Document:

<PAGE>   1
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                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                   dated as of

                                December 21, 1999

                                      among

                                    HWG LLC,
                                as the Borrower,

                        THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED,
                              as Parent Guarantor,

                             FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A.,
                          as the Administrative Agent,

                                       and

                           THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
                         NOW OR HEREAFTER PARTIES HERETO
                                 to the Lenders

                              $18,000,000 Term Loan

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<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Page No.
                                                                        --------

                                   ARTICLE 1
                           DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION
<S>               <C>                                                   <C>
Section           1.1      Definitions .....................................  1
Section           1.2      Accounting Terms and Determinations ............. 12
Section           1.3      Other Definitional Terms ........................ 12

                                   ARTICLE 2
                         AMOUNT AND TERMS OF TERM LOANS

Section           2.1      Term Loans and Commitments ...................... 12
         (a)      Term Loans ............................................... 12
         (b)      Term Loan Commitments .................................... 12
         (c)      Availability ............................................. 12
         (d)      Funds to the Administrative Agent ........................ 12
         (e)      Lenders' Responsibilities ................................ 13
Section           2.2      Term Notes and Amortization ..................... 13
Section           2.3      Interest ........................................ 13
         (a)      Term Loans ............................................... 13
         (b)      Default Interest ......................................... 13
Section           2.4      Accounts and Register ........................... 13
         (a)      Lender Accounts .......................................... 13
         (b)      Register ................................................. 14
Section           2.5      Prepayments ..................................... 14
         (a)      Mandatory Prepayments .................................... 14
         (b)      Voluntary Prepayments .................................... 14
         (c)      Prepayment Penalty ....................................... 14
Section           2.6      Fees ............................................ 15
Section           2.7      Payments, etc. .................................. 15
         (a)      Without Setoff, etc. ..................................... 15
         (b)      Non-Business Days ........................................ 15
         (c)      Computations ............................................. 15
Section           2.8      Capital Adequacy ................................ 15
Section           2.9      Sharing of Payments, etc. ....................... 16
Section           2.10     Taxes ........................................... 16
         (a)      Payments Free and Clear .................................. 16
         (b)      Other Taxes .............................................. 16
         (c)      Indemnification .......................................... 16
         (d)      Receipts ................................................. 16
         (e)      Survival ................................................. 17
         (f)      Lender Representations and Agreements .................... 17
Section           2.11     Pro Rata Treatment .............................. 17
Section           2.12     Replacement of Lenders .......................... 17
</TABLE>

                                       i
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
                                   ARTICLE 3
                                    CLOSING
<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
         (a)      Term Notes ............................................... 17
         (b)      Resolutions and Incumbency Certificates .................. 17
         (c)      Opinions of Counsel ...................................... 18
         (d)      The Security Instruments ................................. 18
         (e)      Intercreditor Agreement .................................. 18
         (f)      Closing Transactions ..................................... 19
         (g)      Insurance ................................................ 19
         (h)      Financial Statements and Projections ..................... 19
         (i)      Collateral Value Certificate ............................. 19
         (j)      Form U-1 Purpose Statement ............................... 20
         (k)      Certificate of Chief Financial Officer. .................. 20
         (l)      Structure ................................................ 20
         (m)      Lien Searches ............................................ 20
         (n)      Fees and Expenses ........................................ 20
         (o)      Documentation ............................................ 20

                                   ARTICLE 4
                                    SECURITY

Section           4.1      Security Granted ................................ 20
Section           4.2      Collateral Value ................................ 21
Section           4.3      Benchmark Collateral Deficiency ................. 21
Section           4.4      Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency ...... 21
Section           4.5      Substitution of Collateral ...................... 21

                                   ARTICLE 5
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section           5.1      Existence ....................................... 22
Section           5.2      Power and Authorization ......................... 22
Section           5.3      Binding Obligations ............................. 22
Section           5.4      No Legal Bar or Resultant Lien .................. 22
Section           5.5      No Consent ...................................... 22
Section           5.6      Financial Information ........................... 22
         (a)      Pro-Forma Financial Statements and Projections ........... 22
         (b)      Financial Statements ..................................... 23
         (c)      Audited Annual Financial Statements ...................... 23
         (d)      Unaudited Quarterly Financial Statements ................. 23
         (e)      No Material Adverse Effect ............................... 23
Section           5.7      Investments and Guaranties ...................... 23
Section           5.8      Litigation ...................................... 23
Section           5.9      Use of Proceeds ................................. 24
Section           5.10     Employee Benefits ............................... 24
Section           5.11     Taxes; Governmental Charges ..................... 25
Section           5.12     Titles, etc. .................................... 25
Section           5.13     Defaults ........................................ 25
Section           5.14     Casualties; Taking of Properties ................ 25
Section           5.15     Compliance with the Law ......................... 25
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
Section           5.16     No Material Misstatements ....................... 25
Section           5.17     Investment Company Act .......................... 26
Section           5.18     Public Utility Holding Company Act .............. 26
Section           5.19     Subsidiaries .................................... 26
Section           5.20     Insurance ....................................... 26
Section           5.21     Environmental Matters ........................... 26
         (a)      Environmental Laws, etc. ................................. 26
         (b)      No Litigation ............................................ 26
         (c)      Notices, Permits, etc. ................................... 27
         (d)      Hazardous Substances Carriers ............................ 27
         (e)      Hazardous Substances Disposal ............................ 27
         (f)      No Contingent Liability .................................. 27
Section           5.22     Solvency ........................................ 28
Section           5.23     Employee Matters ................................ 28
Section           5.24     Subordinated Debenture Documents, etc. .......... 28
Section           5.25     Ownership ....................................... 28
Section           5.26     Senior Indebtedness ............................. 28
Section           5.27     Year 2000 Matters ............................... 28

                                    ARTICLE 6
                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Section           6.1      Maintenance and Compliance, etc. ................ 29
Section           6.2      Payment of Taxes and Claims, etc. ............... 29
Section           6.3      Further Assurances .............................. 29
Section           6.4      Performance of Obligations ...................... 29
Section           6.5      Insurance ....................................... 29
Section           6.6      Accounts and Records ............................ 29
Section           6.7      Right of Inspection ............................. 30
Section           6.8      Operation and Maintenance of Property ........... 30
Section           6.9      [Intentionally Deleted] ......................... 30
Section           6.10     Reporting Covenants ............................. 30
         (a)      Annual Financial Statements .............................. 30
         (b)      Quarterly Financial Statements ........................... 30
         (c)      No Default; Compliance Certificate ....................... 31
         (d)      Management Letters ....................................... 31
         (e)      [Intentionally Deleted] .................................. 31
         (f)      Events or Circumstances with respect to Collateral ....... 31
         (g)      Notice of Certain Events ................................. 31
         (h)      Shareholder Communications, Filings ...................... 31
         (i)      Litigation ............................................... 32
         (j)      ERISA .................................................... 32
         (k)      Insurance Coverage ....................................... 32
         (l)      Annual Budget ............................................ 32
         (m)      Collateral Value Certificate ............................. 32
         (n)      Notices to Holders of Subordinated Debentures ............ 32
         (o)      Other Information ........................................ 32
Section           6.11     Year 2000 Compatibility ......................... 32
</TABLE>

                                      iii
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<TABLE>
                                    ARTICLE 7
                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS
<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
Section           7.1      Financial Covenants ............................. 33
Section           7.2      Indebtedness .................................... 33
Section           7.3      Liens ........................................... 33
Section           7.4      Mergers, Sales, etc. ............................ 34
Section           7.5      Restricted Payments ............................. 35
Section           7.6      Investments, Loans, etc. ........................ 35
Section           7.7      Sales and Leasebacks ............................ 36
Section           7.8      Nature of Business .............................. 36
Section           7.9      ERISA Compliance ................................ 36
Section           7.10     Sale or Discount of Receivables ................. 37
Section           7.11     Negative Pledge Agreements ...................... 37
Section           7.12     Transactions with Affiliates .................... 37
Section           7.13     Unconditional Purchase Obligations .............. 37
Section           7.14     [Intentionally Deleted .......................... 37
Section           7.15     [Intentionally Deleted .......................... 37
Section           7.16     Intercompany Transactions ....................... 38
Section           7.17     [Intentionally Deleted .......................... 38
Section           7.18     Modifications to Organizational Documents ....... 38
Section           7.19     Modifications to Subordinated Debentures; Payment
                             Restrictions .................................. 38

                                    ARTICLE 8
                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Section           8.1      Payments ........................................ 38
Section           8.2      Covenants Without Notice ........................ 38
Section           8.3      Other Covenants ................................. 38
Section           8.4      Other Financing Document Obligations ............ 38
Section           8.5      Representations ................................. 39
Section           8.6      Non-Payments of Other Indebtedness .............. 39
Section           8.7      Defaults Under Other Agreements ................. 39
Section           8.8      Bankruptcy ...................................... 39
Section           8.9      Money Judgment .................................. 39
Section           8.10     Discontinuance of Business ...................... 40
Section           8.11     Financing Documents ............................. 40
Section           8.12     Change of Control ............................... 40
Section           8.13     Subordination of Lender Indebtedness ............ 40
Section           8.14     Default Under Subordinated Indebtedness ......... 40

                                    ARTICLE 9
                            THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section           9.1      Appointment of Administrative Agent ............. 40
Section           9.2      Limitation of Duties of Administrative Agent .... 41
Section           9.3      Lack of Reliance on the Administrative Agent .... 41
         (a)      Independent Investigation ................................ 41
         (b)      Administrative Agent Not Responsible ..................... 41
Section           9.4      Certain Rights of the Administrative Agent ...... 41
Section           9.5      Reliance by Administrative Agent ................ 41
</TABLE>

                                       iv
<PAGE>   6

<TABLE>
<S>               <C>                                                      <C>
Section           9.6      INDEMNIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ......... 42
Section           9.7      The Administrative Agent in its Individual
                             Capacity ...................................... 42
Section           9.8      May Treat Lender as Owner ....................... 42
Section           9.9      Successor Administrative Agent .................. 42
         (a)      Administrative Agent Resignation ......................... 42
         (b)      Rights, Powers, etc. ..................................... 43

                                   ARTICLE 10
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

Section           10.1     Notices ......................................... 43
Section           10.2     Amendments and Waivers .......................... 43
Section           10.3     No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative .................. 44
Section           10.4     Payment of Expenses, Indemnities, etc. .......... 44
         (a)      Expenses ................................................. 44
         (b)      Indemnification .......................................... 44
         (c)      Environmental Indemnification ............................ 45
         (d)      ENVIRONMENTAL WAIVER ..................................... 45
Section           10.5     Right of Setoff ................................. 46
Section           10.6     Benefit of Agreement ............................ 46
Section           10.7     Successors and Assigns; Participations and
                             Assignments ................................... 46
Section           10.8     Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; etc... 48
         (a)      Governing Law ............................................ 48
         (b)      Submission to Jurisdiction ............................... 48
         (c)      Waiver of Consequential Damages .......................... 48
         (d)      Process Agent ............................................ 49
         (e)      Service of Process ....................................... 49
Section           10.9     Independent Nature of Lenders' Rights ........... 49
Section           10.10    Invalidity ...................................... 49
Section           10.11    Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement ............. 49
Section           10.12    Confidentiality ................................. 49
Section           10.13    Interest ........................................ 50
Section           10.14    Entire Agreement ................................ 51
Section           10.15    Attachments ..................................... 51
Section           10.16    Counterparts .................................... 51
Section           10.17    Survival of Indemnities ......................... 51
Section           10.18    Headings Descriptive ............................ 51
Section           10.19    Satisfaction Requirement ........................ 51
Section           10.20    Exculpation Provisions .......................... 51
</TABLE>

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<PAGE>   7

ANNEXES

         Annex I - Term Loan and Commitments

SCHEDULES

         Schedule 1.1  - Hotel Mortgages
         Schedule 5.7  - Investments
         Schedule 5.8  - Litigation
         Schedule 5.13 - Existing Defaults
         Schedule 5.19 - Subsidiaries
         Schedule 5.20 - Insurance
         Schedule 5.21 - Environmental Matters
         Schedule 5.23 - Employment Contracts
         Schedule 5.25 - Ownership
         Schedule 7.2  - Existing Indebtedness
         Schedule 7.3  - Liens
         Schedule 7.9  - ERISA Compliance
         Schedule 7.16 - Intercompany Transactions

EXHIBITS

         Exhibit A     - Form of Term Note
         Exhibit B     - Form of Opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist
         Exhibit C-1   - Form of Facility Guaranty
         Exhibit C-2   - Forms of Pledge Agreements
         Exhibit C-3   - Form of Collateral Assignment of Intercompany Note
         Exhibit D     - Form of Assignment and Acceptance
         Exhibit E     - Form of Compliance Certificate
         Exhibit F     - Form of Collateral Value Certificate

                                       vi
<PAGE>   8

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

         THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of this 21st day of December, 1999, among HWG LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (the "Borrower"), THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, a Delaware
corporation ("Parent"), FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., individually as a Lender, and as
Administrative Agent, and each of the lenders that is a signatory hereto or
which becomes a party hereto as provided in Section (individually, a "Lender"
and, collectively, the "Lenders").

                                    RECITALS:

         The Borrower and Parent have requested that the Lenders provide the
Borrower with a term credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to provide
such a credit facility upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein.

         (c) Proceeds of the Term Loan (as herein defined) will be used solely
to retire in full the Original Series Debentures (as herein defined), to
refinance certain existing indebtedness of the Borrower and Parent, to finance
certain fees and expenses actually incurred relating to the Term Loan, (d) to
provide for the release of certain HRY (as herein defined) limited partnership
units held in escrow, (e) to make the loan from the Borrower to Parent evidenced
by the Parent Intercompany Note (as herein defined), and (f) for working
capital.

                                   AGREEMENT:

         In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein
contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy
of which are hereby acknowledged, the Borrower, Parent, the Administrative Agent
and the Lenders agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1
                           DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION

         Section 1.1 Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall
have the meanings herein specified (to be equally applicable to both the
singular and plural forms of the terms defined). Reference to any party to a
Financing Document means that party and its successors and assigns.

                  "Administrative Agent" shall mean First Bank Texas, N.A.,
acting in the manner and to the extent described in Article .

                  "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person,
another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person
specified.

                  "Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement, as amended,
modified or supplemented from time to time.

                  "Alpha Trust" shall mean Alpha Trust, a trust formed under the
laws of the Island of Jersey, Channel Islands.

<PAGE>   9

                  "Assignment and Acceptance" shall have the meaning provided
in Section.

                  "Bankruptcy Code" shall have the meaning provided in Section
8.8.

                  "Benchmark Collateral Value" shall mean, as of any date of
determination, an amount equal to 166.67% of the then outstanding principal
balance of the Term Loan.

                  "Benchmark Collateral Value Deficiency" shall mean, as of any
date, the amount by which (a) the aggregate value of all Marketable Equity and
Non-Marketable Equity (as reflected in the most recent Collateral Value
Certificate delivered by Parent to the Administrative Agent in accordance with
Section hereof) pledged to the Administrative Agent as security for the Lender
Indebtedness is less than (b) the Benchmark Collateral Value.

                  "Benchmark Marketable Collateral Value" shall mean, as of any
date of determination, an amount equal to 105% of the then outstanding principal
balance of the Term Loan.

                  "Benchmark Marketable Collateral Value Deficiency" shall mean,
as of any date, the amount by which (a) the aggregate value of all Marketable
Equity (as reflected in the most recent Collateral Value Certificate delivered
by Parent to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section hereof) pledged
to the Administrative Agent as security for the Lender Indebtedness is less than
(b) the Benchmark Marketable Collateral Value.

                  "Borrower" shall have the meaning set forth in the initial
paragraph hereof.

                  "Borrower Pledge Agreement" shall mean the Pledge Agreement
executed by the Borrower, substantially in the applicable form attached as
Exhibit C-2, as amended, modified, renewed, supplemented or amended from time to
time, pursuant to which the Borrower shall pledge to the Administrative Agent,
for the ratable benefit of the Lenders, the issued and outstanding Equity owned
by the Borrower of HRY, Hallwood Realty and HCRE described therein to secure the
Lender Indebtedness.

                  "Brock" shall mean Brock Suite Hotels, Inc., a Kansas
corporation.

                  "Brookwood" shall mean Brookwood Companies Incorporated, a
Delaware corporation.

                  "Business Day" shall mean any day excluding Saturday, Sunday
and any other day on which banks are required or authorized to close in Houston,
Texas.

                  "Capital Expenditures" shall mean, for any period, all
expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as a liability, including the
portion of Capital Lease Obligations originally incurred during such period that
are capitalized on the consolidated balance sheet of Parent) by Parent and its
Subsidiaries during such period, that, in conformity with GAAP, are included in
"capital expenditures," "additions to property, plant or equipment" or
comparable items in the consolidated financial statements of Parent, but
excluding expenditures for the restoration, repair or replacement of any fixed
or capital asset that was destroyed or damaged, in whole or in part, in an
amount equal to any insurance proceeds received in connection with such
destruction or damage.

                  "Capital Lease Obligations" shall mean, as to any Person, the
obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or
other agreement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which
obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as a liability for a
capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person and, for purposes of this
Agreement, the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount
thereof.

                                       2
<PAGE>   10

                  "Change of Control" shall mean (a) the acquisition of
ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or
group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date
hereof) of shares representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate
ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding capital stock of
Parent; (b) the occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats)
on the board of directors of Parent by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by
the board of directors of Parent nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated;
(c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of Parent by any Person or
group other than Anthony J. Gumbiner, the Alpha Trust and their Affiliates, or
(d) the Borrower shall cease to be a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent.

                  "Closing Date" shall mean the "as of" date of this Agreement
set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

                  "Closing Transactions" shall mean the transactions to occur on
the Closing Date including, without limitation, (a) the termination of the
Original Series Indenture and the retirement in full of the Original Series
Debentures and release of the Liens securing same, (b) the repayment in full of
existing Indebtedness of Parent owing to First Union National Bank in the
current principal outstanding amount approximately equal to $667,000, and the
release of the Liens securing same, (c) the release of 89,269 HRY limited
partnership units securing that certain promissory note dated March 8, 1994,
executed by Parent and payable to Corporate Property Associates 6 and Corporate
Property Associates 7, in the original principal amount of $500,000, (d) the
disbursement by the Borrower to Parent of the proceeds of the Parent
Intercompany Note, and (e) consummation of the transactions contemplated by
Sections 2 and 4 of the Shareholder Agreement. Closing Transactions expressly
includes the Transactions.

                  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and any successor statute.

                  "Collateral" shall mean each Credit Party's Properties
described in and subject to the Liens, privileges, priorities and security
interests purported to be created by any Security Instrument.

                  "Collateral Assignment of Intercompany Note" shall mean the
Collateral Assignment of Intercompany Note executed by the Borrower,
substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C-3, as amended, modified,
renewed, supplemented or amended from time to time, pursuant to which the
Borrower shall assign to the Administrative Agent and grant to the
Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders a first and prior
Lien in and to all rights, title and interest in and to the Parent Intercompany
Note to secure the Lender Indebtedness.

                  "Control" shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a
Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or
otherwise. "Controlling" and "Controlled" shall have the meanings correlative
thereto.

                  "Credit Parties" shall mean, collectively, Parent, the
Borrower, Integra and HEPGP.

                  "Current Information" shall mean, as of any day, the
financial statements and other related information for any applicable period
most recently required to be delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Sections
6.10(a), 6.10(b) and 6.10(c).

                  "Debt Offering" shall mean the incurrence by any Person of
Indebtedness whether or not occurring in connection with the issuance or sale of
notes, bonds, debentures or other debt securities; provided, that the incurrence
of any Indebtedness by any Person expressly permitted by Section hereof will not
constitute a Debt Offering for purposes of this Agreement.

                                       3
<PAGE>   11

                  "Debt Service Coverage Ratio" shall mean, as to Parent and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, determined for the Rolling Period ending
on the most recent Quarterly Date as of the date of determination, the ratio of
(a) Net Cash Flow to (b) the sum of (1) scheduled principal payments on Funded
Indebtedness plus (2) Interest Expense minus (3) scheduled principal and
interest payments with respect to Hotel Mortgage Indebtedness; provided,
however, Debt Service Coverage Ratio shall be computed to give pro forma effect
to the principal and interest payments required by Section 2.2 as if such
payments were required on each Monthly Date commencing April 30, 1999.

                  "Default" shall mean an Event of Default or any condition or
event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of
Default.

                  "Dollar" and the sign "$" shall mean lawful money of the
United States of America.

                  "EBITDA" shall mean, as to any Person, for any period, without
duplication, an amount equal to net income determined in accordance with GAAP,
plus to the extent deducted from net income, Interest Expense, depreciation,
other non-cash expenses, and income tax expenses; provided, that, extraordinary
gains or losses for any such period, including, but not limited to, gains or
losses on the disposition of assets, shall not be included in EBITDA.

                  "Environmental Laws" shall mean any and all laws, statutes,
ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of any Governmental Authority
pertaining to health or the environment in effect in any and all jurisdictions
in which Parent or its Subsidiaries are conducting or at any time have conducted
business, or where any Property of Parent or its Subsidiaries is located, or
where any hazardous substances generated by or disposed of by Parent or its
Subsidiaries or are located, including, but not limited to, the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990 ("OPA"), the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Comprehensive
Environmental, Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), as
amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA"), as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as
amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act of 1986, as amended, and other environmental
conservation or protection laws. The term "oil" shall have the meaning specified
in OPA; the terms "hazardous substance," "release" and "threatened release" have
the meanings specified in CERCLA, and the terms "solid waste" and "disposal" (or
"disposed") have the meanings specified in RCRA; provided, however, in the event
either CERCLA or RCRA is amended so as to change the meaning of any term defined
thereby, such changed meaning shall apply subsequent to the effective date of
such amendment; and provided, further, that, to the extent the laws of the state
in which any Property of Parent or its Subsidiaries or is located establish a
meaning for "oil," "hazardous substance," "release," "solid waste" or "disposal"
which is broader than that specified in either OPA, CERCLA or RCRA, such broader
meaning shall apply.

                  "Epsilon Trust" shall mean Epsilon Trust, a trust formed under
the laws of the Island of Jersey, Channel Islands.

                  "Equity" shall mean shares of capital stock or a partnership,
profits, capital or member interest, or options, warrants or any other right to
subscribe for or otherwise acquire the capital stock or a partnership, profits,
capital or member interest, of Parent, the Borrower, or their Subsidiaries.

                  "Equity Contribution" shall mean any contribution to the
equity capital of any Credit Party by any Person other than Parent or its
Subsidiaries, whether or not occurring in connection with the issuance or sale
of Equity securities by any such Credit Party.

                                       4
<PAGE>   12

                  "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute.

                  "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean each trade or business (whether
or not incorporated) which together with Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent would
be deemed to be a "single employer" within the meaning of Section 4001(b)(1) of
ERISA or Subsections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

                  "ERISA Termination Event" shall mean (a) a "Reportable Event"
described in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder (other
than a "Reportable Event" not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the
PBGC under Subsections .14, .18, .19 or .20 of Part 2615 of the PBGC
regulations), (b) the withdrawal of Parent, a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a "substantial
employer" as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, (c) the filing of a notice
of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a
termination under Section 4041(c) of ERISA, (d) the institution of proceedings
to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (e) any other event or condition which could
reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the
termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

                  "Event of Default" shall have the meaning provided in
Article 8.
                  "Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to the Administrative
Agent, any Lender, or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on
account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise
taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of
America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is
organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any
Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch
profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed
by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, and (c) in the case
of a Foreign Lender any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to
such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this
Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such
Foreign Lender's failure to comply with Section 2.10(f), except to the extent
that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of
designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional
amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to
Section 2.10(a).

                  "Facility Guaranty" shall mean a Guaranty executed by Parent,
substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1, as amended, modified, renewed,
supplemented or restated from time to time, pursuant to which Parent guarantees
payment and performance in full of the Lender Indebtedness.

                  "Federal Funds Effective Rate" shall mean, for any day, the
per annum rate 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 which is a
Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions
received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of
recognized standing selected by it.

                  "Financial Statements" shall mean, collectively, (i) the
audited consolidated financial statements of Parent for the twelve month period
ended December 31, 1998, and (ii) the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Parent for the Fiscal Quarter ended September 30, 1999.

                  "Financing Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the Term
Notes, the Security Instruments, and the other documents, instruments or
agreements described in Article 3, together with any other document, instrument
or agreement now or hereafter entered into in connection with the Term Loans,

                                       5
<PAGE>   13

the Lender Indebtedness or the Collateral, as such documents, instruments or
agreements may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

                  "First Bank" shall mean First Bank Texas, N.A., in its
individual capacity and not as Administrative Agent.

                  "Fiscal Quarter" shall mean the three (3) month periods ending
on the last day of each March, June, September and December of each Fiscal Year.

                  "Fiscal Year" shall mean a twelve (12) month period ending on
December 31st of each year.

                  "Fixed Rate" shall mean 10.25% per annum.

                  "Foreign Lender" means any Lender that is organized under the
laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is located. For
purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof
and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single
jurisdiction.

                  "Funded Indebtedness" shall mean, as to any Person, without
duplication, all Indebtedness for borrowed money, all obligations evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments, all Capital Lease
Obligations, and all guaranties of Funded Indebtedness of other Persons.

                  "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as
applied in accordance with Section 1.2.

                  "Governmental Authority" shall mean any (domestic or foreign)
federal, state, province, county, city, municipal or other political subdivision
or government, department, commission, board, bureau, court, agency or any other
instrumentality of any of them, which exercises jurisdiction over Parent or its
Subsidiaries, or any Property (including, but not limited to, the use and/or
sale thereof) of Parent or its Subsidiaries, or any Plan.

                  "Governmental Requirement" shall mean any law, statute, code,
ordinance, order, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction, franchise,
permit, certificate, license, authorization or other direction or requirement
(including but not limited to any of the foregoing which relate to Environmental
Laws, energy regulations and occupational, safety and health standards or
controls) of any Governmental Authority.

                  "Hallwood Hotels" shall mean Hallwood Hotels, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

                  "Hallwood Realty" shall mean Hallwood Realty, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.

                  "HCRE" shall mean Hallwood Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company.

                  "HECO" shall mean Hallwood Energy Corporation, a Delaware
corporation.

                  "HEPGP" shall mean HEPGP, Ltd., a Delaware limited
partnership.

                  "HEPGP Pledge Agreement" shall mean the Pledge Agreement
executed by HEPGP, substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit C-2,
as amended, modified, renewed, supplemented or amended from time to time,
pursuant to which HEPGP shall pledge to the Administrative Agent, for the
ratable benefit of the Lenders, the issued and outstanding Equity owned by HEPGP
of HECO described therein to secure the Lender Indebtedness.

                                       6
<PAGE>   14

                  "Highest Lawful Rate" shall mean, with respect to each Lender,
the maximum nonusurious interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to
time may be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received on the Term
Notes or on other Lender Indebtedness, as the case may be, owed to it under the
law of any jurisdiction whose laws may be mandatorily applicable to such Lender
notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, or law of the United States
of America applicable to such Lender and the Transactions, which would permit
such Lender to contract for, charge, take, reserve or receive a greater amount
of interest than under such jurisdiction's law.

                  "Hotel Mortgage Indebtedness" shall mean Nonrecourse
Indebtedness of Brock and Hallwood Hotels which is secured by the mortgages
described on Schedule 1.1.

                  "HRY" shall mean Hallwood Realty Partners, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership.

                  "Indebtedness" of any Person shall mean:

                  (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and
         obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar
         instruments;

                  (b) all obligations of such Person (whether contingent or
         otherwise) in respect of bankers' acceptances, letters of credit,
         surety or other bonds and similar instruments;

                  (c) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred
         purchase price of Property or services (other than for borrowed money);

                  (d) all Capital Lease Obligations in respect of which such
         Person is liable, contingently or otherwise, as obligor, guarantor or
         otherwise, or in respect of which obligations such Person otherwise
         assures a creditor against loss;

                  (e) all guaranties (direct or indirect), and other contingent
         obligations of such Person in respect of, or obligations to purchase or
         otherwise acquire or to assure payment of, Indebtedness of other
         Persons;

                  (f) Indebtedness of others secured by any Lien upon Property
         owned by such Person, whether or not assumed;

                  (g) all obligations or undertakings of such Person to maintain
         or cause to be maintained the financial position or financial covenants
         of other Persons; and

                  (h) all obligations to deliver goods or services in
         consideration of advance payments, excluding such obligations incurred
         in the ordinary course of business as conducted by any Credit Party as
         of the Closing Date.

                  "Indemnified Taxes" shall mean Taxes other than Excluded
Taxes.

                  "Integra" shall mean Integra Hotels, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

                  "Integra Pledge Agreement" shall mean the Pledge Agreement
executed by Integra, substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit
C-2, as amended, modified, renewed, supplemented or amended from time to time,
pursuant to which Integra shall pledge to the Administrative Agent, for the
ratable benefit of the Lenders, the issued and outstanding Equity owned by
Integra of Brock described therein to secure the Lender Indebtedness.

                                       7
<PAGE>   15
                  "Intercreditor Agreement" shall mean an Intercreditor
Agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent to be
entered into by and among The Bank of New York, Bank One, N.A. and the
Administrative Agent with respect to the Subordinated Debentures.

                  "Interest Expense" shall mean, as to Parent and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and for any period, without duplication,
total interest expenses, whether paid or accrued as liabilities (including the
interest component of Capital Lease Obligations), with respect to all
outstanding Indebtedness, including, without limitation, all commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to any financing.

                  "Lender" shall have the meaning set forth in the opening
paragraph hereof.

                  "Lender Indebtedness" shall mean any and all amounts owing or
to be owing by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders with
respect to or in connection with the Term Loans, the Term Notes, this Agreement,
or any other Financing Document.

                  "Lending Office" shall mean for each Lender the office
specified beneath such Lender's name on the signature pages hereof, or in the
Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender or such other
office as such Lender may designate in writing from time to time to Parent, the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

                  "Lien" shall mean any interest in Property securing an
obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the
Property, whether such interest is based on contract, constitutional, common, or
statutory law, and including but not limited to the lien or security interest
arising from a mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement, conditional
sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes.
The term "Lien" shall include reservations, exceptions, encroachments,
easements, rights of way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, liens and other
statutory, constitutional, or common law rights of landlords, leases and other
title exceptions and encumbrances affecting Property. For the purposes of this
Agreement, any Credit Party shall be deemed to be the owner of any Property
which it has acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement,
financing lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has
been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes.

                  "Margin Stock" shall have the meaning provided in Regulations
U and X.

                  "Marketable Equity" shall mean the Equity of HECO and HRY
owned by HEPGP and the Borrower, respectively, and pledged to the Administrative
Agent to secure the Lender Indebtedness pursuant to the terms of the HEPGP
Pledge Agreement and the Borrower Pledge Agreement, respectively.

                  "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any material and adverse
effect on (a) the business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition
(financial or otherwise), prospects, or results of operations of Parent or any
other Credit Party, individually, or Parent and any Subsidiary of Parent, taken
as a whole, (b) the ability of the Credit Parties to perform any of their
respective obligations under the Term Notes, this Agreement or the other
Financing Documents in accordance with their respective terms, or (c) the rights
of, or benefits available to, Lenders under the Term Notes, this Agreement or
the other Financing Documents.

                  "Monthly Date" shall mean the last Business Day of each
calendar month.

                  "Net Cash Flow" shall mean, as to any Person for any period,
without duplication, an amount equal to (a) EBITDA for such period, minus (b)
for each such period, the sum of (1) scheduled principal and interest payments
with respect to all Hotel Mortgage Indebtedness, (2) dividends actually made by
Parent during such period with respect to its Series B Preferred Stock, (3)
required or scheduled deferred purchase payments actually made by Parent during
such period pursuant to the terms of the Shareholder Agreement,

                                       8
<PAGE>   16

and (4) actual Capital Expenditures for such period for the maintenance of any
fixed or capital asset, plus (c) dividends actually received by Parent and/or
HEPGP from HECO during such period with respect to HECO's preferred and common
stock, plus (d) distributions actually received by the Borrower from HRY during
such period with respect to HRY's limited partnership units and general
partnership interests.

                  "Net Cash Proceeds" shall mean the remainder of (a) the gross
proceeds received by any Person from any Equity Contribution or Debt Offering,
less (b) underwriter discounts and commissions, investment banking fees, legal,
accounting and other professional fees and expenses, and other usual and
customary transaction costs, in each case only to the extent paid or payable by
such Person in cash and related to such Equity Contribution or Debt Offering.

                  "Non-Marketable Equity" shall mean all Equity, other than the
Marketable Equity, pledged to the Administrative Agent to secure the Lender
Indebtedness pursuant to the terms of the Pledge Agreements.

                  "Nonrecourse Indebtedness" shall mean Indebtedness with
respect to which neither Parent nor its Subsidiaries has any liability for
repayment beyond the assets pledged.

                  "Original Series Debentures" shall mean Parent's 7%
Collateralized Senior Subordinated Debentures due July 31, 2000. The Original
Series Debentures shall be retired in full on the Closing Date with a portion of
the proceeds of the Term Loans.

                  "Original Series Debentures Indenture" shall mean that certain
Indenture dated as of March 2, 1993 by and between the Original Series Debenture
Trustee and Parent with respect to the Original Series Debentures, as such
agreement may have heretofore been amended or modified. The Original Series
Debenture Indenture shall be terminated as of the Closing Date.

                  "Original Series Debentures Trustee" shall mean Norwest Bank
Minnesota, National Association, as trustee under the Original Series Debentures
Indenture, or any duly appointed and acting successor thereof.

                  "Other Taxes" shall mean any and all present or future stamp
or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar
levies arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery
or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement.

                  "Parent" shall have the meaning set forth in the initial
paragraph hereof.

                  "Parent Intercompany Note" shall mean a demand promissory note
in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent executed by Parent
as maker and payable to the order of the Borrower as payee in the original
principal amount of $18,000,000.

                  "Parent Pledge Agreement" shall mean the Pledge Agreement
executed by Parent, substantially in the applicable form attached as Exhibit
C-2, as amended, modified, renewed, supplemented or amended from time to time,
pursuant to which Parent shall pledge to the Administrative Agent, for the
ratable benefit of the Lenders, the issued and outstanding Equity owned by
Parent in HECO and Hallwood Hotels described therein to secure the Lender
Indebtedness.

                  "Payment Office" shall mean the Administrative Agent's office
located at 8820 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77063, Attention: Alan Cott (or such
other office or individual as the Administrative Agent may hereafter designate
in writing to the other parties hereto).

                                        9
<PAGE>   17

                  "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or
any successor thereto.

                  "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, firm,
corporation, limited liability company (including, but not limited to Parent and
the Borrower), association, joint venture, trust or other entity, or any
government or political subdivision or agency, department or instrumentality
thereof; provided, however, for the purpose of the definition of "Change of
Control," "Person" shall mean a "person" or group of persons within the meaning
of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

                  "Plan" shall mean any employee pension benefit plan, as
defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (including, but not limited to, an employee
pension benefit plan, such as a foreign plan, which is not subject to the
provisions of ERISA), which (a) is currently or hereafter sponsored, maintained
or contributed to by Parent, a Subsidiary of Parent or an ERISA Affiliate, or
(b) was at any time during the six (6) preceding Fiscal Years sponsored,
maintained or contributed to by Parent, a Subsidiary of Parent or an ERISA
Affiliate.

                  "Pledge Agreements" shall mean, collectively, the Borrower
Pledge Agreement, the Integra Pledge Agreement, the Parent Pledge Agreement and
the HEPGP Pledge Agreement.

                  "Property" shall mean any interest in any kind of property or
asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.

                  "Quarterly Dates" shall mean the last day of each March, June,
September and December in each year.

                  "Register" shall have the meaning assigned in Section 10.7(c).

                  "Regulation D", "Regulations U and X" shall mean,
respectively, Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or
modified from time to time, and Regulation U and Regulation X of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as such regulations are from time to
time in effect and any successor regulations thereto.

                  "Required Lenders" shall mean, at any time, the Lenders having
66 2/3% or more of the combined aggregate amount at such time of Term Loans then
outstanding.

                  "Responsible Officer" shall mean, with respect to any
corporation or limited liability company, the chairman of the board, the
president, any vice president, the chief executive officer, or the chief
operating officer, any authorized member, any authorized manager, or any
equivalent officer (regardless of his or her title), and, in respect of
financial or accounting matters, the chief financial officer, the vice president
of finance, the treasurer, the controller, or any equivalent officer (regardless
of his or her title). Unless otherwise specified, all references to a
Responsible Officer herein shall mean a Responsible Officer of Parent and the
Borrower.

                  "Restricted Payment" shall mean, with respect to any Person,
including Parent and the Borrower, (a) the declaration or payment of dividends
on any class of Equity of such Person, (b) any other distribution of assets or
property on shares of any class of Equity of such Person, or (c) the redemption,
retirement or purchase of any shares of Equity of such Person.

                  "Restricted Payment Limit" shall mean, as of any date (the
"measurement date") on and after the Closing Date, the sum of (a) $1,000,000,
plus (b) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of Parent's consolidated net
income determined in accordance with GAAP for the period commencing on the
Closing Date and ending on the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently
ended as of the measurement date for which Parent's Current Information has been
delivered to the Lenders, plus (c) an amount equal to the

                                       10
<PAGE>   18

aggregate Net Cash Proceeds actually received by Parent from any Equity
Contribution consummated from and after the Closing Date until the measurement
date.

                  "Rolling Period" shall mean any period of four consecutive
Fiscal Quarters.

                  "Security Instruments" shall mean the Pledge Agreements, the
Facility Guaranty, the Collateral Assignment of Intercompany Note and any and
all other agreements or instruments now or hereafter executed and delivered by
any Credit Party or any other Person as security for the payment or performance
of the Lender Indebtedness, as any of the foregoing may be amended, modified or
supplemented.

                  "Series B Preferred Stock" shall mean Parent's Series B
Preferred Stock.

                  "Shareholder Agreement" shall mean that certain Agreement
dated as of May 5, 1999 by and among Parent, Epsilon Trust and Troup.

                  "Solvent" shall mean with respect to any Person on a
particular date, the condition that, on such date, (a) the fair value of the
property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities,
including, without limitation, contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the
present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the
amount that will be required to pay the probable liabilities of such Person on
its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend
to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such
Person's ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (d) such
Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage
in business or a transaction, for which such Person's property would constitute
an unreasonably small amount of capital.

                  "Subordinated Debentures" shall mean Parent's 10%
Collateralized Subordinated Debentures due July 31, 2005.

                  "Subordinated Debentures Indenture" shall mean that certain
Indenture dated as of August 31, 1998 by and between the Subordinated Debentures
Trustee and Parent with respect to the Subordinated Debentures, as such
agreement may be amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

                  "Subordinated Debentures Trustee" shall mean Bank One, N.A.,
as trustee under the Subordinated Debentures Indenture, or any duly appointed
and acting successor thereof.

                  "Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean a corporation, limited
liability company, partnership or other entity of which a majority of the
outstanding shares of stock or other equity or ownership interests of each class
having ordinary voting power is owned by such Person, by one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such Person and one or more of its
Subsidiaries.

                  "Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies,
imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental
Authority.

                  "Term Loan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.1(a).

                  "Term Loan Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1(b).

                  "Term Loan Maturity Date" shall mean December 21, 2004.

                  "Term Loan Percentage" shall mean as to any Lender, at any
time after the Closing Date, the percentage which such Lender's Term Loans then
outstanding constitutes of all Term Loans then outstanding.

                                       11
<PAGE>   19

                  "Term Note" shall mean a promissory note of the Borrower
described in Section 2.2 payable to any Lender and being substantially in the
form of Exhibit B, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such
Lender resulting from the Term Loans made by such Lender.

                  "Transactions" shall mean the transactions provided for in and
contemplated by this Agreement and the other Financing Documents.

                  "Troup" shall mean Brian M. Troup.

                  "UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to
time in effect in the State of Texas or, where applicable as to specific
Collateral, any other relevant state.

         Section 1.2 Accounting Terms and Determinations. Unless otherwise
defined or specified herein, all accounting terms shall be construed herein, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP
applied on a basis consistent with the Financial Statements.

         Section 1.3 Other Definitional Terms. The words "hereof," "herein" and
"hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement, and article, section, schedule, exhibit and like references are to
this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

                                    ARTICLE 2
                         AMOUNT AND TERMS OF TERM LOANS

         Section 2.1 Term Loans and Commitments.

                  (a) Term Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions and
relying on the representations and warranties contained herein, each Lender
severally agrees to make, on the Closing Date, a term loan pursuant to its Term
Loan Commitment (each a "Term Loan") to the Borrower.

                  (b) Term Loan Commitments. The Term Loans made pursuant hereto
by each Lender shall not exceed in aggregate principal amount outstanding the
amount set forth opposite such Lender's name on Annex I under the caption "Term
Loan Commitment" (its "Term Loan Commitment," and collectively for all Lenders,
the "Term Loan Commitments"). Any portion of each such Lender's Term Loan
Commitment not utilized on the Closing Date shall be permanently canceled. Any
Term Loans that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed.

                  (c) Availability. No later than 11:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas
time) on the Closing Date, each Lender will make available to the Administrative
Agent such Lender's Term Loan Percentage of the aggregate amount of Term Loans
to be made on the Closing Date by such Lender, in Dollars and in immediately
available funds at the Payment Office. The Administrative Agent will make
available to the Borrower at the Payment Office the aggregate of the amounts so
made available by the Lenders by either (i) depositing such amounts, in
immediately available funds, to an account of the Borrower at the Administrative
Agent designated by the Borrower for such purpose, or (ii) disbursing such
amounts in accordance with such other lawful instructions of the Borrower as the
Borrower shall specify in writing to the Administrative Agent.

                  (d) Funds to the Administrative Agent. Unless the
Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any Lender not less than three
(3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date that such Lender does

                                       12
<PAGE>   20
not intend to make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender's Term Loan
Percentage of the aggregate amount of Term Loans to be made on the Closing Date,
the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such amount
available to the Administrative Agent on the Closing Date, and the
Administrative Agent may make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.
If such corresponding amount is not in fact made available to the Administrative
Agent by such Lender on the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall be
entitled to recover such corresponding amount on demand from such Lender
together with interest at the Federal Funds Effective Rate. Nothing in this
Section 2.1(d) shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to
fulfill its Term Loan Commitment hereunder or to prejudice any rights which the
Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender
hereunder.

                  (e) Lenders' Responsibilities. No Lender shall be responsible
for any default by any other Lender in its obligation to make Term Loans
hereunder, and each Lender shall be obligated to make only such Term Loans
provided to be made by it hereunder, regardless of the failure of any other
Lender to fulfill its Term Loan Commitment hereunder.

         Section 2.2 Term Notes and Amortization. The Borrower's obligation to
pay the principal of, and interest on, the Term Loans maintained outstanding by
each Lender shall be further evidenced by the Borrower's issuance, execution and
delivery of a Term Note payable to the order of each such Lender in the amount
of such Lender's Term Loan Commitment (if issued prior to the Closing Date) or
in the principal amount of such Lender's Term Loans (if issued after the Closing
Date), and dated as of the date of issuance of such Term Note. The aggregate
amount of the Term Notes applicable to the aggregate Term Loans of all Lenders
shall be payable in monthly installments of principal and interest in the amount
of $384,665 each. Each such installment shall be applied first to accrued but
unpaid interest and then to principal. The first such monthly installment shall
be payable on January 31, 2000, and the remaining monthly installments shall be
payable on each Monthly Date thereafter, with the final installment in the
amount of the aggregate unpaid principal balance then owing, together with all
accrued and unpaid interest, being payable on or before the Term Loan Maturity
Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Borrower
shall make a payment of all accrued and unpaid interest on the outstanding
principal balance of the Term Loans on December 31, 1999.

         Section 2.3 Interest. In all cases subject to Section 10.13:

                  (a) Term Loans. Subject to Section 2.3(b), the Borrower agrees
to pay interest in respect of the unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan from
the date thereof until payment in full thereof at a rate per annum which shall
be, for any day, equal to the Fixed Rate, but in no event to exceed the Highest
Lawful Rate.

                  (b) Default Interest. If the Borrower shall default in the
payment of the principal of or interest on any Term Loan or any other amount
becoming due hereunder or under any Financing Document, by acceleration or
otherwise, the Borrower shall on demand from time to time pay interest, to the
extent permitted by law, on such defaulted amount to but excluding the date of
actual payment (after as well as before judgment) at a rate per annum equal to
fifteen percent (15%) per annum, but in no event to exceed the Highest Lawful
Rate.

         Section 2.4 Accounts and Register.

                  (a) Lender Accounts. Each Lender shall maintain in accordance
with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing Indebtedness of the
Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Term Loan of such Lender from time
to time, including, without limitation, the amounts of principal and interest
payable and paid to such Lender from time to time under this Agreement.

                                       13
<PAGE>   21

                  (b) Register. The Administrative Agent shall maintain the
Register pursuant to Section 10.7(c), and a subaccount therein for each Lender,
in which shall be recorded (1) the amount of each Term Loan made hereunder, (2)
the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and
payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (3) both the amount of
any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and
each Lender's Term Loan Percentage thereof. The entries made in the Register and
the accounts of each Lender maintained pursuant to this Section 2.4(b) shall, to
the extent permitted by applicable law, be prima facie evidence of the existence
and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided,
however, that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain
the Register or any such account, or any error therein, shall not in any manner
affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the
Term Loans made to the Borrower by such Lender in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement.

         Section 2.5 Prepayments.

                  (a)     Mandatory Prepayments.

                          (1) At any time Parent becomes obligated to prepay all
         or part of the Subordinated Debentures, the Borrower shall pay prior to
         any prepayment of the Subordinated Debentures, all Lender Indebtedness
         owed by the Borrower in full.

                          (2) At any time any Credit Party shall receive Net
         Cash Proceeds from any Debt Offering, a mandatory prepayment of the
         Term Loans shall be due on such date in an amount equal to the amount
         of such Net Cash Proceeds, to the extent necessary to pay such Term
         Loans in full.

                          (3) At any time a Benchmark Collateral Value
         Deficiency or Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency shall occur or
         be in existence, a mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall be due
         in accordance with the terms of Sections 4.3 and 4.4.

                  (b) Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower may, at its option, at
any time and from time to time, prepay the Term Loans, in whole or in part, upon
giving, five Business Days' prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of
the date and amount of prepayment; provided, that, any partial prepayment of the
Term Loans shall be in an amount not less than $500,000, and shall be in an
amount which is an integral multiple of $100,000. Upon receipt of such notice,
the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the contents
thereof and of such Lender's Term Loan Percentage of such prepayment. If any
such notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and
payable on the date specified therein. Prepayments of the Term Loans pursuant to
this Section 2.5(b) shall be applied in the inverse order of maturity of the
remaining scheduled installment payments of the Term Loans required pursuant to
Section 2.2.

                  (c) Prepayment Penalty. In the event that the Term Loans are
prepaid in whole or in part on or prior to December 21, 2002, including, without
limitation, pursuant to a mandatory prepayment required by Article 8 hereof, but
excluding, however, pursuant to a mandatory prepayment required by Section 2.5
or Section 7.4 hereof, the Borrower shall also pay to the Lenders at the time of
such prepayment, a prepayment penalty equal to a percentage of the amount
prepaid in accordance with the following schedule:

                                       14
<PAGE>   22

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Penalty as Percentage
      Time of Prepayment                           of Amount Prepaid
      ------------------                           ---------------------
<S>                                                <C>
On or prior to December 21, 2000                             3%
On or prior to December 21, 2001                             2%
On or prior to December 21, 2002                             1%
After December 21, 2002                                      0%
</TABLE>

Furthermore, in the event any Credit Party shall (a) receive Net Cash Proceeds
from any Equity Contribution, and (b) apply, on or prior to December 21, 2002,
all or a portion of such Net Cash Proceeds as a prepayment of more than thirty
five percent (35%) of the then outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans
(any portion prepaid in excess of thirty-five percent (35%) of the then
outstanding principal balance of the Term Loans being referred to herein as the
"Excess Prepaid Amount"), the Borrower shall also pay to the Lenders at the time
of such prepayment, a prepayment penalty equal to a percentage of the Excess
Prepaid Amount in accordance with the foregoing schedule.

         Section 2.6 Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent
such servicing and other fees as are set forth in any separate letter agreement
by and between Parent and/or the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

         Section 2.7 Payments, etc.

                  (a) Without Setoff, etc. Except as otherwise specifically
provided herein, all payments under this Agreement shall be made to the
Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders without defense, set-off or
counterclaim to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. Houston,
Texas time on the date when due and shall be made in Dollars in immediately
available funds at the Payment Office. The Administrative Agent will promptly
thereafter distribute funds in the form received relating to the payment of
principal or interest ratably to the Lenders for the account of their respective
Lending Offices, and funds in the form received relating to the payment of any
other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its
applicable Lending Office.

                  (b) Non-Business Days. Whenever any payment to be made
hereunder or under any Term Note shall be stated to be due on a day which is not
a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding
Business Day and, with respect to payments of principal, interest thereon shall
be payable at the applicable rate during such extension.

                  (c) Computations. All computations of interest shall be made
on the basis of a year of 360 days, as if each month consisted of 30 days.

         Section 2.8 Capital Adequacy. If, by reason of (1) the introduction of
or any change (including, but not limited to, any change by way of imposition or
increase of reserve requirements) in or in the interpretation of any law or
regulation, or (2) the compliance with any guideline or request issued by any
central bank or other governmental authority or quasi-governmental authority
exercising control over banks or financial institutions generally (whether or
not having the force of law), affects or would affect the amount of capital
required to be maintained by any Lender or any corporation controlling such
Lender, and the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the
existence of such Lender's Term Loans or such Lender's Term Loan Commitment,
then, upon written request therefor by such Lender (with a copy of such request
to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender, from time
to time as specified by such Lender, additional amounts sufficient to compensate
such Lender for the increased cost of such

                                       15
<PAGE>   23
additional capital in light of such circumstances, to the extent that such
Lender reasonably determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the
existence of such Lender's Term Loans or such Lender's Term Loan Commitment. A
certificate as to such amounts and the calculation thereof, submitted to the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender, shall be conclusive and
binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

         Section 2.9 Sharing of Payments, etc. If any Lender shall obtain any
payment or reduction (including, but not limited to, any amounts received as
adequate protection of a deposit treated as cash collateral under the Bankruptcy
Code) of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder (whether voluntary,
involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) in
excess of its ratable share of payments or reductions on account of such
obligations obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender shall forthwith (a) notify
each of the other Lenders and the Administrative Agent of such receipt, and (b)
purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the affected obligations
as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess
payment or reduction, net of costs incurred in connection therewith, ratably
with each of them, provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment or
reduction is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender or additional
costs are incurred, the purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price
restored to the extent of such recovery or such additional costs, but without
interest. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from
another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.9 may, to the fullest extent permitted
by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with
respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct
creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

         Section 2.10 Taxes.

                  (a) Payments Free and Clear. Any and all payments by or on
account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear
of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that
if the Borrower shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes
from such payments, then (1) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so
that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to
additional sums payable under this Section 2.10) the Administrative Agent or
Lender (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have
received had no such deductions been made, (2) the Borrower shall make such
deductions, and (3) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the
relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

                  (b) Other Taxes. In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other
Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

                  (c) Indemnification. The Borrower shall indemnify the
Administrative Agent and each Lender, upon written demand therefor, for the full
amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent
or such Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on
account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes
or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under
this Section 2.10) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising
therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or
Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant
Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or
liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent
on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest
error.

                  (d) Receipts. As soon as practicable after any payment of
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority,
the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a
certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing
such payment,

                                       16
<PAGE>   24
a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

                  (e) Survival. Without prejudice to the survival of any other
agreement contained herein, the agreements and obligations contained in this
Section 2.10 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest
hereunder.

                  (f) Lender Representations and Agreements. Any Foreign Lender
that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the
law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, or any treaty to which
such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement
shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the
time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed
documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the
Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a
reduced rate.

         Section 2.11 Pro Rata Treatment. Each payment on account of principal
of and interest on any Term Loans shall be allocated by the Administrative Agent
pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of such Term
Loans then held by the Lenders. All proceeds (including proceeds from the
realization upon the Collateral) received after acceleration of the maturity of
the Term Loans, shall be applied first to reimbursement of expenses and
indemnities provided for in this Agreement and the Financing Documents; second,
to other Lender Indebtedness until repaid in full pro rata to each Lender; and,
third, to any other Person entitled to receive such proceeds in accordance with
applicable law.

         Section 2.12 Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender is subject to
increased costs pursuant to Section 2.8, or is owed or reasonably anticipates
being owed additional amounts pursuant to Section 2.10, the Borrower shall have
the right, if no Default then exists, to replace such Lender with another bank
or financial institution with the consent of the Administrative Agent, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided that (a) the
obligations of the Borrower owing to the Lender being replaced (including such
increased costs) that are not being assigned to the replacement lender shall be
paid in full to the Lender being replaced concurrently with such replacement
lender, (b) the replacement lender shall execute an Assignment and Acceptance
pursuant to which it shall become a party hereto as provided in Section 10.7,
and (c) upon compliance with the provisions for assignment provided in Section
10.7 and the payment of amounts referred to in clause (a), the replacement
lender shall constitute a "Lender" hereunder and the Lender being so replaced
shall no longer constitute a "Lender" hereunder.

                                    ARTICLE 3
                                     CLOSING

         The obligation of each Lender to make its Term Loan on the Closing Date
hereunder is subject to (1) receipt by the Administrative Agent of the following
items which are to be delivered, in form and substance satisfactory to each
Lender, with a copy (except for the Term Notes and this Agreement) for each
Lender and (2) the satisfaction of the following conditions:

                  (a) Term Notes. A duly completed and executed Term Note for
each Lender and in each case dated as of the Closing Date, and payable to the
order of such Lender.

                  (b) Resolutions and Incumbency Certificates.

                          (1) certified copies of the resolutions of the
         applicable board of directors and operating board of each Credit Party
         (or the general partner thereof) a party to a Financing

                                       17
<PAGE>   25

         Document, dated as of the Closing Date and approving, as appropriate,
         the Term Loans, the Term Notes, this Agreement, the Security
         Instruments and the other Financing Documents to which such Person is a
         party, and all other documents, if any, to which such Person is a party
         and evidencing limited liability company, corporate or partnership
         authorization with respect to such documents;

                          (2) a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
         Secretary of each Credit Party (or the general partner thereof) a party
         to any Financing Document, dated as of the Closing Date and certifying
         (A) the name, title and true signature of each officer of such Person
         authorized to execute the Term Notes, this Agreement, the Security
         Instruments and the other Financing Documents to which it is a party,
         (B) the name, title and true signature of each officer of such Person
         authorized to provide the certifications required pursuant to this
         Agreement including, but not limited to, certifications required
         pursuant to Section 6.10, and that attached thereto is a true and
         complete copy of (i) the certificate of incorporation, certificate of
         formation, certificate of limited partnership and/or the articles of
         organization of each such Person (as applicable), certified by the
         Secretary of State of the applicable state of formation, and (ii) the
         bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement or regulations of
         each such Person (as applicable), each as amended to date, recent good
         standing certificates and certificates of existence for each such
         Person and certificates of foreign qualification for each such Person
         in such jurisdictions as the Administrative Agent shall require; and

                          (3) a certificate of limited partnership of HRY,
         together with the limited partnership agreement of HRY and a
         certificate of existence for HRY in the applicable state of its
         formation, issued by the Secretary of State of the applicable state of
         formation.

                  (c)     Opinions of Counsel. An opinion of Jenkens &
Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation, counsel to the Credit Parties dated as of
the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, addressed to
the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and covering such matters as the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders may reasonably request, together with such
other opinions of local counsel satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,
addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders opining as to the
enforceability of any Security Instruments to be filed in such local
jurisdiction and covering such other matters as the Administrative Agent or the
Lenders may reasonably request.

                  (d)     The Security Instruments.

                          (1) a duly completed and executed Facility Guaranty
         dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by Parent;

                          (2) a duly completed and executed Borrower Pledge
         Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by the
         Borrower granting to the Administrative Agent a first priority security
         interest in certain of the Equity owned by the Borrower in HRY,
         Hallwood Realty and HCRE (as more particularly described therein) as
         security for the Lender Indebtedness;

                          (3) a duly completed and executed Parent Pledge
         Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by Parent,
         granting to the Administrative Agent a first and prior security
         interest in certain of the Equity owned by Parent in Hallwood Hotels
         (as more particularly described therein) as security for the Lender
         Indebtedness;

                          (4) a duly completed and executed Integra Pledge
         Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by Integra,
         granting to the Administrative Agent a first and prior security
         interest in certain of the Equity owned by Integra in Brock (as more
         particularly described therein) as security for the Lender
         Indebtedness;

                                       18
<PAGE>   26

                          (5) a duly completed and executed HEPGP Pledge
         Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by HEPGP,
         granting to the Administrative Agent a first and prior security
         interest in certain of the Equity owned by HEPGP in HECO (as more
         particularly described therein) as security for the Lender
         Indebtedness;

                          (6) duly completed and executed UCC-1 financing
         statements necessary to perfect the Liens and security interests
         created by the Pledge Agreements and the Collateral Assignment of
         Intercompany Note;

                          (7) in addition to the UCC-1 financing statements
         required by clause (6) preceding, such other documents, instruments and
         agreements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request to
         fully evidence and perfect the Liens created by the Security
         Instruments;

                          (8) a duly completed and executed Collateral
         Assignment of Intercompany Note, dated as of the Closing Date and duly
         delivered by the Borrower;

                          (9) a duly completed and executed Parent Intercompany
         Note dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by the Borrower,
         and duly endorsed by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent for the
         ratable benefit of the Lenders; and

                          (10) all Property in which the Administrative Agent
         shall, at such time, be entitled to have a Lien pursuant to this
         Agreement or any other Financing Document shall have been physically
         delivered to the possession of the Administrative Agent to the extent
         that such possession is necessary for the purpose of perfecting the
         Administrative Agent's Lien in such Collateral, including, without
         limitation, the Parent Intercompany Note, stock certificates,
         certificates of limited partnership interests and certificates of
         membership interests representing the issued and outstanding Equity in
         HECO, Hallwood Hotels, HRY, Brock, Hallwood Realty and HCRE described
         in the Pledge Agreements, duly endorsed for transfer to the
         Administrative Agent or such other duly executed assignments of such
         Equity as are acceptable to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or
         their counsel.

                  (e) Intercreditor Agreement. A duly completed and executed
Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, and delivered by each
applicable party thereto.

                  (f) Closing Transactions. Subject only to the funding,
disbursement and application of the proceeds of the Term Loans, the Closing
Transactions shall have occurred and been consummated.

                  (g) Insurance. Copies of all insurance binders together with a
certificate of insurance coverage, dated as of the Closing Date evidencing that
the Credit Parties are carrying insurance in accordance with Section 6.5 hereof.

                  (h) Financial Statements and Projections. The financial
condition of Parent and each of its Subsidiaries in the financial information
and projections of Parent and its Subsidiaries that have been delivered to the
Lenders prior to the Closing Date by Parent and the Borrower, have not changed
as of the Closing Date in such a way as to materially and adversely affect the
prospects of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or otherwise cause or result in
a Material Adverse Effect (after giving effect to the Closing Transactions).

                  (i) Collateral Value Certificate. A duly completed and
executed Collateral Value Certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F,
dated as of the Closing Date and duly delivered by the Chief Financial Officer
(or similar officer) of Parent.

                                       19
<PAGE>   27

                  (j) Form U-1 Purpose Statement. A duly completed and executed
Federal Reserve Form U-1 Purpose Statement dated as of the Closing Date and duly
delivered by Parent and the Borrower.

                  (k) Certificate of Chief Financial Officer. A duly completed
and executed certificate of the Chief Financial Officer (or similar officer) of
Parent dated as of the Closing Date and certifying, before and after giving
effect to the Closing Transactions and before and after the making of the Term
Loans, that (A) each Credit Party is Solvent, and (B) no Default then exists, or
thereafter would exist.

                  (l) Structure. Each Lender shall be satisfied in its sole
judgment with the corporate, partnership, limited liability company, capital,
legal and management structure and tax liabilities of each Credit Party.

                  (m) Lien Searches. Lien searches reflecting no prior Liens on
the Collateral other than Liens set forth on Schedule 7.2.

                  (n) Fees and Expenses. Payment and/or reimbursement of (1) the
Administrative Agent's counsel's fees and expenses rendered through the Closing
Date, to the extent invoiced, and (2) any fees or expenses required to be paid
pursuant to Section 2.6.

                  (o) Documentation. The Administrative Agent shall have
received such other documents as the Administrative Agent (or any Lender acting
through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request, all in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

                                    ARTICLE 4
                                    SECURITY

         Section 4.1 Security Granted. The Lender Indebtedness shall be secured
by (a) perfected, first priority Liens covering and encumbering the issued and
outstanding Equity owned by the Credit Parties (as applicable) in HECO, Hallwood
Hotels, Brock, HRY, Hallwood Realty and HCRE as described in the Pledge
Agreements, and (b) a collateral assignment of the Parent Intercompany Note. In
furtherance thereof, Parent and the Borrower hereby agree to execute and deliver
(and cause each other Credit Party to execute and deliver) to the Administrative
Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, on the Closing Date and thereafter
promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent, such Security Instruments
(including, without limitation, the Pledge Agreements and the Collateral
Assignment of Intercompany Note), and other documents, instruments, agreements
and certificates (including, without limitation, (i) such UCC-1 financing
statements as the Administrative Agent shall request to fully evidence and
perfect the Liens created by the Pledge Agreements and the Collateral Assignment
of Intercompany Note, and (ii) the certificates evidencing the issued and
outstanding Equity owned by the Credit Parties (as applicable) in HECO, Hallwood
Hotels, Brock, HRY, Hallwood Realty and HCRE as described in the Pledge
Agreements, endorsed or accompanied by appropriate blank stock powers), as the
Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion
to create, evidence and perfect the Liens contemplated by this Section 4.1. In
addition to the foregoing, in the event the Borrower submits additional
Collateral hereunder pursuant to Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.5 or 7.4, or otherwise
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the other Financing Documents, the
Borrower shall simultaneously with the delivery of such Collateral execute and
deliver (or cause the execution and delivery) to the Administrative Agent for
the benefit of the Lenders such Security Instruments and other documents,
instruments, agreements and certificates as the Administrative Agent shall deem
necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion to create, evidence and perfect
the Liens encumbering such Collateral.

                                       20
<PAGE>   28

         Section 4.2 Collateral Value. As soon as available, and in any event by
the 21st day of each calendar month, Parent shall deliver to the Administrative
Agent and each Lender, a certificate (the "Collateral Value Certificate") of the
Chief Financial Officer (or similar officer) of Parent in the form of Exhibit F
attached hereto (a) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required
to establish the value of (i) the Marketable Equity, and (ii) the Non-Marketable
Equity as of the last day of the immediately preceding calendar month, (b)
stating whether there exists on such date a Benchmark Collateral Deficiency or
Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency, and (c) in the event a Benchmark
Collateral Deficiency or Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency exists,
stating the action which Parent proposes to take to remedy such Benchmark
Collateral Deficiency or Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency in
accordance with Sections 4.3 and 4.4. All calculations provided in the
aforementioned certificate shall be made utilizing historical methodology and
based on underlying assumptions consented to by the Administrative Agent and
previously utilized by Parent in the financial information delivered to each
Lender on or prior to the Closing Date.

         Section 4.3 Benchmark Collateral Deficiency. If a Benchmark Collateral
Deficiency exists at any time, the Borrower shall, within ten (10) days
following the occurrence of such Benchmark Collateral Deficiency (a) make a
prepayment of principal on the Term Loan in an amount sufficient to eliminate
such Benchmark Collateral Deficiency, or (b) eliminate such Benchmark Collateral
Deficiency by submitting additional Collateral owned by Parent or the Borrower
and consisting of cash or marketable Equity, together with a Collateral Value
Certificate covering the existing pledged Collateral and such additional
proposed Collateral, for consideration in connection with the determination of
the value of the Collateral consisting of marketable Equity which the
Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders deem sufficient in their sole
discretion to eliminate such Benchmark Collateral Deficiency.

         Section 4.4 Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency. If a Benchmark
Marketable Collateral Deficiency exists at any time, the Borrower shall, within
ten (10) days following the occurrence of such Benchmark Marketable Collateral
Deficiency (a) make a prepayment of principal on the Term Loan in an amount
sufficient to eliminate such Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency, or (b)
eliminate such Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency by submitting
additional Collateral owned by Parent or the Borrower and consisting of cash or
marketable Equity, together with a Collateral Value Certificate covering the
existing pledged Collateral and such additional proposed Collateral, for
consideration in connection with the determination of the value of the
Collateral consisting of marketable Equity which the Administrative Agent and
the Required Lenders deem sufficient in their sole discretion to eliminate such
Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency.

         Section 4.5 Substitution of Collateral. The Borrower may, at any time
and from time to time, make written request of the Administrative Agent for the
substitution of existing Collateral with new Collateral of equal or greater
value. Upon receipt of such request, together with a Collateral Value
Certificate covering such proposed new Collateral, the Administrative Agent
shall promptly deliver notice of such request to each Lender, and the Lenders
shall, within fifteen (15) days following receipt of such notice, and in their
sole discretion, approve or disapprove of such proposed substitution. If at the
end of such fifteen (15) day period, the Lenders have not communicated their
approval or disapproval, such silence shall be deemed a disapproval of the
requested substitution of Collateral.

                                       21
<PAGE>   29

                                    ARTICLE 5
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Agreement, Parent and
the Borrower represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and each Lender
(which representations and warranties (a) will survive the delivery of the Term
Notes, and (b) were made assuming that the Closing Transactions had each
occurred on or before the Closing Date) that:

         Section 5.1 Existence. Each Credit Party is a limited liability
company, corporation or partnership duly organized, legally existing and, as
applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdictions in which they
are formed or incorporated and is duly qualified as a foreign limited liability
company, or partnership or corporation in all jurisdictions wherein the Property
owned or the business transacted by them makes such qualification necessary,
except where the failure to be so qualified could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 5.2 Power and Authorization. The Borrower is authorized and
empowered to create and issue the Term Notes; each Credit Party is duly
authorized and empowered to execute, deliver and perform the Financing
Documents, including this Agreement, to which they respectively are parties; and
all limited liability company action on the Borrower's part requisite for the
due creation and issuance of the Term Notes, and all limited liability company,
corporate or partnership action on each Credit Party's respective part requisite
for the due execution, delivery and performance of the Financing Documents,
including this Agreement, to which each such Credit Party respectively is a
party has been duly and effectively taken.

         Section 5.3 Binding Obligations. This Agreement does, and the Term
Notes and other material Financing Documents to which each Credit Party
respectively is a party upon their creation, issuance, execution and delivery
will, when issued and delivered under this Agreement, constitute legal, valid
and binding obligations of each such Credit Party that is a party thereto,
respectively, and will be enforceable in accordance with their respective terms
(except that enforcement may be subject to any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or similar laws generally affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights and
subject to the availability of equitable remedies).

         Section 5.4 No Legal Bar or Resultant Lien. The execution, delivery and
performance of the Term Notes and the other Financing Documents, including this
Agreement, to which each Credit Party is a party do not and will not violate or
create a default under any provisions of the articles of organization, articles
or certificate of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreement, regulations or
other charter documents of any such Credit Party, or any contract, agreement,
instrument or Governmental Requirement to which any such Credit Party is
subject, or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any Properties
of any such Credit Party.

         Section 5.5 No Consent. Each Credit Party's respective execution,
delivery and performance of the Term Notes and the other Financing Documents,
including this Agreement, to which each such Credit Party respectively is a
party, do not require notice to or filing or registration with, or the
authorization, consent or approval of or other action by any other Person,
including, but not limited to, any Governmental Authority, except those obtained
or made or where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 5.6 Financial Information.

                  (a) Pro-Forma Financial Statements and Projections. The pro
         forma consolidated balance sheets of Parent and its Subsidiaries, and
         the related consolidated statements of income, retained

                                       22
<PAGE>   30

         earnings and cash flow, including, in each case the related schedules
         and notes, heretofore delivered to the Lenders fairly present the
         estimated consolidated financial condition of Parent and its
         Subsidiaries as of the dates set forth therein, the estimated results
         of operations for the twelve-month period then ended on a pro forma
         basis and the projected results of operations through the dates set
         forth therein; provided, that, the financial information with respect
         to Parent's projections, copies of which have been delivered to each
         Lender prior to the Closing Date, were prepared in good faith on the
         basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were
         believed by Parent to be reasonable in all material respects at the
         time made.

                  (b) Financial Statements. The Financial Statements heretofore
         delivered to the Lenders were prepared consistent with GAAP and fairly
         present the consolidated financial condition of Parent at such date and
         the consolidated results of operations for the periods then ended
         (subject to, with respect to the unaudited consolidated financial
         statements included in the definition of Financial Statements, audit
         adjustments and the fact that such unaudited financial statements do
         not contain footnotes).

                  (c) Audited Annual Financial Statements. The most recent
         annual audited consolidated balance sheets of Parent and its
         Subsidiaries, and the related audited consolidated statements of
         income, retained earnings and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then
         ended, including in each case the related schedules and notes, true
         copies of which have been previously delivered to each of the Lenders,
         fairly present the consolidated financial condition of Parent and its
         Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, and the consolidated results of
         operations for such Fiscal Year, in accordance with GAAP applied on a
         consistent basis (this representation and warranty will not be
         applicable until the first annual audited statement of Parent is
         delivered pursuant to Section 6.10(a)).

                  (d) Unaudited Quarterly Financial Statements. The most recent
         unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Parent and its Subsidiaries,
         and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings
         and cash flows for the portion of Parent's Fiscal Year then ended,
         including in each case the related schedules and notes, true copies of
         which have been previously delivered to each of the Lenders, fairly
         present the consolidated financial condition of Parent and its
         Subsidiaries as of such date, and the consolidated results of
         operations for such portion of Parent's Fiscal Year, in accordance with
         GAAP (subject to audit adjustments and the fact that such financial
         statements do not contain footnotes) applied on a consistent basis
         (this representation and warranty will not be applicable until the
         first unaudited quarterly statement of Parent is delivered pursuant to
         Section 6.10(b)).

                  (e) No Material Adverse Effect. Since November 13, 1999, there
         has been no event or occurrence that could reasonably be expected to
         have a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 5.7 Investments and Guaranties. No Credit Party has an
ownership interest in any Person, or guaranteed the obligations of any Person
that is not a Credit Party, except those reflected in Schedule 5.7 or Schedule
7.2.

         Section 5.8 Litigation. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.8, there is
no material action, suit or proceeding, or any governmental investigation or any
arbitration, in each case pending or, to the knowledge of Parent or the
Borrower, threatened against Parent or its Subsidiaries or any Property of any
of them before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority. There is
no action, suit or proceeding, or any governmental investigation or any
arbitration, in each case pending or, to the knowledge of Parent or the
Borrower, threatened against Parent or its Subsidiaries or any Property of any
of them before any court or arbitrator or any Governmental Authority which (a)
challenges the validity of this Agreement, any Term

                                       23
<PAGE>   31
Note, the Facility Guaranty, any Security Instrument or any of the other
Financing Documents or (b) could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

         Section 5.9 Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the
Term Loans only for the purposes specified in the Recitals to this Agreement.
Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of
its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose,
whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying Margin Stock
(within the meaning of Regulations U or X) and no part of the proceeds of any
Term Loan hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock in violation
of Regulation U or X. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any Person
acting on behalf of any such Person, has taken or will take any action which
could reasonably be expected to cause the Term Notes or any of the Financing
Documents, including this Agreement, to violate Regulations U or X or any other
regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in each case
as now in effect or as the same may hereinafter be in effect.

         Section 5.10 Employee Benefits.

                  (a) (1) Parent, its Subsidiaries and each ERISA Affiliate have
complied in all material respects with all applicable laws regarding each Plan;
(2) each Plan is, and has been, maintained and administered in substantial
compliance with its terms, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and all
applicable laws; and (3) no act, omission or transaction has occurred which
could result in an imposition on Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate (whether directly or indirectly) of either (A) a civil penalty
assessed pursuant to Subsections (c), (i) or (l) of Section 502 of ERISA or a
tax imposed pursuant to Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code or (B) breach of
fiduciary duty liability damages under Section 409 of ERISA, in either case
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (b) There exists no outstanding liability of Parent, any of
its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate with respect to any Plan that has been
terminated. No material liability to the PBGC (other than for the payment of
current premiums which are not past due) by Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent or
any ERISA Affiliate has been or is expected by Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent
or any ERISA Affiliate to be incurred with respect to any Plan. No ERISA
Termination Event with respect to any Plan which could result in any liability
to Parent, its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has occurred or is reasonably
expected to occur.

                  (c) Full payment when due has been made of all amounts which
Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate is required under the
terms of each Plan or applicable law to have paid as contributions to such Plan
(excluding any nonpayment involving an amount that is not material), and no
accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section
412 of the Code), whether or not waived, exists with respect to any Plan.

                  (d) The actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities
(computed on an accumulated benefit obligation basis in accordance with GAAP)
under all Plans in the aggregate that are subject to Title IV of ERISA does not,
as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of such Plans, exceed the
current value of the assets of all Plans in the aggregate that are allocable to
such benefit liabilities. The term "actuarial present value of the benefit
liabilities" shall have the meaning specified in Section 4041 of ERISA.

                  (e) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.10, neither Parent, any
Subsidiary of Parent nor any ERISA Affiliate sponsors, maintains or contributes
to, or has at any time in the preceding six-year period sponsored, maintained or
contributed to, any "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 3(37) or
4001(a)(3) of ERISA).

                                       24
<PAGE>   32

                  (f) Neither Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent nor any ERISA
Affiliate is required to provide security to a Plan pursuant to Section
401(a)(29) of the Code.

         Section 5.11 Taxes; Governmental Charges. Parent and its Subsidiaries
have filed all tax returns and reports required to be filed and have paid all
taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied upon any of them
or upon any of their respective Properties or income which are due and payable,
including interest and penalties, except where failure to so pay or file could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or have provided
adequate reserves for the payment thereof if required in accordance with GAAP
for the payment thereof, except such interest and penalties as are being
contested in good faith by appropriate actions or proceedings and for which
adequate reserves for the payment thereof as required by GAAP have been
provided.

         Section 5.12 Titles, etc. Each Credit Party has indefeasible title to
their respective Properties, and with respect to leased Properties, indefeasible
title to the leasehold estate with respect thereto, pursuant to valid and
enforceable leases, free and clear of all Liens except Liens otherwise permitted
or contemplated by this Agreement or the other Financing Documents.

         Section 5.13 Defaults. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
default nor has any event or circumstance occurred which, but for the passage of
time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default (in any
respect that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect) under any loan or credit agreement, indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement or other instrument or agreement
evidencing or pertaining to any Indebtedness of any such Person, or under any
agreement or instrument to which any such Person is a party or by which any such
person is bound, except as set forth on Schedule 5.13. No Default hereunder has
occurred and is continuing.

         Section 5.14 Casualties; Taking of Properties. Neither the business nor
the Properties of Parent or its Subsidiaries has been affected in a manner that
has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect as a
result of any fire, explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident,
strike or other labor disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of Property or
cancellation of contracts, permits or concessions by any domestic or foreign
government or any agency thereof, riot, activities of armed forces or acts of
God or of any public enemy.

         Section 5.15 Compliance with the Law. Neither Parent nor its
Subsidiaries:

                  (a) is in violation of any Governmental Requirement; and

                  (b) has failed to obtain any license, permit, right-of-way,
         franchise or other right or governmental authorization necessary to the
         ownership of any of their respective Properties or the conduct of their
         respective business;

which violation or failure could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably
be expected to have (in the event that such a violation or failure were asserted
by any Person through appropriate action) a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 5.16 No Material Misstatements. No written information,
exhibit, schedule or report prepared by or on behalf of Parent or the Borrower
and furnished to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders by or at the direction
of Parent and/or the Borrower or any of Parent's Subsidiaries in connection with
the negotiation of this Agreement contained any material misstatement of fact
or, when such statement is considered with all other written statements
furnished to the Lenders in that connection, omitted to state a material fact or
any fact necessary to make the statement contained therein not misleading;
provided, that, the financial information with respect to Parent's projections,
copies of which have been furnished to each

                                       25
<PAGE>   33
Lender prior to the Closing Date, were prepared in good faith on the basis of
the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed by Parent to be
reasonable in all material respects at the time made.

         Section 5.17 Investment Company Act. No Credit Party is an "investment
company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" that is
incorporated in or organized under the laws of the United States or any "State,"
as those terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
The execution and delivery by each Credit Party of this Agreement and the other
Financing Documents to which they respectively are parties and their respective
performance of the obligations provided for therein, will not result in a
violation of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

         Section 5.18 Public Utility Holding Company Act. No Credit Party is a
"holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," or an
"affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding
company," or a "public utility" within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935, as amended.

         Section 5.19 Subsidiaries. Schedule 5.19 hereto accurately reflects, as
of the Closing Date, (a) the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of
Parent and its Subsidiaries, and (b) each jurisdiction in which each such Person
is qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation, foreign partnership
or foreign limited liability company. As of the Closing Date, Parent has no
Subsidiaries except those shown in Schedule 5.19, which schedule was complete
and accurate on such date.

         Section 5.20 Insurance. All policies of insurance owned or held by
Parent and its Subsidiaries are sufficient for compliance with all requirements
of law and of all agreements to which any such Person is a party, except where
any insufficiency could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect; are valid, outstanding and enforceable policies; provide adequate
insurance coverage in at least such amounts and against at least such risks (but
including in any event public liability) as are usually insured against in the
same general area by companies engaged in the same or a similar business for the
assets and operations of each such Person; and will not in any way be affected
by, or terminate or lapse by reason of, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. All such policies are in full force and effect, all premiums with
respect thereto have been paid in accordance with their respective terms, and no
notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such
policy. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries maintains any formalized
self-insurance program with respect to its assets or operations or risks with
respect thereto. Schedule 5.20 contains a complete and accurate list of all such
insurance policies, copies of which have previously been made available to
Lenders.

         Section 5.21 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule
5.21:

                  (a) Environmental Laws, etc. Neither Parent, nor any
         Subsidiary of Parent, nor the operations conducted on the Property of
         Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent, violate any applicable order of any
         court or Governmental Authority or applicable Environmental Laws, which
         violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
         Effect or which could reasonably be expected to result in remedial
         obligations having a Material Adverse Effect assuming disclosure to the
         applicable Governmental Authority of all relevant facts, conditions and
         circumstances, if any, pertaining to the relevant Property.

                  (b) No Litigation. Without limitation of Section (a) above, no
         Property of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent, nor the operations
         currently conducted thereon or, to the knowledge of Parent or any
         Subsidiary of Parent, by any prior owner or operator of such Property
         or operation, are in violation of or subject to any existing, pending
         or threatened action, suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding by or
         before any court or Governmental Authority or, to the knowledge of any
         Credit Party, to any remedial obligations under applicable
         Environmental Laws, which violation, action,

                                       26
<PAGE>   34

         suit, investigation, inquiry or proceeding could reasonably be expected
         to have a Material Adverse Effect or which could reasonably be expected
         to result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect
         assuming disclosure to the applicable Governmental Authority of all
         relevant facts, conditions and circumstances, if any, pertaining to the
         relevant Property.

                  (c) Notices, Permits, etc. All notices, permits, licenses or
         similar authorizations, if any, required to be obtained or filed by
         Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in connection with the operation or
         use of any and all Property of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent,
         including, but not limited to, past or present treatment, storage,
         disposal or release of a hazardous substance or solid waste into the
         environment, have been duly obtained or filed except to the extent the
         failure to obtain or file such notices, permits, licenses or similar
         authorizations could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
         Adverse Effect or which could reasonably be expected to result in
         remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect assuming
         disclosure to the applicable Governmental Authority of all relevant
         facts, conditions and circumstances, if any, pertaining to the relevant
         Property.

                  (d) Hazardous Substances Carriers. All hazardous substances or
         solid waste generated at any and all Property by Parent or any
         Subsidiary of Parent have in the past been transported, treated and
         disposed of only by carriers maintaining valid permits under RCRA and
         any other applicable Environmental Law, except to the extent the
         failure to have such substances or waste transported, treated or
         disposed by such carriers could not reasonably be expected to have a
         Material Adverse Effect, and, to the knowledge of any Credit Party,
         only at treatment, storage and disposal facilities maintaining valid
         permits under RCRA and any other applicable Environmental Law, which
         carriers and facilities have been and are operating in compliance with
         such permits, except to the extent the failure to have such substances
         or waste treated, stored or disposed at such facilities, or the failure
         of such carriers or facilities to so operate, could not reasonably be
         expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or which could reasonably be
         expected to result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse
         Effect assuming disclosure to the applicable Governmental Authority of
         all relevant facts, conditions and circumstances, if any, pertaining to
         the relevant Property.

                  (e) Hazardous Substances Disposal. Parent and each Subsidiary
         of Parent have taken all reasonable steps necessary to determine and
         have determined that no hazardous substances or solid waste have been
         disposed of or otherwise released and there has been no threatened
         release of any hazardous substances on or to any Property by Parent or
         any Subsidiary of Parent except in compliance with applicable
         Environmental Laws, except to the extent the failure to do so could not
         reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or which could
         reasonably be expected to result in remedial obligations having a
         Material Adverse Effect assuming disclosure to the applicable
         Governmental Authority of all relevant facts, conditions and
         circumstances, if any, pertaining to the relevant Property.

                  (f) No Contingent Liability. To its knowledge, neither Parent
         nor any Subsidiary of Parent has any contingent liability in connection
         with any release or threatened release of any hazardous substance or
         solid waste into the environment other than such contingent liabilities
         at any one time and from time to time which could reasonably be
         expected to exceed $50,000 in excess of applicable insurance coverage
         and for which adequate reserves for the payment thereof as required by
         GAAP have not been provided, or which could reasonably be expected to
         result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect
         assuming disclosure to the applicable Governmental Authority of all
         relevant facts, conditions and circumstances, if any, pertaining to
         such release or threatened release.

                                       27
<PAGE>   35

         Section 5.22 Solvency. Parent and each Subsidiary of Parent,
individually, and Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are Solvent,
both before and after taking into account the Closing Transactions.

         Section 5.23 Employee Matters. None of the Credit Parties, or any of
their respective employees, is subject to any collective bargaining agreement.
There are no strikes, slowdowns, work stoppages or controversies pending or, to
the best knowledge of Parent or the Borrower, threatened against Parent or its
Subsidiaries, or their respective employees, which could reasonably be expected
to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth in Schedule 5.23, no employees are subject to an employment
contract.

         Section 5.24 Subordinated Debenture Documents, etc. Parent and the
Borrower have provided Administrative Agent with a true and correct copy of the
Subordinated Debentures Indenture, including all amendments and modifications
thereto. No party to the Subordinated Debentures Indenture is in default of its
obligations thereunder.

         Section 5.25 Ownership. Schedule 5.25 hereto accurately reflects (a)
the authorized, issued and outstanding Equity securities of Parent, the
Borrower, Brock, Hallwood Hotels, Hallwood Realty, HCRE, and HRY (and the names
of, and number of shares or other Equity securities held by, the legal and
beneficial owners of such Equity securities), after giving effect to the
consummation of the Closing Transactions, and (b) all outstanding warrants,
options, subscription rights, convertible securities or other rights to purchase
Equity securities or other membership, partnership or ownership interests of
each such Person. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.25, there are no outstanding
shareholders agreements, voting agreements, voting trusts or other agreements,
commitments or understandings of any nature which in any way restrict or effect
the transfer, pledge or voting of any of the Equity securities of such Persons,
or subject any of such Equity securities to any put, call, redemption obligation
or similar right or obligation of any nature.

         Section 5.26 Senior Indebtedness. The Lender Indebtedness constitutes
"Senior Indebtedness" of Parent under and as defined in the Subordinated
Debentures Indenture.

         Section 5.27 Year 2000 Matters. Any reprogramming required to permit
the proper functioning (but only to the extent that such proper functioning
would otherwise be impaired by the occurrence of the year 2000) in and following
the year 2000 of computer systems and other equipment containing embedded
microchips, in either case owned or operated by any Credit Party or used or
relied upon in the conduct of their business (including any such systems and
other equipment supplied by others or with which the computer systems of any
Credit Party interface), and the testing of all such systems and other equipment
as so reprogrammed, has been completed. The costs to the Credit Parties that
have not been incurred as of the date hereof for such reprogramming and testing
and for the other reasonably foreseeable consequences to them of any improper
functioning of other computer systems and equipment containing embedded
microchips due to the occurrence of the year 2000 could not reasonably be
expected to result in a Default of Event of Default or to have a Material
Adverse Effect. Except for any reprogramming referred to above, the computer
systems of the Credit Parties are and, with ordinary course upgrading and
maintenance, will continue for the term of this Agreement to be sufficient for
the conduct of their business as currently conducted.

                                       28
<PAGE>   36

                                   ARTICLE 6
                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

                  So long as any Term Loan remains unpaid, Parent and the
Borrower jointly and severally covenant and agree that they will at all times
comply with the following covenants:

         Section 6.1 Maintenance and Compliance, etc. Parent will, and will
cause its Subsidiaries to, (a) preserve and maintain its limited liability
company, corporate or partnership existence, and (b) except where failure to do
so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, observe
and comply with all Governmental Requirements.

         Section 6.2 Payment of Taxes and Claims, etc. Parent will pay, and
cause its Subsidiaries to pay, (a) all material taxes, assessments and
governmental charges imposed upon it or upon its Property, and (b) all material
claims (including, but not limited to, claims for labor, materials, supplies or
services) which could reasonably be expected, if unpaid, to become a Lien upon
its Property, unless, in each case, the validity or amount thereof is being
contested in good faith by appropriate action or proceedings and such Person has
established adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto.

         Section 6.3 Further Assurances. Parent will, and will cause each other
Credit Party to, cure promptly any defects in the creation and issuance of the
Term Notes, and the execution and delivery of the Financing Documents, including
this Agreement. Parent and the Borrower at their expense will, as promptly as
practical, execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent upon request all such
other and further documents, agreements and instruments (or cause any other
Credit Party to take such action) in compliance with or performance of the
covenants and agreements of such Credit Parties in the Financing Documents,
including this Agreement, or to further evidence and more fully describe the
Collateral, or to correct any omissions in the Financing Documents, or more
fully to state the security obligations set out herein or in any of the
Financing Documents, or to perfect, protect or preserve any Liens created
pursuant to any of the Financing Documents, or to make any recordings, to file
any notices, or obtain any consents, all as may be necessary or appropriate in
connection therewith.

         Section 6.4 Performance of Obligations. The Borrower will pay the Term
Notes according to the reading, tenor and effect thereof; and Parent and the
Borrower will do and perform every act and discharge all of the obligations
provided to be performed and discharged by Parent and the Borrower under the
Financing Documents, including this Agreement, at the time or times and in the
manner specified, and cause each of the other Credit Parties to take such action
with respect to their obligations to be performed and discharged under the
Financing Documents to which they respectively are parties.

         Section 6.5 Insurance. Parent will, and will cause its Subsidiaries to,
maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable
insurers, insurance with respect to their respective Properties and business
against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types
(including business interruption insurance and flood insurance) and amounts as
is customary in the case of Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses
and similarly situated and in accordance with any Governmental Requirement.
Parent and the Borrower will obtain endorsements to the policies naming the
Administrative Agent as a loss payee and/or additional insured, as applicable,
and containing provisions that such policies will not be canceled without 30
days prior written notice having been given by the insurance company to the
Administrative Agent.

         Section 6.6 Accounts and Records. Parent will keep, and will cause each
of the other Credit Parties to keep, proper books of record and account in
accordance with GAAP.

                                       29
<PAGE>   37

         Section 6.7 Right of Inspection. Parent will permit, and will cause
each of the other Credit Parties to permit, any officer, employee or agent of
the Administrative Agent or any Lender to visit and inspect any of the
Properties of any Credit Party, examine such Credit Party's books of record and
accounts, take copies and extracts therefrom, and discuss the affairs, finances
and accounts of Parent or any other Credit Party with Parent's or such other
Credit Party's officers, accountants and auditors, as often and all at such
reasonable times during normal business hours (and, provided no Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing, upon not less than one day's prior
notice), as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any of
the Lenders.

         Section 6.8 Operation and Maintenance of Property. Parent will, and
will cause its Subsidiaries to, operate its Properties or cause its Properties
to be operated and maintained (a) in accordance with prudent industry practice
in all material respects and in compliance in all material respects with the
terms and provisions of all applicable leases, contracts and agreements and (b)
except where the noncompliance therewith could not reasonably be expected to
cause or result in a Material Adverse Effect, in compliance with all applicable
laws of the jurisdiction in which such Properties may be situated, and all
applicable laws, rules and regulations of every other Governmental Authority
from time to time constituted to regulate the ownership and operation of such
Properties.

         Section 6.9 [Intentionally Deleted].

         Section 6.10 Reporting Covenants. So long as any Term Loan remains
unpaid, Parent and the Borrower will furnish the following to each of the
Lenders:

                  (a) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available and in
any event within 105 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, a consolidated
balance sheet of Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such year and the
related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of
Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in
comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable
detail and accompanied by a report thereon of independent public accountants of
recognized national standing, which such report shall state that such
consolidated financial statements present fairly the consolidated financial
condition as at the end of such Fiscal Year, and the consolidated results of
operations and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, of Parent and its Subsidiaries
in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and shall be
unqualified. At the same time, a consolidating balance sheet of Parent and its
Subsidiaries as at the end of such year and related consolidating statements of
income and cash flows for such Fiscal Year (in each case consolidating on the
basis of principal lines of business of Parent and its Subsidiaries),
accompanied by a certification thereon of a Responsible Officer, stating that
such consolidating financial statements form the basis of Parent's consolidated
financial statements and are fairly stated in all material respects when
considered in relation thereto.

                  (b) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available and
in any event within 50 days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter, a consolidated
balance sheet of Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and
the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows
of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of
Parent's Fiscal Year ended at the end of such quarter, setting forth in each
case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding quarter and the
corresponding portion of Parent's previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail
and certified by a Responsible Officer that such financial statements are
complete and correct and fairly present the consolidated financial condition as
at the end of such Fiscal Quarter, and the consolidated results of operations
and cash flows for such Fiscal Quarter and such portion of Parent's Fiscal Year,
of Parent and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal,
year-end adjustments). At the same time, a consolidating balance sheet of Parent
and its Subsidiaries at the end of such Fiscal Quarter and related consolidating
statements of income and cash flows, for the portion of Parent's Fiscal Year
ended at such quarter (in each case consolidating on the basis of principal
lines of business of Parent and its Subsidiaries),

                                       30
<PAGE>   38
accompanied by a certification from a Responsible Officer that such
consolidating financial statements form the basis of Parent's consolidated
financial statements and are fairly stated in all material respects when
considered in relation thereto.

                  (c) No Default; Compliance Certificate. Together with the
financial statements required pursuant to Sections 6.10(a) and 6.10(b) above, a
certificate of Parent substantially in the form of Exhibit G, signed by a
Responsible Officer (1) stating that a review of such financial statements
during the period covered thereby and of the activities of Parent and its
Subsidiaries has been made under such Responsible Officer's supervision with a
view to determining whether Parent and its Subsidiaries have fulfilled all of
their obligations under this Agreement, the other Financing Documents, and the
Term Notes; (2) stating that Parent and its Subsidiaries have fulfilled their
obligations under such instruments and that all representations made in this
Agreement continue to be true and correct (or specifying the nature of any
change), or if there shall be a Default or Event of Default, specifying the
nature and status thereof and Parent's proposed response thereto; (3)
demonstrating in reasonable detail compliance (including, but not limited to,
showing all material calculations) as at the end of such Fiscal Year or such
Fiscal Quarter with Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b); and (4) containing or
accompanied by such financial or other details, information and material as the
Administrative Agent may reasonably request to evidence such compliance.

                  (d) Management Letters. Together with the financial statements
required pursuant to Section (a) above, copies of each management letter (if
any) issued to Parent by such accountants promptly following consideration or
review by the Board of Directors of Parent, or any committee thereof (together
with any response thereto prepared by Parent).

                  (e) [Intentionally Deleted].

                  (f) Events or Circumstances with respect to Collateral.
Promptly after the occurrence of any event or circumstance concerning or
changing any of the Collateral that could have a Material Adverse Effect, notice
of such event or circumstance in reasonable detail.

                  (g) Notice of Certain Events. Promptly after Parent or the
Borrower learns of the receipt or occurrence of any of the following, a
certificate of Parent, signed by a Responsible Officer specifying (1) any
official notice of any violation, possible violation, non-compliance or possible
non-compliance, or claim made by any Governmental Authority pertaining to all or
any part of the Properties of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (2) any event which
constitutes a Default or Event of Default, together with a detailed statement
specifying the nature thereof and the steps being taken to cure such Default or
Event of Default; (3) the receipt of any notice from, or the taking of any other
action by, the holder of any promissory note, debenture or other evidence of
indebtedness in excess of $500,000 of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent with
respect to a claimed default, together with a detailed statement specifying the
notice given or other action taken by such holder and the nature of the claimed
default and what action such Person is taking or proposes to take with respect
thereto; (4) any default or noncompliance of any party to any of the Financing
Documents with any of the terms and conditions thereof or any notice of
termination or other proceedings or actions which could reasonably be expected
to adversely affect any of the Financing Documents; (5) the creation,
dissolution, merger or acquisition of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent; (6)
any event or condition not previously disclosed to the Administrative Agent,
which violates any Environmental Law and which could have a Material Adverse
Effect; (7) any material amendment to, termination of, or default under any
material contract or any execution of, or material amendment to, termination of,
or material default under, any material collective bargaining agreement; or (8)
any event or condition which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

                  (h) Shareholder Communications, Filings. Promptly upon the
mailing, filing, or making thereof, copies of all registration statements,
periodic reports and other documents (excluding the related

                                       31
<PAGE>   39
exhibits except to the extent expressly requested by the Administrative Agent)
filed by Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (or any successor thereto) or any national securities exchange.

                  (i) Litigation. Promptly after the occurrence thereof, notice
of the institution of or any material adverse development in any action, suit or
proceeding or any governmental investigation or any arbitration, before any
court or arbitrator or any governmental or administrative body, agency or
official, against Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent, HRY or any material Property
of any thereof, in which the amount involved is material and not covered by
insurance or which, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse
Effect.

                  (j) ERISA. Promptly after (1) Parent's or the Borrower's
obtaining knowledge of the occurrence thereof, notice that an ERISA Termination
Event or a "prohibited transaction," as such term is defined in Section 406 of
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, with respect to any Plan has occurred which
could result in liability to Parent, its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate,
which such notice shall specify the nature thereof, Parent's proposed response
thereto (and, if applicable, the proposed response thereto of any Subsidiary of
Parent and of any ERISA Affiliate) and, where known, any action taken or
proposed by the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or the PBGC
with respect thereto, (2) Parent's or the Borrower's obtaining knowledge
thereof, copies of any notice of the PBGC's intention to terminate or to have a
trustee appointed to administer any Plan, and (3) the filing thereof with any
Governmental Authority (if requested by the Administrative Agent), copies of
each annual and other report (including applicable schedules) with respect to
each Plan or any trust created thereunder.

                  (k) Insurance Coverage. Upon request, a summary of the
insurance coverages of Parent and each other Credit Party in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; upon renewal of any such
insurance policy, a copy of an insurance certificate summarizing the terms of
such policy; and upon request of the Administrative Agent, copies of the
applicable policies.

                  (l) Annual Budget. As soon as available and in any event not
later than February 1 of each Fiscal Year, a budget of Parent and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidating and consolidated basis for such Fiscal Year
(prepared on a quarterly basis), reviewed by the Board of Directors of Parent,
setting forth in reasonable detail, the projected revenues and expenses of
Parent and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year.

                  (m) Collateral Value Certificate. On or before the 21st day of
each calendar month, a Collateral Value Certificate in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit F, prepared as of the last day of the immediately preceding calendar
month.

                  (n) Notices to Holders of Subordinated Debentures. Copies of
any material financial or other material report or material notice delivered to,
or received from, any holders of Subordinated Debentures, which such report or
notice has not been delivered to the Lenders hereunder.

                  (o) Other Information. With reasonable promptness, such other
information about the business and affairs and financial condition of Parent and
its Subsidiaries as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to
time.

         Section 6.11 Year 2000 Compatibility. Parent and the Borrower shall
take all actions reasonably necessary to assure that Parent's and each of the
other Credit Parties' computer based systems are able to operate and effectively
process data which includes dates on and after January 1, 2000. At the request
of Administrative Agent, Parent and the Borrower shall provide reasonable
assurances satisfactory to the Administrative Agent of Parent's and such other
Credit Parties' Year 2000 compatibility.

                                       32
<PAGE>   40

                                    ARTICLE 7
                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         So long as any Term Loan remains unpaid, Parent and the Borrower
covenant and agree that they will not:

         Section 7.1  Financial Covenants.

                  (a) Permit the Net Cash Flow of Hallwood Realty and HCRE on a
consolidated basis for the Rolling Period ending on the most recent Quarterly
Date to be less than $3,500,000.

                  (b) Permit the Debt Service Coverage Ratio at the end of any
Fiscal Quarter to be less than 1.15 to 1.00.

         Section 7.2 Indebtedness.

                  (a) Permit Hallwood Realty (in its individual capacity and not
as the general partner of HRY) or HCRE to create, incur or suffer to exist, any
Indebtedness, or (b) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, or permit any
other Credit Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any
Indebtedness, other than:

                  (i) the Lender Indebtedness;

                  (ii) Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof which is set
forth on Schedule 7.2, and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions
thereof (without any (1) increase in the principal amount thereof or rate of
interest thereon, or (2) acceleration of the date of, or increase in the amount
of, any payment of principal thereon);

                  (iii) Indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debentures;

                  (iv) Indebtedness evidenced by the Parent Intercompany Note;

                  (v) obligations for current taxes, assessments and other
governmental charges and taxes, assessments or other governmental charges which
are not yet due or are being contested in good faith by appropriate action or
proceeding promptly initiated and diligently conducted, if reserves as shall be
required by GAAP shall have been made therefor;

                  (vi) Indebtedness referenced in Section 7.6(f);

                  (vii) purchase money Indebtedness referenced in Section
7.3(h); and

                  (viii) other Indebtedness so long as immediately after giving
effect thereto and the application of the proceeds therefrom, the Debt Service
Coverage Ratio would be greater than 1.30 to 1.00 (computed to give pro forma
effect to the creation, incurrence or assumption of such Indebtedness).

         Section 7.3 Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, or permit
any other Credit Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Lien on
any of its Property now owned or hereafter acquired to secure any Lender
Indebtedness of any Credit Party or any other Person, other than:

                  (a) Liens existing on the date hereof and set forth on
Schedule 7.3;

                  (b) Liens securing the Lender Indebtedness; and

                                       33
<PAGE>   41

                  (c) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges
or levies not yet due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate
action or proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves are being
maintained;

                  (d) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers,
warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, workmen, and other Liens
imposed by law created in the ordinary course of business for amounts which are
not past due for more than 30 days or which are being contested in good faith by
appropriate action or proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves in
accordance with GAAP are being maintained;

                  (e) Liens incurred or deposits or pledges made in the ordinary
course of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment
insurance and other types of social security, old age or other similar
obligations, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations,
surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, performance and
return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations
for the payment of borrowed money);

                  (f) minor irregularities in title, easements, rights-of-way,
restrictions, servitudes, permits, reservations, exceptions, conditions,
covenants and other similar charges or encumbrances not materially interfering
with the occupation, use and enjoyment by any Credit Party of any of their
respective Properties in the normal course of business or materially impairing
the value thereof;

                  (g) any obligations or duties affecting any of the Property of
any Credit Party to any municipality or public authority with respect to any
franchise, grant, license or permit which do not materially impair the use of
such Property for the purposes for which it is held;

                  (h) Liens encumbering Property of any Credit Party securing
Indebtedness incurred to finance the purchase price of such Property; provided,
that (1) no such Lien shall encumber any Property of any Credit Party other than
the Property acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness, and (2) the
Indebtedness secured by any such Lien shall not exceed the purchase price of the
Property purchased with the proceeds of such indebtedness; and

                  (i) extensions, renewals or replacements of any Lien referred
to in Section 7.3(a), provided that the principal amount of the Indebtedness or
obligation secured thereby is not increased and that any such extension, renewal
or replacement is limited to the Property originally encumbered thereby.

         Section 7.4 Mergers, Sales, etc. Merge into or with or consolidate
with, or permit any other Credit Party to merge into or with or consolidate
with, any other Person, or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its Property to any other Person. In addition to the
foregoing, Parent and the Borrower will not, nor will Parent or the Borrower
permit any other Credit Party to, sell, lease, transfer, abandon or otherwise
dispose of any Collateral; provided, that, any Credit Party may sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of any such Collateral or all or substantially all of its
Property if each of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) the Borrower
shall have provided the Administrative Agent with not less than ten (10)
Business Days notice of such sale, transfer or other disposition, (ii) no
Benchmark Collateral Value Deficiency or Benchmark Marketable Collateral Value
Deficiency exists prior to the consummation of such sale, transfer or other
disposition, (iii) no Default has occurred which is continuing, and (iv) the
Borrower will immediately upon the consummation of such sale, transfer or other
disposition either (a) make a prepayment of principal on the Term Loan in an
amount sufficient to eliminate any resulting Benchmark Collateral Deficiency, or
(b) submit additional Collateral owned by Parent or the Borrower consisting of
cash, marketable Equity or other Equity reasonably acceptable to the
Administrative Agent and Required Lenders with a value sufficient to increase
the aggregate value of all Collateral securing the Lender Indebtedness to an
amount not less than 166.67% of the then outstanding principal balance of the
Term Loan. Simultaneously with the submission of additional Collateral pursuant
to clause (b) above, the

                                       34
<PAGE>   42
Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a Collateral
Value Certificate covering the existing and additional proposed Collateral.

         Section 7.5 Restricted Payments. Declare, pay or make, or agree to
declare, pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except
that

                  (a) Parent may declare and pay dividends with respect to (i)
its Series B Preferred Stock in cash, and (ii) its capital stock solely in
additional shares of its common stock;

                  (b) Parent may make payments to Epsilon Trust and Troup
pursuant to the terms of the Shareholder Agreement; and

                  (c) provided no Default, Event of Default, Benchmark
Collateral Deficiency or Benchmark Marketable Collateral Deficiency then exists,
and provided further no Default or Event of Default would result from any such
Restricted Payment, other Restricted Payments as long as at any date and
immediately after giving effect thereto, the sum of the aggregate amount of all
Restricted Payments made from and after the Closing Date to and including such
date shall not exceed the Restricted Payment Limit in effect at such date.

         Section 7.6 Investments, Loans, etc. Make or permit any loans to or
investments in any Person, other than:

                  (a) investments, loans or advances, the material details of
which have been set forth on Schedule 5.7;

                  (b) investments in direct obligations of, or obligations the
principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United
States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each
case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

                  (c) investments in certificates of deposit of maturities less
than one year, issued by commercial banks in the United States having capital
and surplus in excess of $100,000,000 and having short-term credit ratings of at
least A1 and P1 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and Moody's Investors
Service, Inc., respectively;

                  (d) investments in commercial paper of maturities of not more
than 180 days rated the highest credit rating obtainable from Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group and Moody's Investors Service, Inc.;

                  (e) investments in securities that are obligations of the
United States government purchased by Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent under
fully collateralized repurchase agreements pursuant to which arrangements are
made with selling financial institutions (being a financial institution having
unimpaired capital and surplus of not less than $100,000,000 and with short-term
credit ratings of at least A1 and P1 by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and
Moody's Investors Service, Inc., respectively) for such financial institutions
to repurchase such securities within 30 days from the date of purchase by Parent
or such Subsidiary, and other similar short-term investments made in connection
with Parent's or any of its Subsidiary's cash management practices; provided
that Parent shall take possession of all securities purchased by Parent or any
Subsidiary under repurchase agreements and shall adhere to customary margin and
mark-to-market procedures with respect to fluctuations in value;

                  (f) investments, contributions, loans or advances to Parent or
any Subsidiary of Parent; provided, that such loans or advances are subordinated
to the repayment of the Lender Indebtedness on terms and conditions satisfactory
to the Administrative Agent; and

                                       35
<PAGE>   43

                  (g) investments, loans or advances (in addition to those
contemplated by subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Section 7.6)
measured at cost on a cumulative basis from and after the date of this Agreement
not exceeding $500,000.

         Section 7.7 Sales and Leasebacks. Enter into, or permit any other
Credit Party to enter into, any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any
Person whereby Parent or any other Credit Party shall sell or transfer any
Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and whereby Parent or any
other Credit Party shall then or thereafter rent or lease as lessee such
Property or any part thereof or other Property which Parent or any other Credit
Party intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the
Property sold or transferred.

         Section 7.8 Nature of Business. Except with the consent of the Lenders,
engage in, or permit any Subsidiary of Parent to engage in, any business other
than the businesses in which they are engaged in as of the Closing Date or that
are directly related thereto.

         Section 7.9 ERISA Compliance. Except for matters described in
paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (g) and (i) below that could not reasonably be
expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in any material liability
of Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA Affiliate.

                  (a) Engage in, or permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate to engage in, any transaction in connection with which Parent, a
Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA Affiliate could be subjected to either a civil
penalty assessed pursuant to Sections 502(c), (i) or (l) of ERISA or a tax
imposed by Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code;

                  (b) Terminate, or permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate to terminate, any Plan in a manner, or take any other action with
respect to any Plan, which could reasonably be expected to result in any
material liability of Parent, a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA Affiliate to
the PBGC or any other Governmental Authority;

                  (c) Fail to make, or permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any
ERISA Affiliate to fail to make, full payment when due of all amounts which,
under the provisions of any Plan, agreement relating thereto or applicable law,
Parent, a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA Affiliate is required to pay as
contributions thereto;

                  (d) Permit to exist, or allow a Subsidiary of Parent or any
ERISA Affiliate to permit to exist, any accumulated funding deficiency within
the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, whether or not
waived, with respect to any Plan;

                  (e) Contribute to or assume an obligation to contribute to, or
permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA Affiliate to contribute to or assume
an obligation to contribute to, any "multiemployer plan" as such term is defined
in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA;

                  (f) Acquire, or permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate to acquire, an interest in any Person that causes such Person to
become an ERISA Affiliate with respect to Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent or
with respect to any ERISA Affiliate of Parent or a Subsidiary of Parent if such
Person sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or at any time in the six-year
period preceding such acquisition has sponsored, maintained, or contributed to,
any "multiemployer plan" as such term is defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3)
of ERISA;

                  (g) Fail to pay, or cause to be paid, to the PBGC in a timely
manner, and without incurring any late payment or underpayment charge or
penalty, all premiums required pursuant to

                                       36
<PAGE>   44

Sections 4006 and 4007 of ERISA;

                  (h) Amend, or permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate to amend, a Plan resulting in an increase in current liability such
that Parent, a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA Affiliate is required to
provide security to such Plan under Section 401(a)(29) of the Code;

                  (i) Incur, or permit a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate to incur, a material liability to or on account of a Plan under
Sections 515, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4201 or 4204 of ERISA; or

                  (j) Permit, or allow a Subsidiary of Parent or any ERISA
Affiliate to permit, the actuarial present value of the benefit liabilities
(computed on an accumulated benefit obligation basis in accordance with GAAP)
under all Plans in the aggregate to exceed the current value of the assets of
all Plans in the aggregate that are allocable to such benefit liabilities.

         Section 7.10 Sale or Discount of Receivables. Sell, with or without
recourse, for discount or otherwise, or permit any other Credit Party to
discount or sell, with or without recourse, for discount or otherwise, any notes
or accounts receivable.

         Section 7.11 Negative Pledge Agreements. Create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist, or permit any other Credit Party to create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist, any contract, agreement or understanding which in any way
prohibits or restricts the granting, conveying, creation or imposition of any
Lien on any Collateral of any Credit Party, or which requires the consent of or
notice to other Persons in connection therewith other than (a) this Agreement
and the other Financing Documents, and (b) the Subordinated Debentures Indenture
and the Subordinated Debentures.

         Section 7.12 Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into any transaction
or series of transactions, or permit any Subsidiary of Parent to enter into any
transaction or series of transactions, with Affiliates of any such Person (other
than Subsidiaries of Parent) which involve an outflow of money or other Property
from Parent or any other such Person to an Affiliate of Parent or any other such
Person (other than Subsidiaries of Parent), including, but not limited to,
repayment of Indebtedness, management fees, compensation, salaries, bonuses,
asset purchase payments or any other type of fees or payments similar in nature
except for (a) payments described in Section 7.5(b), and (b) those which are in
the ordinary course of business of Parent and such other Person and are on fair
and reasonable terms no less favorable than would be obtained in a comparable
arm's length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

         Section 7.13 Unconditional Purchase Obligations. Enter into or be a
party to, or permit any other Credit Party to enter into or be a party to, any
material contract for the purchase of materials, supplies or other property or
services, if such contract requires that payment be made by it regardless of
whether or not delivery is ever made of such materials, supplies or other
property or services.

         Section 7.14 [Intentionally Deleted].

         Section 7.15 [Intentionally Deleted].

         Section 7.16 Intercompany Transactions. Create, or permit any
Subsidiary of Parent (other than Brookwood) to create, or otherwise cause or
permit to exist or become effective, except as may be expressly permitted or
required by the Financing Documents, any consensual encumbrance or restriction
of any kind on the ability of any such Person to (a) pay dividends or make any
other distribution to Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in respect of such
Person's capital stock, membership interests or with respect to any other
interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, (b) pay any
indebtedness owed to Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent, (c) make any loan or
advance to Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent, or (d) sell, lease or transfer
any of its Property to Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent.

                                       37
<PAGE>   45

         Section 7.17 [Intentionally Deleted].

         Section 7.18 Modifications to Organizational Documents. Amend, modify
or waive (or permit the amendment, modification or waiver of) any provision or
covenant contained in the organizational or charter documents of Parent or any
Subsidiary of Parent if such amendment, modification or waiver would cause or
result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 7.19 Modifications to Subordinated Debentures; Payment
Restrictions.

                  (a) Amend, modify or waive any term or provision of the
Subordinated Debentures or the Subordinated Debentures Indenture if the effect
of such amendment, modification or waiver (1) subjects Parent or any Subsidiary
of Parent to any additional material obligation, (2) increases the principal of
or rate of interest on any Subordinated Debenture, (3) accelerates the date
fixed for any payment of principal or interest on any Subordinated Debenture, or
(4) relates to the subordination provisions thereof.

                  (b) Make any payment on or defeasance of any part of the
Subordinated Debentures (whether a voluntary or mandatory prepayment, a payment
at scheduled maturity or otherwise), except, provided no Default, Event of
Default, Benchmark Collateral Deficiency or Benchmark Marketable Collateral
Deficiency has occurred and is continuing, regularly scheduled payments of
interest on the Subordinated Debentures.

                                    ARTICLE 8
                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any of the following
specified events (each an "Event of Default"):

         Section 8.1 Payments. (a) The Borrower shall fail to pay when due
(including, but not limited to, by mandatory prepayment required pursuant to
Section 2.5) any principal of, or interest on, any Term Loan or any Term Note,
or (b) the Borrower or Parent shall fail to pay any fee or any other amount
payable hereunder or under any other Financing Document, and such failure to pay
shall continue unremedied for a period of five days;

         Section 8.2 Covenants Without Notice. Parent and/or the Borrower shall
fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in Sections 4.3,
4.4, 6.1, 6.5, 6.7 or 6.9;

         Section 8.3 Other Covenants. Parent and/or the Borrower shall fail to
observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in (a) Section 6.10 or
Article 7 and, if capable of being remedied, such failure shall remain
unremedied for 10 days after the earlier of (i) Parent's or the Borrower's
obtaining knowledge thereof, or (ii) written notice thereof shall have been
given to Parent or the Borrower by the Administrative Agent, or (b) this
Agreement, other than those referred to in Sections 8.1, 8.2 or 8.3(a) and, if
capable of being remedied, such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days
after the earlier of (i) Parent's or the Borrower's obtaining knowledge thereof,
or (ii) written notice thereof shall have been given to Parent or the Borrower
by the Administrative Agent;

         Section 8.4 Other Financing Document Obligations. Default is made in
the due observance or performance by Parent or any other Credit Party of any of
the covenants or agreements contained in any Financing Document other than this
Agreement, and such default continues unremedied beyond the expiration of any
applicable grace period which may be expressly allowed under such Financing
Document;

                                       38
<PAGE>   46

         Section 8.5 Representations. Any representation, warranty or statement
made or deemed to be made by Parent or any other Credit Party or any of Parent's
or such other Credit Party's officers herein or in any other Financing Document,
or in any certificate, request or other document furnished pursuant to or under
this Agreement or any other Financing Document, shall have been incorrect in any
material respect as of the date when made or deemed to be made;

         Section 8.6 Non-Payments of Other Indebtedness. Parent or any other
Credit Party shall fail to make any payment or payments of principal of or
interest on any Indebtedness of Parent or such other Credit Party in excess of
$500,000 in the aggregate when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration,
on demand or otherwise) after giving effect to any applicable grace period;

         Section 8.7 Defaults Under Other Agreements. Parent or any other Credit
Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement contained in
any agreement(s) or instrument(s) relating to Indebtedness of Parent or such
other Credit Party of $1,000,000 or more in the aggregate within any applicable
grace period, or any other event shall occur, if the effect of such failure or
other event is to accelerate, or, with respect to Parent and such other Credit
Parties, to permit the holder of such Indebtedness or any other Person to
accelerate, the maturity of $1,000,000 or more in the aggregate of such
Indebtedness; or $100,000 or more in the aggregate of any such Indebtedness
shall be, or if as a result of such failure or other event may be, required to
be prepaid (other than prepayments resulting from excess cash flow) in whole or
in part prior to its stated maturity;

         Section 8.8 Bankruptcy. Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent shall
commence a voluntary case concerning itself under Title 11 of the United States
Code entitled "Bankruptcy" as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor
thereto (the "Bankruptcy Code"); or an involuntary case is commenced against
Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent and the petition is not controverted within
10 days, or is not stayed or dismissed within 60 days, after commencement of the
case; or a custodian (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) is appointed for, or
takes charge of, all or any substantial part of the property of Parent or any
Subsidiary of Parent; or Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent commences any other
proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of
debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any
jurisdiction whether now or hereafter in effect relating to Parent or any
Subsidiary of Parent or there is commenced against Parent or any Subsidiary of
Parent any such proceeding which remains unstayed or undismissed for a period of
60 days; or Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent is adjudicated insolvent or
bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or
proceeding is entered; or Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent suffers any
appointment of any custodian or the like for it or any substantial part of its
Property to continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days; or Parent
or any Subsidiary of Parent makes a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors; or Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent shall fail to pay, or shall
state in writing that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts
generally as they become due; or Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent shall by any
act or failure to act indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in
any of the foregoing; or any corporate, limited liability company or other
action is taken by Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent for the purpose of
effecting any of the foregoing;

         Section 8.9 Money Judgment. Judgments or orders for the payment of
money involving in the aggregate at any time a liability (net of any insurance
proceeds or indemnity payments actually received in respect thereof prior to or
within 60 days from the entry thereof, or to be received in respect thereof in
the event any appeal thereof shall be unsuccessful) of more than $500,000, or
that would otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect shall be rendered against
Parent or any other Credit Party and such judgment or order shall continue
unsatisfied in accordance with the terms of such judgment or order (in the case
of a money judgment) and in effect for a period of 60 days during which
execution shall not be effectively stayed or deferred (whether by action of a
court, by agreement or otherwise);

                                       39
<PAGE>   47

         Section 8.10 Discontinuance of Business. Any Credit Party shall cease
to be principally engaged in the businesses and operations in which such Persons
were principally engaged on the Closing Date;

         Section 8.11 Financing Documents. Any Material Provision of any of the
Financing Documents after delivery thereof shall for any reason, except to the
extent permitted by the terms thereof, cease to be in full force and effect and
valid, binding and enforceable (except as enforceability may be limited as
stated in Section 5.3) in accordance with its terms, or, in the case of any of
the Security Instruments, cease to create a valid and perfected Lien of the
priority contemplated thereby on any of the collateral purported to be covered
thereby, or Parent or any other Credit Party (or any other Person who may have
granted or purported to grant such Lien) shall so state in writing. As used in
this Section 8.11, "Material Provision" shall mean (a) with respect to this
Agreement, the Term Notes, or the Facility Guaranty, any material term,
covenant, or agreement set forth therein, and (b) with respect to any other
Financing Document, any provision if the validity and enforceability thereof is
necessary for such Financing Document to accomplish its stated, or clearly
intended, purpose or otherwise necessary in order for any Lender to enforce any
material right or remedy under any Financing Document;

         Section 8.12 Change of Control. The occurrence of a Change of Control;

         Section 8.13 Subordination of Lender Indebtedness. The Subordinated
Debentures shall cease, for any reason, to be validly subordinated to the Lender
Indebtedness, as provided in the Subordinated Debentures Indenture and the
Intercreditor Agreement, or Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent, any Affiliate of
any such party, or any holder of Subordinated Debentures shall violate the
subordination provisions of the Subordinated Debentures Indenture or the
Intercreditor Agreement, or contest the validity thereof in any legal,
arbitration, mediation or similar proceeding; or

         Section 8.14 Default Under Subordinated Indebtedness. The occurrence of
an event of default under the Subordinated Debentures Indenture;

then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any Event of Default
shall then be continuing, the Administrative Agent, upon the written or telex
request of the Required Lenders, shall, by written notice to Parent and the
Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, without prejudice to the
rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the holder of any Term Note,
to enforce its claims against Parent and the other Credit Parties: declare the
entire principal amount of and all accrued interest on all Lender Indebtedness
then outstanding to be, whereupon the same shall become, forthwith due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest or dishonor,
notice of acceleration, notice of intent to accelerate or other notice of any
kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Parent and the Borrower, and
thereupon take such action as it may deem desirable under and pursuant to the
Financing Documents; provided, that, if an Event of Default specified in Section
8.8 shall occur, the result which would occur upon the giving of written notice
by the Administrative Agent to Parent and the Borrower, as specified above,
shall occur automatically without the giving of any such notice.

                                    ARTICLE 9
                            THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

         Section 9.1 Appointment of Administrative Agent. Each Lender hereby
designates First Bank Texas, N.A., as Administrative Agent to act as herein
specified and as specified in the other Financing Documents. Each Lender hereby
irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action on its
behalf under the provisions of this Agreement, the Term Notes, and the other
Financing Documents and to exercise such powers and to perform such duties
hereunder and thereunder as are specifically delegated to or required of the
Administrative Agent by the terms hereof and thereof and such other powers as
are

                                       40
<PAGE>   48
reasonably incidental thereto. The Administrative Agent may perform any of
its duties hereunder by or through its agents or employees.

         Section 9.2 Limitation of Duties of Administrative Agent. The
Administrative Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities except those
expressly set forth with respect to the Administrative Agent in this Agreement
and as specified in the other Financing Documents. Neither the Administrative
Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be liable
for any action taken or omitted by it as such hereunder or in connection
herewith, unless caused by its or their gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The duties of the Administrative Agent shall be mechanical and administrative in
nature; the Administrative Agent shall not have by reason of this Agreement a
fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender; and nothing in this Agreement,
expressed or implied, is intended to or shall be so construed as to impose upon
the Administrative Agent any obligations in respect of this Agreement except as
expressly set forth herein.

         Section 9.3 Lack of Reliance on the Administrative Agent.

                  (a) Independent Investigation. Independently and without
reliance upon the Administrative Agent, each Lender, to the extent it deems
appropriate, has made and shall continue to make, (1) its own independent
investigation of the financial condition and affairs of the Credit Parties in
connection with the taking or not taking of any action in connection herewith,
and (2) its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Credit Parties, and,
except as expressly provided in this Agreement, and the other Financing
Documents, the Administrative Agent shall have no duty or responsibility, either
initially or on a continuing basis, to provide any Lender with any credit or
other information with respect thereto, whether coming into its possession
before the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein or at any time
or times thereafter.

                  (b) Administrative Agent Not Responsible. The Administrative
Agent shall not be responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements,
information, representations or warranties herein or in any document,
certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith or for the
execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectibility,
priority or sufficiency of this Agreement, the Term Notes, or the other
Financing Documents or the financial condition of the Credit Parties or be
required to make any inquiry concerning either the performance or observance of
any of the terms, provisions or conditions of this Agreement, the Term Notes or
the other Financing Documents, or the financial condition of the Credit Parties,
or the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default.

         Section 9.4 Certain Rights of the Administrative Agent. If the
Administrative Agent shall request instructions from the Required Lenders with
respect to any act or action (including the failure to act) in connection with
this Agreement, the Term Notes and the other Financing Documents, the
Administrative Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such
action unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received
instructions from the Required Lenders; and the Administrative Agent shall not
incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Without limiting the
foregoing, no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against the
Administrative Agent as a result of the Administrative Agent acting or
refraining from acting under this Agreement, the Term Notes and the other
Financing Documents in accordance with the instructions of the Required Lenders,
or to the extent required by Section 10.2, all of the Lenders.

         Section 9.5 Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent
shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any
note, writing, resolution, notice, statement, certificate, telex, teletype or
telecopier message, cablegram, radiogram, order or other documentary
teletransmission or telephone message believed by it to be genuine and correct
and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person. The Administrative
Agent may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for Parent and the
Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and
shall not be liable for any

                                       41
<PAGE>   49
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the
advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.

         Section 9.6 INDEMNIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT. TO THE EXTENT THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IS NOT REIMBURSED AND INDEMNIFIED BY PARENT OR THE
BORROWER, EACH LENDER WILL REIMBURSE AND INDEMNIFY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ON A
PRO RATA BASIS, FOR AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES,
DAMAGES, PENALTIES, ACTIONS, JUDGMENTS, SUITS, COSTS, EXPENSES (INCLUDING
REASONABLE COUNSEL FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS) OR DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY KIND OR
NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED ON, INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT IN PERFORMING ITS DUTIES HEREUNDER, IN ANY WAY RELATING TO
OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT AND BY REASON OF THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT; PROVIDED THAT NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT FOR ANY PORTION OF SUCH LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES,
DAMAGES, PENALTIES, ACTIONS, JUDGMENTS, SUITS, COSTS, EXPENSES OR DISBURSEMENTS
RESULTING FROM, AS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT'S GROSS
NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

         Section 9.7 The Administrative Agent in its Individual Capacity. With
respect to their obligations under this Agreement, the Term Loans made by it and
the Term Notes issued to it, the Administrative Agent shall have the same rights
and powers hereunder as any other Lender or holder of a Term Note and may
exercise the same as though it were not performing the duties, if any, specified
herein; and the terms "Lenders," "Required Lenders," "holders of Term Notes" or
any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include
the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity. The Administrative Agent
may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of
banking, trust, financial advisory or other business with Parent, the Borrower
or any affiliate of Parent as if it were not performing the duties, if any,
specified herein, and may accept fees and other consideration from Parent or the
Borrower for services in connection with this Agreement and otherwise without
having to account for the same to the Lenders.

         Section 9.8 May Treat Lender as Owner. Parent, the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent may deem and treat each Lender as the owner of such
Lender's Term Note for all purposes hereof unless and until a written notice of
the assignment or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Administrative
Agent. Any request, authority or consent of any Person who at the time of making
such request or giving such authority or consent is the owner of a Term Note
shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent owner, transferee or assignee
of such Term Note or any promissory note or notes issued in exchange therefor.

         Section 9.9 Successor Administrative Agent.

                  (a) Administrative Agent Resignation. The Administrative Agent
may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders, Parent
and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the
Required Lenders. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Required Lenders
shall have the right, upon five days' notice to Parent and the Borrower, to
appoint a successor Administrative Agent, subject to the approval of Parent and
the Borrower, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. If no successor
Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and
shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring
Administrative Agent's giving of notice of resignation or the Required Lenders'
removal of the retiring Administrative Agent, then, upon five (5) days' notice
to Parent and the Borrower, the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of
the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent (subject to approval of
Parent and the Borrower, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld), which
shall be a bank which maintains an office in the United States, or a commercial
bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or of

                                       42
<PAGE>   50
any State thereof, or any Affiliate of such bank, having a combined capital and
surplus of at least $200,000,000.

                  (b) Rights, Powers, etc. 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 Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged
from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring
Administrative Agent's resignation or removal hereunder as Administrative Agent,
the provisions of this Article 9 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions
taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 10
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 10.1 Notices. All notices, requests and other communications to
any party hereunder shall be in writing (including, telecopy or similar
teletransmission or writing) and shall be given to such party at its address or
telecopy number set forth on the signature pages hereof or such other address or
telecopy number as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower. Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (a) if given by mail, 72 hours after such
communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid,
addressed as aforesaid, or (b) if given by any other means (including, but not
limited to, by air courier), when delivered at the address specified in this
Section 10.1; provided, that notices to the Administrative Agent shall not be
effective until actually and physically received.

         Section 10.2 Amendments and Waivers. Neither this Agreement nor any
other Financing Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof, may be amended,
supplemented or modified except in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 10.2. The Required Lenders may, or, with the written consent of the
Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, from time to time, (x) enter
into with Parent and the Borrower, written amendments, supplements or
modifications hereto and to the other Financing Documents for the purpose of
adding any provisions to this Agreement or to the other Financing Documents or
changing in any manner the rights or obligations of the Lenders, Parent or the
Borrower hereunder or thereunder or (y) waive at Parent's or the Borrower's
request, on such terms and conditions as the Required Lenders or the
Administrative Agent, as the case may be, may specify in such instrument, any of
the requirements of this Agreement or the other Financing Documents or any
Default and its consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver and no such
amendment, supplement or modification shall:

                  (a) reduce the amount or extend the scheduled date of maturity
of any Term Loan or of any scheduled installment thereof or reduce the stated
rate of any interest or fee payable hereunder or extend the scheduled date of
any payment thereof or modify any provision that provides for the ratable
sharing by the Lenders of any payment or prepayment of Lender Indebtedness to
provide for a non-ratable sharing thereof or increase the amount or extend the
expiration date of any Lender's Term Loan Commitment or amend, modify or waive
any provision of Section 2.9, in each case without the prior written consent of
each Lender directly affected thereby;

                  (b) change the currency in which any Term Loan is payable or
amend, modify or waive any provision of this Section 10.2 or reduce the
percentage specified in the definition of Required Lenders, in each case without
the written consent of all of the Lenders;

                  (c) release (1) Parent from its obligations under the Facility
Guaranty, or (2) any material part of the Collateral, without the written
consent of all of the Lenders, except as expressly permitted hereby; provided
that the Administrative Agent shall release (without consent from the Lenders)
any Collateral sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of as permitted by
Section 7.4; and

                                       43
<PAGE>   51

                  (d) amend, modify or waive any provision of Article 9 without
the written consent of the Administrative Agent.

                  Any waiver and any amendment, supplement or modification
pursuant to this Section 10.2 shall apply to each of the Lenders and shall be
binding upon Parent, the Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and all
future holders of the Term Loans. In the case of any waiver, Parent, the
Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall be restored to their
former position and rights hereunder and under the other Financing Documents,
and any Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing; but no
such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default, or impair any right
consequent thereon.

         Section 10.3 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No failure or delay on the
part of Parent, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any
holder of any Term Note in exercising any right or remedy under this Agreement
or any other Financing Document and no course of dealing between Parent, the
Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any holder of any Term Note
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any right or remedy under the Term Notes, this Agreement or any other Financing
Document preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right or remedy under the Term Notes, this Agreement or any other
Financing Document. The rights and remedies herein expressly provided are
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which Parent, the
Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender would otherwise have. No notice
to or demand on Parent or the Borrower not required under the Term Notes, this
Agreement or any other Financing Document in any case shall entitle Parent or
the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other
circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the Administrative Agent
or the Lenders to any other or further action in any circumstances without
notice or demand.

         Section 10.4 Payment of Expenses, Indemnities, etc. Parent and the
Borrower agree to (and shall be jointly and severally liable for):

                  (a) Expenses. Whether or not the transactions hereby
contemplated are consummated, pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and
expenses of the Administrative Agent in the administration (both before and
after the execution hereof and including advice of counsel for the
Administrative Agent as to the rights and duties of the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders with respect thereto) of, and in connection with the preparation,
execution and delivery of, recording or filing of, preservation of rights under,
enforcement of, and, after a Default, refinancing, renegotiation or
restructuring of, this Agreement, the Term Notes, and the other Financing
Documents and any amendment, waiver or consent relating thereto (including, but
not limited to, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Administrative Agent and in the case of enforcement for any of the Lenders) and,
to the extent permitted by the Financing Documents, promptly reimburse the
Administrative Agent for all amounts expended, advanced, or incurred by the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders to satisfy any obligation of Parent, the
Borrower, or the other Credit Parties under this Agreement or any other
Financing Document;

                  (b) INDEMNIFICATION. INDEMNIFY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND
EACH LENDER, EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES,
REPRESENTATIVES, AGENTS AND AFFILIATES FROM, HOLD EACH OF THEM HARMLESS AGAINST,
AND PROMPTLY UPON DEMAND PAY OR REIMBURSE EACH OF THEM FOR, ANY AND ALL ACTIONS,
SUITS, PROCEEDINGS (INCLUDING ANY INVESTIGATIONS, LITIGATION OR INQUIRIES),
CLAIMS, COSTS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES OR EXPENSES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE
WHATSOEVER WHICH MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST OR INVOLVE ANY OF THEM
(WHETHER OR NOT ANY OF THEM IS DESIGNATED A PARTY THERETO) AS A RESULT OF,
ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO (1) ANY ACTUAL OR PROPOSED USE BY THE
BORROWER OF THE PROCEEDS OF ANY OF THE TERM LOANS; OR (2) ANY OTHER ASPECT OF
THIS AGREEMENT, THE TERM NOTES, AND THE FINANCING DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE

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<PAGE>   52

REASONABLE FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF COUNSEL AND ALL OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED IN
CONNECTION WITH INVESTIGATING, DEFENDING OR PREPARING TO DEFEND ANY SUCH ACTION,
SUIT, PROCEEDING (INCLUDING ANY INVESTIGATIONS, LITIGATION OR INQUIRIES) OR
CLAIM, AND INCLUDING ALL ACTIONS, SUITS, PROCEEDINGS (INCLUDING ANY
INVESTIGATIONS, LITIGATION OR INQUIRIES), CLAIMS, COSTS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES,
DAMAGES OR EXPENSES ARISING BY REASON OF ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF ANY OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER, EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, AGENTS AND AFFILIATES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10.4(B) SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY ACTION, SUITS,
PROCEEDINGS, CLAIMS, COSTS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, OR EXPENSES TO THE
EXTENT, BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT, CAUSED BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL
MISCONDUCT OF THE PARTY SEEKING INDEMNIFICATION;

                  (c) ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNIFICATION. INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS
FROM TIME TO TIME THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS, EACH PERSON CLAIMING
BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING AND THE RESPECTIVE
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, COUNSEL, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS OF EACH OF THE FOREGOING FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES, CLAIMS,
COST RECOVERY ACTIONS, ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS OR PROCEEDINGS, DAMAGES AND
LIABILITIES (WHICH RELATE TO OR ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE TERM LOANS OR ANY
FINANCING DOCUMENT) TO WHICH ANY SUCH PERSON MAY BECOME SUBJECT AND INCLUDING
ANY AND ALL LOSSES, CLAIMS, COST RECOVERY ACTIONS, ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS OR
PROCEEDINGS, DAMAGES AND LIABILITIES (WHICH RELATE TO OR ARISE AS A RESULT OF
THE TERM LOANS OR ANY FINANCING DOCUMENT) ARISING BY REASON OF THE ORDINARY
NEGLIGENCE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS, EACH PERSON CLAIMING BY,
THROUGH, UNDER OR ON ACCOUNT OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING AND THE RESPECTIVE
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, COUNSEL, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS OF EACH OF THE FOREGOING (1) UNDER ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW APPLICABLE TO
PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE TREATMENT OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
ON ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES, (2) AS A RESULT OF THE BREACH OR
NON-COMPLIANCE BY PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY WITH ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
APPLICABLE TO PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY, (3) DUE TO PAST OWNERSHIP BY
PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY OF ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES OR PAST
ACTIVITY ON ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPERTIES WHICH, THOUGH LAWFUL AND FULLY
PERMISSIBLE AT THE TIME, COULD RESULT IN PRESENT LIABILITY, (4) THE PRESENCE,
USE, RELEASE, STORAGE, TREATMENT OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ON OR AT
ANY OF THE PROPERTIES OWNED OR OPERATED BY PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY, OR
(5) ANY OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH OR SAFETY CONDITION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
AGREEMENT, THE TERM NOTES OR ANY OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, NO
INDEMNITY SHALL BE AFFORDED UNDER THIS SECTION 10.4(C) IN RESPECT OF ANY
PROPERTY FOR ANY OCCURRENCE ARISING PRIMARILY FROM THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER DURING THE PERIOD AFTER WHICH SUCH PERSON,
ITS SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS SHALL HAVE OBTAINED ACTUAL PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF SUCH
PROPERTY (WHETHER BY FORECLOSURE OR DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE, AS
MORTGAGEE-IN-POSSESSION OR OTHERWISE); AND

                  (d) ENVIRONMENTAL WAIVER. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING
PROVISIONS, PARENT AND THE BORROWER DO EACH HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE AND COVENANT
NOT TO BRING AGAINST ANY OF THE PERSONS INDEMNIFIED IN THIS SECTION 10.4 ANY
DEMAND, CLAIM, COST RECOVERY ACTION OR LAWSUIT THEY MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE OR
ACCRUE (WHICH RELATE TO OR ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE TERM LOANS OR ANY FINANCING
DOCUMENT) ARISING FROM (1) ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW NOW OR HEREAFTER ENACTED
(INCLUDING THOSE APPLICABLE TO PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY) UNLESS THE ACTS
OR OMISSIONS OF ANY SUCH PERSON OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS ARE
THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES GIVING RISE TO SUCH DEMAND, COST RECOVERY
ACTION OR LAWSUIT, (2) THE PRESENCE, USE, RELEASE, STORAGE, TREATMENT OR
DISPOSAL OF

                                       45
<PAGE>   53
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ON OR AT ANY OF THE PROPERTIES OWNED OR OPERATED BY PARENT
OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY, OR (3) THE BREACH OR NON-COMPLIANCE BY PARENT OR ANY
OTHER CREDIT PARTY WITH ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LAW OR ENVIRONMENTAL COVENANT
APPLICABLE TO PARENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT PARTY, UNLESS THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF
SUCH PERSON, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS ARE THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF THE
CIRCUMSTANCES GIVING RISE TO SUCH DEMAND, CLAIM, COST RECOVERY ACTION OR
LAWSUIT.

If and to the extent that the obligations of Parent and the Borrower under this
Section 10.4 are unenforceable for any reason, Parent and the Borrower each
hereby agree to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of
such obligations which is permissible under applicable law. Parent's and the
Borrower's obligations under this Section 10.4 shall survive any termination of
this Agreement and the payment of the Term Notes.

         Section 10.5 Right of Setoff. In addition to and not in limitation of
all rights of offset that any Lender may have under applicable law, each Lender
or other holder of a Term Note, or any other Lender Indebtedness shall, upon the
occurrence of any Event of Default and at any time during the continuance
thereof and whether or not such Lender, or such holder has made any demand or
the Borrower's obligations are matured, have the right at any time and from time
to time, without notice to Parent or the Borrower (any such notice being
expressly waived by Parent and the Borrower) to set-off and apply any and all
deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time
held and other indebtedness at any time owing by any Lender to or for the credit
or the account of Parent or the Borrower against any and all of the Lender
Indebtedness owing to such Lender then outstanding, subject to the provisions of
Section 2.9.

         Section 10.6 Benefit of Agreement. The Term Notes, this Agreement and
the other Financing Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
and be enforceable by the respective successors and assigns of the parties
hereto, provided, that neither Parent nor the Borrower may assign or transfer
any of their interest hereunder or thereunder without the prior written consent
of the Lenders.

         Section 10.7 Successors and Assigns; Participations and Assignments.

                  (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Parent nor the Borrower may assign
or otherwise transfer any of their rights or obligations hereunder without the
prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer
by Parent or the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void). Nothing
in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any
Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns
permitted hereby) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by
reason of this Agreement.

                  (b) Any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a
portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a
portion of its Term Loan Commitment and the Term Loans at the time owing to it);
provided that (i) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an
Affiliate of a Lender, each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent must
give their prior written consent to such assignment (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld), (ii) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or
an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the
assigning Lender's Term Loan Commitment, the amount of the Term Loan Commitment
of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the
date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered
to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $250,000 unless each of the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, (iii) each partial
assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the
assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, (iv) the parties
to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an
Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing fee of $500 and
all applicable recordation fees, and

                                       46
<PAGE>   54

(v) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the
Administrative Agent such information relevant to such assignee as the
Administrative Agent shall request to evidence such assignee as a Lender
hereunder; and provided further that any consent of the Borrower otherwise
required under this paragraph shall not be required if an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing. Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant
to Section 10.7(d), from and after the effective date specified in each
Assignment and Acceptance the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and,
to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have
the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning
Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such
Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement
(and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all of the assigning
Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to
be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections
2.10 and 10.4). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations
under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated
for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in
such rights and obligations in accordance with this Section 10.7(b).

                  (c) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an
agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at its offices in Houston, Texas a copy of
each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the
recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Term Loan
Commitment of, and principal amount of the Term Loans owing to, each Lender
pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the "Register"). The entries in
the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register
pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this
Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be
available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time
and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

                  (d) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and
Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee's
completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a
Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fees referred to in Section
10.7(b) and any written consent to such assignment required by Section 10.7(b),
the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Acceptance and record
the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be
effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the
Register as provided in this paragraph.

                  (e) Any Lender may, without the consent of Parent, the
Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to one or more banks
or other entities (a "Participant") in all or a portion of such Lender's rights
and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Term
Loan Commitment and the Term Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender's
obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall
remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of
such obligations and (iii) Parent, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and
the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in
connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any
agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation
shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this
Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision
of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that
such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any
amendment, modification or waiver described in Sections 10.2(a) or 10.2(b) that
affects such Participant. Subject to this Section 10.7(e), Parent and the
Borrower each agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of
Section 2.10 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its
interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.7(b). To the extent permitted by
law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.5 as
though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to
Section 2.9 as though it were a Lender.

                                       47
<PAGE>   55

                  (f) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater
payment under Section 2.10 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled
to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless
the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower's
prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a
Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.10 unless the Borrower
is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant
agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 2.10(f) as
though it were a Lender.

                  (g) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security
interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure
obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure
obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section 10.7 shall not apply to
any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such
pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of
its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such
Lender as a party hereto.

                  (h) Parent and the Borrower each authorize each Lender to
disclose to any participant or Assignee (each, a "Transferee") and any
prospective Transferee any and all information in such Lender's possession
concerning Parent, the Borrower and Parent's Affiliates which has been delivered
to such Lender by or on behalf of Parent or the Borrower pursuant to this
Agreement or which has been delivered to such Lender by or on behalf of Parent
or the Borrower in connection with such Lender's credit evaluation of Parent,
the Borrower and Parent's Affiliates prior to becoming a party to this
Agreement, provided that, each such Transferee agrees to be bound by the
confidentiality provisions of Section 10.12. No assignment or participation made
or purported to be made to any Transferee shall be effective without the prior
written consent of Parent and the Borrower if it would require it to make any
filing with any Governmental Authority or qualify any Term Loan or Term Note
under the laws of any jurisdiction, and Parent and the Borrower shall be
entitled to request and receive such information and assurances as it may
reasonably request from any Lender or any Transferee to determine whether any
such filing or qualification is required or whether any assignment or
participation is otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

         Section 10.8 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; etc.

                  (a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND UNDER THE TERM NOTES SHALL BE CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND, TO THE
EXTENT CONTROLLING, LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

                  (b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING
WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TERM NOTES OR THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS
MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF
THIS AGREEMENT, PARENT AND THE BORROWER EACH HEREBY ACCEPT FOR ITSELF AND IN
RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE
AFORESAID COURTS. PARENT AND THE BORROWER EACH HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY
OBJECTION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE
OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER
HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE
JURISDICTIONS.

                  (c) WAIVER OF CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT
ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENT AND THE LENDERS (i) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR
RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN

                                       48
<PAGE>   56
ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES; (ii) CERTIFIES THAT NO PARTY HERETO NOR ANY
REPRESENTATIVE OR COUNSEL FOR ANY PARTY HERETO HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR
OTHERWISE, OR IMPLIED THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION,
SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; AND (iv) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN
INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS AND THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY BASED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE
MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION 10.8.

                  (d) Process Agent. CT Corporation System, with an office on
the date hereof at 350 N. St. Paul, Suite 2900, Dallas, Texas 75201, is the
designee, appointee and process agent of Parent and the Borrower designated to
receive, for and on behalf of Parent and the Borrower, service of process in
such respective jurisdictions in any legal action or proceeding with respect to
this Agreement, the Term Notes, or the other Financing Documents. It is
understood that a copy of such process served on such agent will be promptly
forwarded by mail to Parent and the Borrower at its address set forth opposite
its signature below, but the failure of Parent or the Borrower to receive such
copy shall not affect in any way the service of such process. Parent and the
Borrower each further irrevocably consent to the service of process of any of
the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of
copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to Parent and
the Borrower at its said address, such service to become effective 30 days after
such mailing.

                  (e) Service of Process. Nothing herein shall affect the right
of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any holder of a Term Note to serve
process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or
otherwise proceed against Parent or the Borrower in any other jurisdiction.

         Section 10.9 Independent Nature of Lenders' Rights. The amounts payable
at any time hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt,
and, subject to the other terms and provisions hereof and of the Financing
Documents, each Lender shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights
arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other
Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

         Section 10.10 Invalidity. In the event that any one or more of the
provisions contained in the Term Notes, this Agreement or in any other Financing
Document shall, for any reason, be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
respect, (a) Parent and the Borrower each agree that such invalidity, illegality
or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of the Term Notes, this
Agreement or any other Financing Document, and (b) Parent, the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent (acting on behalf and at the direction of the Lenders) will
negotiate in good faith to amend such provision so as to be legal, valid, and
enforceable.

         Section 10.11 Renewal, Extension or Rearrangement. All provisions of
this Agreement and of any other Financing Documents relating to the Term Notes
or other Lender Indebtedness shall apply with equal force and effect to each and
all promissory notes hereafter executed which in whole or in part represent a
renewal, extension for any period, increase or rearrangement of any part of the
Lender Indebtedness originally represented by the Term Notes, or of any part of
such other Lender Indebtedness.

         Section 10.12 Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined
below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates'
directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel
and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure
is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and
instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested
by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or
regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party
to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder
or any suit, action or proceeding relating to

                                       49
<PAGE>   57

this Agreement or the enforcement of rights hereunder, (f) subject to an
agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section
10.12, to any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or
Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (g) with
the consent of Parent or the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i)
becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section
10.12 or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a
nonconfidential basis from a source other than Parent or the Borrower. For the
purposes of this Section 10.12, "Information" means all information received
from Parent or the Borrower relating to Parent or the Borrower or their
businesses, other than any such information that is available to the
Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to
disclosure by Parent or the Borrower; provided that, in the case of information
received from Parent or the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is
clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required
to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 10.12
shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person
has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such
Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

         Section 10.13 Interest. It is the intention of the parties hereto to
conform strictly to usury laws applicable to the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders (collectively, the "Financing Parties") and the Transactions.
Accordingly, if the Transactions would be usurious as to any Financing Party
under laws applicable to it, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
the Term Notes, this Agreement or in any other Financing Document or agreement
entered into in connection with the Transactions or as security for the Term
Notes, it is agreed as follows: (a) the aggregate of all consideration which
constitutes interest under law applicable to any Financing Party that is
contracted for, taken, reserved, charged or received by such Financing Party
under the Term Notes, this Agreement or under any of such other Financing
Documents or agreements or otherwise in connection with the Transactions shall
under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount allowed by such applicable law,
(b) in the event that the maturity of the Term Notes is accelerated for any
reason, or in the event of any required or permitted prepayment, then such
consideration that constitutes interest under law applicable to any Financing
Party may never include more than the maximum amount allowed by such applicable
law, and (c) excess interest, if any, provided for in this Agreement or
otherwise in connection with the Transactions shall be canceled automatically by
such Financing Party and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited by such
Financing Party on the principal amount of the Borrower's Indebtedness to such
Financing Party (or, to the extent that the principal amount of the Borrower's
Indebtedness to such Financing Party shall have been or would thereby be paid in
full, refunded by such Financing Party to the Borrower). The right to accelerate
the maturity of the Term Notes does not include the right to accelerate any
interest which has not otherwise accrued on the date of such acceleration, and
the Financing Parties do not intend to collect any unearned interest in the
event of acceleration. All sums paid or agreed to be paid to the Financing
Parties for the use, forbearance or detention of sums included in the Lender
Indebtedness shall, to the extent permitted by law applicable to such Financing
Party, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of
the Term Notes until payment in full so that the rate or amount of interest on
account of the Lender Indebtedness does not exceed the applicable usury ceiling,
if any. As used in this Section 10.13, the terms "applicable law" or "laws
applicable to any Financing Party" shall mean the law of any jurisdiction whose
laws may be mandatorily applicable notwithstanding other provisions of this
Agreement, or law of the United States of America applicable to any Financing
Party and the Transactions which would permit such Financing Party to contract
for, charge, take, reserve or receive a greater amount of interest than under
such jurisdiction's law. To the extent that Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance
Code, as amended, substituted for or restated is relevant to any Financing Party
for the purpose of determining the Highest Lawful Rate, such Financing Party
hereby elects to determine the applicable rate ceiling under such Chapter 303 by
the interest (weekly) rate ceiling from time to time in effect, subject to such
Financing Party's right subsequently to change such method in accordance with
applicable law.

                                       50
<PAGE>   58

         Section 10.14 Entire Agreement. THE TERM NOTES, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE
OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS EMBODY THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR THE LENDERS AND THE OTHER RESPECTIVE PARTIES HERETO
AND THERETO AND SUPERSEDE ALL PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS AMONG SUCH
PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND THEREOF AND MAY NOT BE
CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.
THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

         Section 10.15 Attachments. The exhibits, schedules and annexes attached
to this Agreement are incorporated herein and shall be considered a part of this
Agreement for the purposes stated herein, except that in the event of any
conflict between any of the provisions of such exhibits and the provisions of
this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail.

         Section 10.16 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original
but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

         Section 10.17 Survival of Indemnities. Each of Parent's and the
Borrower's obligations under Sections 2.10 and 10.4 shall survive the payment in
full of the Term Loans.

         Section 10.18 Headings Descriptive. The headings of the several
sections and subsections of this Agreement, and the Table of Contents, are
inserted for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or
construction of any provision of this Agreement.

         Section 10.19 Satisfaction Requirement. Unless otherwise specifically
stated, if any agreement, certificate, instrument or other writing, or any
action taken or to be taken, is by the terms of this Agreement required to be
satisfactory to any party, the determination of such satisfaction shall be made
by such party in its sole and exclusive judgment exercised reasonably and in
good faith.

         Section 10.20 Exculpation Provisions. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO
SPECIFICALLY AGREES THAT IT HAS A DUTY TO READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER
FINANCING DOCUMENTS AND AGREES THAT IT IS CHARGED WITH NOTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF
THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS; THAT IT HAS IN
FACT READ THIS AGREEMENT AND IS FULLY INFORMED AND HAS FULL NOTICE AND KNOWLEDGE
OF THE TERMS, CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS OF THIS AGREEMENT; THAT IT HAS BEEN
REPRESENTED BY LEGAL COUNSEL OF ITS CHOICE THROUGHOUT THE NEGOTIATIONS PRECEDING
ITS EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS; AND HAS
RECEIVED THE ADVICE OF ITS ATTORNEYS IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE
OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS; AND THAT IT RECOGNIZES THAT CERTAIN OF THE TERMS OF
THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS RESULT IN ONE PARTY ASSUMING
THE LIABILITY INHERENT IN SOME ASPECTS OF THE TRANSACTION AND RELIEVING THE
OTHER PARTY OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH LIABILITY. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES
AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT CONTEST THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY
EXCULPATORY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS ON THE
BASIS THAT THE PARTY HAD NO NOTICE OR KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH PROVISION OR THAT THE
PROVISION IS NOT "CONSPICUOUS."

                                       51
<PAGE>   59
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be duly executed as of the date first above written.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

                                       52
<PAGE>   60

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED

                                       By:
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Melvin J. Melle,
                                           Vice President

                                       Address:    3710 Rawlins, Suite 1500
                                                   Dallas, Texas  75219
                                       Attention:  Melvin J. Melle
                                       Telephone:  (214) 528-5588
                                       Telecopy:   (214) 528-8855

                                [Signature Page]
<PAGE>   61

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       HWG LLC

                                       By:
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           William L. Guzzetti,
                                           President

                                       Address:    3710 Rawlins, Suite 1500
                                                   Dallas, Texas  75219
                                       Attention:  Melvin J. Melle
                                       Telephone:  (214) 528-5588
                                       Telecopy:   (214) 528-8855

                                [Signature Page]
<PAGE>   62

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., individually and
                                       as Administrative Agent

                                       By:
                                           ---------------------------------
                                           Alan Cott,
                                           Senior Vice President

                                       Address:    8820 Westheimer
                                                   Houston, Texas  77063
                                       Attention:  Alan Cott
                                       Telephone:  (713) 954-2486
                                       Telecopy:   (713) 954-2472

                                [Signature Page]
<PAGE>   63

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       WALHALLA STATE BANK

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

                                       Address:    407 12th Street
                                                   Walhalla, North Dakota  58282
                                       Attention:  Brian Johnson
                                       Telephone:  (701) 549-3761
                                       Telecopy:   (701) 549-3622

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   64

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK & TRUST

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

                                       Address:    100 North Main Street
                                                   Watford City, North Dakota
                                                   58854
                                       Attention:  Brad Thompson
                                       Telephone:  (701) 842-2381
                                       Telecopy:   (701) 842-4147

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   65

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       BREMER BUSINESS FINANCE CORPORATION

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

                                       Address:    445 Minnesota Street, Suite
                                                   2000
                                                   St. Paul, Minnesota  55101
                                       Attention:  Susan Woodhall
                                       Telephone:  (651) 312-3742
                                       Telecopy:   (651) 312-3750

                                [Signature Page]
<PAGE>   66

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       MIDSTATES BANK, N.A.

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

                                       Address:    812 Durant Street
                                                   Harlan, Iowa  51537
                                       Attention:  Larry Peterson
                                       Telephone:  (712) 755-2126
                                       Telecopy:   (712) 755-2683

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   67

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       HERITAGE NATIONAL BANK

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

                                       Address:    2700 7th Avenue East
                                                   North St. Paul, Minnesota
                                                   55109
                                       Attention:  Thomas Jacobson
                                       Telephone:  (651) 770-2341
                                       Telecopy:   (651) 770-6843

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   68

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DEERWOOD

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

                                       Address:    20 Archibald Road
                                                   Deerwood, Minnesota  56444
                                       Attention:  Vern Smith
                                       Telephone:  (218) 534-3111
                                       Telecopy:   (218) 534-3454

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   69

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       ROSEMOUNT NATIONAL BANK

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

                                       Address:    15055 Chippendale Avenue
                                                   South Rosemount, Minnesota
                                                   55068
                                       Attention:  Sid Aarestad
                                       Telephone:  (651) 423-5000
                                       Telecopy:   (651) 423-5148

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   70

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       SAND RIDGE BANK

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

                                       Address:    2611 Highway Avenue
                                                   Highland, Indiana  46322
                                       Attention:  Don Harris
                                       Telephone:  (219) 972-7344
                                       Telecopy:   (219) 972-7360

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   71

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       FIRST NATIONAL BANK & TRUST CO. OF
                                       WILLISTON

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

                                       Address:    22 East 4th Street
                                                   Williston, North Dakota
                                                   58802
                                       Attention:  Terry Lee
                                       Telephone:  (701) 572-2113
                                       Telecopy:   (701) 572-9763

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   72

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       BREMER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

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

                                       Address:    3100 South Columbia Road
                                                   Grand Forks, North Dakota
                                                   58201
                                       Attention:  Mike Porter
                                       Telephone:  (701) 795-4502
                                       Telecopy:   (701) 795-4568

                                [Signature Page]
<PAGE>   73

                                  SCHEDULE 1.1

                                 HOTEL MORTGAGES

                                 Schedule 1.1-1

<PAGE>   74

                                  SCHEDULE 5.7

                                   INVESTMENTS

                                 Schedule 5.7- 1

<PAGE>   75

                                  SCHEDULE 5.8

                                   LITIGATION

                                 Schedule 5.8-1

<PAGE>   76

                                  SCHEDULE 5.13

                                EXISTING DEFAULTS

                                 Schedule 5.13-1

<PAGE>   77

                                  SCHEDULE 5.19

                                  SUBSIDIARIES

                                 Schedule 5.19-1

<PAGE>   78

                                  SCHEDULE 5.20

                                    INSURANCE

                                 Schedule 5.20-1

<PAGE>   79

                                  SCHEDULE 5.23

                              EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

                                 Schedule 5.23-1

<PAGE>   80

                                  SCHEDULE 5.25

                            OWNERSHIP/CAPITALIZATION

                                 Schedule 5.25-1

<PAGE>   81

                                  SCHEDULE 7.2

                              EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS

                                 Schedule 7.2-1

<PAGE>   82

                                  SCHEDULE 7.3

                                      LIENS

                                 Schedule 7.3-1

<PAGE>   83

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       SECURITY STATE BANK

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

                                       Address:    400 2nd Avenue South West
                                                   Jamestown, North Dakota 58402
                                       Attention:  Tom Watson
                                       Telephone:  (701) 251-2040
                                       Telecopy:   (701) 251-9187

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   84

                                 SIGNATURE PAGE
                                       TO
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                     BY AND AMONG HWG LLC, AS THE BORROWER,
              THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, AS PARENT GUARANTOR,
                  THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PARTIES THERETO AS
                     LENDERS, AND FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., AS
                              ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

                                       BREMER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

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

                                       Address:    208 East College Drive
                                                   Marshall, Minnesota 56258
                                       Attention:  Roger Tjosaas
                                       Telephone:  (507) 537-0224
                                       Telecopy:   (507) 537-1308

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   85

                                     ANNEX I

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LENDER                                                 TERM LOAN COMMITMENT
------                                                 --------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
First Bank Texas, N.A.                                       $9,000,000
Walhalla State Bank                                            $250,000
First International Bank & Trust                               $500,000
Bremer Business Finance Corporation                          $3,000,000
Midstates Bank, N.A.                                           $500,000
Heritage National Bank                                         $500,000
First National Bank of Deerwood                                $500,000
Rosemount National Bank                                        $250,000
Sand Ridge Bank                                              $1,000,000
First National Bank & Trust Co. of Williston                   $500,000
Bremer Bank, National Association                            $1,000,000
Security State Bank                                            $250,000
Bremer Bank, National Association                              $750,000
        Total Term Loan Commitment                          $18,000,000
</TABLE>

                                   Annex I-1
<PAGE>   86

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                FORM OF TERM NOTE

$__________                                                 ______________, 1999

         HWG LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Borrower"), for
value received, promises and agrees to pay to ___________ (the "Lender"), or
order, at the Payment Office of FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., at 8820 Westheimer,
Houston, Texas 77263, the principal sum of ___________________________________
DOLLARS ($___________________), in lawful money of the United States of America
and in immediately available funds, in installments on the dates and in the
principal amounts provided in the Credit Agreement referred to below, and to pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of the Term Loans made by the Lender to
the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, at such office, in like money and
funds, for the period commencing on the date of such Term Loans until such Term
Loans shall be paid in full, at the rates per annum and on the dates provided in
the Credit Agreement.

         In addition to and cumulative of any payment required to be made
against this note pursuant to the Credit Agreement, this note, including all
principal and accrued interest then unpaid thereon, shall be due and payable on
the Term Loan Maturity Date. All payments shall be applied first to accrued
interest and the balance to principal, except as otherwise expressly provided in
the Credit Agreement. Prepayments on this note shall be applied in the manner
set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         This note is one of the Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement
dated as of December 21, 1999, by and among the Borrower, The Hallwood Group
Incorporated, as Parent Guarantor, First Bank Texas, N.A., individually, and as
Administrative Agent, and the financial institutions parties thereto (including
the Lender) (such Credit Agreement, together with all amendments or supplements
thereto, being the "Credit Agreement"). This note evidences the Term Loans made
by the Lender thereunder and shall be governed by the Credit Agreement.
Capitalized terms used but not defined in this note and which are defined in the
Credit Agreement shall have the meanings herein as are assigned in the Credit
Agreement.

         The Lender is hereby authorized by the Borrower to endorse on Schedule
A (or a continuation thereof) attached to this note, the amount and date of each
payment or prepayment of principal of the Term Loans received by the Lender and
the interest rates applicable to the Term Loans, provided that any failure by
the Lender to make any such endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the
Borrower under the Credit Agreement or under this note in respect of the Term
Loans.

         Except only for any notices which are specifically required by the
Credit Agreement or the other Financing Documents, the Borrower and any and all
co-makers, endorsers, guarantors and sureties severally waive notice (including
but not limited to notice of intent to accelerate and notice of acceleration,
notice of protest and notice of dishonor), demand, presentment for payment,
protest, diligence in collecting and the filing of suit for the purpose of
fixing liability, and consent that the time of payment hereof may be extended
and re-extended from time to time without notice to any of them. Each such
person agrees that his, her or its liability on or with respect to this note
shall not be affected by any release of or change in any guaranty or security at
any time existing or by any failure to perfect or maintain perfection of any
lien against or security interest in any such security or the partial or
complete enforceability of any guaranty or other surety obligation, in each case
in whole or in part, with or without notice and before or after maturity.

                                       A-1
<PAGE>   87

         The Credit Agreement provides for the acceleration of the maturity of
this note upon the occurrence of certain events and for prepayment of Term Loans
upon the terms and conditions specified therein. Reference is made to the Credit
Agreement for all other pertinent purposes.

         This note is issued pursuant to and is entitled to the benefits of the
Credit Agreement and is secured by the Security Instruments.

         THIS NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE
LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FROM TIME TO TIME IN
EFFECT.

                                      HWG LLC

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

                                       A-2
<PAGE>   88

                                   SCHEDULE A

This Note evidences Term Loans made by the Lender under the within-described
Credit Agreement to the Borrower, which Term Loans are in the principal amounts,
at the interest rates (and interest periods), and were made and repaid or
prepaid on the dates set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Principal                                                               Amount
Date                   Amount             Interest       Maturity      Date of Payment       Paid or          Balance
Made                  of Loan               Rate           Date         or Prepayment        Prepaid        Outstanding
----                 --------             --------       --------     ----------------       -------        -----------
<S>                 <C>                   <C>            <C>           <C>                   <C>            <C>

</TABLE>

                                  Schedule A-1
<PAGE>   89

                                    EXHIBIT B

                     FORM OF OPINION OF JENKENS & GILCHRIST

                                       B-1

<PAGE>   90

                                   EXHIBIT C-1

                            FORM OF FACILITY GUARANTY

                                      C-1-1
<PAGE>   91

                                   EXHIBIT C-2

                           FORMS OF PLEDGE AGREEMENTS

                                      C-2-1

<PAGE>   92

                                   EXHIBIT C-3

               FORM OF COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF INTERCOMPANY NOTE

                                      C-3-1

<PAGE>   93

                                    EXHIBIT D

                        FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

        Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 1999
(as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement"), among HWG LLC, as the Borrower, THE HALLWOOD GROUP
INCORPORATED, as Parent Guarantor, FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., Individually, and as
Administrative Agent, and the Lenders now or hereafter parties thereto. Unless
otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein
shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

         ______________________ (the "Assignor") and _________________ (the
"Assignee") agree as follows:

         1. The Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee
without recourse to the Assignor, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases
and assumes from the Assignor without recourse to the Assignor, as of the
Transfer Effective Date (as defined below), a percentage interest (the "Assigned
Interest") as set forth in Schedule 1 in and to all the Assignor's rights and
obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Financing Documents with
respect to the credit facilities provided for in the Credit Agreement (the
"Assigned Facilities"), in a principal amount for each Assigned Facility as set
forth on Schedule 1.

         2. The Assignor (a) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations
made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other Financing Document
or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto or the execution,
legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the
Credit Agreement, any other Financing Document or any other instrument or
document furnished pursuant thereto, other than that it has not created any
adverse claim upon the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such
interest is free and clear of any such adverse claim; (b) makes no
representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the
financial condition of Parent, the Borrower, any other Credit Party or any other
obligor or the performance or observance by Parent, the Borrower, any other
Credit Party or any other obligor of any of their respective obligations under
the Credit Agreement, any other Financing Document or any other instrument or
document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; and (c) attaches the Term Notes
held by it evidencing the Assigned Facilities and requests that the
Administrative Agent exchange such Term Notes for new Term Notes payable to the
Assignee and (if the Assignor has retained any interest in the Assigned
Facilities) new Term Notes payable to the Assignor in the respective amounts
which reflect the assignment being made hereby (and after giving effect to any
other assignments which have become effective on the Transfer Effective
Date).(1)

         3. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that it is legally
authorized to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (b) confirms that it
has received a copy of the Credit Agreement together with copies of the
Financial Statements and/or such other documents and information as it has
deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into
this Assignment and Acceptance; (c) agrees that it will, independently and
without reliance upon the Assignor, 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 the Credit Agreement, the other Financing Documents or any other
instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; (d) appoints and

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

         (1) Term Notes should only be requested when specifically required by
the Assignee and/or the Assignor, as the case may be.

                                       D-1
<PAGE>   94

authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf
and to exercise such power and discretion under the Credit Agreement, the other
Financing Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant
hereto or thereto as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms
thereof, together with such powers as are incidental thereto; (e) hereby affirms
the acknowledgments of such Assignee as a Lender contained in Section 9.3 of the
Credit Agreement; and (f) agrees that it will be bound by the provisions of the
Credit Agreement and will perform in accordance with the terms of the Credit
Agreement all the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are
required to be performed by it as a Lender, including, but not limited to, if it
is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, its
obligations pursuant to Section 2.10(f) of the Credit Agreement.

         4. The effective date of this Assignment and Acceptance shall be
____________, ____ (the "Transfer Effective Date"). Following the execution of
this Assignment and Acceptance, it will be delivered to the Administrative Agent
for acceptance by it and recording by the Administrative Agent pursuant to
Section 10.7 of the Credit Agreement, effective as of the Transfer Effective
Date (which shall not, unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent,
be earlier than five Business Days after the date of such acceptance and
recording by the Administrative Agent).

         5. Upon such acceptance and recording, from and after the Transfer
Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of
the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other
amounts) to the Assignee whether such amounts have accrued prior to the Transfer
Effective Date or accrued subsequent to the Transfer Effective Date. The
Assignor and the Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments by
the Administrative Agent for the periods prior to the Transfer Effective Date or
with respect to the making of this assignment directly between themselves.

         6. From and after the Transfer Effective Date, (a) the Assignee shall
be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this
Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender
thereunder and under the other Financing Documents and shall be bound by the
provisions thereof and (b) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this
Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its
obligations under the Credit Agreement, but shall nevertheless continue to be
entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.10 and 10.4 thereof.

         7. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if the consents of
Parent, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent hereto are required under
Section 10.7 of the Credit Agreement, this Assignment and Acceptance shall not
be effective unless such consents shall have been obtained.

         8. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to the principles
of conflict of laws thereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and
Acceptance to be executed as of the date first above written by their respective
duly authorized officers on Schedule 1 hereto.

                                       D-2
<PAGE>   95

                                   SCHEDULE 1
                                     TO THE
                            ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

Re:      Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 1999 among HWG LLC, as the
         Borrower, The Hallwood Group Incorporated, as Parent Guarantor, First
         Bank Texas, N.A., Individually, and as Administrative Agent, and the
         Lenders now or hereafter parties thereto

Name of Assignor:

Name of Assignee:

Transfer Effective Date of Assignment:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Percentage of
                              Assignor's
                              Interest in
Credit                        Credit                        Principal                     Commitment
Facility                      Facility                      Amount                        Percentage
Assigned                      Assigned                      Assigned                      Assigned
--------                      -------------                 ---------                     ----------
<S>                          <C>                            <C>                           <C>

                              --------%                     $--------                     --.----%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]                          [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

<S>                                         <C>
By:                                         By:
   ---------------------------                  ---------------------------
        Title:                                     Title:

Accepted for recording in the               Consented To:
Register:

FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A.,                     HWG LLC
as Administrative Agent

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

                                            FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A.,
                                            as Administrative Agent

                                            By:
                                                ----------------------------
                                                   Title:
</TABLE>

                                  Schedule 1-1
<PAGE>   96

                                    EXHIBIT E

                         FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

                                       E-1

<PAGE>   97

                                    EXHIBIT F

                      FORM OF COLLATERAL VALUE CERTIFICATE

                                       F-1
<PAGE>   98
                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$18,000,000.00                                               December 21, 1999

         FOR VALUE RECEIVED, payable on demand, the undersigned, THE HALLWOOD
GROUP INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation ("Maker"), promises to pay to the
order of HWG LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Payee") at the offices
of Payee at 3710 Rawlins, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas 75219, in immediately
available funds and in lawful money of the United States of America, the
principal amount of EIGHTEEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($18,000,000.00) ("Total
Principal Amount"), together with interest on such Total Principal Amount from
the date hereof at a rate per annum which shall from day to day be equal to the
lesser of (a) the Maximum Lawful Rate (as hereinafter defined), or (b) the Fixed
Rate (as hereinafter defined), calculated on the basis of the actual days
elapsed but computed as if each year consisted of three hundred sixty (360)
days, each change in the rate to be charged on this Promissory Note (this
"Note") to become effective without notice to Maker on the effective date of
each change in the Maximum Lawful Rate or Fixed Rate, as the case may be;
provided, however, that if at any time the rate of interest calculated with
reference to the Fixed Rate shall exceed the Maximum Lawful Rate, thereby
causing the interest on this Note to be limited to the Maximum Lawful Rate, then
any subsequent increase of the Maximum Lawful Rate in excess of the Fixed Rate
shall not reduce the rate of interest on this Note below the Maximum Lawful Rate
to the Fixed Rate until the total amount of interest accrued on this Note equals
the amount of interest which would have accrued on this Note if the Fixed Rate
had at all times been in effect.

         The term "Fixed Rate," as used herein, shall mean ten and one quarter
percent (10.25%) per annum.

         The term "Maximum Lawful Rate," as used herein, shall mean, at the
particular time in question, the maximum rate of interest which, under
applicable law, may then be charged on this Note. If such maximum rate of
interest changes after the date hereof, the Maximum Lawful Rate shall be
automatically increased or decreased, as the case may be, without notice to
Maker from time to time as of the effective date of each change in such maximum
rate. If applicable law ceases to provide for such a maximum rate of interest,
the Maximum Lawful Rate shall be equal to fifteen percent (15.00%) per annum.

         The entire unpaid principal balance of this Note, and all accrued and
unpaid interest on the unpaid principal balance of this Note, shall be due and
payable in full on demand.

         All payments of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note shall be
applied to such indebtedness in such order and manner as the holder of this Note
may from time to time determine in its sole discretion. All payments and
prepayments of principal of or interest on this Note shall be made in lawful
money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, at the
address of Payee indicated above, or such other place as the holder of this Note
shall designate in writing to Maker. Any portion of the principal of this Note
that is repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. If any payment of principal of
or interest on this Note shall become due on a day which is not a Business Day
(as hereinafter defined) such payment shall be made on the next succeeding
Business Day and any such extension of time shall be included in computing
interest in connection with such payment. As used herein, the term "Business
Day" shall mean any day except a Saturday, Sunday

<PAGE>   99

or other date on which national banks in Houston, Texas are authorized by law to
close. The books and records of Payee shall be prima facia evidence of all
outstanding principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on this Note.

         Maker agrees that no proceeds of this Note shall be used for personal,
family or household purposes, and that all proceeds hereunder shall be used
solely for general corporate purposes.

         In connection with this Note, Maker hereby represents and warrants to
Payee as follows:

         a. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Note by Maker have
been duly authorized by all necessary action by Maker, and constitute the legal,
valid and binding obligations of Maker, enforceable in accordance with its
terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws of general
application relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights and except to the
extent specific remedies may generally be limited by equitable principles; and

         b. The execution, delivery and performance of this Note by Maker, and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not (i) conflict
with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (A) any provision
of Maker's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any agreement or other
instrument binding upon Maker, or (B) any law, governmental regulation, court
decree or order applicable to Maker, or (ii) require the consent, approval or
authorization of any third party.

         Until this Note is fully paid and satisfied, Maker will furnish to
Payee such information respecting the business, properties, condition or
operations, financial or otherwise, of Maker as Payee may from time to time
reasonably request.

         Each of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this
Note:

         (a) The failure, refusal or neglect of Maker to pay when due any part
of the principal of, or interest on, this Note after such payment has become due
and payable; or

         (b) Any representation contained herein made by Maker is false or
misleading in any material respect; or

         (c) If Maker (i) becomes insolvent, or makes a transfer in fraud of
creditors, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or admits in
writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; (ii) generally is not
paying its debts as such debts become due; (iii) has a receiver or custodian
appointed for, or take possession of, all or substantially all of the assets of
such party, either in a proceeding brought by such party or in a proceeding
brought against such party and such appointment is not discharged or such
possession is not terminated within thirty (30) days after the effective date
thereof such party consents or acquiesces in such appointment or possession;
(iv) files a petition for relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any
other present or future federal or state insolvency, bankruptcy or similar laws
(all of the foregoing hereinafter collectively called "Applicable Bankruptcy
Law") or an involuntary petition for relief is filed against such party under
any Applicable Bankruptcy Law and such involuntary petition is not dismissed
within thirty (30)days after the filing thereof, or an order for relief naming
such party is entered under any Applicable Bankruptcy Law, or any composition,
rearrangement, extension, reorganization or other relief of

<PAGE>   100

debtors now or hereafter existing is requested or consented to by such party;
(v) fails to have discharged within a period of thirty (30) days any attachment,
sequestration or similar writ levied upon any property of such party; or (vi)
fails to pay within thirty (30) days any final money judgment against such
party.

         Nothing contained in this Note shall be construed to limit the events
of default enumerated hereinabove and all such events of default shall be
cumulative.

         Maker agrees that upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the
holder of this Note may, at its option, without further notice or demand, (i)
declare the outstanding principal balance of and accrued but unpaid interest on
this Note at once due and payable, (ii) pursue any and all other rights,
remedies and recourses available to the holder hereof, including, but not
limited to, any such rights, remedies or recourses, at law or in equity, or
(iii) pursue any combination of the foregoing.

         The failure to exercise the option to accelerate the maturity of this
Note or any other right, remedy or recourse available to the holder hereof upon
the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of
the right of the holder of this Note to exercise the same at that time or at any
subsequent time with respect to such uncured Event of Default or any other Event
of Default. The rights, remedies and recourses of the holder hereof, as provided
in this Note, shall be cumulative and concurrent and may be pursued separately,
successively or together as often as occasion therefor shall arise, at the sole
discretion of the holder hereof. The acceptance by the holder hereof of any
payment under this Note which is less than the payment in full of all amounts
due and payable at the time of such payment shall not (i) constitute a waiver of
or impair, reduce, release or extinguish any right, remedy or recourse of the
holder hereof, or nullify any prior exercise of any such right, remedy or
recourse, or (ii) impair, reduce, release or extinguish the obligations of any
party liable under this Note as originally provided herein.

         This Note is intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to
the extent permitted by, all applicable usury laws. If any provision hereof or
the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, for any reason and
to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the application of such
provision to any other person or circumstance nor the remainder of the
instrument in which such provision is contained shall be affected thereby and
shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law. It is expressly
stipulated and agreed to be the intent of the holder hereof to at all times
comply with the usury and other applicable laws now or hereafter governing the
interest payable on the indebtedness evidenced by this Note. If the applicable
law is ever revised, repealed or judicially interpreted so as to render usurious
any amount called for under this Note, or contracted for, charged, taken,
reserved or received with respect to the indebtedness evidenced by this Note, or
if Payee's exercise of the option to accelerate the maturity of this Note, or if
any prepayment by Maker results in Maker having paid any interest in excess of
that permitted by law, then it is the express intent of Maker and Payee that all
excess amounts theretofore collected by Payee be credited on the principal
balance of this Note (or, if this Note has been paid in full, refunded to
Maker), and the provisions of this Note immediately be deemed reformed and the
amounts thereafter collectable hereunder reduced, without the necessity of the
execution of any new document, so as to comply with the then applicable law, but
so as to permit the recovery of the fullest amount otherwise called for
hereunder or thereunder. All sums paid, or agreed to be paid, by Maker for the
use, forbearance, detention, taking, charging, receiving or reserving of the
indebtedness of Maker to Payee under this Note shall, to the maximum extent
permitted by

<PAGE>   101

applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full
term of such indebtedness until payment in full so that the rate or amount of
interest on account of such indebtedness does not exceed the usury ceiling from
time to time in effect and applicable to such indebtedness for so long as such
indebtedness is outstanding. It is not the intention of Payee to accelerate the
maturity of any interest that has not accrued at the time of such acceleration
or to collect unearned interest at the time of such acceleration.

         If this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection, or
is collected in whole or in part by suit or through probate, bankruptcy or other
legal proceedings of any kind, Maker agrees to pay, in addition to all other
sums payable hereunder, all costs and expenses of collection, including but not
limited to reasonable attorneys' fees. Maker hereby agrees to pay on demand all
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to Payee incurred by Payee in connection
with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Note and all related
documents.

         Maker and any and all endorsers and guarantors of this Note severally
waive presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest, demand, notice of
protest and dishonor, diligence in enforcement and indulgences of every kind and
without further notice hereby agree to renewals, extensions, exchanges or
releases of collateral, taking of additional collateral, indulgences or partial
payments, either before or after maturity.

         THIS NOTE HAS BEEN EXECUTED UNDER, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, EXCEPT AS SUCH LAWS ARE
PREEMPTED BY APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS.

         This Promissory Note is executed as of the 21st day of December, 1999

                                            MAKER:
                                            -----

                                            THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED

                                            By:
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Melvin J. Melle,
                                               Vice President

<PAGE>   102

                     ALLONGE ENDORSEMENT TO PROMISSORY NOTE,
                      DATED DECEMBER 21, 1999, EXECUTED BY
                        THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED,
                           AND PAYABLE TO THE ORDER OF
                                     HWG LLC

         Pay to the order of FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., as Administrative Agent for
the ratable benefit of itself, and each other Lender a party to the Credit
Agreement dated as of December 21, 1999, by and among HWG LLC, The Hallwood
Group Incorporated, First Bank Texas, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the
Lenders a party thereto WITH RECOURSE AND WARRANTY.

                                           HWG LLC,
                                           a Delaware limited liability company

                                           By:
                                              ---------------------------------
                                               William L. Guzzetti,
                                               President
<PAGE>   103
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT

                                     Between

                                    HWG LLC,
                                   as Pledgor

                                       and

                             FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A.,
                    as Administrative Agent and Secured Party

                                December 21, 1999

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

<PAGE>   104

                                PLEDGE AGREEMENT

         THIS PLEDGE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made as of December 21,
1999, by HWG LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Pledgor"), in favor of
FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, "Secured
Party") for the ratable benefit of itself, and each other Lender a party to the
Credit Agreement described below.

         1. AGREEMENT.

         (a) Pledge. Upon the terms hereof, for value received, Pledgor hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally pledges, assigns, hypothecates and transfers to
Secured Party, for the ratable benefit of itself, the other Lenders a party to
the Credit Agreement, a first and prior pledge and security interest in (1) all
membership, limited liability company, limited partnership and other ownership
interests of (i) Hallwood Realty, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
("Hallwood Realty"), now or hereafter owned beneficially or of record by
Pledgor, including, without limitation, the ownership interests described on
Exhibit A attached hereto (together with any certificate or instrument
evidencing such interest), (ii) Hallwood Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company ("HCRE"), now or hereafter owned beneficially or of
record by Pledgor, including, without limitation, the ownership interests
described on Exhibit A attached hereto (together with any certificate or
instrument evidencing such interest), and (iii) Hallwood Realty Partners, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership ("HRY"; and together with Hallwood Realty and
HCRE, collectively referred to herein as the "Companies" and individually as a
"Company"), owned beneficially or of record by Pledgor, and described on Exhibit
A attached hereto (together with any certificate or instrument evidencing such
interest) (all of the foregoing being referred to herein as the "Pledged
Equity"), (2) any and all proceeds or other sums arising from or by virtue of,
and all dividends and distributions (cash or otherwise) payable and/or
distributable with respect to, all or any of the Pledged Equity, and all cash,
securities, dividends and other property at any time and from time to time
receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all
of the Pledged Equity and any other property substituted or exchanged therefor
(all of the foregoing described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) being collectively
referred to herein as the "Collateral"). Unless otherwise defined in this
Agreement, terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement, dated as of December 21, 1999, among Pledgor, The Hallwood Group
Incorporated, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Secured Party, and the Lenders
(such agreement, together with all amendments, modifications and restatements,
including, without limitation, those that increase the amount of indebtedness
thereunder, being referred to herein as the "Credit Agreement"). Notwithstanding
any contrary provision in this Agreement, however, the pledge hereunder is
limited to the extent, if any, required so that such pledge is not subject to
avoidance under applicable bankruptcy or other debtor relief laws.

         2. OBLIGATIONS.

         (a) Description of Obligation. The following obligations (collectively,
the "Obligations") are secured by this Agreement:

                           (1) All debt, obligations, liabilities and agreements
         of any nature of Pledgor and Parent to Secured Party and each Lender,
         whether matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent, including all future
         advances, now or hereafter existing, arising pursuant to or in
         connection with (A) this Agreement; (B) the Credit Agreement; (C) all
         other Financing Documents; and (D) all amendments, modifications,
         renewals, extensions, increases, substitutions or rearrangements of any
         of the foregoing.

                                       1

<PAGE>   105

         (b) All costs incurred by Secured Party to obtain, preserve, perfect
and enforce this Agreement, the other Financing Documents, and the pledge and
security interest granted hereby, collect the Obligations, and maintain,
preserve, collect and enforce the Collateral, including, without limitation,
taxes, assessments, attorneys' fees and legal expenses, and expenses of sale.

         (c) Interest on the above amounts as agreed to by Pledgor under the
Financing Documents, including, without limitation, interest, fees and other
charges that would accrue or become owing both prior to and subsequent to and
but for the commencement of any proceeding against or with respect to Pledgor
under any chapter of the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq.
whether or not a claim is allowed for the same in any such proceeding.

         3. COVENANTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

         (a) Representations and Warranties.

                           (1) Representations and Warranties Concerning
         Pledgor. Pledgor represents and warrants that (A) the chief place of
         business and chief executive office of Pledgor and the office where
         Pledgor keeps all of its records is located at 3710 Rawlins, Suite
         1500, Dallas, Texas 75219; (B) no consent of any other Person and no
         authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing
         with, any Governmental Authority is required (i) for the pledge by
         Pledgor of the Collateral pledged by it hereunder, for the grant by
         Pledgor of the security interest granted hereby or for the execution,
         delivery or performance of this Agreement by Pledgor, (ii) for the
         perfection or maintenance of the pledge, assignment and security
         interest created hereby (including the first priority nature of such
         pledge, assignment and security interest), or (iii) for the exercise by
         Secured Party of the rights provided for in this Agreement or the
         remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement; (C)
         Pledgor possesses all material licenses and permits, required for its
         ownership of the Collateral and the operations of its business; (D)
         Pledgor is not, nor will the execution, delivery and performance and
         compliance with the terms of this Agreement cause Pledgor to be in
         violation of any applicable material law or in default (nor has any
         event occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, could
         constitute a default) under any debt or other contractual obligation of
         Pledgor; (E) except as disclosed in the Credit Agreement, there is no
         litigation, arbitration or other proceeding pending or threatened
         against or affecting Pledgor or its assets or properties; and (F)
         Pledgor has full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver
         and perform this Agreement.

                           (2) Representations and Warranties Concerning the
         Collateral. Pledgor represents and warrants that (A) the ownership
         interests pledged hereunder are duly authorized, validly issued, fully
         paid and nonassessable; (B) Pledgor is the sole legal and beneficial
         owner of the Collateral pledged by it and the pledge, assignment and
         delivery of the Collateral create a valid first and prior perfected
         security interest in the Collateral and no other security agreement
         covering the Collateral, or any part thereof, has been made, and no
         pledge or security interest, other than the one herein created, has
         attached or been perfected in the Collateral or in any part thereof;
         and (C) no dispute, right of setoff, counterclaim or defense exists
         with respect to any part of the Collateral. The delivery at any time by
         Pledgor to Secured Party of Collateral shall constitute a
         representation and warranty by Pledgor under this Agreement that, (i)
         with respect to such Collateral, and each item thereof, Pledgor is the
         sole legal and beneficial owner of, with good title to, the Collateral,
         and (ii) the matters warranted in this paragraph are true and correct.

         (b) Covenants.

                           (1) Affirmative Covenants. Pledgor covenants and
         agrees (A) promptly to deliver to Secured Party all instruments,
         certificates, documents or agreements evidencing any of the

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<PAGE>   106

         Collateral; (B) from time to time promptly to execute and deliver to
         Secured Party all such other assignments, certificates, supplemental
         writings and financing statements, and do all other acts or things, as
         Secured Party or any Lender may reasonably request in order more fully
         to evidence and perfect the security interest and pledge herein created
         or to effect the purposes of this Agreement; (C) promptly to furnish
         Secured Party with any information or writings which Secured Party or
         any Lender may reasonably request concerning the Collateral; (D) to
         allow Secured Party or any Lender to inspect all records of Pledgor
         relating to the Collateral, and to make and take away copies of such
         records, at Pledgor's expense, at such reasonable times and as often as
         may be reasonably requested by Secured Party or such Lender; (E)
         promptly to notify Secured Party of any change in any fact or
         circumstances warranted or represented by Pledgor in this Agreement or
         in any other writings furnished by or on behalf of Pledgor to Secured
         Party or any Lender in connection with the Collateral; (F) promptly to
         notify Secured Party of any claim, action or proceeding affecting title
         to the Collateral, or any part thereof, or the security interest
         therein, and, at the request of Secured Party, appear in and defend, at
         Pledgor's expense, any such action or proceeding; and (G) promptly to
         pay to Secured Party the amount of all costs and attorneys' fees
         incurred by Secured Party and each Lender hereunder or in connection
         with the enforcement hereof.

                            (2) Negative Covenants. Except as otherwise provided
         in the Credit Agreement, Pledgor covenants and agrees that Pledgor will
         not (A) sell, assign or transfer any of Pledgor's rights in the
         Collateral; (B) create any other security interest or pledge in,
         mortgage or otherwise encumber the Collateral or any part thereof, or
         permit the same to be or become subject to any Lien, attachment,
         execution, sequestration, other legal or equitable process, or any
         encumbrance of any kind or character, except for Liens permitted by
         Section 7.3 of the Credit Agreement; (C) cause, permit, or suffer the
         Companies to take any action that would dilute any of the Collateral,
         including issuance of any ownership interests which is not pledged to
         Secured Party; or (D) approve any amendment to the articles of
         organization, certificate of formation, operating agreement,
         partnership agreement or other organizational documents of any of the
         Companies (other than ministerial amendments which would not adversely
         affect the rights of Secured Party or the Lenders hereunder).

         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event
         of any conflict between the terms and provisions of this Section 3.(b)
         and the terms and provisions of Article 6 or Article 7 of the Credit
         Agreement, the terms and provisions of Article 6 and/or Article 7 shall
         control.

         4. RIGHTS OF SECURED PARTY.

                  (a) Rights to Dividends, Distributions, and Payments. With
respect to such instruments which are certificates, bonds or other securities,
Secured Party may demand of the obligor issuing the same, and may receive and
receipt for, any and all dividends and other distributions (other than cash
dividends) payable in respect thereof, whether ordinary or extraordinary.
Secured Party shall have the authority, following the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default and without notice to Pledgor, to have such
certificates, bonds or other securities registered either in Secured Party's
name or in the name of a nominee. If, while this Agreement is in effect, Pledgor
shall become entitled to receive or shall receive any certificate (including,
without limitation, any certificate representing a stock or ownership interest
dividend or a distribution in connection with any reclassification, increase or
reduction of capital, or issued in connection with any reorganization), option
or rights, whether as an addition to, in substitution of, as a conversion of or
in exchange for any of the Collateral, or otherwise, Pledgor agrees to accept
the same as Secured Party's agent and to hold the same in trust on behalf of and
for the benefit of Secured Party, and to deliver the same forthwith to Secured
Party in the exact form received, with appropriate undated stock powers, duly
executed in blank, to be held by Secured Party, subject to the terms hereof, as
additional collateral security for the Obligations. Until and unless an Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Pledgor shall be entitled to
receive and utilize all cash dividends, principal, and interest paid in

                                       3
<PAGE>   107

respect of the Collateral. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, Secured Party shall be entitled to all cash dividends and to
any sums paid upon or in respect of the Collateral upon the liquidation,
dissolution or reorganization of the issuer thereof which shall be paid to
Secured Party to be held by it as additional collateral security for the
Obligations. In case any distribution shall be made on or in respect of the
Collateral pursuant to the reorganization, liquidation or dissolution of the
issuer thereof, the property so distributed shall be delivered to Secured Party
to be held by it as additional collateral security for the Obligations. After
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all sums of
money and property so paid or distributed in respect of the Collateral (other
than proceeds of any liquidation or similar proceeding) which are received by
Pledgor shall, until paid or delivered to Secured Party, be held by Pledgor in
trust as additional Collateral for the Obligations.

                  (b) Preservation of Collateral. Neither Secured Party nor any
Lender shall have any duty to fix or preserve rights against prior parties to
the Collateral, nor be liable for any delay in the collection of, or failure to
use diligence to collect on, the Obligations or any amount payable in respect of
the Collateral.

                  (c) Performance by Secured Party. Should any covenant, duty or
agreement of Pledgor fail to be performed in accordance with its terms
hereunder, Secured Party may, but shall never be obligated to, perform or
attempt to perform such covenant, duty or agreement on behalf of Pledgor, and
any amount expended by Secured Party in such performance or attempted
performance shall become a part of the Obligations, shall be payable upon demand
and shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the lesser of the Highest
Lawful Rate or the sum of the Fixed Rate plus two percent.

                  (d) Voting Rights. It is expressly understood and agreed that
Pledgor shall retain all voting rights to the Collateral until the occurrence
and during the continuance of an Event of Default, at which time such voting
rights for purposes of collateral preservation shall transfer to Secured Party,
at its sole discretion and in accordance with Paragraph 4(e) hereof; provided,
however, that no voting, partnership, corporate or management rights shall be
exercised or vote cast or consent, waiver or ratification given or action taken
by Pledgor that would impair the Collateral or be inconsistent with or violate
any provision of this Agreement or any other Financing Documents.

                  (e) POWER OF ATTORNEY. PLEDGOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY GRANTS TO
SECURED PARTY PLEDGOR'S PROXY (EXERCISABLE FROM AND AFTER THE OCCURRENCE AND
DURING THE CONTINUANCE OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT WHICH IS CONTINUING) TO VOTE ANY
COLLATERAL AND APPOINTS SECURED PARTY PLEDGOR'S ATTORNEY-IN-FACT TO PERFORM ALL
OBLIGATIONS OF PLEDGOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND TO EXERCISE ALL OF SECURED
PARTY'S RIGHTS HEREUNDER. THE PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY HEREIN GRANTED, AND
EACH STOCK POWER AND SIMILAR POWER NOW OR HEREAFTER GRANTED (INCLUDING ANY
EVIDENCED BY A SEPARATE WRITING) ARE COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND ARE
IRREVOCABLE PRIOR TO FINAL PAYMENT IN FULL OF THE OBLIGATIONS.

         5. DEFAULT.

                  (a) Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, in addition to any and all other rights and
remedies which Secured Party or any Lender may then have hereunder, under any
other Financing Documents, under applicable law or otherwise, Secured Party at
its option may, subject to any limitation or restriction imposed by any
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other law relating to the relief of
debtors, (1) obtain from any Person information regarding Pledgor, any issuer of
the Collateral, or any of their businesses, which information any such Person
may furnish without liability to Pledgor; (2) require Pledgor to give possession
or control of any of the Collateral to Secured Party; (3) unless earlier
permitted hereunder, take control of funds generated by the Collateral and any
other

                                       4
<PAGE>   108

proceeds and exercise all other rights which an owner of such Collateral may
exercise; (4) declare the entire unpaid balance of principal and interest on the
Obligations immediately due and payable, without notice, demand or presentment,
which are hereby expressly waived; (5) reduce its claim to judgment, foreclose
or otherwise enforce its security interest in all or any part of the Collateral
by any available judicial procedure; (6) after notification, if any, provided
for in this Agreement or any other Financing Documents, sell or otherwise
dispose of, at the office of Secured Party, all or any part of the Collateral,
and any such sale or other disposition shall be in accordance with applicable
law, and may be as a unit or in parcels, by public or private proceedings, and
by way of one or more contracts (it being agreed that the sale of any part of
the Collateral shall not exhaust Secured Party's power of sale, but sales may be
made from time to time until all of the Collateral has been sold or until the
Obligations have been paid in full), and at any such sale it shall not be
necessary to exhibit the Collateral; (7) at its discretion, retain the
Collateral in satisfaction of the Obligations whenever the circumstances are
such that Secured Party is entitled to do so under applicable law; (8) apply by
appropriate judicial proceedings for appointment of a receiver for the
Collateral, or any part hereof, and Pledgor hereby consents to any appointment;
(9) buy the Collateral at any public sale; and (10) buy the Collateral at any
private sale, subject to any restrictions imposed by applicable law. Any Lender
may buy the Collateral at any public sale and buy the Collateral at any private
sale, subject to the restrictions imposed by applicable law. Pledgor agrees
that, if notice is required to be given by applicable law, 10 days' advance
written notice shall constitute reasonable notice. Secured Party shall apply the
proceeds of any collection, sale, disposition or other realization upon any
Collateral as follows:

                  First, to the payment of the costs and expenses of such
                  collection, sale, disposition, or other realization, including
                  reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of Secured Party
                  and the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel;

                  Next, to the payment of the Obligations, as provided in the
                  Credit Agreement and in such order and in such manner
                  consistent with applicable laws as Secured Party in its
                  discretion shall decide; and

                  Finally, to the payment to Pledgor, or its successors or
                  assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct,
                  of any surplus then remaining.

         If the proceeds of collection, sale, disposition, or other realization
         are insufficient to cover the costs and expenses of such realization
         and the payment in full of the Obligations, Pledgor shall remain liable
         for any deficiency.

                  (b) Securities Laws; Transfer.

                  (1) Immediately upon the occurrence and during the continuance
         of an Event of Default, Pledgor hereby grants to Secured Party the
         right to have the Collateral, or any portion thereof, registered and
         sold under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"),
         or under any applicable state blue sky laws. If Secured Party shall
         determine to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Collateral
         pursuant to the terms hereof, and if in the reasonable opinion of
         Secured Party it is necessary or advisable to have the Collateral (or
         that portion thereof to be sold) registered under the provisions of the
         Securities Act, Pledgor will cause the issuer of the Collateral to
         execute and deliver, and cause the directors and officers thereof to
         execute and deliver, all at Pledgor's and/or such issuer's expense, all
         such instruments and documents, and to do or cause to be done all such
         other acts and things as may be necessary or, in the opinion of Secured
         Party, advisable to register such Collateral under the provisions of
         the Securities Act and to cause the registration statement relating
         thereto to become effective and to remain effective for a period of one
         year from the date of the first public offering of such Collateral, or
         that portion thereof to be sold, and to make all amendments thereto
         and/or to the related prospectus which, in the opinion of Secured
         Party, are

                                       5
<PAGE>   109

         necessary or advisable, all in conformity with the requirements of
         applicable law. Pledgor agrees to cause the issuer of the Collateral to
         comply with the provisions of the securities or "blue sky" laws of any
         jurisdiction which Secured Party shall designate and to cause the
         issuer of the Collateral to make available to its security holders, as
         soon as practicable, an earnings statement which will satisfy the
         provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act.

                  (2) Pledgor recognizes that Secured Party may be unable to
         effect a public sale of any or all of the Collateral by reason of
         certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act and applicable
         state securities laws, but may be compelled to resort to one or more
         private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers who will be
         obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such Collateral for
         their own account for investment and not with a view to the
         distribution or resale thereof. Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that
         any such private sale conducted in the manner described herein may
         result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if
         such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances,
         agrees that any private sale shall be made in a commercially reasonable
         manner. Secured Party shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of
         any of the Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit the
         issuer of the Collateral to register such Collateral for public sale
         under the Securities Act, or under applicable state securities laws,
         even if the issuer of the Collateral would agree to do so.

                  (3) Pledgor further agrees to do or cause to be done all such
         other acts and things as may be necessary to make any sales of any
         portion or all of the Collateral pursuant to paragraphs (b)(1)(a) and
         (b)(2)(b) of this Section 5 valid and binding and in compliance with
         any and all applicable laws (including, without limitation, the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
         regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable
         thereto), regulations, orders, writs, injunctions, decrees or awards of
         any and all courts, arbitrators or governmental instrumentalities,
         domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over any such sale or sales,
         all at Pledgor's expense. Pledgor further agrees that a breach of any
         of the covenants contained in this Section 5 will cause irreparable
         injury to Secured Party and the Lenders and that Secured Party and
         Lenders may not have an adequate remedy at law in respect of such
         breach. As a consequence, Pledgor agrees that each and every covenant
         contained in this Section shall be specifically enforceable against
         Pledgor. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Pledgor hereby
         waives and agrees not to assert any defenses against an action for
         specific performance of such covenants.

                  (4) Pledgor agrees (A) that in the event Secured Party shall,
         upon any Event of Default, sell the Collateral or any portion thereof,
         at a private sale or sales, Secured Party shall have the right to rely
         upon the advice and opinion of a member of a nationally recognized
         investment banking firm acceptable to Secured Party, as to the best
         price reasonably obtainable upon such a private sale thereof, and (B)
         in the absence of fraud, wilful misconduct and gross negligence, that
         such reliance shall be conclusive evidence that Secured Party handled
         such matter in a commercially reasonable manner under the UCC.

         (c) Governmental Approvals. In connection with the exercise by Secured
Party of its rights hereunder, it may be necessary to obtain the prior consent
or approval of a Governmental Authority or other Persons to the exercise of
rights with respect to the Collateral, and any representations and warranties
made by Pledgor herein shall be deemed appropriately amended to reflect this
fact. Pledgor hereby agrees to execute, deliver and file, and hereby appoints
(to the extent permitted under applicable law) Secured Party as its attorney to
execute, deliver and file on Pledgor's behalf and in Pledgor's name, all
applications, certificates, filings, instruments and other documents (including
without limitation any application for an assignment or transfer of control or
ownership) that may be necessary or appropriate, in Secured Party's opinion, to
obtain such consents or approvals. Pledgor further agrees to use its best
efforts to obtain such consents or approvals. Pledgor acknowledges that there is
no adequate remedy at law for failure by it to

                                       6
<PAGE>   110

comply with the provisions of this Section and that such failure would not be
adequately compensable in damages, and therefore agrees that Pledgor's efforts
to obtain any approval required by this Section may be specifically enforced.

         (d) Notice. Notification of the time and place of any public sale of
the Collateral, or reasonable notification of the time after which any private
sale or other intended disposition of the Collateral is to be made, shall be
sent to Pledgor and to any other Person entitled under applicable law to notice.

         6. GENERAL.

         (a) Secured Party's Duties. The Lenders hereby appoint Secured Party to
act as their agent as provided herein. In the event Secured Party is replaced
pursuant to Section 9.9 of the Credit Agreement, the successor Secured Party
appointed in accordance with Section 9.9 of the Credit Agreement shall be
Secured Party hereunder. The powers conferred on Secured Party hereunder are
solely to protect the Lenders' interest in the Collateral and shall not impose
any duty upon it to exercise any such powers. Except for the safe custody of any
Collateral in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by
it hereunder, Secured Party shall have no duty as to any Collateral, as to
ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges,
maturities, tenders, or other matters relative to any Collateral, whether or not
Secured Party or any Lender has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters,
or as to the taking of any necessary steps to preserve rights against prior
parties or any other rights pertaining to any reasonable care in the custody and
preservation of any Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded
treatment substantially equal to that which Secured Party accords its own
property. Except as set forth herein Secured Party shall not have any duty or
liability to protect or preserve any Collateral or to preserve rights pertaining
thereto. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as requiring or
obligating Secured Party, and Secured Party shall not be required or obligated,
(1) to present or file any claim or notice or take any action, with respect to
any Collateral or in connection therewith or (2) to notify Pledgor of any
decline in the value of any Collateral.

         (b) Cumulative Rights. All rights and remedies of Secured Party
hereunder are cumulative of each other and of every other right or remedy which
Secured Party may otherwise have at law or in equity or under any other contract
or other writing for the enforcement of the security interest herein or the
collection of the Obligations, and the exercise of one or more rights or
remedies shall not prejudice or impair the concurrent or subsequent exercise of
other rights or remedies.

         (c) Waiver. Should any part of the Obligations be payable in
installments, the acceptance by any Lender at any time and from time to time of
partial payment of the aggregate amount of all installments then matured shall
not be deemed as a waiver of any Event of Default then existing. No waiver by
Secured Party or any Lender of any Event of Default shall be deemed to be a
waiver of any other subsequent Event of Default, nor shall any such waiver by
Secured Party or any Lender be deemed to be a continuing waiver. No delay or
omission by Secured Party or any Lender in exercising any right or power
hereunder, or under any other Financing Documents, shall impair any such right
or power or be construed as a waiver thereof or an acquiescence therein, nor
shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power preclude other
or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right or power of
Secured Party or any Lender hereunder or under such other writings.

         (d) Interest; Limitation of Law. No provision herein or in any
Financing Documents shall require the payment or permit the collection of
interest in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. If, in any
contingency whatsoever, Secured Party or any Lender shall receive anything of
value from Pledgor deemed interest under applicable law which would exceed the
maximum amount of interest permissible under applicable law, the provisions of
the Credit Agreement shall govern.

                                       7
<PAGE>   111

         (e) Parties Bound. This Agreement shall be binding on Pledgor and its
successors, assigns and legal and personal representatives, administrators,
executors, beneficiaries and heirs and shall inure to the benefit of Secured
Party and the Lenders, and their successors, assigns and legal representatives;
provided, however, that Pledgor may not assign its rights or obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of Secured Party. The rights, powers
and interests held by Secured Party hereunder may be transferred and assigned by
Secured Party, in whole or in part, at such time and upon such terms as
permitted by the Credit Agreement.

         (f) Notice. All notices, requests and other communications to any party
hereunder shall be in writing (including, telecopy or similar teletransmission
or writing) and shall be given to such party at its address or telecopy number
set forth on the signature pages hereof or such other address or telecopy number
as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the other party. Each such
notice, request or other communication shall be effective (1) if given by mail,
72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mails with first class
postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid, or (2) if given by any other means
(including, but not limited to, by air courier), when delivered at the address
specified in this Section 6(f); provided that notices to Secured Party shall not
be effective until actually and physically received.

         (g) Waivers by Pledgor. Pledgor waives notices of the creation,
advance, increase, existence, extension or renewal of, and of any indulgence
with respect to, the Obligations; waives presentment, demand, notice of dishonor
and protest; waives notice of the amount of the Obligations outstanding at any
time, notice of any change in financial condition of any Person liable for the
Obligations or any part thereof, notice of any Event of Default and all other
notices respecting the Obligations; waives all rights of redemption, appraisal,
or valuation; and agrees that maturity of the Obligations and any part thereof
may be accelerated, increased, extended or renewed one or more times by the
Lenders in their discretion, without notice to Pledgor.

         (h) Modifications. No provision hereof shall be modified or limited
except by a written agreement expressly referring hereto and to the provisions
so modified or limited and signed by Secured Party, nor by course of conduct,
usage of trade or mercantile law.

         (i) Control. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not
constitute, create, or have the effect of constituting or creating, directly or
indirectly, actual or practical ownership of Pledgor or the issuer of the
Collateral by Secured Party, or control, affirmative or negative, direct or
indirect, by Secured Party or the Lenders, over the management or any aspect of
the day-to-day operation of Pledgor or the issuer of the Collateral, which
control remains in Pledgor, the issuer of the Collateral, and their respective
shareholders and boards of directors.

         (j) GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; ETC.

         (1) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE GOVERNED BY THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND, TO THE EXTENT CONTROLLING, LAWS OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.

         (2) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH
RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS OR
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, AND, BY
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, PLEDGOR HEREBY ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND
IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF
THE AFORESAID COURTS. PLEDGOR

                                       8
<PAGE>   112

HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON
CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH
ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS.

         (3) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF PLEDGOR AND SECURED PARTY (I)
IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR
PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY FINANCING DOCUMENT AND FOR ANY
COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN, (II) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR
RECOVER IN ANY SUCH LITIGATION ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, OR DAMAGES OTHER THAN, OR IN ADDITION TO, ACTUAL DAMAGES; (III)
CERTIFIES THAT NO PARTY HERETO NOR ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR COUNSEL FOR ANY PARTY
HERETO HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, OR IMPLIED THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD
NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER; AND (IV)
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY BASED UPON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL
WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION.

         (4) Designation of Process Agent. CT Corporation System, with an office
on the date hereof at 350 N. St. Paul, Suite 2900, Dallas, Texas 75201, is the
designee, appointee and process agent of Pledgor designated to receive, for and
on behalf of Pledgor, service of process in such respective jurisdictions in any
legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement. It is understood that
a copy of such process served on such agent will be promptly forwarded by mail
to Pledgor at its address set forth opposite its signature below, but the
failure of Pledgor to receive such copy shall not affect in any way the service
of such process. Pledgor further irrevocably consents to the service of process
of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the
mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to
Pledgor at its said address, such service to become effective 30 days after such
mailing.

         (5) Service of Process. Nothing herein shall affect the right of
Secured Party or any Lender or any holder of a Term Note to serve process in any
other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise
proceed against Pledgor in any other jurisdiction.

         (k) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER FINANCING
DOCUMENTS, REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE
CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS
OF THE PARTIES HERETO. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE
PARTIES.

================================================================================
                   REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
================================================================================

                                       9
<PAGE>   113

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pledgor has executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.

                                     HWG LLC

                                     By:
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        William L. Guzzetti,
                                        President

Address of Pledgor:

HWG LLC 3710 Rawlins, Suite 1500
Dallas, Texas 75219
Telephone: 214-528-5588
Telecopy:  214-528-8855

                                     FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A., as Administrative
                                     Agent and as Secured Party

                                     By:
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                        Alan Cott,
                                        Senior Vice President

Address of Secured Party:

FIRST BANK TEXAS, N.A.
8820 Westheimer
Houston, Texas  77063
Telephone:(713) 954-2486
Telecopy: (713) 954-2472

                                [Signature Page]

<PAGE>   114

                                    EXHIBIT A

          Entity      Certificate No.  Record Owner  Number of Interests
          ------      ---------------  -----------   -------------------

Hallwood Realty
Partners, L.P.           HRP 29410        HWG LLC    211,128 limited
                                                     partnership units
Hallwood Realty
Partners, L.P.           HRP 20018        HWG LLC    17,440 limited partnership
                                                     units
Hallwood Realty
Partners, L.P.           HRP 20019        HWG LLC    71,829 limited partnership
                                                     units
Hallwood Commercial
Real Estate, LLC            N/A           HWG LLC    100% of all outstanding
                                                     limited partnership
                                                     interests

Hallwood Realty, LLC        N/A           HWG LLC    100% of all outstanding
                                                     general partnership
                                                     interests

                                       A-1

<PAGE>   115
                                    GUARANTY

         THIS GUARANTY (this "Guaranty") is executed and effective as of the
21st day of December, 1999, by THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED, a Delaware
corporation ("Guarantor"), in favor of FIRST BANK TEXAS, N. A. and the other
financial institutions a party to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined)
(First Bank Texas, N.A. and such other financial institutions are collectively
referred to herein as "Noteholders").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, HWG LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Borrower"),
Guarantor, Noteholders and First Bank Texas, N.A., as Administrative Agent
("Administrative Agent") are parties to that certain Credit Agreement (as now or
hereafter amended, the "Credit Agreement") dated as of December 21, 1999,
pursuant to which Noteholders have agreed to make a term loan to Borrower
(unless otherwise defined herein, or unless the context otherwise requires, each
term used herein with its initial letter capitalized shall have the meaning
given such terms in the Credit Agreement); and

         WHEREAS, Noteholders have required, as a condition to the extension of
credit under the Credit Agreement, that Guarantor execute and deliver this
Guaranty; and

         WHEREAS, Guarantor has determined that valuable benefits will be
derived by it as a result of the Credit Agreement and the extension of credit
made by Noteholders thereunder; and

         WHEREAS, Guarantor has further determined that the benefits accruing to
it from the Credit Agreement exceed Guarantor's anticipated liability under this
Guaranty.

         NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged and confessed, Guarantor hereby covenants and
agrees as follows:

         1. Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees the
prompt, complete and full payment when due, no matter how such shall become due,
of the Lender Indebtedness, and further guarantees that Borrower will properly
and timely perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

         2. If Guarantor is or becomes liable for any indebtedness owing by
Borrower to Noteholders by endorsement or otherwise than under this Guaranty,
such liability shall not be in any manner impaired or affected hereby, and the
rights of Noteholders hereunder shall be cumulative of any and all other rights
that Noteholders may ever have against Guarantor. The exercise by Noteholders of
any right or remedy hereunder or under any other instrument, at law or in
equity, shall not preclude the concurrent or subsequent exercise of any other
right or remedy.

         3. In the event of default by Borrower in payment of the Lender
Indebtedness, or any part thereof, when such Lender Indebtedness, or any part
thereof, becomes due, either by its terms or as the result of the exercise of
any power to accelerate, Guarantor shall, on demand, and without

<PAGE>   116

further notice of dishonor and without any notice having been given to Guarantor
previous to such demand of the acceptance by Noteholders of this Guaranty, and
without any notice having been given to Guarantor previous to such demand of the
creating or incurring of such Lender Indebtedness, pay the amount due thereon to
Noteholders at Administrative Agent's office as set forth in the Credit
Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any Noteholder, in order to enforce
such payment by Guarantor, first, to institute suit or exhaust its remedies
against Borrower or others liable on such Lender Indebtedness, to have Borrower
joined with Guarantor in any suit brought under this Guaranty or to enforce
their rights against any security which shall ever have been given to secure
such indebtedness; provided, however, that in the event Noteholders elect to
enforce and/or exercise any remedies they may possess with respect to any
security for the Lender Indebtedness prior to demanding payment from Guarantor,
Guarantor shall nevertheless be obligated hereunder for any and all sums still
owing Noteholders on the Lender Indebtedness and not repaid or recovered
incident to the exercise of such remedies.

         4. Notice to Guarantor of the acceptance of this Guaranty and of the
making, renewing or assignment of the Lender Indebtedness and each item thereof,
are hereby expressly waived by Guarantor.

         5. Each payment on the Lender Indebtedness shall be deemed to have been
made by Borrower unless express written notice is given to Administrative Agent
at the time of such payment that such payment is made by Guarantor as specified
in such notice.

         6. If all or any part of the Lender Indebtedness at any time be
secured, Guarantor agrees that Noteholders may at any time and from time to
time, at their discretion and with or without valuable consideration, allow
substitution or withdrawal of collateral or other security and release
collateral or other security or compromise or settle any amount due or owing
under the Credit Agreement or amend or modify in whole or in part the Credit
Agreement or any Financing Documents executed in connection with same without
impairing or diminishing the obligations of Guarantor hereunder. Guarantor
further agrees that if Borrower executes in favor of Noteholders any collateral
agreement, mortgage or other security instrument, the exercise by Noteholders of
any right or remedy thereby conferred on Noteholders shall be wholly
discretionary with Noteholders, and that the exercise or failure to exercise any
such right or remedy shall in no way impair or diminish the obligations of
Guarantor hereunder. Guarantor further agrees that Noteholders and
Administrative Agent shall not be liable for their failure to use diligence in
the collection of the Lender Indebtedness or in preserving the liability of any
Person liable for the Lender Indebtedness, and Guarantor hereby waives
presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment, protest and notice thereof
(including, notice of acceleration), and diligence in bringing suits against any
Person liable on the Lender Indebtedness, or any part thereof.

         7. Guarantor agrees that Noteholders, in their discretion, may (i)
bring suit against all guarantors (including, without limitation, Guarantor
hereunder) of the Lender Indebtedness jointly and severally or against any one
or more of them, (ii) compound or settle with any one or more of such guarantors
for such consideration as Noteholders may deem proper, and (iii) release one or
more of such guarantors from liability hereunder, and that no such action shall
impair the rights of Noteholders to collect the Lender Indebtedness (or the
unpaid balance thereof) from other such guarantors of the Lender Indebtedness,
or any of them, not so sued, settled with or released. Guarantor agrees,
however, that nothing contained in this Paragraph 7, and no action by
Noteholders

                                       2
<PAGE>   117

permitted under this Paragraph 7, shall in any way affect or impair the rights
or obligations of such guarantors among themselves.

         8. Guarantor represents and warrants to Noteholders that (i) Guarantor
is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware; (ii) Guarantor possesses all requisite authority and power to
authorize, execute, deliver and comply with the terms of this Guaranty; this
Guaranty has been duly authorized and approved by all necessary action on the
part of Guarantor and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Guarantor
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may
be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws (as hereinafter defined); and no
approval or consent of any court or governmental entity is required for the
authorization, execution, delivery or compliance with this Guaranty which has
not been obtained (and copies thereof delivered to Noteholders); and (iii)
Guarantor is neither involved in, nor aware of the threat of, any litigation
which, in the event of an outcome unfavorable to Guarantor, could have a
material adverse effect on the financial position, business operations, or
prospects of Guarantor, nor are there any outstanding or unpaid judgments
against Guarantor. As used herein, the term "Debtor Relief Laws" means the
Bankruptcy Code of the United States of America and all other applicable
liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, moratorium, rearrangement,
receivership, insolvency, reorganization, suspension of payments, or similar
debtor relief laws from time to time in effect affecting the rights of creditors
generally.

         9. This Guaranty is for the benefit of Noteholders, their successors
and assigns, and in the event of an assignment by Noteholders (or their
successors or assigns) of the Lender Indebtedness, or any part thereof, the
rights and benefits hereunder, to the extent applicable to the Lender
Indebtedness so assigned, may be transferred with such Lender Indebtedness.
Subject to the preceding paragraph hereof, this Guaranty is binding, not only on
Guarantor, but on the successors and assigns of Guarantor.

         10. No modification, consent, amendment or waiver of any provision of
this Guaranty, nor consent to any departure by Guarantor therefrom, shall be
effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Required Lenders
(or all Lenders as required by the Credit Agreement), and then shall be
effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No
notice to or demand on Guarantor in any case shall, of itself, entitle Guarantor
to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. No
delay or omission by Noteholders in exercising any power or right hereunder
shall impair any such right or power or be construed as a waiver thereof or any
acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power
preclude other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right
or power hereunder. All rights and remedies of Noteholders hereunder are
cumulative of each other and of every other right or remedy which Noteholders
may otherwise have at law or in equity or under any other contract or document,
and the exercise of one or more rights or remedies shall not prejudice or impair
the concurrent or subsequent exercise of other rights or remedies.

         11. No provision herein or in any promissory note, instrument or any
other Financing Document executed by Borrower or Guarantor evidencing the Lender
Indebtedness shall require the payment or permit the collection of interest in
excess of the maximum permitted by law. If any excess of interest in such
respect is provided for herein or in any such promissory note, instrument, or
any other Financing Document, the provisions of this Paragraph 11 shall govern,
and neither Borrower nor Guarantor shall be obligated to pay the amount of such
interest to the extent that it is

                                       3
<PAGE>   118

in excess of the amount permitted by law. The intention of the parties being to
conform strictly to any applicable federal or state usury laws now in force, all
promissory notes, instruments and other Financing Documents executed by Borrower
or Guarantor evidencing the Lender Indebtedness shall be held subject to
reduction to the amount allowed under said usury laws as now or hereafter
construed by the courts having jurisdiction.

         12. If Guarantor should breach or fail to perform any provision of this
Guaranty, Guarantor agrees to pay Noteholders all costs and expenses (including
court costs and reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by Noteholders in the
enforcement hereof.

         13. The liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall in no manner
be impaired, affected or released by the insolvency, bankruptcy, making of an
assignment for the benefit of creditors, arrangement, compensation, composition
or readjustment of Borrower, or any proceedings affecting the status, existence
or assets of Borrower or other similar proceedings instituted by or against
Borrower and affecting the assets of Borrower.

         14. Guarantor understands and agrees that any amounts of Guarantor on
account with Noteholders may be offset to satisfy the obligations of Guarantor
hereunder.

         15. Guarantor hereby subordinates and makes inferior any and all
indebtedness now or at any time hereafter owed by Borrower to Guarantor to the
Lender Indebtedness evidenced by the Credit Agreement and agrees after the
occurrence of a Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement, or any
event which with notice, lapse of time, or both, would constitute a Default or
Event of Default under the Credit Agreement, not to permit Borrower to repay, or
to accept payment from Borrower of, such indebtedness or any part thereof
without the prior written consent of Noteholders.

         16. During the period that any amount payable under any Term Note
remains unpaid, and throughout any additional preferential period subsequent
thereto, Guarantor hereby waives any and all rights of subrogation to which
Guarantor may otherwise be entitled against Borrower, or any other guarantor of
the Lender Indebtedness, as a result of any payment made by Guarantor pursuant
to this Guaranty.

         17. As of the date hereof the fair saleable value of the property of
Guarantor is greater than the total amount of liabilities (including contingent
and unliquidated liabilities) of Guarantor, and Guarantor is able to pay all of
its liabilities as such liabilities mature and Guarantor does not have
unreasonably small capital within the meaning of Section 548, Title 11, United
States Code, as amended. In computing the amount of contingent or liquidated
liabilities, such liabilities have been computed at the amount which, in light
of all the facts and circumstances existing as of the date hereof, represents
the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured
liability.

         18. If any provision of this Guaranty is held to be illegal, invalid,
or unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable; this Guaranty shall
be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable
provision had never comprised a part hereof; and the remaining provisions hereof
shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom. Furthermore,
in lieu of such illegal, invalid,

                                       4
<PAGE>   119

or unenforceable provision there shall be added automatically as a part of this
Guaranty a provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or
unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.

         19.      (a) Except to the extent required for the exercise of the
remedies provided in the other security instruments, Guarantor hereby
irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any Texas state or
federal court over any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Guaranty or any other Financing Document, and Guarantor hereby irrevocably
agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and
determined in such Texas state or federal court. Guarantor hereby irrevocably
waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now
or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of or in
connection with this Guaranty or any of the Financing Documents brought in
district courts of Harris County, Texas, or in the United States District Court
for the Southern District of Texas. Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any
claim that any litigation brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum. Guarantor hereby irrevocably consents to the service of
process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such litigation by the
mailing of copies thereof by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, to Guarantor's office at 3710 Rawlins, Suite 1500, Dallas, Texas 75219.
Guarantor irrevocably agrees that any legal proceeding against Noteholders shall
be brought in the district courts of Harris County, Texas, or in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Nothing herein shall
affect the right of Noteholders to commence legal proceedings or otherwise
proceed against Guarantor in any jurisdiction or to serve process in any manner
permitted by applicable law.

                  (b) Nothing in this Paragraph 19 shall affect any right of
Noteholders to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law or
affect the right of any Noteholder to bring any action or proceeding against
Guarantor either jointly or severally in the courts of any other jurisdictions.

                  (c) To the extent that Guarantor has or hereafter may acquire
any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether
through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of
execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property,
Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations
under this Guaranty and the other Financing Documents.

         20. THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS COLLECTIVELY
REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG NOTEHOLDERS, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND
GUARANTOR AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR
SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF NOTEHOLDERS, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND GUARANTOR.
THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG NOTEHOLDERS, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
AND GUARANTOR.
         21. GUARANTOR, FOR ITSELF, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AND THE
NOTEHOLDERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW,
THEIR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL, IN ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OF THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS.

                                       5
<PAGE>   120

         23. THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER FINANCING DOCUMENTS SHALL BE CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

                           [Signature Page to Follow]

                                       6

<PAGE>   121

         EXECUTED as of the date first above written.

                                                 GUARANTOR:

                                                 THE HALLWOOD GROUP INCORPORATED

                                                 By:
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                    Melvin J. Melle,
                                                    Vice President

                                [Signature Page]<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.51

                              [MESSAGEMEDIA LOGO]

VIA FACSIMILE

September 30, 1999

Martin T. Johnson
1815 North Howe Street #F
Chicago, Illinois  60614

Dear Tork:

MessageMedia, Inc. ("MessageMedia" or the "Company") is pleased to offer you
employment on the terms and conditions stated in this letter, contingent upon
satisfactory reference checks. MessageMedia is offering you the position of Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. You will work at our facility located at
6060 Spine Road, Boulder, Colorado 80301. You will report to Larry Jones,
President & CEO. Of course, MessageMedia may change your position, duties, and
work location from time to time as it deems necessary. Your employment shall
begin on the date on which you execute this Agreement.

Your rate of compensation will be $190,000 per year, less payroll deductions and
all required withholdings. MessageMedia agrees that your base salary will not be
reduced below $190,000 per year, unless the base salaries of other senior
executives are also subject to reductions. You will receive annual performance
reviews and annual consideration for salary increases. Your salary will be paid
in periodic installments in accordance with MessageMedia's customary practices
(as they may be changed by MessageMedia from time to time in its sole
discretion). At present, MessageMedia pays employees semi-monthly. You will be
eligible for all fringe benefits presently offered to senior executives. Details
about such benefits are available for your review.

In addition to your base salary, you will be eligible to earn an annual
performance bonus of up to 50% of your base salary, less applicable taxes, based
upon performance targets to be defined by the CEO. Bonuses, if any, will be paid
after the close of each fiscal year. The Company further agrees that you will
receive an annual performance bonus of $23,750 for the period through December
31, 1999, less applicable taxes and all required withholdings ("1999 Bonus"),
and an annual performance bonus of at least $47,500 for the period January 1,
2000 through December 31, 2000, less applicable taxes and all required
withholdings ("2000 Bonus").. You will not be eligible to receive the 1999 Bonus
if you voluntarily resign from the Company, or are terminated by the Company for
Cause, as defined below, on or before December 31, 1999. You will not be
eligible to receive the 2000 Bonus if you voluntarily resign from the Company,
or are terminated by the Company for Cause, on or before December 31, 2000. If
the company terminates your employment for a reason other than Cause (as defined
below) before December 31, 1999, you

Page 1 of 4                                                              Initial
<PAGE>   2

will be eligible to receive a pro rata share of the 1999 Bonus but no portion of
the 2000 Bonus. If the Company terminates your employment for a reason other
than Cause (as defined below) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2000, you
will be eligible to receive a pro rata share of the 2000 Bonus.

For your first eighteen (18) months of employment, the Company will also pay you
a monthly housing allowance of $4,000 per month and a travel allowance of
$1,300, less payroll deductions and all required withholdings. The travel
allowance covers personal, non-business related travel between Chicago and
Boulder for either yourself or your spouse. Any payments for a housing allowance
or travel allowance shall end on the earlier of eighteen months after execution
of this agreement or the date of termination of your employment, whether you
resign or are terminated with or without cause.

You will be entitled to four weeks of paid vacation during your first year of
service, which shall begin accruing monthly upon commencement of employment. You
will be entitled to use two weeks of paid vacation during your first six months
of service. Thereafter, vacation will be accrued in accordance with the
provisions of the MessageMedia Employee Handbook.

You are eligible to receive an option to purchase 300,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock (the "Option"), with an exercise price per share equal to
the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date on which you
begin your employment with MessageMedia ("Vesting Commencement Date"). To the
maximum extent possible, the Option shall be an incentive stock option as such
term is defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
To the extent that any portion of the Option does not qualify as incentive stock
options under Section 422 of the code, that the portion of the Option shall be
treated as a nonstatutory stock option. This option will be issued in accordance
with and subject to the terms and conditions of MessageMedia's 1995 Stock Option
Plan.

The Option shall vest in accordance with the Company's standard form of option
agreement under MessageMedia's 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended, which, among
other terms, conditions, and limitations, provides that 25% of the shares
subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary
of the Vesting Commencement Date, and an additional 1/48th of the shares subject
to the option at the end of each one-month period thereafter shall vest and
become exercisable, during the period in which you remain an employee and/or
consultant of the Company.

Your employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time, with or without
notice, with or without cause, by either you or the Company. If the Company
terminates your employment without Cause, upon your furnishing to the Company
(1) an executed waiver and release form, releasing the Company from any claims
you may have against it, including a release of any and all claims under the
Federal Age discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and (2) a
recognition of your continuing obligations under the Proprietary Information and
Inventions Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A, then the Company will pay
you an amount equal to twelve months of your then-current base salary, subject
to standard payroll deductions and required withholdings ("Severance Benefit").

For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" for termination will mean: That
MessageMedia, acting in good faith based upon the information then known to
MessageMedia, determines that you have engaged in (embezzlement, fraud, theft,
misappropriation of corporate funds, or other acts of dishonesty; (2) serious
misconduct in the performance of your job duties which is materially

Page 2 of 4                                                              Initial
<PAGE>   3

harmful to MessageMedia (including but not limited to sexual or other forms of
harassment, and discrimination); (3) conduct which is likely to materially harm
or materially harms MessageMedia's reputation in the community; (4) refusal to
perform or substantially disregard of your assigned duties (including, but not
limited to, refusal to travel, refusal to work the requested hours, failure to
adequately perform job duties); (5) any material violation of any statutory,
contractual, or common law duty to MessageMedia (including but not limited to
fiduciary duties and the duty of loyalty), or (6) any material breach of any
term of this Agreement, including the Proprietary Information and Inventions
Agreement. In the event you are terminated for Cause, you will not be entitled
to any Severance Benefit, but you will be entitled to all compensation, benefits
and unreimbursed expenses (in accordance with MessageMedia's policy regarding
expense reimbursement ) accrued through the date of termination. This definition
of Cause is not intended and does not apply to any aspect of the relationship
between MessageMedia and you, beyond determining your eligibility for receiving
the Severance Benefit following termination by the Company. If you terminated
for Cause, you agree and acknowledge that you will continue to be bound by the
obligation set forth in Exhibit A, the Proprietary Information and Inventions
Agreement.

You also will be eligible to receive the Severance Benefit if you render your
resignation to MessageMedia, after notice to the Company, and within thirty days
after the occurrence of one of the following, if such events occur at the
Company's direction and without your consent: (1) you no longer report to the
person acting as Chief Executive Officer of MessageMedia; (2) your base salary
is decreased below $190,000 per year, unless the base salaries of other senior
executives are also subject to reductions; (3) your duties are materially and
permanently reduced, such that you no longer have the duties of a Chief
Financial Officer; (4) you no longer have the title "Chief Financial Officer";
or (5) you are required to relocate your primary residence out of the
metropolitan Chicago, Illinois area.

Mr. Johnson may not assign any rights or obligation arising under this
Agreement. MessageMedia may assign any right or obligation arising under this
Agreement. This Agreement shall bind the heirs, personal representatives,
successors, executors, and administrators of each party, and insure to the
benefit of each party, its heirs, and successors, MessageMedia shall take
appropriate steps to ensure that its obligations under this letter agreement are
binding on any successors and assigns of MessageMedia.

Should you accept this offer, your employment with MessageMedia will not be for
a specified term and may be terminated with or without cause and with or without
notice by you or by the Company at any time, for any reason or no reason. Any
contrary representations or agreements which may have been made to you are
superseded by this offer. The offer of employment described in this letter and
your acceptance of such terms shall constitute the entire Agreement between you
and MessageMedia concerning the nature and duration of your employment. The fact
that the rate of your salary is stated in units of years or months, that any
other payments (including housing allowance and travel allowance) are stated in
units of years or months and that your vacation accrues annually does not alter
the at-will nature of the employment, and does not mean and should not be
interpreted to mean that you are guaranteed employment to the end of any period
of time or for any period time. The "at will" term of your employment with
MessageMedia can only be changed in a Writing signed by you and the President of
the Company.

Page 3 of 4                                                              Initial
<PAGE>   4

One of the conditions of your employment with MessageMedia is the maintenance of
the confidentiality of MessageMedia's proprietary and confidential information.
You will be required, prior to or on your start date, to execute the Company's
Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, attached hereto as
Exhibit A.

In your work for the Company, you will be expected not to use or disclose any
confidential information, including trade secrets, of any former employer or
other person to whom you have an obligation of confidentiality. You agree that
you will not bring onto Company premises any unpublished documents or property
belonging to any former employer or other person to whom you have an obligation
of confidentiality. In the performance of your duties for the Company, you will
be expected to use only that information which is generally known and used by
persons with training and experience comparable to your own, which is common
knowledge in the industry or otherwise legally in the public domain, or which is
otherwise provided or developed by the Company.

By joining MessageMedia, you are agreeing to abide by all laws and regulations,
all Company policies and procedures, to acknowledge in writing that you have
read and are bound by the Company's Employee Handbook, when a copy is provided
to you, and that you are bound by the terms and conditions of the Company's
Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Violations of these policies
may lead to immediate termination of employment. As required by law, this offer
is subject to satisfactory proof of your right to work in the United States. Mr.
Johnson agrees to be responsible for the payment of any taxes due from him as a
result of any and all compensation provided MessageMedia, including but not
limited to, any taxes arising from compensation, housing and travel allowances,
benefits, incentive stock options, and nonstatutory stock options.

We are looking forward to having you join MessageMedia, Inc. If you wish to
accept this offer, please sign below and return the fully executed letter prior
to the expiration date of October 1, 1999. You should keep one copy of this
letter for your own records.

Very truly yours,

MESSAGEMEDIA, INC.

---------------------------------                ------------------------------
Susan L. Morse                                   Date
VP of Human Resources

Acceptance:

---------------------------------                ------------------------------
Martin T. Johnson                                Date

CC: Larry Jones

Page 4 of 4                                                              Initial
<PAGE>   5

                        EMPLOYEE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
                            AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT
                                    COLORADO

         This Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement
("Agreement") is made in consideration for my employment or continued employment
by MESSAGEMEDIA, INCORPORATED (the "Company"), and the compensation now and
hereafter paid to me. I hereby agree as follows:

1. NONDISCLOSURE.

1.1 RECOGNITION OF COMPANY'S RIGHTS; NONDISCLOSURE. At all times during my
employment and thereafter, I will hold in strictest confidence and will not
disclose, use, lecture upon or publish any of the Company's Proprietary
Information (defined below), except as such disclosure, use or publication may
be required in connection with my work for the Company, or unless an officer of
the Company expressly authorizes such in writing. I will obtain Company's
written approval before publishing or submitting for publication any material
(written, verbal, or otherwise) that relates to my work at Company and/or
incorporates any Proprietary Information. I hereby assign to the Company any
rights I may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information and recognize that
all Proprietary Information shall be the sole property of the Company and its
assigns.

1.2 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. The term "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION" shall mean any
and all confidential and/or proprietary knowledge, data or information of the
Company. By way of illustration but not limitation, "Proprietary Information"
includes (a) trade secrets, inventions, mask works, ideas, processes, formulas,
source and object codes, data, programs, other works of authorship, know-how,
improvements, discoveries, developments, designs and techniques (hereinafter
collectively referred to as "Inventions"); and (b) information regarding plans
for research, development, new products, marketing and selling, business plans,
budgets and unpublished financial statements, licenses, prices and costs,
suppliers and customers; and (c) information regarding the skills and
compensation of other employees of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
it is understood that, at all such times, I am free to use information which is
generally known in the trade or industry, which is not gained as result of a
breach of this Agreement, and my own, skill, knowledge, know-how and experience
to whatever extent and in whichever way I wish.

1.3 THIRD PARTY INFORMATION. I understand, in addition, that the Company has
received and in the future will receive from third parties confidential or
proprietary information ("Third Party Information") subject to a duty on the
Company's part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it
only for certain limited purposes. During the term of my employment and
thereafter, I will hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and
will not disclose to anyone (other than Company personnel who need to know such
information in connection with their work for the Company) or use, except in
connection with my work for the Company, Third Party Information unless
expressly authorized by an officer of the Company in writing.

1.4 NO IMPROPER USE OF INFORMATION OF PRIOR EMPLOYERS AND OTHERS. During my
employment by the Company I will not improperly use or disclose any confidential
information or trade secrets, if any, of any former employer or any other person
to whom I have an obligation of confidentiality, and I will not bring onto the
premises of the Company any unpublished documents or any property belonging to
any former employer or any other person to whom I have an obligation of
confidentiality unless consented to in writing by that former employer or
person. I will use in the performance of my duties only information which is
generally known and used by persons with training and experience comparable to
my own, which is common knowledge in the industry or otherwise legally in the
public domain, or which is otherwise provided or developed by the Company.

2. ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS.

2.1 PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. The term "PROPRIETARY RIGHTS" Shall mean all trade
secret, patent, copyright, mask work and other intellectual property rights
throughout the world.

2.2 PRIOR INVENTIONS. Inventions, if any, patented or unpatented, which I made
prior to the commencement of my employment with the Company are excluded from
the scope of this Agreement. To

<PAGE>   6

preclude any possible uncertainty, I have set forth on Exhibit A (Previous
Inventions) attached hereto a complete list of all Inventions that I have, alone
or jointly with others, conceived, developed or reduced to practice or caused to
be conceived, developed or reduced to practice prior to the commencement of my
employment with the Company, that I consider to be my property or the property
of third parties and that I wish to have excluded from the scope of this
Agreement (collectively referred to as "Prior Inventions"). If disclosure of any
such Prior Invention would cause me to violate any prior confidentiality
agreement, I understand that I am not to list such Prior Inventions in Exhibit A
but am only to disclose a cursory name for each such invention, a listing of the
party(ies) to whom it belongs and the fact that full disclosure as to such
inventions has not been made for that reason. A space is provided on Exhibit A
for such purpose. If no such disclosure is attached, I represent that there are
no Prior Inventions. If, in the course of my employment with the Company, I
incorporate a Prior Invention into a Company product, process or machine, the
Company is hereby granted and shall have a nonexclusive, royalty-free,
irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through
multiple tiers of sublicensees) to make, have made, modify, use and sell such
Prior Invention. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I agree that I will not
incorporate, or permit to be incorporated, Prior Inventions in any Company
Inventions without the Company's prior written consent.

2.3 ASSIGNMENT OF INVENTIONS. Subject to Sections 2.4, and 2.6, I hereby assign
and agree to assign in the future (when any such Inventions or Proprietary
Rights are first reduced to practice or first fixed in a tangible medium, as
applicable) to the Company all my right, title and interest in and to any and
all Inventions (and all Proprietary Rights with respect thereto) whether or not
patentable or registrable under copyright or similar statutes, made or conceived
or reduced to practice or learned by me, either alone or jointly with others,
during the period of my employment with the Company. Inventions assigned to the
Company, or to a third party as directed by the Company pursuant to this Section
2, are hereinafter referred to as "Company Inventions."

2.4 NONASSIGNABLE INVENTIONS. I recognize that, in the event of a specifically
applicable state law, regulation, rule, or public policy ("Specific Inventions
Law"), this Agreement will not be deemed to require assignment of any invention
which qualifies fully for protection under a Specific Inventions Law by virtue
of the fact that any such invention was, for example, developed entirely on my
own time without using the Company's equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade
secrets and neither related to the Company's actual or anticipated business,
research or development, nor resulted from work performed by me for the Company.
In the absence of a Specific Inventions Law, the preceding sentence will not
apply.

2.5 OBLIGATION TO KEEP COMPANY INFORMED. During the period of my employment and
for six months after the last day of my employment with the Company, I will
promptly disclose to the Company fully and in writing all Inventions authored,
conceived or reduced to practice by me, either alone or jointly with others. In
addition, I will promptly disclose to the Company all patent applications filed
by me or on my behalf within a year after termination of employment. At the time
of each such disclosure, I will advise the Company in writing of any Inventions
that I believe fully qualify for protection under the provisions of a Specific
Inventions Law; and I will at that time provide to the Company in writing all
evidence necessary to substantiate that belief. The Company will keep in
confidence and will not use for any purpose or disclose to third parties without
my consent any confidential information disclosed in writing to the Company
pursuant to this Agreement relating to Inventions that qualify fully for
protection under a Specific Inventions Law. I will preserve the confidentiality
of any Invention that does not fully qualify for protection under a Specific
Inventions Law.

2.6 GOVERNMENT OR THIRD PARTY. I also agree to assign all my right, title and
interest in and to any particular Invention to a third party, including without
limitation the United States, as directed by the Company.

2.7 WORKS FOR HIRE. I acknowledge that all original works of authorship which
are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of my employment
and which are protectable by copyright are "works made for hire," pursuant to
United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101).

2.8 ENFORCEMENT OF PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. I will assist the Company in every proper
way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign
Proprietary Rights relating to Company Inventions in any and all countries. To
that end I will execute, verify and deliver such documents and perform such
other acts (including appearances as a

                                       2

<PAGE>   7

witness) as the Company may reasonably request for use in applying for,
obtaining, perfecting, evidencing, sustaining and enforcing such Proprietary
Rights and the assignment thereof. In addition, I will execute, verify and
deliver assignments of such Proprietary Rights to the Company or its designee.
My obligation to assist the Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating
to such Company Inventions in any and all countries shall continue beyond the
termination of my employment, but the Company shall compensate me at a
reasonable rate after my termination for the time actually spent by me at the
Company's request on such assistance.

In the event the Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to
secure my signature on any document needed in connection with the actions
specified in the preceding paragraph, I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint
the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as my agent and attorney
in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and in my
behalf to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other
lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of the preceding paragraph with
the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. I hereby waive and
quitclaim to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which I
now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assigned
hereunder to the Company.

3. NO CONFLICTS OR SOLICITATION. I acknowledge that during my employment I will
have access to and knowledge of Proprietary Information. To protect the
Company's Proprietary Information, I agree that during the period of my
employment by the Company I will not, without the Company's express written
consent, engage in any other employment or business activity directly related to
the business in which the Company is now involved or becomes involved, nor will
I engage in any other activities which conflict with my obligations to the
Company. For the period of my employment by the Company and continuing until
twelve months after my last day of employment with the Company, I will not (a)
directly or indirectly induce any employee of the Company to terminate or
negatively alter his or her relationship with the Company or (b) solicit the
business of any client or customer of the Company (other than on behalf of the
Company) or (c) induce any supplier, vendor, consultant or independent
contractor of the Company to terminate or negatively alter his, her or its
relationship with the Company. If any restriction set forth in this Section is
found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it
extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or
in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the
maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it
may be enforceable.

4. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE. I acknowledge that during my employment I will have
access to and knowledge of Proprietary Information. To protect the Company's
Proprietary Information, I agree that during my employment with the Company
whether full-time or half-time and for a period of twelve months after my last
day of employment with the Company, I will not directly or indirectly engage in
(whether as an employee, consultant, proprietor, partner, director or
otherwise), or have any ownership interest in, or participate in the financing,
operation, management or control of, any person, firm, corporation or business
that engages in a "Restricted Business" in a "Restricted Territory" (as defined
below). It is agreed that ownership of (i) no more than one percent (1%) of the
outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation, or (ii) any stock I
presently own shall not constitute a violation of this provision.

4.1 REASONABLE. I agree and acknowledge that the time limitation on the
restrictions in this paragraph, combined with the geographic scope, is
reasonable. I also acknowledge and agree that this paragraph is reasonably
necessary for the protection of Company's Proprietary Information as defined in
paragraph 1.2 herein, that through my employment I shall receive adequate
consideration for any loss of opportunity associated with the provisions herein,
and that these provisions provide a reasonable way of protecting Company's
business value which will be imparted to me. If any restriction set forth in
this paragraph 4 is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be
unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great
a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted
to extend only over the maximum period of time, range of activities or
geographic area as to which it may be enforceable.

4.2 As used herein, the terms:

         (i) "Restricted Business" shall mean the design, development, marketing
or sales of e-mail based customer relationship management and direct marketing
services or any computer program, product, process, system or service marketed,
sold or under development by the Company at any time

                                       3

<PAGE>   8

during my employment with the Company. "Restricted Business" does not include
consulting businesses which design and develop customer relationship management
systems which include e-mail as one of many channels through which customers
communicate.

         (ii) "Restricted Territory" shall mean the countries and territories in
which the Company conducts business, and counties, cities, territories and
states of the United States.

5. RECORDS. I agree to keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the
form of notes, sketches, drawings and in any other form that may be required by
the Company) of all Proprietary Information developed by me and all Inventions
made by me during the period of my employment at the Company, which records
shall be available to and remain the sole property of the Company at all times.

6. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES. I agree that during the period of my employment by the
Company I will not, without the Company's express written consent, engage in any
employment or business activity which is competitive with, or would otherwise
conflict with, my employment by the Company.

7. NO CONFLICTING OBLIGATION. I represent that my performance of all the terms
of this Agreement and as an employee of the Company does not and will not breach
any agreement to keep in confidence information acquired by me in confidence or
in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I
agree I will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict
herewith.

8. RETURN OF COMPANY MATERIALS. When I leave the employ of the Company, I will
deliver to the Company any and all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications,
devices, formulas, and documents, together with all copies thereof, and any
other material containing or disclosing any Company Inventions, Third Party
Information or Proprietary Information of the Company. I further agree that any
property situated on the Company's premises and owned by the Company, including
disks and other storage media, filing cabinets or other work areas, is subject
to inspection by Company personnel at any time with or without notice.

9. LEGAL AND EQUITABLE REMEDIES. Because my services are personal and unique and
because I may have access to and become acquainted with the Proprietary
Information of the Company, the Company shall have the right to enforce this
Agreement and any of its provisions by injunction, specific performance or other
equitable relief, without bond and without prejudice to any other rights and
remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this Agreement.

10. NOTICES. Any notices required or permitted hereunder shall be given to the
appropriate party at the address specified below or at such other address as the
party shall specify in writing. Such notice shall be deemed given upon personal
delivery to the appropriate address or if sent by certified or registered mail,
three days after the date of mailing.

11. NOTIFICATION OF NEW EMPLOYER. In the event that I leave the employ of the
Company, I hereby consent to the notification of my new employer of my rights
and obligations under this Agreement.

12. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

12.1 GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION AND EXCLUSIVE FORUM. This
Agreement will be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State
of Colorado as such laws are applied to agreements entered into and to be
performed entirely within Colorado between Colorado residents. I hereby
expressly understand and consent that my employment is a transaction of business
in the State of Colorado and constitutes the minimum contacts necessary to make
me subject to the personal jurisdiction of the federal courts located in the
State of Colorado, and the state courts located in the County of Boulder,
Colorado, for any lawsuit filed against me by Company arising from or related to
this Agreement. I agree and acknowledge that any controversy arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the breach thereof, or any claim or action to
enforce this Agreement or portion thereof, or any controversy or claim requiring
interpretation of this Agreement must be brought in a forum located within the
State of Colorado. No such action may be brought in any forum outside the State
of Colorado. Any action brought in contravention of this paragraph by one party
is subject to dismissal at any time and at any stage of the proceedings by the
other, and no action taken by the other in defending, counter claiming or
appealing shall be construed as a waiver of this right to immediate dismissal. A
party bringing

                                       4

<PAGE>   9

an action in contravention of this paragraph shall be liable to the other party
for the costs, expenses and attorney's fees incurred in successfully dismissing
the action or successfully transferring the action to the federal courts located
in the State of Colorado, or the state courts located in the County of Boulder,
Colorado.

12.2 SEVERABILITY. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable
in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
the other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be construed as
if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained
herein. If moreover, any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Agreement shall for any reason be held to be excessively broad as to duration,
geographical scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed by limiting and
reducing it, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with the
applicable law as it shall then appear.

12.3 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement will be binding upon my heirs,
executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the
benefit of the Company, its successors, and its assigns.

12.4 SURVIVAL. The provisions of this Agreement shall survive the termination of
my employment and the assignment of this Agreement by the Company to any
successor in interest or other assignee.

12.5 EMPLOYMENT. I agree and understand that my employment is at-will which
means I or the company each have the right to terminate my employment at will,
with or without advanced notice and with or without cause. I further agree and
understand that nothing in this Agreement shall confer any right with respect to
continuation of employment by the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way
with my right or the Company's right to terminate my employment at any time,
with or without cause.

12.6 WAIVER. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Agreement shall be a
waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach. No waiver by the Company of any
right under this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any other right.
The Company shall not be required to give notice to enforce strict adherence to
all terms of this Agreement.

12.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The obligations pursuant to Sections 1 through 4 and
Sections 6 and 7 (including all subparts) of this Agreement shall apply to any
time during which I was previously employed, or am in the future employed, by
the Company as a consultant if no other agreement governs nondisclosure and
assignment of inventions during such period. This Agreement is the final,
complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes and merges all prior discussions between us. No
modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights
under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the
party to be charged. Any subsequent change or changes in my duties, salary or
compensation will not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement

         This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment
with the Company, namely: _______________, 1999.

         I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. I HAVE
COMPLETELY FILLED OUT EXHIBIT A TO THIS AGREEMENT.

Dated:
       ----------------------

-----------------------------
Signature

-----------------------------
Printed Name

ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:

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

                                       5

<PAGE>   10

                                    EXHIBIT A

TO:      MESSAGEMEDIA, INCORPORATED

FROM:
         -------------------

DATE:
         -------------------

SUBJECT: PREVIOUS INVENTIONS

         1. Except as listed in Section 2 below, the following is a complete
list of all inventions or improvements relevant to the subject matter of my
employment by MESSAGEMEDIA, INCORPORATED that have been made or conceived or
first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my
engagement by the Company:

         [ ]      No inventions or improvements.

         [ ]      See below:

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

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

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

         [ ]      Additional sheets attached.

         2. Due to a prior confidentiality agreement, I cannot complete the
disclosure under Section 1 above with respect to inventions or improvements
generally listed below, the proprietary rights and duty of confidentiality with
respect to which I woe to the following party(ies):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      INVENTION OR IMPROVEMENT          PARTY(IES)            RELATIONSHIP
<S>                                <C>                    <C>
1.
      -----------------------      -------------------     -------------------
2.
      -----------------------      -------------------     -------------------
3.
      -----------------------      -------------------     -------------------
</TABLE>

         [ ]      Additional sheets attached.

                                      A-1

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