to Tax matters.

         (d)   Purchaser agrees to retain possession, at its own expense, of all
accounting, business, financial and Tax records and information (i) relating to
the Purchased Assets or the Assumed Liabilities that are in existence on the
Closing Date and transferred to Purchaser hereunder and (ii) coming into
existence after the Closing Date that relate to the Purchased Assets or the
Assumed Liabilities before the Closing Date, for a period of at least six years
from the Closing Date. In addition, from and after the Closing Date, Purchaser
agrees that it will provide access to Sellers and their attorneys, accountants
and other representatives (after reasonable notice, during normal business hours
and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of
Purchaser), to the books, records, documents and other information relating to
the Purchased Assets or the Assumed Liabilities and to any officers of Purchaser
that are Hired Employees as Sellers may reasonably deem necessary to (x)
properly prepare for, file, prove, answer, prosecute and/or defend any such Tax
Return, claim, filing, tax audit, tax protest, suit, proceeding or answer or (y)
administer or complete any cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code of
Sellers. Such access shall include, without limitation, access to any
computerized information retrieval systems relating to the Purchased Assets or
the Assumed Liabilities.

                                       41

<PAGE>

  Section 7.4  Allocation Purchase of Price and Purchase Price Allocation
Forms. Purchaser and Sellers agree to allocate the Purchase Price and the
Assumed Liabilities among the Purchased Assets (and among Sellers) in accordance
with a schedule to be reasonably agreed to between them prior to the Closing
Date (the "Allocation"), provided that if Purchaser and Sellers are not able to
agree on the Allocation prior to the Closing Date, Purchaser's schedule of
allocation will be the Allocation with Republic's consent, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld. Sellers and Purchaser will cooperate in filing
with the IRS their respective Forms 8594 as provided for in Section 1060 of the
Code on a basis consistent with the Allocation, and the Allocation shall be
reflected on any Tax Returns required to be filed as a result of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                       COVENANTS AND ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

  Section 8.1  Approval Proceedings.

         (a)   Sellers shall refrain from knowingly taking any action that would
be likely to result in the revocation of, the entry of the Bidding Procedures
Order.

         (b)   Sellers shall (i) use their commercially reasonable efforts to
cause the entry of the Sale Order by the Bankruptcy Court on or before July 15,
2002, which date Purchaser may waive or extend at its sole discretion, and (ii)
use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, and shall refrain from
knowingly taking any action that would be likely to delay, prevent, impede or
result in the revocation of the entry by the Bankruptcy Court of the Sale Order.

         (c)   Sellers shall provide notice of the proposed sale of the
Purchased Assets, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and
in such manner as may be required by Law, to Sellers' creditors, all
Governmental Authorities that have filed a notice of appearance in the Chapter
11 Cases, all parties to the Purchased Contracts and Reference Leases and all
parties entitled to notice of the Sale Motion by such date as shall allow
sufficient time for the Sale Order to be entered by the Bankruptcy Court on or
before July 9, 2002 (the "Required Creditor Notices").

  Section 8.2  Good Faith Deposit. Within two (2) Business Days after the
deadline for receipt of Qualified Bids, but, in any event, prior to the date of
the Auction, Purchaser shall cause to be issued a letter of credit to an escrow
agent to be jointly selected by Purchaser and Republic (the "Escrow Agent") in
the amount of Five Million U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00) (the "Good Faith
Deposit"). The Escrow Agent shall hold the Good Faith Deposit pursuant to a
customary escrow agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Purchaser and Republic. Purchaser shall not be required to provide the Good
Faith Deposit in the event Seller does not receive any Qualified Bids by the
deadline therefor. The Good Faith Deposit may be drawn down by Republic only if
(a) Republic terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.1(e) and Sellers
are not then in material breach of their representations, warranties or
covenants under this Agreement or (b) at Closing, at the sole election of
Purchaser, to satisfy a

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<PAGE>

portion of the Cash Consideration. In all other circumstances, the Good Faith
Deposit shall be promptly returned to Purchaser.

  Section 8.3  Access to Information, Confidentiality.

         (a)   Sellers shall, and shall cause each of their respective officers,
directors, employees, auditors and other agents of Sellers to afford the
Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, auditors and other agents of
Purchaser and its Affiliates reasonable access during normal business hours to
the officers, directors, employees, agents, properties, offices, plants and
other facilities of Sellers and to all books and records of Sellers, and shall
furnish Purchaser and its Affiliates with all financial, operating and other
data and information with respect to the business and properties of Sellers as
Purchaser, through its Affiliates and their respective officers, employees or
agents.

         (b)   Sellers shall promptly provide Purchaser with drafts of all
documents, motions, orders, filing or pleadings that Seller or any of its
Subsidiaries proposes to file with the Bankruptcy Court which relate to (i) this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereunder, (ii) entry of the Sale
Order and, (iii) the sale of the Purchased Assets by Sellers and assumption of
Assumed Liabilities by Purchaser, and will provide Purchaser with a reasonable
opportunity to review such documents in advance of their service and filing.
Sellers shall consult and cooperate with Purchaser, and consider in good faith
the views of Purchaser with respect to all such filings. Notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary herein, Sellers shall not seek to amend or modify any
provision of the Bidding Procedures Order or the Sale Order without the prior
written consent of Purchaser.

         (c)   From the date hereof until the Closing Date, except as may be
required by Law, neither Purchaser nor its Affiliates, employees, agents, and
representatives (collectively, "Purchaser Representatives") will disclose to any
third party the information concerning Sellers that it may have acquired from
Sellers in the course of its due diligence investigation with respect to Sellers
in Section 8.3(a) and (b) hereof without the prior written consent of Seller;
provided, however, Purchaser Representatives may disclose any such information
as follows: (i) to the extent that the information is or becomes generally
available to the public through no fault of any Purchaser Representative making
such disclosure; (ii) to the extent that the same information is in the
possession of the Purchaser Representative making such disclosure prior to
receipt of such information; (iii) to the extent that the Purchaser
Representative that received the information independently developed the same
information prior to the date the Purchaser Representative received such
information from Sellers without relying on any information; or (iv) to the
extent that the same information becomes available to such Purchaser
Representative making such disclosure on a non-confidential basis from a source
other than a Purchaser Representative which is not known by Purchaser
Representative to be confidential. If the transactions contemplated hereby are
not consummated, the Purchaser Representatives will return or destroy the
confidential information upon the written request of Seller. In the event that
Purchaser or any Purchaser Representative is required by Law or legal process to
disclose all or any part of any such confidential information, Purchaser shall
promptly notify Republic of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding
such a request so that it may seek an appropriate protective order, at
Republic's sole cost and expense, prior to Purchaser's disclosure of such
information.

                                       43

<PAGE>

  Section 8.4  Notification of Certain Matters. Sellers shall give prompt notice
to Purchaser of (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the occurrence
or non-occurrence of which would be likely to cause any representation or
warranty contained in this Agreement to be materially untrue or inaccurate
(without giving effect to any limitation as to "materiality" set forth therein),
(ii) any failure of Sellers to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or
agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder and (iii) the
occurrence or non-occurrence of any event the occurrence or non-occurrence of
which would have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that the delivery
of any notice pursuant to this Section 8.4 shall not limit or otherwise affect
the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such notice.

  Section 8.5  HSR Act.

         (a)   Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of
the parties will (i) use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary under
applicable antitrust Laws to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to supply as promptly as
practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be
requested pursuant to the HSR Act and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts
to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under
the HSR Act as soon as practicable.

         (b)   In connection with the efforts to obtain all requisite approvals
and authorizations for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the
HSR Act or any other antitrust Law, each of the parties shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to (i) cooperate, and assist as reasonably requested, with
each other in connection with any filing or submission and in connection with
any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding initiated by a
private party, (ii) keep the other parties informed in all material respects of
any material communication received by such party from, or given by such party
to, the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC"), the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice (the "DOJ") or any other Governmental Authority and of any
material, communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a
private party, in each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated
hereby and (iii) permit the other parties to review any material communication
given to it by, and consult with each other in advance of any meeting or
conference with, the FTC, the DOJ or any other Governmental Authority in
connection with any proceeding by a private party. Each of the parties thereto
will coordinate and cooperate fully with the other parties hereto in exchanging
information and providing such assistance as such other parties may reasonably
request in connection with the foregoing and in seeking early termination of any
applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act. Sellers shall maintain in the
strictest confidence any material, non-public information about Purchaser or any
of Purchaser's direct or indirect Affiliates obtained in connection with the
foregoing efforts and shall cause any employee, officer, director or
representative of Sellers to maintain such information in the strictest
confidence.

                                       44

<PAGE>

  Section 8.6  Filings and Approvals Regarding the Railroad Subsidiary.

         (a)   As soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement,
Purchaser shall make or cause to be made all filings with and submissions to the
Surface Transportation Board under the ICC Termination Act that are required in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement in respect of the Railroad Subsidiary. Sellers shall assist and
support, and Republic shall cause the Railroad Subsidiary to assist and support,
Purchaser in the preparation of such filings and submissions, and Purchaser
shall provide Republic an opportunity to review and comment on all such filings
and submissions prior to their transmittal to the Surface Transportation Board.

         (b)   If the approvals or exemptions of the transactions from the
Surface Transportation Board contemplated by this Agreement in respect of the
assets of the Railroad Subsidiary have not been obtained or become effective by
the Closing Date, Sellers shall continue to use their commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain all approvals or exemptions and, notwithstanding anything to
the contrary herein, until such approvals or exemptions are obtained, this
Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign the assets of the Railroad
Subsidiary and to the extent permitted by Law and subject to any required
exemptions or approvals, from and after the Closing Date (i) Republic shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Railroad Subsidiary to continue to
operate in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise reasonably directed
by Purchaser, (ii) Republic shall, and Republic shall cause the Railroad
Subsidiary to, enter into any reasonable arrangement designed to provide
Purchaser with the benefits of, and cause Purchaser to bear the costs and
obligations of, Republic's ownership of the Railroad Subsidiary and (iii)
Purchaser shall indemnify Sellers for any losses arising out of the operation of
the Railroad Subsidiary from and after the Closing Date.

  Section 8.7  Further Action.

         (a)   Upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, each of the
parties hereto shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to
be taken all appropriate action and to do or cause to be done all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable,
including using its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all Permits and
orders from Governmental Authorities and consents, approvals and authorizations
from parties to contracts with any Seller as are necessary for the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to fulfill the conditions
to the Closing. Sellers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts, in
cooperation with Purchaser, to secure, transfer, assign or otherwise convey to
Purchaser all Permits necessary for the continued post-Closing operation of the
Purchased Assets or discharge the Assumed Liabilities in compliance with all
applicable Laws and Environmental Laws.

         (b)   Each party hereto agrees to cooperate in obtaining any other
consents and approvals that may be required in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that no party hereto shall be
required to compensate any third party to obtain any such consent or approval.

                                       45

<PAGE>

          (c)     Prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
Purchaser instructed a Title Company to obtain title insurance commitments and
corresponding Surveys. Promptly after Purchaser receives such title commitments
and corresponding Surveys, Purchaser shall deliver copies thereof, as well as
further continuations, supplements or revisions thereto, directly to Sellers.
Purchaser shall use commercially reasonably efforts for the market in which the
respective properties are located to cause the Title Company to deliver title
insurance commitments and to cause the corresponding Surveys to be completed as
soon as possible and in any event delivered prior to Closing.

     Section 8.8   Conduct of the Business. Except as contemplated by this
Agreement or with the prior written consent of Purchaser, Sellers covenant and
agree that, during the period between the date of this Agreement and the
Closing, Sellers shall (i) conduct the Business in a manner consistent with past
practice, and (ii) confer on a regular and frequent basis with one or more
Purchaser Representatives to report operational matters and the general status
of ongoing operations including sales levels, profit margins, cost increases,
changes or modifications to the operations of Sellers or their Subsidiaries and
adverse trends. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, Sellers and
their Subsidiaries shall not, during the period between the date of this
Agreement and the Closing, directly or indirectly do, or propose or commit to
do, any of the following, except as provided by this Agreement or following (x)
the prior written notice thereof to Purchaser and (y) receipt by Sellers of
Purchaser's written non-objection thereto:

          (a)     amend or otherwise change the Certificates of Incorporation,
Bylaws or other constitutive documents of Sellers;

          (b)     issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or authorize the
issuance, sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of, (i) any shares of capital
stock of any class or any securities, or any options, warrants, convertible
securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of capital stock or
any securities, or any other ownership interest, of Republic or any of its
Subsidiaries or (ii) any Purchased Assets, except for sales of inventory in the
ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past practice;

          (c)     reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock or any of
its securities;

          (d)     (i) acquire (by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock
or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
division thereof or collection of assets constituting all or substantially all
of a business or business unit; (ii) incur any Indebtedness or issue any debt
securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as an accommodation
become responsible for, the obligations of any Person (provided that Seller
shall be permitted to borrow money under the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving
Credit Agreement); (iii) enter into any material Contract, agreement or lease
other than in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with
past practice; or (iv) enter into or amend any contract, agreement, commitment
or arrangement with respect to any of the matters set forth in this Section
8.10(d);

          (e)     enter into any Contract or amend or modify any existing
Contract with any of its shareholders, members, officers, directors, employees,
including making any loan or advance to any such Affiliate other than advances
historically made to employees in the ordinary

                                       46

<PAGE>

course in connection with the performance of their employment, vacation
advances, relocation loans and travel advances, in each case made in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice.

          (f)     close any production facility or reject any Reference Leases
or Third Party Leases, provided that Sellers shall renew in accordance with its
terms any Reference Lease that is subject to renewal if, but only if, Purchaser
shall have delivered written notice to Sellers not less than 15 Business Days
prior to the lease renewal date for such Reference Lease directing Seller to
renew such Reference Lease;

          (g)     pay, discharge or satisfy any material claims, liabilities or
obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary
course of business of liabilities reflected or reserved against in the Unaudited
Financial Statements of Sellers or incurred in the ordinary course of business
in a manner consistent with past practice including payments due and payable
under the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Agreement;

          (h)     restructure, write-off or forgive, or agree to restructure
write-off or forgive, any receivables;

          (i)     introduce system-wide or regional changes in operations or
products, other than operations or products consistent with the continuing
operation of the production facilities and purchase orders of Republic and any
of its Subsidiaries, except as described on attached Schedule 8.8(i);

          (j)     other than in the ordinary course of business, (A) enter into,
or agree to enter into, any new purchasing or distribution agreements, or amend
or agree to amend any existing purchasing or distribution agreements or (B)
enter into, or agree to enter into, any contract or agreement of a type which,
if it had been in effect on the date of this Agreement, would have been required
to have been identified on Schedule 5.1(e)(i), except, in each case, as
described on attached Schedule 8.8(j);

          (k)     enter into new leases in respect of real property not leased
by Sellers as of the date hereof or modify the terms of any Reference Lease or
enter into any sublease with respect to any Reference Lease;

          (l)     change or revoke any federal, state, local or foreign Tax
election, settle any federal, state, local or foreign Tax audit or file any
amended Tax Return with respect to federal, state, local or foreign Taxes for
which Purchaser would be responsible;

          (m)     change any method or period of accounting or change any
significant accounting policy, practice, or procedure or any material estimates;

          (n)     take or omit to take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of Seller and its Subsidiaries hereunder inaccurate
in any material respect;

                                       47

<PAGE>

          (o)      increase, except pursuant to existing contracts or
established practice, the salary, compensation or benefits payable to any
employees, directors or consultants or modify, establish or enter into any
employee benefit plan, including any DB Plan; or

          (p)      agree or otherwise commit to take any of the actions
prohibited by the foregoing clauses (a) through (o).

     Section 8.9   Non-Assignable Contracts.

          (a)      Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign any
Purchased Contract or any claim, right or benefit arising thereunder or
resulting therefrom if an attempted assignment thereof without the consent of a
third party thereto would constitute a breach or other contravention thereof,
would be ineffective with respect to any such third party, or would in any way
adversely affect the rights of Purchaser or Sellers thereunder.

          (b)      With respect to any such Purchased Contract for which the
consent of a party thereto shall not have been obtained at Closing and any
claim, right or benefit arising thereunder or resulting therefrom, Sellers and
Purchaser shall each use their reasonable good faith efforts to obtain as
expeditiously as possible the written consent of the other parties to such
Purchased Contract for the assignment thereof to Purchaser.

          (c)      Unless and until any consent, waiver, confirmation, novation
or approval is obtained with respect to any such Purchased Contract, Sellers and
Purchaser shall cooperate to establish an arrangement satisfactory to Purchaser
under which Purchaser would obtain the claims, rights and benefits and assume
the corresponding liabilities and obligations thereunder (including by means of
any subcontracting, sublicensing or subleasing arrangement) or under which
Sellers would enforce for the benefit of Purchaser, with Purchaser assuming and
agreeing to pay Sellers' obligations, any and all claims, rights and benefits of
Sellers against a third party thereto. In such event, (i) Sellers will promptly
pay to Purchaser, when received, all moneys received by it under any such
Purchased Contract or any claim, right or benefit arising thereunder, and (ii)
Purchaser will promptly pay, perform or discharge, when due, any and all
obligations and liabilities arising thereunder, other than those being contested
in good faith.

     Section 8.10  Acquisition Agreements. To the extent that any of the
acquisition agreements set forth on the attached Schedule 2.1(k) (the
"Acquisition Agreements") are not assignable without the consent of another
party, such consent is not obtained and there is hereafter discovered any event
or occurrence for which Purchaser would have been entitled to indemnification if
such Acquisition Agreement had been assigned to Purchaser (an "Indemnification
Claim"), Sellers shall, upon receipt of written notice from Purchaser, pursue
such Indemnification Claim on Purchaser's behalf at Purchaser's sole reasonable
expense. Purchaser shall control the investigation, defense and settlement
(including choice of counsel in its sole discretion) of any Indemnification
Claim and shall reimburse Sellers for all reasonable costs and expenses relating
thereto promptly upon presentation by Sellers of invoices or other documentation
evidencing such amounts to be reimbursed. Sellers shall make available to
Purchaser, at Purchaser's reasonable expense, its counsel and other
representatives, all information and documents available to them that relate to
such Indemnification Claim. Sellers

                                       48

<PAGE>

shall also render to Purchaser, at Purchaser's reasonable expense, such
assistance and cooperation as may reasonably be required to ensure the proper
and adequate pursuit of such Indemnification Claim. Sellers shall promptly remit
and turn over to Purchaser any recovery (including pursuant to any settlement,
arbitration, judicial proceeding or otherwise) relating to any such
Indemnification Claim and such recovery shall be deemed to be a Purchased Asset.

     Section 8.11  Indemnification Agreements. Sellers and Purchaser shall
cooperate to establish arrangements reasonably acceptable to each of Purchaser
and Republic under which Purchaser would obtain certain claims, rights and
benefits and assume certain corresponding liabilities and obligations under the
indemnification agreements set forth on the attached Schedule 8.11 (the
"Indemnification Agreements") with respect to the Purchased Assets. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, if there is discovered any event or
occurrence for which indemnification would have been provided under such
Indemnification Agreements, Sellers shall, upon receipt of written notice from
Purchaser, pursue such indemnification claim on Purchaser's behalf at
Purchaser's sole reasonable expense. Purchaser shall control the investigation,
defense and settlement (including choice of counsel in its sole discretion) of
any such indemnification claim asserted under any Indemnification Agreement and
shall reimburse Sellers for all reasonable costs and expenses relating thereto
promptly upon presentation by Sellers of invoices or other documentation
evidencing such amounts to be reimbursed. Sellers, at Purchaser's reasonable
expense, shall make available to Purchaser, its counsel and other
representatives, all information and documents available to them that relate to
any such indemnification claim. Sellers also shall, at Purchaser's reasonable
expense, render to Purchaser such assistance and cooperation as may reasonably
be required to ensure the proper and adequate pursuit of any such
indemnification claim. Sellers shall promptly remit and turn over to Purchaser
any recovery (including pursuant to any settlement, arbitration, judicial
proceeding or otherwise) relating to any such indemnification claim and such
recovery shall be deemed to be a Purchased Asset. Purchaser shall be entitled to
satisfy any payment obligation, threshold amount or other condition to the
receipt of indemnification under any Indemnification Agreement. To the extent
that Purchaser and Republic may benefit from an indemnification claim asserted
under any Indemnification Agreement, and Purchaser contributes to the
satisfaction of any payment obligation, threshold or other condition, then
Purchaser and Republic shall share in the benefit of any recovery therefrom pro
rata based upon their respective contributions to the satisfaction of any such
condition. To the extent that any liability for which Purchaser is indemnified
by Sellers under Section 11.2 would be covered under any of the Indemnification
Agreements, such claim may be asserted by Purchaser against Sellers, but any
such claim for indemnification shall not be due and payable to Purchaser until
such claim has been asserted by Sellers under such Indemnification Agreement and
no recovery is obtained thereunder.

     Section 8.12  Litigation. Sellers will promptly supply to Purchaser copies
of all litigation or legal proceedings pertaining to the Purchased Assets which
may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement but prior to the Closing
Date, and will also advise Purchaser promptly in writing of any written threat
of litigation or other legal proceeding (including actions or motions in the
Bankruptcy Court) which is made between the date of this Agreement and the
Closing Date pertaining to the Purchased Assets or the Seller' ability to
perform its obligations under this Agreement.

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     Section 8.13  Public Announcements. Prior to the Closing Date, the parties
shall consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise
making any public statement or holding any discussion with the Bank Lenders,
Creditors Committee, and any ad hoc meeting of trade creditors with respect to
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and shall not issue any
such press release or make any such public statement without the prior approval
thereof by the other party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Nothing in this Section 8.13 shall prevent disclosure by Sellers or Purchaser,
or any of their Affiliates, with respect to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby as Sellers or Purchaser, or such Affiliate, may be required
to make by applicable Law or as may be required to the Bank Lenders, provided,
however, that the party required to make such disclosure shall give prior notice
to the other party of the nature of the requirement, the identity of the Person
or Persons to whom disclosure is required to be made and the information to be
disclosed.

     Section 8.14  Filings and Authorizations. Each of Sellers and Purchaser, as
promptly as practicable, shall (i) make, or cause to be made, all such filings
or submissions under Laws applicable to it as may be required for it to
consummate the transaction contemplated herein; (ii) use its and their
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or cause to be obtained, all
authorizations, approvals, consents and waivers from all Persons and
Governmental Authorities necessary to be obtained by it in order for it so to
consummate such transactions; and (iii) use its and their commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions necessary,
proper or advisable in order for it to fulfill its obligations hereunder.

     Section 8.15  Amendment to List of Purchased Contracts. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, at any time prior to the Closing Purchaser
shall be entitled in its sole discretion to remove any executory Contracts or
unexpired leases from the list of Purchased Contracts by providing written
notice thereof to Republic and any Contracts so removed shall not constitute
Purchased Assets at Closing. At any time before or after the Closing Purchaser
shall be entitled in its sole discretion to request the Sellers to add to the
list of Purchased Contracts any executory Contracts or unexpired leases of
Sellers by providing written notice thereof to Republic, and any Contracts so
added shall constitute Purchased Assets; provided that Purchaser shall not be
entitled to add to the list of Purchased Contracts any executory Contracts or
unexpired leases of Sellers that any Seller has rejected by order of the
Bankruptcy Court. Sellers shall give written notice to Purchaser prior to the
submission of any motion in the Chapter 11 Cases to reject any executory
Contracts or unexpired leases. Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts
to have such Contracts and leases assigned to the Purchaser as soon as
practicable after receipt of such notice (but no earlier than the Closing).

     Section 8.16  Use of Cartersville Proceeds. To the extent that the
Cartersville Asset Sale has been consummated prior to the Closing, Sellers shall
promptly pay to the Bank Lenders the net proceeds therefrom, after repayment of
the industrial revenue bonds that are secured by the assets of the Cartersville
facility, for the exclusive purpose of repaying any outstanding principal and
accrued and unpaid interest on the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit
Agreement.

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     Section 8.17  Insurance. Following the Closing Date, Sellers shall maintain
insurance policies that provide the same level of coverage as the Insurance
Policies and that cover claims made and events occurring prior to the Closing
Date; provided, however that such insurance policies may only cover the Excluded
Assets and liabilities not assumed by Purchaser hereunder.

     Section 8.18  Bulk Sale. Each of the parties to this Agreement hereby
waives compliance with the bulk sales or bulk transfer laws that are applicable
to the sale of the Purchased Assets with respect to the Excluded Liabilities.

     Section 8.19  Creation of Easement. With respect to the property known as
1807 East 28th Street in Lorain, Ohio (the "Lorain Property"), Purchaser and
Sellers shall, prior to Closing, negotiate and record an easement agreement
reasonably acceptable in all respects to Purchaser and Sellers over the portion
of the Lorain Property being transferred to Purchaser in order to provide
ingress and egress to a public road from the portion of the Lorain Property
being retained by Sellers.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                            CONDITIONS TO THE CLOSING

     Section 9.1   Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser. The obligations of
Purchaser to effect the Closing shall be subject to the prior and/or
simultaneous satisfaction or written waiver by Purchaser of each of the
following conditions:

          (a)      Bidding Procedures Order. The Bidding Procedures Order (i)
shall not have been stayed, modified, amended, dissolved, revoked or rescinded
without Purchaser's consent and (ii) shall be in full force and effect on the
Closing Date.

          (b)      Sale Order. The Sale Order (i) shall have been entered on or
before July 15, 2002, which date may be waived or extended by Purchaser in its
sole discretion, (ii) shall not have been stayed, modified, amended, dissolved,
revoked or rescinded without Purchaser's consent and (iii) shall be in full
force and effect on the Closing Date. The Sale Order shall be in form and
substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser.

          (c)      Representations and Warranties. (i) The representations and
warranties of Sellers set forth in this Agreement qualified by materiality shall
be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of
the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except that to
the extent such representations and warranties expressly speak as of an earlier
date, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all
respects as of such specified date); (ii) the representations and warranties of
Sellers set forth in this Agreement that contain no qualification with respect
to materiality shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the
Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly
speak as of an earlier date, such representations and warranties shall be true
and correct in all material respects as of such specified date); and (iii)
Purchaser shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date signed by the
Chief Executive Officer of each Seller to such effect.

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<PAGE>

          (d)      Covenants. Sellers shall have performed in all material
respects all of the obligations, covenants and agreements required to be
performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date and
Purchaser shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed
by the Chief Executive Officer of each Seller to that effect.

          (e)      Consents, Approvals and Permits. Sellers and Purchaser shall
have received all consents or approvals and made all applications, requests,
notices and filings with any Person or Governmental Authority required to be
obtained or made in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any required
consents to the assignment of Purchased Contracts, which required consents and
approvals are set forth on Schedule 9.1(e). Purchaser shall have either (i)
obtained (whether by transfer, assignment or otherwise) all Permits necessary
for the continued post-Closing operation of the Purchased Assets in compliance
with all applicable Laws and Environmental Laws, or (ii) be in the process of
obtaining such Permits with adequate assurances from Governmental Authorities
that such lawful post-Closing operation of the Purchased Assets may continue
pending receipt of such Permits.

          (f)      No Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted,
issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation,
injunction or other Governmental Order (whether temporary, preliminary or
permanent) which is in effect and has the effect of making the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement illegal or otherwise restraining or prohibiting
consummation of such transactions; or which would otherwise materially adversely
affect or interfere with the operation of the Business following Closing.

          (g)      New Credit Facility. Purchaser shall have entered into the
New Credit Facility on terms, conditions and a duration satisfactory to
Purchaser.

          (h)      Qualification of Senior Note Indenture. The Senior Secured
Note Indenture shall have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended.

          (i)      No Material Adverse Effect. There shall not have occurred any
event, change, occurrence, development or state of facts or circumstances which
has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, but
excluding effects resulting from or arising in connection with this Agreement,
the transactions contemplated hereby or the announcement hereof.

          (j)      Closing Deliveries. Sellers shall have delivered or caused to
be delivered to Purchaser each of the items listed in Section 10.2 hereof.

          (k)      HSR Waiting Period. The applicable waiting period under the
HSR Act shall have expired or terminated.

          (l)      Canadian Steel Asset Purchase Agreement. All conditions to
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Canadian Steel Asset
Purchase Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived.

          (m)      Successor Labor Agreement. All conditions to the
effectiveness of the Successor Labor Agreement shall have been satisfied or
waived.

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<PAGE>

          (n)      Lapinsky Employment Contract. Mr. Joseph Lapinsky's current
employment agreement with Republic shall have been assumed by Republic and
assigned to Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.

          (o)      Title Policy and Surveys. (i) The Title Company shall have
issued the Title Policies, without any exceptions thereto, except for the
Assumed Liabilities and the Permitted Real Estate Liens; and (ii) Purchaser
shall have received the Surveys, containing the original signature and seal of
the surveyor and any additional matter required by the Title Company showing no
Encumbrances other than the Assumed Liabilities and the Permitted Real Estate
Liens.

          (p)      No Termination. This Agreement shall not have been terminated
pursuant to Section 12.1.

     Section 9.2   Conditions to Obligations of Seller. The obligations of
Sellers to effect the Closing shall be subject to the prior and/or simultaneous
satisfaction or written waiver by Seller of each of the following conditions:

          (a)      Bidding Procedures Order. The Bidding Procedures Order (i)
shall not have been stayed, modified, amended, dissolved, revoked or rescinded
without Purchaser's consent and (iii) shall be in full force and effect on the
Closing Date.

          (b)      Sale Order. The Sale Order (i) shall have been entered on or
before July 15, 2002, which date may be waived or extended by Purchaser in its
sole discretion, (ii) shall not have been stayed, modified, amended, dissolved,
revoked or rescinded without Purchaser's consent and (ii) shall be in full force
and effect on the Closing Date. The Sale Order shall be in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to Purchaser.

          (c)      Representations and Warranties. (i) The representations and
warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement qualified by materiality
shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and
as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing date (except that
to the extent such representations and warranties expressly speak as of an
earlier date, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in
all respects as of such specified date); (ii) the representations and warranties
of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement that contain no qualification with
respect to materiality shall be true and correct in all material respects as of
the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as
of the Closing Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties
expressly speak as of an earlier date, such representations and warranties shall
be true and correct in all material respects as of such specified date); and
(iii) Republic shall have received a certificate dated the Closing Date and
signed on behalf of Purchaser by the chief executive officer of Purchaser to
such effect.

          (d)      Covenants. Purchaser shall have performed in all material
respects all obligations, covenants and agreements required to be performed by
it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date and Republic shall have
received a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by the chief executive
officer of Purchaser, to that effect.

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<PAGE>

          (e)      Consents and Approvals. Sellers and Purchaser shall have
received all consents or approvals and made all applications, requests, notices
and filings with any Person or Governmental Authority required to be obtained or
made in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement which required consents and approvals are set forth in the
attached Schedule 9.2(e).

          (f)      No Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted,
issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation,
injunction or other Governmental Order (whether temporary, preliminary or
permanent) which is in effect and has the effect of making the transactions
contemplated by this agreement illegal or otherwise restraining or prohibiting
consummation of such transactions.

          (g)      Closing Deliveries. Purchaser shall have delivered or caused
to be delivered to Seller each of the items listed in Section 10.3 hereof.

          (h)      HSR Waiting Period. The applicable waiting period under the
HSR Act shall have expired or terminated.

          (i)      Successor Labor Agreement. All conditions to the
effectiveness of the Successor Labor Agreement shall have been satisfied or
waived.

          (j)      Canadian Steel Asset Purchase Agreement. All conditions to
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Canadian Steel Asset
Purchase Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived.

          (k)      No Termination. This Agreement shall not have been terminated
pursuant to Section 12.1.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                     CLOSING

     Section 10.1  Closing. The closing (the "Closing") of the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement shall take place as soon as practicable after the
satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions set forth in Article IX (the
"Closing Date") at the offices of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
located at 590 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, or such other time and
place as the parties may agree.

     Section 10.2  Documents to be Delivered at Closing by Sellers. At the
Closing, Sellers shall properly execute (if necessary) and deliver (or cause to
be delivered) to Purchaser:

          (a)      The Purchaser Operating Agreement, duly executed by Republic.

          (b)      The Transition Services Agreement, duly executed by Republic
or its designees.

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<PAGE>

          (c)      The Indemnity Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Republic and
the escrow agent thereunder.

          (d)      The Bill of Sale, duly executed by Sellers.

          (e)      The Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Sellers.

          (f)      Such other deeds, bills of sale, assignments, releases,
consents to assignments and other instruments of sale, conveyance, assignment,
assumption and transfer as Purchaser or its counsel may reasonably request,
satisfactory in form and in substance to Purchaser and its counsel, in order to
convey to Purchaser all of Sellers' rights, title and interests in and to the
Purchased Assets and to assign to Purchaser all of the Assumed Liabilities in
the manner provided for in this Agreement.

          (g)      Limited warranty deeds for each parcel of the owned Real
Property substantially in the form of Exhibit F attached hereto.

          (h)      Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreements with respect to
each parcel of leased Real Property substantially in the form of Exhibit G
attached hereto (the "Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement"), duly executed
by Sellers.

          (i)      Any other duly executed document or instrument effecting
transfer of the Real Property which is required by the Title Company in order to
insure the Purchaser's title to the Real Property under the Title Insurance
Policies; and all consents of third parties required under any Reference Lease
or Third Party Lease, in form and substance as agreed to by the parties.

          (j)      Certified copies of the Sale Order and the Bidding Procedures
Order and a copy of the docket sheet for the Chapter 11 Cases showing their
entry and that no order has been entered that modifies, amends, stays,
dissolves, revokes or rescinds either of such orders and that no motion seeking
any such relief has been filed.

          (k)      A certificate of the Secretary of each Seller in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit H.

          (l)      A certificate of an officer of each Seller referred to in
Section 9.1(d) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I.

          (m)      A certificate of Republic certifying that each of the Sellers
is not a foreign person for the purposes of section 1445 of the Code, which
certificate shall comply with the requirements of Treasury Regulation 1.1445-2
and shall be in the form of Exhibit J.

          (n)      A cross-receipt for the Cash Consideration paid by Purchaser
to Sellers at the Closing.

          (o)      Such other documents and instruments as are contemplated in
this Agreement or as Purchaser or Purchaser's counsel may reasonably request in
order to evidence

                                       55

<PAGE>

or consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to effectuate
the purpose or intent of this Agreement.

     Section 10.3  Documents to be Delivered at Closing by Purchaser. At the
Closing, Purchaser shall properly execute (if necessary) and deliver (or caused
to be delivered) to Sellers:

          (a)      The Cash Consideration, a portion of which Purchaser may
satisfy with the proceeds of the Good Faith Deposit, if any.

          (b)      The Transition Services Agreement, duly executed by
Purchaser.

          (c)      The Senior Secured Note, dated as of the Closing Date and
authenticated by the trustee under the Senior Secured Note Indenture.

          (d)      A stock certificate representing the Purchaser Interests
which, as of the Closing Date, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.

          (e)      The Purchaser Operating Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser
and the Purchaser Member.

          (f)      The Assumption Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser or any
designee of Purchaser.

          (g)      The Lease Assignment and Assumption Agreement, duly executed.

          (h)      The Indemnity Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser
and the escrow agent thereunder.

          (i)      A certificate of an officer of Purchaser referred to in
Section 9.2(b) and Section 9.2(c) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit K.

          (j)      A certificate of the Secretary of Purchaser in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit L.

          (k)      Such other documents and instruments as are contemplated in
this Agreement or as Sellers or Sellers' counsel may reasonably request in order
to evidence or consummate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or to
effectuate the purpose or intent of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

     Section 11.1  Survival; Representations and Warranties. All representations
and warranties made in this Agreement shall survive for a period of one (1) year
after the Closing Date and shall not be extinguished by the Closing or any
investigation made by or on behalf of any party hereto.

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<PAGE>

     Section 11.2  Indemnification of Purchaser. From and after the Closing
Date, Sellers hereby agree to jointly and severally indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Purchaser and its Affiliates from and against any and all liabilities,
damages and losses, including reasonable attorney's fees and expenses, suffered
or incurred ("Losses") by Purchaser or any of its Affiliates resulting or
arising from claims asserted within the period specified in Section 11.1 insofar
as such Losses arise out of or are based upon (a) the inaccuracy or breach of
any representation or warranty of any Seller contained in this Agreement or an
Attendant Document; (b) any breach of any covenant or agreement of any Seller
contained in this Agreement or an Attendant Document; or (c) any Excluded
Liabilities; provided, however, that within sixty (60) days after learning of
the assertion of any third party claim against which Purchaser claims
indemnification under this Article XI, Purchaser shall notify Sellers and afford
them the opportunity to join in the defense or settlement thereof at Sellers'
own expense with counsel of their choosing, and Purchaser shall cooperate to
make available to Sellers all pertinent information under its control or in its
possession. Failure to so notify shall not effect the obligation to indemnify
unless material prejudice results therefrom. Purchaser shall have the right to
afford Sellers the opportunity to assume the defense or settlement of such third
party claims at their own expense with counsel of their choosing; provided that
Sellers shall not settle any such claim without the prior written consent of the
indemnified party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned
or delayed.

     Section 11.3  Indemnification of Sellers. From and after the Closing Date,
Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sellers and their
Affiliates from and against any and all Losses resulting or arising from claims
asserted within the period specified in Section 11.1 insofar as such Losses
arise out of or are based upon (a) the inaccuracy or breach of any
representation or warranty of Purchaser contained in this Agreement or an
Attendant Document to which Purchaser is a Party; (b) any breach of any covenant
or agreement of Purchaser contained in this Agreement or an Attendant Document
to which Purchaser is a party; or (c) any Assumed Liabilities; provided,
however, that within sixty (60) days after learning of the assertion of any
third party claim against which any Seller claims indemnification under this
Article XI, Sellers shall notify Purchaser and afford it the opportunity to join
in the defense or settlement thereof at Purchaser's own expense with counsel of
its choosing, and Sellers shall cooperate to make available to Purchaser all
pertinent information under their control or in their possession. Failure to so
notify shall not effect the obligation to indemnify unless material prejudice
results therefrom. Republic shall have the right to afford Purchaser the
opportunity to assume the defense or settlement of such third party claims at
its own expense with counsel of its choosing; provided that Purchaser shall not
settle any such claim without the prior written consent of Republic, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

     Section 11.4  Limitation on Seller' Indemnification Liability. The Sellers'
aggregate liability for money damages under this Agreement and all Attendant
Documents related to the inaccuracy or breaches of representations or warranties
and breaches of covenants or agreements shall not exceed an amount equal to
Fifteen Million U.S. Dollars ($15,000,000.00), which shall be satisfied as set
forth in Section 11.6. The Sellers shall have no liability for money damages
related to the inaccuracy of the representations or warranties or the breaches
of covenants or agreements contained herein until the aggregate damages claimed
under Section 11.2 exceeds Two Hundred Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars
($250,000.00).

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<PAGE>

     Section 11.5  Limitation on Purchaser's Indemnification Liability. The
Purchaser's aggregate liability for money damages under this Agreement and all
Attendant Documents related to the inaccuracy or breaches of representations or
warranties and breaches of covenants or agreements shall not exceed an amount
equal to Five Million U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00). Purchaser shall have no
liability for money damages related to the inaccuracy of the representations or
warranties or the breaches of covenants or agreements contained herein until the
aggregate damages claimed under Section 11.3 exceeds Two Hundred Fifty Thousand
U.S. Dollars ($250,000.00). Sellers shall not have any additional recourse
against Purchaser for such indemnity claims, except in instances of fraud by
Purchaser.

     Section 11.6  Satisfaction of Purchaser Claims. The amount of indemnifiable
damages or losses arising from any claim under this Article 11 made by Purchaser
or its Affiliates shall be paid by issuing additional Purchaser Interests
("Indemnity Interests") to the Purchaser Member, in accordance with the formula
set forth on Exhibit M attached hereto. The parties acknowledge and agree that
the value of Purchaser Interests used for the purpose of calculating the number
of Indemnity Interests, if any, to be issued to satisfy indemnity claims under
this Agreement shall not be binding on the parties or determinative of such
value for any other purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at Closing, Seller
shall establish an escrow account (the "Indemnity Escrow") pursuant to an escrow
agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser (the
"Indemnity Escrow Agreement") and shall promptly thereafter fund such escrow
account with up to Five Million U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00) of available cash
and for the first six months after the Closing Date, Purchaser also may satisfy
indemnifiable Losses from the Indemnity Escrow. The Cash Consideration shall not
be a source from which indemnifiable claims may be satisfied. In no event shall
Purchaser be entitled to payment for indemnity claims under this Article XI for
the inaccuracy of representations or warranties or breaches of covenants or
agreements contained in this Agreement in excess of Fifteen Million U.S. Dollars
($15,000,000.00), up to Five Million U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00) of which may
be satisfied from the Indemnity Escrow as set forth above and the remainder of
which shall be satisfied with the issuance of Indemnity Interests as calculated
in accordance with Exhibit M attached hereto. Any claim for indemnification of
Purchaser pursuant to this Article XI shall be paid solely out of the Indemnity
Escrow and the Indemnity Interests, and Purchaser shall not have any additional
recourse against Sellers for such indemnity claims, except in instances of fraud
by Sellers.

                                  ARTICLE XII

                        TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

     Section 12.1  Termination. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby
abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:

          (a)      by mutual written consent of Purchaser and Republic; or

          (b)      by Purchaser, if any or all of Sellers agree to transfer a
material portion of the Purchased Assets to a third party; or

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<PAGE>

          (c)      by Purchaser or Republic, if the Bankruptcy Court or any
other court of competent jurisdiction in the United States or other Governmental
Authority shall have issued an order, decree, ruling or taken any other action
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the purchase of the Purchased
Assets on the terms and conditions contained herein and such order, decree,
ruling or other action shall have become a Final Order; or

          (d)      by Purchaser if there is a material breach by any Seller of
any representation, warranty or covenant of the Sellers under this Agreement and
Sellers are unable or shall fail or refuse to cure such breach within ten (10)
days after written notice from Purchaser specifying such breach; or

          (e)      by Republic if there is a material breach by Purchaser of any
representation, warranty or covenant of Purchaser under this Agreement and
Purchaser is unable or shall fail or refuse to cure such breach within ten (10)
days after written notice from Republic specifying such breach; or

          (f)      by Purchaser on or prior to June 14, 2002 if Purchaser
determines in its sole discretion that the results of Purchaser's due diligence
with respect to any matters, other than environmental matters, related to the
prospects, business, assets, contracts, rights, liabilities and obligations of
Sellers (and of Purchaser after giving effect to the Closing), including,
without limitation, engineering, financial, marketing, employee, labor, ERISA,
employee benefits, legal and regulatory matters, are not satisfactory; provided
that Purchaser shall be deemed to have waived its right of termination under
this Section 12.1(f) for all purposes if it does not terminate this Agreement by
such date; or

          (g)      by Purchaser on or prior to June 28, 2002 if Purchaser
determines in its sole discretion that the results of Purchaser's due diligence
with respect to environmental matters related to the Purchased Assets and the
prospects, business, assets, contracts, rights, liabilities and obligations of
Sellers (and of Purchaser after giving effect to the Closing) are not
satisfactory; provided that Purchaser shall be deemed to have waived its right
of termination under this Section 12.1(g) for all purposes if it does not
terminate this Agreement by such date; or

          (h)      by Purchaser, if (i) the Bidding Procedures Order shall not
have become a Final Order on or prior to the date that is 10 days after its
entry or (ii) the Sale Order shall not have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court
on or prior to July 15, 2002 or (iii) the Sale Order shall not have become a
Final Order on or prior to the date that is ten (10) days after the entry of the
Sale Order unless Purchaser has waived the requirement for a Final Order; or

          (i)      by Purchaser on or before 5:00 p.m., July 2, 2002 if
Purchaser shall not have obtained from appropriate environmental Governmental
Authorities written assurances, satisfactory to Purchaser in the exercise of
Purchaser's reasonable discretion, that such Governmental Authorities shall not
seek to impose on Purchaser any Excluded Liabilities or obligations as described
hereinabove in Section 3.1(b)(ix) and Section 3.1(b)(xii); or

                                       59

<PAGE>

          (j)      by Purchaser or Republic, if the Closing shall not have
occurred on or prior to July 31, 2002; provided, however, that the right to
terminate this Agreement under this Section 12.1(i) shall not be available to
any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement shall
have been the cause of, or shall have resulted in, the failure of the Closing or
the failure to enter the Sale Order or the failure of such Sale Order to become
a Final Order on or prior to such date; or

          (k)      by Purchaser, upon the conversion of the Chapter 11 Cases to
cases under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, appointment of a Chapter 11
trustee or an examiner with expanded powers, or entry of an order pursuant to
Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code lifting the automatic stay with respect to
any material portion of the Purchased Assets; provided, however that Purchaser
shall not be entitled to exercise its right to terminate this Agreement pursuant
to this Section 12.1(k) until Purchaser has given Republic five days' prior
written notice, and Republic shall be permitted to cure any such event during
such five-day period.

     Section 12.2  Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void and have no effect and there shall be no liability on the part of any party
hereto or its Affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, or agents except
under Section 8.2, with respect to the Good Faith Deposit, if any, and Section
12.3.

     Section 12.3  Break-Up Fee; Expense Reimbursement. From and after the entry
of the Bidding Procedures Order, if this Agreement is terminated for any reason
other than pursuant to Section 12.1(e), Sellers shall reimburse Purchaser (and
the direct and indirect owners of the equity of Purchaser) for documented
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including legal, accounting,
engineering and other consultant fees and expenses) incurred in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Expense
Reimbursement Amount") in an amount up to (i) One Million U.S. Dollars
($1,000,000.00) or (ii) Two Million U.S. Dollars ($2,000,000.00) in the event
this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 12.1(b) or as a result of
Seller accepting a Competing Bid. From and after (i) the date on which Purchaser
has waived its rights to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 12.1(f)
and (g) or both such rights have lapsed due to the passage of time, and (ii) the
receipt by Purchaser of a firm commitment from the Bank Lenders with respect to
the New Credit Facility, if this Agreement is terminated for any reason other
than pursuant to Section 12.1(e), Sellers shall pay Purchaser (x) the Expense
Reimbursement Amount in an amount up to Two Million U.S. Dollars ($2,000,000.00)
plus (y) Three Million U.S. Dollars ($3,000,000.00) (the "Break-Up Fee") in the
event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 12.1(b) or as a result of
Seller accepting a Competing Bid. The payment of the Expense Reimbursement
Amount and the Break-Up Fee shall be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds promptly following the termination of this Agreement and, in the
event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 12.1(d) or as a result of
Seller accepting a Competing Bid, no later than the date that any definitive
agreement is executed with respect thereto and shall be paid first from any
deposits by a third party purchasers of a material portion of the Purchased
Assets. The claim of Purchaser against Sellers with respect to the Break-Up Fee
and the Expense Reimbursement Amount pursuant to this Section 12.3 shall
constitute an administrative expense claim in the Chapter 11 Cases that will
rank pari passu with all other administrative expense claims, including claims
under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

                                       60

<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 13.1  Expenses. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement
(including without limitation Section 12.3), Sellers and Purchaser shall each
bear the expenses incurred by them in connection with the preparation and
negotiation of this Agreement and the Attendant Documents and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, including, without
limitation, that Sellers shall pay all fees and expenses of McDonald Investments
Inc.

     Section 13.2  Governing Law; Forum. This Agreement shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of New York and, to the
extent applicable, the Bankruptcy Code. If the Bankruptcy Court does not have
subject matter jurisdiction over any action or proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, then each party (a) agrees that all such actions or
proceedings shall be heard and determined in federal court of the United States
for the Southern District of New York, (b) irrevocably submits to the
jurisdiction of such court in any such action or proceeding, (c) consents that
any such action or proceeding may be brought in such court and waives any
objection that such party may now or hereafter have to the venue jurisdiction or
that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court, and (d)
agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected
by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially
similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such party at its address as provided
in Section 13.3 (provided that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect
service of process in any other manner permitted by New York law).

     Section 13.3 Notices. Any and all notices, requests, demands and other
communications permitted under or required pursuant to this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be deemed given if personally delivered or if mailed,
postage prepaid, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the
parties at the addresses set forth below, or at such other addresses as they may
indicate by written notice given as provided in this Section 13.4:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
If to Purchaser:                                             With required copies to (which shall not constitute
---------------                                              ---------------------------------------------------
                                                             notice):
                                                             -------
<S>                                                          <C>
RT Acquisition LLC                                           KPS Special Situations Fund, L.P.
200 Park Avenue, 58/th/ Floor                                200 Park Avenue, 58th Floor
New York, New York  10166                                    New York, New York  10166
Attention: Michael Psaros                                    Attention: Michael Psaros

                                                                      --and--

                                                             Hunt Investment Group, L.P.
                                                             Fountain Place
                                                             1445 Ross Avenue
                                                             Dallas, Texas   75202-2785
                                                             Attention: Kelby Hagar
</TABLE>

                                       61

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
                                                                      --and--

                                                             Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                                                             590 Madison Avenue
                                                             New York, New York 10022
                                                             Attention: Stephen B. Kuhn

                                                                      --and--

                                                             Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P.
                                                             666 Fifth Avenue, 26/th/ Floor
                                                             New York, New York  10103
                                                             Attention: Steven Abramowitz

If to Seller:                                                With required copies to (which shall not constitute
------------                                                 ---------------------------------------------------
                                                             notice):
                                                             -------

Republic Technologies International, LLC                     McDonald, Hopkins, Burke & Haber Co., L.P.A.
3770 Embassy Parkway                                         2100 Bank One Center
Akron, Ohio 44333                                            600 Superior Avenue, E.
Attention: Joseph Lapinsky                                   Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2653
                                                             Attention: Shawn Riley

                                                                      --and--

                                                             Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                                                             767 Fifth Avenue
                                                             New York, New York 10153-0119
                                                             Attention: Simeon Gold
</TABLE>

     Section 13.4  Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

     Section 13.5  No Assignment; Benefit to Third Parties.

          (a)      No party may assign its rights and obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties, except that
Purchaser may assign all or any of its rights and obligations hereunder to any
wholly owned Subsidiary of Purchaser upon the execution of a written instrument
whereby any such assignee agrees to assume all of the assignor's obligations
hereunder and be bound by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and,
after the Closing, Sellers may assign all of their rights and obligations
hereunder pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court to a single entity whose
primary purpose is the liquidation of Sellers' assets; provided that the Sellers
may assign the Senior Secured Notes to a separate entity for such primary
purpose pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court so long as such assignment
is subject to all rights of Purchaser with respect to such Senior Secured Notes
under this Agreement; provided, further, that Purchaser may assign any of its
rights hereunder to one or

                                       62

<PAGE>

more of its financing sources as security for financing for collateral purposes;
provided, however, that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of
its obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the
benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

          (b)      The terms and provisions of this Agreement (including
provisions regarding employee and employee benefit matters) are intended solely
for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns and are not intended to, and shall not, confer third-party
beneficiary rights upon any other Person.

     Section 13.6  Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Exhibits and
the Schedules attached or to be attached to it, together with the Attendant
Documents is and shall be deemed to be the complete and final expression of the
agreement between the parties as to the matters contained in and related to this
Agreement and supersedes any previous agreements between the parties pertaining
to such matters.

     Section 13.7  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together,
shall be considered one and the same agreement.

     Section 13.8  Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date, any party
hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered
pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall only be valid if
set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound
thereby. The failure of any party to assert any of its rights hereunder shall
not constitute a waiver of any such rights. The waiver by any party of any
breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent or similar breach.

     Section 13.9  Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by written
agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.

     Section 13.10 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will
not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof, and
this Agreement shall be interpreted so as to most fully give effect to its terms
and still be valid and enforceable; provided, however, that any provision
altered pursuant to this Section 13.10 shall not result in a material adverse
impairment of the rights or obligations of any party hereto.

     Section 13.11 Further Assurances. From time to time after the Closing Date,
at Purchaser's request and without further consideration, Sellers shall execute
and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further instruments of
conveyance, assignment and transfer and shall take such other action as
Purchaser may reasonably request in order more effectively to convey, transfer,
reduce to possession or record title to any of the Purchased Assets purchased
pursuant to this Agreement. On Purchaser's request, Sellers shall cooperate and
use their commercially reasonable efforts to have their officers, directors,
employees and agents cooperate

                                       63

<PAGE>

with Purchaser on or after the Closing Date by furnishing information, evidence,
testimony and other assistance in connection with any actions, proceedings,
arrangements or disputes involving Purchaser and which are based on contracts,
leases, arrangements or acts of Sellers which were in effect or occurred on or
prior to the Closing Date.

                     [Rest of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

                                       64

<PAGE>

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

                             RT ACQUISITION LLC

                             By:  /s/ Michael Psaros
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Michael Psaros
                                  Title: President

                             REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC

                             By:  /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                  Title: President

                             NIMISHILLEN & TUSCARAWAS, LLC

                             By:  /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                  Title: President

                             BLISS & LAUGHLIN, LLC

                             By:  /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                  Title: President

                   Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement

<PAGE>

                             REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES
                             INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LLC

                             By:  /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                  Title: President

                             RTI CAPITAL CORP.

                             By:  /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                  Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                  Title: President

                   Signature Page to Asset Purchase Agreement

<PAGE>

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                   FIRST AMENDMENT TO ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

          This FIRST AMENDMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as of August 16th, 2002
to that certain ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of June 7,
2002, by and among REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company ("Republic"), NIMISHILLEN & TUSCARAWAS, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, BLISS & LAUGHLIN, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, and RTI CAPITAL CORP., a Delaware corporation (together with
Republic, "Sellers" and each a "Seller") which Sellers, other than Nimishillen &
Tuscarawas, LLC, are debtors in possession under Chapter 11 of Title 11, United
States Code (as amended from time to time, the "Bankruptcy Code"), CANADIAN
DRAWN STEEL COMPANY, INC., a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of
Republic ("CDSC"), and REPUBLIC ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LLC (f/k/a RT ACQUISITION
LLC), a Delaware limited liability company ("Purchaser"), and 2011448 ONTARIO
LIMITED, an Ontario company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser
("Ontario Purchaser").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

          WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to amend the terms of the Agreement,
as set forth herein;

          WHEREAS, pursuant to a Stipulation Settling Disputes dated July 11,
2002 (the "Stipulation"), among Republic, KPS, Hunt, Fleet Capital Corporation
as agent for the lenders to Republic under the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving
Credit Agreement, and the Majority Noteholders (as defined in the Stipulation),
the Purchaser agreed, among other things, in connection with the transactions
contemplated in this Agreement, to issue the Senior Secured Notes and to make
the Installment Payments (each as defined below), in each case for the benefit
of the holders of the RTI Notes (as defined below);

          WHEREAS, the parties desire to add CDSC and, solely as to Section 8.20
of this Agreement, the Ontario Purchaser, as parties to this Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, all capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have
such meaning as ascribed to them in the Agreement;

          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Amendment to the Definition of "Canadian Steel Asset Purchase
Agreement" in Section 1.1. The definition of "Canadian Steel Asset Purchase
Agreement" contained in Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place thereof:

          "`Canadian Steel Asset Purchase Agreement' has the meaning set forth
in Section 8.20(a)."

<PAGE>

     2.   Amendment to Section 1.1. Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting in their entirety the definitions of "Indemnity Interests"
and "Purchaser Operating Agreement."

     3.   Amendment to Section 1.1. Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding after the definition of "Indemnity Interests" the following
definition:

          "'Installment Payments' mean the five (5) equal monthly installment
payments commencing thirty (30) days after the Closing Date and ending six (6)
months after the Closing Date in the amount of One Million U.S. Dollars
($1,000,000) per installment and equaling an aggregate amount of Five Million
U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000), which shall be paid by Purchaser for the benefit of
the holders of the outstanding RTI Notes to The Bank of New York as successor to
United States Trust Company of New York, trustee under the RTI Indenture, or
such other agent as designated in writing by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding face amount of the RTI Notes. The rights and remedies of the holders
of the outstanding RTI Notes in respect of any failure of Purchaser to satisfy
its obligations to make the Installment Payments shall not be subject to the
limitations on liability for indemnification provided in Sections 11.4 and 11.6
of this Agreement."

     4.   Amendment to Section 1.1. Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding after the definition of "Letter of Intent" the following
definition:

          "'Liquidating Trust' means the Republic Liquidating Trust formed for
the benefit of holders of the RTI Notes in furtherance of the stipulated
settlement contained in the Sale Order entered by the Bankruptcy Court on July
23, 2002."

     5.   Amendment to Section 1.1. Section 1.1 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding after the definition of "Required Creditor Notices" the
following definitions:

          "'RTI Indenture' means the indenture dated as of August 13, 1999, by
and among Republic and RTI Capital Corp., as issuers, and Republic Technologies
International Holdings, LLC, Bliss & Laughlin, LLC and CDSC, as guarantors of
the RTI Notes, and United States Trust Company of New York, as indenture
trustee."

          "'RTI Notes' means those certain 13 3/4% senior secured notes due 2009
previously issued by Republic and RTI Capital Corp. pursuant to the RTI
Indenture."

     6.   Amendment to the Definition of "Senior Secured Notes" in Section 1.1.
The definition of "Senior Secured Notes" contained in Section 1.1 of the
Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
substituted in place thereof:

          "'Senior Secured Notes' mean the senior secured notes to be governed
by the Senior Secured Note Indenture and issued at Closing by Purchaser and/or
an affiliated designee of Purchaser in the aggregate principal amount equal to
Eighty Million U.S. Dollars ($80,000,000.00) in cash, with a seven-year term and
interest accruing at an annual rate of 10% payable quarterly in arrears."

                                       2

<PAGE>

     7.   Amendment to the Definition of "Senior Secured Note Indenture" Section
1.1. The definition of "Senior Secured Note Indenture" contained in Section 1.1
of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
substituted in place thereof:

          "'Senior Secured Note Indenture' means the indenture governing the
Senior Secured Notes in such form reasonably acceptable to each of Purchaser and
Republic which agreement shall, among other things, include the terms set forth
in the Stipulation (as defined in and attached as Exhibit B to the Sale Order)."

     8.   Amendments to Section 2.1.

     (a)  The lead-in to Section 2.1 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place thereof:

          "Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale of the Purchased Assets. On the Closing
Date, Sellers and, with respect to Section 2.1(l) and (m) only, also CDSC, shall
transfer, sell, assign, and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall purchase
from Sellers and, with respect to Section 2.1(l) and (m) only, also from CDSC,
in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement and the Sale Order, all of Sellers' and, with respect to Section
2.1(l) and (m) only, also CDSC's, right, title and interest in, to and under any
and all assets, properties and business of every kind and description, whether
tangible or intangible, real, personal or fixed wherever situated, owned, held
or used by Sellers and, with respect to Section 2.1(l) and (m) only, also CDSC,
or in which Sellers and, with respect to Section 2.1(l) and (m) only, also CDSC,
have any right, title or interest, other than the Excluded Assets (all such
assets, properties and business are referred to in this Agreement as the
"Purchased Assets"), free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than the Assumed
Liabilities and the Permitted Real Estate Liens. The Purchased Assets include,
without limitation, the following:"

     (b)  Section 2.1(d) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
the following is hereby substituted in place thereof:

     "(d) all owned, leased or subleased real property of Nimishillen &
Tuscarawas, LLC (the "Railroad Subsidiary"), and any other interests in, real
property used or owned by the Railroad Subsidiary, including, without
limitation, easements and rights of way."

     (c)  Section 2.1(l) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
the following is hereby substituted in place thereof:

          "(l)   all items of inventory of the Business and CDSC wherever
located, including, without limitation, raw materials, work in process, finished
goods, supplies used to operate and maintain the Equipment or process raw
materials and work in process, spare parts and supply and packaging items
including any of the aforementioned owned by Sellers or CDSC but in the
possession of manufacturers, customers, suppliers or dealers, or in transit or
returned goods ("Inventory"), which, for avoidance of doubt,

                                       3

<PAGE>

includes any Inventory related to or located at any of the Excluded Plants,
including without limitation, CDSC's plant in Hamilton, Ontario;"

     (d)  Section 2.1(m) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and
the following is hereby substituted in place thereof:

          "(m)  all notes (including notes from employees), accounts receivable
and other receivables, cash, deposits, advances and prepaid expenses (other than
prepaid Taxes) of Sellers and CDSC related to the Business and CDSC's business
together with any unpaid interest or fees accrued thereon or other amounts due
with respect thereto, and any security or collateral therefor, including
recoverable advances and deposits, which, for avoidance of doubt, includes any
of the foregoing related to the Excluded Plants, including without limitation,
CDSC's plant in Hamilton, Ontario;"

     9.   Amendment to Section 2.2. Section 2.2 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding a new Section 2.2(j) as follows:

          "any assets or properties of the Sellers or any Subsidiary that are
the subject of the Option (as such term is defined in Section 8.20(a) herein);
provided that any assets and properties of CDSC to be acquired pursuant to
paragraphs (l) or (m) of Section 2.1 shall not be Excluded Assets."

     10.  Amendment to Section 2.2. Section 2.2 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding a new Section 2.2(k) as follows:

     "(j) any Assets of the Railroad Subsidiary not acquired by Purchaser
pursuant to Section 2.1(d), including, without limitation, locomotives, trucks,
computers, equipment and tools."

     11.  Amendment to Section 4.1. Section 4.1 of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "Section 4.1  Purchase Price for Purchased Assets. The purchase price
for the Purchased Assets shall be (i) Ten Million U.S. Dollars ($10,000,000.00)
in cash (the `Cash Consideration'); (ii) the Senior Secured Notes; (iii) the
Installment Payments; and (iv) the assumption by Purchaser of the Assumed
Liabilities (clauses, (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), collectively, the `Purchase
Price'). Republic hereby directs Purchaser to issue the Senior Secured Notes to
the Liquidating Trust for the benefit of the holders of the RTI Notes."

     12.  Amendment to Section 4.2(a). Section 4.2(a) of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "(a)  On the Closing Date, (i) Purchaser shall deliver to Republic in
cash, by wire transfer (pursuant to wire transfer instructions provided by
Republic at least two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date), in
immediately available funds, the Cash Consideration, a portion of which
Purchaser may satisfy pursuant to Section 8.2 herein and (ii) Purchaser shall
deliver to the Liquidating Trust the Senior Secured Notes,

                                       4

<PAGE>

duly executed by Purchaser and authenticated by the trustee under the Senior
Secured Note Indenture."

     13.  Amendment to Section 5.1(a). Section 5.1(a) of the Agreement is hereby
amended by inserting immediately after the last sentence the following:

"CDSC has the corporate or other power and authority to enter into this
Agreement, to enter into the Attendant Documents to which it is or is intended
to be a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. This Agreement and all of the Attendant Documents to which CDSC is a
party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby,
have been duly authorized and approved by all necessary and proper corporate or
other action on the part of CDSC. This Agreement and all of the Attendant
Documents to which CDSC is a party have been (or to the extent to be entered
into on or prior to the Closing, will be) duly authorized and duly and validly
executed and delivered, and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
CDSC enforceable against CDSC in accordance with their respective terms."

     14.  Amendment to Section 5.1(x). Section 5.1(x)(ii) of the Agreement is
hereby amended by inserting the words "and of CDSC" after the word "Sellers" in
the first line.

     15.  Amendment to Section 5.1(ee). Section 5.1(ee) of the Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "(ee)  Investment. Each Seller (i) acknowledges that Purchaser has
made no representations or warranties to it as to the future financial
performance or prospects of Purchaser, the present or future value of the Senior
Secured Notes, or the likelihood that the obligations constituting the Senior
Secured Notes will be paid in full and in a timely fashion, (ii) agrees that it
has, independently and without reliance on Purchaser, and based on each such
Seller's detailed knowledge of the Purchased Assets as owner of such assets and
the Assumed Liabilities and such other documents and information as it has
deemed appropriate, made its own analysis of Purchaser and its future financial
performance, (iii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon
Purchaser, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in
taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the Attendant Documents,
and (iv) is an "accredited investor" as defined in Regulation D promulgated
under the Securities Act."

     16.  Amendment to Section 5.1(ff). Section 5.1(ff) of the Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "(ff)  Solvency of CDSC and Non-Debtor Sellers. None of CDSC or any of
the Non-Debtor Sellers is now insolvent, nor will CDSC or any Non-Debtor Seller
be rendered insolvent by any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
As used in this Section 5.1(ff), the term "insolvent" means that the sum of the
allocated good faith debts and other probable liabilities as allocated in good
faith to CDSC or the

                                       5

<PAGE>

applicable Non-Debtor Seller, as the case may be, exceeds the fair present value
of such entity's assets. Immediately after giving effect to the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement: (A) CDSC and each Non-Debtor
Seller will be able to pay its respective liabilities as they become due in the
ordinary course of business of such entity; and (B) none of CDSC or any of the
Non-Debtor Sellers will have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct
its present or proposed business."

     17.  Amendment to Sections 5.2(d), 5.2(e), 9.1(l), 9.2(j), 10.2(a), 10.3(d)
and 10.3(e). Each of Sections 5.2(d), 5.2(e), 9.1(l), 9.2(j), 10.2(a), 10.3(d)
and 10.3(e) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following
is hereby substituted in place thereof:

          "[Intentionally omitted.]"

     18.  Amendment to Section 6.2. The first clause (iv) of Section 6.2(d) of
the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
substituted in place thereof:

          "(iv) consist exclusively of accrued wages, back payroll taxes
(withholding only), accrued vacation benefits, accrued management performance
incentives and health insurance benefits incurred but not reported, and"

     19.  Amendment to Section 6.2. The second clause (iv) of Section 6.2(d) of
the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
substituted in place thereof:

          "[Intentionally omitted.]"

     20.  Amendment to Section 6.2. Section 6.2 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding a new Section 6.2 (e) as follows:

          "(e)  Spending Account Plans. As soon as administratively practicable
after the Closing Date, but subject to Republic and Purchaser entering into a
stipulation to amend the Asset Purchase Agreement to provide for this Section
6.2(e) and subject further to the entry of an order by the Bankruptcy Court
approving the terms and conditions of such stipulation, (i) Seller shall cause
the participation and accounts of the Hired Employees in each Employee Benefit
Plan that is a health flexible spending arrangement (within the meaning of
Proposed Treasury Regulation ss. 1.125-2, Q&A-7) and each Employee Benefit Plan
that is a dependent care assistance program (within the meaning of section 129
of the Code) to be transferred to the corresponding Purchaser's Plan in
accordance with the respective documents entitled "Spin-Off of Certain
Participation in the Republic Technologies, LLC Health Care Spending Account
Plan and Merger With and Into the Republic Engineered Products LLC Health Care
Spending Account Plan" and "Spin-Off of Certain Participation in the Republic
Technologies, LLC Dependent Care Spending Account Plan and Merger With and Into
the Republic Engineered Products LLC Dependent Care Spending Account Plan,"
copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits O and P, respectively, and (ii)
Purchaser shall cause each such Purchaser's Plan to accept such transfer in
accordance with such documents."

                                       6

<PAGE>

     21. Amendment to Section 7.2. Section 7.2 of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "Section 7.2  Proration of Real and Personal Property Taxes(a). The
real and personal property Taxes and assessments on the Purchased Assets for any
taxable period commencing prior to the day immediately preceding the Closing
Date (the "Adjustment Date") and ending after the Adjustment Date shall be
prorated between Purchaser and Seller as of the close of business on the
Adjustment Date. All such prorations shall be allocated so that items relating
to time periods ending on the Adjustment Date shall be allocated to Republic
based upon the number of days in the period prior to the Closing Date and items
related to time periods beginning after the Adjustment Date shall be allocated
to Purchaser based on the number of days in the period from and after the
Closing Date; provided, however, that the parties shall allocate any real
property Tax subject to the limitation set forth in Section 3.1(a)(vi). The
amount of all such prorations for real property Taxes and assessments shall be
settled and paid on the Closing Date; provided, however, that final payments
with respect to such prorations that are not able to be calculated on the
Closing Date shall be calculated and paid as soon as practicable thereafter.

     22. Amendment to Section 8.6. Section 8.6 of the Agreement is hereby
amended by adding a new paragraph (c) at the conclusion thereof as follows:

     "(c) After the Closing, the Railroad Subsidiary shall continue to operate
in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise reasonably directed by
Purchaser for a period of sixty (60) days or such shorter period to allow for
the acquisition or lease by Purchaser or its permitted assignee of locomotives,
trucks, computers, equipment, tools and other items of personal property that
are adequate, in the reasonable discretion of Purchaser or its permitted
assignee, to continue the operations of the Railroad Subsidiary, which
operations shall be transferred from the Railroad Subsidiary to Purchaser or its
permitted assignee upon the effectiveness of any required approvals or
exemptions of the transfer from the Surface Transportation Board. During such
period, (i) Republic shall, and Republic shall cause the Railroad Subsidiary to,
enter into any reasonable arrangement designed to provide Purchaser with the
benefits of, and cause Purchaser to bear the costs and obligations of,
Republic's ownership of the Railroad Subsidiary and (ii) Purchaser shall
indemnify Sellers for any losses arising out of the operation of the Railroad
Subsidiary for the benefit of Purchaser or its permitted assignee."

     23. Amendment to Section 8. Section 8 of the Agreement is hereby amended by
adding a new Section 8.20 as follows:

          "Section 8.20. Option to Acquire Canadian Drawn Steel Company, Inc.

          (a)  Option. The Sellers hereby grant to Ontario Purchaser, for a
period of one (1) year from the date hereof, an irrevocable option (the
"Option") to purchase substantially all of the assets of CDSC in accordance with
the terms of the Canadian Drawn Steel Asset Purchase Agreement substantially in
the form annexed as

                                       7

<PAGE>

Exhibit N hereto (the "Canadian Steel Asset Purchase Agreement"). The exercise
price of the Option shall be the "Purchase Price" as defined in the Canadian
Steel Asset Purchase Agreement; to wit, the total sum of (i) Ten Canadian
Dollars in cash, and (ii) the assumption by Ontario Purchaser of certain
liabilities of CDSC, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Canadian
Steel Asset Purchase Agreement.

          (b)  Condition to Exercise of Option. It shall be a condition to the
exercise of the Option by Ontario Purchaser that, contemporaneously with the
exercise of the Option and acquisition of substantially all of the assets of
CDSC, Ontario Purchaser shall (i) execute and deliver a security agreement,
pledge agreement and mortgage in favor of the indenture trustee under the Senior
Secured Note Indenture and a guaranty of all of the Issuers' obligations under
and as defined in the Senior Secured Notes, in order to grant a collateral lien
in favor of the indenture trustee under the Senior Secured Note Indenture with
respect to substantially all of those assets acquired by Ontario Purchaser from
CDSC that secured the RTI Notes, and (ii) become a Guarantor under and as
defined in the New Credit Facility and shall have pledged its assets of the type
pledged by the Purchaser and the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in the New
Credit Facility) in favor of Fleet Capital Corporation, as administrative agent
for the benefit of the Bank Lenders under the New Credit Facility, in order to
grant a collateral lien in favor of the administrative agent for the benefit of
the Bank Lenders under the New Credit Facility with respect to those assets
formerly owned by CDSC that secured the Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit
Facility.

          (c)  Certain Actions. Subject to Subsection (d), Sellers and their
Subsidiaries shall not, during the period between the date of this Amendment and
the earlier to occur of the expiration or exercise of the Option, directly or
indirectly do, or propose or commit to do, any of the following:

               (i)     issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, or authorize
     the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition or encumbrance of, (A) any shares
     of capital stock of any class or any securities, or any options, warrants,
     convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire any shares of
     capital stock or any securities, or any other ownership interest, of CDSC,
     or (B) any Purchased Assets (as defined in the Canadian Steel Asset
     Purchase Agreement) except for sales of inventory in the ordinary course of
     business of CDSC and in a manner consistent with past practice, except, in
     the case of each of (A) and (B), to Purchaser or Ontario Purchaser;

               (ii)    (A) dissolve or liquidate CDSC in whole or in part, (B)
     pursuant to or within the meaning of Title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code or any
     similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors, commence a
     voluntary case against CDSC or consent to the entry of an order for relief
     against CDSC in an involuntary case, (C) consent to the appointment of a
     receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official of CDSC or for
     all or substantially all of its property, (D) make a general assignment for
     the benefit of creditors of CDSC, or (E) admit in writing CDSC's inability
     to pay its debts generally as they become due; or

                                       8

<PAGE>

               (iii)   permit or cause CDSC to (A) incur any Indebtedness or
     issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as
     an accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any Person, (B)
     enter into any material Contract, agreement or lease, or (C) enter into or
     amend any Contract with respect to any of the matters set forth in this
     Section 8.20(b)(iii), in the case of each of (A), (B) and (C), other than
     in the ordinary course of business and in a manner consistent with past
     practice.

          (d)  Notwithstanding any provision in Subsection (c) to the contrary,
Republic may merge or consolidate CDSC, sell all or substantially all of the
assets of CDSC in one or a series of related transactions, or sell 100% of the
voting securities of CDSC, in each case, into, with or to any Person other than
the Sellers or any of their Affiliates, provided that Republic shall promptly
pay the net proceeds of each such transaction to the trustee of the Senior
Secured Note Indenture for the benefit of the holders of outstanding Senior
Secured Notes, or to such other agent as designated in writing by the holders of
a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes, in
partial satisfaction and redemption of the outstanding principal amount of the
Senior Secured Notes; provided, further, that Republic shall have delivered to
Purchaser written notice of such transaction not less than sixty (60) days prior
to the closing thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this
Agreement shall restrict the right of Ontario Purchaser to exercise the Option
at any time prior to the closing of any such transaction. The rights and
remedies of the holders of the outstanding RTI Notes in respect of any failure
of Republic to pay the net proceeds of each such transaction to the trustee of
the Senior Secured Note Indenture for the benefit of the holders of outstanding
Senior Secured Notes shall not be subject to the limitations on liability for
indemnification provided in Sections 11.4 and 11.6 of this Agreement.

     24.  Amendment to Section 9.1(h). Section 9.1(h) of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "[Intentionally omitted.]"

     25.  Amendment to Section 11.4. Section 11.4 of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "Section 11.4  Limitation on Sellers' Indemnification Liability. The
Sellers' aggregate liability for money damages under this Agreement and all
Attendant Documents related to the inaccuracy or breaches of representations or
warranties and breaches of covenants or agreements shall not exceed an amount
equal to Five Million U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00), which shall be satisfied as
set forth in Section 11.6. The Sellers shall have no liability for money damages
related to the inaccuracy of the representations or warranties or the breaches
of covenants or agreements contained herein until the aggregate damages claimed
under Section 11.2 exceeds Two Hundred Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars
($250,000.00)."

     26.  Amendment to Section 11.5. Section 11.5 of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

                                       9

<PAGE>

          "Section 11.5 Limitation on Purchaser's Indemnification Liability. The
Purchaser's aggregate liability for money damages under this Agreement and all
Attendant Documents related to the inaccuracy or breaches of representations or
warranties and breaches of covenants or agreements shall not exceed an amount
equal to the aggregate amount of cash deposited by Sellers into the Indemnity
Escrow pursuant to Section 11.6. Purchaser shall have no liability for money
damages related to the inaccuracy of the representations or warranties or the
breaches of covenants or agreements contained herein until the aggregate damages
claimed under Section 11.3 exceeds Two Hundred Fifty Thousand U.S. Dollars
($250,000.00). Sellers shall not have any additional recourse against Purchaser
for such indemnity claims, except in instances of fraud by Purchaser."

     27.  Amendment to Section 11.6. Section 11.6 of the Agreement is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "Section 11.6 Satisfaction of Purchaser Claims. On the Closing Date,
Sellers shall establish an escrow account (the "Indemnity Escrow") pursuant to
an escrow agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser
(the "Indemnity Escrow Agreement") and shall promptly thereafter fund such
escrow account with up to Five Million U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00) of available
cash and for the first twelve months after the Closing Date, Purchaser may
satisfy indemnifiable Losses from the Indemnity Escrow. The Cash Consideration
shall not be a source from which indemnifiable claims may be satisfied. In no
event shall Purchaser be entitled to payment for indemnity claims under this
Article XI for the inaccuracy of representations or warranties or breaches of
covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement in excess of Five Million
U.S. Dollars ($5,000,000.00), which may be satisfied from the Indemnity Escrow
as set forth above. Any claim for indemnification of Purchaser pursuant to this
Article XI shall be paid solely out of the Indemnity Escrow, and Purchaser shall
not have any additional recourse against Sellers for such indemnity claims,
except in instances of fraud by Sellers."

     28.  Amendment to Section 12.1(h). Section 12.1(h) of the Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "(h) by Purchaser, if (i) the Bidding Procedures Order shall not have
become a Final Order on or prior to the date that is 10 days after its entry or
(ii) the Sale Order shall not have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court on or
prior to July 15, 2002 (not giving any effect to any amendment to the Sale Order
mutually agreed to by Sellers and Purchaser) or (iii) the Sale Order shall not
have become a Final Order on or prior to the date that is ten (10) days after
the entry of the Sale Order unless Purchaser has waived the requirement for a
Final Order; or"

     29.  Amendment to Section 12.1(j). Section 12.1(j) of the Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in place
thereof:

          "(j) by Purchaser or Republic, if the Closing shall not have occurred
on or prior to August 16, 2002; provided, however, that the right to terminate
this

                                       10

<PAGE>

Agreement under this Section 12.1(j) shall not be available to any party whose
failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement shall have been the cause
of, or shall have resulted in, the failure of the Closing or the failure to
enter the Sale Order or the failure of such Sale Order to become a Final Order
on or prior to such date; or"

     30.  Exhibits. Exhibit M is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby substituted in place thereof:

          "[Intentionally omitted.]"

     31.  Effect of Amendment. Except as expressly modified hereby, all of the
terms, covenants and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect and are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed. This Amendment shall be
effective as of the date first above written.

     32.  Miscellaneous. The provisions of Article XIII ("Miscellaneous") of the
Agreement shall apply to this Amendment as if such provisions were set out
herein in full and as if each reference therein to "this Agreement" included a
reference to this Amendment.

                  [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

                                       11

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this First Amendment as
of the date first written above.

                                       REPUBLIC ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LLC
                                       (f/k/a RT ACQUISITION LLC)

                                       By:    /s/ Michael Psaros
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Michael Psaros
                                           Title: President

                                       REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES
                                       INTERNATIONAL, LLC

                                       By:    /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                           Title: President

                                       NIMISHILLEN & TUSCARAWAS, LLC

                                       By:    /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                           Title: President

                                       BLISS & LAUGHLIN, LLC

                                       By:    /s/ Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Joseph F. Lapinsky
                                           Title: President

                        Signature Page to First Amendment

<PAGE>

                                       REPUBLIC TECHNOLOGIES
                                       INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LLC

                                       By:    /s/ Joseph A. Kaczka
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Joseph A. Kaczka
                                           Title: Vice President

                                       RTI CAPITAL CORP.

                                       By:    /s/ Joseph A. Kaczka
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Joseph A. Kaczka
                                           Title: Vice President

                                       CANADIAN DRAWN STEEL COMPANY, INC.

                                       By:    /s/ Joseph A. Kaczka
                                          --------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Joseph A. Kaczka
                                           Title: Vice President

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED TO
AS TO SECTION 8.20 ONLY:

2011448 ONTARIO LIMITED

By:    /s/ Justin Hillenbrand
   --------------------------------------
    Name:  Justin Hillenbrand
    Title: Vice President

                        Signature Page to First Amendment<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.2

                           REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                        REPUBLIC ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LLC

                           FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                             as Administrative Agent

                            FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION
                              BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
                              JP MORGAN CHASE BANK
                          FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION
                              GE CAPITAL CFE, INC.
                                  As Co-Agents

            and the Lending Institutions listed on Schedule 1 hereto
                                   as Lenders

                                 August 16, 2002

<PAGE>

                                Table of Contents

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                              <C>
(S)1.  DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION................................................   1
       ---------------------------------------
          1.1. Definitions....................................................................   1
               -----------
          1.2. Rules of Interpretation........................................................   27
               -----------------------

(S)2.  THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY..........................................................   28
       -----------------------------
          2.1. Commitment to Lend.............................................................   28
               ------------------
          2.2. Commitment Fee.................................................................   29
               --------------
          2.3. Reduction of Total Commitment..................................................   29
               -----------------------------
          2.4. The Revolving Credit Notes.....................................................   29
               --------------------------
          2.5. Interest on Revolving Credit Loans.............................................   29
               ----------------------------------
          2.6. Requests for Revolving Credit Loans............................................   30
               -----------------------------------
                  2.6.1. General..............................................................   30
                         -------
                  2.6.2. Swing Line...........................................................   30
                         ----------
          2.7. Conversion Options.............................................................   31
               ------------------
                  2.7.1. Conversion to Different Type of Revolving Credit Loan................   31
                         -----------------------------------------------------
                  2.7.2. Continuation of Type of Revolving Credit Loan........................   31
                         ---------------------------------------------
                  2.7.3. Eurodollar Rate Loans................................................   32
                         ---------------------
          2.8. Funds for Revolving Credit Loan................................................   32
               -------------------------------
                  2.8.1. Funding Procedures...................................................   32
                         ------------------
                  2.8.2. Advances by Administrative Agent.....................................   32
                         --------------------------------
                  2.8.3. Settlements..........................................................   33
                         -----------
          2.9. Change in Borrowing Base.......................................................   34
               ------------------------
          2.10. Reductions in Eligible Fixed Asset Component..................................   34
                --------------------------------------------

(S)3.  REPAYMENT OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS................................................   34
       ---------------------------------------
          3.1. Maturity.......................................................................   34
               --------
          3.2. Mandatory Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans.................................   35
               ----------------------------------------------
          3.3. Optional Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans..................................   36
               ---------------------------------------------
          3.4. Automatic Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans Prior to Event of
               ----------------------------------------------------------------
          Default.............................................................................   36
          -------
                  3.4.1. Credit for Funds Transferred from Swept Accounts.....................   36
                         ------------------------------------------------
                  3.4.2. Application of Automatic Payments Prior to Event of Default..........   37
                         -----------------------------------------------------------
          3.5. Automatic Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans After Event of
               -------------------------------------------------------------
          Default.............................................................................   38
          -------

(S)4.  LETTERS OF CREDIT......................................................................   38
       -----------------
          4.1. Letter of Credit Commitments...................................................   38
               ----------------------------
                  4.1.1. Commitment to Issue Letters of Credit................................   38
                         -------------------------------------
                  4.1.2. Letter of Credit Applications........................................   38
                         -----------------------------
                  4.1.3. Terms of Letters of Credit...........................................   39
                         --------------------------
                  4.1.4. Reimbursement Obligations of Lenders.................................   39
                         ------------------------------------
                  4.1.5. Participation of Lenders.............................................   39
                         ------------------------
          4.2. Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrower.......................................   39
               ----------------------------------------
          4.3. Letter of Credit Payments......................................................   40
               -------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                      -ii-

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                         <C>
        4.4. Obligations Absolute........................................................   40
             --------------------
        4.5. Reliance by Issuer..........................................................   41
             ------------------
        4.6. Letter of Credit Fee........................................................   41
             --------------------
        4.7. Cash Collateral For Letter of Credit Obligations............................   42
             ------------------------------------------------
        4.8. Rollover LC's...............................................................   42
             -------------

(S)5. CERTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS.........................................................   42
      --------------------------
        5.1. Fees........................................................................   42
             ----
        5.2. Funds for Payments..........................................................   42
             ------------------
               5.2.1.  Payments to Administrative Agent..................................   42
                       --------------------------------
               5.2.2.  No Offset, Etc....................................................   42
                       --------------
        5.3. Computations................................................................   44
             ------------
        5.4. Inability to Determine Eurodollar Rate......................................   44
             --------------------------------------
        5.5. Illegality..................................................................   45
             ----------
        5.6. Additional Costs, Etc.......................................................   45
             ---------------------
        5.7. Capital Adequacy............................................................   46
             ----------------
        5.8. Certificate; Lender Policy..................................................   47
             --------------------------
        5.9. Indemnity...................................................................   47
             ---------
        5.10. Interest After Default.....................................................   47
              ----------------------
               5.10.1. Overdue Amounts...................................................   47
                       ---------------
               5.10.2. Amounts Not Overdue...............................................   47
                       -------------------
               5.10.3. Maximum Interest..................................................   48
                       ----------------
        5.11. Replacement Lenders........................................................   48
              -------------------

(S)6. COLLATERAL SECURITY; GUARANTY......................................................   49
      -----------------------------
        6.1. Collateral Security.........................................................   49
             -------------------
        6.2. Guaranty....................................................................   49
             --------
               6.2.1.  Guaranty of Payment and Performance...............................   49
                       -----------------------------------
               6.2.2.  Guarantors' Agreement to Pay Enforcement Costs, etc...............   50
                       ---------------------------------------------------
               6.2.3.  Waivers by Guarantors; Lender's Freedom to Act....................   50
                       ----------------------------------------------
               6.2.4.  Unenforceability of Obligations Against Borrower..................   51
                       ------------------------------------------------
               6.2.5.  Subrogation; Subordination........................................   51
                       --------------------------
               6.2.6.  Setoff............................................................   52
                       ------
               6.2.7.  No Reliance.......................................................   52
                       -----------
               6.2.8.  Termination; Reinstatement........................................   52
                       --------------------------
               6.2.9.  Successors and Assigns............................................   53
                       ----------------------

(S)7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.....................................................   53
      ------------------------------
        7.1. Corporate Authority.........................................................   53
             -------------------
               7.1.1.  Incorporation; Good Standing......................................   53
                       ----------------------------
               7.1.2.  Authorization.....................................................   53
                       -------------
               7.1.3.  Enforceability....................................................   53
                       --------------
        7.2. Governmental Approvals......................................................   53
             ----------------------
        7.3. Title to Properties; Leases.................................................   54
             ---------------------------
        7.4. Financial Statements and Projections........................................   54
             ------------------------------------
               7.4.1.  Financial Statements..............................................   54
                       --------------------
               7.4.2.  Projections.......................................................   54
                       -----------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                      -iii-

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
            7.4.3.  Budget and Cash Flows. ...............................    54
                    ---------------------
     7.5.  No Material Changes, Etc. .....................................    55
           ------------------------
     7.6.  Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, Etc. .........................    55
           ------------------------------------
     7.7.  Litigation. ...................................................    55
           ----------
     7.8.  No Materially Adverse Contracts, Etc. .........................    55
           ------------------------------------
     7.9.  Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, Etc. .................    55
           --------------------------------------------
     7.10. Tax Status. ...................................................    55
           ----------
     7.11. No Event of Default. ..........................................    56
           -------------------
     7.12. Holding Company and Investment Company Acts. ..................    56
           -------------------------------------------
     7.13. Absence of Financing Statements, Etc. .........................    56
           ------------------------------------
     7.14. Perfection of Security Interest. ..............................    56
           -------------------------------
     7.15. Employee Benefit Plans. .......................................    56
           ----------------------
            7.15.1. In General. ..........................................    56
                    ----------
            7.15.2. Guaranteed Pension Plans. ............................    56
                    ------------------------
            7.15.3. Multiemployer Plans. .................................    57
                    -------------------
     7.16. Use of Proceeds. ..............................................    57
           ---------------
            7.16.1. General. .............................................    57
                    -------
            7.16.2. Regulations U and X. .................................    57
                    -------------------
     7.17. Environmental Compliance. .....................................    57
           ------------------------
     7.18. Subsidiaries, Etc. ............................................    59
           -----------------
     7.19. Bank Accounts; Agency Account Arrangements. ...................    59
           ------------------------------------------
     7.20. Fiscal Year. ..................................................    59
           -----------
     7.21. Ownership of Assets. ..........................................    59
           -------------------
     7.22. Disclosure. ...................................................    59
           ----------

8. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER. ................................    59
   -------------------------------------
     8.1.  Punctual Payment. .............................................    59
           ----------------
     8.2.  Maintenance of Office. ........................................    59
           ---------------------
     8.3.  Records and Accounts. .........................................    60
           --------------------
     8.4.  Financial Statements, Certificates and Information. ...........    60
           --------------------------------------------------
     8.5.  Notices. ......................................................    62
           -------
            8.5.1.  Defaults. ............................................    62
                    --------
            8.5.2.  Environmental Events. ................................    63
                    --------------------
            8.5.3.  Notification of Claim against Collateral. ............    63
                    ----------------------------------------
            8.5.4.  Notice of Litigation and Judgments. ..................    63
                    ----------------------------------
            8.5.5.  Notices Concerning Inventory Collateral. .............    63
                    ---------------------------------------
     8.6.   Existence; Maintenance of Properties. ........................    64
            ------------------------------------
     8.7.   Insurance. ...................................................    64
            ---------
     8.8.   Taxes, Etc. ..................................................    65
            ----------
     8.9.   Inspection of Properties and Books, Etc. .....................    65
            ---------------------------------------
            8.9.1.  General. .............................................    66
                    -------
            8.9.2.  Commercial Finance Examinations. .....................    66
                    -------------------------------
            8.9.3.  Communications with Accountants. .....................    66
                    -------------------------------
            8.9.4.  Environmental Assessments. ...........................    67
                    -------------------------
     8.10. Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits. .......    67
           ------------------------------------------------------
     8.11. Employee Benefit Plans. .......................................    67
           ----------------------
     8.12. Use of Proceeds. ..............................................    67
           ---------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                      -iv-

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
        8.13. Bank Accounts; Agency Account Arrangements ..........................  68
              ------------------------------------------
               8.13.1. Bank Accounts ..............................................  68
                       -------------
               8.13.2. Agency Account Arrangements ................................  68
                       ---------------------------
        8.14. Borrowing Base ......................................................  69
              --------------
        8.15. Canton Cast-Roll Facility ...........................................  70
              -------------------------
        8.16. Further Assurances ..................................................  71
              ------------------

(S)9. CERTAIN NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER ..................................  71
      ------------------------------------------
        9.1. Restrictions on Indebtedness .........................................  71
             ----------------------------
        9.2. Restrictions on Liens ................................................  72
             ---------------------
        9.3. Restrictions on Investments ..........................................  74
             ---------------------------
        9.4. Change in Terms of Equity Interests; Distributions and other
             ------------------------------------------------------------
        Restricted Payments .......................................................  75
        -------------------
        9.5. Merger and Consolidation .............................................  77
             ------------------------
        9.6. Sale and Leaseback; Disposition of Assets ............................  78
             -----------------------------------------
        9.7. Compliance with Environmental Laws ...................................  78
             ----------------------------------
        9.8. Indebtedness in Respect of the Notes .................................  78
             ------------------------------------
        9.9. Employee Benefit Plans ...............................................  79
             ----------------------
        9.10. Bank Accounts .......................................................  79
              -------------
        9.11. Limitation on Issuance of Shares of Subsidiaries; Disposition of
              ----------------------------------------------------------------
        Equity Interests and Indebtedness of Subsidiaries .........................  79
        -------------------------------------------------
        9.12. No Subsidiaries .....................................................  80
              ---------------
        9.13. Transactions with Affiliates ........................................  80
              ----------------------------
        9.14. Parent and Subsidiaries .............................................  80
              -----------------------

(S)10. FINANCIAL COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER ........................................  80
       -----------------------------------
        10.1. Maximum Capital Expenditures ........................................  81
              ----------------------------
        10.2. Net Sales ...........................................................  81
              ---------
        10.3. Debt Service Coverage ...............................................  81
              ---------------------

(S)11. CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVE DATE; CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS .................  82
       ----------------------------------------------------------
        11.1. Loan Documents, etc .................................................  82
              -------------------
               11.1.1. Loan Documents .............................................  82
                       --------------
               11.1.2. Note Documents; Equity Documents; Acquisition Documents ....  82
                       -------------------------------------------------------
        11.2. Certified Copies of Charter Documents ...............................  82
              -------------------------------------
        11.3. Corporate or Other Action ...........................................  82
              -------------------------
        11.4. Incumbency Certificate ..............................................  82
              ----------------------
        11.5. Validity of Liens ...................................................  83
              -----------------
        11.6. Perfection Certificates and UCC Search Results ......................  83
              ----------------------------------------------
        11.7. Certificates of Insurance ...........................................  83
              -------------------------
        11.8. Opinions of Counsel .................................................  83
              -------------------
        11.9. Payment of Fees .....................................................  83
              ---------------
        11.10. Borrowing Base Report ..............................................  83
               ---------------------
        11.11. Completion of Asset Purchase .......................................  83
               ----------------------------
        11.12. Successor Labor Agreement ..........................................  84
               -------------------------
        11.13. Employment Contract; Continuity of Management ......................  84
               ---------------------------------------------
        11.14. No Material Adverse Change; Absence of Litigation ..................  84
               -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                       -v-

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
        11.15. Equity Contribution ................................................  84
               -------------------
        11.16. Indebtedness in Respect of Notes ...................................  84
               --------------------------------
        11.17. Title Insurance ....................................................  84
               ---------------
        11.18. Survey and Taxes ...................................................  84
               ----------------
        11.19. Final Sale Order ...................................................  85
               ----------------
        11.20. Repayment of Indebtedness ..........................................  85
               -------------------------
        11.21. Projections, etc ...................................................  85
               ----------------
        11.22. Budget; Forecast ...................................................  85
               ----------------
        11.23. Proceedings and Documents ..........................................  85
               -------------------------

(S)12. CONDITIONS TO ALL BORROWINGS ...............................................  85
       ----------------------------
        12.1. Representations True ................................................  85
              --------------------
        12.2. No Legal Impediment .................................................  85
              -------------------
        12.3. Governmental Regulation .............................................  86
              -----------------------

(S)13. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC .......................................  86
       ------------------------------------
        13.1. Events of Default and Acceleration ..................................  86
              ----------------------------------
        13.2. Termination of Commitments ..........................................  88
              --------------------------
        13.3. Remedies ............................................................  89
              --------
        13.4. Distribution of Collateral Proceeds .................................  89
              -----------------------------------

(S)14. SETOFF .....................................................................  90
       ------

(S)15. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ...................................................  90
       ------------------------
        15.1. Authorization .......................................................  90
              -------------
        15.2. Employees and Agents ................................................  91
              --------------------
        15.3. No Liability ........................................................  91
              ------------
        15.4. No Representations ..................................................  91
              ------------------
        15.5. Payments ............................................................  92
              --------
               15.5.1. Payments to Administrative Agent ...........................  92
                       --------------------------------
               15.5.2. Distribution by Administrative Agent .......................  92
                       ------------------------------------
               15.5.3. Delinquent Lenders .........................................  92
                       ------------------
        15.6. Holders of Revolving Credit Notes ...................................  93
              ---------------------------------
        15.7. Indemnity ...........................................................  93
              ---------
        15.8. Administrative Agent as Lender ......................................  93
              ------------------------------
        15.9. Resignation .........................................................  93
              -----------
        15.10. Notification of Defaults and Events of Default .....................  94
               ----------------------------------------------
        15.11. Duties in the Case of Enforcement ..................................  94
               ---------------------------------

(S)16. EXPENSES ...................................................................  94
       --------

(S)17. INDEMNIFICATION ............................................................  95
       ---------------

(S)18. SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, ETC .................................................  96
       --------------------------

(S)19. ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATION ...............................................  96
       ----------------------------
        19.1. Conditions to Assignment by Lenders .................................  96
              -----------------------------------
        19.2. Certain Representations and Warranties; Limitations; Covenants ......  96
              --------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                      -iv-

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
         19.3. Register....................................................   97
               --------
         19.4. New Revolving Credit Notes..................................   97
               --------------------------
         19.5. Participations..............................................   98
               --------------
         19.6. Assignee or Participant Affiliated with the Borrower........   98
               ----------------------------------------------------
         19.7. Miscellaneous Assignment Provisions.........................   98
               -----------------------------------
         19.8. Assignment by Borrower......................................   99
               ----------------------

(S)20. NOTICES, ETC........................................................   99
       ------------

(S)21. GOVERNING LAW.......................................................  100
       -------------

(S)22. HEADINGS............................................................  100
       --------

(S)23. COUNTERPARTS........................................................  100
       ------------

(S)24. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, ETC...............................................  100
       ---------------------

(S)25. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL................................................  100
       --------------------

(S)26. CONSENTS, AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS, ETC..................................  101
       ----------------------------------

(S)27. SEVERABILITY........................................................  101
       ------------

(S)28. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.......................  101
       ---------------------------------------------
         (S)28.1. Confidentiality..........................................  101
                  ---------------
         (S)28.2. Prior Notification.......................................  102
                  ------------------
         (S)28.3. Other....................................................  102
                  -----
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                    Exhibits

                    Exhibit A - Form of Borrowing Base Report
                    Exhibit B - Form of Revolving Credit Note
                    Exhibit C - Form of Loan Request
                    Exhibit D - Form of Compliance Certificate
                    Exhibit E - Form of Assignment and Acceptance

                                    Schedules

                    Schedule 1 - Commitments
                    Schedule 1A - Rollover LC's
                    Schedule 7.3 - Title to Properties; Leases
                    Schedule 7.7 - Litigation
                    Schedule 7.17 - Environmental Compliance
                    Schedule 7.18 - Subsidiaries
                    Schedule 7.19 - Bank Accounts
                    Schedule 9.1 - Permitted Indebtedness
                    Schedule 9.2 - Permitted Liens
                    Schedule 9.3 - Permitted Investments
                    Schedule 9.13 - Transactions with Affiliates

<PAGE>

                           REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

         This REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT is made as of the 16/th/ day of August,
2002, by and among REPUBLIC ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company having its principal place of business at 3770 Embassy
Parkway, Akron, Ohio 44333 (the "Borrower"), BLUE BAR, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership (the "Parent"), BLUE STEEL CAPITAL CORP., a Delaware corporation,
and N&T RAILWAY COMPANY LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (each a
"Subsidiary Guarantor" and collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors"), FLEET
CAPITAL CORPORATION ("Fleet"), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. ("BofA"), JP MORGAN CHASE
BANK ("Chase"), FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION ("Foothill"), GE CAPITAL CFE, INC.
("GE") and the other lending institutions from time to time listed on Schedule 1
hereto (the "Lenders"), FLEET as Administrative Agent for itself and the Lenders
(as such, the "Administrative Agent"), and Fleet, BofA, Chase, Foothill and GE
as Co-Agents for the Lenders (collectively, the "Co-Agents").

     (S)1. DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION.

     1.1. Definitions. The following terms shall have the meanings set forth in
this ss.1 or elsewhere in the provisions of this Credit Agreement referred to
below:

     (S)363 Asset Purchase Agreement. The Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of
June 7, 2002 (as amended as of the Effective Date), among the Borrower, RTI, RTI
Holdings, RTI Capital, Bliss & Laughlin and Nimishillen, together with all
schedules, exhibits and annexes hereto, in the form delivered to the
Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date.

     (S)363 Asset Sale. The sale of assets pursuant to (S)363 of the Bankruptcy
Code contemplated by the (S)363 Asset Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the
Borrower purchases certain assets of RTI, RTI Holdings, RTI Capital, Bliss &
Laughlin, and Nimishillen.

     Access Intercreditor Agreement. The Access Intercreditor Agreement dated as
of the date hereof by and among the Borrower, certain of the Guarantors, the
Administrative Agent and the Trustee.

     Accounts Receivable. All rights of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiary
Guarantors to payment for goods sold, leased or otherwise marketed in the
ordinary course of business and all rights of the Borrower or any of the
Subsidiary Guarantors to payment for services rendered in the ordinary course of
business and all sums of money or other proceeds due thereon pursuant to
transactions with account debtors recorded on books of account in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. Solely for the purpose of
calculating the Borrowing Base, Accounts Receivable shall not include that
portion of the sum of money or other proceeds due thereon that relate to sales,
use or property taxes in conjunction with such transactions with account
debtors.

<PAGE>

                                      -2-

     Acquisition Documents. The (S)363 Asset Purchase Agreement and all
agreements, and documents required to be entered into and delivered pursuant
thereto, including, without limitation, the Transition Services Agreement.

     Adjustment Date. The first day of the month immediately following the month
in which a Compliance Certificate is to be delivered by the Borrower pursuant
to (S)8.4(d).

     Administrative Agent. See preamble.

     Administrative Agent's Office. The Administrative Agent's office located at
One Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, or at such other location as
the Administrative Agent may designate from time to time.

     Administrative Agent's Special  Counsel.  Bingham  McCutchen LLP or such
other counsel as may be approved by the Administrative Agent.

     Affected Lender. See (S)5.11.

     Affiliate. Any Person that would be considered to be an affiliate of the
Borrower under Rule 144(a) of the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, as in effect on the date hereof, if the Borrower were
issuing securities, provided, however that USWA shall not constitute an
Affiliate.

     Agency Agreement. See (S)8.13.2(a).

     Applicable Margin. (a) Commencing with the Effective Date through the first
Adjustment Date following the anniversary thereof, the Applicable Margin shall
be (a) 3.00% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and (b) 1.25% for Base Rate Loans.

     (b) From and after the first Adjustment Date following the first
anniversary of the Effective Date, for each period commencing on an Adjustment
Date through the date immediately preceding the next Adjustment Date (each a
"Rate Adjustment Period"), the Applicable Margin shall be the applicable margin
set forth below with respect to the Leverage Ratio, as determined for the
Reference Period of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries ending on the last day of
the fiscal quarter ended immediately prior to the applicable Rate Adjustment
Period.

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

                                                       Base
                                                       Rate       Eurodollar
          Level               Leverage Ratio           Loans      Rate Loans
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
            I         Greater than or equal to
                      3.75:1.00                        1.25%         3.00%
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
           II         Less than 3.75:1.00 but
                      greater than or equal to         1.00%         2.75%
                      3.25:1.00
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

                                      -3-

     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
           III        Less than 3.25:1.00 but            0.50%          2.25%
                      greater than or equal to
                      2.75:1.00
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
           IV         Less than 2.75:1.00                0.25%          2.00%
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Borrower fails to deliver any
Compliance Certificate pursuant to (S)8.4(d) hereof then, for the period
commencing on the next Adjustment Date to occur subsequent to the date such
Compliance Certificate was required to be delivered through the date immediately
following the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered, the
Applicable Margin shall be the highest Applicable Margin set forth above.

     Assignment and Acceptance. See (S)19.1.

     Availability. As of any date of determination, the lesser of (a) the Total
Commitment as of such date and (b) the Borrowing Base as of such date, minus the
Rate Protection Exposure as of such date.

     Availability Threshold. (a) For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003,
$55,000,000, and (b) for each fiscal year thereafter, an amount equal to
$55,000,000 plus, on a cumulative basis (but without duplication), an amount
equal to fifty percent (50%) of Average Excess Availability, if any, for each
fiscal year subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

     Average Unused Availability. For any fiscal period, the average daily
Unused Availability during such fiscal period.

     Average Excess Availability. For any fiscal period, the amount, if any, by
which Average Unused Availability during such fiscal period exceeds the
Availability Threshold in effect for such fiscal period.

     Balance Sheet Date. December 31, 2001.

     Bankruptcy Code. Title 11, United States Code.

     Base Rate. The higher of (a) the annual rate of interest announced from
time to time by Fleet National Bank at its office in Boston, Massachusetts, as
its "prime rate" and (b) one-half of one percent (1/2%) above the Federal Funds
Effective Rate. For the purposes of this definition, "Federal Funds Effective
Rate" shall mean for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average
of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or,
if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any
day that is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such
transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three funds brokers of
recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.

     Base Rate Loans. Revolving Credit Loans bearing interest calculated by
reference to the Base Rate.

     Bliss & Laughlin. Bliss & Laughlin, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.

<PAGE>

                                       -4-

     Blocked Account. See (S)8.13.2(a).

     Blocked Account Bank. See (S)8.13.2(a).

     BofA. See preamble.

     Borrower. See preamble.

     Borrowing Base. As of any date of determination, an amount determined by
the Administrative Agent by reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Report
which is equal to:

     (a) 85% of Eligible Accounts Receivable for which invoices have been issued
and are payable; plus

     (b) the sum of (i) 60% of the net book value (determined on a first-in
first-out basis at lower of cost or market) of Eligible Inventory and (ii) the
Special Inventory Advance; provided, that in no event shall the amount of the
Borrowing Base allocable to Eligible Inventory exceed $135,000,000 at any time;
plus

     (c) the Eligible Fixed Asset Component, to the extent that the
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has a first priority
perfected security interest, in the Canton Cast-Roll Facility and the related
Real Estate located in Canton, Ohio;

     provided however, the Administrative Agent reserves the right to change,
upon five (5) Business Days notice to and consultation with the Borrower but
without its consent, eligibility criteria contained in the definitions of
Eligible Accounts Receivable, Eligible Finished Goods Inventory, Eligible Raw
Materials and Eligible Work-in-Process (other than any changes to items (vi),
(viii)-(x), (xii) and (xiii) of the definition of Eligible Accounts Receivable,
and the time periods set forth in each of items (iii)(A)-(C) of the definition
of Eligible Finished Goods Inventory, items (a)(ii)-(iv) of the definition of
Eligible Raw Materials and items (a)(ii)-(iv) of the definition of Eligible
Work-in-Process) and to change and/or establish reserves (such reserves to be
standard and customary for facilities of this nature) taken in respect of
Eligible Inventory and Eligible Accounts Receivable from time to time based upon
the results of any commercial finance examination conducted pursuant to
(S)8.9.2, any appraisals or other sources of information which demonstrate in
the Administrative Agent's reasonable judgment based on due inquiry a change in
the collectability of Accounts Receivable and/or the marketability of inventory
and/or other market changes affecting the value of accounts or inventory
comprising the Borrowing Base.

     Borrowing Base Report. A Borrowing Base Report signed by the treasurer or
other authorized financial officer of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors
and in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto.

     Business Day. Any day on which lending institutions in Boston,
Massachusetts, are open for the transaction of banking business and, in the case
of Eurodollar Rate Loans, also a day which is a Eurodollar Business Day.

     Blocked Account. (S)8.13.1.

<PAGE>

                                       -5-

     Canadian Asset Purchase. The acquisition by the Borrower and/or any of its
Subsidiaries of certain assets of Canadian Drawn, as contemplated by the
Canadian Drawn Asset Purchase Agreement.

     Canadian Dollars or C$. Dollars designated as lawful currency in Canada.

     Canadian Drawn. Canadian Drawn Steel Company Inc., a Canadian corporation.

     Canadian Drawn Asset Purchase Agreement. The Asset Purchase Agreement to be
entered into by the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries and Canadian Drawn,
together with all schedules, exhibits and annexes thereto, such Asset Purchase
Agreement to be substantially in the form delivered to the Administrative Agent
on or prior to the Effective Date.

     Canadian Lockbox. (S)8.13.1.

     Canadian Subsidiary. Any Subsidiary of the Borrower organized under the
laws of Canada.

     Canton Cast-Roll Facility. The cast-roll facility and related assets of the
Borrower located in Canton, Ohio at the premises described in Exhibit A to the
Mortgage, including, without limitation, all equipment, fixtures, goods and
other fixture and personal property located from time to time at such premises
and related property.

     Capital Assets. Fixed assets (such as land, buildings, fixtures, machinery
and equipment) and intangible assets (such as patents, copyrights, trademarks,
franchises and goodwill); provided that Capital Assets shall not include any
item customarily charged directly to expense or depreciated over a useful life
of twelve (12) months or less in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     Capital Expenditures. Amounts paid or Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with (a) the purchase or lease by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of Capital Assets that would be required to
be capitalized and shown on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles or (b) the lease of any assets by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as lessee under any synthetic lease referred
to in clause (vi) of the definition of the term "Indebtedness" to the extent
that such assets would have been Capital Assets had the synthetic lease been
treated for accounting purposes as a Capitalized Lease; provided, however, that
Capital Expenditures for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall not include
expenditures of proceeds of insurance settlements, condemnation awards and other
settlements in respect of lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets,
equipment or other property to the extent such expenditures are made to replace
or repair such lost, destroyed, damaged or condemned assets, equipment or other
property or otherwise to acquire assets or properties useful in the business of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries within 180 days of receipt of such proceeds.

     Capitalized Leases. Leases under which the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is the lessee or obligor, the discounted future rental payment
obligations under which are required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of
the lessee or obligor in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

<PAGE>

                                      -6-

     Cash Budget. See (S)7.4.3.

     CERCLA. See (S)7.17.

     Change of Control. At any time, the occurrence of one or more of the
following events: (a) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related
transactions, of all or substantially all the assets of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to a person other than the Permitted Holders; or
(b) following an IPO, (i) the acquisition by any person or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d) (3) or Section 14(d) (2) of the Exchange Act, or any
successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring,
holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b) (1)
under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single
transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger,
consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor
provision), of 35% or more of the total voting power of the capital stock or
membership interests of the Borrower and (ii) the Permitted Holders beneficially
own (as defined above), directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser
percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Borrower than
such other Person or group and do not have the right or ability by voting power,
contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the Board
of Directors or similar governing body of the Borrower; or (c) (i) prior to the
completion of an initial public offering of the Borrower's equity interests in
accordance with a registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the Security and
Exchange Commission (the "IPO"), the Permitted Holders shall collectively own,
beneficially, directly or indirectly less then 35% of the total voting and
economic interest of the capital stock or membership interests of the Borrower,
and (ii) following an IPO, the Permitted Holders shall collectively own,
beneficially, directly or indirectly less than 20% of the total voting and
economic interest of the capital stock or membership interests of the Borrower,
or (d) (i) prior to an IPO, the Permitted Holders shall not have the right or
ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for
election a majority of the members of the board of directors or similar
governing body of the Borrower, or (ii) following an IPO, during any period of
twenty four (24) consecutive calendar months, Continuing Directors shall cease
to constitute a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body of
the Borrower.

     Chase. See preamble.

     Co-Agents. See preamble.

     Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

     Collateral. All accounts, inventory, instruments, documents and
intellectual property of the Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors
(other than the Parent) (including, without limitation, patents, copyrights,
trademarks, franchises and goodwill), in each case as provided in the Security
Documents; the Canton Cast-Roll Facility; the outstanding stock or other equity
interests of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors; and all general
intangibles related to the foregoing and all other properties, rights and assets
of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor that are subject to the security
interests and mortgages created by the Security Documents, including without
limitation, deposit accounts and short term investments as described in the
Security Documents; and all proceeds and products of the foregoing.

<PAGE>

                                      -7-

     Commitment. With respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on Schedule 1
hereto as the amount of such Lender's commitment to make Revolving Credit Loans
to, and to participate in the issuance, extension and renewal of Letters of
Credit for the account of, the Borrower, as the same may be reduced from time to
time; or, if such commitment is terminated pursuant to the provisions hereof,
zero.

     Commitment Percentage. With respect to each Lender, the percentage set
forth on Schedule 1 hereto as such Lender's percentage of the aggregate
Commitments of all of the Lenders, as such percentages may be adjusted for
assignments from time to time.

     Compliance Certificate. See (S)8.4(d).

     Concentration Account. Loan Administration Account #9401743041 maintained
by Fleet National Bank.

     Consolidated or consolidated. With reference to any term defined herein,
shall mean that term as applied to the accounts of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     Consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
or Consolidated EBITDA. With respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
any period, the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
such period, plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted from the
calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period (a) payment or provision
for any income and other taxes based on income for such period, (b) interest
expense for such period, (c) depreciation and amortization for such period, (d)
losses from the sale of non-operating assets permitted under the Credit
Agreement, for such period, (e) solely during the period commencing on the
Effective Date through December 31, 2003, the aggregate amount of shutdown
expenses, employee severance costs and other non-recurring restructuring costs
paid or incurred during such period, and (f) the aggregate amount of Noteholder
Payments for such period, minus without duplication and to the extent included
in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period, gains from the
sale of non-operating assets permitted under the Credit Agreement, in each case
determined on a consolidated basis for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

     Consolidated Net Income. With respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
for any period, the consolidated net income (or deficit) of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for such period, after deduction of all expenses, taxes, and other
proper charges, including, without limitation, minority interest, determined on
a consolidated basis for such Persons in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, after eliminating therefrom all extraordinary
nonrecurring items of income or loss (subtracting, in the case of income and
adding, in the case of loss), provided that there shall be no elimination of
losses or one-time provisions to the extent the same shall result in cash
expenditures in such period or relate to anticipated cash expenditures in a
future period.

     Consolidated Operating Cash Flow. With respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for any Reference Period, an amount equal to (a) Consolidated
EBITDA for such Reference Period, minus (b) the sum of (i) cash payments for all
income and other taxes based on income

<PAGE>
                                      -8-

paid during such Reference Period, plus (ii) Permitted Tax Distributions paid in
cash during such Reference Period, plus (iii) Capital Expenditures made during
such Reference Period.

     Consolidated Total Funded Indebtedness. With respect to the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries for any period, the sum, without duplication of the aggregate
amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated
basis, relating to (a) the borrowing of money or the obtaining of credit,
including the issuance of notes or bonds, (b) the deferred purchase price of
assets (other than trade payable incurred in the ordinary course of business),
and (c) in respect of any Capitalized Leases or any synthetic leases (as such
term is defined in clause (vi) of the definition of Indebtedness).

     Continuing Directors. With respect to any period of twenty four (24)
consecutive calendar months, any member of the board of directors or similar
governing body of the Borrower who (a) was a member of such governing body on
the first day of such period or (b) was nominated for election or elected to
such governing body with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors
who were members of such governing body at the time of such nomination or
election.

     Contributed Amounts. Collectively, (a) $2,000,000 in the aggregate to pay
management fees for management of the RTI estate assets, (b) $2,700,000 in the
aggregate in respect of severance and retention benefits for RTI management
previously approved by the Court, and (c) $5,000,000 in the aggregate in respect
of payments to be made to the Existing Noteholders (the "Noteholder Payments"),
in each case contributed to RTI by the Lenders.

     Conversion Request. A notice given by the Borrower to the Administrative
Agent of the Borrower's election to convert or continue a Revolving Credit Loan
in accordance with (S)2.7.

     Court. See (S)11.19.

     Credit Agreement. This Revolving Credit Agreement, including the Schedules
and Exhibits hereto, all as amended and in effect from time to time.

     Debt Service Coverage Ratio. As at any date of determination, the ratio of
Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the Reference Period ending on, or most
recently ended prior to, such date, to Total Debt Service for such Reference
Period.

     Default. See (S)13.1.

     Delinquent Lender. See (S)15.5.3.

     DIP Facility. The Debtor-in-Possession Revolving Credit Agreement dated as
of April 3, 2001, as amended, among RTI, RTI Holdings, RTI Capital, Nimishillen
and Bliss & Laughlin, the DIP Lenders and Fleet Capital Corporation, as
administrative agent for the DIP Lenders, as in effect on the Effective Date.

     Distribution. With respect to any Person, the declaration or payment of any
dividend on or in respect of any shares of any class of capital stock,
membership interests or other equity interests of such Person, other than
dividends payable solely in shares of common equity

<PAGE>
-9-

                                      -9-

interests of such Person; the purchase, redemption, or other retirement of, any
shares of any class of capital stock, membership interests or other equity
interests of such Person, directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary of such
Person or otherwise; the return of capital by such Person to its shareholders or
other equity holders as such; or any other distribution on or in respect of any
shares of any class of capital stock, membership interests or other equity
interests of such Person.

     Dollar Equivalent. With respect to an amount of Canadian Dollars on any
date, the amount of Dollars that may be purchased with such amount of Canadian
Dollars at the Exchange Rate; with respect to an amount of Dollars on any date,
such amount in Dollars.

     Dollars or $. Dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.

     Domestic Lending Office. Initially, the office of each Lender designated as
such in Schedule 1 hereto; thereafter, such other office of such Lender, if any,
located within the United States that will be making or maintaining Base Rate
Loans.

     Domestic Security Agreement. The Security Agreement dated as of the date
hereof and as amended and in effect from time to time, among the Borrower, the
Subsidiary Guarantors other than RT Canada and the Administrative Agent.

     Drawdown Date. The date on which any Revolving Credit Loan is made or is to
be made, and the date on which any Revolving Credit Loan is converted or
continued in accordance with (S)2.7.

     Effective Date. The first date on which all of the conditions set forth in
(S)11 and (S)12 have been satisfied or waived in writing by each of the Lenders
and any Revolving Credit Loans are to be made or any Letter of Credit is to be
issued hereunder.

     Eligible Accounts Receivable. On any date, the Dollar Equivalent of the
aggregate of the unpaid portions of Accounts Receivable (net of any credits,
setoffs, deductions, discounts, counterclaims, rebates, offsets, holdbacks,
contras or other adjustments or commissions payable to third parties that are
adjustments to such Accounts Receivable) as to which the Borrower has furnished
reasonably detailed information to the Lenders in a Borrowing Base Report (i)
that the Borrower reasonably and in good faith determines to be collectible;
(ii) that are with account debtors that (A) are not factors or Affiliates of the
Borrower, (B) purchased the goods or services giving rise to the relevant
Account Receivable in an arm's length transaction, (C) are not insolvent or
involved in any case or proceeding, whether voluntary or involuntary, under any
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, adjustment of debt,
dissolution, liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction and (D) are, in the
Administrative Agent's reasonable judgment, creditworthy (in the event the
Administrative Agent determines that any account debtor is not creditworthy, the
Administrative Agent shall endeavor to notify the Borrower as to such account
debtor); (iii) that are in payment of obligations that have been fully
performed, do not consist of progress billings or bill and hold invoices and are
not subject to dispute, or any other similar claims that would reduce the cash
amount payable therefor; (iv) that are not subject to any pledge, restriction,
security interest or other lien or encumbrance other than those created by the
Loan Documents; (v) in which the Administrative Agent has a valid and perfected
first priority security interest; (vi) that are neither more than sixty (60)
days

<PAGE>

                                      -10-

past due under the original terms of the sale nor outstanding more than ninety
(90) days past the invoice date therefor; (vii) that are not due from an account
debtor located in Minnesota unless the Borrower (A) has received a certificate
of authority to do business and is in good standing in such state or (B) has
filed a notice of business activities report with the appropriate office or
agency of such state for the current year; (viii) that are not due from any
single account debtor if more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate amount
of all Accounts Receivable owing from such account debtor would otherwise not be
Eligible Accounts Receivable; (ix) that are payable in Dollars or Canadian
Dollars; (x) that are not due from the United States of America or any
department, agency or instrumentality thereof, except for those Accounts
Receivable for which the Borrower or its Subsidiaries has complied with the
Federal Assignment of Claims Act; (xi) that are not with account debtors whose
obligation to pay is conditional or subject to a repurchase obligation or right
to return, including bill and hold sales, guaranteed sales, sale or return
transactions, sales on approval or consignment sales; (xii) that are not due
from any single account debtor to the extent that after giving effect to the
inclusion of such Accounts Receivable (or a portion thereof) in the Borrowing
Base more than twenty percent (20%) of the Eligible Accounts Receivable included
in the Borrowing Base are owed by such account debtor (absent the prior approval
of the Supermajority Lenders in accordance with ss.26) and (xiii) that are not
payable from an office outside of the United States or Canada unless such
account debtor has provided to the Borrower an irrevocable letter of credit from
a financial institution reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent to
secure such account debtor's obligations to the Borrower (but only to the extent
of the amount of such letter of credit and such letter of credit is immediately
assigned to, and delivered into the possession of, the Administrative Agent).

     Eligible Assignee. Any of (a) a commercial bank or finance company
organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof or the
District of Columbia, and having total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000; (b) a
savings and loan association or savings bank organized under the laws of the
United States, or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and having a
net worth of at least $100,000,000, calculated in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles; (c) a commercial bank organized under the laws
of any other country which is a member of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (the "OECD"), or a political subdivision of any such
country, and having total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000, provided that such
bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the country in which it is
organized or another country which is also a member of the OECD; (d) the central
bank of any country which is a member of the OECD; and (e) any other bank,
insurance company, commercial finance company or other financial institution
approved by the Administrative Agent, such approval not to be unreasonably
withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no competitor of the Borrower or any
financial institution having a material equity interest in any competitor of the
Borrower shall constitute an Eligible Assignee.

     Eligible Finished Goods Inventory. On any date, with respect to the
Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Dollar Equivalent of the gross book
value, determined in accordance with the first-in, first-out method of inventory
accounting, as reflected on the Borrower's or a Subsidiary Guarantor's books in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
of finished goods inventory owned by the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors
and as to which the Borrower has furnished reasonably detailed information to
the Lenders in a Borrowing Base Report; provided that Eligible Inventory shall
not include any

<PAGE>

                                      -11-

inventory (i) held on consignment by the Borrower or one of the Subsidiary
Guarantors, or not otherwise owned by the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors,
or of a type no longer sold by the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors, (ii)
which has been returned by a customer and is not in saleable condition or is
damaged or subject to any legal encumbrance, (iii) which is not located on
property owned by the Borrower or one of the Subsidiary Guarantors unless such
inventory is (A) held by the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor on properties
leased by the Borrower or such Subsidiary Guarantor as to which the
Administrative Agent has received a waiver from the lessor of such property in
form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, unless the relevant
date of determination is on or prior to thirty (30) days after the Effective
Date, (B) not in the possession of the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors and
is not in transit and (x) the Administrative Agent has received a waiver from
the party in possession of such inventory in form and substance satisfactory to
the Administrative Agent, (y) the Administrative Agent has reduced the value of
such inventory by reserves reasonably deemed adequate by the Administrative
Agent, and in any event in an amount equal to all obligations of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries to the party in possession or (z) the relevant date of
determination is prior to thirty (30) days after the Effective Date or (C) in
transit from one location in which the Administrative Agent had a perfected
security interest in such inventory to a second location where the
Administrative Agent has taken all steps necessary to obtain a perfected
security interest in inventory at such location, and has been in transit for a
period of less than ten (10) days, (iv) as to which the Administrative Agent
does not have a valid and perfected first priority security interest, (v) which
is not located within the United States of America or Canada, (vi) which the
Administrative Agent reasonably deems to be obsolete or not marketable, (vii)
which constitutes supplies or spare parts of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries,
or (viii) which constitutes, railroad inventory or conversion inventory, in each
case as such is reflected on the Borrower's books. Finished goods inventory
immediately loses the status of Eligible Finished Goods Inventory if and when
the Borrower or one of the Subsidiary Guarantors sells it, otherwise passes
title thereto, or consumes it or the Administrative Agent releases or transfers
its security interest therein, or if and when an Eligible Account Receivable
arises by virtue of constituting proceeds of such inventory. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, but without duplication, Eligible Finished Goods Inventory shall be
reduced by the amount of any specific reserve established by the Borrower with
respect to any Eligible Finished Goods Inventory other than the LIFO reserve
maintained by the Borrower in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     Eligible Fixed Asset Component. With respect to any period, the amount set
forth below opposite such period, provided, however that (a) the Eligible Fixed
Asset Component may be permanently reduced as provided in (S)3.2(b) of the
Credit Agreement or otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, and
(b) the Eligible Fixed Asset Component may be permanently reduced during one of
the periods set forth below by such amounts as are provided in (S)(S)2.10 and
3.2(b) of the Credit Agreement, in which case the amount set forth below
opposite such period and each other amount set forth below opposite each
subsequent period shall be reduced by an amount equal to such reduction.

     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Period:                                     Eligible Fixed Asset Component:
     ------                                      ------------------------------
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Effective Date through June 30, 2003        $100,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003      $ 92,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     January 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004      $ 89,500,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

                                      -12-

     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     April 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004                $87,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     July 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004            $84,500,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004          $82,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005             $77,000,000
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
     April 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005                $72,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     July 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005            $67,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     October 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005          $62,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     January 1, 2006 through March 31, 2006             $57,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     April 1, 2006 through June 30, 2006                $52,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     July 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006            $47,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     October 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006          $42,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007             $37,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     April 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007                $32,000,000
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reductions of the Eligible Fixed Asset Component pursuant to this definition or
otherwise are permanent; once reduced, the Eligible Fixed Asset Component may
not be increased.

     Eligible Inventory. Eligible Finished Goods Inventory, Eligible
Work-in-Process and Eligible Raw Materials.

     Eligible Raw Materials. On any date, an amount equal to the Dollar
Equivalent of the gross book value, determined in accordance with the first-in,
first-out method of inventory accounting, as reflected on the Borrower's or a
Subsidiary Guarantor's books in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, of raw materials used to produce the Borrower's
or one of the Subsidiary Guarantor's inventory, including any finished goods
inventory returned by a customer or no longer sold by the Borrower or the
Subsidiary Guarantors and which has been converted into Eligible Raw Materials,
which is (a)(i) located on property owned by the Borrower or the Subsidiary
Guarantors, (ii) held by the Borrower or a Subsidiary Guarantor on properties
leased by the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors as to which the
Administrative Agent has received a waiver from the lessor of such property in
form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, unless the relevant
date of determination is on or prior to thirty (30) days after the Effective
Date, (iii) not in the possession of the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors
and is not in transit and (X) the Administrative Agent has received a waiver
from the party in possession of such raw materials in form and substance
satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (Y) the Administrative Agent has
reduced the value of such raw materials by reserves reasonably deemed adequate
by the Administrative Agent, and in any event in an amount equal to all
obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to the party in possession or
(Z) the relevant date of determination is on prior to thirty (30) days after the
Effective Date or (iv) is in transit from one location in which the
Administrative Agent had a perfected security interest in such raw materials to
a second location where the Administrative Agent has taken all steps necessary
to obtain a perfected security interest in raw materials at such location, and
has been in transit for a period of less than ten (10) days, (b) as to which the
Borrower or one of the Subsidiary Guarantors has acquired title and the
Administrative Agent has a valid and perfected first-priority security interest
under all applicable law, and (c) as to which the Borrower has furnished
reasonably detailed information to the Lenders in a Borrowing Base Report, after
taking into account all

<PAGE>

                                      -13-

charges and liens (other than those of the Administrative Agent and carrier,
warehouse, customs and similar statutory liens arising in the ordinary course of
business) of all kinds against such raw materials. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Eligible Raw Materials shall not include any raw
materials covered by a document of title until the document of title has been
delivered to the Administrative Agent or which the Administrative Agent
reasonably deems to be obsolete or not useable raw materials. Raw material
immediately loses the status of Eligible Raw Material if and when the Borrower
or one of the Subsidiary Guarantors sells it, otherwise passes title thereto,
consumes it, or materially changes it in the course of processing the same, or
the Administrative Agent releases or transfers its security interest therein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, but without duplication, Eligible Raw Materials
shall be reduced by the amount of any specific reserve established by the
Borrower with respect to any Eligible Raw Materials other than the LIFO reserve
maintained by the Borrower in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     Eligible Work-in-Process. On any date, an amount equal to the Dollar
Equivalent of the gross book value, as reflected on the Borrower's or a
Subsidiary Guarantor's books in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, of usable work-in-process of the Borrower and
the Subsidiary Guarantors and as to which the Borrower has furnished reasonably
detailed information to the Lenders in a Borrowing Base Report in connection
with the manufacture of its products in the ordinary course of its business,
including any finished goods inventory returned by a customer or no longer sold
by the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors and which has been converted into
Eligible Work-in-Process, which is (a) (i) located on property owned by the
Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors, (ii) held by the Borrower or a Subsidiary
Guarantor on properties leased by the Borrower or the Subsidiary Guarantors as
to which the Administrative Agent has received a waiver from the lessor of such
property in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, unless
the relevant date of determination is on or prior to thirty (30) days after the
Effective Date, (iii) not in the possession of the Borrower or the Subsidiary
Guarantors and is not in transit and (X) the Administrative Agent has received a
waiver from the party in possession of such work-in-process in form and
substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (Y) the Administrative Agent
has reduced the value of such work-in-process by reserves reasonably deemed
adequate by the Administrative Agent, and in any event in an amount equal to all
obligations of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors to the party in
possession or (Z) the relevant date of determination is on or prior to thirty
(30) days after the Effective Date or (iv) is in transit from one location in
which the Administrative Agent had a perfected security interest in such
work-in-process to a second location where the Administrative Agent has taken
all steps necessary to obtain a perfected security interest in such
work-in-process at such location, and has been in transit for a period of less
than ten (10) days, and (b) as to which the Borrower or one of the Subsidiary
Guarantors has title and the Administrative Agent has a valid and perfected
first-priority security interest. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Eligible Work-in-Process shall not include work-in-process which the
Administrative Agent reasonably deems to be obsolete or not marketable.
Work-in-process immediately loses the status of Eligible Work-in-Process if and
when the Borrower or one of the Subsidiary Guarantors sells it, otherwise passes
title thereto, consumes it, or the Administrative Agent releases or transfers
its security interest therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but without
duplication, Eligible Work-in-Process shall be reduced by the amount of any
specific reserves established by the Borrower

<PAGE>

                                      -14-

with respect to any Eligible Work-in-Process other than the LIFO reserve
maintained by the Borrower in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     Employee Benefit Plan. Any employee benefit plan within the meaning of
(S)3(3) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate, other than a Guaranteed Pension Plan or a Multiemployer Plan.

     Environmental Laws. See (S)7.17(a).

     EPA. See (S)7.17.

     Equity Documents. The Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Parent dated
as of July 9, 2002, the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Borrower
dated as of June 4, 2002 (and as amended and restated in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby), and all documents
delivered pursuant thereto.

     ERISA. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and
in effect from time to time.

     ERISA Affiliate. Any Person which is treated as a single employer with the
Borrower under ss.414 of the Code.

     ERISA Reportable Event. A reportable event with respect to a Guaranteed
Pension Plan within the meaning of (S)4043 of ERISA and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.

     Eurocurrency Reserve Rate. For any day with respect to a Eurodollar Rate
Loan, the maximum rate (expressed as a decimal) at which any lender subject
thereto would be required to maintain reserves under Regulation D of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor or similar
regulations relating to such reserve requirements) against "Eurocurrency
Liabilities" (as that term is used in Regulation D), if such liabilities were
outstanding. The Eurocurrency Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on
and as of the effective date of any change in the Eurocurrency Reserve Rate.

     Eurodollar Business Day. Any day on which commercial banks are open for
international business (including dealings in Dollar deposits) in London or such
other eurodollar interbank market as may be selected by the Administrative Agent
in its sole discretion acting in good faith.

     Eurodollar Lending Office. Initially, the office of each Lender designated
as such in Schedule 1 hereto; thereafter, such other office of such Lender, if
any, that shall be making or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Loans.

     Eurodollar Rate. For any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate
Loan, the rate of interest equal to (a) the rate per annum at which the
Reference Lender's Eurodollar Lending Office is offered Dollar deposits two (2)
Eurodollar Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period in the
interbank eurodollar market where the eurodollar and foreign currency and
exchange operations of such Eurodollar Lending Office are customarily conducted,
for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period for the number of days
comprised therein and

<PAGE>

                                      -15-

in an amount comparable to the amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan of the
Reference Lender to which such Interest Period applies, divided by (b) a number
equal to 1.00 minus the Eurocurrency Reserve Rate, if applicable.

     Eurodollar Rate Loans. Revolving Credit Loans bearing interest calculated
by reference to the Eurodollar Rate.

     Event of Default. See (S)13.1.

     Exchange Rate. With respect to any amount in Dollars the rate of exchange
as quoted by the Bank of Canada as the noon rate of Canadian Dollars for Dollars
on or about 12:00 p.m. (noon) Toronto time on the Business Day on which the
determination is required to be made.

     Existing Noteholders. On the Effective Date, the holders of the 13 3/4%
Senior Secured Notes of RTI issued pursuant to the indenture dated as of August
13, 1999 among RTI, RTI Capital, certain subsidiaries of RTI as guarantors and
the Bank of New York (as successor to the United States Trust Company of New
York), as trustee and collateral agent.

     Financial Affiliate. A Subsidiary of the bank holding company controlling
any Lender, which Subsidiary is engaged in any of the activities permitted
by (S)4(e) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956(12 U.S.C. (S)1843).

     Fleet. See preamble.

     Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. (a) When used in (S)10, whether
directly or indirectly through reference to a capitalized term used therein,
means (i) principles that are consistent with the principles promulgated or
adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and its predecessors, in
effect on the Balance Sheet Date, and (ii) to the extent consistent with such
principles, the accounting practice of the Borrower reflected in its financial
statements for the year ended on the Balance Sheet Date, and (b) when used in
general, other than as provided above, means principles that are (i) consistent
with the principles promulgated or adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board and its predecessors, as in effect from time to time, and (ii)
consistently applied with past financial statements of the Borrower adopting the
same principles, provided that in each case referred to in this definition of
"generally accepted accounting principles" a certified public accountant would,
insofar as the use of such accounting principles is pertinent, be in a position
to deliver an unqualified opinion (other than a qualification regarding changes
in generally accepted accounting principles) as to financial statements in which
such principles have been properly applied.

     Guaranteed Pension Plan. Any employee pension benefit plan within the
meaning of (S)3(2) of ERISA maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate the benefits of which are guaranteed on termination in full or
in part by the PBGC pursuant to Title IV of ERISA, other than a Multiemployer
Plan.

     Guarantors. Collectively, the Parent and the Subsidiary Guarantors.

<PAGE>

                                      -16-

     Guaranty. The Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Lenders and
the Administrative Agent pursuant to (S)6.2 hereof, pursuant to which the
Guarantors guaranty to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent the payment and
performance of the Obligations.

     Hazardous Substances. See (S)7.17(b).

     Hunt. Collectively, HIG-Steel Investors, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership, and HIG-Steel G.P., L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company.

     Indebtedness. As to any Person and whether recourse is secured by or is
otherwise available against all or only a portion of the assets of such Person
and whether or not contingent, but without duplication:

     (i)    every obligation of such Person for money borrowed,

     (ii)   every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures,
notes or other similar instruments,

     (iii)  every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to
letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the
account of such Person,

     (iv)   every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property or services (including securities repurchase
agreements but excluding trade accounts payable existing on the Effective Date,
or trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course
of business which are not overdue by more than ninety (90) days or which are
being contested in good faith),

     (v)    every obligation of such Person under any Capitalized Lease,

     (vi)   every obligation of such Person under any lease (a "synthetic
lease") treated as an operating lease under generally accepted accounting
principles and as a loan or financing for U.S. income tax purposes,

     (vii)  all sales by such Person of (A) accounts or general intangibles for
money due or to become due (other than general intangibles related to assets
disposed of in accordance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents), (B)
chattel paper, instruments or documents creating or evidencing a right to
payment of money or (C) other receivables (collectively "receivables"), whether
pursuant to a purchase facility or otherwise, other than in connection with the
disposition of the business operations of such Person relating thereto or a
disposition of defaulted receivables for collection and not as a financing
arrangement, and together with any obligation of such Person to pay any
discount, interest, fees, indemnities, penalties, recourse, expenses or other
amounts in connection therewith,

     (viii) every obligation of such Person under any forward contract, futures
contract, swap, option or other financing agreement or arrangement (including,
without limitation, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements), the value of
which is dependent upon interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodities or
other indices (a "derivative contract"),

<PAGE>

                                      -17-

     (ix) every obligation in respect of Indebtedness of any other entity
(including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the
extent that such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person's
ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the
extent that the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not
liable therefor and such terms are enforceable under applicable law,

     (x)  every obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person
guaranteeing, or having the economic effect of guarantying or otherwise acting
as surety for, any obligation of a type described in any of clauses (i) through
(x) (the "primary obligation") of another Person (the "primary obligor"), in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including, without limitation, any
obligation of such Person (A) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for
the purchase of) any security for the payment of such primary obligation, (B) to
purchase property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the
payment of such primary obligation, or (C) to maintain working capital, equity
capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary
obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such primary obligation.

     The "amount" or "principal amount" of any Indebtedness at any time of
determination represented by (u) any Indebtedness, issued at a price that is
less than the principal amount at maturity thereof, shall be the amount of the
liability in respect thereof determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, (v) any Capitalized Lease shall be the principal
component of the aggregate of the rentals obligation under such Capitalized
Lease payable over the term thereof that is not subject to termination by the
lessee, (w) any sale of receivables shall be equal to the portion of such sale
which is recourse to such Person, (x) any synthetic lease shall be the
stipulated loss value, termination value or other equivalent amount, and (y) any
derivative contract shall be the maximum amount of any termination or loss
payment required to be paid by such Person if such derivative contract were, at
the time of determination, to be terminated by reason of any event of default or
early termination event thereunder, whether or not such event of default or
early termination event has in fact occurred.

     Indenture. The indenture dated as of the date hereof among the Borrower,
Blue Steel Capital Corp. and the Trustee, pursuant to which the Notes are issued
to the Noteholder Trust, in the form delivered to the Co-Agents on or prior to
the Effective Date.

     Intercreditor Agreements. Collectively, the Asset Intercreditor Agreement
and the Pledge Intercreditor Agreement.

     Interest Payment Date. (a) As to any Base Rate Loan, the first day of the
calendar month with respect to interest accrued during the immediately preceding
calendar month, including, without limitation, the calendar month which includes
the Drawdown Date of such Base Rate Loan; (or if such day is not a Business Day,
then the next immediately following Business Day); and (b) as to any Eurodollar
Rate Loan in respect of which the Interest Period is (i) one (1) month, the last
day of such Interest Period and (ii) more than one (1) month, the date that is
one (1) month from the first day of such Interest Period, each one (1) month
period thereafter, and, in addition, the last day of such Interest Period.

     Interest Period. With respect to each Revolving Credit Loan, (a) initially,
the period commencing on the Drawdown Date of such Loan and ending on, (i) for
any Base Rate Loan,

<PAGE>

                                      -18-

the last day of the calendar month; and (ii) for any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the
last day of the 1, 2, 3, or 6 month period as selected by the Borrower in a Loan
Request; and (b) thereafter, each period commencing on the last day of the next
preceding Interest Period applicable to such Revolving Credit Loan and ending on
the last day of the next calendar month for any Base Rate Loan and the last day
of one of the periods set forth above, as selected by the Borrower in a
Conversion Request, for any Eurodollar Rate Loan; provided that all of the
foregoing provisions relating to Interest Periods are subject to the following:

     (a) if any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan would
otherwise end on a day that is not a Eurodollar Business Day, that Interest
Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Eurodollar Business Day unless
the result of such extension would be to carry such Interest Period into another
calendar month, in which event such Interest Period shall end on the immediately
preceding Eurodollar Business Day;

     (b) if any Interest Period with respect to a Base Rate Loan would end on a
day that is not a Business Day, that Interest Period shall end on the next
succeeding Business Day;

     (c) if the Borrower shall fail to give notice as provided in (S)2.7, the
Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a conversion of the affected
Eurodollar Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan and the continuance of all Base Rate
Loans as Base Rate Loans on the last day of the then current Interest Period
with respect thereto;

     (d) any Interest Period relating to any Eurodollar Rate Loan that begins on
the last Eurodollar Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which
there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of
such Interest Period) shall end on the last Eurodollar Business Day of a
calendar month; and

     (e) any Interest Period relating to any Eurodollar Rate Loan that would
otherwise extend beyond the Maturity Date shall end on the Maturity Date.

     International Standby Practices. With respect to any standby Letter of
Credit, International Standby Practices (ISP98), International Chamber of
Commerce Publication No. 590, or any successor code of standby letter of credit
practices among banks adopted by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course
of its business as a standby letter of credit issuer and in effect at the time
of issuance of such Letter of Credit.

     Investments. All expenditures made and all liabilities incurred
(contingently or otherwise) for the acquisition of stock, other equity interests
or Indebtedness of, or for loans, advances, capital contributions or transfers
of property for a similar purpose to, or in respect of any guaranties of (or
other commitments as described under Indebtedness), or obligations of, any
Person. In determining the aggregate amount of Investments outstanding at any
particular time: (a) the amount of any Investment represented by a guaranty
shall be taken at not less than the principal amount of the obligations
guaranteed and still outstanding, except that if such guaranty is limited in
amount, the amount of such Investment shall be equal to the amount to which such
guaranty is limited; (b) there shall be deducted in respect of each such
Investment any amount received as a return of capital (but only by repurchase,
redemption, retirement, repayment, dividend or distribution); (c) there shall
not be deducted in respect of any Investment any amounts received as earnings on
such Investment, whether as dividends,

<PAGE>

                                      -19-

interest or otherwise; and (d) there shall not be deducted from the aggregate
amount of Investments any decrease in the value thereof.

     Investors. KPS and Hunt.

     IPO. See definition of Change of Control.

     Issuing Bank. Fleet or any of its affiliates.

     KPS. Collectively, Blue Steel Corporation, a Delaware corporation, KPS
Special Situations Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and KPS
Supplemental Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

     Lenders. See preamble.

     Letter of Credit. See (S)4.1.1.

     Letter of Credit Application. See (S)4.1.1.

     Letter of Credit Fee. See (S)4.6.

     Letter of Credit Participation. See (S)4.1.4.

     Leverage Ratio. As at any date of determination, the ratio of (a)
Consolidated Total Funded Indebtedness as of the end of the Reference Period
ending on, or most recently ended prior to, such date, to (b) Consolidated
EBITDA for such Reference Period plus all management fees permitted to be paid
or accrued pursuant to (S)9.4(d) deducted in calculating Consolidated EBITDA for
such Reference Period.

     Loan Documents. This Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Notes, the
Letters of Credit, the Intercreditor Agreements, and the Security Documents.

     Loan Request. See (S)2.6.

     Maintenance Expenses. In respect of any Person, documented third party fees
and expenses associated with state qualifications and other state, federal or
regulatory compliance matters relating to such Person, franchise fees owing by
such Person, property and other taxes owing by such Person and other costs and
expenses reasonably incurred by such Person in connection with ownership of its
property.

     Majority Lenders. As of any date, the Lenders holding at least sixty-seven
percent (67%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Credit Notes
on such date; and if no such principal is outstanding, the Lenders whose
aggregate Commitments constitute more than sixty-seven percent (67%) of the
Total Commitment.

     Management Incentive Plan. The management incentive plan entered into by
the Borrower following the Effective Date, such plan to be in form reasonably
acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

<PAGE>

                                      -20-

     Material Adverse Effect. A material adverse effect on the consolidated
assets, business, condition (financial or otherwise) or operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the Borrower's or any
Guarantor's ability to perform its material Obligations under the Loan Documents
or the Lenders' and the Administrative Agent's material rights under the Loan
Documents.

     Maturity Date. June 30, 2007.

     Maximum Drawing Amount. The maximum aggregate amount from time to time that
the beneficiaries are or may become entitled to draw under issued and
outstanding Letters of Credit, as such aggregate amount may be reduced from time
to time pursuant to the terms of the Letters of Credit.

     Mortgaged Property. The real estate and fixtures related to the Canton
Cast-Roll Facility and subject to the Mortgage and any related properties,
rights and assets subject to the Mortgage.

     Mortgage. The mortgage dated as of the date hereof, and as amended and in
effect from time to time, from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, for the
benefit of the Lenders and Administrative Agent, with respect to the Mortgaged
Property.

     Multiemployer Plan. Any multiemployer plan within the meaning of (S)3(37)
of ERISA maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

     Net Cash Proceeds. In connection with any sale or other disposition of
assets, any issuance of equity, any incurrence of Indebtedness after the
Effective Date, or any event giving rise to a receipt of casualty insurance or
condemnation proceeds, the cash proceeds received from such sale, disposition,
issuance, incurrence, casualty or condemnation event net of all customary and
reasonable costs of sale, underwriting or brokerage costs, fees, commissions,
costs, expenses, and taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (including
resulting income tax distributions of the type described in  (S)9.4(e)) by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, attorneys'
fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording
charges, transfer taxes and deed or mortgage recording taxes, and, in the case
of any sale or other disposition of assets, after the satisfaction of all
Indebtedness and other obligations permitted hereby and secured by such assets
or required to by paid upon the sale of such assets.

     Net Present Value of Operating Leases. The net present value (calculated at
a discount rate of eight percent (8%) per annum) of the minimum future rentals
due over the term of all Rental Obligations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries.

     Net Sales. With respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for any
period, the "Net Sales" of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period as
reported in the financial statements required to be delivered by the Borrower
pursuant to Section 8.4(j).

     Nimishillen. Nimishillen & Tuscarawas, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.

     Non-Affected Lender. See (S)5.11.

<PAGE>

                                      -21-

     Note Documents. The Notes, the Indenture and all documents, instruments and
agreements executed in connection therewith, each in the form delivered to the
Co-Agents on or prior to the Effective Date.

     Noteholder Payments. See the definition of "Contributed Amounts".

     Noteholder Trust. The Republic Liquidation Trust for the benefit of the
Existing Noteholders in which the Notes will be held until such time as the
Borrower has caused the registration of the distribution of the Notes to the
Existing Noteholders under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     Notes. The 10% Senior Secured Notes, dated as of the date hereof, due 2009
issued by the Borrower and Blue Steel Capital Corp. to the Noteholder Trust in
the form delivered to the Co-Agents on or prior to the Effective Date.

     Obligations. All indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries to any of the Lenders and/or the Administrative
Agent, individually or collectively, existing as of the execution and delivery
of this Credit Agreement or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or
several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or
unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or
otherwise, in each case arising or incurred (a) under this Credit Agreement, any
of the other Loan Documents, or in respect of the Revolving Credit Loans made,
or Reimbursement Obligations incurred, or any Revolving Credit Notes, Letter of
Credit Application, Letter of Credit, Rate Protection Agreements, or other
instruments at any time evidencing any thereof, or (b) in connection with cash
management services provided by Fleet or Fleet National Bank.

     Operating Account. The Borrower's operating account No. #9429226302
maintained with Fleet National Bank.

     Outstanding. With respect to the Revolving Credit Loans, the aggregate
unpaid principal thereof as of any date of determination.

     Parent. See preamble.

     Patent Assignment. The Patent Collateral Assignment and Security Agreement
dated as of the date hereof, and as amended and in effect from time to time,
made by the Borrower in favor of the Administrative Agent.

     PBGC. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation created by (S)4002 of ERISA
and any successor entity or entities having similar responsibilities.

     Perfection Certificates. The Perfection Certificates as defined in the
Security Agreements.

     Permitted Holders. The Investors and their respective Affiliates.

     Permitted Liens. Liens, security interests and other encumbrances permitted
by (S)9.2.

<PAGE>

                                      -22-

     Permitted Tax Distributions. See (S)9.4.

     Person. Any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, trust, unincorporated association, business trust, or other legal
entity, and any government or any governmental agency or political subdivision
thereof.

     Petty Cash Accounts. Those accounts listed and described on Schedule 7.19
as petty cash accounts.

     Pledge Agreement. The Pledge Agreement, dated as of the date hereof and as
amended and in effect from time to time, made by each of the Borrower and the
Parent pursuant to which the ownership interests of the Borrower and each
Subsidiary Guarantor are pledged in favor of the Administrative Agent for the
benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

     Pledge Intercreditor Agreement. The Pledge Intercreditor Agreement dated as
of the date hereof by and among the Borrower, certain of the Guarantors, the
Administrative Agent and the Trustee.

     Pro Forma Balance Sheet. See (S)7.4.1.

     Rail Mortgages. Collectively, the several Open-End Mortgages, Security
Agreements, Assignments of Rents, Income and Proceeds, dated as of the date
hereof, and as amended and in effect from time to time, made by N&T Railway
Company LLC in favor of the Administrative Agent.

     Rate Protection Agreements. Any interest rate swap, cap, collar or similar
agreement or arrangement entered into, from time to time, by the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries which is a Guarantor and any of the Lenders or any of their
respective Affiliates to protect the Borrower or such Subsidiary against
fluctuations in interests rates on Indebtedness of such Borrower or such
Subsidiary permitted hereunder and as to which the Lender (or Affiliates) which
is a party thereto has provided notice to the Administrative Agent of such Rate
Protection Agreement's existence, type, notional amount, tenor and cost to
terminate.

     Rate Protection Exposure. As of any date of determination, the net cost to
the Borrower or Subsidiary party thereto to terminate all Rate Protection
Agreements, marked to market no less frequently than monthly, or more frequently
if requested by the Administrative Agent.

     RCRA. See (S)7.17.

     Real Estate. All real property at any time owned or leased (as lessee or
sublessee) by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

     Record. The grid attached to a Revolving Credit Note, or the continuation
of such grid, or any other similar record, including computer records,
maintained by any Lender with respect to any Revolving Credit Loan referred to
in such Note.

     Reference Lender. Fleet.

<PAGE>

                                      -23-

     Reference Period. Any period of (a) four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries ending on, or most recently ended prior to,
the relevant date of determination, or (b) (i) for purposes of calculating the
Debt Service Coverage Ratio, until four (4) full fiscal quarters of the Borrower
have elapsed since January 1, 2004, such shorter period of one (1), two (2) or
three (3) full fiscal quarters, as the case may be, ending on, or most recently
ended prior to, the relevant date of determination, (ii) for purposes of
calculating Net Sales, until four (4) full fiscal quarters of the Borrower have
elapsed since January 1, 2003, such shorter period of one (1), two (2) or three
(3) full fiscal quarters, as the case may be, ending on, or most recently ended
prior to, the relevant date of determination, and (iii) for purposes of
calculating Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio,
until four (4) full fiscal quarters of the Borrower have elapsed after June 30,
2003, such shorter period of one (1), two (2) or three (3) full fiscal quarters
elapsed on, or most recently ended prior to the relevant date of determination,
with the relevant amount applicable to such shorter period annualized for the
period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters for which the Leverage Ratio is
being performed by multiplying such relevant amount by a fraction whose
numerator is four (4) and whose denominator is such actual number of elapsed
fiscal quarters.

     Register. See (S)19.3.

     Reimbursement Obligation. The Borrower's obligation to reimburse the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders on account of any drawing under any Letter
of Credit as provided in (S)5.2.

     Rental Obligations. All present or future obligations of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries under any rental agreements or leases of real or
personal property, other than (a) obligations that can be terminated by the
giving of notice without liability to the Borrower or such Subsidiary in excess
of the liability for rent due within thirty (30) days of the date on which such
notice is given and under which no penalty or premium is paid as a result of any
such termination, and (b) obligations in respect of Capitalized Leases or any
synthetic leases referred to in clause (vi) of the definition of the term
"Indebtedness".

     Restricted Payment. As to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (a) any
Distribution, (b) any payment or prepayment by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries
to the Parent or to any Affiliate of the Borrower or the Parent (other than a
payment to a Subsidiary of the Borrower which is a Guarantor or the Borrower) or
(c) any payment in respect of any Indebtedness which is subordinated in right of
payment by its terms to the repayment of the applicable Obligations.

     Revolving Credit Loans. Revolving credit loans made or to be made by the
Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to (S)2.

     Revolving Credit Note Record. A Record with respect to a Revolving Credit
Note.

     Revolving Credit Notes. See (S)2.4.

     Rollover LC's. Collectively, the letters of credit (including all
extensions and renewals thereof) issued by Fleet National Bank, as issuing bank,
under the DIP Facility and outstanding on the Effective Date and set forth on
Schedule 1A hereto.

<PAGE>

                                      -24-

     RTI Capital. RTI Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation.

     RTI. Republic Technologies International, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.

     RTI Holdings. Republic Technologies International Holdings, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.

     Sale Order. See (S)11.19.

     SARA. See (S)7.17.

     Security Agreements. The Domestic Security Agreement and the Canadian
Security Agreement.

     Security Documents. The Security Agreements, the Pledge Agreement, the
Patent Assignment, the Trademark Assignment, the Mortgage, the Rail Mortgages
and the Agency Agreements.

     Settlement. The making of, or receiving of, payments, in immediately
available funds, by the Lenders, to the extent necessary to cause each Lender's
actual share of the outstanding amount of Revolving Credit Loans (after giving
effect to any Loan Request and including any Revolving Credit Loans made
pursuant to (S)2.6.2) to be equal to each Lender's Commitment Percentage of the
outstanding amount of such Revolving Credit Loans (after giving effect to any
Loan Request and including any Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to
(S)2.6.2), where, prior to such event or action, the actual share is not so
equal (other than where the failure to be equal results from the failure of a
Delinquent Lender to make a Revolving Credit Loan).

     Settlement Amount. See (S)2.8.3.1.

     Settling Lender. See (S)2.8.3.1.

     Settling Date. A Settling Date shall occur upon any one or more of the
following: (a) the Drawdown Date of any Loan Request, (b) the last Business Day
of each calendar week, (c) any date on which the outstanding principal amount of
Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to (S)2.6.2 exceeds $15,000,000 and (d)
more frequently, if the Administrative Agent so designates to the Lenders from
time to time.

     Special Inventory Advance. During the period commencing on the Effective
Date through June 30, 2003, 10%; and thereafter, 0%, in each case, of the lower
of cost or market value of Eligible Inventory, up to a maximum amount of
$22,000,000 at any time.

     Specified Non-Consenting Lender. A Lender that shall have refused to
approve or consent to a waiver, consent or amendment hereunder or under the Loan
Documents which waiver, consent or amendment is, pursuant to (S)26, approved by
the Majority Lenders or such greater number of Lenders as are required to cause
such waiver, consent or amendment to be effective.

<PAGE>

                                      -25-

     Subsidiary. Any corporation, association, trust, limited liability company
or other business entity of which the designated parent shall at any time own
directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries at least a majority
(by number of votes) of the outstanding Voting Stock.

     Subsidiary Guarantors. See preamble.

     Successor Labor Agreement. The collective bargaining agreement, dated on or
about April 24, 2002, between the Borrower and the United Steel Workers of
America.

     Supermajority Lenders. As of any date, the Lenders holding at least
eighty-five percent (85%) of the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving
Credit Notes on such date (which must in any event include at least three (3) of
the Co-Agents); and if no such principal is outstanding, the Lenders whose
aggregate Commitments constitutes at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the
Total Commitment.

     Survey. An instrument survey of the Mortgaged Property dated as of a date
subsequent to July 8, 2002 which shall show the location of all buildings,
structures, easements and utility lines on the Mortgaged Property, shall be
sufficient to remove the survey exception from the Title Policy, shall show that
all buildings and structures are within the lot lines of the Mortgaged Property,
shall not show any encroachments by others, shall show the zoning district or
districts in which the Mortgaged Property is located in a flood hazard district
as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or any successor
agency or is located in any flood plain, flood hazard or wetland protection
district established under federal, state or local law.

     Surveyor Certificate. In relation to the Mortgaged Property, a certificate
executed by the surveyor who prepared the Survey dated as of a recent date and
containing such information relating to the Mortgaged Property as the Co-Agents
or the Title Insurance Company may require, such certificate to be satisfactory
to the Co-Agents in form and substance.

     Sweep Deadline. The date sixty (60) days after the Effective Date.

     Swept Accounts. Those depository accounts from which all funds and cash
proceeds are transferred to the Administrative Agent pursuant to (S)(S)3.4 and
8.13 and the Agency Agreements applicable thereto and any future such accounts
that may be established in accordance with this Credit Agreement.

     Swept Lockboxes. Those lockboxes from which all funds are transferred to
the Swept Accounts pursuant to (S)8.13.1 and the lockbox agreements pursuant
thereto and any future such lockboxes that may be established in accordance with
this Credit Agreement.

     Title Insurance Company. Chicago Title Insurance Company.

     Title Policy. In relation to the Mortgaged Property, an ALTA standard form
title insurance policy issued by the Title Insurance Company (with such
reinsurance or co-insurance as the Administrative Agent may require, any such
reinsurance to be with direct access endorsements) in such amount as may be
determined by the Administrative Agent insuring the

<PAGE>

                                      -26-

priority of the Mortgage of the Mortgaged Property and that the Borrower or one
of its Subsidiaries holds marketable fee simple title to the Mortgaged Property,
subject only to the encumbrances permitted by the Mortgage and which shall not
contain exceptions for mechanics liens, persons in occupancy or matters which
would be shown by a survey (except as may be permitted by the Mortgage), shall
not insure over any matter except to the extent that any such affirmative
insurance is acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, and
shall contain such endorsements and affirmative insurance as the Administrative
Agent in its discretion may require, including but not limited to (i)
comprehensive endorsement, (ii) variable rate of interest endorsement, (iii)
usury endorsement, (iv) revolving credit endorsement, (v) doing business
endorsement, (vi) last-dollar endorsement and (vii) ALTA form 3.1 zoning
endorsement.

     Total Commitment. The sum of the Commitments of the Lenders, as in effect
from time to time, up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding not to exceed
$336,000,000 on the Effective Date through June 30, 2003, and thereafter
automatically reducing by $5,000,000 on the first day of each fiscal quarter
commencing with the fiscal quarter commencing July 1, 2003 until such time as
the Total Commitment is reduced to $275,000,000, as the same may be reduced from
time to time at the option of the Borrower; or if such commitment is terminated
pursuant to the provisions hereof, zero.

     Total Debt Service. With respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
any Reference Period, the sum of (a) cash interest expense for such Reference
Period, plus (b) all scheduled principal payments for such Reference Period,
(exclusive of all amortization of the Eligible Fixed Asset Component and the
Special Inventory Advance during such period).

     Trademark Assignment. The Trademark Collateral Assignment Agreement dated
as of the date hereof, and as amended and in effect from time to time, made by
the Borrower in favor of the Administrative Agent.

     Transition Services Agreement. The Transition Services Agreement dated as
of the date hereof, between RTI, Canadian Drawn and the Borrower.

     Trustee. LaSalle Bank National Association, as trustee under the Indenture.

     Type. As to any Revolving Credit Loan, its nature as a Base Rate Loan or a
Eurodollar Rate Loan.

     Uniform Customs. With respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs
and Practice for Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of
Commerce Publication No. 500 or any successor version thereto adopted by the
Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of its business as a letter of
credit issuer and in effect at the time of issuance of such Letter of Credit.

     Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation. Any Reimbursement Obligation for which the
Borrower does not reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on the date
specified in and in accordance with (S)4.2.

<PAGE>

                                      -27-

     Unrestricted Cash. Cash of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in Blocked
Accounts and Canadian Blocked Accounts and investments of the type described in
(S)9.3(a), (b), (c) and (i) in which the Administrative Agent, for the benefit
of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent has a security interest.

     Unused Availability. As of any date of determination, the amount by which
Availability as of such date exceeds the sum of the outstanding amount of
Revolving Credit Loans, the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement
Obligations as of such date.

     USWA. United Steelworkers of America.

     Voting Stock. Stock, membership interests or similar interests, of any
class or classes (however designated), the holders of which are at the time
entitled, as such holders, to vote under ordinary circumstances for the election
of a majority of the directors (or persons performing similar functions) of the
corporation, association, limited liability company, trust or other business
entity involved irrespective of whether any other stock, membership interests or
similar interests have the right to vote by reason of the happening of a
contingency.

     Waived Amounts. Collectively, (a) the default interest accrued under the
DIP Facility during the period commencing on November 30, 2001 through the
Effective Date in an aggregate amount equal to $3,866,700, (b) the March
Amendment Fee (as defined in the DIP Facility) in an aggregate amount equal to
$987,500, (c) the structuring fee referred to in Section 5.1.5 of the DIP
Facility in an aggregate amount equal to $265,625, and (d) the Forbearance Fee
(as defined in the Forbearance and Amendment Number Two, dated as of November
30, 2001, among RTI, Fleet Capital Corporation, as administrative agent for the
Lenders party to the DIP Facility, the Lenders party to the DIP Facility and the
other parties thereto) in an aggregate amount equal to $225,000.

     1.2. Rules of Interpretation.

     (a)   A reference to any document or agreement shall include such document
or agreement as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in
accordance with its terms and the terms of this Credit Agreement.

     (b)   The singular includes the plural and the plural includes the
singular.

     (c)   A reference to any law includes any amendment or modification to such
law.

     (d)   A reference to any Person includes its permitted successors and
permitted assigns.

     (e)   Accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings
assigned to them by generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis by the accounting entity to which they refer.

     (f)   The words "include", "includes" and "including" are not limiting.

<PAGE>

                                      -28-

     (g)   All terms not specifically defined herein or by generally accepted
accounting principles, which terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as
in effect in the State of New York, have the meanings assigned to them therein,
with the term "instrument" being that defined under Article 9 of the Uniform
Commercial Code.

     (h)   Reference to a particular "(S)" refers to that section of this Credit
Agreement unless otherwise indicated.

     (i)   The words "herein", "hereof", "hereunder" and words of like import
shall refer to this Credit Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
section or subdivision of this Credit Agreement.

     (j)   Unless otherwise expressly indicated, in the computation of periods
of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word "from" means
"from and including," the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding,"
and the word "through" means "to and including."

     (k)   This Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents may use several
different limitations, tests or measurements to regulate the same or similar
matters. All such limitations, tests and measurements are, however, cumulative
and are to be performed in accordance with the terms thereof.

     (l)   This Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are the result of
negotiation among, and have been reviewed by counsel to, among others, the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower and are the product of discussions and
negotiations among all parties. Accordingly, this Credit Agreement and the other
Loan Documents are not intended to be construed against the Administrative Agent
or any of the Lenders merely on account of the Administrative Agent's or any
Lender's involvement in the preparation of such documents.

     (S)2. THE REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY.

     2.1.  Commitment to Lend. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
this Credit Agreement, each of the Lenders severally (and not jointly) agrees to
lend to the Borrower and the Borrower may borrow, repay, and reborrow from time
to time between the Effective Date and the Maturity Date upon notice by the
Borrower to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with (S)2.6, such sums
as are requested by the Borrower up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding
(after giving effect to all amounts requested) at any one time equal to such
Lender's Commitment minus such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the sum of the
Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations, provided that
the sum of the outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Loans (after giving
effect to all amounts requested) plus the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid
Reimbursement Obligations shall not at any time exceed the Availability. The
Revolving Credit Loans shall be made pro rata in accordance with each Lender's
Commitment Percentage. Each request for a Revolving Credit Loan hereunder shall
constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that the conditions set
forth in (S)11 and (S)12, in the case of the initial Revolving Credit Loans, and
(S)12, in the case of all other Revolving Credit Loans, have been satisfied on
the date of such request.

<PAGE>

                                      -29-

     2.2. Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent
for the accounts of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitment
Percentages a commitment fee calculated at the rate of one half of one percent
(1/2%) per annum on the average daily amount during each calendar month or
portion thereof from the Effective Date to the Maturity Date, by which the Total
Commitment minus the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement
Obligations exceeds the outstanding amount of Revolving Credit Loans (excluding
any Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to (S)2.6.2) during such period or
calendar month. The commitment fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on the
first Business Day of each calendar month for the immediately preceding calendar
month commencing on the first such date following the date hereof, with a final
payment on the Maturity Date or any earlier date on which the Commitments shall
terminate.

     2.3. Reduction of Total Commitment. The Borrower shall have the right at
any time with respect to any unused portion of the Total Commitment and at the
end of the applicable Interest Period with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, and
from time to time upon three (3) Business Days' prior written notice to the
Administrative Agent to reduce by $10,000,000 or an integral multiple of
$5,000,000 in excess thereof the Total Commitment or terminate entirely the
Total Commitment, whereupon the Commitments of the Lenders shall be reduced pro
rata in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages of the amount
specified in such notice or, as the case may be, terminated. Promptly after
receiving any notice of the Borrower delivered pursuant to this (S)2.3, the
Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of the substance thereof. Upon the
effective date of any such reduction or termination, the Borrower shall pay to
the Administrative Agent for the respective accounts of the Lenders the full
amount of any commitment fee then accrued on the amount of the reduction. No
reduction or termination of the Commitments may be reinstated.

     2.4. The Revolving Credit Notes. The Revolving Credit Loans shall be
evidenced by separate promissory notes of the Borrower in substantially the form
of Exhibit B hereto, as applicable (each a "Revolving Credit Note"), dated as of
the Effective Date (or other such date on which a Lender may become a party
hereto in accordance with (S)19 hereof) and completed with appropriate
insertions. One Revolving Credit Note shall be payable to the order of each
Lender in a principal amount equal to such Lender's Commitment or, if less, the
outstanding amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender, plus
interest accrued thereon, as set forth below. The Borrower irrevocably
authorizes each Lender to make or cause to be made, at or about the time of the
Drawdown Date of any Revolving Credit Loan or at the time of receipt of any
payment of principal on such Lender's Revolving Credit Note, an appropriate
notation on such Lender's Revolving Credit Note Record reflecting the making of
such Revolving Credit Loan or (as the case may be) the receipt of such payment.
The outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Loans set forth on such Lender's
Revolving Credit Note Record shall be prima facie evidence of the principal
amount thereof owing and unpaid to such Lender, but the failure to record, or
any error in so recording, any such amount on such Lender's Revolving Credit
Note Record shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower
hereunder or under any Revolving Credit Note, including, without limitation, its
obligations to make payments of principal of or interest on any Revolving Credit
Note when due.

     2.5. Interest on Revolving Credit Loans. Except as otherwise provided
in (S)5.10,

<PAGE>

                                      -30-

     (a)   Each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest at the rate per annum equal
to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

     (b)   Each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest for the period
commencing with the Drawdown Date thereof and ending on the last day of the
Interest Period with respect thereto at the rate per annum equal to the
Eurodollar Rate determined for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin.

     (c)   The Borrower promises to pay interest on each Revolving Credit Loan
in arrears on each Interest Payment Date with respect thereto.

     2.6. Requests for Revolving Credit Loans.

           2.6.1. General. The Borrower shall give to the Administrative Agent
     written notice in the form of Exhibit C hereto (or telephonic notice
     confirmed in a writing in the form of Exhibit C hereto) of each Revolving
     Credit Loan requested hereunder (a "Loan Request") (a) one (1) Business Day
     prior to the proposed Drawdown Date of any Base Rate Loan and (b) three (3)
     Eurodollar Business Days prior to the proposed Drawdown Date of any
     Eurodollar Rate Loan. Each such notice shall specify (i) the principal
     amount of the Revolving Credit Loan requested, (ii) the proposed Drawdown
     Date of such Revolving Credit Loan, (iii) the Type of such Revolving Credit
     Loan and (iv) the Interest Period for such Revolving Credit Loan if a
     Eurodollar Rate Loan. Promptly upon receipt of any such notice, the
     Administrative Agent shall notify each of the Lenders thereof. Each Loan
     Request shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower and shall obligate
     the Borrower to accept the Revolving Credit Loan requested from the Lenders
     on the proposed Drawdown Date. Each Loan Request for Eurodollar Rate Loans
     shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or an integral
     multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and no more than five (5)
     Eurodollar Rate Loans' Interest Periods may run concurrently at any time
     during the term of this Credit Agreement.

           2.6.2. Swing Line. Notwithstanding the notice and minimum amount
     requirements set forth in (S)2.6.1 but otherwise in accordance with the
     terms and conditions of this Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent
     may, in its sole discretion and without conferring with the Lenders, make
     Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower up to a maximum aggregate amount
     outstanding (after giving effect to all amounts borrowed under this
     (S)2.6.2) at any one time equal to $15,000,000 (i) by entry of credits to
     the Borrower's Operating Account to cover checks or other charges which the
     Borrower has drawn or made against such account or (ii) in an amount as
     otherwise requested by the Borrower. The Borrower hereby requests and
     authorizes the Administrative Agent to make from time to time such
     Revolving Credit Loans by means of appropriate entries of such credits
     sufficient to cover checks and other charges then presented for payment
     from the Operating Account or as otherwise so requested. The Borrower
     acknowledges and agrees that the making of such Revolving Credit Loans
     shall, in each case, be subject in all respects to the provisions (other
     than any notice and minimum amount requirements) of this Credit Agreement
     as if they were Revolving Credit Loans covered by a Loan Request including,
     without limitation, the limitations set forth in (S)2.1 and the
     requirements that the applicable provisions of (S)11 (in the case of
     Revolving Credit Loans made on the Effective Date) and (S)12 be satisfied.
     All actions taken by the

<PAGE>

                                      -31-

     Administrative Agent pursuant to the provisions of this (S)2.6.2 shall be
     conclusive and binding on the Borrower and the Lenders absent the
     Administrative Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Revolving
     Credit Loans made pursuant to this (S)2.6.2 shall be Base Rate Loans until
     converted in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and, prior to
     a Settlement, such interest shall be for the account of the Administrative
     Agent. The Lenders shall pay the Administrative Agent their pro rata share
     of Revolving Credit Loans made pursuant to this (S)2.6.2 pursuant to the
     settlement provisions of (S)2.8.3.

     2.7. Conversion Options.

           2.7.1. Conversion to Different Type of Revolving Credit Loan. The
     Borrower may elect from time to time to convert any outstanding Revolving
     Credit Loan to a Revolving Credit Loan of another Type, provided that (a)
     with respect to any such conversion of a Revolving Credit Loan to a Base
     Rate Loan, the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at least one
     (1) Business Day's prior written notice of such election; (b) with respect
     to any such conversion of a Revolving Credit Loan to a Eurodollar Rate
     Loan, the Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at least three (3)
     Eurodollar Business Days' prior written notice of such election; (c) with
     respect to any such conversion of a Eurodollar Rate Loan into a Revolving
     Credit Loan of another Type, such conversion shall only be made on the last
     day of the Interest Period with respect thereto and (d) no Revolving Credit
     Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar Rate Loan when any Default or Event
     of Default has occurred and is continuing. On the date on which such
     conversion is being made each Lender shall take such action as is necessary
     to transfer its Commitment Percentage of such Revolving Credit Loans to its
     Domestic Lending Office or its Eurodollar Lending Office, as the case may
     be. All or any part of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of any Type may
     be converted into a Revolving Credit Loan of another Type as provided
     herein, provided that any partial conversion shall be in an aggregate
     principal amount of $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in
     excess thereof. Each Conversion Request relating to the conversion of a
     Revolving Credit Loan to a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be irrevocable by the
     Borrower.

           2.7.2. Continuation of Type of Revolving Credit Loan. Any Revolving
     Credit Loan of any Type may be continued as a Revolving Credit Loan of the
     same Type upon the expiration of an Interest Period with respect thereto by
     compliance by the Borrower with the notice provisions contained in
     (S)2.7.1; provided that no Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued as such
     when any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, but
     shall be automatically converted to a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the
     first Interest Period relating thereto ending during the continuance of any
     Default or Event of Default of which officers of the Administrative Agent
     active upon the Borrower's account have actual knowledge. In the event the
     Borrower fails to provide any such notice with respect to the continuation
     of any Eurodollar Rate Loan as such, then such Eurodollar Rate Loan shall
     be automatically converted to a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the
     Interest Period relating thereto. The Administrative Agent shall notify the
     Lenders promptly when any such automatic conversion contemplated by this
     (S)2.7 is scheduled to occur.

<PAGE>
                                      -32-

                  2.7.3. Eurodollar Rate Loans. Any conversion to or from
         Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in such amounts and be made pursuant to
         such elections so that, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate
         principal amount of all Eurodollar Rate Loans having the same Interest
         Period shall not be less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of
         $1,000,000 in excess thereof.

         2.8.  Funds for Revolving Credit Loan.

                  2.8.1. Funding Procedures. Not later than 12:00 Noon (Boston
         time) on the proposed Drawdown Date (other than the date on which any
         Revolving Credit Loan is converted or continued in accordance with
         (S)2.7) of any Revolving Credit Loans, each of the Lenders will make
         available to the Administrative Agent, at the Administrative Agent's
         Office, in immediately available funds, the amount of such Lender's
         Commitment Percentage of the amount of the requested Revolving Credit
         Loans. Upon receipt from the Lenders of such amounts, and upon receipt
         of the documents required by (S)(S)11 and 12 on the Effective Date and
         thereafter required by (S)12 and the satisfaction of the other
         conditions set forth therein, to the extent applicable, the
         Administrative Agent will make available to the Borrower the aggregate
         amount of such Revolving Credit Loans made available to the
         Administrative Agent by the Lenders. The failure or refusal of any
         Lender to make available to the Administrative Agent at the aforesaid
         time and place on any such Drawdown Date the amount of its Commitment
         Percentage of the requested Revolving Credit Loans shall not relieve
         any other Lender from its several obligation hereunder to make
         available to the Administrative Agent the amount of such Lender's
         Commitment Percentage of any requested Revolving Credit Loans.

                  2.8.2. Advances by Administrative Agent. The Administrative
         Agent may, unless notified to the contrary by any Lender prior to a
         Drawdown Date (other than the date on which any Revolving Credit Loan
         is converted or continued in accordance with (S)2.7), assume that such
         Lender has made available to the Administrative Agent on such Drawdown
         Date the amount of such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the Revolving
         Credit Loans to be made on such Drawdown Date, and the Administrative
         Agent may (but it shall not be required to), in reliance upon such
         assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. If
         any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent such amount on a
         date after such Drawdown Date, such Lender shall pay to the
         Administrative Agent on demand an amount equal to the product of (a)
         the average computed for the period referred to in clause (c) below, of
         the weighted average interest rate paid by the Administrative Agent for
         federal funds acquired by the Administrative Agent during each day
         included in such period, times (b) the amount of such Lender's
         Commitment Percentage of such Revolving Credit Loans, times (c) a
         fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days that elapse from
         and including such Drawdown Date to the date on which the amount of
         such Lender's Commitment Percentage of such Revolving Credit Loans
         shall become immediately available to the Administrative Agent, and the
         denominator of which is 360. A statement of the Administrative Agent
         submitted to such Lender with respect to any amounts owing under this
         paragraph shall be prima facie evidence of the amount due and owing to
         the Administrative Agent by such Lender. If the amount of such Lender's
         Commitment Percentage of such Revolving Credit Loans is not made
         available to the Administrative

<PAGE>

                                      -33-

     Agent by such Lender within three (3) Business Days following such Settling
     Date, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover such amount
     from the Borrower on demand, with interest thereon at the rate per annum
     applicable to the Revolving Credit Loans made on such Drawdown Date.

          2.8.3. Settlements.

                 2.8.3.1. General. On each Settling Date, the Administrative
          Agent shall, not later than 11:00 a.m. (Boston time), give telephonic
          or facsimile notice (i) to the Lenders and the Borrower of the
          respective outstanding amount of Revolving Credit Loans made by the
          Administrative Agent pursuant to (S)2.6.2 from the immediately
          preceding Settling Date through the close of business on the prior day
          and the amount of any Eurodollar Rate Loans to be made (following the
          giving of notice pursuant to (S)2.6.1(b)) on such date pursuant to a
          Loan Request and (ii) to the Lenders of the amount (a "Settlement
          Amount") that each Lender (a "Settling Lender") shall pay to effect a
          Settlement of any Revolving Credit Loan. A statement of the
          Administrative Agent submitted to the Lenders and the Borrower or to
          the Lenders with respect to any amounts owing under this (S)2.8.3
          shall be prima facie evidence of the amount due and owing. Each
          Settling Lender shall, not later than 3:00 p.m. (Boston time) on such
          Settling Date, effect a wire transfer of immediately available funds
          to the Administrative Agent in the amount of the Settlement Amount for
          such Settling Lender. All funds advanced by any Lender as a Settling
          Lender pursuant to this (S)2.8.3 shall for all purposes be treated as
          a Revolving Credit Loan made by such Settling Lender to the Borrower
          and all funds received by any Lender pursuant to this (S)2.8.3 shall
          for all purposes be treated as repayment of amounts owed with respect
          to Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender. In the event that a
          Settling Lender is prevented from making any Revolving Credit Loan to
          effect a Settlement as contemplated hereby, such Settling Lender will
          make such dispositions and arrangements with the other Lenders with
          respect to such Revolving Credit Loans, either by way of purchase of
          participations, distribution, pro tanto assignment of claims,
          subrogation or otherwise as shall result in each Lender's share of the
          outstanding Revolving Credit Loans being equal, as nearly as may be,
          to such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the outstanding amount of
          the Revolving Credit Loans.

                 2.8.3.2. Failure to Make Funds Available. The Administrative
          Agent may, unless notified to the contrary by any Settling Lender
          prior to a Settling Date, assume that such Settling Lender has made or
          will make available to the Administrative Agent on such Settling Date
          the amount of such Settling Lender's Settlement Amount, and the
          Administrative Agent may (but it shall not be required to), in
          reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a
          corresponding amount. If any Settling Lender makes available to the
          Administrative Agent such amount on a date after such Settling Date,
          such Settling Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent on demand
          an amount equal to the product of (i) the average computed for the
          period referred to in clause (iii) below, of the weighted average
          interest rate paid by the

<PAGE>

                                      -34-

            Administrative Agent for federal funds acquired by the
            Administrative Agent during each day included in such period, times
            (ii) the amount of such Settlement Amount, times (iii) a fraction,
            the numerator of which is the number of days that elapse from and
            including such Settling Date to the date on which the amount of such
            Settlement Amount shall become immediately available to the
            Administrative Agent, and the denominator of which is 360. A
            statement of the Administrative Agent submitted to such Settling
            Lender with respect to any amounts owing under this (S)2.8.3.2 shall
            be prima facie evidence of the amount due and owing to the
            Administrative Agent by such Settling Lender. If such Settling
            Lender's Settlement Amount is not made available to the
            Administrative Agent by such Settling Lender within three (3)
            Business Days following such Settling Date, the Administrative Agent
            shall be entitled to recover such amount from the Borrower on
            demand, with interest thereon at the rate per annum applicable to
            the Revolving Credit Loans as of such Settling Date.

                 2.8.3.3. No Effect on Other Lenders. The failure or refusal of
            any Settling Lender to make available to the Administrative Agent at
            the aforesaid time and place on any Settling Date the amount of such
            Settling Lender's Settlement Amount shall not (i) relieve any other
            Settling Lender from its several obligations hereunder to make
            available to the Administrative Agent the amount of such other
            Settling Lender's Settlement Amount or (ii) impose upon any Lender,
            other than the Settling Lender so failing or refusing, any liability
            with respect to such failure or refusal or otherwise increase the
            Commitment of such other Lender.

     2.9.  Change in Borrowing Base. The Borrowing Base shall be determined
daily by the Administrative Agent (with reserves adjusted monthly, or at more
frequent intervals as determined by the Administrative Agent) by reference to
the Borrowing Base Report.

     2.10. Reductions in Eligible Fixed Asset Component. With respect to each
fiscal year of the Borrower ending on or after December 31, 2003, the Eligible
Fixed Asset Component shall be reduced by an aggregate amount equal to fifty
percent (50%) of the Average Excess Availability for such fiscal year, such
reduction to be made on the ninetieth (90/th/) day after the end of such fiscal
year, provided, however, that no such reduction shall be required if either (i)
Average Unused Availability for the last fiscal quarter of such fiscal year is
less than the Availability Threshold for such fiscal year, or (ii) for any
fiscal year ending on or after December 31, 2004, Average Unused Availability
for the fiscal month of December of such fiscal year is less than $55,000,000
after giving effect to the reduction in respect of such fiscal year that would
otherwise be required to be made, and provided, further, that the reduction
shall not exceed $5,000,000 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 and
$10,000,000 for any fiscal year thereafter.

     (S)3. REPAYMENT OF THE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS.

     3.1.  Maturity. The Borrower promises to pay on the Maturity Date, and
there shall become absolutely due and payable on the Maturity Date, all of the
Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on such date, together with any and all
accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

<PAGE>

                                      -35-

     3.2. Mandatory Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans.

     (a)   If at any time the sum of the outstanding amount of the Revolving
Credit Loans, the Maximum Drawing Amount and all Unpaid Reimbursement
Obligations exceeds the Availability (due to a reduction in the Total Commitment
or otherwise), then the Borrower shall immediately pay the amount of such excess
to the Administrative Agent for the respective accounts of the Lenders. Any
amounts paid to the Administrative Agent for the respective accounts of the
Lenders under this (S)3.2(a) shall be applied, first, to any Unpaid
Reimbursement Obligations; second, in the absence of instruction by the
Borrower, to the principal of Base Rate Loans and then to the principal of
Eurodollar Rate Loans; and third, to provide to the Administrative Agent cash
collateral for Reimbursement Obligations as contemplated by (S)4.2(b) and (c).
Each payment of any Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations or prepayment of Revolving
Credit Loans shall be allocated among the Lenders, in proportion, as nearly as
practicable, to each Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation or (as the case may be) the
respective unpaid principal amount of each Lender's Revolving Credit Note, with
adjustments to the extent practicable to equalize any prior payments or
repayments not exactly in proportion.

     (b)   The Borrower hereby agrees that:

           (i) if the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall sell the Canton
     Cast-Roll Facility or any substantial portion thereof, (A) the Eligible
     Fixed Asset Component shall be reduced immediately to $0, and (B) the
     Borrower shall immediately apply an amount equal to the Net Cash Proceeds
     of such sale of the Canton Cast-Roll Facility to the Unpaid Reimbursement
     Obligations, Revolving Credit Loans and Reimbursement Obligations in the
     order provided for in (S)3.2(a); and

          (ii) if the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive
     insurance proceeds related to the Canton Cast-Roll Facility or receive
     awards for takings or condemnation of any of the Collateral and, (A) if the
     Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent on or before the receipt of such
     awards or proceeds of its intention to reinvest the Net Cash Proceeds of
     such awards or proceeds, such Net Cash Proceeds shall be immediately
     delivered to the Administrative Agent to be held as cash collateral for the
     Obligations until the earlier to occur of (x) the disbursement of such Net
     Cash Proceeds by the Administrative Agent, upon terms and conditions as the
     Administrative Agent may reasonably prescribe, for direct application by
     the Borrower to the repair or replacement of such Collateral and (y) the
     termination of the 180 day period following receipt of such proceeds, upon
     which date (1) the Borrower shall repay the Revolving Credit Loans in an
     aggregate amount equal to the remaining unreinvested amount of Net Cash
     Proceeds of such proceeds or awards or, in the case of proceeds or awards
     related to the Canton Cast-Roll Facility and not applied to repair or
     replace the same as provided in clause (x) above, to repay the Revolving
     Credit Loans in an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds, and (2) the
     Eligible Fixed Asset Component shall be reduced by the same percentage as
     the percentage reduction in appraised value of the Canton Roll Facility as
     a consequence of the event or events giving rise to such proceeds or awards
     if the Canton Cast Roll Facility remains in operable condition or, if the
     Canton Cast-Roll Facility has suffered a material loss such that it is no
     longer operational, the Eligible Fixed Asset Component shall be immediately
     reduced to $0, and (B) if the Borrower

<PAGE>

                                      -36-

     does not notify the Administrative Agent on or before the receipt of such
     awards or proceeds of its intention to reinvest the Net Cash Proceeds of
     such awards or proceeds, the Borrower shall repay the Revolving Credit
     Loans in an aggregate amount equal to the Net Cash Proceeds of such
     proceeds or awards immediately upon the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds
     and, if the Canton Cast-Roll Facility has suffered a material loss, the
     Eligible Fixed Asset Component shall be immediately reduced to $0.

           (iii) if the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall sell or issue
     any shares of its stock, options or warrants for the purchase of its stock
     or any other equity interests or sell or issue any debt other than debt
     permitted pursuant to (S)9.1, the Net Cash Proceeds of such sale or
     issuance shall be applied to the Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations,
     Revolving Credit Loans and Reimbursement Obligations in the order provided
     for in (S)3.2(a).

     3.3. Optional Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans. The Borrower shall have
the right, at its election, to repay the outstanding amount of the Revolving
Credit Loans, as a whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium,
provided that any full or partial prepayment of the outstanding amount of any
Eurodollar Rate Loans pursuant to this (S)3.3 may be made only on the last day
of the Interest Period relating thereto. The Borrower shall give the
Administrative Agent, no later than 11:00 a.m., Boston time, on the day of the
proposed repayment prior written notice of any proposed prepayment pursuant to
this (S)3.3 of Base Rate Loans, and three (3) Eurodollar Business Days' notice
of any proposed prepayment pursuant to this (S)3.3 of Eurodollar Rate Loans, in
each case specifying the proposed date of prepayment of Revolving Credit Loans
and the principal amount to be prepaid. Each such partial prepayment of the
Revolving Credit Loans shall be in an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and shall
be applied, in the absence of instruction by the Borrower, first to the
principal of Base Rate Loans and then to the principal of Eurodollar Rate Loans.
Each partial prepayment shall be allocated among the Lenders, in proportion, as
nearly as practicable, to the respective unpaid principal amount of each
Lender's Revolving Credit Note, with adjustments to the extent practicable to
equalize any prior repayments not exactly in proportion.

     3.4. Automatic Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans Prior to Event of
Default.

           3.4.1. Credit for Funds Transferred from Swept Accounts. Prior to the
     occurrence of a continuing Event of Default as to which the account
     officers of the Administrative Agent active upon the Borrower's account
     have actual knowledge, (i) all funds and cash proceeds in the form of a
     wire transfer transferred to the Administrative Agent from the Swept
     Accounts as contemplated by (S)8.13.2(c) shall be credited on the same
     Business Day as the Administrative Agent's receipt of such amounts (or up
     to such later date as the Administrative Agent determines that good
     collected funds have been received), and applied as contemplated by
     (S)3.4.2, and (ii) all funds and cash proceeds in the form of an automated
     clearing house transfer transferred to the Administrative Agent from the
     Swept Accounts as contemplated by (S)8.13.2(c) shall be credited, on the
     next Business Day following the Administrative Agent's receipt of such
     amounts (or up to such later date as the Administrative Agent determines
     that good collected funds have been received), and applied as contemplated
     by (S)3.4.2. For purposes of the foregoing provisions of this (S)3.4, the
     Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have

<PAGE>

                                      -37-

     received any such funds or cash proceeds on any day unless received by the
     Administrative Agent before 3:00 p.m. (Boston time) on such day. The
     Borrower further acknowledges and agrees that any such provisional credits
     or credits in respect of wire or automatic clearing house funds transfers
     shall be subject to reversal if final collection in good funds of the
     related item is not received by, or final settlement of the funds transfer
     is not made in favor of, the Administrative Agent in accordance with the
     Administrative Agent's customary procedures and practices for collecting
     provisional items or receiving settlement of funds transfers.

          3.4.2. Application of Automatic Payments Prior to Event of Default.

               (a)  Prior to the occurrence of a continuing Event of Default of
          which the account officers of the Administrative Agent active on the
          Borrower's account have knowledge, all funds transferred to the
          Administrative Agent for application against the Obligations and for
          which the Borrower has received credits shall be applied to the
          Obligations as follows:

                    (i)    first, to pay amounts then due and payable under this
               Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Notes and the other Loan
               Documents;

                    (ii)   second, to reduce Revolving Credit Loans made by the
               Administrative Agent pursuant to (S)2.6.2 and for which
               Settlement has not then been made;

                    (iii)  third, to reduce Revolving Credit Loans made by the
               Administrative Agent pursuant to (S)2.8.2 and for which
               Settlement has not then been made;

                    (iv)   fourth, to reduce other Revolving Credit Loans which
               are Base Rate Loans;

                    (v)    fifth, to reduce Revolving Credit Loans which are
               Eurodollar Rate Loans, subject to subsection (b) below; and

                    (vi)   sixth, except as otherwise required by (S)4.2(b) and
               (c), to the Concentration Account.

               (b)  All prepayments of Eurodollar Rate Loans prior to the end of
          an Interest Period shall obligate the Borrower to pay any breakage
          costs associated with such Eurodollar Rate Loans in accordance with
          (S)5.9. So long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
          continuing, the Borrower may elect to avoid such breakage costs by
          directing the Administrative Agent to hold such funds transferred to
          it in an amount sufficient to cash collateralize such Eurodollar Rate
          Loans, but in no event shall the Borrower be deemed to have repaid
          such Eurodollar Rate Loans until such cash has been paid to the
          Administrative Agent for application to such Eurodollar Rate Loans.
          The Administrative Agent may elect to cause such cash collateral to be
          deposited into

<PAGE>

                                      -38-

                  either (i) a cash collateral account pursuant to the terms of
                  a cash collateral agreement executed by the Borrower and the
                  Administrative Agent and in form and substance satisfactory to
                  the Administrative Agent or (ii) the Borrower's Operating
                  Account with appropriate instructions prohibiting the
                  Borrower's withdrawal of such funds so long as they remain
                  cash collateral. In each such case, the Borrower agrees to
                  execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent such
                  instruments and documents, including Uniform Commercial Code
                  financing statements and agreements with any third party
                  depository banks, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably
                  request.

                         (c)   All repayments of the Revolving Credit Loans
                  pursuant to this (S)3.4.2 shall be allocated among the Lenders
                  making such Revolving Credit Loans, in proportion, as nearly
                  as practicable, to the respective unpaid principal amount of
                  such Revolving Credit Loans outstanding, with adjustments to
                  the extent practicable to equalize any prior payments or
                  repayments not exactly in proportion. Prior to any Settlement
                  Date, however, all repayments of the Revolving Credit Loans
                  shall be applied in accordance with this (S)3.4.2, first to
                  outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of the Administrative
                  Agent.

         3.5.   Automatic Repayments of Revolving Credit Loans After Event of
Default. Following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default of which the account officers of the Administrative Agent active on the
Borrower's account have knowledge, all funds transferred to the Administrative
Agent from the Swept Accounts for which the Borrower has received credits shall
be applied to the Obligations in accordance with (S)13.4.

         (S)4.  LETTERS OF CREDIT.

         4.1.   Letter of Credit Commitments.

                  4.1.1. Commitment to Issue Letters of Credit. Subject to the
         terms and conditions hereof and the execution and delivery by the
         Borrower of a letter of credit application on the Issuing Bank's
         customary form (a "Letter of Credit Application"), the Issuing Bank, on
         behalf of the Lenders and in reliance upon the agreement of the Lenders
         set forth in (S)4.1.4 and upon the representations and warranties of
         the Borrower contained herein, agrees, in its individual capacity, to
         issue, extend and renew for the account of the Borrower one or more
         standby or documentary letters of credit (individually, a "Letter of
         Credit"), in such form as may be requested from time to time by the
         Borrower and agreed to by the Issuing Bank; provided, however, that,
         after giving effect to such request, (a) the sum of the aggregate
         Maximum Drawing Amount shall not exceed $50,000,000 at any one time and
         (b) the sum of (i) the Maximum Drawing Amount on all Letters of Credit,
         (ii) all Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations, and (iii) the amount of all
         Revolving Credit Loans outstanding shall not exceed the Availability.

                  4.1.2. Letter of Credit Applications. Each Letter of Credit
         Application shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Issuing Bank.
         In the event that any provision of any Letter of Credit Application
         shall be inconsistent with any provision of this Credit

<PAGE>

                                      -39-

         Agreement, or shall impose any additional or more onerous obligations,
         conditions or requirements on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,
         then the provisions of this Credit Agreement shall, to the extent of
         any such inconsistency, govern and such additional or more onerous
         provisions shall be of no force and effect.

               4.1.3. Terms of Letters of Credit. Each Letter of Credit issued,
         extended or renewed hereunder shall, among other things, (a) provide
         for the payment of sight drafts for honor thereunder when presented in
         accordance with the terms thereof and when accompanied by the documents
         described therein, and (b) have an expiry date no later than the date
         which is ten (10) days (or, if the beneficiary is located outside of
         the United States of America or the Letter of Credit is confirmed by a
         confirmer or otherwise provides for one or more nominated persons,
         forty-five (45) days) prior to the Maturity Date. Each Letter of Credit
         so issued, extended, maintained or renewed shall be subject to the
         Uniform Customs or, in the case of a standby Letter of Credit, either
         the Uniform Customs or the International Standby Practices.

               4.1.4. Reimbursement Obligations of Lenders. Each Lender and the
         Borrower hereby acknowledge that each Letter of Credit issued or
         maintained by the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Credit Agreement is
         issued or maintained by the Issuing Bank on behalf of the Lenders. Each
         Lender severally agrees that it shall be absolutely liable, without
         regard to the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default or any
         other condition precedent whatsoever, to the extent of such Lender's
         Commitment Percentage, to reimburse the Issuing Bank on demand for the
         amount of each draft paid by the Issuing Bank under each Letter of
         Credit to the extent that such amount is not reimbursed by the Borrower
         pursuant to (S)4.2 (such agreement for a Lender being called herein the
         "Letter of Credit Participation" of such Lender).

               4.1.5. Participation of Lenders. Each such payment made by a
         Lender shall be treated as the purchase by such Lender of a
         participating interest in the Borrower's Reimbursement Obligation under
         (S)4.2 in an amount equal to such payment. Each Lender shall share in
         accordance with its participating interest in any interest which
         accrues pursuant to (S)4.2.

         4.2. Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrower. In order to induce the
Issuing Bank to issue, extend and renew each Letter of Credit, the Borrower
hereby agrees to reimburse or pay to the Issuing Bank, for the account of the
Issuing Bank or (as the case may be) the Lenders, with respect to each Letter of
Credit issued, extended or renewed by the Issuing Bank hereunder,

         (a)   except as otherwise expressly provided in (S)4.2(b) and (c), on
each date that any draft presented under such Letter of Credit is honored by the
Issuing Bank, or the Issuing Bank otherwise makes a payment with respect
thereto, (i) the amount paid by the Issuing Bank under or with respect to such
Letter of Credit, and (ii) the amount of any taxes incurred by the Issuing Bank
or any Lender in connection with any payment made by the Issuing Bank or any
Lender, under, or with respect to, such Letter of Credit,

         (b)   upon the reduction (but not termination) of the Total Commitment
to an amount less than the Maximum Drawing Amount, an amount equal to 105% of
such difference, which

<PAGE>

                                      -40-

amount shall be held by the Issuing Bank for the benefit of the Lenders and the
Issuing Bank as cash collateral for all Reimbursement Obligations, and

         (c)  upon the termination of the Total Commitment, or the acceleration
of the Reimbursement Obligations with respect to all Letters of Credit in
accordance with (S)13 or the occurrence of the Maturity Date, an amount equal to
105% of the then Maximum Drawing Amount on all Letters of Credit, which amount
shall be held by the Issuing Bank for the benefit of the Lenders and the Issuing
Bank as cash collateral for all Reimbursement Obligations.

         Each such payment shall be made to the Issuing Bank at the Issuing
Bank's office in immediately available funds. Interest on any and all amounts
remaining unpaid by the Borrower under this (S)4.2 at any time from the date
such amounts become due and payable (whether as stated in this (S)4.2, by
acceleration or otherwise) until payment in full (whether before or after
judgment) shall be payable to the Issuing Bank on demand at the rate specified
in (S)5.10 for overdue principal on the Revolving Credit Loans.

         4.3.  Letter of Credit Payments. If any draft shall be presented or
other demand for payment shall be made under any Letter of Credit, the Issuing
Bank, shall notify the Borrower of the date and amount of the draft presented or
demand for payment and of the date and time when it expects to pay such draft or
honor such demand for payment. If the Borrower fails to reimburse the Issuing
Bank as provided in (S)4.2 on or before the date that such draft is paid or
other payment is made by the Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank may at any time
thereafter notify the Lenders of the amount of any such Unpaid Reimbursement
Obligation. No later than 3:00 p.m. (Boston time) on the Business Day next
following the receipt of such notice, each Lender shall make available to the
Issuing Bank, at its office, in immediately available funds, such Lender's
Commitment Percentage of such Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation, together with an
amount equal to the product of (i) the average, computed for the period referred
to in clause (iii) below, of the weighted average interest rate paid by the
Issuing Bank for federal funds acquired by the Issuing Bank during each day
included in such period, times (ii) the amount equal to such Lender's Commitment
Percentage of such Unpaid Reimbursement Obligation, times (iii) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of days that elapse from and including the date
the Issuing Bank, paid the draft presented for honor or otherwise made payment
to the date on which such Lender's Commitment Percentage of such Unpaid
Reimbursement Obligation shall become immediately available to the Issuing Bank,
and the denominator of which is 365. The responsibility of the Issuing Bank to
the Borrower and the Lenders shall be only to determine that the documents
(including each draft) delivered under each Letter of Credit in connection with
such presentment shall be in accordance in all material respects with such
Letter of Credit.

         4.4.  Obligations Absolute. The Borrower's obligations under this (S)4
to repay drawings under the Letters of Credit as provided hereunder shall rank
pari passu with the obligations of the Borrower to repay all other Revolving
Credit Loans, and shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all
circumstances and irrespective of the occurrence of any Default or Event of
Default or any condition precedent whatsoever or any setoff, counterclaim or
defense to payment which the Borrower may have or have had against the Issuing
Bank, any Lender or any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit. The Borrower further
agrees with the Issuing Bank and the Lenders that the Issuing Bank and the
Lenders shall not be responsible for, and

<PAGE>

                                      -41-

the Borrower's Reimbursement Obligations under (S)4.2 shall not be affected by,
among other things, the validity or genuineness of documents or of any
endorsements thereon, even if such documents should in fact prove to be in any
or all respects invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among
the Borrower, the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any financing
institution or other party to which any Letter of Credit may be transferred or
any claims or defenses whatsoever of the Borrower against the beneficiary of any
Letter of Credit or any such transferee. The Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall
not be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission,
dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in
connection with any Letter of Credit. The Borrower agrees that any action taken
or omitted by the Issuing Bank or any Lender under or in connection with each
Letter of Credit and the related drafts and documents, if done in good faith and
not constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct, shall be binding upon
the Borrower and shall not result in any liability on the part of the Issuing
Bank or any Lender to the Borrower.

         4.5.  Reliance by Issuer. To the extent not inconsistent with (S)4.4,
the Issuing Bank shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in
relying upon, any Letter of Credit, draft, writing, resolution, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or teletype
message, statement, order or other document believed by it to be genuine and
correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons
and upon advice and statements of legal counsel, independent accountants and
other experts selected by the Issuing Bank. The Issuing Bank shall be fully
justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Credit Agreement
unless it shall first have received such advice or concurrence of the Majority
Lenders as it reasonably deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to
its reasonable satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and
expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take
any such action. The Issuing Bank shall in all cases be fully protected in
acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement in accordance with a
request of the Majority Lenders, and such request and any action taken or
failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon the Lenders and all future
holders of the Revolving Credit Notes or of any Letter of Credit Participation.

         4.6.  Letter of Credit Fee. The Borrower shall pay a fee (in each case,
a "Letter of Credit Fee") to the Issuing Bank at a rate per annum (a) in respect
of each standby Letter of Credit equal to (i) the Applicable Margin for
Eurodollar Rate Loans plus one-eighth of one percent (1/8%) per annum of the
face amount of such standby Letter of Credit plus (ii) the Issuing Bank's
customary issuance fee for any Letter of Credit issued after the Effective Date,
and (b) in respect of each documentary Letter of Credit equal to (i) the Issuing
Bank's customary issuance fee or amendment fee, as the case may be, plus (ii)
the Issuing Bank's customary time negotiation fee per document examination plus
(iii) an amount equal to the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans plus
one-eighth of one percent (1/8%) per annum of the face amount of such
documentary Letter of Credit. Each issuance, amendment, negotiation or document
examination fee and, with respect to each Letter of Credit, a portion of the
Letter of Credit Fee in the amount of one-eighth of one percent (1/8%) of the
face amount of each standby Letter of Credit and each documentary Letter of
Credit shall be for the Issuing Bank's own account and the remaining portion of
each Letter of Credit Fee shall be for the accounts of the Lenders in accordance
with their respective Commitment Percentages. The Letter of Credit Fee referred
to in clauses (a)(i) and (b)(iii) shall be payable monthly in arrears, and all
such other Letter of Credit Fees shall be payable upon issuance, amendment or
negotiation, as the case may be.

<PAGE>

                                      -42-

         4.7.  Cash Collateral For Letter of Credit Obligations. On the Maturity
Date, the Borrower shall, in addition to cash collateral provided pursuant to
(S)4.2., (a) deposit with the Issuing Bank an amount equal to 105% of the
aggregate Maximum Drawing Amount of all Letters of Credit which expire within
forty-five (45) days of the Maturity Date, such amount to be held by the Issuing
Bank as cash collateral for any drawing under any such Letter of Credit or, (b)
provide a backup letter of credit for such Letters of Credit acceptable to the
Administrative Agent.

         4.8.  Rollover LC's. On the Effective Date, the Rollover LC's shall,
for all purposes hereunder, be treated as letters of credit issued pursuant to
(S)4 hereof and the Borrower's reimbursement obligations in respect thereof
shall be included in the Obligations. Each Lender agrees that its Letter of
Credit Participation shall extend to the Rollover LC's.

         (S)5. CERTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS.

         5.1.  Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for its
own account, an administrative agent's fee at the times and in the amounts set
forth in the fee letter between the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

         5.2.  Funds for Payments.

                  5.2.1. Payments to Administrative Agent. All payments of
         principal, interest, Reimbursement Obligations, commitment fees, Letter
         of Credit Fees and any other amounts due hereunder or under any of the
         other Loan Documents shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the
         respective accounts of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, at the
         Administrative Agent's Office or at such other location in the Boston,
         Massachusetts, area that the Administrative Agent may from time to time
         designate, in each case in Dollars in immediately available funds.

                  5.2.2. No Offset, Etc.

                           (a)  All payments by the Borrower or any Guarantor
                  hereunder and under any of the other Loan Documents shall be
                  made without setoff or counterclaim and, except as provided in
                  paragraph (c) below, free and clear of and without deduction
                  for any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees,
                  deductions or withholdings of any nature now or hereafter
                  imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political
                  subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein
                  unless the Borrower or such Guarantor is compelled by law to
                  make such deduction or withholding. If any such obligation is
                  imposed upon the Borrower or any Guarantor with respect to any
                  amount payable by it hereunder or under any of the other Loan
                  Documents, the Borrower or such Guarantor will, except as
                  provided in paragraph (c) below, pay to the Administrative
                  Agent, for the account of the Lenders or (as the case may be)
                  the Administrative Agent, on the date on which such amount is
                  due and payable hereunder or under such other Loan Document,
                  such additional amount in Dollars as shall be necessary to
                  enable the Lenders or the Administrative Agent to receive the
                  same net amount which the Lenders or the Administrative Agent
                  would have received on such due date had no such obligation
                  been imposed upon the Borrower or such

<PAGE>

                                      -43-

                  Guarantor. The Borrower or such Guarantor will deliver
                  promptly to the Administrative Agent certificates or other
                  valid vouchers for all taxes or other charges deducted from or
                  paid with respect to payments made by the Borrower or such
                  Guarantor hereunder or under such other Loan Document.

                         (b)  Each Lender and the Administrative Agent that is
                  not a U.S. Person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the
                  Code hereby agrees that, if and to the extent it is legally
                  able to do so, it shall, prior to the date of the first
                  payment by the Borrower hereunder to be made to such Lender or
                  the Administrative Agent or for such Lender's or the
                  Administrative Agent's account, deliver to the Borrower and
                  the Administrative Agent, as applicable, such certificates,
                  documents or other evidence, as and when required by the Code
                  or Treasury Regulations issued pursuant thereto, including two
                  (2) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form
                  W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI and any other certificate or statement
                  of exemption required by Treasury Regulations, or any
                  subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto, properly
                  completed and duly executed by such Lender or the
                  Administrative Agent establishing that with respect to
                  payments of principal, interest or fees hereunder it is (i)
                  not subject to United States federal withholding tax under the
                  Code because such payment is effectively connected with the
                  conduct by such Lender or Administrative Agent of a trade or
                  business in the United States or (ii) totally exempt or
                  partially exempt from United States federal withholding tax
                  under a provision of an applicable tax treaty. Each Lender or
                  Administrative Agent agrees that it shall, promptly upon a
                  change of its lending office or the selection of any
                  additional lending office, to the extent the forms previously
                  delivered by it pursuant to this section are no longer
                  effective, and promptly upon the Borrower's or the
                  Administrative Agent's reasonable request after the occurrence
                  of any other event (including the passage of time) requiring
                  the delivery of a Form W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI in addition to or
                  in replacement of the forms previously delivered, deliver to
                  the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if
                  and to the extent it is properly entitled to do so, a properly
                  completed and executed Form W-8BEN or Form W-8ECI (or any
                  successor forms thereto). Unless the Borrower and the
                  Administrative Agent have received forms or other documents
                  satisfactory to them indicating that such payments hereunder
                  or under the other Loan Documents are not subject to the
                  United States federal withholding tax, the Borrower or the
                  Administrative Agent shall withhold taxes from such payments
                  at the applicable statutory rate, or a reduced rate pursuant
                  to an applicable tax treaty if such Lender has delivered a
                  form evidencing such tax treaty benefit.

                         (c)  Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, neither the
                  Borrower nor any Guarantor shall be required to pay any
                  additional amounts to any Lender or the Administrative Agent
                  for the account of the lending office of such Lender or
                  Administrative Agent, pursuant to this (S)5.2.2, if (i) the
                  obligation to pay such additional amounts would not have
                  arisen but for a failure by such Lender or the Administrative
                  Agent to comply with the provisions of subsection (b) above;
                  (ii) the Lender or the Administrative Agent is not eligible,
                  in respect of such lending

<PAGE>

                                      -44-

                  office, for complete exemption from United States federal
                  withholding tax with respect to payments of interest,
                  principal or fees under this Credit Agreement or under any of
                  the other Loan Documents, other than by reason of any change,
                  after the Initial Date, of any applicable law, treaty or
                  regulation by any governmental authority or other agency
                  charged with the interpretation or administration thereof; or
                  (iii) the tax is an income or franchise tax imposed on net
                  income either by the jurisdiction under which such Lender or
                  the Administrative Agent is organized or any political
                  subdivision thereof or in which its principal office is
                  located or by the jurisdiction of such Lender's or
                  Administrative Agent's lending office or any political
                  subdivision thereof. For purposes of this subsection (c), the
                  term "Initial Date" shall mean (i) with respect to any Lender
                  or the Administrative Agent which is a party hereto on the
                  Effective Date, the Effective Date and (ii) with respect to
                  each assignee or transferee of any Lender, the date of the
                  grant of the participation in, or transfer or assignment of an
                  interest hereunder to such assignee or transferee.

         5.3.  Computations. All computations of interest on the Revolving
Credit Loans other than Eurodollar Rate Loans and of commitment fees, Letter of
Credit Fees or other fees shall, unless otherwise expressly provided herein be
based on a 365/366-day year and paid for the actual number of days elapsed. All
computations of interest on the Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be based on a
360-day year and paid for the actual number of days elapsed. Except as otherwise
provided in the definition of the term "Interest Period" with respect to
Eurodollar Rate Loans, whenever a payment hereunder or under any of the other
Loan Documents becomes due on a day that is not a Business Day, the due date for
such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and interest
shall accrue during such extension. The outstanding amount of the Revolving
Credit Loans as reflected on the Revolving Credit Note Records from time to time
shall be considered correct and binding on the Borrower unless within five (5)
Business Days after receipt of any notice by the Administrative Agent or any of
the Lenders of such outstanding amount, the Administrative Agent or such Lender
shall notify the Borrower to the contrary.

         5.4.  Inability to Determine Eurodollar Rate. In the event, prior to
the commencement of any Interest Period relating to any Eurodollar Rate Loan,
the Administrative Agent shall determine or be notified by the Majority Lenders
that adequate and reasonable methods do not exist for ascertaining the
Eurodollar Rate that would otherwise determine the rate of interest to be
applicable to any Eurodollar Rate Loan during any Interest Period, the
Administrative Agent shall forthwith give notice of such determination (which
shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower and the Lenders) to the Borrower
and the Lenders. In such event (a) any Loan Request or Conversion Request with
respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be automatically withdrawn and shall be
deemed a request for Base Rate Loans, (b) each Eurodollar Rate Loan will
automatically, on the last day of the then current Interest Period relating
thereto, become a Base Rate Loan, and (c) the obligations of the Lenders to make
Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent or the
Majority Lenders determines that the circumstances giving rise to such
suspension no longer exist, whereupon the Administrative Agent or, as the case
may be, the Administrative Agent upon the instruction of the Majority Lenders,
shall so notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

<PAGE>

                                      -45-

         5.5.  Illegality. Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, if any
future law, regulation, treaty or directive or in the interpretation or
application thereof shall make it unlawful for any Lender to make or maintain
Eurodollar Rate Loans, such Lender shall forthwith give notice of such
circumstances to the Borrower and the other Lenders and thereupon (a) the
commitment of such Lender to make Eurodollar Rate Loans or convert Loans of
another Type to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall forthwith be suspended and (b) such
Lender's Revolving Credit Loans then outstanding as Eurodollar Rate Loans, if
any, shall be converted automatically to Base Rate Loans on the last day of each
Interest Period applicable to such Eurodollar Rate Loans or within such earlier
period as may be required by law. The Borrower hereby agrees promptly to pay the
Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender, upon demand by such Lender,
any additional amounts necessary to compensate such Lender for any costs
incurred by such Lender in making any conversion in accordance with this (S)5.5,
including any interest or fees payable by such Lender to lenders of funds
obtained by it in order to make or maintain its Eurodollar Loans hereunder.

         5.6.  Additional Costs, Etc. If (a) any future applicable law, which
expression, as used herein, includes statutes, rules and regulations thereunder
and interpretations by any competent court or by any governmental or other
regulatory body or official charged with the administration or the
interpretation thereof and requests, directives, instructions and notices from
time to time hereafter made upon or otherwise issued to any Lender by any
central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other authority (whether or not having
the force of law), or (b) a change in the interpretation of any present
applicable law by any competent court or by any governmental or other regulatory
body or official charged with the administration or the interpretation thereof,
shall:

           (a)   subject any Lender to any tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, fee,
deduction or withholding of any nature with respect to this Credit Agreement,
the other Loan Documents, any Letters of Credit, such Lender's Commitment or
such Lender's Revolving Credit Loans (other than taxes based upon or measured by
the income or profits of such Lender), or

           (b)   materially change the basis of taxation (except for changes in
taxes on income or profits) of payments to any Lender of the principal of or the
interest on any Revolving Credit Loans or any other amounts payable to any
Lender or the Administrative Agent under this Credit Agreement or any of the
other Loan Documents, or

           (c)   impose or increase or render applicable (other than to the
extent specifically provided for elsewhere in this Credit Agreement) any special
deposit, reserve, assessment, liquidity, capital adequacy or other similar
requirements (whether or not having the force of law) against assets held by, or
deposits in or for the account of, or loans by or letters of credit issued by,
or commitments of an office of such Lender, or

           (d)   impose on any Lender or the Administrative Agent any other
conditions or requirements with respect to this Credit Agreement, the other Loan
Documents, any Letters of Credit, the Revolving Credit Loans, such Lender's
Commitment or any class of loans, letters of credit or commitments of which any
of the Revolving Credit Loans or such Lender's Commitment forms a part, and the
result of any of the foregoing is

<PAGE>

                                      -46-

                  (i)    to increase the cost to any Lender of making, funding,
         issuing, renewing, extending or maintaining any of the Revolving Credit
         Loans or such Lender's Commitment or any Letter of Credit, or

                  (ii)   to reduce the amount of principal, interest,
         Reimbursement Obligation or other amount payable to such Lender or the
         Administrative Agent hereunder on account of such Lender's Commitment,
         any Letter of Credit or any of the Revolving Credit Loans, or

                  (iii)  to require such Lender or the Administrative Agent to
         make any payment or to forego any interest or Reimbursement Obligation
         or other sum payable hereunder, the amount of which payment or foregone
         interest or Reimbursement Obligation or other sum is calculated by
         reference to the gross amount of any sum receivable or deemed received
         by such Lender or the Administrative Agent from the Borrower hereunder,
         then, except as otherwise provided in Section 5.2.2(c), and in each
         such case, the Borrower will, upon demand made by such Lender or (as
         the case may be) the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to
         time and as often as the occasion therefor may arise, pay to such
         Lender or the Administrative Agent such additional amounts as will be
         sufficient in the good faith opinion of such Lender or the
         Administrative Agent, to compensate such Lender or the Administrative
         Agent for such additional cost, reduction, payment or foregone interest
         or Reimbursement Obligation or other sum. Each Lender shall allocate
         such costs (or the effect of such reductions, payments or foregone
         interest) among its customers similarly situated in good faith and on
         an equitable basis.

         5.7.  Capital Adequacy. If after the date hereof any Lender or the
Administrative Agent determines that (a) the adoption of or change in any law,
governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) regarding capital requirements for banks or bank
holding companies or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by
a court or governmental authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (b)
compliance by such Lender or the Administrative Agent or any corporation
controlling such Lender or the Administrative Agent with (i) any law,
governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) adopted or issued after the date hereof, or (ii) in the
case of any present law, governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline or
directive currently in effect, any change in interpretation thereof, of any such
entity regarding capital adequacy, has the effect of reducing the return on such
Lender's or the Administrative Agent's commitment with respect to any Revolving
Credit Loans to a level below that which such Lender or the Administrative Agent
could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into
consideration such Lender's on the Administrative Agent's then existing policies
with respect to capital adequacy and assuming full utilization of such entity's
capital) by any amount deemed by such Lender or (as the case may be) the
Administrative Agent to be material, then such Lender or the Administrative
Agent may notify the Borrower of such fact. To the extent that the amount of
such reduction in the return on capital is not reflected in the Base Rate, the
Borrower and such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall
thereafter attempt to negotiate in good faith, within thirty (30) days of the
day on which the Borrower receives such notice, an adjustment payable hereunder
that will adequately compensate such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the
case may be, in light of

<PAGE>

                                      -47-

these circumstances. If the Borrower and such Lender or the Administrative
Agent, as the case may be, are unable to agree to such adjustment within thirty
(30) days of the date on which the Borrower receives such notice, then
commencing on the date of such notice (but not earlier than the effective date
of any such increased capital requirement), the fees payable hereunder shall
increase by an amount that will, in such Lender's reasonable determination,
provide adequate compensation. Each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall
allocate such cost increases among its customers in good faith and on an
equitable basis.

         5.8.  Certificate; Lender Policy. A certificate setting forth any
additional amounts payable pursuant to (S)(S)5.6, 5.7 or 5.9 and an explanation
of such amounts which are due in reasonable detail, submitted by any Lender or
the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, shall be conclusive, absent manifest
error, that such amounts are due and owing. Notwithstanding anything in this
Credit Agreement to the contrary, no Lender shall be entitled to compensation
under (S)(S)5.6 or 5.7 for any amounts incurred or accruing more than ninety
(90) days prior to the giving of notice to the Borrower of additional costs of
the type described in (S)(S)5.6 or 5.7.

         5.9.  Indemnity. The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender and to
hold each Lender harmless from and against any loss, cost or expense (including
loss of anticipated profits) that such Lender may sustain or incur as a
consequence of (a) default by the Borrower in payment of the principal amount of
or any interest on any Eurodollar Rate Loans as and when due and payable,
including any such loss or expense arising from interest or fees payable by such
Lender to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to maintain its Eurodollar
Rate Loans, (b) default by the Borrower in making a borrowing or conversion with
respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans after the Borrower has given (or is deemed to
have given) a Loan Request or a Conversion Request relating thereto in
accordance with (S)2.6 or (S)2.7 or (c) the making of any payment of a
Eurodollar Rate Loan or the making of any conversion of any such Loan to a Base
Rate Loan on a day that is not the last day of the applicable Interest Period
with respect thereto, including interest or fees payable by such Lender to
lenders of funds obtained by it in order to maintain any such Loans.

         5.10. Interest After Default.

                  5.10.1. Overdue Amounts. Overdue principal and (to the extent
         permitted by applicable law) interest on the Revolving Credit Loans and
         all other overdue amounts payable hereunder or under any of the other
         Loan Documents shall bear interest compounded monthly and payable on
         demand at a rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) above the rate of
         interest otherwise applicable to such Revolving Credit Loans pursuant
         to (S)2.5 until such amount shall be paid in full (after as well as
         before judgment).

                  5.10.2. Amounts Not Overdue. During the continuance of an
         Event of Default and upon written notice from the Administrative Agent
         to the Borrower, the principal of the Revolving Credit Loans not
         overdue and all other amounts not overdue payable hereunder (including,
         without limitation, Letter of Credit Fees) or under any of the other
         Loan Documents shall, until such Event of Default has been cured or
         remedied or such Event of Default has been waived by the Lenders
         pursuant to (S)26, bear interest at a rate per annum equal to two
         percent (2%) above the rate of interest otherwise applicable to

<PAGE>

                                      -48-

         such Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to (S)2.5 until such amount shall
         be paid in full (after as well as before judgment).

               5.10.3.  Maximum Interest. Notwithstanding any other term of this
         Credit Agreement or any Revolving Credit Note or any other document
         referred to herein or therein, the maximum amount of interest which may
         be charged to or collected from any person liable hereunder or under
         any Revolving Credit Note by the Lenders shall be absolutely limited
         to, and shall in no event exceed, the maximum amount of interest which
         could lawfully be charged or collected under applicable law (including,
         to the extent applicable, the provisions of Section 5197 of the Revised
         Statutes of the United States of America, as amended, 12 U.S.C. Section
         85, as amended), so that the maximum of all amounts constituting
         interest under applicable law, howsoever computed, shall never exceed
         as to any person liable therefor such lawful maximum, and any term of
         this Credit Agreement or any Revolving Credit Note or any other
         document referred to herein or therein which could be construed as
         providing for interest in excess of such lawful maximum shall be and
         hereby is made expressly subject to and modified by the provisions of
         this paragraph.

         5.11. Replacement Lenders. Within thirty (30) days after (a) any Lender
has demanded compensation from the Borrower pursuant to (S)(S)5.2.2(a), 5.6 or
5.7 hereof, (b) there shall have occurred a change in law with respect to any
Lender as a consequence of which it shall have become unlawful for such Lender
to make a Eurodollar Rate Loan on any Drawdown Date, as described in (S)5.5
hereof or (c) any Lender shall be a Specified Non-Consenting Lender (any such
Lender described in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) or (c) is hereinafter
referred to as an "Affected Lender"), the Borrower may request that the Lenders
other than the Affected Lenders (the "Non-Affected Lenders") acquire all, but
not less than all, of the Affected Lender's outstanding Revolving Credit Loans
and assume all, but not less than all, of the Affected Lender's Commitment. If
the Borrower so requests, the Non-Affected Lenders may elect to acquire all or
any portion of the Affected Lender's outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and to
assume all or any portion of the Affected Lender's Commitment. If the
Non-Affected Lenders do not elect to acquire and assume all of the Affected
Lender's outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Commitment, the Borrower may
designate a replacement bank or banks, which must be satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent, to acquire and assume that portion of the outstanding
Revolving Credit Loans and Commitment of the Affected Lender not being acquired
and assumed by the Non-Affected Lenders. The provisions of (S)19 hereof shall
apply to all reallocations pursuant to this (S)5.11, and the Affected Lender and
any Non-Affected Lenders and/or replacement banks which are to acquire the
Revolving Credit Loans and Commitment of the Affected Lender shall execute and
deliver to the Administrative Agent, in accordance with the provisions of (S)19
hereof, such Assignments and Acceptances and other instruments, including,
without limitation, Revolving Credit Notes, as are required pursuant to (S)19
hereof to give effect to such reallocations. Any Non-Affected Lenders and/or
replacement banks which are to acquire the Revolving Credit Loans and Commitment
of the Affected Lender shall be deemed to be Eligible Assignees for all purposes
of (S)19 hereof. On the effective date of the applicable Assignments and
Acceptances, the Borrower shall pay to the Affected Lender all interest accrued
on its Revolving Credit Loans up to but excluding such date, along with any fees
payable to such Affected Lender hereunder up to but excluding such date.

<PAGE>

                                      -49-

         (S)6.  COLLATERAL SECURITY; GUARANTY.

         6.1. Collateral Security. The Obligations shall be secured by a
perfected first-priority security interest (subject only to Permitted Liens) in
certain of the assets of the Borrower, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
pursuant to the Security Documents. The Obligations shall also be guaranteed
pursuant to the terms of the Guaranty. The obligations of the Subsidiary
Guarantors under the Guaranty shall be in turn secured by a perfected first
priority security interest (subject only to Permitted Liens) in certain of the
assets of the Subsidiary Guarantors whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents to which the Subsidiary
Guarantors are party.

         6.2. Guaranty. Each Guarantor and the Borrower are members of a group
of related corporations, the success of any one of which is dependent in part on
the success of the other members of such group. Each Guarantor expects to
receive substantial direct and indirect benefit from the Loans advanced and
other credit extended to the Borrower by the Lenders pursuant to this Credit
Agreement (which benefits are hereby acknowledged). It is a condition precedent
to the Lenders' advancing Loans and Letters of Credit to the Borrower under this
Credit Agreement that each Guarantor execute and deliver to the Lenders a
guaranty substantially in the form of this (S)6.2. Each Guarantor wishes to
guaranty the Borrower's obligations to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders
under or in respect of the Credit Agreement and accordingly, each Guarantor
hereby agrees with the Co-Agents and the Lenders as set forth in this (S)6.2.

                  6.2.1.  Guaranty of Payment and Performance.

                  (a)      Each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally
         guarantees to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent the full and
         punctual payment when due (whether at stated maturity, by required
         pre-payment, by acceleration or otherwise), as well as the performance,
         of all of the Obligations of the Borrower (referred to in this (S)6.2
         as the "Borrower's Obligations"), including all such which would become
         due but for the operation of the automatic stay pursuant to (S)362(a)
         of the Bankruptcy Code and the operation of (S)(S)502(b) and 506(b) of
         the Bankruptcy Code. This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and
         continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of
         all of the Borrower's Obligations and not of their collectibility only
         and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the
         Administrative Agent or any Lender first attempt to collect any of the
         Borrower's Obligations from the Borrower or any other Guarantor or
         resort to any collateral security or other means of obtaining payment.
         Should the Borrower default in the payment or performance of any of the
         Borrower's Obligations, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder
         with respect to such Borrower's Obligations in default shall, upon
         demand by the Administrative Agent, become immediately due and payable
         to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, and the
         Administrative Agent, without demand or notice of any nature, all of
         which are expressly waived by each Guarantor. Payments by each
         Guarantor hereunder may be required by the Administrative Agent on any
         number of occasions. All payments by each Guarantor hereunder shall be
         made to the Administrative Agent, in the manner and at the place of
         payment specified therefor in this Agreement, for the account of the
         Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

<PAGE>

                                      -50-

                  (b)    Notwithstanding any other term or provision of this
         (S)6 to the contrary, the Parent's liability as a Guarantor hereunder
         shall be limited in recourse to (i) the pledge of its ownership
         interests in the Borrower, and (ii) an amount equal to the sum of any
         payments, distributions or other sums received by the Parent from the
         Borrower or any Subsidiary in violation of the Credit Agreement. For
         the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall
         have no recourse against any other assets of the Parent or any of the
         Investors; provided, however, that the limitation on liability of the
         Parent provided in this (S)6.2.1(b) shall terminate and be void ab
         initio if the Parent asserts any invalidity of its guaranty made
         pursuant to this (S)6.2 or the Pledge Agreement.

                  6.2.2. Guarantors' Agreement to Pay Enforcement Costs, etc.
         Each Guarantor further agrees, as the principal obligor and not as a
         guarantor only, to pay to the Administrative Agent, on demand, all
         costs and expenses (including court costs and legal expenses) incurred
         or expended by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection
         with the enforcement of this Guaranty, together with interest on
         amounts recoverable under this (S)6.2.2 from the time when such amounts
         become due until payment, whether before or after judgment, at the rate
         of interest for overdue principal set forth in this Agreement, provided
         that if such interest exceeds the maximum amount permitted to be paid
         under applicable law, then such interest shall be reduced to such
         maximum permitted amount.

                  6.2.3. Waivers by Guarantors; Lender's Freedom to Act. Each
         Guarantor agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed
         strictly in accordance with their respective terms, regardless of any
         law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction
         affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Administrative Agent
         or any Lender with respect thereto. Each Guarantor waives promptness,
         diligence, presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice
         of any Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all
         defenses which may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay,
         moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, any
         right to require the marshalling of assets of the Borrower or any other
         entity or other person primarily or secondarily liable with respect to
         any of the Obligations, and all suretyship defenses generally. Without
         limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor acknowledges
         the provisions of this Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan
         Documents and agrees that the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder
         shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise
         affected by (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender
         to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against
         the Borrower or any other entity or other person primarily or
         secondarily liable with respect to any of the Obligations; (ii) any
         extensions, compromise, refinancing, consolidation or renewals of any
         Obligation; (iii) any change in the time, place or manner of payment of
         any of the Obligations or any rescissions, waivers, compromise,
         refinancing, consolidation or other amendments or modifications of any
         of the terms or provisions of this Credit Agreement, the Revolving
         Credit Notes, the other Loan Documents or any other agreement
         evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any of
         the Obligations, (iv) the addition, substitution or release of any
         entity or other person primarily or secondarily liable for any
         Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights which the Administrative
         Agent or any Lender may have

<PAGE>

                                      -51-

         against any collateral security or other means of obtaining repayment
         of any of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral
         securing any of the Obligations, including without limitation the
         failure to perfect or preserve any rights which the Administrative
         Agent or any Lender might have in such collateral security or the
         substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any
         such collateral security; or (vii) any other act or omission which
         might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or
         otherwise operate as a release or discharge of any Guarantor, all of
         which may be done without notice to any Guarantor. To the fullest
         extent permitted by law, each Guarantor hereby expressly waives any and
         all rights or defenses arising by reason of (A) any "one action" or
         "anti-deficiency" law which would otherwise prevent the Administrative
         Agent or any Lender from bringing any action, including any claim for a
         deficiency, or exercising any other right or remedy (including any
         right of set-off), against any Guarantor before or after the
         Administrative Agent's or such Lender's commencement or completion of
         any foreclosure action, whether judicially, by exercise of power of
         sale or otherwise, or (B) any other law which in any other way would
         otherwise require any election of remedies by the Administrative Agent
         or any Lender.

                  6.2.4. Unenforceability of Obligations Against Borrower. If
         for any reason the Borrower has no legal existence or is under no legal
         obligation to discharge any of the Borrower's Obligations, or if any of
         the Borrower's Obligations have become irrecoverable from the Borrower
         by reason of the Borrower's insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization or
         by other operation of law or for any other reason, this Guaranty shall
         nevertheless be binding on each Guarantor to the same extent as if such
         Guarantor at all times had been the principal obligor on all such
         Obligations. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of
         any of the Borrower's Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency,
         bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, or for any other reason,
         all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of
         this Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Notes, the other Loan
         Documents or any other agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise
         executed in connection with any Obligation of the Borrower shall be
         immediately due and payable by each Guarantors.

                  6.2.5. Subrogation; Subordination.

                         6.2.5.1.  Subrogation. Until the indefeasible payment
                  and performance in full of all of the Borrower's Obligations,
                  no Guarantor shall exercise any rights against the Borrower
                  arising as a result of payment by such Guarantor hereunder, by
                  way of subrogation, reimbursement, restitution, contribution
                  or otherwise, and will not prove any claim in competition with
                  the Administrative Agent or any Lender in respect of any
                  payment hereunder in any bankruptcy, insolvency or
                  reorganization case or proceedings of any nature; no Guarantor
                  will claim any setoff, recoupment or counterclaim against the
                  Borrower in respect of any liability of such Guarantor to the
                  Borrower; and each Guarantor waives any benefit of and any
                  right to participate in any collateral security which may be
                  held by the Administrative Agent or any Lender unless the same
                  is released by the Administrative Agent or such Lender.

<PAGE>

                                      -52-

                         6.2.5.2. Subordination. The payment of any amounts
                  due with respect to any indebtedness of the Borrower for money
                  borrowed or credit received now or hereafter owed to each
                  Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the prior payment in full
                  of all of the Borrower's Obligations. Each Guarantor agrees
                  that, after the occurrence of any default in the payment or
                  performance of any of the Borrower's Obligations, each
                  Guarantor will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to
                  collect any such indebtedness of the Borrower to such
                  Guarantor until all of the Borrower's Obligations shall have
                  been paid in full. If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence,
                  any Guarantor shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in
                  respect of such indebtedness while any Borrower's Obligations
                  are still outstanding, such amounts shall be collected,
                  enforced and received by such Guarantor as trustee for the
                  Lenders, and the Administrative Agent and be paid over to the
                  Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the
                  Administrative Agent, on account of the Borrower's Obligations
                  without affecting in any manner the liability of any Guarantor
                  under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

                         6.2.5.3  Provisions Supplemental. The provisions of
                  this (S)6.2.5 shall be supplemental to and not in derogation
                  of any rights and remedies of the Lenders and the
                  Administrative Agent under any separate subordination
                  agreement which the Administrative Agent may at any time and
                  from time to time enter into with any Guarantor for the
                  benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

                  6.2.6. Setoff. Regardless of the adequacy of any collateral
         security or other means of obtaining payment of any of the Borrower's
         Obligations, during the continuance of any Event of Default, each of
         the Administrative Agent and the Lenders is hereby authorized at any
         time and from time to time, without notice to any Guarantor (any such
         notice being expressly waived by each Guarantor) and to the fullest
         extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any deposits and other
         sums credited by or due from the Administrative Agent or such Lender to
         any Guarantor or subject to withdrawal by such Guarantor against the
         obligations of any Guarantor under this Guaranty, whether or not the
         Administrative Agent or such Lender shall have made any demand under
         this Guaranty and although such obligations may be contingent or
         unmatured.

                  6.2.7. No Reliance. Each Guarantor acknowledges and confirms
         that such Guarantor itself has established its own adequate means of
         obtaining from the Borrower on a continuing basis all information
         desired by such Guarantor concerning the financial condition of the
         Borrower and that each Guarantor will look to the Borrower and not to
         the Administrative Agent or any Lender in order for such Guarantor to
         keep adequately informed of changes in the Borrower's financial
         condition.

                  6.2.8. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty shall remain
         in full force and effect until all of the Borrower's Obligations have
         been irrevocably paid in full in cash and all commitments under this
         Credit Agreement have been terminated. This Guaranty shall continue to
         be effective or be reinstated, if at any time any payment

<PAGE>

                                      -53-

         made or value received with respect to any Borrower's Obligation is
         rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Administrative Agent or
         any Lender upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the
         Borrower, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or
         value received.

                  6.2.9. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding
         upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the
         benefit of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders and their respective
         successors, transferees and assigns. No Guarantor may assign any of its
         obligations hereunder.

         (S)7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Borrower (and, where
applicable, the Parent), represents and warrants to the Lenders and the
Co-Agents as follows:

         7.1.  Corporate Authority.

                  7.1.1. Incorporation; Good Standing. Each of the Parent, the
         Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries (a) is a corporation,
         limited liability company or limited partnership duly organized,
         validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state or
         other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, (b) has all
         requisite corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership
         power to own its property and conduct its business as now conducted and
         as presently contemplated, and (c) is in good standing as a foreign
         corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership and is
         duly authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where such
         qualification is necessary except where a failure to be so qualified
         would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  7.1.2. Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance
         by the Parent, the Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries of this
         Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party
         (a) are within the corporate, limited liability company or limited
         partnership authority of such Person, (b) have been duly authorized by
         all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited
         partnership proceedings, (c) do not conflict with or result in any
         breach or contravention of any provision of law, statute, rule or
         regulation to which such Person is subject or any judgment, order,
         writ, injunction, license or permit applicable to such Person where
         such conflict, breach or contravention could reasonably be expected to
         have a Material Adverse Effect and (d) do not conflict with any
         provision of the charter, bylaws or other organizational document of,
         or any agreement or other instrument binding upon, such Person where
         such conflict could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
         Effect.

                  7.1.3. Enforceability. The execution and delivery by the
         Parent, the Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries of this Credit
         Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party will
         result in valid and legally binding obligations of such Person
         enforceable against such Person in accordance with the respective terms
         and provisions hereof and thereof, except as enforceability is limited
         by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws
         relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights
         and (b) equitable principles.

         7.2. Governmental Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by
the Parent, the Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries of this Credit
Agreement and the other Loan

<PAGE>

                                      -54-

Documents to which it is party do not require the approval or consent of, or
filing with, any governmental agency or authority which have not been obtained
except for those which the failure to obtain the same could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.3.  Title to Properties; Leases. Except as indicated on Schedule 7.3
hereto, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries own all of the assets
reflected in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet as at the Effective Date, or acquired
since such date (except (i) property and assets sold or otherwise disposed of in
the ordinary course of business since that date or otherwise permitted hereunder
and (ii) minor defects in title that do not interfere with the Borrower's
ability to conduct its business or utilize such assets), subject to no rights of
others, including any mortgages, leases, conditional sales agreements, title
retention agreements, liens or other encumbrances except Permitted Liens.

         7.4.  Financial Statements and Projections.

                  7.4.1. Financial Statements. There has been furnished to each
         of the Lenders a consolidated pro forma balance sheet of the Borrower
         and its Subsidiaries as at the Effective Date (the "Pro Forma Balance
         Sheet") reflecting the borrowing hereunder on such date and the (S)363
         Asset Sale. Such Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been prepared in good
         faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein and in accordance
         with generally accepted accounting principles and fairly presents the
         financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the
         close of business on such date. There are no contingent liabilities of
         the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as of such date involving
         material amounts, known to the officers of the Borrower, which were not
         disclosed in such balance sheet or otherwise described in writing to
         the Administrative Agent.

                  7.4.2. Projections. The projections of the annual operating
         budgets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis,
         calculated on a monthly basis, including monthly balance sheets, income
         statements, borrowing base availability and cash flow statements for
         the 2002 and 2003 fiscal years and the annual operating budgets of the
         Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, annual balance
         sheets, income statements and borrowing base availability and cash flow
         statements for the 2002 through 2006 fiscal years have been delivered
         to each Lender. To the knowledge of the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries, no facts exist that (individually or in the aggregate)
         would as of the Effective Date, result in any material change in any of
         such projections. The projections (including any updated projections)
         are based upon reasonable estimates and assumptions, have been prepared
         on the basis of the assumptions stated therein and reflect the
         reasonable estimates of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries of the
         results of operations and other information projected therein.

                  7.4.3. Budget and Cash Flows. The Borrower has delivered to
         each of the Lenders (a) its eighteen (18) month operating budget on a
         monthly basis in form and substance satisfactory to the Co-Agents (the
         "Operating Budget"), and (b) a consolidated thirteen (13) week rolling
         cash flow forecast of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in form and
         substance satisfactory to the Co-Agents (a "Cash Flow Forecast") for
         the thirteen (13) week period commencing on the Effective Date.

<PAGE>

                                      -55-

         7.5.  No Material Changes, Etc. Since the Effective Date there has
occurred no materially adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or
business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as shown on or reflected in the
Pro Forma Balance Sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the Effective
Date, other than changes in the ordinary course of business or contemplated
herein that have not had any material adverse effect in the aggregate on the
business or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.

         7.6.  Franchises, Patents, Copyrights, Etc. Each of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries possesses all franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks,
trade names, licenses and permits, and rights in respect of the foregoing,
adequate for the conduct of its business substantially as now conducted without
known conflict with any rights of others except where failure to do so would not
have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.7.  Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 7.7 hereto, there are
no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations of any kind pending or, to the
knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries before any court, tribunal or administrative agency or board that
would be reasonably likely to, either in any case or in the aggregate,
materially adversely affect the properties, assets, financial condition or
business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or materially
impair the right of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to
carry on the business conducted by them, or which question the validity of this
Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

         7.8.  No Materially Adverse Contracts, Etc. Neither the Borrower nor
any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any charter, corporate or other legal
restriction (including any legal restrictions created by any other
organizational document of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries), or any
judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation that has or is expected in the
future to have a materially adverse effect on the business, assets or financial
condition of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither the Borrower nor
any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any contract or agreement that has or is
expected to have any materially adverse effect on the business of the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries.

         7.9.  Compliance with Other Instruments, Laws, Etc. Neither the
Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any provision of its
charter documents, bylaws, or any agreement or instrument to which it is subject
or by which it or any of its properties is bound or any decree, order, judgment,
statute, license, rule or regulation, in any of the foregoing cases in a manner
that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         7.10. Tax Status. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries (a) have made or
filed all federal and state income and all other material tax returns, reports
and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which any of them is subject,
(b) have paid all material taxes and other governmental assessments and charges
shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except
those being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and (c) have
established on their books provisions reasonably adequate for the payment of all
material taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns,
reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount
claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers
of the Borrower know of no basis for any such claim.

<PAGE>

                                      -56-

         7.11. No Event of Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing.

         7.12. Holding Company and Investment Company Acts. Neither the Borrower
nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company", or a "subsidiary company" of
a "holding company", or an "affiliate" of a "holding company", as such terms are
defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935; nor is it an
"investment company", or an "affiliated company" or a "principal underwriter" of
an "investment company", as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940.

         7.13. Absence of Financing Statements, Etc. Except with respect to
Permitted Liens and financing statements filed with respect to RTI and its
Subsidiaries (which, if filed in respect of the Collateral, have been voided by
the Sale Order) or filed to give notice that the Borrower holds certain raw
materials on consignment from vendors or to give notice of operating leases
permitted under (S)9.1(f), there is no financing statement, security agreement,
chattel mortgage, real estate mortgage or other document filed or recorded with
any filing records, registry or other public office, that purports to cover,
affect or give notice of any present or possible future lien on, or security
interest in, any assets or property of the Borrower or any rights relating
thereto other than financing statements that have not yet been released of
record relating to Indebtedness that has been repaid in full.

         7.14. Perfection of Security Interest. All filings, assignments,
pledges and deposits of documents or instruments have been made and all other
actions have been taken that are necessary or advisable, under applicable law,
to establish and perfect the Administrative Agent's security interest in the
Collateral.

         7.15. Employee Benefit Plans.

                  7.15.1.  In General. Each Employee Benefit Plan and each
         Guaranteed Pension Plan has been maintained and operated in compliance
         in all material respects with the provisions of ERISA and, to the
         extent applicable, the Code.

                  7.15.2.  Guaranteed Pension Plans. Each contribution required
         to be made to a Guaranteed Pension Plan, to avoid the notice or lien
         provisions of (S)302(f) of ERISA, and each other contribution required
         to be made to a Guaranteed Pension Plan to avoid a Material Adverse
         Effect, has been timely made. No waiver of an accumulated funding
         deficiency or extension of amortization periods has been received with
         respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan, and neither the Borrower nor
         any ERISA Affiliate is obligated to or has posted security in
         connection with an amendment of a Guaranteed Pension Plan pursuant to
         (S)307 of ERISA or (S)401(a)(29) of the Code, other than as would not
         be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No
         liability to the PBGC (other than required insurance premiums, has been
         incurred by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate with respect to any
         Guaranteed Pension Plan, other than as would not be reasonably likely
         to result in a Material Adverse Effect and there has not been any ERISA
         Reportable Event with respect to which the requirement of thirty (30)
         days notice has not been waived, or any other event or condition which
         presents a material risk of termination of any Guaranteed Pension Plan
         by the PBGC. Based on the latest valuation of each Guaranteed Pension
         Plan (which in each case occurred within twelve months of

<PAGE>

                                      -57-

         the date of this representation), and on the actuarial methods and
         assumptions employed for that valuation, the aggregate present value of
         accumulated benefits of all such Guaranteed Pension Plans did not
         exceed the aggregate value of the assets of all such Guaranteed Pension
         Plans, disregarding for this purpose the accumulated benefits and
         assets of any Guaranteed Pension Plan with assets in excess of
         accumulated benefits, by more than an amount reasonably likely to
         result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  7.15.3. Multiemployer Plans. Neither the Borrower nor any
         ERISA Affiliate has incurred any unsatisfied liability (including
         secondary liability) to any Multiemployer Plan as a result of a
         complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan under
         (S)4201 of ERISA or as a result of a sale of assets described in
         (S)4204 of ERISA other than such amounts of liability as in aggregate
         would not be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
         Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has been notified that any
         Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or insolvent under and within
         the meaning of (S)4241 or (S)4245 of ERISA or is at risk of entering
         reorganization or becoming insolvent, or that any Multiemployer Plan
         intends to terminate or has been terminated under (S)4041A of ERISA
         other than as would not be reasonably likely to result in a Material
         Adverse Effect.

         7.16. Use of Proceeds.

                  7.16.1. General. On the Effective Date, the initial advance of
         the Revolving Credit Loans will be made to the Borrower (i) to fund
         (together with a portion of the proceeds of the equity contribution
         being made to the Borrower as required by (S)11.15 and the issuance of
         the Notes as required by (S)11.16) the Borrower's payment to RTI and
         certain of its Subsidiaries of the purchase price of all assets being
         acquired by the Borrower under the Acquisition Documents, with a
         portion of such purchase price being utilized by RTI and its
         Subsidiaries to repay in full all obligations under the DIP Facility
         (other than the Waived Amounts and the Contributed Amounts, which each
         Lender hereby acknowledges that it (on a pro rata basis with all of the
         other Lenders) is waiving and contributing, respectively, effective
         upon the Effective Date), and (ii) for working capital purposes.
         Following the Effective Date, the proceeds of the Revolving Credit
         Loans and Letters of Credit shall be used for Capital Expenditures and
         for working capital and general corporate purposes.

                  7.16.2. Regulations U and X. No portion of any Revolving
         Credit Loan is to be used, and no portion of any Letter of Credit is to
         be obtained, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any "margin
         security" or "margin stock" as such terms are used in Regulations U and
         X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R.
         Parts 221 and 224.

         7.17. Environmental Compliance. Except as previously disclosed to the
Lenders in writing or as set forth on Schedule 7.17 attached hereto, to the
knowledge of the Borrower:

         (a)      neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received
a notice that it is in violation of any applicable Environmental Law, which
includes the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and

<PAGE>

                                      -58-

Liability Act of 1980 as amended ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("SARA"), the Federal Clean Water Act, the Federal
Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and any analogous state or
local statute, regulation, ordinance, or order or decree (including, without
limitation, the Corrective Action Order entered into under RCRA on June 16, 1999
between the EPA and RTI relating to RTI's facilities in Canton, Ohio) to which
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party relating to health, safety
(as relating to the environment or Hazardous Substances) or the environment
(hereinafter "Environmental Laws"), which violation would have a Material
Adverse Effect;

     (b)  neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice
from any third party including, without limitation: any federal, state or local
governmental authority, (i) that any one of them has been identified by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") as a potentially
responsible party under CERCLA with respect to a site listed on the National
Priorities List, 40 C.F.R. Part 300 Appendix B; (ii) that any hazardous waste,
as defined by 42 U.S.C. (S) 6903(5), any hazardous substances as defined by 42
U.S.C. (S) 9601(14), any pollutant or contaminant as defined by 42 U.S.C.
(S)9601(33) and any toxic substances, oil or hazardous materials or other
chemicals or substances regulated by any Environmental Laws ("Hazardous
Substances") which any one of them has generated, transported or disposed of has
been found at any site at which a federal, state or local agency or other third
party has conducted or has ordered that any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
conduct a remedial investigation, removal or other response action pursuant to
any Environmental Law which would result in expenditures in excess of
$5,000,000; or (iii) that it is or shall be a named party to any claim, action,
cause of action, complaint, or legal or administrative proceeding (in each case,
contingent or otherwise) arising out of any third party's incurrence of costs,
expenses, losses or damages of any kind whatsoever in connection with the
release of Hazardous Substances on the Real Estate or generated, transported or
disposed of by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which would result in
expenditures in excess of $5,000,000; and

     (c)  except where non-compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect,
(i) no portion of the Real Estate has been used by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries for the handling, processing, storage or disposal of Hazardous
Substances except in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws; and no
underground tank or other underground storage receptacle for Hazardous
Substances is located on any portion of the Real Estate; (ii) in the course of
any activities conducted by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, no
Hazardous Substances have been discharged, emitted, generated or used except in
accordance with applicable Environmental Laws; (iii) in addition, to the extent
required by applicable Environmental Law, any Hazardous Substances that have
been transported from the Real Estate by or at the direction of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries have been transported offsite only by carriers having an
identification number issued by the EPA, treated or disposed of only by
treatment or disposal facilities maintaining valid permits as required under
applicable Environmental Laws, which transporters and facilities have been and
are, to the best of the Borrower's knowledge, operating in compliance with such
permits and applicable Environmental Laws; (iv) there have been no releases
(i.e., any past or present releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring,
emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, disposing or dumping) or
threatened releases of Hazardous Substances on, upon, into or from the
properties of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, which releases would have a
material adverse effect on the value of the Real Estate or adjacent properties
or the environment; and (v) to the

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                                      -59-

best of Borrower's knowledge, there have been no releases on, upon, from or into
any real property in the vicinity of any of the Real Estate which, through soil
or groundwater contamination, may have come to be located on, and which would
have a material adverse effect on the value of, the Real Estate.

     7.18. Subsidiaries, Etc. The only Subsidiaries of the Borrower on the
Effective Date are as set forth on Schedule 7.18 hereto. Except as set forth on
Schedule 7.18 hereto, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary of the Borrower is
engaged in any joint venture or partnership with any other Person on the
Effective Date.

     7.19. Bank Accounts; Agency Account Arrangements. Schedule 7.19 sets forth
the account numbers and location of all bank accounts of the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries.

     7.20. Fiscal Year. The Borrower has a fiscal year which ends on December 31
in each year.

     7.21. Ownership of Assets. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries own all of the
assets contemplated to be purchased by the (S)363 Asset Purchase Agreement.

     7.22. Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by the Borrower in any
of the Loan Documents or any agreement, instrument, document, certificate or
letter furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to any Loan Document
or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated thereby when taken as
a whole with all other such representations and warranties contains any untrue
statement of any material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statement contained therein not misleading. There is no fact
known to the Borrower (excluding general industry, economic and political
conditions) which materially adversely affects, or which could reasonably be
expected to materially adversely affect in the reasonably foreseeable future the
financial condition, business, operations, or affairs or the Borrower, which has
not been disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent.

     8. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER. The Borrower covenants and agrees
that, so long as any Revolving Credit Loan, Letter of Credit or Revolving Credit
Note is outstanding or any Lender has any obligation to make any Revolving
Credit Loans or the Issuing Bank has any obligation to issue, extend or renew
any Letters of Credit:

     8.1. Punctual Payment. The Borrower will duly and punctually pay or cause
to be paid the principal and interest on the Revolving Credit Loans, all
Reimbursement Obligations, the Letter of Credit Fees, the commitment fees, the
Administrative Agent's fee and all other amounts provided for in this Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, all in accordance with the terms of this
Credit Agreement and such other Loan Documents.

     8.2. Maintenance of Office. The Borrower will maintain its chief executive
office in 3770 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333, or at such other place in the
United States of America as the Borrower shall designate upon written notice to
the Administrative Agent, where notices, presentations and demands to or upon
the Borrower in respect of the Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party
may be given or made.

<PAGE>

                                      -60-

     8.3. Records and Accounts. The Borrower will (a) keep, and cause each of
its Subsidiaries to keep, true and accurate records and books of account in
which full, true and correct entries will be made in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and (b) maintain adequate accounts and reserves
for all taxes (including income taxes), depreciation, depletion, obsolescence
and amortization of its properties and the properties of its Subsidiaries,
contingencies, and other reserves.

     8.4. Financial Statements, Certificates and Information. The Borrower will
deliver to each of the Co-Agents for distribution to each of the Lenders: (a) as
soon as practicable, but in any event not later than ninety (90) days after the
end of each fiscal year (or portion thereof) of the Borrower, the consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the consolidating balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, each as at the end of such year, and
the related consolidated statement of income and retained earnings and
consolidated statement of cash flow and consolidating statement of income and
retained earnings and consolidating statement of cash flow for such year, each
setting forth in comparative form the figures set forth (i) for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2002, in the projections delivered pursuant to (S)7.4.2 and
(ii) for each fiscal year ended thereafter, the budget delivered pursuant to
(S)8.4(i)) for the comparable period, and to the extent available, those figures
for the previous fiscal year and all such consolidated and consolidating
statements to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements, audited without qualification (except for qualification for a change
in accounting principles with which the independent public accountant concurs)
and without an expression of uncertainty as to the ability of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries to continue as a going concern, by a nationally
recognized firm of independent certified public accountants satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent;

     (b)  from and after the date on which the Borrower is required to make
quarterly filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as soon as
practicable, but in any event not later than forty-five (45) days after the end
of each of the fiscal quarters of the Borrower, copies of the Form 10-Q of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, including the
unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at
the end of such quarter, and the related consolidated statement of income and
retained earnings and consolidated statement of cash flow for the portion of the
Borrower's fiscal year then elapsed, each setting forth in comparative form the
figures set forth (i) for fiscal quarters ending during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2002, in the projections delivered pursuant to (S)7.4.2 and (ii)
for fiscal quarters in each fiscal year thereafter, the budget delivered
pursuant to (S)8.4(i)) for the comparable period and to the extent available,
those figures for the comparable period in the preceding fiscal year, all in
reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, together with a certification by the treasurer or other authorized
financial officer of the Borrower that the information contained in such
financial statements fairly presents the financial position of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries on the date thereof (subject to year-end adjustments and the
exclusion of footnotes);

<PAGE>

                                      -61-

     (c)  as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than thirty (30)
days after the end of each month, in each fiscal year of the Borrower, copies of
the unaudited monthly consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for such month, and the related consolidated statement of income
and retained earnings and consolidated statement of cash flow for the portion of
the Borrower's fiscal year then elapsed, each setting forth in comparative form
the figures set forth (i) for months ending during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2002, in the projections delivered pursuant to (S)7.4.2 and (ii)
for months ending in each fiscal year thereafter, the budget delivered pursuant
to (S)8.4(i)) for the comparable period, and to the extent available, those
figures for the comparable period in the preceding fiscal year, and in respect
of month ends that are also quarter ends, the internally prepared quarterly
financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, all in reasonable
detail and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
together with a certification by the treasurer or other authorized financial
officer of the Borrower that the information contained in such financial
statements fairly presents the financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries on the date thereof (subject to year-end adjustments and the
exclusion of footnotes) and the rolling thirteen (13) week liquidity forecast;

     (d)  simultaneously with the delivery of the financial statements referred
to in subsections (a) and (b) above, a statement certified by the treasurer or
other authorized financial officer of the Borrower in substantially the form of
Exhibit D hereto (the "Compliance Certificate") and setting forth in reasonable
detail computations evidencing compliance with the covenants contained in (S)10
and (if applicable) (i) reconciliations to reflect changes in generally accepted
accounting principles since the Balance Sheet Date, and (ii) reconciliations to
generally accepted accounting principles of any amounts shown on a marked to
market basis, and on a quarterly basis, a report in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, on the status of
environmental matters affecting the Borrower, including any material changes in
remedial activity requested by any governmental agency or authority and the
impact, if any, of such changes on the budget for the year delivered pursuant to
subsection (i) below;

     (e)  simultaneously with delivery of the financial statements referred to
in subsections (a) and (b), a certificate, executed by the treasurer or other
authorized financial officer of the Borrower, stating that such officer has
caused this Credit Agreement to be reviewed and has no knowledge of any Default
or Event of Default, during the applicable quarter or at the end of the
applicable year, or, if such officer has such knowledge, specifying each such
Default or Event of Default and the nature thereof and indicating the amount and
recipients of Permitted Tax Distributions accompanied by calculations showing
compliance with the provisions of 9.4(d);

     (f)  simultaneously with delivery of the financial statements referred to
in subsection (b), (i) an updated Cash Flow Forecast and (ii) an Accounts
Receivable aging report;

     (g)  promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all final management letters
of substance and other material reports of substance which are submitted to the
Borrower by its independent accountants in connection with any annual or interim
audit of the books of the Borrower made by such accountants;

<PAGE>

                                      -62-

     (h)  as soon as practicable but, in any event, within ten (10) Business
Days after the issuance thereof, copies of all reports which the Borrower may be
required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any similar or
corresponding governmental commission, department or agency substituted
therefor, or any similar or corresponding governmental commission, department,
board, bureau, or agency, federal or state;

     (i)  within thirty (30) days prior to the end of each fiscal year of the
Borrower, its budget, including monthly balance sheets, income statements,
borrowing base availability and cash flow statements for the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for the next fiscal year prepared by the Borrower for its Board of
Directors or similar authority, which shall include detail by month and shall
include projected spending for such year relating to Capital Expenditures,
including with respect to environmental matters affecting the Borrower, and
projected Maintenance Expenses for such fiscal year relating to the Subsidiaries
on a consolidating basis;

     (j)  on a daily basis, a Borrowing Base Report setting forth the Borrowing
Base as at the end of the preceding day;

     (k)  on Wednesday of each week, (i) a Borrowing Base Report setting forth
the Borrowing Base with inventory updated through the end of the preceding week,
and (ii) a weekly flash report in form and substance satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent;

     (l)  within twenty (20) days after the end of each calendar month, (i) a
Borrowing Base Report setting forth the Borrowing Base as at the end of the
preceding month, (ii) an Accounts Receivable aging report for such month, and
(iii) a reconciliation of the Borrowing Base against the general ledger and
financial statements of the Borrower as at the end of such month for Accounts
Receivable and inventory as reported on the collateral update certificate;

     (m)  simultaneously with delivery of each annual budget pursuant to
(S)8.4(i) and from time to time upon request of the Administrative Agent,
projections of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,
as to availability of the Revolving Credit Loans) updating those projections
delivered to the Lenders and referred to in (S)7.4.2 or, if applicable, updating
any later such projections delivered pursuant to this (S)8.4(m); and

     (n)  from time to time such other financial data and information (including
accountants' management letters) as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may
reasonably request.

     8.5. Notices.

     8.5.1. Defaults. The Borrower will promptly notify the Administrative Agent
and each of the Lenders in writing of the occurrence of, or the receipt of any
notice declaring, any Default or Event of Default. If any Person shall give any
notice or take any other action in respect of a claimed default (whether or not
constituting an Event of Default) under this Credit Agreement or any other note,
evidence of indebtedness, indenture or other obligation in respect of
Indebtedness, the amount of which is in excess of $500,000, to which or with
respect to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or obligor,
whether as principal, guarantor, surety or otherwise, the Borrower shall
forthwith give written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and

<PAGE>

                                      -63-

each of the Lenders, describing the notice or action and the nature of the
claimed default.

     8.5.2. Environmental Events. The Borrower will promptly give written notice
to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders (i) of any violation of any
Environmental Law that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries reports in
writing or is reportable by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in writing
(or for which any written report supplement to any oral report is made) to any
federal, state or local environmental agency and (ii) upon becoming aware
thereof of any inquiry, proceeding, investigation, or notice of violation, or
order from any agency of potential environmental liability, or any federal,
state or local environmental agency or board, that, in the case of either (i) or
(ii) above, would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the
assets, liabilities, financial conditions or operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the Administrative Agent's security interests
pursuant to the Security Documents.

     8.5.3. Notification of Claim against Collateral. Except for Permitted
Liens, the Borrower will, immediately upon becoming aware thereof, notify the
Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders in writing of any setoff, claims
(including, with respect to the Real Estate, environmental claims in excess of
$500,000), withholdings or other defenses to which any of the Collateral, or the
Administrative Agent's rights with respect to the Collateral, are subject.

     8.5.4. Notice of Litigation and Judgments. The Borrower will, and will
cause each of its Subsidiaries to, give notice to the Administrative Agent and
each of the Lenders in writing within fifteen (15) days of becoming aware of any
litigation or proceedings threatened in writing or any pending litigation and
proceedings affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or to which the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a party involving an uninsured
claim against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be
expected to have a materially adverse effect on the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole and stating the nature and status of such
litigation or proceedings. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, give notice to the Administrative Agent and each of the
Lenders, in writing, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative
Agent, within twenty (20) days of any judgment not covered by insurance, final
or otherwise, against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in an amount in
excess of $500,000.

     8.5.5. Notices Concerning Inventory Collateral.The Borrower shall provide
to the Administrative Agent prompt notice of (i) any physical count of the
Borrower's or any of its Subsidiaries' inventory, together with a copy of the
results thereof certified by the Borrower or such Subsidiary, (ii) any
determination by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that the inventory
levels of the Borrower or such Subsidiary are not adequate to meet the sales
projections of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, and (iii) any failure of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to pay rent at any location where inventory
of the Borrower having a value in excess of $500,000 is located, which failure
continues for more than five (5) days following the day on which such rent is
due and payable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary.

<PAGE>

                                      -64-

         8.6.  Existence; Maintenance of Properties. Except as otherwise
permitted by (S)9.5 or (S)9.6, the Borrower will do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its limited
liability company existence and material rights and franchises and the corporate
or limited liability company existence and material rights and franchises of its
Subsidiaries provided, however, that the Borrower shall be permitted to convert
to a corporation so long as no Default or Event of Default then exists or would
result therefrom, any surviving entity expressly assumes the Obligations and any
actions required by the Administrative Agent to preserve the security interest
of the Administrative Agent in the Collateral shall have been taken
contemporaneously with such conversion. It (a) will cause all of its properties
and those of its Subsidiaries material to the conduct of its business or the
business of its Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair
and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment (ordinary wear and
tear excepted), (b) will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals,
replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of
the Borrower may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection
therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times, and (c)
will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, continue to engage primarily
in the businesses now conducted by them and in related businesses; provided that
nothing in this (S)8.6 shall prevent the Borrower from discontinuing the
operation and maintenance of any of its properties or any of those of its
Subsidiaries if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Borrower,
desirable in the conduct of its or their business and that do not in the
aggregate materially adversely affect the business of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

         8.7.  Insurance.

         (a)     The Borrower will and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to
maintain with an insurer rated B+ or better by A.M. Best, insurance with respect
to its properties and business against such casualties and contingencies as
shall be in accordance with sound business practices of businesses engaged in
similar activities in similar geographic areas. Such insurance shall be in such
minimum amounts that the Borrower will not be deemed a co-insurer under
applicable insurance laws, regulations and policies and otherwise shall be in
such amounts, contain such terms, be in such forms and be for such periods as
may be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. In addition, all
insurance (except third party liability insurance) insuring any of the
Collateral and the interruption of the business of the Borrower shall be payable
to the Administrative Agent (subject to the rights of other creditors to receive
such business interruption insurance) as a loss payee under a standard loss
payee clause for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and
shall designate the Administrative Agent as an additional insured, as
applicable. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) keep all of its physical property insured with
casualty or physical hazard insurance on an "all risks" basis, with broad form
flood and earthquake coverages and electronic data processing coverage, with a
full replacement cost endorsement and an "agreed amount" clause in an amount
equal to 100% of the full replacement cost of such property exclusive of
deductibles and self insurance in amounts not greater than those generally
maintained by businesses engaged in similar activities in similar geographic
areas, (ii) maintain all such workers' compensation or similar insurance or
self-insurance as may be required by law, and (iii) maintain, in amounts and
with deductibles or retentions equal to those generally maintained by businesses
engaged in similar activities in similar geographic areas, general public
liability insurance against claims for bodily injury,

<PAGE>

                                      -65-

death or property damage occurring on, in or about the properties of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries, business interruption insurance and product
liability insurance. The Borrower will, and will cause any applicable Subsidiary
to, maintain insurance on the Mortgaged Property in accordance with the terms of
the Mortgage.

         (b)   The proceeds of any casualty insurance in respect of any casualty
loss of any of the Collateral shall, subject to the rights, if any, of other
parties with a prior interest in the property covered thereby, (i) so long as no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and to the extent
that the amount of such proceeds is less than $1,000,000, be disbursed to the
Borrower for direct application by the Borrower solely to the repair or
replacement of the Borrower's property so damaged or destroyed or for the
purchase of other similar properties and (ii) in all other circumstances, be
held by the Administrative Agent as cash collateral for the Obligations,
provided, that if such insurance is in respect of any casualty loss of any
Collateral consisting of the Canton Cast-Roll Facility, such proceeds shall be
applied or reinvested in the manner provided in (S)3.2(b)(ii). The
Administrative Agent may, at its sole option, disburse from time to time all or
any part of such proceeds so held as cash collateral, upon such terms and
conditions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably prescribe, for direct
application by the Borrower solely to the repair or replacement of the
Borrower's property so damaged or destroyed or for the purchase of other similar
properties, or the Administrative Agent may apply all or any part of such
proceeds to the Obligations, provided, that if such proceeds are in respect of
any casualty loss of any Collateral consisting of the Canton Cast-Roll Facility,
such proceeds shall be applied or reinvested in the manner provided in
(S)3.2(b)(ii).

         (c)   All policies of insurance shall provide for thirty (30) days
prior written minimum cancellation notice to the Administrative Agent. In the
event of failure to provide and maintain insurance as herein provided, the
Administrative Agent may, at its option, after giving notice to the Borrower
provide such insurance and charge the amount thereof to the Borrower. The
Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent certificates or other
evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent of compliance with the
foregoing insurance provision.

         8.8. Taxes, Etc. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, duly pay and discharge, or cause to be paid and discharged,
before the same shall become overdue, all material taxes, assessments and other
governmental charges imposed upon it and its real properties, sales and
activities, or any part thereof, or upon the income or profits therefrom, as
well as all claims for labor, materials, or supplies that if unpaid might by law
become a lien or charge upon any of its property; provided that any such tax,
assessment, charge, levy or claim need not be paid if the validity or amount
thereof shall currently be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and if the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall have established on its books
adequate reserves with respect thereto; and provided further that the Borrower
and each Subsidiary of the Borrower will pay all such taxes, assessments,
charges, levies or claims forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to
foreclose any lien that may have attached as security therefor unless the
Borrower has obtained a stay of such proceedings which remains in effect.

         8.9. Inspection of Properties and Books, Etc.

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                                      -66-

                  8.9.1. General. The Borrower shall permit the Lenders, through
         the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders' other designated
         representatives, to visit and inspect any of the properties of the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, to examine the books of account of
         the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (and to make copies thereof and
         extracts therefrom), and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts
         of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with, and to be advised as to the
         same by, its and their officers, all at such reasonable times and
         intervals as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably
         request. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders will, to the extent
         practicable, exercise their rights under this (S)8.9.1 in a manner
         which causes no material disruption of the Borrower's operations. Each
         of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees that it will treat
         in confidence all financial information with respect to the Borrower
         and its Subsidiaries, and all information obtained during such
         inspection which is designated by the Borrower as confidential and will
         not, without the consent of the Borrower, disclose such information to
         any third party and, if any representative or agent of the
         Administrative Agent or the Lender shall not be an employee of the
         Administrative Agent or such Lender or any affiliate of the
         Administrative Agent or such Lender, such designee shall be reputable
         and of recognized standing and shall agree in writing to treat in
         confidence the information obtained during any such inspection and,
         without the prior written consent of the Borrower, not to disclose such
         information to any third party or make use of such information for
         personal gain. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower hereby
         authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to disclose
         information obtained pursuant to this Credit Agreement to other banks
         or financial institutions who are participants in the Revolving Credit
         Loans and Letters of Credit made or issued or to be made or issued
         hereunder and to potential participants with the consent of the
         Borrower, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld; provided that
         such participant or potential participant agrees to be bound by the
         confidentiality provisions of this (S)8.9.1, and where required or
         requested by governmental or regulatory authorities.

                  8.9.2. Commercial Finance Examinations. No more frequently
         than quarterly, or at any time after the occurrence and during the
         continuance of an Event of Default, the Borrower will permit the
         Administrative Agent's examiners and, if accompanied by the
         Administrative Agent or its examiners, a Lender's examiners, from time
         to time, to conduct, at the Borrower's reasonable expense, commercial
         finance examinations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

                  8.9.3. Communications with Accountants. The Borrower
         authorizes the Administrative Agent and, if accompanied by the
         Administrative Agent, the Lenders to, following notice to the Borrower
         of such intended communication, communicate with the Borrower's
         independent certified public accountants and financial advisors and, in
         the case of the accountants, authorizes such accountants to disclose to
         the Administrative Agent and the Lenders any and all financial
         statements and other supporting financial documents and schedules
         including copies of any management letter with respect to the business,
         financial condition and other affairs of the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries. At the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower
         shall deliver a letter addressed to such accountants instructing them
         to comply with the provisions of this (S)8.9.3.

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                                      -67-

                8.9.4.  Environmental Assessments. Whether or not an Event of
         Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent
         may, from time to time, in its reasonable discretion for the purpose of
         assessing and ensuring the value of the Mortgaged Property, obtain one
         or more environmental assessments or audits of reasonable scope and
         expense of the Mortgaged Property (such scope, expense and the
         requirement for such assessment to be discussed with the Borrower prior
         to commissioning such assessment) prepared by a hydrogeologist, an
         independent engineer or other qualified consultant or expert retained
         by the Administrative Agent to evaluate or confirm (i) whether any
         Hazardous Substances are present in the soil or water at the Mortgaged
         Property and (ii) whether the use and operation of such Mortgaged
         Property materially complies with all Environmental Laws. Environmental
         assessments may include without limitation detailed visual inspections
         of the Mortgaged Property including any and all storage areas, storage
         tanks, drains, dry wells and leaching areas, and the taking of soil
         samples, surface water samples and ground water samples, as well as
         such other investigations or analyses as the Administrative Agent
         reasonably deems appropriate. The Administrative Agent will coordinate
         the completion of any environmental assessments with the Borrower and
         all such environmental assessments shall be conducted and made at the
         expense of the Borrower.

         8.10.  Compliance with Laws, Contracts, Licenses, and Permits. The
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with (a) the
applicable laws and regulations wherever its business is conducted, including
all Environmental Laws, except where failure to do so will not have a Material
Adverse Effect, (b) the provisions of its charter documents and by-laws, other
organizational documents, and all agreements and instruments by which it or any
of its properties may be bound, except where failure to do so will not have a
Material Adverse Effect, and (c) all applicable decrees, orders, and judgments,
except where failure to do so will not have a Material Adverse Effect. If any
authorization, consent, approval, permit or license from any officer, agency or
instrumentality of any government shall become necessary or required in order
that the Borrower may fulfill any of its obligations hereunder or any of the
other Loan Documents, the Borrower will promptly take or cause to be taken all
reasonable steps within the power of the Borrower to obtain such authorization,
consent, approval, permit or license and furnish the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders with evidence thereof.

         8.11.  Employee Benefit Plans. The Borrower will (a) promptly upon
request of the Administrative Agent, furnish to the Administrative Agent a copy
of the most recent actuarial statement required to be submitted under (S)103(d)
of ERISA and Annual Report, Form 5500, with all required attachments, in respect
of each Guaranteed Pension Plan with unfunded benefit liabilities in excess of
$500,000 and (b) promptly upon receipt or dispatch, furnish to the
Administrative Agent any notice, report or demand sent or received in respect of
a Guaranteed Pension Plan with unfunded benefit liabilities in excess of
$500,000 under (S)(S)302, 4041, 4042, 4043, 4063, 4066 and 4068 of ERISA, or in
respect of a Multiemployer Plan, under (S)(S)4041A, 4202, 4219, 4242, or 4245 of
ERISA.

         8.12.  Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the
Revolving Credit Loans, and will obtain Letters of Credit, solely for the
purposes set forth in (S)7.15.

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                                      -68-

         8.13.  Bank Accounts; Agency Account Arrangements.

                  8.13.1.  Bank Accounts.

                  (a)      Within five (5) Business Days following the Effective
         Date, the Borrower shall notify Fleet National Bank to direct all
         monies deposited in the Blocked Accounts previously established with
         RTI to be transferred on a daily basis to the Concentration Account.

                  (b)      Commencing on or prior to the Sweep Deadline, the
         Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, require
         all account debtors to make payments to the Swept Lockboxes or Swept
         Accounts; provided, however, that account debtors of any Canadian
         Subsidiary of the Borrower may make payments to a Blocked Account that
         is not a Swept Account (any such Blocked Account to which account
         debtors of such Canadian Subsidiary may make payments referred to
         herein as a "Canadian Blocked Account") or a lockbox that is not a
         Swept Lockbox (any such lockbox to which account debtors of such
         Canadian Subsidiary may make payments referred to herein as a "Canadian
         Lockbox"), provided, further, that (a) no Blocked Account may be deemed
         a Canadian Blocked Account and no account debtors of any Canadian
         Subsidiary may make payments to such Blocked Account unless the
         Administrative Agent shall have given its consent thereto with respect
         to such Blocked Account and (b) no lockbox may be deemed a Canadian
         Lockbox and no account debtors of any Canadian Subsidiary may make
         payments to such lockbox unless the Administrative Agent shall have
         given its consent thereto with respect to such lockbox. The Borrower
         shall maintain lockbox agreements, in form and substance reasonably
         satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, with the Blocked Account
         Banks which maintain Swept Lockboxes, pursuant to which lockbox
         agreements all checks, drafts or other items or amounts in such Swept
         Lockboxes shall be deposited by such Blocked Account Bank in the Swept
         Accounts maintained by such Blocked Account Bank. The Borrower shall
         maintain lockbox agreements, in form and substance reasonably
         satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, with the Blocked Account
         Banks which maintain Canadian Lockboxes, pursuant to which lockbox
         agreements all checks, drafts or other items or amounts in such
         Canadian Lockboxes shall be deposited by such Blocked Account Bank in
         the Canadian Blocked Accounts maintained by such Blocked Account Bank.
         The Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
         together with the employees, agents and other Persons acting on behalf
         of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, receive and hold in trust for
         the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all payments constituting
         proceeds of Accounts Receivable or other Collateral which,
         notwithstanding the foregoing, come into their possession or under
         their control and, immediately upon receipt thereof, deposit such
         payments in the form received, with any appropriate endorsements, in
         one of the Swept Accounts or, if such payments are from account debtors
         of any Canadian Subsidiary, one of the Canadian Accounts.

                  8.13.2.  Agency Account Arrangements.

                  (a)      On or before the Sweep Deadline, the Borrower will,
         and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, execute and deliver to the
         Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and
         the Banks, Agency Agreements in form and substance

<PAGE>

                                      -69-

         reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (collectively, the
         "Agency Agreements") executed by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and
         the financial institution (each a "Blocked Account Bank") with which
         the Borrower or its Subsidiaries maintain any Swept Accounts or other
         accounts with respect to which the Administrative Agent may determine
         that the execution of a Agency Agreement is advisable (collectively,
         together with the Swept Accounts, the "Blocked Accounts")
         simultaneously with the opening of such Blocked Account. The
         Administrative Agent shall be granted a security interest by the
         Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in all Blocked Accounts. No
         Agency Agreement may be modified or amended without the prior written
         consent of the Administrative Agent.

                (b)  If the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries opens any
         Blocked Account after the Effective Date, the Borrower will, or will
         cause the applicable Subsidiary to, execute and deliver to the
         Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and
         the Lenders, an Agency Agreement executed by the Borrower and or such
         Subsidiary and the Blocked Account Bank with which the Borrower or such
         Subsidiary opens such Blocked Account simultaneously with the opening
         of such Blocked Account. The Administrative Agent shall be granted a
         security interest by the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in all
         Blocked Accounts. No Agency Agreement may be modified or amended
         without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

                (c)  The Borrower expressly agrees that (i) following notice to
         the Blocked Account Banks of the existence and continuance of an Event
         of Default the Administrative Agent may at anytime require that, from
         and after the date specified in such notice, all monies deposited in
         the Blocked Accounts be transferred on a daily basis to the
         Concentration Account, which monies shall be credited against
         Obligations (or such monies shall be applied directly to pay down the
         Obligations without such monies being transferred first to the
         Concentration Account) and (ii) in the event such transfer is required,
         upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower will take
         any steps necessary, to effect such transfer, including, without
         limitation, the execution and delivery of amendments to each of the
         Agency Agreements. From time to time, upon the Administrative Agent's
         reasonable request, the Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative
         Agent copies of all bank statements and other notices received by it
         with respect to the Blocked Accounts.

                (d)  The Borrower agrees that all monies deposited in the Swept
         Accounts shall be transferred to the Administrative Agent on a daily
         basis and applied on a daily basis to the Obligations as provided in
         (S)3.4.1, and the Borrower shall take any steps reasonably deemed by
         the Administrative Agent to be necessary or advisable to effect such
         application, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery
         of lockbox agreements and amendments to each of the Agency Agreements.
         The Borrower further agrees that the Petty Cash Accounts shall contain,
         considered together and in the aggregate, no more than $60,000.

         8.14. Borrowing Base. The Borrower represents, warrants and covenants
         as follows:

         (a)    At the time any Eligible Account Receivable is included in the
Borrowing Base and to the extent of the value of such Eligible Account
Receivable as reflected in the Borrowing

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                                      -70-

Base, such Eligible Account Receivable shall conform to the definition of
Eligible Account Receivable.

         (b)    The Borrower is, and as to Eligible Inventory to be acquired
after the date hereof and to be included in the Borrowing Base, shall be the
owner of all Eligible Inventory to be included in the Borrowing Base and (except
for the liens for carrier, warehouse, customs and similar statutory liens
arising in the ordinary course of business) shall neither create nor suffer to
exist any lien or encumbrance thereon or security interest therein in favor of
any Person other than the Administrative Agent.

         (c)    The Borrower is the owner of the Canton Cast-Roll Facility and
shall neither create nor suffer to exist any lien or encumbrance thereon or
security interest therein in favor of any Person other than the Administrative
Agent (other than the Mortgage and liens permitted by the Mortgage).

         (d)    The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent on the
Effective Date a list of, and thereafter shall give thirty (30) days written
notice prior to any change in, each warehouse location at which inventory is or
will be kept and each office of the Borrower at which the records of the
Borrower pertaining to Accounts Receivable and contract rights are kept. All
Eligible Inventory is and shall be kept, and all records pertaining to Accounts
Receivable and contract rights are and shall be kept, only at locations of which
the Administrative Agent has been given notice as provided in this (S)8.14(d).

         (e)    The Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of
any of the following events of which any senior or executive officer of the
Borrower becomes aware: any material loss or depreciation in value of Eligible
Inventory or the Canton Cast-Roll Facility and the amount of the loss or
depreciation; rejection, return, repossession or loss of any material amount of
goods giving rise to Eligible Accounts Receivable; material damage to any such
goods; any request by an account debtor for any credits or adjustments of
Eligible Accounts Receivable which are material in the aggregate; any
adjustments of the amounts owing on Eligible Accounts Receivable which are
material in the aggregate; any other disputes in respect of Eligible Accounts
Receivable, Eligible Inventory or the Canton Cast-Roll Facility which are
material in the aggregate; any other event which materially affects Eligible
Inventory, Eligible Accounts Receivable, the Canton Cast-Roll Facility or the
value or amount thereof, provided, that during any period when Eligible Accounts
Receivable are being determined on a daily basis, all applicable adjustments to
the amount thereof shall be taken on the day such adjustment(s) are made, and
shall not be delayed by virtue of this (S)8.14(e). For purposes of this
(S)8.14(e), "material" shall mean involving amounts in excess of $500,000.

         8.15.  Subdivision of Real Estate. The Borrower will, within ninety
(90) days following the Effective Date, deliver evidence to the Administrative
Agent that the Borrower has completed the subdivision of the portion of the Real
Estate subject to the Mortgage relating to the melt shop parcel, such
subdivision to be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, provided
that, if the Borrower has filed the subdivision application within such ninety
(90) day period but has failed to obtain final approval, then the time period
for completing such subdivision shall be extended by an additional sixty (60)
days so long as the Borrower is diligently pursuing such final approval.

<PAGE>

                                      -71-

         8.16. Further Assurances. The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, cooperate with the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and
execute such further instruments and documents as the Lenders or the
Administrative Agent shall reasonably request to carry out to their satisfaction
the granting and perfection of the security interests contemplated by this
Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and, upon receipt of an affidavit
of an officer of the Administrative Agent or any Lender as to the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of any Revolving Credit Note or other Loan Document
which is not of public record, and in the case of any such loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation, upon cancellation of such Revolving Credit Note or
other Loan Document, the Borrower will, or will cause such Subsidiary to, issue,
in lieu thereof, a replacement note or other Loan Document in the same form as
the document lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated.

         (S)9. CERTAIN NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER. The Borrower
covenants and agrees that, so long as any Revolving Credit Loan, Letter of
Credit or Revolving Credit Note is outstanding or any Lender has any obligation
to make any Revolving Credit Loans or the Issuing Bank has any obligations to
issue, extend or renew any Letters of Credit:

         9.1.  Restrictions on Indebtedness. The Borrower will not, and will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or
remain liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to any Indebtedness or
Rental Obligations other than:

         (a)     Indebtedness to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent
arising under any of the Loan Documents;

         (b)     Indebtedness of the Borrower incurred in connection with (i)
any Capitalized Lease or any acquisition after the date hereof of personal or
tangible property by the Borrower or the refinancing thereof and (ii) the Net
Present Value of Operating Leases; provided that the principal amount of such
Indebtedness shall not exceed in any case 90% of the cost, to the Borrower, of
the personal or tangible property so acquired, and provided, further, that the
aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness outstanding shall not exceed
$25,000,000 at any time;

         (c)     Indebtedness in respect of the Notes not exceeding the
aggregate principal amount of $80,000,000;

         (d)     Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and listed and
described on Schedule 9.1 hereto, and Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the
refinancing of such Indebtedness provided that such refinancing Indebtedness (i)
is in an aggregate principal amount no greater than that portion of the
Indebtedness listed on Schedule 9.1 hereto so refinanced, (ii) has a final
scheduled maturity no earlier than the final scheduled maturity of the
Indebtedness refinanced, (iii) shall not be secured by any lien or any assets
that did not secure the Indebtedness refinanced, and (iv) shall be otherwise
subject to terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Co-Agents;

         (e)     Indebtedness of a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Borrower to the
Borrower or another Subsidiary Guarantor, provided, however that such
Indebtedness to any Subsidiary Guarantor shall not exceed the amount required to
pay Maintenance Expenses of such

<PAGE>

                                      -72-

Subsidiary Guarantor, and provided, further that the amount of Indebtedness
permitted by this clause (e) shall not exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate
outstanding at any time;

         (f)   Indebtedness with respect to surety bonds and other obligations
of the type described in (S)9.2(x) required in the ordinary course of business
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, provided that the aggregate principal
amount of such Indebtedness shall not at any time exceed $5,000,000;

         (g)   Indebtedness of the Borrower incurred under any interest rate
swap, cap, collar or similar arrangements or foreign currency exchange
transactions with respect to Indebtedness permitted by this Credit Agreement or
commodities hedges permitted by (S)9.3(k);

         (h)   Indebtedness assumed as part of the consideration for an
acquisition permitted by (S)9.5(d) or (S)9.5(e); provided that such Indebtedness
was not created in contemplation of such acquisition; and

         (i)   Indebtedness of the Borrower incurred under any loan program
administered by the federal or any state or local government; provided that such
Indebtedness shall not exceed $20,000,000 in aggregate principal amount
outstanding at any time.

         9.2. Restrictions on Liens. The Borrower will not, and will not permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) create or incur or suffer to be created or
incurred or to exist any lien, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, charge,
restriction or other security interest of any kind upon any of its property or
assets of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the
income or profits therefrom; (b) transfer any of such property or assets or the
income or profits therefrom for the purpose of subjecting the same to the
payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to
payment of its general creditors; (c) acquire any property or assets upon
conditional sale or other title retention or purchase money security agreement,
device or arrangement; (d) suffer to exist for a period of more than thirty (30)
days after the same shall have been incurred any Indebtedness or claim or demand
against it that if unpaid would by law or upon bankruptcy or insolvency, or
otherwise, be given any priority whatsoever over its general creditors; or (e)
sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer any accounts, contract rights,
general intangibles (other than general intangibles related to assets disposed
of in accordance with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents), chattel
paper or instruments, with or without recourse; provided that the Borrower and
any Subsidiary of the Borrower may create or incur or suffer to be created or
incurred or to exist:

               (i)   liens in favor of the Borrower on all or part of the assets
         (other than assets constituting Collateral) of Subsidiaries of the
         Borrower securing Indebtedness owing by Subsidiaries of the Borrower to
         the Borrower;

               (ii)  liens on assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to
         secure taxes, assessments and other government charges in respect of
         obligations not overdue or liens on properties other than the Mortgaged
         Property of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to secure claims for
         labor, material or supplies in respect of obligations not overdue (or,
         in each case, which are being contested in good faith and by
         appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been
         provided);

<PAGE>

                                      -73-

                  (iii)  deposits or pledges made by the Borrower or its
         Subsidiaries in connection with, or to secure payment of, workmen's
         compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social
         security obligations or in connection with self-insurance arrangements
         in respect of such obligations;

                  (iv)   liens on properties of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries
         in respect of judgments or awards that have been in force for less than
         the applicable period for taking and pursuing an appeal so long as
         execution is not levied thereunder or in respect of which the Borrower
         or such Subsidiary shall at the time in good faith be prosecuting an
         appeal or proceedings for review and in respect of which a stay of
         execution shall have been obtained pending such appeal or review;

                  (v)    liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, repairmen,
         laborers, suppliers and materialmen on properties of the Borrower or
         its Subsidiaries other than the Mortgaged Property in existence less
         than 120 days from the date of creation thereof in respect of
         obligations not overdue;

                  (vi)   encumbrances on Real Estate other than the Mortgaged
         Property of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries consisting of easements,
         rights of way, zoning restrictions, restrictions on the use of real
         property and defects and irregularities in the title thereto,
         landlord's or lessor's liens under leases to which the Borrower or a
         Subsidiary of the Borrower is a party, and other minor liens or
         encumbrances none of which in the opinion of the Borrower interferes
         materially with the use of the property affected in the ordinary
         conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which
         defects do not individually or in the aggregate have a materially
         adverse effect on the business of the Borrower individually or of the
         Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;

                  (vii)  liens of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on
         the date hereof and listed on Schedule 9.2 hereto and refinancings of
         such Indebtedness permitted under (S)9.1(d);

                  (viii) Capitalized Leases secured by, and purchase money
         security interests in, personal or tangible property of the Borrower
         acquired or refinanced after the date hereof to secure purchase money
         Indebtedness of the type and amount permitted by (S)9.1(b), incurred in
         connection with the acquisition of such property, which security
         interests cover only the personal or tangible property so acquired;

                  (ix)   liens in favor of the holders of the Notes, which liens
         shall in no event include any lien or encumbrance of any kind on the
         Collateral; except for such portion of the Collateral which is pledged
         pursuant to the Parent Pledge Agreement;

                  (x)    liens securing the performance of tenders, bids,
         contracts (other than for Indebtedness), leases (other than Capitalized
         Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds,
         performance bonds and other obligations of like nature to the extent
         permitted by (S)9.1(f) on assets of the Borrower and Subsidiary
         Guarantors not constituting Collateral;

<PAGE>

                                      -74-

          (xi)   liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of
     the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents;

          (xii)  liens and encumbrances on the Mortgaged Property as and to the
     extent permitted by the Mortgage;

          (xiii) liens on assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor not
     constituting Collateral to the extent that such liens are permitted under
     the Indenture;

          (xiv)  any leases or subleases to other Persons of properties or
     assets owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (but no
     such leases or subleases may relate to any Collateral);

          (xv)   liens on cash deposits or cash equivalents, not exceeding
     $3,000,000 in the aggregate, to secure the Borrower's and Subsidiary
     Guarantors' obligations in respect of insurance and items of the type
     referred to in clause (iii) or (x) above;

          (xvi)  liens securing Indebtedness assumed in connection with an
     acquisition permitted by (S)9.5(d) and (S)9.5(e); provided that such liens
     were not created in contemplation of such acquisition and do not extend to
     any assets other than those subject to such liens prior to such
     acquisition, and secure Indebtedness permitted by (S)9.1(h); and

          (xvii) liens (covering assets other than assets constituting
     Collateral) that secure Indebtedness permitted by (S)9.1(i).

     9.3. Restrictions on Investments. The Borrower will not, and will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make or permit to exist or to remain
outstanding any Investment except:

     (a) Investments by the Borrower in marketable direct or guaranteed
obligations of the United States of America that mature within one (1) year from
the date of purchase by the Borrower;

     (b) Investments by the Borrower in demand deposits, certificates of
deposit, Eurodollar deposits, bankers acceptances and time deposits of United
States banks having total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000, or foreign
subsidiaries of such banks;

     (c) Investments by the Borrower in securities commonly known as "commercial
paper" issued by a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
United States of America or any state thereof that at the time of purchase have
been rated and the ratings for which are not less than "P 1" if rated by Moody's
Investors Services, Inc., and not less than "A 1" if rated by Standard and
Poor's Ratings Group or, so long as no Obligations are outstanding, not less
than "P 2" if rated by Moody's Investors Services, Inc., and not less than "A 2"
if rated by Standard and Poor's Ratings Group;

     (d) Investments by the Borrower in debt of any state or political
subdivision that is rated "A" or better and due within one (1) year from the
date of purchase by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

<PAGE>

                                      -75-

     (e) Investments by the Borrower in repurchase agreements secured by any one
or more of the foregoing;

     (f) Investments existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 9.3
hereto;

     (g) Investments with respect to Indebtedness permitted by (S)9.1(e) so long
as such entities remain Subsidiaries of the Borrower and Guarantors hereunder;

     (h) Investments consisting of non-cash consideration received as proceeds
of asset dispositions permitted by (S)9.6;

     (i) Investments by the Borrower in shares of any so-called "money market
fund", provided that such fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, has net assets of at least $500,000,000 and has an investment portfolio
with an average maturity of 365 days or less;

     (j) Investments by the Borrower in securities of any Person acquired in
full or partial satisfaction of liabilities of said Person to the Borrower, in a
workout or a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding with respect to such Person;

     (k) Investments by the Borrower in interest rate swaps, caps, collars or
similar arrangements or foreign currency exchange transactions entered into in
connection with respect to Indebtedness permitted under this Agreement or
commodities hedges;

     (l) Investments consisting of deposits provided to third parties with
respect to leases or utilities in the ordinary course of business;

     (m) Investments by the Borrower in advances to officers or employees for
travel or other expenses incurred in the ordinary course of conducting company
business not in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate at any time; and

     (n) Investments consisting of acquisitions permitted under (S)9.5(d) and
(S)9.5(e) and in connection with any Subsidiaries of the Borrower formed or
created in compliance with (S)9.12.

     provided, however, that, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, upon request by the Administrative Agent, with respect to all
Investments other than demand deposits referred to in (S)9.3(b), Investments
other than short term Investments listed on Schedule 9.3 hereto or described in
clause (h) above and Investments of the type described in clauses (g) and (j)
through (m), either (i) such Investments shall be immediately converted into
cash and deposited in a Blocked Account or (ii) all actions with respect to such
Investments shall be taken to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent to
provide to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the
Administrative Agent, a first-priority perfected security interest in such
Investments free of all encumbrances other than Permitted Liens.

     9.4. Change in Terms of Equity Interests; Distributions and other
Restricted Payments. The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary
to, effect or permit any change in or amendment to any document or instrument
pertaining to the terms of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's capital stock or
other equity interests which would be adverse

<PAGE>

                                      -76-

to the interests of the Lenders. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, make any Restricted Payments except:

     (a) Distributions by Subsidiaries of the Borrower to the Borrower without
limitation;

     (b) noncash repurchases of capital stock or other equity interests deemed
to occur upon exercise of stock options or other rights to purchase equity if
such capital stock or equity interests represents a portion of the exercise
price of such options or rights to purchase;

     (c) payments to any Affiliate or any corporation, partnership, trust or
other entity in which such Affiliate has a substantial interest or is an
officer, director, trustee or partner made in connection with any contract,
agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or
by, providing for real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring
payments to or from such Person, so long as the terms of such transaction are no
more favorable to such Person than would have been obtainable on an arms-length
basis; and

     (d) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, or would result after giving effect to such payment, payments to the
Investors in respect of management fees, provided that prior to making any such
payment (i) the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent evidence of
compliance with the financial covenants set forth in ss.10 hereof for the fiscal
quarter most recently ended, (ii) all such management fees shall accrue and not
be paid during the period commencing on the Effective Date through April 15,
2003, and (iii) the aggregate amount of management fees paid or accrued in any
fiscal year shall not exceed $1,000,000, provided, however, that the aggregate
amount of management fees paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
may exceed $1,000,000 solely to the extent necessary to make payments in respect
of the management fees accrued for the period from the Effective Date through
December 31, 2002.

     (e) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, or would result after giving effect to such distributions,
distributions to any member of the Borrower to pay taxes which are then or
within ten (10) days will be due and payable with respect to the income
generated by the Borrower and taxable to its members or direct or indirect
owners of its members, in an aggregate amount for each member not to exceed in
any fiscal year (i) such member's percentage ownership of the Borrower times
(ii) the product (x) of the Borrower's taxable income for such year times (y)
the combined highest federal and applicable state and local individual or
corporate, as applicable, marginal tax rate for such year for such member of the
Borrower or owner of such member ("Permitted Tax Distributions").

     (f) (i) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, or would result after giving effect to such payment, payments by the
Borrower to the Parent to enable the Parent to pay costs and expenses incurred
in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, payment of
administrative costs and expenses incurred by the Investors relating to the
Borrower, provided that the aggregate amount of all such expenses (exclusive of
reimbursement of out of pocket expenses) shall not exceed $100,000 in any fiscal
year, and (ii) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing for which the Lenders have not agreed to forbear, payments by the
Borrower to the Parent to enable the Parent to reimburse the Investors for
reasonable out of pocket expenses;

<PAGE>

                                      -77-

     (g) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, or would result after giving effect to such payment, payments to
effect the repurchase, redemption, acquisition, cancellation or other retirement
for value of the ownership interests of the Borrower or to effect the
termination of options to purchase ownership interests held by former management
of the Borrower (or their estates or beneficiaries under their estates) upon the
death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of such former
management of the Borrower, provided, that the sum of all such payments shall
not exceed (i) $1,000,000 for the period commencing on the Effective Date
through the first anniversary thereof, (ii) $1,000,000 for the period commencing
on the first anniversary of the Effective Date through the second anniversary
thereof, and (iii) $3,000,000 for each year commencing on each anniversary of
the Effective Date thereafter.

     9.5. Merger and Consolidation. The Borrower will not, and will not permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, become a party to any merger or consolidation, or
agree to or effect any asset acquisition or stock acquisition other than:

     (a) the acquisition of assets in the ordinary course of business;

     (b) the merger or consolidation of one or more of the Subsidiaries of the
Borrower with and into the Borrower; (c) the merger or consolidation of two or
more Subsidiaries of the Borrower;

     (d) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing or would result after giving effect to such acquisition, other asset
or stock acquisitions by the Borrower of Persons in the same, similar or related
line of business as the Borrower, provided that (i) the Borrower has provided
the Administrative Agent with ten (10) Business Days' prior written notice of
such acquisition, (ii) the business to be acquired would not subject the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders to additional approvals of any governmental
authority in connection with the exercise of their rights and remedies under
this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iii) no contingent
obligations or liabilities will be incurred or assumed in connection with such
acquisition which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect, (iv) the Borrower has provided the Administrative Agent with such other
information related to such acquisition as has been reasonably requested by the
Administrative Agent, (v) the aggregate purchase price (including contingent
payment obligations and the assumption of Indebtedness) for such acquisitions do
not exceed (x) $5,000,000 plus Net Cash Proceeds, of post-closing equity
contributions during the period commencing on the Effective Date through August
16, 2003, (y) $10,000,000 plus Net Cash Proceeds, of post-closing equity
contributions during the period commencing on the Effective Date through August
16, 2004, and (z) $20,000,000 plus Net Cash Proceeds, of post-closing equity
contributions during the period commencing on the Effective Date through the
Maturity Date and the aggregate purchase price for all acquisitions permitted by
this (S)9.5(d) does not exceed $20,000,000 plus Net Cash Proceeds of
post-closing equity contributions during the term of this Credit Agreement, and
(vi) the Borrower or applicable Subsidiary grants the Administrative Agent a
security interest in assets acquired in such acquisitions and in the event any
new Subsidiary is formed or acquired as a result of or in connection with such
acquisition, such new Subsidiary will comply with all of the provisions of
(S)9.12 hereof; and

<PAGE>

                                      -78-

     (e) the Canadian Asset Purchase, provided that any Canadian Subsidiary of
the Borrower created or acquired in connection with such Canadian Asset
Purchase, contemporaneously with the completion of such Canadian Asset Purchase,
guarantees the Obligations by agreeing to be bound by the provisions of (S)6.2
hereof and grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a
security interest in any of its assets which constitute Collateral, pursuant to
documentation (including legal opinions), the terms and conditions of which, are
reasonably satisfactory to at least three (3) of the Co-Agents.

     9.6. Sale and Leaseback; Disposition of Assets. The Borrower will not, and
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement, directly
or indirectly, whereby the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower shall
sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any assets or property owned by it
or hereafter acquired by it in one transaction or a series of transactions,
including, without limitation, in order then or thereafter to lease such
property or lease other property that the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the
Borrower intends to use for substantially the same purpose as the property being
sold or transferred other than (a) the disposition of assets (obsolete or
otherwise) in the ordinary course of business, (b) so long as no Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) the disposition of
Investments permitted by (S)9.3, and (ii) the disposition of additional assets
on an arms length basis having an aggregate fair market value (after deducting
from such aggregate value the cash proceeds of previous asset sales which are
reinvested, within 180 days after sale, with such deduction being treated as
having been made in the fiscal year of such reinvestment) of no more than
$20,000,000 in the aggregate, provided that no more than $5,000,000 shall be
disposed of in any fiscal year. All Net Cash Proceeds of any disposition of
assets constituting Collateral shall be deposited immediately into a Blocked
Account, provided however, that such Net Cash Proceeds shall be subject to such
other provisions of (S)3.2(b) as may be applicable.

     9.7. Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except for actions which are in
material compliance with Environmental Laws or would not result in a Material
Adverse Effect, the Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, (a) use any of the Real Estate or any portion thereof for the
handling, processing, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances, (b) cause or
permit to be located on any of the Real Estate any underground tank or other
underground storage receptacle for Hazardous Substances, (c) generate any
Hazardous Substances on any of the Real Estate, (d) conduct any activity at any
Real Estate or use any Real Estate in any manner so as to cause a release (i.e.
releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging,
injecting, escaping, leaching, disposing or dumping) or threatened release of
Hazardous Substances on, upon or into the Real Estate or (e) otherwise conduct
any activity at any Real Estate or use any Real Estate in any manner that would
cause a violation of Environmental Laws the result of which violation would have
a Material Adverse Effect.

     9.8. Indebtedness in Respect of the Notes. The Borrower shall not amend,
supplement or otherwise modify the terms of the Indebtedness in respect of the
Notes or any of the Note Documents to increase the interest rate on, or
principal amount or any premium thereof, shorten the average maturity thereof,
or permit or require the granting or pledging of collateral in addition to the
collateral granted or pledged under the Note Documents as of the date hereof or
required on the date hereof to be granted or pledged, or make any provisions
thereof more restrictive on the Borrower or the Parent than they are on the date
hereof, or otherwise if, in the

<PAGE>

                                      -79-

reasonable opinion of the Lenders, such amendment, supplement or modification
could be adverse to the interests of the Lenders. The Borrower shall not prepay,
redeem or repurchase any of the Indebtedness in respect of the Notes or give
notice in respect of such prepayment, redemption or repurchase other than as
required under the Note Documents as of the date hereof and as permitted by
(S)3.2(b).

     9.9.  Employee Benefit Plans. Unless a Material Adverse Effect is not
reasonably likely to result, neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate will:

     (a) engage in any non-exempt "prohibited transaction" within the meaning of
(S)406 of ERISA or (S)4975 of the Code which is reasonably likely to result in a
liability for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; or

     (b) permit any Guaranteed Pension Plan to incur an "accumulated funding
deficiency", as such term is defined in (S)302 of ERISA, whether or not such
deficiency is or may be waived; or

     (c) fail to contribute to any Guaranteed Pension Plan to an extent which,
or terminate any Guaranteed Pension Plan in a manner which, could result in the
imposition of a lien or encumbrance on the assets of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries pursuant to (S)302(f) or (S)4068 of ERISA;

     (d) amend any Guaranteed Pension Plan in circumstances requiring the
posting of security pursuant to (S)307 of ERISA or (S)401(a)(29) of the Code; or

     (e) permit or take any action which would result in the aggregate benefit
liabilities (within the meaning of (S)4001 of ERISA) of all Guaranteed Pension
Plans exceeding the value of the aggregate assets of such Plans, disregarding
for this purpose the benefit liabilities and assets of any such Plan with assets
in excess of benefit liabilities, by more than the amount set forth in
(S)7.15.3.

     9.10. Bank Accounts. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, (a) establish any bank accounts other than those listed on
Schedule 7.19 without the Administrative Agent's prior written consent, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, (b) violate directly or indirectly
any Agency Agreement in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the
Lenders and the Administrative Agent with respect to such account, or (c)
deposit into any of the payroll accounts listed on Schedule 7.19 any amounts in
excess of amounts necessary to pay current payroll obligations from such
accounts based on the Borrower's reasonable estimates of such amounts.

     9.11. Limitation on Issuance of Shares of Subsidiaries; Disposition of
Equity Interests and Indebtedness of Subsidiaries.

     (a) Except as permitted by (S)(S)9.4, 9.5 or 9.6, the Borrower will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares
of such Subsidiary or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for or
carrying rights to subscribe for shares or other ownership interests of such
Subsidiary, except (i) to the Borrower, or (ii) for the purpose of

<PAGE>

                                      -80-

qualifying directors. The Borrower will not, in any event, permit any Subsidiary
to have outstanding any preferred shares, other than preferred shares owned by
the Borrower.

     (b) Except as permitted by (S)(S)9.4, 9.5 or 9.6, the Borrower will not
sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares or other ownership interests
(except for the purpose of qualifying directors or under and in compliance with
the Management Incentive Plan) or any Indebtedness of any Subsidiary.

     9.12. No Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, create or form, by acquisition or otherwise, any Subsidiary
in addition to the Subsidiaries of the Borrower described in (S)7.18 unless (a)
such new Subsidiary shall have become a Guarantor, (b) if such new Subsidiary
owns any assets constituting Collateral hereunder, such new Subsidiary shall
have pledged its assets of the type pledged by the Borrower and the Subsidiary
Guarantors as of the Effective Date, and (c) such new Subsidiary shall have
provided such other documentation as the Administrative Agent may reasonably
request, including, without limitation, amendments to the Security Agreements,
UCC searches and filings, legal opinions and corporate authorization
documentation.

     9.13. Transactions with Affiliates. Except as described on Schedule 9.13,
the Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in
any transaction with any Affiliate (other than for services as employees,
officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement
providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for real or
personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any
such Affiliate or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any corporation,
partnership, trust or other entity in which such Affiliate has a substantial
interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner, on terms more favorable
to such Person than would have been obtainable on an arms-length basis. The
Borrower will not enter into any tax sharing agreement with any Person that is
not the Parent or a Subsidiary of the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
no payments may be made with respect to any items set forth on Schedule 9.13
that by their terms are expressly subordinated to the Obligations to the extent
that the subordination provisions thereof prohibit such payment. This covenant
will not restrict the Borrower or its Subsidiaries from (a) making Investments
permitted under (S)9.3 or Distributions permitted under (S)9.4 and (b) engaging
in transactions among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and among Subsidiaries
of the Borrower otherwise permitted by this Credit Agreement.

     9.14. Parent and Subsidiaries. No Subsidiary Guarantor (other than RT
Canada) shall at any time own any material assets other than the real estate and
equipment associated with the plant owned by such Subsidiary Guarantor and shall
at no time engage in any business other than the ownership of such plant for the
benefit of the Borrower. The Parent shall not incur any Indebtedness in respect
of borrowed money except under the Loan Documents and its guaranty of the Notes.
The Parent shall not create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to
exist any lien, encumbrance, mortgage, pledge, charge, restriction or other
security interest of any kind upon the assets of the Parent other than under the
Loan Documents.

     (S)10. FINANCIAL COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER. The Borrower covenants and
agrees that, so long as any Revolving Credit Loan, Letter of Credit or Revolving
Credit Note is

<PAGE>

                                      -81-

outstanding or any Lender has any obligation to make any Revolving Credit Loans
or the Issuing Bank has any obligation to issue, extend or renew any Letters of
Credit:

     10.1. Maximum Capital Expenditures. The Borrower will not make, or permit
any Subsidiary of the Borrower to make, Capital Expenditures during any of the
periods set forth below that exceed, in the aggregate for the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, the amounts set forth below opposite such periods:

      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Maximum
                                                              -------
                     Fiscal Period                      Capital Expenditures
                     -------------                      --------------------
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Effective Date through December 31, 2002             $24,000,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
       January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003             $20,000,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Each fiscal year thereafter                    $24,000,000
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------

If during any fiscal period specified above the amount of Capital Expenditures
permitted for that fiscal period is not fully utilized, such unutilized amount
may be utilized in the next succeeding fiscal year but not in any subsequent
fiscal year, provided, however, that any such unutilized amounts shall be deemed
to be utilized first in the next succeeding fiscal year.

     10.2. Net Sales. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2003,
the Borrower will not permit Net Sales as at the end of any Reference
Period set forth below to be less than the amount set forth opposite such
Reference Period:

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

                     Reference Period Ending:               Minimum Amount:
                     -----------------------                --------------
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                          March 31, 2003                     $189,501,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                           June 30, 2003                     $379,547,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                        September 30, 2003                   $564,944,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                         December 31, 2003                   $745,739,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                          March 31, 2004                     $739,560,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                           June 30, 2004                     $732,836,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                        September 30, 2004                   $730,760,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                         December 31, 2004                   $733,287,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Each Reference Period thereafter            $708,380,000
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower or one if its
Subsidiaries does not consummate the Canadian Asset Purchase on or prior to
March 31, 2003, the Lenders and the Borrower agree in good faith to modify the
above-referenced Net Sales amounts to the extent necessary to reflect the impact
of not consummating such Canadian Asset Purchase.

     10.3. Debt Service Coverage. Commencing with the fiscal quarter ending
March 31, 2004, the Borrower will not permit the Debt Service Coverage Ratio as
at the end of any Reference Period set forth below to be less than the amount
set forth opposite such Reference Period:

<PAGE>

                                      -82-

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

              Reference Period Ending:                      Ratio
              -----------------------                       -----
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2004                         1.00:1.00
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2004                         1.00:1.00
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 September 30, 2004                       1.50:1.00
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2004                       1.50:1.00
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Thereafter                           1.50:1.00
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (S)11. CONCERNING THE EFFECTIVE DATE; CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS. The
obligation of the Lenders to make the initial Revolving Credit Loans and of the
Issuing Bank to issue any initial Letters of Credit shall be subject to
satisfaction of the following conditions precedent on or prior to the Effective
Date:

     11.1. Loan Documents, etc.

          11.1.1. Loan Documents. Each of the Loan Documents (other than the
     Letters of Credit and the Agency Agreements not entered into prior to the
     Effective Date) shall have been duly executed and delivered by the
     respective parties thereto, shall be in full force and effect and shall be
     in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders.

          11.1.2. Note Documents; Equity Documents; Acquisition Documents. Each
     of the Note Documents, the Equity Documents and the Acquisition Documents
     shall have been duly executed and delivered by the respective parties
     thereto, shall be in full force and effect and shall be in form and
     substance satisfactory to the Lenders.

     11.2. Certified Copies of Charter Documents.

     (a) The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Parent, the
Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors a copy, certified by a duly
authorized officer of such Person to be true and complete on the Effective Date,
of each of (a) its charter or other incorporation or organizational documents as
in effect on such date of certification, and (b) its by-laws or other governing
documents as in effect on such date.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Parent, the
Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors a certificate from the Secretary
of State, or other appropriate authority of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation or organization, evidencing its good standing in such jurisdiction
and in each other jurisdiction in which a failure to so qualify could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     11.3. Corporate or Other Action. All corporate, limited liability company
or limited partnership action, as applicable, necessary for the valid execution,
delivery and performance by the Parent, the Borrower and each of the Subsidiary
Guarantors of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such
Person is party shall have been duly and effectively taken, and evidence thereof
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been provided to
the Administrative Agent.

     11.4. Incumbency Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received
from the Parent, the Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors an
incumbency certificate, dated as

<PAGE>

                                      -83-

of the Effective Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of the Parent, the
Borrower or such Subsidiary, and giving the name and bearing a specimen
signature of each individual who shall be authorized: (a) to sign, in the name
and on behalf of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary Guarantor, each of
the Loan Documents to which such Person is party; (b) to make Loan Requests and
Conversion Requests and to apply for Letters of Credit; and (c) to give notices
and to take other action on its behalf under the Loan Documents.

     11.5. Validity of Liens. The Security Documents shall be effective to
create in favor of the Administrative Agent a legal, valid and enforceable first
priority (except for Permitted Liens) security interest in and lien upon the
Collateral. All filings, recordings, deliveries of instruments and other actions
necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Administrative Agent to protect and
preserve such security interests shall have been or will be duly effected, or
provision satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for such filings, recordings
and other actions shall have been made. The Administrative Agent shall have
received evidence thereof in form and substance satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent.

     11.6. Perfection Certificates and UCC Search Results. The Administrative
Agent shall have received from the Parent, the Borrower and each of the
Subsidiary Guarantors a completed and fully executed Perfection Certificate and
the results of UCC searches with respect to the Collateral, indicating no liens
other than Permitted Liens.

     11.7. Certificates of Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have
received (a) a certificate of insurance from an independent insurance broker
dated as of the Effective Date, identifying insurers, types of insurance,
insurance limits, and policy terms, and otherwise describing the insurance
obtained in accordance with the provisions of (S)8.7 and (b) certified copies of
all policies evidencing such insurance (or certificates therefor signed by the
insurer or an agent authorized to bind the insurer).

     11.8. Opinions of Counsel. The Co-Agents shall have received a favorable
legal opinion addressed to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, dated as of
the Effective Date and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Lenders, from (a) Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, counsel to the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and (b) Baker & Hostetler LLP, local counsel to
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

     11.9. Payment of Fees. The Borrower shall have paid to the Lenders, the
Co-Agents or the Administrative Agent, as appropriate, the fees to be paid on
the Effective Date.

     11.10. Borrowing Base Report. The Administrative Agent shall have received
from the Borrower a pro forma Borrowing Base Report dated as of the Effective
Date.

     11.11. Completion of Asset Purchase. The Co-Agents shall have received
evidence satisfactory to the Co-Agents that the transactions contemplated by the
Acquisition Documents shall have occurred pursuant to and in accordance with the
terms of the Acquisition Documents without any material waiver or modification
with respect thereto and that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries own all of the
assets described in the (S)363 Asset Purchase Agreement. The aggregate amount of
all transaction costs and related expenses incurred by the Borrower in
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Documents shall
not exceed $9,500,000.

<PAGE>

                                      -84-

     11.12. Successor Labor Agreement. The Co-Agents shall have received
evidence satisfactory to the Co-Agents that the Successor Labor Agreement shall
have become effective without any material waiver or modification with respect
thereto.

     11.13. Employment Contract; Continuity of Management. The Administrative
Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that
the Borrower has entered into an employment contract with Joseph Lapinsky to
serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Borrower, such employment contract to be
reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lenders. The Lenders shall have received
assurances reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Lenders as to the continuity
of management of the Borrower.

     11.14. No Material Adverse Change; Absence of Litigation. The Lenders shall
be satisfied that there shall have occurred no material adverse change in (a)
the business, condition, operations, assets or prospects of the business to be
acquired pursuant to the ss.363 Asset Purchase Agreement (taken as a whole)
since May 23, 2002, (b) the business, condition, operations, assets or prospects
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) since the formation of
the Borrower, (c) the ability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to perform
their respective obligations under the Loan Documents, or (d) the ability of the
Lenders to enforce the Loan Documents and the obligations of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries thereunder. The Lenders shall be satisfied that there are no
material actions, suits, proceedings or investigations of any kind pending
against RTI or any of its Subsidiaries which allege successor liability against
the Borrower.

     11.15. Equity Contribution. The Co-Agents shall have received evidence
satisfactory to the Co-Agents that the Borrower shall have received a cash
equity contribution in an amount of at least $52,000,000 pursuant to the Equity
Documents on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Co-Agents.

     11.16. Indebtedness in Respect of Notes. The Co-Agents shall have received
evidence satisfactory to the Co-Agents that the Notes shall have been issued to
or for the benefit of the Existing Noteholders in an aggregate amount of
$80,000,000 pursuant to the Note Documents on terms and conditions reasonably
satisfactory to the Majority Lenders and such Notes and the other Note Documents
shall evidence all obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to the
Existing Noteholders.

     11.17. Title Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received a
Title Policy covering the Mortgaged Property (or commitments to issue such
policies, with all conditions of issuance of the Title Policy deleted by an
authorized agent of the Title Insurance Company) together with proof of payment
of all fees and premiums for such policies, from the Title Insurance Company and
in amounts reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, insuring the
interest of the Administrative Agent, each of the Lenders as mortgagee under the
Mortgage.

     11.18. Survey and Taxes. The Administrative Agent shall have received (a)
an updated Survey of the Mortgaged Property together with a Surveyor Certificate
relating thereto and (b) evidence of payment of real estate taxes and municipal
charges on the Mortgaged Property not delinquent on or before the Effective
Date.

<PAGE>

                                      -85-

     11.19. Final Sale Order. The Administrative Agent shall have received a
copy of a signed order of the United States Bankruptcy Court (the "Court") for
the Northern District of Ohio, approving and authorizing the completion of the
(S)363 Asset Sale (the "Sale Order"), which such Sale Order shall not be subject
to any stay and shall (a) provide for the repayment of the outstanding
obligations under the DIP Facility (less the Waived Amounts and Contributed
Amounts), and (b) provide that the Lenders shall have no responsibility for any
liabilities of RTI and its Subsidiaries.

     11.20. Repayment of Indebtedness. The entire outstanding balance under the
DIP Facility (other than the Waived Amounts and Contributed Amounts) shall have
been paid to the Administrative Agent for the accounts of the agents and the
lenders party thereto.

     11.21. Projections, etc. The Lenders shall have received financial
projections of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries reasonably satisfactory to the
Lenders, such financial projections to include rolling 13-week liquidity
forecasts on a monthly basis during the first year and monthly cash flow and
borrowing base projections for the period commencing on the Effective Date
through December 31, 2003 and annual projections thereafter through the Maturity
Date.

     11.22. Budget; Forecast. The Lenders shall have received the Operating
Budget and the Cash Flow Forecast in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Lenders.

     11.23. Proceedings and Documents. All proceedings in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and
all other documents incident thereto shall be satisfactory in substance and in
form to the Lenders and to the Co-Agents and the Administrative Agent's Special
Counsel, and the Lenders, the Co-Agents and such counsel shall have received all
information and such counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such
documents as the Co-Agents may reasonably request.

     (S)12. CONDITIONS TO ALL BORROWINGS. The obligations of the Lenders to make
any Revolving Credit Loan, and of the Issuing Bank to issue, extend or renew any
Letter of Credit, in each case whether on or after the Effective Date, shall
also be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent.

     12.1. Representations True. Each of the representations and warranties of
any of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries contained in this Credit Agreement and
the other Loan Documents shall be true in all material respects as of the date
as of which they were made and shall also be true at and as of the time of the
making of such Revolving Credit Loan or the issuance, extension or renewal of
such Letter of Credit, with the same effect as if made at and as of that time
(except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions contemplated or
permitted by this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and changes
occurring in the ordinary course of business that singly or in the aggregate are
not materially adverse, and to the extent that such representations and
warranties relate expressly to an earlier date) and no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

     12.2. No Legal Impediment. No change shall have occurred in any law or
regulations thereunder or interpretations thereof that in the reasonable opinion
of any Lender would make it illegal for such Lender to make such Revolving
Credit Loan or to participate in the issuance,

<PAGE>

                                      -86-

extension or renewal of such Letter of Credit or in the reasonable opinion of
the Issuing Bank would make it illegal for the Issuing Bank to issue, extend or
renew such Letter of Credit.

     12.3. Governmental Regulation. Each Lender shall have received such
statements in substance and form reasonably satisfactory to such Lender as such
Lender shall require for the purpose of compliance with any applicable
regulations of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System.

     (S)13. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; ACCELERATION; ETC.

     13.1. Events of Default and Acceleration. If any of the following events
("Events of Default" or, if the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both is
required, then, prior to such notice or lapse of time, "Defaults") shall occur:

     (a)   the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of the Revolving Credit
Loans when the same shall become due and payable, whether at the stated date of
maturity or any accelerated date of maturity or at any other date fixed for
payment;

     (b)   the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on the Revolving Credit
Loans, the commitment fee, any Letter of Credit Fee, the Administrative Agent's
fee, or other sums due hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents,
within ten (10) days of the stated date of maturity or any accelerated date of
maturity or at any other date fixed for payment;

     (c)   the Borrower shall fail to comply with any of its covenants contained
in (S)8.1 (including, as it applies to (S)13.1(b), any grace period applicable
thereto), (S)8.4 (within five (5) days of when any monthly financial statement
would otherwise be due and within fifteen (15) days of when any annual or
quarterly statement would otherwise be due), (S)8.5.1, (S)8.5.4 (within fifteen
(15) days of when notice would otherwise be due), the first sentence of (S)8.6,
(S)8.12, (S)(S)9.1 through 9.6, (S)(S)9.8 through 9.11, (S)10 or any covenant
contained in the Mortgage the violation of which would constitute an immediate
"Event of Default" under such Mortgage;

     (d)   the Borrower shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement
contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents (other than those
specified elsewhere in this (S)13.1) for thirty (30) days after written notice
of such failure has been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent;

     (e)   any representation or warranty of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in
any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to or in connection with
this Credit Agreement shall prove to have been false in any material respect
upon the date when made or deemed to have been made or repeated;

     (f)   the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to pay at
maturity, or within any applicable period of grace, any obligation for borrowed
money or credit received or in respect of any Capitalized Leases the outstanding
principal amount of which exceeds $5,000,000, or fail to observe or perform any
material term, covenant or agreement contained in any agreement by which it is
bound, evidencing or securing borrowed money or credit received or in respect of
any Capitalized Leases, the outstanding principal amount of which exceeds
$5,000,000, for such

<PAGE>

                                      -87-

period of time (following the occurrence of such failure or, if later, the
giving of any required notice) as would permit the holder or holders thereof or
of any obligations issued thereunder to accelerate the maturity thereof;

     (g)   the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall make an assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or admit in writing its inability to pay or generally
fail to pay its debts as they mature or become due, or shall petition or apply
for the appointment of a trustee or other custodian, liquidator or receiver of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or of any substantial part of the assets
of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or shall commence any case or other
proceeding relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under any
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt,
dissolution or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, now or hereafter
in effect, or shall take any action to authorize or in furtherance of any of the
foregoing, or if any such petition or application shall be filed or any such
case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries and the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall indicate its
approval thereof, consent thereto or acquiescence therein or such petition or
application shall not have been dismissed within sixty (60) days following the
filing thereof;

     (h)   a decree or order is entered appointing any such trustee, custodian,
liquidator or receiver or adjudicating the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
bankrupt or insolvent, or approving a petition in any such case or other
proceeding, or a decree or order for relief is entered in respect of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower in an involuntary case under federal
bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter constituted;

     (i)   there shall remain in force, undischarged, unsatisfied, unstayed and
unbonded, for more than thirty (30) days, whether or not consecutive, any final
judgment against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that, with other
outstanding final judgments, undischarged, unsatisfied, unstayed and unbonded,
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries exceeds in the aggregate
$5,000,000;

     (j)   if the Agency Agreements required pursuant to (S)8.13.2(a) shall not
be in full force and effect on or prior to the Sweep Deadline;

     (k)   (i) if any of the Loan Documents shall be canceled, terminated,
revoked or rescinded or the Administrative Agent's security interests or liens
in a substantial portion of the Collateral shall cease to be perfected, or shall
cease to have the priority contemplated by the Security Documents in each case
otherwise than in accordance with the terms thereof or with the express prior
written agreement, consent or approval of the Lenders, or (ii) any action at
law, suit or in equity or other legal proceeding to cancel, revoke or rescind
any of the Loan Documents shall be commenced by or on behalf of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries party thereto or any of their respective stockholders,
or any court or any other governmental or regulatory authority or agency of
competent jurisdiction shall make a determination that, or issue a judgment,
order, decree or ruling to the effect that, any one or more of the Loan
Documents is illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with the terms
thereof;

<PAGE>

                                      -88-

     (l)   The Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate incurs any liability to the PBGC
or a Guaranteed Pension Plan in connection with the termination of a Guaranteed
Pension Plan pursuant to Title IV of ERISA in an aggregate amount exceeding
$5,000,000; the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is assessed withdrawal liability
pursuant to Title IV of ERISA by a Multiemployer Plan requiring aggregate annual
payments exceeding $5,000,000, or any of the following occurs with respect to a
Guaranteed Pension Plan: (i) a failure to make timely (without consideration of
any extension or waiver) any required quarterly contribution or other payment
pursuant to the funding provisions of (S)302 of ERISA; (ii) the appointment by a
United States District Court of a trustee to administer such Plan; or (iii) the
institution by the PBGC, or by the Borrower, of proceedings (including before
the PBGC) to terminate such Plan other than in a standard termination within the
meaning of (S)4041(b) of ERISA.

     (m)   there shall occur any strike, lockout, labor dispute, embargo,
condemnation, act of God or public enemy, or other casualty, which in any such
case causes, for more than fifteen (15) consecutive days, the cessation or
substantial curtailment of revenue producing activities at any facility of the
Borrower or any Guarantor if such event or circumstance is not covered by
business interruption insurance and would have a Material Adverse Effect;

     (n)   there shall occur the loss, suspension or revocation of, or failure
to renew, any license or permit now held or hereafter acquired by the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries if such loss, suspension, revocation or failure to
renew would have a Material Adverse Effect; or

     (o)   a Change of Control shall have occurred;

then, and in any such event, so long as the same may be continuing, the
Administrative Agent may, and upon the request of the Majority Lenders shall, by
notice in writing to the Borrower declare all amounts owing with respect to this
Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Notes and the other Loan Documents to be,
and they shall thereupon forthwith become, immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; provided that in the event of any Event
of Default if specified in (S)13.1(g) or (h), all such amounts shall become
immediately due and payable automatically and without any requirement of notice
from the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

     13.2. Termination of Commitments. If any one or more of the Events of
Default specified in (S)13.1(g) or (h) shall occur, any unused portion of the
Commitments hereunder shall forthwith terminate and each of the Lenders shall be
relieved of all further obligations to make Revolving Credit Loans and the
Issuing Bank shall be relieved of all further obligations to issue, extend or
renew Letters of Credit. If any other Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, the Administrative Agent may and, upon the request of the
Majority Lenders, shall, by notice to the Borrower, terminate the unused portion
of the Commitments hereunder, and upon such notice being given such unused
portion of the Commitments hereunder shall terminate immediately and each of the
Lenders shall be relieved of all further obligations to make Revolving Credit
Loans and the Issuing Bank shall be relieved of all further obligations to
issue, extend or renew Letters of Credit. No termination of the Commitments
hereunder shall relieve the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any of the
Obligations.

<PAGE>

                                      -89-

     13.3. Remedies. In case any one or more of the Events of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, and whether or not the Lenders shall have
accelerated the maturity of the Loans pursuant to (S)13.1(a), each Lender, if
owed any amount with respect to the Loans, Reimbursement Obligations or other
Obligations, may, if such amount shall have become due, by declaration or
otherwise, proceed to enforce the payment thereof or any other legal or
equitable right of such Lender, and (b) the Administrative Agent may, if
requested by the Majority Lenders and in its sole discretion, on behalf of the
Majority Lenders, proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity,
action at law or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific
performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Credit Agreement and
the other Loan Documents or any instrument pursuant to which the Obligations to
the Lenders are evidenced, including the obtaining of the ex parte appointment
of a receiver, and, if such amount shall have become due, by declaration or
otherwise, proceed to enforce the payment thereof or any other legal or
equitable right of such Lenders. No remedy herein conferred upon any Lender or
the Administrative Agent or the holder of any Note or the purchaser of any
Letter of Credit Participation is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy
and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every
other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or
by statute or any other provision of law.

     13.4. Distribution of Collateral Proceeds. In the event that, following the
occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the
Administrative Agent or any Lender, as the case may be, receives any monies in
connection with the enforcement of any the Security Documents, or otherwise with
respect to the realization upon any of the Collateral, such monies shall be
distributed for application as follows:

     (a)   First, to the payment of, or (as the case may be) the reimbursement
of the Administrative Agent for or in respect of all reasonable costs, expenses,
disbursements and losses which shall have been incurred or sustained by the
Administrative Agent in connection with the collection of such monies by the
Administrative Agent, for the exercise, protection or enforcement by the
Administrative Agent of all or any of the rights, remedies, powers and
privileges of the Administrative Agent under this Credit Agreement or any of the
other Loan Documents or in respect of the Collateral or in support of any
provision of adequate indemnity to the Administrative Agent against any taxes or
liens which by law shall have, or may have, priority over the rights of the
Administrative Agent to such monies;

     (b)   Second, to all other Obligations (other than those Obligations set
forth in clause (c)) in such order or preference as the Majority Lenders may
determine; provided, however, that distributions in respect of (i) such
obligations shall be made pari passu among Obligations with respect to the
Administrative Agent's fee payable pursuant to (S)5.1 and all other Obligations
and (ii) Obligations owing to the Lenders with respect to each type of
Obligation such as interest, principal, fees and expenses, shall be made among
the Lenders pro rata; and provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may
in its discretion make proper allowance to take into account any Obligations not
then due and payable;

     (c)   Third, to those Obligations arising under any cash management
services and Rate Protection Agreements provided by the Administrative Agent or
any other Lender or any

<PAGE>

                                      -90-

of their respective affiliates in their individual capacities to the Borrower in
connection with this Agreement;

     (d)   Fourth, upon payment and satisfaction in full or other provisions for
payment in full satisfactory to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent of all
of the Obligations, to the payment of any obligations required to be paid
pursuant to (S)9-504(1)(c) of the Uniform Commercial Code of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts; and

     (e)   Fifth, the excess, if any, shall be returned to the Borrower or to
such other Persons as are entitled thereto.

     (S)14. SETOFF. Regardless of the adequacy of any collateral, during the
continuance of any Event of Default, any deposits or other sums credited by or
due from any of the Lenders to the Borrower and any securities or other property
of the Borrower in the possession of such Lender may be applied to or set off by
such Lender against the payment of Obligations owing (whether or not then due
and payable) of the Borrower to such Lender. Each of the Lenders agrees with
each other Lender that (a) if an amount to be set off is to be applied to
Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender, other than Indebtedness evidenced
by the Revolving Credit Notes held by such Lender or constituting Reimbursement
Obligations owed to such Lender, such amount shall be applied ratably to such
other Indebtedness and to the Indebtedness evidenced by all such Revolving
Credit Notes held by such Lender or constituting Reimbursement Obligations owed
to such Lender and (b) if such Lender shall receive from the Borrower, whether
by voluntary payment, exercise of the right of setoff, counterclaim, cross
action, enforcement of the claim evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes held
by, or constituting Reimbursement Obligations owed to, such Lender by
proceedings against the Borrower at law or in equity or by proof thereof in
bankruptcy, reorganization, liquidation, receivership or similar proceedings, or
otherwise, and shall retain and apply to the payment of the Revolving Credit
Note or Revolving Credit Notes held by, or constituting Reimbursement
Obligations owed to, such Lender any amount in excess of its ratable portion of
the payments received by all of the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Credit
Notes held by all of the Lenders, such Lender will make such disposition and
arrangements with the other Lenders with respect to such excess, either by way
of distribution, pro tanto assignment of claims, subrogation or otherwise as
shall result in each Lender receiving in respect of the Revolving Credit Notes
held by it or Reimbursement Obligations owed it, its proportionate payment as
contemplated by this Credit Agreement; provided that if all or any part of such
excess payment is thereafter recovered from such Lender, such disposition and
arrangements shall be rescinded and the amount restored to the extent of such
recovery, but without interest.

     (S)15. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT.

     15.1.  Authorization.

     (a)   The Administrative Agent is authorized to take such action on behalf
of each of the Lenders and to exercise all such powers as are hereunder and
under any of the other Loan Documents and any related documents delegated to the
Administrative Agent, together with such powers as are reasonably incident
thereto, provided that no duties or responsibilities not expressly assumed
herein or therein shall be implied to have been assumed by the Administrative
Agent.

<PAGE>

                                      -91-

     (b)   The relationship between the Administrative Agent and each of the
Lenders is that of an independent contractor. The use of the term
"Administrative Agent" is for convenience only and is used to describe, as a
form of convention, the independent contractual relationship between the
Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders. Nothing contained in this Credit
Agreement nor the other Loan Documents shall be construed to create an agency,
trust or other fiduciary relationship between the Administrative Agent and any
of the Lenders.

     (c)   As an independent contractor empowered by the Lenders to exercise
certain rights and perform certain duties and responsibilities hereunder and
under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is nevertheless a
"representative" of the Lenders, as that term is defined in Article 1 of the
Uniform Commercial Code, for purposes of actions for the benefit of the Lenders
and the Administrative Agent with respect to all collateral security and
guaranties contemplated by the Loan Documents. Such actions include the
designation of the Administrative Agent as "secured party", "mortgagee" or the
like on all financing statements and other documents and instruments, whether
recorded or otherwise, relating to the attachment, perfection, priority or
enforcement of any security interests, mortgages or deeds of trust in collateral
security intended to secure the payment or performance of any of the
Obligations, all for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

     15.2. Employees and Agents. The Administrative Agent may exercise its
powers and execute its duties by or through employees or agents and shall be
entitled to take, and to rely on, advice of counsel concerning all matters
pertaining to its rights and duties under this Credit Agreement and the other
Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent may utilize the services of such
Persons as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion may reasonably
determine, and all reasonable fees and expenses of any such Persons shall be
paid by the Borrower.

     15.3. No Liability. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its
shareholders, directors, officers or employees nor any other Person assisting
them in their duties nor any agent or employee thereof, shall be liable for any
waiver, consent or approval given or any action taken, or omitted to be taken,
in good faith by it or them hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents,
or in connection herewith or therewith, or be responsible for the consequences
of any oversight or error of judgment whatsoever, except that the Administrative
Agent or such other Person, as the case may be, may be liable for losses due to
its willful misconduct or gross negligence.

     15.4. No Representations. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible
for the execution or validity or enforceability of this Credit Agreement, the
Revolving Credit Notes, the Letters of Credit, any of the other Loan Documents
or any instrument at any time constituting, or intended to constitute,
collateral security for the Revolving Credit Notes, or for the value of any such
collateral security or for the validity, enforceability or collectability of any
such amounts owing with respect to the Revolving Credit Notes, or for any
recitals or statements, warranties or representations made herein or in any of
the other Loan Documents or in any certificate or instrument hereafter furnished
to it by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or be bound to
ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms,
conditions, covenants or agreements herein or in any instrument at any time
constituting, or intended to constitute, collateral security for the Revolving
Credit Notes or to inspect any of the properties, books or records of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. The

<PAGE>

                                      -92-

Administrative Agent shall not be bound to ascertain whether any notice,
consent, waiver or request delivered to it by the Borrower or any holder of any
of the Revolving Credit Notes shall have been duly authorized or is true,
accurate and complete. The Administrative Agent has not made nor does it now
make any representations or warranties, express or implied, nor does it assume
any liability to the Lenders, with respect to the creditworthiness or financial
conditions of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. Each Lender acknowledges
that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or
any other Lender, and based upon such information and documents as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Credit
Agreement.

     15.5. Payments.

          15.5.1. Payments to Administrative Agent. A payment by the Borrower to
     the Administrative Agent hereunder or any of the other Loan Documents for
     the account of any Lender shall constitute a payment to such Lender. The
     Administrative Agent agrees promptly to distribute to each Lender such
     Lender's pro rata share of payments received by the Administrative Agent
     for the account of the Lenders except as otherwise expressly provided
     herein or in any of the other Loan Documents.

          15.5.2. Distribution by Administrative Agent. If in the opinion of the
     Administrative Agent the distribution of any amount received by it in such
     capacity hereunder, under the Revolving Credit Notes or under any of the
     other Loan Documents might involve it in liability, it may refrain from
     making distribution until its right to make distribution shall have been
     adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction. If a court of competent
     jurisdiction shall adjudge that any amount received and distributed by the
     Administrative Agent is to be repaid, each Person to whom any such
     distribution shall have been made shall either repay to the Administrative
     Agent its proportionate share of the amount so adjudged to be repaid or
     shall pay over the same in such manner and to such Persons as shall be
     determined by such court.

          15.5.3. Delinquent Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
     contained in this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, any
     Lender that fails (a) to make available to the Administrative Agent its pro
     rata share of any Revolving Credit Loan or to purchase or make any payment
     on account of any Letter of Credit Participation or (b) to comply with the
     provisions of (S)14 with respect to making dispositions and arrangements
     with the other Lenders, where such Lender's share of any payment received,
     whether by setoff or otherwise, is in excess of its pro rata share of such
     payments due and payable to all of the Lenders, in each case as, when and
     to the full extent required by the provisions of this Credit Agreement or
     (S)15.7, shall be deemed delinquent (a "Delinquent Lender") and shall be
     deemed a Delinquent Lender until such time as such delinquency is
     satisfied. A Delinquent Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and all
     payments due to it from the Borrower, whether on account of outstanding
     Revolving Credit Loans, Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations, interest, fees or
     otherwise, to the remaining nondelinquent Lenders for application to, and
     reduction of, their respective pro rata shares of all outstanding Revolving
     Credit Loans and Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations. The Delinquent Lender
     hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to distribute such payments to
     the nondelinquent Lenders in

<PAGE>

                                      -93-

     proportion to their respective pro rata shares of all outstanding Revolving
     Credit Loans and Unpaid Reimbursement Obligations. A Delinquent Lender
     shall be deemed to have satisfied in full a delinquency when and if, as a
     result of application of the assigned payments to all outstanding Revolving
     Credit Loans of the nondelinquent Lenders, the Lenders' respective pro rata
     shares of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Unpaid Reimbursement
     Obligations have returned to those in effect immediately prior to such
     delinquency and without giving effect to the nonpayment causing such
     delinquency. Until such delinquency is satisfied, the Delinquent Lender
     shall have no right to participate in any vote on or consent to any matter
     in respect of or in connection with this Credit Agreement.

     15.6. Holders of Revolving Credit Notes. The Administrative Agent may deem
and treat the payee of any Revolving Credit Note and the purchaser of any Letter
of Credit Participation as the absolute owner or purchaser thereof for all
purposes hereof until it shall have been furnished in writing with a different
name by such payee or by a subsequent holder, assignee or transferee.

     15.7. Indemnity. The Lenders ratably agree hereby to indemnify and hold
harmless the Administrative Agent from and against any and all claims, actions
and suits (whether groundless or otherwise), losses, damages, costs, expenses
(including any expenses for which the Administrative Agent has not been
reimbursed by the Borrower as required by (S)16), and liabilities of every
nature and character arising out of or related to this Credit Agreement, the
Revolving Credit Notes, or any of the other Loan Documents or the transactions
contemplated or evidenced hereby or thereby, or the Administrative Agent's
actions taken hereunder or thereunder without limiting the Borrower's and
Guarantors' indemnity obligations, except to the extent that any of the same
shall be directly caused by the Administrative Agent's willful misconduct or
gross negligence.

     15.8. Administrative Agent as Lender. In its individual capacity, Fleet
shall have the same obligations and the same rights, powers and privileges in
respect to its Commitment and the Revolving Credit Loans made by it, and as the
holder of any of the Revolving Credit Notes and as the purchaser of any Letter
of Credit Participations, as it would have were it not also the Administrative
Agent.

     15.9. Resignation. The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by
giving sixty (60) days' prior written notice thereof to the Lenders and the
Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Majority Lenders shall have the right
to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. Unless a Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, such successor Administrative
Agent shall be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. If no successor
Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and
shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring
Administrative Agent's giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring
Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor
Administrative Agent, which shall be a financial institution having a rating of
not less than A or its equivalent by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group. Upon the
acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor
Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon
succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties
of the retiring Administrative

<PAGE>

                                      -94-

Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties
and obligations hereunder. After any retiring Administrative Agent's
resignation, the provisions of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan
Documents shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions
taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Administrative Agent.

     15.10. Notification of Defaults and Events of Default. Each Lender hereby
agrees that, upon learning of the existence of a Default or an Event of Default,
it shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof. The Administrative
Agent hereby agrees that upon receipt of any notice under this (S)15.10 it shall
promptly notify the other Lenders of the existence of such Default or Event of
Default, and upon the receipt of the Majority Lenders shall notify the Borrower
of the existence of such Default or Event of Default.

     15.11. Duties in the Case of Enforcement. In case one of more Events of
Default have occurred and shall be continuing, and whether or not acceleration
of the Obligations shall have occurred, the Administrative Agent shall, if (a)
so requested by the Majority Lenders and (b) the Lenders have provided to the
Administrative Agent such additional indemnities and assurances against expenses
and liabilities as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, proceed to
enforce the provisions of the Security Documents authorizing the sale or other
disposition of all or any part of the Collateral and exercise all or any such
other legal and equitable and other rights or remedies as it may have in respect
of such Collateral. The Majority Lenders may direct the Administrative Agent in
writing as to the method and the extent of any such sale or other disposition,
the Lenders hereby agreeing to indemnify and hold the Administrative Agent
harmless from all liabilities incurred in respect of all actions taken or
omitted in accordance with such directions, provided that the Administrative
Agent need not comply with any such direction to the extent that the
Administrative Agent reasonably believes the Administrative Agent's compliance
with such direction to be unlawful or commercially unreasonable in any
applicable jurisdiction.

     (S)16. EXPENSES. The Borrower agrees to pay (a) any excise taxes or current
or future stamp or documentary taxes or similar charges (including any interest
and penalties in respect thereto) payable by any Co-Agent or Lender (other than
taxes based upon the Co-Agents' or any Lender's net income) on or with respect
to the transactions contemplated by this Credit Agreement (the Borrower hereby
agreeing to indemnify each Agent and each Lender with respect thereto), (b) the
reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the Administrative Agent, the
Administrative Agent's Special Counsel and any local counsel to the
Administrative Agent incurred in connection with the preparation,
administration, interpretation or syndication of the Loan Documents and other
instruments mentioned herein any cash management documentation and related
matters, each closing hereunder, and amendments, modifications, approvals,
consents or waivers hereto or hereunder, or the cancellation of any Loan
Document upon payment in full in cash of all of the Obligations or pursuant to
any terms of such Loan Document for providing for such cancellation, including
all appraisal charges and charges of other professionals retained by the
Administrative Agent, and provided that all such fees and expenses, incurred
through the Effective Date (whether billed before or after the Effective Date)
pursuant to clauses (b) hereof shall not exceed $350,000, (c) the fees, expenses
and disbursements of Administrative Agent incurred by the Administrative Agent
or its designees in connection with all commercial finance examinations
conducted by or on behalf of

<PAGE>

                                      -95-

the Administrative Agent, (d) any fees, costs, expenses and bank charges,
including bank charges for returned checks, incurred by the Administrative Agent
in establishing, maintaining or handling agency accounts, lock box accounts and
other accounts for the collection of any of the Collateral; (e) the reasonable
fees and expenses of any advisors retained by the Administrative Agent pursuant
to (S)(S)8.16 and 8.18; (f) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including
without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, which attorneys may be
employees of any Lender or the Administrative Agent, and reasonable consulting,
accounting, appraisal, investment banking and similar professional fees and
charges) incurred by any Lender or the Administrative Agent in connection with
(i) the enforcement of or preservation of rights under any of the Loan Documents
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the administration thereof
after the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default and (ii) any litigation,
proceeding or dispute whether arising hereunder or otherwise, in any way related
to any Lender's or the Administrative Agent's relationship with the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) in connection with any refinancing or
restructuring of the financing under the Loan Documents in the nature of a
"work-out" or in any insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding, and (iv) all
reasonable expenses and disbursements of the Administrative Agent incurred in
connection with UCC searches or UCC filings. The covenants of this (S)16 shall
survive payment or satisfaction of all other Obligations.

     (S)17. INDEMNIFICATION. The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Co-Agents, the Lenders and their respective shareholders, directors, agents,
officers, subsidiaries and affiliates from and against any and all claims,
actions and suits whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and
all liabilities, losses, damages and reasonable expenses of every nature and
character arising out of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby including, without limitation,
(a) any actual or proposed use by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of the
proceeds of any of the Revolving Credit Loans or Letters of Credit, (b) the
reversal or withdrawal of any provisional credits granted by the Administrative
Agent upon the transfer of funds from bank agency or lock box accounts or in
connection with the provisional honoring of checks or other items, (c) any
actual or alleged infringement of any patent, copyright, trademark, service mark
or similar right of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries comprised in the
Collateral, (d) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries entering into or
performing this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or (e) with
respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective properties and
assets, the violation of any Environmental Law, the disposal, discharge, release
or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances or any action, suit,
proceeding or investigation brought or threatened with respect to any Hazardous
Substances (including, but not limited to, claims with respect to wrongful
death, personal injury or damage to property), in each case including, without
limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and allocated costs
of internal counsel incurred in connection with any such investigation,
litigation or other proceeding, provided, however, that the foregoing indemnity
as to any Person shall not apply to liabilities, damages, losses, settlement
expenses and expenses to the extent that they arise from the willful misconduct
or gross negligence of such indemnified person or its Affiliates. In litigation,
or the preparation therefor, each of the Lenders and the Co-Agents shall be
entitled to select their own counsel. If, and to the extent that the obligations
of the Borrower under this (S)17 are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower
hereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment in satisfaction of

<PAGE>

                                      -96-

such indemnified obligations which is permissible under applicable law. The
covenants contained in this (S)17 shall survive payment or satisfaction in full
of all other Obligations.

     (S)18. SURVIVAL OF COVENANTS, ETC. All covenants, agreements,
representations and warranties made herein, in the Revolving Credit Notes, in
any of the other Loan Documents or in any documents or other papers delivered by
or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto shall be
deemed to have been relied upon by the Lenders and the Co-Agents,
notwithstanding any investigation heretofore or hereafter made by any of them,
and shall survive the making by the Lenders of any of the Revolving Credit Loans
and the issuance, extension or renewal of any Letters of Credit, as herein
contemplated, and shall continue in full force and effect so long as any Letter
of Credit or any amount due under this Credit Agreement or the Revolving Credit
Notes or any of the other Loan Documents remains outstanding or any Lender has
any obligation to make any Revolving Credit Loans or the Issuing Bank has any
obligation to issue, extend or renew any Letter of Credit, and for such further
time as may be otherwise expressly specified in this Credit Agreement. All
statements contained in any certificate or other paper delivered to any Lender
or the Administrative Agent at any time by or on behalf of the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries pursuant hereto or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby shall constitute representations and warranties by the
Borrower or such Subsidiary hereunder.

     (S)19. ASSIGNMENT AND PARTICIPATION.

     19.1.  Conditions to Assignment by Lenders. Except as provided herein, each
Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its
interests, rights and obligations under this Credit Agreement (including all or
a portion of its Commitment Percentage and Commitment and the same portion of
the Revolving Credit Loans at the time owing to it, the Revolving Credit Notes
held by it and its participating interest in the risk relating to any Letters of
Credit); provided that (a) the Administrative Agent shall have given its prior
written consent to such assignment, which consent, will not be unreasonably
withheld, (b) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying,
percentage of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this
Credit Agreement, (c) each assignment shall be in an amount that is not less
than $5,000,000 or the remaining amount of its Commitment, if less, and (d) the
parties to such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative
Agent, for recording in the Register (as hereinafter defined), an Assignment and
Acceptance, substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto (an "Assignment and
Acceptance"), together with any Revolving Credit Notes subject to such
assignment. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and
after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, which
effective date shall be at least five (5) Business Days after the execution
thereof, (i) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent
provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a
Lender hereunder, and (ii) the assigning Lender shall, to the extent provided in
such assignment and upon payment to the Administrative Agent of the registration
fee referred to in (S)19.3, be released from its obligations under this Credit
Agreement.

     19.2.  Certain Representations and Warranties; Limitations; Covenants. By
executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the parties to the
assignment thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties
hereto as follows: (a) other than the

<PAGE>

                                      -97-

representation and warranty that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the
interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim, the
assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, and
assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
representations made in or in connection with this Credit Agreement or the
execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value
of this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other instrument or
document furnished pursuant hereto or the attachment, perfection or priority of
any security interest or mortgage; (b) the assigning Lender makes no
representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the
financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any other Person
primarily or secondarily liable in respect of any of the Obligations, or the
performance or observance by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any other
Person primarily or secondarily liable in respect of any of the Obligations or
any of their other obligations under this Credit Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or
thereto; (c) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Credit
Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements referred
to in (s)7.4 and (s)8.4 and such other documents and information as it has
deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into
such Assignment and Acceptance; (d) such assignee will, independently and
without reliance upon the assigning Lender, the Administrative Agent or any
other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking action under this Credit Agreement; (e) such assignee represents and
warrants that it is an Eligible Assignee; (f) such assignee appoints and
authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf
and to exercise such powers under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan
Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or
thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (g)
such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of
the obligations that by the terms of this Credit Agreement are required to be
performed by it as a Lender; (h) such assignee represents and warrants that it
is legally authorized to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; and (i) such
assignee acknowledges that it has made arrangements with the assigning Lender
satisfactory to such assignee with respect to its pro rata share of Letter of
Credit Fees in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit.

     19.3. Register. The Administrative Agent shall maintain a copy of each
Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register or similar list (the
"Register") for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and
the Commitment Percentage of, and principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans
owing to and Letter of Credit Participations purchased by, the Lenders from time
to time. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of
manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may
treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder
for all purposes of this Credit Agreement. The Register shall be available for
inspection by the Borrower and the Lenders at any reasonable time and from time
to time upon reasonable prior notice. Upon each such recordation, the assigning
Lender agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent a registration fee in the sum
of $3,500.

     19.4. New Revolving Credit Notes. Upon its receipt of an Assignment and
Acceptance executed by the parties to such assignment, together with each
Revolving Credit Note subject to such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall
(a) record the information contained therein in

<PAGE>

                                      -98-

the Register, and (b) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders
(other than the assigning Lender). Within five (5) Business Days after receipt
of such notice, the Borrower, at its own expense, shall execute and deliver to
the Administrative Agent, in exchange for each surrendered Revolving Credit
Note, a new Revolving Credit Note to the order of such Eligible Assignee in an
amount equal to the amount assumed by such Eligible Assignee pursuant to such
Assignment and Acceptance and, if the assigning Lender has retained some portion
of its obligations hereunder, a new Revolving Credit Note to the order of the
assigning Lender in an amount equal to the amount retained by it hereunder. Such
new Notes shall provide that they are replacements for the surrendered Revolving
Credit Notes, shall be in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
principal amount of the surrendered Revolving Credit Notes, shall be dated the
effective date of such Assignment and Acceptance and shall otherwise be
substantially in the form of the assigned Revolving Credit Notes. The
surrendered Revolving Credit Notes shall be canceled and returned to the
Borrower.

     19.5. Participations. Each Lender may sell participations to one or more
banks or other entities in all or a portion of such Lender's rights and
obligations under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided
that (a) each such participation shall be in an amount of not less than
$5,000,000, (b) any such sale or participation shall not affect the rights and
duties of the selling Lender hereunder to the Borrower and (c) the only right of
the assignor granted to the participant pursuant to such participation
arrangements with respect to waivers, amendments or modifications of the Loan
Documents shall be such assignor's right to approve waivers, amendments or
modifications that would require the consent of all Lenders affected thereby.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a participation may be in an amount of less than
$5,000,000, so long as no right of the assignor, including any right to approve
waivers, amendments or modifications, is granted to the participant.

     19.6. Assignee or Participant Affiliated with the Borrower. If any assignee
Lender is an Affiliate of the Borrower, then any such assignee Lender shall have
no right to vote as a Lender hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents
for purposes of granting consents or waivers or for purposes of agreeing to
amendments or other modifications to any of the Loan Documents or for purposes
of making requests to the Administrative Agent pursuant to (s)13.1 or (s)13.2,
and the determination of the Majority Lenders shall for all purposes of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents be made without regard to such assignee
Lender's interest in any of the Revolving Credit Loans. If any Lender sells a
participating interest in any of the Revolving Credit Loans to a participant,
and such participant is the Borrower or an Affiliate of the Borrower, then such
transferor Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of the sale of
such participation. A transferor Lender shall have no right to vote as a Lender
hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents for purposes of granting
consents or waivers or for purposes of agreeing to amendments or modifications
to any of the Loan Documents or for purposes of making requests to the
Administrative Agent pursuant to (s)13.1 or (s)13.2 to the extent that such
participation is beneficially owned by the Borrower or any Affiliate of the
Borrower, and the determination of the Majority Lenders shall for all purposes
of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents be made without regard to
the interest of such transferor Lender in the Revolving Credit Loans to the
extent of such participation.

     19.7. Miscellaneous Assignment Provisions. Any assigning Lender shall
retain its rights to be indemnified pursuant to (s)17 with respect to any claims
or actions arising prior to

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                                      -99-

the date of such assignment. If any assignee Lender is not incorporated under
the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, it shall, prior
to the date on which any interest or fees are payable hereunder or under any of
the other Loan Documents for its account, deliver to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent certification as to its exemption from deduction or
withholding of any United States federal income taxes. If the Reference Lender
transfers all of its interest, rights and obligations under this Credit
Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall, in consultation with the Borrower and
with the consent of the Borrower and the Majority Lenders, appoint another
Lender to act as the Reference Lender hereunder. Anything contained in this
(s)19 to the contrary notwithstanding, any Lender may at any time pledge or
assign a security interest in all or any portion of its interest and rights
under this Credit Agreement (including all or any portion of its Revolving
Credit Notes) to secure obligations of such Lender, including, without
limitation, any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to (a) any of the
twelve Federal Reserve Lenders organized under (s)4 of the Federal Reserve Act,
12 U.S.C. (s)341 and (b) with respect to any Lender that is a fund that invests
in bank loans, to any lender or any trustee for; or any other representative of,
holders of obligations owed or securities issued by such fund as security for
such obligations or securities or any institutional custodian for such fund or
such lender. No such pledge or the enforcement thereof shall release the pledgor
Lender from its obligations hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents.

     19.8.  Assignment by Borrower. The Borrower shall not assign or transfer
any of its rights or obligations under any of the Loan Documents without the
prior written consent of each of the Lenders.

     (S)20. NOTICES, ETC. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Credit
Agreement, all notices and other communications made or required to be given
pursuant to this Credit Agreement or the Revolving Credit Notes or any Letter of
Credit Applications shall be in writing and shall be delivered in hand, mailed
by United States registered or certified first class mail, postage prepaid, sent
by overnight courier, or sent by facsimile and confirmed by delivery via courier
or postal service or by facsimile transmission confirmation, as the case may be,
addressed as follows:

     (a)   if to the Parent, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, at 3770
Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333, Attention: Chief Executive Officer, or at such
other address for notice as the Borrower shall last have furnished in writing to
the Person giving the notice with a copy to KPS Special Situations Fund, L.P.,
200 Park Avenue, 58/th/ Floor, New York, New York 10166, Attention: Michael
Psaros, facsimile number 212-867-7980, and with a copy to Akin, Gump, Strauss,
Hauer & Feld, LLP, 590 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Mark
Volow, facsimile number 212-872-1002;

     (b)    if to the Administrative Agent, at One Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, USA, Attention: Joseph W. Johnson, Jr., or such other
address or addressee for notice as the Administrative Agent shall last have
furnished in writing to the Person giving the notice; and

     (c)    if to any Lender, at such Lender's address set forth on Schedule 1
hereto, or such other address for notice as such Lender shall have last
furnished in writing to the Person giving the notice.

<PAGE>

                                     -100-

     Any such notice or demand shall be deemed to have been duly given or made
and to have become effective (i) if delivered by hand, overnight courier or
facsimile to a responsible officer of the party to which it is directed, at the
time of the receipt thereof by such officer or the sending of such facsimile
with transmission confirmed and (ii) if sent by registered or certified
first-class mail, postage prepaid, on the third Business Day following the
mailing thereof.

     (S)21. GOVERNING LAW. THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT AND, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE
SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED THEREIN, EACH OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS ARE CONTRACTS
UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND SHALL FOR ALL PURPOSES BE CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF SAID STATE (EXCLUDING THE LAWS
APPLICABLE TO CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW). THE BORROWER AGREES THAT ANY SUIT FOR
THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS MAY
BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY FEDERAL COURT SITTING
THEREIN AND CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURT AND SERVICE
OF PROCESS IN ANY SUCH SUIT BEING MADE UPON THE BORROWER BY MAIL AT THE ADDRESS
SPECIFIED IN (S)20. THE BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR
HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT OR ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH SUIT
IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT COURT.

     (S)22. HEADINGS. The captions in this Credit Agreement are for convenience
of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof.

     (S)23. COUNTERPARTS. This Credit Agreement and any amendment hereof may be
executed in several counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart,
each of which when executed and delivered shall be an original, and all of which
together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Credit Agreement it
shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart
signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

     (S)24. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, ETC. The Loan Documents and any other documents
executed in connection herewith or therewith express the entire understanding of
the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither this
Credit Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or
terminated, except as provided in (S)26.

     (S)25. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. Each party to this Credit Agreement hereby
waives its right to a jury trial with respect to any action or claim arising out
of any dispute in connection with this Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit
Notes or any of the other Loan Documents, any rights or obligations hereunder or
thereunder or the performance of which rights and obligations. Except as
prohibited by law, the Borrower and each Guarantor hereby waives any right it
may have to claim or recover in any litigation referred to in the preceding
sentence any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or any
damages other than, or in addition to, actual damages. The Borrower and each
Guarantor (a) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any Lender
or the Administrative Agent has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such
Lender or the Administrative Agent would not, in the event of litigation, seek
to enforce the foregoing waivers and (b) acknowledges that the Administrative
Agent and the Lenders have been induced to enter into this Credit Agreement, the
other Loan

<PAGE>

                                     -101-

Documents to which it is a party by, among other things, the waivers and
certifications contained herein.

         (S)26. CONSENTS, AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS, ETC. Any consent or approval
required or permitted by this Credit Agreement to be given by the Lenders may be
given, and any term of this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any
other instrument related hereto or mentioned herein may be amended, and the
performance or observance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any
terms of this Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or such other
instrument or the continuance of any Default or Event of Default may be waived
(either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or
prospectively) with, but only with, the written consent of the Borrower and the
written consent of the Majority Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any
decrease in the rate of interest on the Revolving Credit Notes (other than in
connection with the waiver of (S)5.10.2), any extension of scheduled maturity of
the Revolving Credit Notes, any increase in the amount of the Commitments of the
Lenders, any decrease in the amount of commitment fee, Letter of Credit Fees or
any other fee hereunder, any release of a substantial portion of the Collateral
(other than in respect of asset sales permitted by (S)9.6) and any amendment of
this (S)26 requires the written consent of the Borrower and the written consent
of each Lender affected thereby, (ii) the definitions of "Majority Lenders" and
"Supermajority Lenders" and (S)(S)15.5.1 and 19.8 may not be amended without the
written consent of all of the Lenders, (iii) the definition of "Co-Agents" may
not be amended without the written consent of all of the Co-Agents, (iv)
Collateral consisting of assets disposed of pursuant to (S)9.6 may be released
in connection with such disposition, (v) any amendments and waivers relating to
the Borrowing Base, advance rates and of definitions of this Credit Agreement
relating to eligibility criteria for assets included in the Borrowing Base which
would have the effect of making the Borrowing Base less restrictive shall
require the consent of the Supermajority Lenders, (vi) the amount of the
Administrative Agent's fee or any other fees payable for the Administrative
Agent's account and (S)15 may not be amended without the written consent of the
Administrative Agent and (vii) the amount of any Letter of Credit Fees or other
fees payable for the Issuing Bank's account and (S)4 may not be amended without
the consent of the Issuing Bank. No waiver shall extend to or affect any
obligation not expressly waived or impair any right consequent thereon. No
course of dealing or delay or omission on the part of the Administrative Agent
or any Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof or
otherwise be prejudicial thereto. No notice to or demand upon the Borrower shall
entitle the Borrower to other or further notice or demand in similar or other
circumstances.

     (S)27. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Credit Agreement are severable
and if any one clause or provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable
in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, then such invalidity or
unenforceability shall affect only such clause or provision, or part thereof, in
such jurisdiction, and shall not in any manner affect such clause or provision
in any other jurisdiction, or any other clause or provision of this Credit
Agreement in any jurisdiction.

     (S)28. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

     (S)28.1. Confidentiality. Each of the Lenders and each Co-Agent agrees, on
behalf of itself and each of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and
representatives, to use

<PAGE>

                                     -102-

reasonable precautions to keep confidential, in accordance with their customary
procedures for handling confidential information of the same nature and in
accordance with safe and sound banking practices, any non-public information
supplied to it by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to this
Credit Agreement that is identified by such Person as being confidential at the
time the same is delivered to the Lenders or the Co-Agents, provided that
nothing herein shall limit the disclosure of any such information (a) after such
information shall have become public other than through a violation of this
(S)28, (b) to the extent required by statute, rule, regulation or judicial
process, (c) to counsel for any of the Lenders or any Co-Agent, (d) to bank
examiners or any other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over any Lender
or the Administrative Agent, or to auditors or accountants, (e) to any Co-Agent,
any Lender or any Financial Affiliate, (f) in connection with any litigation to
which any one or more of the Lenders, any Co-Agent or any Financial Affiliate is
a party, or in connection with the enforcement of rights or remedies hereunder
or under any other Loan Document, (g) to a Subsidiary or affiliate of such
Lender as provided in (S)28.1 or (h) to any assignee or participant (or
prospective assignee or participant) so long as such assignee or participant
agrees to be bound by the provisions of (S)8.9.1. Any Co-Agents, the Lenders and
any Financial Affiliate may refer to any of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in
connection with any advertising, promotion or marketing undertaken by such
Co-Agent, such Lender or such Financial Affiliate and, for such purpose, such
Co-Agent, such Lender or such Financial Affiliate may utilize any trade name,
trademark, logo or other distinctive symbol associated with the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries or any of their businesses.

     (S)28.2. Prior Notification. Unless specifically prohibited by applicable
law or court order, each of the Lenders and each Co-Agent shall, prior to
disclosure thereof, notify the Borrower of any request for disclosure of any
such non-public information by any governmental agency or representative thereof
(other than any such request in connection with an examination of the financial
condition of such Lender by such governmental agency) or pursuant to legal
process.

     (S)28.3. Other. In no event shall any Lender or any Co-Agent be obligated
or required to return any materials furnished to it or any Financial Affiliate
by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. The obligations of each Lender under
this (S)28 shall supersede and replace the obligations of such Lender under any
confidentiality letter in respect of this financing signed and delivered by such
Lender to the Borrower prior to the date hereof and shall be binding upon any
assignee of, or purchaser of any participation in, any interest in any of the
Loans or Reimbursement Obligations from any Lender.

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Credit
Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

                                      THE BORROWER:

                                      REPUBLIC ENGINEERED PRODUCTS LLC

                                      By:    /s/ Michael Psaros
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Michael Psaros
                                          Title: President

                                      THE PARENT GUARANTOR:

                                      BLUE BAR, L.P.
                                      By:    Blue Steel Corporation
                                             Its General Partner

                                      By:    /s/ Michael Psaros
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Michael Psaros
                                          Title: President

                                      THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

                                      BLUE STEEL CAPITAL CORP.

                                      By:    /s/ Michael Psaros
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Michael Psaros
                                          Title: President

                                      N&T RAILWAY COMPANY LLC
                                      By:    Republic Engineered Products LLC
                                             Its Sole Member

                                      By:    /s/ Michael Psaros
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Michael Psaros
                                          Title: President

<PAGE>

                                      THE LENDERS AND THE CO-AGENTS:

                                      FLEET CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                                      Individually, as Administrative Agent
                                      and as Co-Agent

                                      By:    /s/ Joseph W. Johnson, Jr.
                                         --------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Joseph W. Johnson, Jr.
                                          Title: Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                                      individually and as Co-Agent

                                      By:    /s/ Brian J. Wright
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Brian J. Wright
                                          Title: Senior Vice President;
                                                 Portfolio Manager

<PAGE>

                                      JP MORGAN CHASE BANK,
                                      individually and as Co-Agent

                                      By:    /s/ Kimberly L. Turner
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Kimberly L. Turner
                                          Title: Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION,
                                      individually and as Co-Agent

                                      By:    /s/ Eileen Quinn
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Eileen Quinn
                                          Title: Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      GE CAPITAL CFE, INC.,
                                      individually and as Co-Agent

                                      By:    /s/ W. Jerome McDermott
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  W. Jerome McDermott
                                          Title: Duly Authorized Signatory

<PAGE>

                                      CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

                                      By:    /s/ John Sullivan
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  John Sullivan
                                          Title: Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      THE CIT GROUP / BUSINESS CREDIT, INC.

                                      By:    /s/ George Louis McKinley
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  George Louis McKinley
                                          Title: Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      LASALLE BUSINESS CREDIT, INC.

                                      By:    /s/ Lawrence P. Garni
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Lawrence P. Garni
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      DIME COMMERCIAL CORP.

                                      By:    /s/ John M. Richter
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  John M. Richter
                                          Title: Senior Consultant

<PAGE>

                                      ORIX FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                                      By:    /s/ Michael J. Cox
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Michael J. Cox
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      SUNROCK CAPITAL CORP.

                                      By:    /s/ Thomas M. Romanowski
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Thomas M. Romanowski
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.

                                      By:    /s/ Cecilia M. Valente
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  Cecilia M. Valente
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      GMAC BUSINESS CREDIT, LLC

                                      By:    /s/ John R. [ILLEGIBLE]
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  John R. [ILLEGIBLE]
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

<PAGE>

                                      GUARANTY BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION

                                      By:    /s/ James E. [ILLEGIBLE]
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          Name:  James E. [ILLEGIBLE]
                                          Title: Senior Vice President

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