Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 2nd day of March, 2000, by
and between ILEX Oncology, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the
State of Delaware, with its principal offices at 11550 I.H. 10 West, Suite 100,
San Antonio, Texas 78230 (the "Company"), and the purchaser whose name and
address is set forth on the signature page hereof (the "Purchaser").

                  IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this
Agreement, the Company and the Purchaser agree as follows:

                  SECTION 1. Authorization of Sale of the Shares. Subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company has authorized the sale of
up to 3,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, par value $.01 per share
(the "Common Stock"), of the Company.

                  SECTION 2. Agreement to Sell and Purchase the Shares. At the
Closing (as defined in Section 3), the Company will sell to the Purchaser, and
the Purchaser will buy from the Company, upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth, the number of Shares (at the purchase price) shown below:

                                 Price Per
      Number to Be               Share In                 Aggregate
       Purchased                  Dollars                   Price
      ------------               ---------                ---------

                  The Company proposes to enter into this same form of purchase
agreement with certain other investors (the "Other Purchasers") and expects to
complete sales of the Shares to them. The Purchaser and the Other Purchasers are
hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "Purchasers," and this
Agreement and the agreements executed by the Other Purchasers are hereinafter
sometimes collectively referred to as the "Agreements." The term "Placement
Agent" shall mean the Prudential Vector Healthcare Group, a unit of Prudential
Securities Incorporated.

                  SECTION 3. Delivery of the Shares at the Closing. The
completion of the purchase and sale of the Shares (the "Closing") shall occur as
soon as practicable and as agreed by the parties hereto following notification
by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to the Company of
the Commission's willingness to declare effective the registration statement to
be filed by the Company pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof (the "Registration
Statement") at a place and time (the "Closing Date") to be agreed upon by the
Company and the Placement Agent and of which the Purchasers will be notified by
facsimile transmission or otherwise.

<PAGE>   2
                  At the Closing, the Company shall deliver to the Purchaser one
or more stock certificates registered in the name of the Purchaser, or in such
nominee name(s) as designated by the Purchaser in writing, representing the
number of Shares set forth in Section 2 above and bearing an appropriate legend
referring to the fact that the Shares were sold in reliance upon the exemption
from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), provided by Section 4(2) thereof and Rule 506 thereunder. The Company
will promptly substitute one or more replacement certificates without the legend
at such time as the Registration Statement becomes effective. The name(s) in
which the stock certificates are to be registered are set forth in the
Registration Statement Questionnaire attached hereto as part of Appendix I. The
Company's obligation to complete the purchase and sale of the Shares and deliver
such stock certificate(s) to the Purchaser at the Closing shall be subject to
the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived by the Company:
(a) receipt by the Company of same-day funds in the full amount of the purchase
price for the Shares being purchased hereunder; (b) completion of the purchases
and sales under the Agreements with all of the Other Purchasers; and (c) the
accuracy of the representations and warranties made by the Purchasers and the
fulfillment of those undertakings of the Purchasers to be fulfilled prior to the
Closing. The Purchaser's obligation to accept delivery of such stock
certificate(s) and to pay for the Shares evidenced thereby shall be subject to
the following conditions: (a) the Commission has notified the Company of the
Commission's willingness to declare the Registration Statement effective on or
prior to the 75th day after the date such Registration Statement was filed by
the Company; and (b) the accuracy in all material respects of the
representations and warranties made by the Company herein, and the fulfillment
in all material respects of those undertakings of the Company to be fulfilled
prior to Closing. The Purchaser's obligations hereunder are expressly not
conditioned on the purchase by any or all of the Other Purchasers of the Shares
that they have agreed to purchase from the Company.

                  SECTION 4. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the
Company. The Company hereby warrants to, and covenants with, the Purchaser as
follows:

                  4.1. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter
defined) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the state of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. The
Company and each such subsidiary or other entity controlled directly or
indirectly by the Company (collectively, "Subsidiaries") is duly qualified to do
business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction
in which the nature of the business conducted by it or location of the assets or
properties owned, leased or licensed by it requires such qualification, except
for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify would not have a material
adverse effect on the assets or properties, business, results of operations or
financial condition of the Company (a "Material Adverse Effect").

                  4.2. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has all
requisite corporate power and authority, and all necessary approvals, consents,
orders, licenses, certificates and permits of and from all governmental or
regulatory bodies or any other person or entity (collectively, the "Permits"),
to own, lease and license its assets and properties and conduct its business,
all of which are valid and in full force and effect as described in the November
Registration Statement (as defined above), except where the lack of such
Permits, individually or

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each
of its Subsidiaries has fulfilled and performed in all material respects all of
its material obligations with respect to such Permits and no event has occurred
that allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or
termination thereof or results in any other material impairment of the rights of
the Company thereunder. Except as may be required under the Securities Act and
state and foreign Blue Sky laws, no other Permits are required to enter into,
deliver and perform this Agreement and to issue and sell the Shares.

                  4.3. The financial statements of the Company (including all
notes and schedules thereto) incorporated by reference in the confidential
offering memorandum dated February 29, 2000 prepared by the Company, including
all Exhibits (except this Agreement), supplements and amendments thereto (the
"Offering Memorandum"), present fairly the financial position, the results of
operations, the statements of cash flows and the statements of stockholders'
equity and the other information purported to be shown therein of the Company at
the respective dates and for the respective periods to which they apply; and
such financial statements and related schedules and notes have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied
throughout the periods involved, and all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the results for such periods have been made. The summary and
selected financial data incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum
present fairly the information shown therein as at the respective dates and for
the respective periods specified and the summary and selected financial data
have been presented on a basis consistent with the consolidated financial
statements incorporated in the Offering Memorandum.

                  4.4. Arthur Andersen LLP, whose reports are incorporated by
reference as a part of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
333-87721), as amended (the "November Registration Statement"), are and, during
the periods covered by their reports, were independent public accountants as
required by the Securities Act and the published rules and regulations
thereunder (the "Rules and Regulations").

                  4.5. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries own or possess
adequate and enforceable rights to use all patents, patent applications,
trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, service marks, copyrights,
copyright applications, licenses, know-how and other similar rights and
proprietary knowledge (collectively, "Intangibles") described in the Offering
Memorandum as being owned by them necessary for the conduct of their businesses.
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of, or
is not aware of, any infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others
with respect to any Intangibles.

                  4.6. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have good and
marketable title in fee simple to all items of real property and good and
marketable title to all personal property described in the Offering Memorandum
as being owned by them. Any real property and buildings described in the
Offering Memorandum as being held under lease by the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries is held by them under valid, existing and enforceable leases, free
and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims, security interests and defects,
except such as are described in the Offering Memorandum, or would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
                  4.7. There are no litigation or governmental proceedings to
which the Company or its Subsidiaries is subject or which is pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened, against the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, which, individually or in the aggregate, might have a Material
Adverse Effect, affect the consummation of this Agreement or which are required
to be disclosed in the Offering Memorandum.

                  4.8. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which
information is given in the Offering Memorandum, except as described therein,
(i) there has not been any material adverse change with regard to the assets or
properties, business, results of operations or financial condition of the
Company, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has sustained any
loss or interference with its assets, businesses or properties (whether owned or
leased) from fire, explosion, earthquake, flood or other calamity, whether or
not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or any court or legislative
or other governmental action, order or decree which would have a Material
Adverse Effect; and (iii) since the date of the latest balance sheet
incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum, except as reflected
therein neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (A) issued any
securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for
borrowed money, except such liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary
course of business, (B) entered into any transaction not in the ordinary course
of business or (C) declared or paid any dividend or made any distribution on any
shares of its stock or redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired or agreed to
redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of its stock.

                  4.9. There is no document, contract or other agreement of a
character required to be described in the November Registration Statement or to
be filed as an exhibit to the November Registration Statement which was not
described or filed as required by the Securities Act or the Rules and
Regulations. Each description of a contract, document or other agreement in the
November Registration Statement accurately reflects in all respects the terms of
the underlying document, contract or agreement. Each agreement described in the
November Registration Statement is in full force and effect and is valid and
enforceable by and against the Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, in
accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general
equitable principles, except those agreements, if any, which have expired in
accordance with their own terms. Neither the Company nor a Subsidiary, if a
Subsidiary is a party, nor to the Company's knowledge, any other party is in
default in the observance or performance of any term or obligation to be
performed by it under any such agreement, and no event has occurred which with
notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a default, in any such
case which default or event, individually or in the aggregate, would have a
Material Adverse Effect. No default exists, and no event has occurred which with
notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default, in the due
performance and observance of any term, covenant or condition, by the Company or
a Subsidiary, if a Subsidiary is a party thereto, of any other agreement or
instrument to which the Company or a Subsidiary is a party or by which the
Company, the Subsidiaries or their properties or business may be bound or
affected which default or event, individually or in the aggregate, would have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                  4.10. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
violation of any term or provision of its charter or by-laws or of any
franchise, license, permit, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
regulation, where the consequences of such violation, individually or in the
aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.11. Neither the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by the Company nor the consummation of any of the transactions
contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, the issuance and sale by the
Company of the Shares) will give rise to a right to terminate or accelerate the
due date of any payment due under, or conflict with or result in the breach of
any term or provision of, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice
or lapse of time or both would constitute a default) under, or require any
consent or waiver under, or result in the execution or imposition of any lien,
charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or
other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
a party or by which either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of
their properties or businesses is bound, or any franchise, license, permit,
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or violate any provision of the charter or by-laws of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for such consents or waivers
which have already been obtained and are in full force and effect and except for
such events which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.12. The Company has authorized and outstanding capital stock
as set forth under the caption "Capitalization" in the Offering Memorandum. All
of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock have been duly and validly
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. There are no statutory preemptive
or other similar rights to subscribe for or to purchase or acquire any shares of
Common Stock or any shares of capital stock of its Subsidiaries or any such
rights pursuant to their charter or by-laws or any agreement or instrument to or
by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or bound. The Shares,
when issued and sold pursuant to this Agreement, will be duly and validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and none of them will be issued in
violation of any preemptive or other similar right. Except as disclosed in the
Offering Memorandum, there is no outstanding option, warrant or other right
calling for the issuance of, and there is no commitment, plan or arrangement to
issue, any share of stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries or any security
convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, such stock. The Common
Stock and the Shares conform in all material respects to all statements in
relation thereto contained in the Offering Memorandum. All outstanding shares of
capital stock of each Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued,
and are fully paid and nonassessable and, other than as described in the
November Registration Statement, are owned directly by the Company or by another
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company free and clear of any security interests,
liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, other than those described in the
Offering Memorandum.

                  4.13. No holder of any security of the Company has the right
to have any security owned by such holder included in the Registration Statement
or to demand registration of any security owned by such holder during the period
ending 90 days after the date of this Agreement.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
                  4.14. All necessary corporate action has been duly and validly
taken by the Company to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the issuance and sale of the Shares by the Company. The
Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly
and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitute
legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
affecting creditors' and contracting parties' rights generally and except as
enforceability may be subject to general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)
and except as the indemnification agreements of the Company in Section 7.3
hereof may be legally unenforceable.

                  4.15. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is
involved in any labor dispute nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is any such
dispute threatened, which dispute would have a Material Adverse Effect. The
Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the
employees of any of its principal suppliers or contractors which would have a
Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not aware of any threatened or pending
litigation between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any of its
executive officers which, if adversely determined, could have a Material Adverse
Effect and has no reason to believe that such officers will not remain in the
employment of the Company.

                  4.16. Other than transactions occurring in the ordinary course
of business, no transaction has occurred between or among the Company and any of
its officers, directors or five percent stockholders or any affiliate or
affiliates of any such officer, director or five percent stockholders that
should be described in and is not described in the Offering Memorandum.

                  4.17. The Company has not taken, nor will it take, directly or
indirectly, any action designed to or which might reasonably be expected to
cause or result in, or which has constituted or which might reasonably be
expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of the
Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares.

                  4.18. The Company and its Subsidiaries have filed all Federal,
state, local and foreign tax returns which are required to be filed through the
date hereof, or has received extensions thereof, and has paid all taxes shown on
such returns and all assessments received by it to the extent that the same are
material and have become due. There are no tax audit or investigations pending,
which if adversely determined would have a Material Adverse Effect; nor are
there any material proposed additional tax assessments against the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries.

                  4.19. Prior to the Closing Date, the Shares will be listed for
trading on the Nasdaq National Market.

                  4.20. The books, records and accounts of the Company and each
of its Subsidiaries accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, the
transactions in, and dispositions of, the assets of, and the results of
operations of, the Company and each of its

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
Subsidiaries. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries maintains a system of
internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that
(i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or
specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to
assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific
authorization and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with
existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with
respect to any differences.

                  4.21. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are insured by
insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks
and in such amounts as are customary in the businesses in which they are engaged
or propose to engage after giving effect to the transactions described in the
Offering Memorandum; all policies of insurance and fidelity or surety bonds
insuring the Company or any of its subsidiaries or the Company's or its
subsidiaries' respective businesses, assets, employees, officers and directors
are in full force and effect; the Company and each of its subsidiaries are in
compliance with the terms of such policies and instruments in all material
respects; and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has reason
to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage
from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost
that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any
Subsidiary has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for
which it has applied.

                  4.22. Each approval, consent, order, authorization,
designation, declaration or filing of, by or with any regulatory, administrative
or other governmental body necessary in connection with the execution and
delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions herein contemplated required to be obtained or performed by the
Company (except such additional steps as may be required by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") has been obtained or made
and is in full force and effect.

                  4.23. There are no affiliations with the NASD among the
Company's officers, directors or, to the best of the knowledge of the Company,
any five percent or greater stockholder of the Company, except as set forth in
the Offering Memorandum or otherwise disclosed.

                  4.24. (i) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries are in
compliance in all material respects with all rules, laws and regulations
relating to the development, testing, manufacturing, sale and distribution of
pharmaceuticals and other products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, or similar state or foreign government agency, the use,
treatment, storage and disposal of toxic substances and protection of health or
the environment ("Environmental Law") which are applicable to its business; (ii)
neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has received any notice from any
governmental authority or third party of an asserted claim under Environmental
Laws; (iii) each of the Company and its Subsidiaries have received all permits,
licenses or other approvals required of it under applicable Environmental Laws
to conduct its business and is in compliance with all terms and conditions of
any such permit, license or approval; (iv) to the Company's knowledge, no facts
currently exist that will require the Company or its Subsidiaries to make future
material capital expenditures to comply

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
with Environmental Laws; and (v) no property which is or has been owned, leased
or occupied by the Company or its Subsidiaries has been designated as a
Superfund site pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation of Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et.
seq.) ("CERCLA") or otherwise designated as a contaminated site under applicable
state or local law. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been
named as a "potentially responsible party" under CERCLA.

                  4.25. In the ordinary course of its business, the Company
periodically reviews the effect of Environmental Laws on the business,
operations and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, in the course of
which the Company identifies and evaluates associated costs and liabilities
(including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required
for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws, or
any permit, license or approval, any related constraints on operating activities
and any potential liabilities to third parties). On the basis of such review,
the Company has reasonably concluded that such associated costs and liabilities
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  4.26. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the
offering and sale of the Shares and the application of proceeds thereof as
described in the Offering Memorandum, will not be an "investment company" within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                  4.27. The Company, its Subsidiaries or any other person
associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries
including, without limitation, any director, officer, agent or employee of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries has not, directly or indirectly, while acting
on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (i) used any corporate funds
for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses
relating to political activity; (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or
domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political
parties or campaigns from corporate funds; (iii) violated any provision of the
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended; or (iv) made any other
unlawful payment.

                  4.28. The information contained in the following documents,
which the Placement Agent has furnished to the Purchaser, or will furnish prior
to the Closing, is or will be true and correct in all material respects as of
their respective final dates:

         (a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
             December 31, 1998;

         (b) the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended
             March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999;

         (c) the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual Meeting of
             Stockholders;

                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
         (d) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 30, 1999,

         (e) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on September 21,
             1999,

         (f) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24,
             2000;

         (g) the Company's prospectus dated November 23, 1999 included as part
             of the November Registration Statement;

         (h) the Registration Statement;

         (i) the Offering Memorandum, including all addenda and exhibits thereto
             (other than the Appendices); and

         (j) all other documents, if any, filed by the Company with the
             Securities and Exchange Commission since September 30, 1999
             pursuant to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange
             Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

                  4.29. Prior to and as a condition to the Closing, (i)
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, counsel to the Company, will deliver its legal opinion
to the Purchasers in a form acceptable to the Placement Agent and its counsel
and (ii) Albert Jecminek, Vice President of Business Development and
Intellectual Property counsel of the Company, will deliver its legal opinion to
the Purchasers as to certain intellectual property matters in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Placement Agent and its counsel. Each such
opinion shall also state that the Placement Agent may rely thereon as though it
were addressed directly to the Placement Agent.

                  4.30. At the Closing, the Company will deliver to the
Purchasers a certificate executed by the President and the Chief Financial
Officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Purchasers, to the effect that the representations and
warranties of the Company set forth in this Section 4 are true and correct in
all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing
Date, and that the Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied
all the conditions herein on its part to be performed or satisfied on or prior
to such Closing Date.

                  SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the
Purchaser. (a) The Purchaser represents and warrants to, and covenants with, the
Company that: (i) the Purchaser is knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced
in making, and is qualified to make, decisions with respect to investments in
shares representing an investment decision like that involved in the purchase of
the Shares, including investments in securities issued by the Company, and has
requested, received, reviewed and considered all information it deems relevant
in making an informed decision to purchase the Shares; (ii) the Purchaser is
acquiring the number of Shares set forth in Section 2 above in the ordinary
course of its business and for its own account for investment only and with no
present intention of distributing any of such Shares

                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
or any arrangement or understanding with any other persons regarding the
distribution of such Shares (this representation and warranty not limiting the
Purchaser's right to sell pursuant to the Registration Statement or, other than
with respect to any claims arising out of a breach of this representation and
warranty, the Purchaser's right to indemnification under Section 7.3); (iii) the
Purchaser will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, pledge, transfer or
otherwise dispose of (or solicit any offers to buy, purchase or otherwise
acquire or take a pledge of) any of the Shares except (1) by delivering to the
transferee thereof a copy of the most recent prospectus related to the Shares
provided to the Purchaser by the Company or (2) pursuant to the exemption from
registration provided by Rule 144 of the Securities Act; (iv) the Purchaser has
completed or caused to be completed the Registration Statement Questionnaire
attached hereto as Appendix I, for use in preparation of the Registration
Statement, and the answers thereto are true and correct as of the date hereof
and will be true and correct as of the effective date of the Registration
Statement; (v) the Purchaser has, in connection with its decision to purchase
the number of Shares set forth in Section 2 above, relied solely upon the
Offering Memorandum and the documents included therein and the representations
and warranties of the Company contained herein; and (vi) the Purchaser is an
"accredited investor" within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act.

                  (b) The Purchaser hereby covenants with the Company not to
make any sale of the Shares under the Registration Statement without delivering
to the transferee thereof a copy of the most recent prospectus related to the
Shares provided to the Purchaser by the Company, and the Purchaser acknowledges
and agrees that such Shares are not transferable on the books of the Company
unless pursuant to a valid exemption under the Securities Act or unless the
certificate submitted to the transfer agent evidencing the Shares is accompanied
by a separate Notice of Transfer: (i) in the form of Appendix II hereto, (ii)
executed by a broker, or other authorized person designated by, the Purchaser,
and (iii) to the effect that (A) the Shares have been sold in accordance with
the Registration Statement, the Securities Act and any applicable state
securities or blue sky laws and (B) the requirement of delivering a current
prospectus (the most recent prospectus related to the Shares provided to the
Purchaser by the Company) has been satisfied. The Purchaser acknowledges that
there may occasionally be times when the Company must suspend the use of the
prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement until such time as an
amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed by the Company and
declared effective by the Commission, or until such time as the Company has
filed an appropriate report with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act.
The Purchaser hereby covenants that it will not sell any Shares pursuant to said
prospectus during the period commencing at the time at which the Company gives
the Purchaser written notice of the suspension of the use of said prospectus and
ending at the time the Company gives the Purchaser written notice that the
Purchaser may thereafter effect sales pursuant to said prospectus. The Purchaser
further covenants to notify the Company promptly of the sale of all of its
Shares.

                  (c) The Purchaser further represents and warrants to, and
covenants with, the Company that (i) the Purchaser has full right, power,
authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and has taken all necessary action to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, and (ii) this
Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser,
enforceable in

                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and except as enforceability may be subject to
general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and except as the
indemnification agreements of the Purchaser in Section 7.3 hereof may be legally
unenforceable.

                  SECTION 6. Survival of Representations, Warranties and
Agreements. Notwithstanding any investigation made by any party to this
Agreement or by the Placement Agent, all covenants, agreements, representations
and warranties made by the Company and the Purchaser herein and in the
certificates for the Shares delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the
execution of this Agreement, the delivery to the Purchaser of the Shares being
purchased and the payment therefor.

                  SECTION 7. Registration of the Shares; Compliance with the
Securities Act.

                  7.1 Registration Procedures and Expenses. The Company shall:

                  (a) as soon as practicable, prepare and file with the
                      Commission the Registration Statement on Form S-3 relating
                      to the sale of the Shares by the Purchaser from time to
                      time on the Nasdaq National Market or the facilities of
                      any national securities exchange on which the Common Stock
                      is then traded or in privately-negotiated transactions;

                  (b) use its reasonable efforts, subject to receipt of
                      necessary information from the Purchasers, to cause the
                      Commission to notify the Company of the Commission's
                      willingness to declare the Registration Statement
                      effective within 75 days after the Registration Statement
                      is filed by the Company;

                  (c) promptly prepare and file with the Commission (and provide
                      notice to the Purchaser of any such filing) such
                      amendments and supplements to the Registration Statement
                      and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be
                      necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective
                      until the earlier of (i) two years after the effective
                      date of the Registration Statement or (ii) the date on
                      which the Shares may be resold by the Purchasers without
                      registration by reason of Rule 144(k) under the Securities
                      Act or any other rule of similar effect;

                  (d) furnish to the Purchaser with respect to the Shares
                      registered under the Registration Statement (and to each
                      underwriter, if any, of such Shares) such number of copies
                      of prospectuses and such other documents as the Purchaser
                      may reasonably request, in order to facilitate the public
                      sale or other disposition of all or any of the Shares by
                      the Purchaser; provided, however, that the obligation of
                      the Company to deliver copies of prospectuses to the
                      Purchaser shall be subject to the receipt by the Company
                      of reasonable assurances from the Purchaser that the
                      Purchaser

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
                      will comply with the applicable provisions of the
                      Securities Act and of such other securities or blue sky
                      laws as may be applicable in connection with any use of
                      such prospectuses;

                  (e) file documents required of the Company for normal blue sky
                      clearance in states specified in writing by the Purchaser;
                      provided, however, that the Company shall not be required
                      to qualify to do business or consent to service of process
                      in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or
                      has not so consented; and

                  (f) bear all expenses in connection with the procedures in
                      paragraphs (a) through (e) of this Section 7.1 and the
                      registration of the Shares pursuant to the Registration
                      Statement, other than fees and expenses, if any, of
                      counsel or other advisers to the Purchaser or the Other
                      Purchasers or underwriting discounts, brokerage fees and
                      commissions incurred by the Purchaser or the Other
                      Purchasers, if any.

                  The Company understands that the Purchaser disclaims being an
underwriter, but the Purchaser being deemed an underwriter shall not relieve the
Company of any obligations it has hereunder. A draft of the proposed form of the
Registration Statement has been included as an exhibit to the Offering
Memorandum and a questionnaire related thereto to be completed by the Purchaser
is attached hereto as Appendix I.

                  7.2 Transfer of Shares After Registration. The Purchaser
agrees that it will not effect any disposition of the Shares or its right to
purchase the Shares that would constitute a sale within the meaning of the
Securities Act, except as contemplated in the Registration Statement referred to
in Section 7.1 or, and that it will promptly notify the Company of any changes
in the information set forth in the Registration Statement regarding the
Purchaser or its plan of distribution.

                  7.3 Indemnification. For the purpose of this Section 7.3:

                  (i)  the term "Purchaser/Affiliate" shall mean any affiliates
                       of the Purchaser and any officer, director, trustee or
                       other person who controls the Purchaser or any affiliate
                       of the Purchaser within the meaning of Section 15 of the
                       Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act; and

                  (ii) the term "Registration Statement" shall include any final
                       prospectus, exhibit, supplement or amendment included in
                       or relating to, and any document incorporated by
                       reference in, the Registration Statement referred to in
                       Section 7.1.

                  (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Purchaser and each Purchaser/Affiliate against any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, joint or several, to which such Purchaser or
Purchaser/Affiliate may become subject, under the Securities

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
Act, the Exchange Act, or any other federal or state statutory law or
regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any
litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the
Company), insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (or
actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arise out of or are based upon
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in the Registration Statement, including the prospectus, financial statements
and schedules, and all other documents filed as a part thereof, as amended at
the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, including any
information deemed to be a part thereof as of the time of effectiveness pursuant
to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A, or pursuant to Rule 434, of the Rules and
Regulations, or the prospectus, in the form first filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Regulations, or filed as part of the Registration
Statement at the time of effectiveness if no Rule 424(b) filing is required (the
"prospectus"), or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are
based upon the omission or alleged omission to state in any of them a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements in any of
them, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, or arise out of or are based in whole or in part on any material
inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained in
this Agreement, or any failure of the Company to perform its obligations
hereunder or under law, and will reimburse each Purchaser and each such
Purchaser/Affiliate for any legal and other expenses as such expenses are
reasonably incurred by such Purchaser or such Purchaser/Affiliate in connection
with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss,
claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the Company
will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim,
damage, liability or expense arises out of or is based upon (i) an untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in
the Registration Statement, the prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to
the Company by or on behalf of such Purchaser expressly for use therein, or (ii)
the failure of such Purchaser to comply with the covenants and agreements
contained in Sections 5(b) or 7.2 hereof respecting sale of the Shares, or (iii)
the inaccuracy of any representations or warranties made by such Purchaser
herein, or (iv) or any failure of such Purchaser to perform its obligations
hereunder, or (v) any statement or omission in any prospectus that is corrected
in any subsequent prospectus that was delivered to such Purchaser prior to the
pertinent sale or sales by such Purchaser.

                  (b) Each Purchaser will severally indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the
Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange
Act (a "Controlling Person") against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses to which the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who
signed the Registration Statement or a Controlling Person may become subject,
under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any other federal or state
statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in
settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written
consent of such Purchaser) insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities
or expenses (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arise out of
or are based upon (i) any failure to comply with the covenants and agreements
contained in Sections 5(b) or 7.2 hereof respecting the sale of the Shares or
(ii) the inaccuracy of any representation or warranty made by

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
such Purchaser herein or (iii) any failure of such Purchaser to perform its
obligations hereunder or (iv) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of any
material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or (v) the omission or alleged omission to
state in the Registration Statement, the prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only
to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, the
prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of
such Purchaser expressly for use therein, and will reimburse the Company, each
of its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration Statement or
Controlling Person for any legal and other expense reasonably incurred by the
Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration
Statement or Controlling Person in connection with investigating, defending,
settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability,
expense or action.

                  (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this
Section 7.3 of notice of the threat or commencement of any action, such
indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an
indemnifying party under this Section 7.3, promptly notify the indemnifying
party in writing thereof; but the omission to so notify the indemnifying party
will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified
party for contribution or otherwise than under the indemnity agreement contained
in this Section 7.3 to the extent it is not prejudiced as a result of such
failure. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and
such indemnified party seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying
party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the
extent that it may wish, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly
notified, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to
such indemnified party; provided, however, if the defendants in any such action
include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the
indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict
between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in
conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses
available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or
additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party
or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal
defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of
such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying
party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense of such
action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party
will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 7.3 for any
legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in
connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have
employed such counsel in connection with the assumption of legal defenses in
accordance with the proviso to the preceding sentence (it being understood,
however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of
more than one separate counsel, approved by such indemnifying party in the case
of paragraph (a), representing all of the indemnified parties who are parties to
such action) or (ii) the indemnified party shall not have employed counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of action, in each
of which cases the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the
expense of the indemnifying party.

                  (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7.3 is
required by its terms but is for any reason held to be unavailable to or
otherwise insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under paragraphs
(a), (b) or (c) of this Section 7.3 in respect to any losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses referred to herein, then each applicable indemnifying
party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party
as a result of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to
herein (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of
the Company and such Purchaser in connection with the statements or omissions or
inaccuracies in the Registration Statement, the prospectus, any amendment or
supplement thereto, or the representations and warranties in this Agreement
which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the
Company on the one hand and such Purchaser on the other shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact or
the inaccurate or the alleged inaccurate representation and/or warranty relates
to information supplied by the Company or by such Purchaser and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a
result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to
above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in
paragraph (c) of this Section 7.3, any legal or other fees or expenses
reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending
any action or claim. The provisions set forth in paragraph (c) of this Section
7.3 with respect to the notice of the threat or commencement of any threat or
action shall apply if a claim for contribution is to be made under this
paragraph (d); provided, however, that no additional notice shall be required
with respect to any threat or action for which notice has been given under
paragraph (c) for purposes of indemnification. The Company and such Purchaser
agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
Section 7.3 were determined solely by pro rata allocation (even if each
Purchaser were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of
allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred
to in this paragraph. The liability of each Purchaser hereunder shall be limited
to an amount equal to the Purchaser's purchase price for the Shares.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7.3, no Purchaser shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the
difference between the amount such Purchaser paid for the Shares that were sold
pursuant to the Registration Statement and the amount received by such Purchaser
from such sale exceeds the amount of any damages that such Purchaser has
otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation. The Purchaser's obligations to contribute pursuant
to this Section 7.3 are several and not joint.

                  7.4 Termination of Conditions and Obligations. The conditions
precedent imposed by Section 5 or this Section 7 upon the transferability of the
Shares shall cease and terminate as to any particular number of the Shares upon
the passage of two years from the

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
effective date of the Registration Statement covering such Shares or at such
time as an opinion of counsel satisfactory in form and substance to the Company
shall have been rendered to the effect that such conditions are not necessary in
order to comply with the Securities Act.

                  7.5 Information Available. So long as the Registration
Statement is effective covering the resale of Shares owned by the Purchaser, the
Company will furnish to the Purchaser, upon its request:

                  (a) as soon as practicable after available (but in the case of
                      the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, within the
                      later of (i) 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of
                      the Company or (ii) the date six weeks prior to the
                      Company's annual meeting), one copy of (i) its Annual
                      Report to Stockholders (which Annual Report shall contain
                      financial statements audited in accordance with generally
                      accepted accounting principles by a national firm of
                      certified public accountants), (ii) if not included in
                      substance in the Annual Report to Stockholders, upon the
                      request of the Purchaser, its Annual Report on Form 10-K,
                      (iii) upon the request of the Purchaser, its Quarterly
                      Reports on Form 10-Q, (iv) upon the request of the
                      Purchaser, its Current Reports on Form 8-K, and (v) a full
                      copy of the particular Registration Statement covering the
                      Shares (the foregoing, in each case, excluding exhibits);

                  (b) all exhibits excluded by the parenthetical to subparagraph
                      (a)(v) of this Section 7.5; and

                  (c) a reasonable number of copies of the prospectuses to
                      supply to any other party requiring such prospectuses;

and the Company, upon the reasonable request of the Purchaser, will meet with
the Purchaser or a representative thereof at the Company's headquarters to
discuss information relevant for disclosure in the Registration Statement
covering the Shares and will otherwise cooperate with any Purchaser conducting
an investigation for the purpose of reducing or eliminating such Purchaser's
exposure to liability under the Securities Act, including the reasonable
production of information at the Company's headquarters, subject to appropriate
confidentiality limitations.

                  SECTION 8. Broker's Fee. The Purchaser acknowledges that the
Company intends to pay to the Placement Agent a fee in respect of the sale of
the Shares to the Purchaser. Each of the parties hereto hereby represents that,
on the basis of any actions and agreements by it, there are no other brokers or
finders entitled to compensation in connection with the sale of the Shares to
the Purchaser.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
                  SECTION 9. Notices. All notices, requests, consents and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall be mailed by first-class
registered or certified airmail, confirmed facsimile or nationally recognized
overnight express courier postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given when so
mailed and shall be delivered as addressed as follows:

                  (a) if to the Company, to:

                                    ILEX Oncology, Inc.
                                    11550 I.H. 10 West, Suite 100
                                    San Antonio, Texas  78230
                                    Attention:  Ronald G. Tefteller
                                    Facsimile:  (210) 949-8390

                      with a copy to:

                                    Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
                                    300 Convent Street, Suite 2200
                                    San Antonio, Texas  78205
                                    Attention:  Philip Renfro, Esq.
                                    Facsimile:  (210) 270-7205

                      or to such other person at such other place as the Company
                      shall designate to the Purchaser in writing; and

                  (b) if to the Purchaser, at its address as set forth at the
                      end of this Agreement, or at such other address or
                      addresses as may have been furnished to the Company in
                      writing.

                  SECTION 10. Changes. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended except pursuant to an instrument in writing signed by the Company and
the Purchaser.

                  SECTION 11. Headings. The headings of the various sections of
this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall
not be deemed to be part of this Agreement.

                  SECTION 12. Severability. In case any provision contained in
this Agreement should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

                  SECTION 13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the
federal law of the United States of America.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
                  SECTION 14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
two or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one instrument, and shall
become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each party
hereto and delivered to the other parties.

                  SECTION 15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the
instruments referenced herein contain the entire understanding of the parties
with respect to the matters covered herein and therein and, except as
specifically set forth herein or therein, neither the Company nor the Purchaser
makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such
matters.

                  SECTION 16. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is
intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted
successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision
hereof be enforced by, any other person.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the day
and year first above written.

                                       ILEX ONCOLOGY, INC.

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

Print or Type:
                                       Name of Purchaser
                                        (Individual or Institution):

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

                                       Name of Individual representing
                                        Purchaser (if an Institution):

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

                                       Title of Individual representing
                                        Purchaser (if an Institution):

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

Signature by:
                                       Individual Purchaser or Individual
                                        representing Purchaser:

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

                                       Address:
                                               ---------------------------------

                                       Telephone:
                                                 -------------------------------

                                       Facsimile:
                                                 -------------------------------

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
                    SUMMARY INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR PURCHASER

                   (to be read in conjunction with the entire
                        Purchase Agreement which follows)

A. Complete the following items on BOTH Purchase Agreements:

         1. Page 19 - Signature:

                  (i)   Name of Purchaser (Individual or Institution)

                  (ii)  Name of Individual representing Purchaser (if an
                        Institution)

                  (iii) Title of Individual representing Purchaser (if an
                        Institution)

                  (iv)  Signature of Individual Purchaser or Individual
                        representing Purchaser

         2. Appendix I - Registration Statement Questionnaire:

            Provide the information requested by the Registration Statement
            Questionnaire.

         3. Return BOTH properly completed and signed Purchase Agreements
            including the properly completed Appendix I to:

                           Prudential Vector Healthcare Group
                           1751 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350
                           Deerfield, Illinois  60015
                           Attention:  Mr. Charlie Hoffmann

B. Instructions regarding the transfer of funds for the purchase of Shares will
   be sent by facsimile to the Purchaser by the Placement Agent at a later date.

C. Upon the resale of the Shares by the Purchasers after the Registration
   Statement covering the Shares is effective, as described in the Purchase
   Agreement, the Purchaser:

                  (i)   must deliver a current prospectus of the Company to the
                        buyer (prospectuses must be obtained from the Company at
                        the Purchaser's request); and

                  (ii)  must send a letter in the form of Appendix II to the
                        Company so that the Shares may be properly transferred.

<PAGE>   21
                                                                      APPENDIX I

                              IILEX ONCOLOGY, INC.

                      REGISTRATION STATEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

         The undersigned (the "Selling Stockholder") a purchaser of Common Stock
(the "Registrable Shares") of ILEX Oncology, Inc. (the "Company") purchased
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of March __, 2000 by and between
the Company and the Selling Stockholder (the "Purchase Agreement"), hereby
elects to include in the Registration Statement for the registration and resale
of the Registrable Shares, the Registrable Shares listed below in Item (3)
(unless otherwise specified under Item 3). The undersigned agrees to be bound
with respect to such Registrable Shares by the terms and conditions of this
Registration Statement Questionnaire and the Purchase Agreement.

         Upon any sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to the Registration
Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
the Selling Stockholder will be required to deliver to the Company the Notice of
Transfer set forth in Appendix II attached hereto (completed and signed) and
hereby undertakes to do so.

         The Selling Stockholder hereby provides the following information to
the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and
complete:

                  (1) (a) Full Legal Name of the Selling Stockholder:

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

                      (b) The exact name that the Registrable Shares are to be
                      registered in (if not the same as in (a) above) (this is
                      the name that will appear on your stock certificate (s)).
                      The Selling Stockholder may use a nominee name if
                      appropriate:

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

                      (c) Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same
                      as in (a) above) of the Registrable Shares listed in (3)
                      below:

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

                  (2) Address and Telephone Numbers for the Selling Stockholder:

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

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

                      Telephone:
                                ------------------------------------------------

                                      II-1
<PAGE>   22
                      Facsimile:

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

                      Contact Person:

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

                  (3) Beneficial Ownership:

                      Fill in the number of shares of Common Stock owned of
                      record and beneficially (see definition) by the Selling
                      Stockholder:

                                                  Of Record         Beneficially
                                                  -----------       ------------
    Common Stock (other than the Registrable
    Shares to be included in the Registration
    Statement)
                                                  -----------       ------------

    Registrable Shares to be included in
    the Registration Statement
                                                  -----------       ------------

         (a) Fill in the number of shares to which the Selling Stockholder
             disclaims beneficial ownership (see definition)

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

         (b) Reason for disclaiming beneficial ownership (see definition) in (a)
             above, if applicable:

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

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

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

                                      II-2
<PAGE>   23
         (4) Other securities of the Company owned by the Selling Stockholder:

         Except as set forth below and under Item (3) above, the undersigned
         Selling Stockholder is not the beneficial or registered owner of any
         shares of Common Stock or any other securities of the Company.

         State any exceptions here:
                                   ---------------------------------------------

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

         (5) Relationships with the Company:

             Except as set forth below, neither the Selling Stockholder nor any
             of its affiliates, officers (see definition), directors or
             principal stockholders (5% or more) has held any position or office
             or has had any other material (see definition) relationship with
             the Company (or its predecessors or affiliate) during the past
             three years.

         State any exceptions here:
                                   ---------------------------------------------

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

         (6) Plan of Distribution:

             Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Stockholder
             intends to distribute the Registrable Shares pursuant to the
             Registration Statement only as follows: All or a portion of such
             Registrable Shares may be sold from time to time directly by the
             undersigned Selling Stockholder or, alternatively, through
             underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Shares may
             be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing
             market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at
             the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be
             effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block
             transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation
             service on which the Registrable Shares may be listed or quoted at
             the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market or (iii) in
             transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the
             over-the-counter market. The Selling Stockholder may also loan or
             pledge Registrable Shares to broker-dealers that in turn may sell
             such securities.

         State any exceptions here:
                                   ---------------------------------------------

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

                                      II-3
<PAGE>   24
         (7) NASD Matters:

         A. Do you know of any information pertaining to underwriting
compensation and arrangements (see definition) or any dealings between any
Underwriter or Related Person (see definition), NASD Member (see definition) or
Person Associated with a Member of the NASD (see definition) on the one hand,
and the Company or any parent, subsidiary or Controlling (see definition)
shareholder thereof on the other hand?

         Answer:  [   ] Yes    [   ] No     If "yes," please describe

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

         B. Are you (i) an NASD Member (see definition), (ii) a Controlling (see
definition) shareholder of an NASD Member, (iii) a Person Associated with a
Member of the NASD (see definition), or (iv) an Underwriter or a Related Person
(see definition) with respect to the proposed offering; or (b) do you own any
shares or other securities of any NASD Member not purchased in the open market;
or (c) have you made any outstanding subordinated loans to any NASD Member?

         Answer:  [   ] Yes    [   ] No     If "yes," please describe

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

         C. Have you been an underwriter, or a Controlling (see definition)
person or member of any investment banking or brokerage firm which has been or
might be an underwriter, for securities of the Company?

         Answer:  [   ] Yes    [   ] No     If "yes," please describe

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

         D. If the answer to either Question B or C above is "yes," set forth
below information as to all purchases and acquisitions (including contracts for
purchase or acquisition) of securities of the Company by you during the last 18
months, as well as to all proposed purchases and acquisitions which are to be
consummated in whole or in part within the next 12 months.

                                      II-4
<PAGE>   25
SELLER OR        AMOUNT AND                              DESCRIPTION
PROSPECTIVE      NATURE OF       PRICE OR OTHER          OF
SELLER           SECURITIES      CONSIDERATION DATE      RELATIONSHIP

         E. Set forth below information as to all sales and dispositions
(including contracts to sell or to dispose) of securities of the Company during
the last 18 months by you to any NASD Member (see definition) or any Person
Associated with a Member of the NASD (see definition) or any Underwriter or
Related Person (see definition) as well as to all proposed sales and
dispositions by you to such persons which are to be consummated by you in whole
or in part within the next 12 months. Also set forth below a description of the
relationship, affiliation or association of you and, if known, the other party
or parties to the above transactions with an underwriter or other person or
entity "in the stream of distribution" with respect to the offering.

BUYER OR         AMOUNT AND                              DESCRIPTION
PROSPECTIVE      NATURE OF       PRICE OR OTHER          OF
BUYER            SECURITIES      CONSIDERATION DATE      RELATIONSHIP

         F. If you have had during the last 18 months, or are to have within the
next 12 months, any transactions of the character referred to in Question D or E
of this Section, describe briefly below the relationship, affiliation or
association of both you and, if known, the other party or parties to any such
transaction with an underwriter or other person or entity "in the stream of
distribution" with respect to the proposed transaction. In any case, where the
purchaser (whether you or any such party) is known by you to be a member of a
"private investment group," such as a hedge fund or other group of purchasers,
furnish, if known, the names of all persons comprising the Group (see
definition) and their association with or relationship to any broker-dealer.

                                      II-5
<PAGE>   26
         Description:

         The Selling Stockholder acknowledges that it understands it obligation
to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), and the rules thereunder, relating to stock manipulation,
particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules), in connection
with the offering of its Registrable Shares covered by the Registration
Statement. The Selling Stockholder agrees that neither it nor any person acting
on its behalf, will sell or purchase any securities of the Company in violation
of such provisions, so long as the Registrable Shares beneficially owned by it
are being offered pursuant to the Registration Statement.

         In the event that the Selling Stockholder transfers all or any portion
of the Registrable Shares listed in Item (3) above after the date on which such
information is provided to the Company, the Selling Stockholder agrees to notify
the transferee(s) at the time of the transfer of the transferee(s) rights and
obligations under this Registration Statement Questionnaire and the Purchase
Agreement.

         By signing below, the Selling Stockholder consents to the disclosure of
the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (7) above
and the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement and related
prospectus. The Selling Stockholder understands that such information will be
relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation of the
Registration Statement and related prospectus and any amendments or supplements
thereto.

         The undersigned Selling Stockholder agrees to promptly notify the
Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein which
may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Registration
Statement is in effect. All notices hereunder shall be made in writing and shall
be deemed given (i) when made, if made by hand delivery, (ii) upon confirmation,
if made by facsimile or (iii) one business day after being deposited with a
reputable next-day courier, postage prepaid, as follows:

                  (i) To the Company

                      ILEX Oncology, Inc.

                      11550 I.H. West, Suite 100,

                      San Antonio, Texas  78230-1064

                      Attention:
                                --------------------

                      Facsimile:
                                --------------------

                                      II-6
<PAGE>   27
                  (ii) With a copy to:

                       Fulbright & Jaworski LLP

                       300 Convent Street, Suite 2200

                       San Antonio, Texas  78205

                       Attention:
                                 --------------------

                       Facsimile:
                                 --------------------

         Once this Registration Statement Questionnaire is executed by the
Selling Stockholder and received by the Company, this Registration Statement
Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be
binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the
respective successors, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns of the
Company and the Selling Stockholder (with respect to the Registrable Shares
beneficially owned by such Selling Stockholder and listed in Item (3) above).

                                      II-7
<PAGE>   28
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, by authority duly given, has
caused this Registration Statement Questionnaire to be executed and delivered
either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

Dated:
      ---------------------------         --------------------------------------
                                                   Selling Stockholder
                                          (Print/type full legal name of Selling
                                                      Stockholder)

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

                                      II-8
<PAGE>   29
                                    EXHIBIT A

                                   DEFINITIONS

       For purposes of the representations made in this Registration Statement
Questionnaire, the following definitions shall be applicable:

       Arrangement. The term "arrangement" means any plan, contract, agreement,
authorization or arrangement, whether or not set forth in writing.

       Beneficial Ownership. The term "beneficially owned" as applied to an
interest in securities means (a) any direct or indirect interest in the
securities which entitles you to any of the rights or benefits of ownership,
even though you are not the holder or owner of record or (b) securities owned by
you or to which you have a right to acquire, directly or indirectly, including
those held for your own benefit (regardless of how registered) or securities
held by others for your own benefit (regardless of how registered), such as
custodians, brokers, nominees, pledgees, etc. and including securities held by
an estate or trust in which you have an interest as legatee or beneficiary,
securities owned by a partnership of which you are a partner, securities held by
a personal holding company of which you are a shareholder, etc., and securities
held in the name of your spouse, minor children and any relative (sharing the
same home). "Beneficial ownership" includes having or sharing, directly or
indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or
otherwise:

       (1) voting power which includes the power to vote, or to direct the
voting of, such security; and/or

       (2) investment power which includes the power to dispose, or to direct
the disposition, of such security. Any person who, directly or indirectly,
creates or uses a trust, proxy, power of attorney, pooling arrangement or any
other contract, arrangement or device with the purpose or effect of divesting
such person of beneficial ownership of a security or preventing the vesting of
such beneficial ownership as part of a plan or scheme to evade the reporting
requirements of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, is deemed for purposes of
such section to be the beneficial owner of such security.

       The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has expressed the view
that a person may be regarded as the beneficial owner of securities which are
held in the name of such person's spouse, minor children or other relatives
(including relatives of the person's spouse) who share the person's home if the
relationship which exists results in such person obtaining benefits
substantially equivalent of ownership of the securities.

       The SEC has expressed the view that a person may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of such security within 60 days, including, but not limited
to, any right to acquire: (1) through the exercise of any option, warrant or
right; (2) through the conversion of a security; (3) pursuant to the right to
revoke a trust, discretionary

                                      II-9
<PAGE>   30
account or similar arrangements; or (4) pursuant to the automatic termination of
a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement.

       If you have any reason to believe that any interest in securities of the
Company, however remote, which you or the above-described relatives may have is
a beneficial interest, please describe such interest.

       Control. The term "control" (including the terms "controlling,"
"controlled by" and "under common control with") means the possession, direct or
indirect, of the power, either individually or with others, to direct or cause
the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise. (Rule 405 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended)

       Group. The term "group" includes a partnership, syndicate or other group,
whether formally organized or not, which has as a purpose the acquiring, holding
or disposing of securities of the Company.

       Material. The term "material," when used in this Registration Statement
Questionnaire to qualify a requirement for the furnishing of information as to
any subject, limits the information required to those matters as to which there
is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would attach importance
in determining whether to purchase securities of the Company. The materiality of
any relationship is to be determined on the basis of the significance of the
information to investors in light of all of the circumstances of the particular
case. The importance of the relationship, the relationship of the parties to the
transaction with each other and the amount involved in the transaction are among
the factors to be considered in determining the significance of the information
to investors. If you have any question as to whether or not a matter is
"material," please describe the matter, and, if such is the case, state your
belief that the matter is not "material."

       NASD Member. The term "NASD member" means either any broker or dealer
admitted to membership in the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"). (NASD Manual, By-laws Article I, Definitions)

       Officers. The term "officers" means that of the president, secretary,
treasurer, any vice president in charge of a principal business function (such
as sales, administration or finance) and any other person who performs similar
policy-making functions for the Company.

       Person Associated with a member of the NASD. The term "person associated
with a member of the NASD" means every sole proprietor, partner, officer,
director, branch manager or executive representative of any NASD Member, or any
natural person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions, or
any natural person engaged in the investment banking or securities business who
is directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by a NASD Member, whether or
not such person is registered or exempt from registration with the NASD pursuant
to its bylaws. (NASD Manual, By-laws Article I, Definitions)

                                     II-10
<PAGE>   31
       Underwriter or a Related Person. The term "underwriter or a related
person" means, with respect to a proposed offering, underwriters, underwriters'
counsel, financial consultants and advisors, finders, members of the selling or
distribution group, and any and all other persons associated with or related to
any of such persons. (NASD Interpretation)

                                     II-11
<PAGE>   32
                                                                     APPENDIX II

              BROKER'S NOTICE OF TRANSFER OF SECURITIES PURSUANT TO
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT

ILEX Oncology, Inc.
11550 I.H. 10 West, Suite 100,
San Antonio, Texas 78230-1064

Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
300 Convent Street, Suite 2200
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Attention: Darin M. Lippoldt

Re: ILEX Oncology, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Please be advised that_________________________has transferred___________shares
(the "Shares") of Common Stock on______________________(date), pursuant to the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-____________) filed by ILEX
Oncology, Inc:

We hereby certify that the prospectus delivery requirements, if any, of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been satisfied with respect to the
transfer described above and that the above-named beneficial owner of the Shares
is named as a selling stockholder in the prospectus dated ____________________
or in amendments or supplements thereto, and that the aggregate number of shares
of Common Stock transferred are [a portion of] the Common Stock listed in such
owner's name.

Dated:
      ------------------------
                                   Very truly yours,

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

                                   Name:
                                   Title:

                                      II-1<PAGE>   1
                                                            EXHIBIT 10.15b

                                  ANIXTER INC.

                           DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

                                1999 RESTATEMENT

<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          PAGE
                                                                       ---------

ARTICLE I--PURPOSE; effective date..........................................1

   1.1  Purpose.............................................................1
   1.2  Effective Date......................................................1

ARTICLE II--DEFINITIONS.....................................................1

   2.1  Account.............................................................1
   2.2  Affiliate...........................................................1
   2.3  Beneficiary.........................................................1
   2.4  Board...............................................................1
   2.5  Bonus...............................................................2
   2.6  Change in Control...................................................2
   2.7  Code................................................................3
   2.8  Committee...........................................................3
   2.9  Company.............................................................3
   2.10 Compensation........................................................3
   2.11 Deferral Commitment.................................................3
   2.12 Deferral Period.....................................................3
   2.13 Determination Date..................................................3
   2.14 Disability..........................................................3
   2.15 Earnings............................................................3
   2.16 Earnings Rate.......................................................4
   2.17 Financial Hardship..................................................4
   2.18 Parent Company......................................................4
   2.19 Participant.........................................................4
   2.20 Participating Employer..............................................4
   2.21 Participation Agreement.............................................4
   2.22 Plan................................................................4
   2.23 Qualified 401(k) Plan...............................................4
   2.24 Qualified Pension Plan..............................................5
   2.25 Retirement..........................................................5
   2.26 Salary..............................................................5
   2.27 Valuation Date......................................................5

ARTICLE III--ELIGIBILITY AND DEFERRAL COMMITMENTS...........................5

   3.1 Eligibility and Participation........................................5
   3.2 Deferral Election....................................................5
   3.3 Modification of Deferral Commitment..................................6

                                                                          (i)
<PAGE>   3

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                         PAGE
                                                                         ----

ARTICLE IV--DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNTS AND INTEREST....................6

  4.1  Accounts............................................................6
  4.2  Matching Contribution...............................................6
  4.3  Pension Makeup......................................................6
  4.4  Determination of Accounts...........................................6
  4.5  Vesting of Accounts.................................................7
  4.6  Tax Withholding.....................................................7
  4.7  Statement of Account................................................7

ARTICLE V--PLAN BENEFITS...................................................7

  5.1  Retirement Benefit..................................................7
  5.2  Disability Benefit..................................................8
  5.3  Change-in-Control Benefit...........................................8
  5.4  Termination Benefit.................................................9
  5.5  Death Benefit......................................................10
  5.6  Withholding on Benefit Payments....................................11
  5.7  Payment to Guardian................................................11

ARTICLE VI--OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS...........................................11

  6.1  Early Withdrawals..................................................11
  6.2  Financial Hardship Distributions...................................12
  6.3  Accelerated Distribution...........................................12

ARTICLE VII--BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION......................................12

  7.1  Beneficiary Designation............................................12
  7.2  Changing Beneficiary...............................................13
  7.3  No Beneficiary Designation.........................................13
  7.4  Effect of Payment..................................................13

ARTICLE VIII--ADMINISTRATION..............................................14

  8.1  Committee; Duties..................................................14
  8.2  Agents.............................................................14
  8.3  Binding Effect of Decisions........................................14
  8.4  Indemnity of Committee.............................................14

ARTICLE IX--CLAIMS PROCEDURE..............................................14

  9.1  Claim..............................................................14
  9.2  Denial of Claim....................................................14
  9.3  Review of Claim....................................................15
  9.4  Final Decision.....................................................15

                                                                        (ii)
<PAGE>   4

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
ARTICLE X--AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN..............................15

  10.1  Amendment.............................................................15
  10.2  Participating Employer's Right to Terminate...........................15

ARTICLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS.....................................................16

  11.1  Unfunded Plan.........................................................16
  11.2  Unsecured General Creditor............................................16
  11.3  Trust Fund............................................................16
  11.4  Nonassignability......................................................17
  11.5  Not a Contract of Employment..........................................17
  11.6  Protective Provisions.................................................17
  11.7  Governing Law.........................................................17
  11.8  Validity..............................................................17
  11.9  Notice................................................................17
  11.10 Successors............................................................18

APPENDIX A--CALCULATION OF EARNINGS USING AVERAGE DAILY BALANCE................1

                                                                           (iii)

<PAGE>   5

                                  ANIXTER INC.

                           DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

                                1999 RESTATEMENT

                       ARTICLE I--PURPOSE; EFFECTIVE DATE

1.1      Purpose

         Anixter Inc. (the "Company") adopts this Deferred Compensation Plan
(the "Plan") to provide, in a tax-efficient manner, supplemental funds for
retirement or death for certain employees of the Company and its Affiliates. It
is intended that the Plan will aid in attracting and retaining employees of
exceptional ability by providing them with this benefit.

1.2      Effective Date

         The Plan, effective as of January 1, 1995, is amended and restated
effective January 1, 1999.

                             ARTICLE II--DEFINITIONS

         Whenever used in this document, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated, unless a contrary or different meaning is expressly
provided:

2.1      Account

         "Account" means the record or records maintained by a Participating
Employer for each Participant in accordance with Article IV with respect to any
deferral of Compensation pursuant to this Plan.

2.2      Affiliate

         "Affiliate" means the Parent Company or any other company designated as
an Affiliate by the Board.

2.3      Beneficiary

         "Beneficiary" means the person, persons or entity entitled under
Article VII to receive any Plan benefits payable after a Participant's death.

2.4      Board

         "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

PAGE 1 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

<PAGE>   6

2.5      Bonus

         "Bonus" means the remuneration earned in a Deferral Period, including
amounts thereof deferred under an agreement entered into pursuant to either Code
Section 125 or Code Section 401(k), regular or special performance bonus amounts
and commissions, but excluding base and overtime pay, car allowances, cost of
living allowances, other extraordinary payments and any amounts received under a
stock option, phantom stock option or similar long-term incentive plan.

2.6      Change in Control

         "Change in Control" means:

               (a) With respect to the Parent Company, a change in control of a
         nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e)
         of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act"), as amended or any successor thereto;
         provided that, without limitation, such a change in control shall be
         deemed to have occurred if (i) any "person" (as such term is used in
         Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act) other than the Parent Company
         controls more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the Company's Voting
         Securities and the securities so controlled are greater in number than
         those controlled by the Parent Company; (ii) any "person" (as such term
         is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Act) other than Samuel Zell,
         B. Ann Lurie and Sheli Rosenberg controls more than twenty-five percent
         (25%) of the Parent Company's Voting Securities and the securities so
         controlled are greater in number than those controlled by Mr. Zell and
         Mmes. Lurie and Rosenberg; (iii) during any period of two (2)
         consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period
         constitute the Board of Directors of the Parent Company, together with
         any new directors whose election, or nomination for election by the
         shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of
         the directors then still in office who were either directors at the
         beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election
         was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least
         a majority of the Board of Directors of the Parent Company; or (iv) the
         stockholders of the Parent Company approve a merger or consolidation of
         the Parent Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or
         consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Parent
         Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent
         (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting
         Securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the
         total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Parent
         Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
         merger or consolidation, or the stockholders of the Parent Company
         approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Parent Company or an
         agreement for the sale or disposition by the Parent Company (in one (1)
         transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of
         the Parent Company's assets to a person or entity which is not a
         subsidiary of the Parent Company; unless, with respect to clauses (i)
         and (ii) above, such person is a trustee or other fiduciary holding
         securities under an employee benefit plan of either the Company or the
         Parent Company. As used herein, "Voting Securities" shall mean any
         securities which vote generally in the election of directors.

               (b) With respect to the Company, a change in control shall mean
         any acquisition of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding
         voting capital stock of the Company, but excludes (i) a "spin-off"
         distribution by the Parent Company to its stockholders, pro rata, of
         any or all of its shares of the capital stock of the Company prior to
         any such change in control; or (ii) a public stock offering of the
         Company's stock; or (iii) a sale of the Parent Company's eq-

PAGE 2 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

<PAGE>   7

         uity interest in the Company to a group of investors which includes
         members of management of the Company at the time of such purchase.

2.7      Code

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code, as amended from time to time.

2.8      Committee

         "Committee" means the Anixter Employee Benefits Administrative
Committee which has been appointed by the Board to administer the Plan pursuant
to Article VIII.

2.9      Company

         "Company" means Anixter Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
successors and assigns.

2.10     Compensation

         "Compensation" means the Salary and Bonuses payable by a Participating
Employer to the Participant, determined before reduction for amounts deferred
under this Plan.

2.11     Deferral Commitment

         "Deferral Commitment" means a commitment made by a Participant pursuant
to Article III and for which a Participation Agreement has been submitted by the
Participant to the Committee.

2.12     Deferral Period

         "Deferral Period" means the period during which a Participant has
elected to defer a portion of the Participant's Compensation earned during such
period. The Deferral Period shall be a calendar year.

2.13     Determination Date

         "Determination Date" means the last day of each calendar month.

2.14     Disability

         "Disability" means a physical or mental condition which, in the opinion
of the Committee, prevents the Participant from satisfactorily performing the
Participant's usual duties for a Participating Employer. The Committee shall
determine the existence of the Disability and may rely on advice from a medical
examiner, medical reports, and other evidence satisfactory to the Committee in
making the determination.

2.15     Earnings

         "Earnings" means the amount of growth that is credited to an Account on
each Determination Date in a calendar year based on the Earnings Rate. Earnings
shall be calculated as set forth in Appendix A.

PAGE 3 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   8

2.16     Earnings Rate

         "Earnings Rate" means a rate equal to the nominal annual yield of the
average of the ten (10) year Treasury note yield for United States Government
securities for the three (3) months of the previous quarter, as published by the
Federal Reserve Board (or any substantially similar index selected by the
Board), times one hundred forty percent (140%).

2.17     Financial Hardship

         "Financial Hardship" means a severe financial hardship to the
Participant resulting from a sudden and unexpected illness or accident of the
Participant or of a dependent of the Participant, loss of the Participant's
property due to casualty, or other extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances
whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing. Financial Hardship shall be
determined by the Committee on the basis of information supplied by the
Participant in accordance with the standards set forth by the Committee.

2.18     Parent Company

         "Parent Company" means Anixter International Inc., a Delaware
Corporation, and its successors and assigns.

2.19     Participant

         "Participant" means an eligible executive under Article III who has
elected to defer Compensation during any Deferral Period under this Plan and who
has not yet received full benefits hereunder.

2.20     Participating Employer

         "Participating Employer" means the Company and any subsidiary or
affiliate of the Company designated by the Board as a Participating Employer
under the Plan, as long as such designation has become effective and continues
in effect. The designation as a Participating Employer shall become effective
only upon the acceptance of such designation and the formal adoption of the Plan
by a Participating Employer. A Participating Employer may revoke its acceptance
of designation as a Participating Employer at any time, but until it makes such
revocation, all of the provisions of this Plan and any amendments thereto shall
apply to the Participants and Beneficiaries of the Participating Employer.

2.21     Participation Agreement

         "Participation Agreement" means the agreement submitted by a
Participant to the Committee pursuant to Article III prior to the beginning of
the Deferral Period, specifying a Deferral Commitment made for such Deferral
Period.

2.22     Plan

         "Plan" means this Deferred Compensation Plan as amended from time to
time.

2.23     Qualified 401(k) Plan

         "Qualified 401(k) Plan" means the Anixter Employee Savings Plan, or any
successor defined contribution plan maintained by the Company that qualifies
under Code Section 401(a).

PAGE 4 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   9

2.24     Qualified Pension Plan

         "Qualified Pension Plan" means the Anixter Inc. Pension Plan, or any
successor defined benefit plan maintained by the Company that qualifies under
Code Section 401(a).

2.25     Retirement

         "Retirement" means a Participant's voluntary termination of employment
with a Participating Employer on or after the Participant's attainment of age
fifty-five (55).

2.26     Salary

         "Salary" means the base remuneration and overtime paid to a Participant
by a Participating Employer during a Deferral Period, including amounts thereof
deferred under an agreement entered into pursuant to either Code Section 125 or
Code Section 401(k), but excluding regular or special performance bonus amounts,
commissions, car allowances, cost of living allowances, other extraordinary
payments and any amounts received under a stock option, phantom stock option or
similar long-term incentive plan.

2.27     Valuation Date

         "Valuation Date" means the last day of the month in which Retirement,
Disability, termination or death occurs or, in the case of Participants affected
by Section 5.3(d), the last day of the month in which the Participant attains
age fifty-five (55).

                ARTICLE III--ELIGIBILITY AND DEFERRAL COMMITMENTS

3.1      Eligibility and Participation

               (a) ELIGIBILITY.  All executives designated by a Participating
         Employer and approved by the Board shall be entitled to participate.

               (b) PARTICIPATION. An eligible executive may elect to participate
         in the Plan with respect to any Deferral Period by submitting a
         Participation Agreement to the Committee by the last day of the month
         immediately preceding the beginning of the Deferral Period.

               (c) PART-YEAR PARTICIPATION. If an executive first becomes
         eligible to participate during a Deferral Period, a Participation
         Agreement may be submitted to the Committee within thirty (30) days
         following notification to the executive of eligibility to participate.
         The Participation Agreement shall be effective only with regard to
         Compensation earned following such submission.

3.2      Deferral Election

               (a) ELECTION BY PARTICIPANT. A Participant may elect to defer
         receipt of a certain percentage, not to exceed fifty percent (50%), of
         Salary payable to the Participant and/or a certain percentage, not to
         exceed one hundred percent (100%), of any Bonuses earned by the
         Participant during the Deferral Period but before the Participant's
         termination of employment for any

PAGE 5 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   10

         reason. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this
         Plan or in any Participation Agreement, no deferral shall operate to
         reduce any amount payable to the Company under any arrangement
         providing for or which would permit such amounts to be withheld from
         Salary or Bonuses otherwise due to a Participant (e.g., repayment of a
         loan at the rate of fifty percent (50%) of net annual Bonuses would
         result in the Company withholding fifty percent (50%) of such Bonus
         after tax but without regard to amounts deferred under this Plan or
         otherwise deferred or committed).

               (b) MINIMUM DEFERRAL. The minimum deferral amount shall be two
         thousand four hundred dollars ($2,400) per Deferral Period, which
         amount may consist of Salary, Bonus or any combination thereof.

3.3      Modification of Deferral Commitment

         Deferral Commitments shall be irrevocable except that the Committee
may, in its sole discretion, reduce the amount to be deferred or waive the
remainder of the Deferral Commitment upon a finding that the Participant has
suffered a Financial Hardship.

             ARTICLE IV--DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCOUNTS AND INTEREST

4.1      Accounts

         For record-keeping purposes only, the Participating Employer shall
maintain an Account for each Participant who elects to have the receipt of
Compensation deferred under this Plan. Deferrals made in each Deferral Period
shall be maintained in separate accounts. The existence of these accounts shall
not require any segregation of assets. The combined values of the separate
accounts for each Participant shall constitute an Account.

4.2      Matching Contribution

         If a Participant defers the maximum elective percentage into the
Qualified 401(k) Plan, the Participating Employer shall credit a matching
contribution to the Participant's Account equal to any matching contribution
which would have been credited to the Participant's Qualified 401(k) Plan but
for the Participant's participation in this Plan.

4.3      Pension Makeup

         The Participating Employer shall restore an amount equal to any
reduction in a Participant's Qualified Pension Plan benefits resulting from
deferrals under this Plan to the extent that the Qualified Pension Plan benefits
are not restored by any other plan or agreement provided by the Participating
Employer.

4.4      Determination of Accounts

         Each Account shall be adjusted as of each Determination Date and shall
         consist of:

               (a)    The balance of the Account as of the immediately preceding
         Determination Date; and

PAGE 6 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   11

               (b)    Any Compensation deferred and credited to the Account
         since the immediately preceding Determination Date; and

               (c)    Earnings credited since the immediately preceding
         Determination Date.

         The total of (a), (b) and (c) shall be reduced by any distributions
from the Account since the immediately preceding Determination Date.

4.5      Vesting of Accounts

         Each Participant shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested at all
times in all amounts credited to the Participant's Account and all Earnings
thereon.

4.6      Tax Withholding

         Any withholding of taxes or other amounts with respect to deferred
Compensation that is required by state, federal, or local law shall be withheld
from the Participant's corresponding nondeferred compensation to the maximum
extent possible and any remaining amount required to be withheld shall reduce
the amount credited to the Participant's Account.

4.7      Statement of Account

         A statement shall be issued on a quarterly basis by the Participating
Employer to each Participant setting forth the Participant's Account balance
under the Plan as of the immediately preceding Determination Date.

                            ARTICLE V--PLAN BENEFITS

5.1      Retirement Benefit

               (a)    BENEFIT AMOUNT.  If a Participant terminates employment
         with all Participating Employers due to Retirement, the Participating
         Employer shall pay to the Participant a benefit equal to the balance in
         the Participant's Account.

               (b) FORM OF BENEFIT. The Retirement benefit attributable to the
         elective deferrals for any Deferral Period shall be paid in one (1) of
         the forms set out below, as elected by the Participant in the
         Participation Agreement for that year. Forms of payment are:

                      (i)    A lump-sum payment;

                      (ii)   Monthly installments, the number of such
         installments not to exceed one hundred twenty (120); or

                      (iii)  A combination of (i) and (ii) above.

               (c) COMMENCEMENT. The amount of the benefit shall be based on the
         value of the Participant's Account on the Valuation Date and shall be
         paid on the settlement date. The date on

PAGE 7 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   12

         which lump-sum payments are made and on which installment payments
         commence shall be the settlement date. If a combination of lump sum and
         installments is elected, the lump sum and the first installment payment
         shall be paid on the settlement date. The settlement date shall be no
         more than sixty-five (65) days after the Valuation Date. Earnings shall
         continue to accrue on the Participant's Account to the settlement date,
         and Earnings on any remaining Account balance after the settlement date
         shall continue to accrue and be included in all payments made under
         this Section 5.1. All payments shall be made as of the first day of the
         month.

               (d) SMALL ACCOUNTS. On the Valuation Date, if the Participant's
         Account is less than the Participant's Salary rate in effect at the
         Participant's Retirement, the benefit may, at the Participating
         Employer's option, be paid in a lump sum.

               (e) INSTALLMENTS. If payment is by installments, the amount of
         the installments shall be redetermined each January 1 based upon the
         remaining Account balance, the remaining number of installments and an
         Earnings Rate equal to the rate in effect for the preceding quarter.

               (f) CHANGE IN FORM OF PAYMENT. Notwithstanding (b) above, a
         Participant may elect to file a change of payment designation which
         shall supersede the prior form of payment designation in the
         Participation Agreement for any one (1) or more Deferral Periods. If
         the Participant's most recent change of payment designation has not
         been filed two (2) calendar years prior to the year of Retirement, the
         prior election shall be used to determine the form of payment (e.g., if
         a Participant were to retire in 1998, the last day to file a change of
         payment designation would be December 31, 1996).

5.2      Disability Benefit

               (a) BENEFIT AMOUNT. If a Participant terminates employment with
         all Participating Employers due to Disability, the Participating
         Employer shall pay to the Participant a benefit equal to the balance in
         the Participant's Account.

               (b) FORM OF BENEFIT. The benefit payable under this Section 5.2
         shall be paid in a lump sum.

               (c) COMMENCEMENT. The amount of the lump sum shall be based on
         the value of the Participant's Account on the Valuation Date. The date
         on which payment is made shall be the settlement date. Earnings shall
         continue to accrue on the Participant's Account to the settlement date.
         The settlement date shall be no more than sixty-five (65) days after
         the Valuation Date. All payments shall be made as of the first day of
         the month.

5.3      Change-in-Control Benefit

               (a) BENEFIT AMOUNT. If a Participant terminates employment with
         all Participating Employers within forty-eight (48) months following a
         Change in Control, the Participating Employer shall pay to the
         Participant a benefit equal to the balance in the Participant's
         Account.

               (b) FORM OF BENEFIT. Prior to the consummation of the Change in
         Control, each Participant shall elect in writing to receive payment in
         one (1) of the following forms:

                      (i)    A lump-sum payment;

PAGE 8 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   13

                      (ii) Monthly installments, the number of such installments
         not to exceed one hundred twenty (120); or

                      (iii)  A combination of (i) and (ii) above.

               (c) COMMENCEMENT. The amount of the benefit shall be based on the
         value of the Participant's Account on the Valuation Date and shall be
         paid on the settlement date. The date on which lump-sum payments are
         made and on which installment payments commence shall be the settlement
         date. If a combination of lump sum and installments is elected, the
         lump sum and the first installment payment shall be paid on the
         settlement date. The settlement date shall be no more than sixty-five
         (65) days after the Valuation Date. Earnings shall accrue from the
         Valuation Date to the settlement date at the Earnings Rate,
         substituting a multiplier of one hundred twenty percent (120%) for one
         hundred forty percent (140%). Earnings (calculated with the one hundred
         twenty percent (120%) multiplier) on any remaining Account balance
         after the settlement date shall continue to accrue and be included in
         all payments made under this subsection (c). All payments shall be made
         as of the first day of the month.

               (d) SMALL ACCOUNTS. On the Valuation Date, if the Participant's
         Account is less than the Participant's Salary rate in effect on the
         Participant's termination date, the benefit may, at the Participating
         Employer's option, be paid in a lump sum.

               (e) INSTALLMENTS. If payment is by installments, the amount of
         the installments shall be redetermined each January 1 based upon the
         remaining Account balance, the remaining number of installments and an
         Earnings Rate (calculated with the one hundred twenty percent (120%)
         multiplier) equal to the rate in effect for the preceding quarter.

               (f) CHANGE IN FORM OF PAYMENT. Notwithstanding (b) above, a
         Participant may elect to file a change of payment designation which
         shall supersede the prior form of payment designation. If the
         Participant's most recent change of payment designation has not been
         filed two (2) calendar years prior to the Participant's termination
         date, the prior election shall be used to determine the form of payment
         (e.g., if a Participant terminates in 2010, the last day to file a
         change of payment designation would be December 31, 2008).

5.4      Termination Benefit

               (a) BENEFIT AMOUNT. If a Participant terminates employment with
         all Participating Employers for any other reason, the Participating
         Employer shall pay to the Participant benefits equal to the balance in
         the Participant's Account.

               (b) FORM OF BENEFIT. The termination benefit payable under this
         Section 5.3 shall be paid in a lump sum.

               (c) COMMENCEMENT. The amount of the lump sum shall be based on
         the value of the Participant's Account on the Valuation Date. The date
         on which payment is made shall be the settlement date. Earnings shall
         accrue from the Valuation Date to the settlement date at the Earnings
         Rate without the one hundred forty percent (140%) multiplier. The
         settlement date shall be the

PAGE 9 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   14

          first business day in January following the date the amounts deferred
          were held by the Participating Employer for five (5) years.

               (d)    SALE OF DIVISION.

                      (i) Notwithstanding the above, if the Company sells one
               (1) or more of its divisions to a buyer that does not elect to
               continue the Plan for that division's Participants, such
               Participants shall, prior to the date the sale closes,
               irrevocably elect in writing to commence payment in accordance
               with either subsection (c) above or this subsection (d).

                      (ii) Participants electing to be paid under this
               subsection (d) shall further elect to receive their benefit
               payments upon their attainment of age fifty-five (55) in one (1)
               of the following forms:

                             (A)   A lump-sum payment;

                             (B)   Monthly installments, the number of such
                      installments not to exceed one hundred twenty (120); or

                             (C) A combination of (A) and (B) above.

                      (iii) The first day of the month following the
               Participant's attainment of age fifty-five (55) shall be the
               settlement date. The amount of the benefit shall be based on the
               value of the Participant's Account on the Valuation Date. Any
               lump sum and first installment payment elected shall be paid on
               the settlement date. Earnings shall accrue from the Valuation
               Date to the settlement date at the Earnings Rate, substituting a
               multiplier of one hundred twenty percent (120%) for one hundred
               forty percent (140%). Earnings (calculated with the one hundred
               twenty percent (120%) multiplier) on any remaining Account
               balance after the settlement date shall continue to accrue and be
               included in all payments made under this subsection (d). All
               payments shall be made as of the first day of the month.

                      (iv) If payment is by installments, the amount of the
               installments shall be redetermined each January 1 based upon the
               remaining Account balance, the remaining number of installments
               and an Earnings Rate (calculated with the one hundred twenty
               percent (120%) multiplier) equal to the rate in effect for the
               preceding quarter.

                      (v) Notwithstanding (ii) above, a Participant may elect to
               file a change of payment designation which shall supersede the
               prior form of payment designation for any one (1) or more
               Deferral Periods. If the Participant's most recent change of
               payment designation has not been filed two (2) calendar years
               prior to the Participant's attainment of age fifty-five (55), the
               prior election shall be used to determine the form of payment
               (e.g., if a Participant attains age fifty-five (55) in 2010, the
               last day to file a change of payment designation would be
               December 31, 2008).

5.5      Death Benefit

               (a)    PRERETIREMENT/POSTTERMINATION.

PAGE 10 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   15

                      (i) BENEFIT AMOUNT. If a Participant terminates employment
               with all Participating Employers due to death, or if a
               Participant dies following the Participant's termination of
               employment with all Participating Employers but prior to
               Retirement, the Participating Employer shall pay to the
               Participant's Beneficiary a benefit equal to the balance in the
               Participant's Account.

                      (ii)   FORM OF BENEFIT.  The benefit payable under this
               subsection shall be paid in a lump sum.

                      (iii) COMMENCEMENT. The amount of the lump sum shall be
               based on the value of the Participant's Account on the Valuation
               Date. The date on which payment is made shall be the settlement
               date. Earnings shall continue to accrue on the Participant's
               Account to the settlement date. The settlement date shall be no
               more than sixty-five (65) days after the Valuation Date. All
               payments shall be made as of the first day of the month.

               (b) POSTRETIREMENT. If a Participant dies following the
         Participant's Retirement from a Participating Employer, the
         Participating Employer shall continue to pay benefits to the
         Participant's Beneficiary in the form previously elected by the
         Participant for Retirement benefits.

5.6      Withholding on Benefit Payments

         The Participating Employer shall withhold from payments made hereunder
any taxes required to be withheld from such payments under federal, state or
local law. A Beneficiary, however, may elect not to have withholding of federal
income tax pursuant to Section 3405(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any
successor provision thereto.

5.7      Payment to Guardian

         If a Plan benefit is payable to a minor or a person declared
incompetent or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of property,
the Committee may direct payment of such Plan benefit to the guardian, legal
representative or person having the care and custody of such minor, incompetent
or person. The Committee may require proof of incompetency, minority, incapacity
or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the Plan
benefit. Such distribution shall completely discharge the Committee and the
Participating Employer from all liability with respect to such benefit.

                         ARTICLE VI--OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

6.1      Early Withdrawals

         A Participant's Account may be distributed to the Participant before
termination of employment as follows:

               (a) EARLY WITHDRAWALS. A Participant may elect in a Participation
         Agreement to withdraw all or any portion of the amount deferred by that
         Participation Agreement plus Earnings thereon as of a date specified in
         the election. Such date shall not be sooner than five (5) years after
         the date the Deferral Period commences.

               (b)    FORM OF PAYMENT.  Early withdrawals shall be paid in a
         lump sum and shall be charged to the Participant's Account as a
         distribution.

PAGE 11 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   16

         If a Participant retires, dies or otherwise terminates employment with
a Participating Employer for any reason prior to the designated early withdrawal
date in the Participation Agreement, the Participating Employer shall disregard
such early withdrawal date and pay the Participant or the Participant's
Beneficiary the benefit due under Article V.

6.2      Financial Hardship Distributions

         Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, payment from the
Participant's Account may be made to the Participant or the Participant's
Beneficiary in the sole discretion of the Committee by reason of Financial
Hardship. A payment based upon the Participant's, or the Participant's
Beneficiary's, Financial Hardship may not exceed the amount required to meet the
immediate financial need created by the hardship and not reasonably available
from other sources of the Participant or the Participant's Beneficiary. If such
a distribution is made, the Participant's deferrals into this Plan shall be
suspended for twelve (12) calendar months following the distribution. Resumption
of the Participant's deferrals into the Plan shall be made only at the election
of the Participant in accordance with Article III herein.

6.3      Accelerated Distribution

         Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan, a Participant may
request an accelerated distribution as follows:

               (a) A Participant, at any time, shall be entitled to receive,
         upon written request to the Committee, a lump-sum distribution equal to
         ninety percent (90%) of the Account balance as of the Determination
         Date immediately preceding the date on which the Committee receives
         notice pursuant to Section 11.9. The remaining balance of ten percent
         (10%) shall be forfeited by the Participant. A Participant who receives
         a distribution under this subsection shall be suspended from
         participation in the Plan for twelve (12) months.

               (b) If a Participant who is no longer employed by the
         Participating Employer is entitled to a benefit under Section 4.3 of
         this Plan, the Participant shall be entitled to receive, upon written
         request to the Committee, a lump-sum distribution equal to ninety
         percent (90%) of the actuarial equivalent vested accrued pension
         make-up benefit under Section 4.3 as of the Determination Date
         immediately preceding the date on which the Committee receives notice
         pursuant to Section 11.9. The remaining balance of ten percent (10%)
         shall be forfeited by the Participant.

               (c) The amount payable under this section shall be paid in a lump
         sum within forty-five (45) days following the Committee's receipt of
         notice by the Participant. Following the death of a Participant, the
         Participant's Beneficiary may, at any time, request an accelerated
         distribution under this section.

                      ARTICLE VII--BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

7.1      Beneficiary Designation

         Each Participant shall have the right, at any time, to designate a
Beneficiary (both primary as well as contingent) to whom benefits under this
Plan shall be paid in the event of a Participant's death

PAGE 12 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   17

prior to complete distribution to the Participant of the benefits due under the
Plan. Each Beneficiary designation shall be in a written form prescribed by the
Committee and will be effective only when filed with the Committee during the
Participant's lifetime.

7.2      Changing Beneficiary

         Any Beneficiary designation may be changed by a Participant without the
consent of the previously named Beneficiary by the filing of a new designation
with the Committee. The filing of a new Beneficiary designation shall cancel all
designations previously filed.

7.3      No Beneficiary Designation

         If any Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary in the manner
provided above, if the designation is void, or if the Beneficiary designated by
a deceased Participant dies before the Participant or before complete
distribution of the Participant's benefits, the Participant's Beneficiary shall
be the person in the first of the following classes in which there is a
survivor:

               (a)    The Participant's surviving spouse;

               (b) The Participant's children in equal shares, except that if
         any of the children predeceases the Participant but leave issue
         surviving, then such issue shall take by right of representation the
         share the parent would have taken if living;

               (c)    The Participant's estate.

7.4      Effect of Payment

         Payment to the Beneficiary shall completely discharge the Participating
Employer's obligations under this Plan.

PAGE 13 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   18

                          ARTICLE VIII--ADMINISTRATION

8.1      Committee; Duties

         This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall
have such powers and duties as may be necessary to discharge its
responsibilities. These powers shall include, but not be limited to,
interpreting the Plan provisions; determining amounts due to any Participant,
the rights of any Participant or Beneficiary under this Plan and the amounts
credited to a Participant's Account and the Earnings thereon; enforcing the
right to require any necessary information from any Participant; and any other
activities deemed necessary or helpful. Members of the Committee may be
Participants under the Plan.

8.2      Agents

         The Committee may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to
them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may from time to time
consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Company.

8.3      Binding Effect of Decisions

         The decision or action of the Committee with respect to any question
arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and
application of the Plan and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder
shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in
the Plan.

8.4      Indemnity of Committee

         To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Participating Employer
shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the members of the Committee against
any and all claims, loss, damage, expense or liability arising from any action
or failure to act with respect to the Plan on account of such member's service
on the Committee.

                          ARTICLE IX--CLAIMS PROCEDURE

9.1      Claim

         Any person claiming a benefit, requesting an interpretation or ruling
under the Plan, or requesting information under the Plan shall present the
request in writing to the Committee or its delegatee, which shall respond in
writing as soon as practicable.

9.2      Denial of Claim

         If the claim or request is denied, the written notice of denial shall
state:

               (a)    The reasons for denial, with specific reference to the
         Plan provisions on which the denial is based,

PAGE 14 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   19

               (b)    A description of any additional material or information
         required and an explanation of why it is necessary, and

               (c)    An explanation of the Plan's claims review procedure.

9.3      Review of Claim

         Any person whose claim or request is denied or who has not received a
response within thirty (30) days may request review by notice given in writing
to the Committee. The claim or request shall be reviewed by the Committee which
may, but shall not be required to, grant the claimant a hearing. On review, the
claimant may have representation, examine pertinent documents, and submit issues
and comments in writing.

9.4      Final Decision

         The decision on review shall normally be made within sixty (60) days.
If an extension of time is required for a hearing or other special
circumstances, the claimant shall be notified and the time limit shall be one
hundred twenty (120) days. The decision shall be in writing and shall state the
reasons and the relevant Plan provisions. All decisions on review shall be final
and bind all parties concerned.

                ARTICLE X--AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

10.1     Amendment

         The Board may, at any time, amend the Plan in whole or in part
provided, however, that no amendment shall be effective to decrease or restrict
the amount credited to any Account maintained under the Plan as of the date of
amendment, nor shall any amendment be effective to decrease the Earnings Rate at
which amounts are credited to any Account balance existing as of the date of
amendment. Changes in the definition of "Earnings Rate" shall not become
effective before the first day of the Deferral Period which follows the adoption
of the amendment and at least thirty (30) days written notice of the amendment
has been given to each Participant.

10.2     Participating Employer's Right to Terminate

         The board of directors of each Participating Employer may at any time
partially or completely terminate the Plan for that Participating Employer if,
in its judgment, the tax, accounting, or other effects of the continuance of the
Plan, or potential payments thereunder, would not be in the best interests of
the Participating Employer.

               (a) PARTIAL TERMINATION. The board of directors of each
         Participating Employer may partially terminate the Plan by instructing
         the Committee not to accept any additional Deferral Commitments. If
         such a partial termination occurs, the Plan shall continue to operate
         and be effective with regard to Deferral Commitments entered into prior
         to the effective date of such partial termination.

               (b) COMPLETE TERMINATION. The board of directors of each
         Participating Employer may completely terminate the Plan by instructing
         the Committee not to accept any additional

PAGE 15 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   20

         Deferral Commitments, and to terminate all ongoing Deferral
         Commitments. If such a complete termination occurs, the Committee
         shall pay out to each Participant the balance in the Participant's
         Account at such time and in such manner as the Committee, in its sole
         discretion, determines, except that the Participants' Accounts shall
         continue to accrue Earnings at the Earnings Rate and all payments made
         under this section shall include such Earnings. The Plan shall cease
         to operate when the Account balances have been fully paid.

                            ARTICLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

11.1     Unfunded Plan

         This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan maintained primarily to
provide deferred compensation benefits for a select group of "management or
highly-compensated employees" within the meaning of Sections 201, 301, and 401
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
and therefore to be exempt from the provisions of Parts 2, 3 and 4 of Title I of
ERISA. Accordingly, the Board may terminate the Plan and no further benefits
shall accrue hereunder, or the Board may remove certain employees as
Participants, if it is determined by the United States Department of Labor, a
court of competent jurisdiction or an opinion of counsel that the Plan
constitutes an employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2)
of ERISA (as currently in effect or hereafter amended) which is not so exempt.
If the Plan is terminated under this Section 11.1, all ongoing Deferral
Commitments shall terminate, no additional Deferral Commitments will be accepted
by the Committee, and the amount of each Participant's Account balance shall be
distributed to such Participant at such time and in such manner as the
Committee, in its sole discretion, determines.

11.2     Unsecured General Creditor

         Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors and assigns
shall have no secured legal or equitable rights, interest or claims in any
property or assets of a Participating Employer, nor shall they be Beneficiaries
of, or have any rights, claims or interests in any life insurance policies,
annuity contracts or the proceeds therefrom owned or which may be acquired by a
Participating Employer. Except as may be provided in Section 11.3, such
policies, annuity contracts or other assets of a Participating Employer shall
not be held under any trust for the benefit of the Participants, their
Beneficiaries, heirs, successors or assigns, or held in any way as collateral
security for the fulfilling of the obligations of a Participating Employer under
this Plan. Any and all of a Participating Employer's assets and policies shall
be and remain unrestricted by this Plan. A Participating Employer's obligation
under the Plan shall be that of an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money
in the future.

11.3     Trust Fund

         Each Participating Employer shall be responsible for the payment of all
benefits provided under the Plan to Participants in its employ. At its
discretion, the Participating Employer may establish one (1) or more trusts,
with such trustees as the Participating Employer may approve, for the purpose of
providing for the payment of such benefits. Although such trust or trusts may be
irrevocable, the assets thereof shall be subject to the claims of all the
Participating Employer's creditors in the event of insolvency. To the extent any
benefits provided under the Plan are paid from any such trust, the Participating
Employer shall have no further obligation to pay such benefits. If not paid from
a trust, any benefits provided under the Plan shall remain the obligation of,
and shall be paid by, the Participating Employer.

PAGE 16 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   21

11.4     Nonassignability

         Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have the right to
commute, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate, mortgage or otherwise
encumber, transfer, hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the
amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all
rights to which are, hereby expressly declared to be unassignable and
nontransferable. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment,
be subject to seizure or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments,
alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor
be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant's or any other
person's bankruptcy or insolvency.

11.5     Not a Contract of Employment

         The terms and conditions of this Plan shall not constitute a contract
of employment between the Participating Employer and the Participant, and the
Participant (or the Participant's Beneficiary) shall have no rights against the
Participating Employer except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein.
Nothing in this Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be
retained in the service of a Participating Employer or to interfere with the
absolute and unrestricted right of a Participating Employer to discipline or
discharge a Participant at any time.

11.6     Protective Provisions

         A Participant will cooperate with the Participating Employer by
furnishing any and all information requested by the Participating Employer in
order to facilitate the payment of benefits hereunder, by taking such physical
examinations as the Participating Employer may deem necessary and by taking such
other actions as may be requested by such Participating Employer.

11.7     Governing Law

         The provisions of this Plan shall be construed and interpreted
according to the laws of the State of Illinois, without reference to its
conflicts of laws provisions, except as preempted by federal law.

11.8     Validity

         If any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any
reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts
hereof, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal and
invalid provisions had never been inserted herein.

11.9     Notice

         Any notice or filing required or permitted under the Plan shall be
sufficient if in writing and hand delivered, or sent by registered or certified
mail, to any member of the Committee. Such notice shall be deemed given as of
the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on
the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification. Mailed notice to
the Committee shall be directed to the Company's corporate headquarters address.
Mailed notice to a Participant or Beneficiary shall be directed to the
individual's last known address in the Participating Employer's records.

PAGE 17 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
<PAGE>   22

11.10    Successors

         The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of each
Participating Employer and its successors and assigns. The term successors as
used herein shall include any corporate or other business entity which shall,
whether by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise acquire all or
substantially all of the business and assets of a Participating Employer, and
successors of any such corporation or other business entity.

                                      ANIXTER INC.

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

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

PAGE 18 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

<PAGE>   23

                    APPENDIX A--CALCULATION OF EARNINGS USING
                              AVERAGE DAILY BALANCE

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

ADB FACTOR*                       =    [Days in Month - Day of Month + 1]
                                       ----------------------------------
                                                         Days in Month
                                       (Round to 10 Decimal Places)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EARNINGS FACTOR                   =    [1 + Earnings Rate]1/12 - 1
                                       (Round to 10 Decimal Places)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EARNINGS                          =    Earnings Factor x
                                       [Account Balance at Beginning of Month +
                                       Transaction 1 x ADB Factor 1 +
                                       Transaction 2 x ADB Factor 2 +
                                       Transaction 3 x ADB Factor 3] (Round to 2
                                       Decimal Places)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACCOUNT BALANCE AT END OF         =    Account Balance at Beginning of Month +
MONTH                                  Deferrals During
                                       Month + Earnings - Distributions
================================================================================

NOTE
----------------------------

*Separate ADB Factor for each transaction. The term "transaction" includes
Participant and Employer deferrals, benefit payments, withdrawals, and any other
type of distribution.

<PAGE>   24

                    APPENDIX A--CALCULATION OF EARNINGS USING
                              AVERAGE DAILY BALANCE

                                     EXAMPLE

ASSUMPTIONS

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

MARCH 31 ACCOUNT BALANCE                                $10,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

APRIL 14 DEFERRAL                                       $1,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

APRIL EARNINGS RATE                                     10.98%.
======================================================================

Step 1. Calculate Earnings for April on the most recent Account balance.

           A.    Calculate the monthly Earnings factor (Earnings Rate/12)

                           .1098/12 = .00915

           B.    Calculate the monthly Earnings (balance x factor)

                           10,000 x .00915 = 91.50

Step 2.    Calculate Earnings during April on any deferrals.

           A.    Calculate the average daily balance (ADB) for the deferral
                 [deferral x (Days in the month - Deferral date + 1)]
                              -------------------------------------
                                        Days in the month

                           1,000 x (30 - 14 + 1) = 566.67
                                    -----------
                                         30

           B.    Calculate the Earnings on the deferral (ADB x Earnings factor)

                           566.67 x .00915 = 5.19

Step 3.    Calculate the Account balance as of April 30 (prior balance +
                           deferrals + Earnings) 10,000 + 1,000 + 91.50 + 5.19
                           = 11,096.69

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00003-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00003-of-00352.parquet"}]]