Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.4

                                FUNDING AGREEMENT

                                      among

                  NEW YORK STATE URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,

                 NEW YORK CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,

                          BATTERY PARK CITY AUTHORITY,

                                       and

                          NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                            Dated as of May 18, 1995

         Relative to the design, development, construction and equipping
            of the New York Mercantile Exchange Headquarters Project,
                      on the Premises identified as Site 15
                   in Battery Park City, Borough of Manhattan,
                                City of New York

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                         <C>
PREAMBLE..........................................................................................................          1

DEFINITIONS.......................................................................................................          5

ARTICLE ONE - TERM................................................................................................          18
           ss.1.1       Term......................................................................................          18

ARTICLE TWO - THE FUNDING.........................................................................................          19
           ss.2.1       Agreement to Fund the UDC Funds and the City Funds .......................................          19
           ss.2.1A      Agreement to Fund the BPCA Financing......................................................          20
           ss.2.2       Pre-Conditions to the Disbursement of Funds; Litigation...................................          21
           ss.2.3       Disbursements.............................................................................          28
           ss.2.4       The Public Parties' Right to Cease the Disbursement of the Funds and to
                        Terminate this Agreement upon Abandonment of Project......................................          33
           ss.2.5       Payment of Construction Monitor...........................................................          33

ARTICLE THREE - THE PROJECT WORK; PERFORMANCE, PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS..............................          35
           ss.3.1       General Provisions Regarding Design and Construction......................................          35
           ss.3.2       Procurement of Services and Goods.........................................................          37
           ss.3.3       Personnel.................................................................................          50
           ss.3.4       Liaison to Public Parties.................................................................          51
           ss.3.5       UDC Contact Person........................................................................          51
           ss.3.6       EDC Contact Person........................................................................          52
           ss.3.7       BPCA Contact Person.......................................................................          52

ARTICLE FOUR - CONDITIONS FOR DISBURSEMENT........................................................................          53
           ss.4.1       Initial Submissions by NYMEX..............................................................          53
           ss.4.2       Documentation for Disbursements on Account of Eligible Costs..............................          54
           ss.4.3       Project Budget............................................................................          60
           ss.4.4       BPCA's Disbursement of the BPCA Financing/BPCA's Provision of Credit
                        Enhancement for Alternative Financing.....................................................          61

ARTICLE FIVE - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NYMEX............................................................          63
           ss.5.1       Organization; Standing....................................................................          63
           ss.5.2       Due Authorization; Enforceable Obligations................................................          63
           ss.5.3       Conflict under Other Documents............................................................          64
           ss.5.4       No Litigation.............................................................................          64
           ss.5.5       No Default................................................................................          64
           ss.5.6       No Burdensome Agreements..................................................................          65
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                         <C>
           ss.5.7       Filing Statements and Reports.............................................................          65
           ss.5.8       Project Contracts.........................................................................          65

ARTICLE FIVE-A - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PUBLIC PARTIES AND THE CITY................................          66
           ss.5A.l      Organization; Standing....................................................................          66
           ss.5A.2      Due Authorization; Enforceable Obligation.................................................          66
           ss.5A.3      No Litigation.............................................................................          67
           ss.5A.4      No Burdensome Agreements..................................................................          68
           ss.5A.5      Representations and Warranties of the City................................................          68

ARTICLE SIX - COVENANTS...........................................................................................          70
           ss.6.1       Intentionally Omitted.....................................................................          70
           ss.6.2       Compliance with the Project Documents and Law; Legal Status...............................          70
           ss.6.3       Maintenance of and Compliance with Insurance Requirements.................................          70
           ss.6.4       Maintenance of Office.....................................................................          71
           ss.6.5       Compliance with Applicable Law............................................................          71
           ss.6.6       Assignment................................................................................          72
           ss.6.7       Maintenance of Records....................................................................          72
           ss.6.8       Other Information.........................................................................          73
           ss.6.9       Due Application of Funding Proceeds.......................................................          74
           ss.6.10      Liens.....................................................................................          75
           ss.6.11      Defects: Non-Conforming Work..............................................................          75
           ss.6.12      Satisfaction of Conditions................................................................          78
           ss.6.13      Tropical Hardwoods........................................................................          78
           ss.6.14      MacBride Principles.......................................................................          79
           ss.6.15      No Waiver of Compliance...................................................................          79
           ss.6.16.     Employment Information....................................................................          79

ARTICLE SEVEN - DEFAULT; TERMINATION..............................................................................          81
           ss.7.1       Events of Default.........................................................................          81
           ss.7.2       Default Remedies; Exculpation.............................................................          82
           ss.7.3       Termination...............................................................................          84

ARTICLE EIGHT - NOTICES ..........................................................................................          87
           ss.8.1       Notices...................................................................................          87

ARTICLE NINE - GENERAL CONDITIONS AND COVENANTS...................................................................          89
           ss.9.1       Satisfactory Proceedings..................................................................          89
           ss.9.2       Conflict of Interests.....................................................................          89
           ss.9.3       No Liability of Individuals...............................................................          90
           ss.9.4       Anti-Boycott Provisions...................................................................          90
           ss.9.5       Governing Law.............................................................................          91
</TABLE>

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<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                         <C>
           ss.9.6       Limited Liability of the Public Parties; Remedies in the
                        Event of a Public Party Default...........................................................          91
           ss.9.6A      Arbitration...............................................................................          94
           ss.9.7       Amendments................................................................................          98
           ss.9.8       Successors and Assigns....................................................................          99
           ss.9.9       Assignment of Funds.......................................................................          99
           ss.9.10      No Third Party Rights.....................................................................          99
           ss.9.11      Interpretation............................................................................          100
           ss.9.12      Captions..................................................................................          100
           ss.9.13      Indemnity.................................................................................          100
           ss.9.14      No Agency.................................................................................          103
           ss.9.15      Venue.....................................................................................          103
           ss.9.16      Investigations; Cooperation...............................................................          104
           ss.9.17      Assignment by EDC.........................................................................          109
           ss.9.18      Registration of Agreement.................................................................          110
           ss.9.19      Counterparts..............................................................................          110
</TABLE>

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Atts: Appendix A   -    Schedule of Eligible Costs for Project Work
      Appendix B   -    Project Budget
      Appendix C   -    NYMEX's Certificate as to Subsisting Corporation
      Appendix D   -    NYMEX's Legal Opinion
      Appendix E   -    NYMEX's Secretary's Certificate
      Appendix F   -    Litigation
      Appendix G   -    UDC's Legal Opinion
      Appendix G-1 -    EDC's Legal Opinion
      Appendix G-2 -    BPCA's Legal Opinion
      Appendix G-3 -    City's Legal Opinion
      Appendix H   -    UDC's Directors Resolution
      Appendix H-1 -    EDC's Secretary's Certificate
      Appendix H-2 -    BPCA's Member's Resolution
      Appendix I   -    MacBride Principles Rider

      Exhibit A    -    Form List of Contractors
      Exhibit B    -    Investigation Forms
      Exhibit C-1  -    Form Design Contract Rider
      Exhibit C-2  -    Form Consulting Agreement Addendum Letter
      Exhibit C-3  -    Form Construction Contract Rider
      Exhibit C-4  -    Form M&E Contract Rider
      Exhibit D    -    Form Certificate of Specimen Signature
      Exhibit E    -    Form of Collateral Assignment
      Exhibit F    -    Form Certification to be Attached to Requisition
      Exhibit G    -    AIA Forms
      Exhibit H    -    Form Employment Questionnaire (Initial)
      Exhibit H-1  -    Form Employment Questionnaire (Annual)

      Schedule A   -    Accepted Design Professionals and Consultants

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      FUNDING AGREEMENT dated as of May 18, 1995 among NEW YORK STATE URBAN
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ("UDC"), a public benefit corporation of the State of
New York, having an address at 1515 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, NEW YORK
CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ("EDC"), a local development corporation
formed pursuant to Section 1411 of the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law of the
State of New York, having its principal office at 110 William Street, New York,
New York 10038, BATTERY PARK CITY AUTHORITY ("BPCA"), a public benefit
corporation of the State of New York, having an address at One World Financial
Center, Battery Park City, New York, New York 10281 and the NEW YORK MERCANTILE
EXCHANGE, a corporation organized and existing under the Not-For-Profit
Corporation laws of the State of New York, including its wholly owned
subsidiary, Commodity Exchange, Inc. (collectively, "NYMEX"), having its
principal office at Four World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.

PREAMBLE:

                                   WTTNESSETH

      WHEREAS, BPCA is the owner of a fee interest (subject to a certain option
to purchase held by The City of New York) in certain premises identified as
Block 16, p/o Lot 3, on the Tax Map for the Borough of Manhattan, also
identified as Site 15 in the Battery Park City area, as more particularly
described in the Lease (the "Premises"); and

      WHEREAS, BPCA, as landlord, and NYMEX, as tenant, have entered into a
ground lease dated as of the date hereof (the "Lease"), demising BPCA's interest
in the Premises to NYMEX

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for NYMEX's use and occupancy in connection with, and development of, the
Project (as hereinafter defined); and

      WHEREAS, under the terms of the Lease, NYMEX is obligated to construct on
the Premises, and operate, a new futures and options exchange trading facility
and office building complex consisting of approximately 500,000 rentable square
feet (of which NYMEX expects that (i) approximately 113,625 rentable square feet
will be used for trading facilities, consisting of a trading floor, and computer
facilities and other special improvements and support space supporting or
enhancing the trading floor and related trading activities, and (ii)
approximately 386,375 rentable square feet will be used for office space); and

      WHEREAS, in order to facilitate the Project, The State of New York (the
"State"), through UDC, and The City of New York (the "City'), have agreed to
fund to EDC, and EDC has agreed to fund to NYMEX, a certain portion of the costs
associated with the Project Work (as hereinafter defined); and

      WHEREAS, UDC will make available to EDC funds in the amount of $5,000,000
(the "UDC Funds") for use, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set
forth in this Agreement, in connection with the Project Work; and

      WHEREAS, the City and EDC have entered into an Amended and Restated
Contract dated as of June 30, 1994 (the "Consolidated Contract"), pursuant to
which (i) the City will make available to EDC City capital budget funds in the
amount of $123,686,000 (the "City Funds") for use, subject to the terms,
conditions and limitations set forth in this Agreement, in connection with the
Project Work, and (ii) EDC is authorized to contract for the disbursement of
such funds and otherwise as may be necessary for the performance of the Project
Work; and

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      WHEREAS, in the event that NYMEX is not able to obtain Private Financing
(as hereinafter defined) for the remainder of the costs of the Project Work not
financed with the UDC Funds and the City Funds, BPCA has agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Financing Letter (as hereinafter defined),
the BPCA Financing Documents (as hereinafter defined) and this Agreement, to
provide NYMEX with the BPCA Financing (as hereinafter defined) or a credit
enhancement for the Alternative Financing (as hereinafter defined) to finance
such other Eligible Costs of the Project Work not financed with the UDC Funds
and the City Funds; and

      WHEREAS, pursuant to a Project Agreement dazed as of the date hereof (the
"Project Agreement") among the Public Parties (as hereinafter defined), the
Public Parties have agreed, among other things, that (i) UDC will make available
to EDC the UDC Funds for EDC's disbursement, subject to the terms, conditions
and limitations set forth in this Agreement and the Project Agreement, to NYMEX
in connection with the Project, (ii) in the event that NYMEX is not able to
obtain Private Financing, BPCA will make available to NYMEX, subject to the
terms, conditions and limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Project
Agreement and the BPCA Financing Documents, either the BPCA Financing for BPCA's
disbursement or a credit enhancement for the Alternative Financing in connection
with the Project, (iii) EDC will be responsible for the management and
disbursement of the UDC Funds and the City Funds (the UDC Funds and the City
Funds, constituting an amount equal to $128,686,000 in the aggregate, are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Funding"), the monitoring of the
progress of the Project Work, and the administration of this Agreement on a
day-to-day basis until such time as the Funding has been fully disbursed, and
(iv) thereafter, in the event that BPCA Financing is made available, BPCA will
be responsible for the management and disbursement of the BPCA

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Financing, the monitoring of the progress of the Project Work, and the
administration of this Agreement on a day-to-day basis until such time as the
BPCA Financing has been fully disbursed or, in the event that Alternative
Financing is made available and BPCA provides a credit enhancement for such
Alternative Financing, BPCA will be responsible for the monitoring of the
progress of the Project Work and the administration of this Agreement on a
day-to-day basis until such time as the Alternative Financing has been fully
disbursed; and

      WHEREAS, except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 11.05 of the
Lease, NYMEX desires to contract independently for the performance of the
Project Work, and not as an agent of the Public Parties; and

      WHEREAS, NYMEX has entered into, or has caused to be entered into, or
intends to enter into or cause to be entered into, a contract or contracts
(collectively, the "Design Contracts") for the engagement of (i) one or more
Architects (as hereinafter defined), (ii) one or more Construction Managers (as
hereinafter defined), (iii) the Owner's Representative (as hereinafter defined),
and (iv) certain other Design Professionals (as hereinafter defined), the fees
and expenses of which are to be paid for in whole or in part with the Funding
and, if applicable, the BPCA Financing or the Alternative Financing; and

      WHEREAS, NYMEX has entered into, or has caused to be entered into, or
intends to enter into or cause to be entered into, a contract or contracts or
agreements (collectively, the "Consulting Agreements") for the engagement of
certain Consultants (as hereinafter defined), the fees and expenses of which are
to be paid for in whole or in part with the Funding and, if applicable, the BPCA
Financing or the Alternative Financing; and

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      WHEREAS, NYMEX intends to enter into, or cause its Construction Managers
to enter into, Construction Contracts (as hereinafter defined) for the
performance of the Construction Work (as hereinafter defined) which is to be
paid for in whole or in part with the Funding and, if applicable, the BPCA
Financing or the Alternative Financing; and

      WHEREAS, NYMEX intends to enter into, or cause to be entered into, M&E
Contracts (as hereinafter defined) for the equipping of the Project which is to
be paid for in whole or in part with the Funding and, if applicable, the BPCA
Financing or the Alternative Financing; and

      WHEREAS, EDC desires to disburse the Funding to NYMEX for the purpose of
financing the Eligible Costs (as hereinafter defined) of the Project Work in
furtherance of its obligations under the Consolidated Contract and its corporate
purpose of fostering economic development in the City; and

      WHEREAS, in the event BPCA Financing is made available, BPCA desires to
disburse the BPCA Financing to NYMEX for the purpose of financing the Eligible
Costs of the Project Work.

      NOW, THEREFORE, UDC, EDC, BPCA and NYMEX agree as follows:

                                   DEFINITIONS

      As used in this Funding Agreement, the following initially capitalized
terms shall have the respective meanings indicated opposite each of them:

"Accounting
Principles"             The then current generally accepted accounting
                        principles consistently applied.

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"Additional Security
Deposit"                As defined in ss.2.2(a)(i)(3).

"Affiliate"             Any Person that directly or indirectly through one or
                        more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is
                        under common control with NYMEX. For purposes hereof,
                        the term "control" (including the terms "controlled by"
                        and "under common control with") shall mean the
                        possession, direct or indirect, of a five percent (5%)
                        or greater interest in NYMEX or any Person in which
                        NYMEX has a five percent (5%) or greater interest;
                        provided, however, that in no event shall "control" by
                        virtue of ownership of memberships on the "Exchange" (as
                        such term is defined in the hereinafter defined
                        Occupancy Agreement) mean the possession, direct or
                        indirect, of less than fifteen percent (15%) of the
                        authorized and outstanding memberships on the Exchange.
                        An "Affiliate" of a Person other than NYMEX shall be
                        determined using the same standard of control set forth
                        herein with respect to NYMEX. Unless the context
                        otherwise requires, any reference to an "Affiliate" in
                        this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to an Affiliate
                        of NYMEX.

"Agreement"             This Funding Agreement.

"Alternative
Financing"              Financing which (A) is for the Eligible Costs of the
                        Project Work that are not financed with the UDC Funds
                        and the City Funds, in an amount not to exceed
                        $110,000,000 plus (x) up to three years capitalized
                        interest, (y) a debt service reserve fund, and (z) the
                        costs of the issuance of the bonds, (B) is in the form
                        of either (i) private, conventional financing obtained
                        by NYMEX, or (ii) bond financing provided by a
                        governmental entity other than BPCA, and (C) includes
                        credit enhancement by BPCA in accordance with the terms
                        and conditions set forth therefor in the Financing
                        Letter and/or the BPCA Financing Documents.

"Arbiter"               As defined in ss.9.6A(a)(i).

"Architect(s)"          Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and/or any other registered
                        architect, architectural firm, professional engineer,
                        design professional or combined practice or association
                        selected by NYMEX (and approved by the Public Parties,
                        which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
                        delayed, in accordance with the provisions of
                        ss.3.2(b)(1) hereof) to perform certain architectural,
                        design, engineering and construction contract
                        administration services.

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"Article 78
Litigation"            Litigation that is pursued under Article 78 of the New
                       York State Civil Practice Laws and Rules and that seeks
                       to invalidate or enjoin a governmental action or approval
                       necessary for the Project, or the litigation in respect
                       of the Project.

"Associated

Contractor"            Any Person with whom NYMEX or any Affiliate has "material
                       contracts" other than in connection with the Project.
                       "Material contracts" shall mean any contract or contracts
                       for the performance of construction work or provision of
                       services, the value of which is in excess of $100,000.

"BPCA"                 As defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

"BPCA-Financed
Construction
Contract"              Any Construction Contract which is to be financed in
                       whole or in part with the BPCA Financing.

"BPCA-Financed
Design Contract"/
"BPCA-Financed
Consulting
Agreement"             Any Design Contract and/or Consulting Agreement, as
                       applicable, which is to be financed in whole or
                       in part with the BPCA Financing.

"BPCA-Financed
M&E Contract"          Any M&E Contract which is to be financed in whole or in
                       part with the BPCA Financing.

"BPCA Financing"       The funding, if any, to be provided by BPCA in
                       accordance with the terms of the Financing Letter,
                       through a bond financing, on such terms and conditions as
                       are set forth in the Financing Letter and the BPCA
                       Financing Documents, for those Eligible Costs incurred by
                       NYMEX in connection with the Project Work which are in
                       excess of the UDC Funds and the City Funds but not to
                       exceed an amount equal to $110,000,000 plus (x) up to
                       three years capitalized interest, (y) a debt service
                       reserve fund, and (z) the costs of the issuance of the
                       bonds.

"BPCA Financing
Documents"             Those certain agreements (other than the Financing
                       Letter) and/or indentures and/or other documents, if
                       any, to be entered into relating to the

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                        BPCA Financing or the BPCA credit enhancement for the
                        Alternative Financing.

"Business Day"          Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a day observed
                        as a holiday either the City, the State or the federal
                        government

"City"                  As defined in the Preamble.

"City Funds"            As defined in the Preamble.

"City Comptroller"      As defined in ss.9.18.

"Civic Facilities"      As defined in Section 26.01 of the Lease.

"CM Costs"              The cost to NYMEX of Construction Management Services
                        (as hereinafter defined).

"Commencement
Date"                   As defined in ss.1.1.

"Completed
Cover Sheet"            As defined in ss.4.1.

"Consolidated
Contract"               As defined in the Preamble.

"Construction
Contracts"              Contracts entered into by NYMEX or Construction Managers
                        with Contractors for the performance of Construction
                        Work. Construction Contracts shall not include M&E
                        Contracts.

"Construction
Manager(s)"             Lehrer McGovern Bovis, and/or any other construction
                        manager selected by NYMEX (and approved by the Public
                        Parties, which approval shall not be unreasonably
                        withheld or delayed, in accordance with the provisions
                        of ss.3.2(b)(1) hereof), responsible for the performance
                        of the Construction Management Services (as hereinafter
                        defined).

"Construction
Management
Services"               The services relative to the Project Work performed by
                        the Construction Manager, including the performance of
                        "general condition" items that are required by or
                        associated with the Construction Work and whether such

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                        services were or are performed during the
                        pre-construction phase or the construction phase of
                        the Project Work.

"Construction
Monitor"                The Person employed by the Public Parties (and paid for
                        as provided in ss.2.5 herein) to review Requisitions (as
                        hereinafter defined) and monitor progress of the Project
                        Work, the disbursement of the Funding and disbursement
                        of the BPCA Financing, if any.

"Construction
Work"                   Any of the following activities undertaken or services
                        performed by or behalf of NYMEX in order to construct
                        the Project on the Premises prepare the building to be
                        constructed on the Premises for occupancy, make the
                        trading floor operational: (i) construction activities
                        (including without limitation, the performance of any
                        site work on the Premises, construction of any the
                        foundation-related improvements on the Premises, the
                        construction and fitting out and making reading for
                        occupancy of the new building on the Premises); (ii)
                        purchasing and/or leasing of materials, fixtures and M &
                        E; and (iii) testing, debugging, commissioning,
                        fabrication and installation of materials, fixtures and
                        M&E into the new building the Premises and into the
                        Support Facilities as such term is hereinafter defined.

"Consultant(s)"         Any professional consultant (other than the Design
                        Professionals) engaged by NYMEX pursuant to Consulting
                        Agreements (including, without limitation, any real
                        estate advisor or consultant (e.g. Goldman Sachs); any
                        development consulting firm (e.g. Bennis & Reissman);
                        any technology consultant (e.g. a computer or
                        communications or floor trading consultant or expert);
                        any electrical consultant; and any attorneys).

"Consulting
Agreements"             As defined in the Preamble.

"Contractor(s)"         Any contractor engaged by NYMEX pursuant to Construction
                        Contracts and/or M&E Contracts.

"Corrective Work"       As defined in ss.6.11(b).

"Credit-Enhanced
Contract"               Any Design Contract and/or Consulting Agreement or
                        Construction Contract which is to be financed in whole
                        or in part with Alternative Financing.

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"Defaulting Party"      As defined in ss.9.6(b).

"Design
Contracts"              As defined in the Preamble.

"Design and/or
Consulting
Services"               Any activities undertaken or services performed by the
                        Design Professionals and/or Consultants on behalf of
                        NYMEX in connection with the Project, including, without
                        limitation, the provision of engineering services or
                        other professional services for the Project, the
                        coordination of design functions among the various
                        Design Professionals and/or Consultants for the
                        development of the Project, and the overall
                        administration, management and supervision of the
                        Project, and whether such activities or services were or
                        are undertaken or performed during the pre-construction
                        phase or the construction phase of the Project Work.

"Design
Guidelines"             As defined in the Lease.

"Design
Professionals"          The Architects, the Construction Managers, the Owner's
                        Representative, and any engineers or any other
                        professionals engaged by NYMEX to perform professional
                        design, engineering and/or contract administration and
                        supervision services relative to the Project Work.

"Dispute Notice"        As defined in ss.9.6A(a)(i).

"EDC"                   As defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

"Eligible
Costs"                  (i)   With respect to the City Funds, Eligible Costs
                              shall mean those costs, fees and expenses
                              described in Appendix A-1 attached hereto and made
                              a part hereof and incurred by or on behalf of
                              NYMEX in connection with the Project, and any
                              other costs, fees and expenses incurred by or on
                              behalf of NYMEX in connection with the Project
                              that may be determined by EDC to be "capital
                              eligible" (in either case, whether such costs were
                              incurred before, during or after construction);

                        (ii)  With respect to the UDC Funds, Eligible Costs
                              shall mean those costs, fees and expenses
                              described in Appendix A-1 attached hereto and made
                              a part hereof and incurred by or on behalf of
                              NYMEX in connection with the Project, and any
                              other costs, fees and

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<PAGE>   16

                              expenses incurred by or on behalf of NYMEX in
                              connection with the Project that may be approved
                              by UDC (in either case, whether such costs were
                              incurred before, during or after construction);
                              and

                        (iii) With respect to the BPCA Financing or Alternative
                              Financing, Eligible Costs shall mean those costs,
                              fees and expenses described in Appendix A-1
                              attached hereto and made a part hereof and
                              incurred in connection with the Project, and any
                              other costs, fees and expenses incurred by or on
                              behalf of NYMEX in connection with the Project
                              that may be approved by BPCA (in either case,
                              whether such costs were incurred before, during or
                              after construction).

"Events of
Default"                Those events set forth in ss.7.1.

"Federal Courts"        As defined in ss.9.15.

"Financing
Letter"                 That certain letter dated as of the date hereof between
                        NYMEX and BPCA concerning the provision of BPCA
                        Financing or BPCA credit enhancement for the Alternative
                        Financing in the event that NYMEX is unable to obtain
                        Private Financing.

"First Requisition
Amount"                 As defined in ss.2.2(a)(i)(1).

"Funding"               As defined in the Preamble.

"Governmental
Authorities"            The United States of America, the State, the City and
                        any agency, department, legislative body, commission,
                        board, bureau, instrumentality, political subdivision or
                        public benefit corporation of any of the foregoing, now
                        existing or hereafter created, having jurisdiction over
                        the Premises or any portion thereof.

"Hard Costs"            The aggregate of the costs incurred by or on behalf of
                        NYMEX in connection with the Construction Work.

"Hard Costs
Requisition"            As defined in ss.4.2(a)(2)(ii).

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"Indemnified
Parties"                The State, the City, UDC, EDC, BPCA and each of their
                        respective agents, officers, directors, officials,
                        members and employees.

"Injunction"            As defined in ss.2.2(c)(i).

"Late Charge
Rate"                   The Prime Rate (as such term is defined in the Occupancy
                        Agreement) plus five percent (5%).

"Lease"                 As defined in the Preamble.

"Lease Execution
Date"                   The date on which the Lease has been fully executed and
                        unconditionally delivered by BPCA and NYMEX.

"M&E"                   Machinery, equipment, office furniture and other items
                        of tangible and intangible personal property (e.g.
                        mainframe, peripheral and personal computers, computer
                        software, telecommunications equipment, graphics
                        systems, telephone systems and audio visual equipment),
                        but excluding ordinary office supplies, purchased and/or
                        leased by or on behalf of NYMEX and tested and installed
                        at the Premises or at the Support Facilities, and to be
                        used in support of NYMEX's operations at the Premises.

"M&E Contracts"         Contracts and/or leases entered into by NYMEX with
                        suppliers, or invoices or purchase orders, for the
                        purchase, lease, design, fabrication, installation,
                        testing, debugging and commissioning of M&E.

"M&E Costs"             The costs paid by NYMEX under M&E Contracts.

"M&E Requisition"       As defined in ss.4.2(a)(3)(i).

"New York State
Courts"                 As defined in ss.9.15.

"Non-Renewal
Notice"                 As defined in ss.2.2(a)(ii).

"NYMEX"                 As defined in the Preamble.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   18

"NYMEX's
Authorized
Representative"         The Person selected by NYMEX that is legally authorized
                        to sign Requisitions on behalf of NYMEX.

"Occupancy
Agreement"              The agreement dated as of the date hereof, among the
                        City, UDC, EDC, BPCA and NYMEX, regarding the occupancy
                        of the new building to be constructed by NYMEX on the
                        Premises.

"Owner's
Representative"         Forest City Ratner Companies, or any other Person
                        selected by NYMEX (and approved by the Public Parties,
                        which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
                        delayed, in accordance with the provisions of ss.
                        3.2(b)(1) hereof) to perform certain development
                        services on behalf of NYMEX during the pre-development
                        phase and construction phase of the Project Work.

"Owner's
Representative's
Costs"                  The cost to NYMEX of the Owner's Representative's
                        Services.

"Owner's
Representative's
Services"               The services relative to the Project Work performed by
                        the Owner's Representative.

"Party" or
"Parties"               UDC, EDC, BPCA and/or NYMEX.

"Person"                An individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
                        estate, trust, unincorporated association; any federal,
                        state, county or municipal government or any bureau,
                        department or agency thereof; and any fiduciary acting
                        in such capacity on behalf of any of the foregoing.

"Plans and
Specifications"         As defined in ss.3.1(a).

"Predevelopment
Work"                   Any activities undertaken or services performed by or on
                        behalf of NYMEX prior to the commencement of
                        construction of the Project (including, without
                        limitation, the Design and/or Consulting Services, the
                        Owner's Representative Services, legal services and any
                        soil tests, land surveys and land appraisals undertaken
                        in connection with the Project Work).

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   19

"Premises"              As defined in the Preamble.

"Private Financing"     Financing for the remainder of the costs of the Project
                        Work that are not financed with the UDC Funds and the
                        City Funds, that is obtained by NYMEX from private
                        sources and is secured by the general revenues of NYMEX
                        and/or by the grant of a first leasehold mortgage and
                        that is not credit enhanced by BPCA.

"Prohibited
Persons"                As defined in ss.3.2(b)(4).

"Project"               The planning, design, development, construction,
                        equipping, financing and operation of a new futures and
                        options exchange trading facility and office building on
                        the Premises and ancillary activities supportive of
                        NYMEX's operations at the Premises within the Support
                        Facilities.

"Project
Agreement"              As defined in the Preamble.

"Project Budget"        As defined in ss.4.3.

"Project
Contracts"              The M&E Contracts, the Construction Contracts, the
                        Design Contracts, the Consulting Agreements, and any
                        other contracts entered into by or on behalf of NYMEX
                        for the performance of the Project Work.

"Project
Documents"              This Agreement, the Lease, the Occupancy Agreement, the
                        Financing Letter, the BPCA Financing Documents and any
                        other agreements or indentures between NYMEX and one or
                        more of the Public Parties and by which NYMEX is bound
                        relating to the Premises or the Project or the financing
                        thereof. Project Documents shall not include Project
                        Contracts.

"Project Work"          Collectively, any (i) Predevelopment Work, (ii) Design
                        and/or Consulting Services, and (iii) Construction Work
                        (including, without limitation, the purchase, lease,
                        fabrication, installation, testing, debugging and
                        commissioning of M&E for use in connection with, or in
                        support of, the Project and NYMEX's operations at the
                        Premises including the testing, debugging and
                        commissioning of such M&E at the Support Facilities),
                        all in accordance with this Agreement and the Plans and
                        Specifications and whether or not paid for with the
                        Funding and/or the BPCA Financing, if available.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>   20

"Public-Funded
Construction
Contract"               Any Construction Contract which is to be funded in whole
                        or in part with the Funding.

"Public-Funded
Design Contract"/
"Public-Funded
Consulting
Agreement"              Any Design Contract and/or Consulting Agreement, as
                        applicable, which is to be funded in whole or in part
                        with the Funding.

"Public-Funded
M&E Contract"           Any M&E Contract which is to be funded in whole or in
                        part with the Funding.

"Public Parties"        UDC, EDC and BPCA collectively.

"Questionnaire
(Annual)"               As defined in ss.6.16(b).

"Questionnaire
(Initial")              As defined in ss.6.16(a).

"Requisition"           Any one, any two or all of a Hard Cost Requisition, a
                        Soft Cost Requisition (as hereinafter defined) and an
                        M&E Requisition.

"Retainage"             As defined in ss.2.3(a)(4).

"Sales Tax Letter"      As defined in Section 11.05 of the Lease.

"Security Deposit"      As defined in ss.2.2(a)(i)(1).

"Security Deposit
Increase Date"          As defined in ss.2.2(a)(i)(2).

"Soft Costs"            The aggregate of the costs incurred by or on behalf of
                        NYMEX in connection with Design and/or Consulting
                        Services wad financing costs incurred by NYMEX in
                        connection with the Project Work.

"Soft Costs
Requisition"            As defined in ss.4.2(a)(1)(i).

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   21

"Staging Area"          The "Storage/Staging Area" and/or the "Supplemental
                        Staging Area" (as such terms are defined in that certain
                        Letter Agreement dated as of the date hereof between
                        BPCA and NYMEX), provided that, for purposes of this
                        Agreement, in no event shall a Staging Area be
                        considered to be "off-site".

"Substantially
Completed"              As defined in Section 11.04 of the Lease.

"Support
Facilities"             Those facilities owned or leased by NYMEX in New York
                        City and identified as 22 Cortlandt Street and 4 World
                        Trade Center, which facilities are ancillary to and in
                        support of the primary business operations of NYMEX at
                        the Premises.

"Term"                  As defined in ss.1.1.

"Total Project
Costs"                  The estimate, contained in the Project Budget submitted
                        by NYMEX in accordance with ss.4.3(a) hereof and any
                        amendments thereto submitted by NYMEX in accordance with
                        ss.4.3(b) hereof, of all the projected costs necessary
                        to complete the Project Work; provided, however, that
                        for purposes of determining the Total Project Costs in
                        connection with ss.2.2(a)(i)(3) hereof only, such Total
                        Project Costs shall not include the cost of three years
                        capitalized interest, a debt service reserve fund or the
                        costs of issuing bonds (it being understood that the
                        exclusion described in the foregoing proviso shall not
                        apply with respect to the requirement that NYMEX set
                        forth all costs of the Project Work in the Project
                        Budget).

"UDC"                   As defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

"UDC Funds"             As defined in the Preamble.

"Unavoidable
Delays"                 Delays in connection with the Project Work due to (i)
                        strikes, (ii) lockouts, (iii) work stoppages, (iv) labor
                        jurisdictional disputes, (v) acts of God, (vi) inability
                        to obtain labor or materials due to governmental
                        preemptions or restrictions (other than governmental
                        restrictions which NYMEX is bound to observe pursuant to
                        Article 40 of the Lease), (vii) enemy action, (viii)
                        riot, (ix) other civil commotion, fire, casualty or
                        other causes beyond the reasonable control of NYMEX (not
                        including NYMEX's insolvency or financial condition),
                        (x) the failure of UDC or the City to make available to
                        EDC, in accordance with the provisions of this
                        Agreement, the UDC

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   22

                        Funds or the City Funds, respectively, or any portion
                        thereof, (xi) the failure of EDC to disburse the UDC
                        Funds or the City Funds or any portion thereof in
                        accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (xii)
                        a Financing Delay (as defined in the Lease), (xiii) to
                        the extent applicable, the failure of BPCA to disburse
                        the BPCA Financing in accordance with the provisions of
                        this Agreement and the BPCA Financing Documents, (xiv)
                        the failure of BPCA to complete any Civic Facilities
                        work required to be performed by BPCA in accordance with
                        Article 11 and Article 26 of the Lease, (xv)
                        interferences with the Project Work caused by BPCA
                        performing construction work in the vicinity of the
                        Project, and (xvi) NYMEX's failure to obtain Private
                        Financing in accordance with the provisions of the
                        Financing Letter. NYMEX shall use its best efforts to
                        notify EDC (if EDC is then administering this Agreement)
                        or BPCA (if BPCA is then administering this Agreement)
                        in writing of the occurrence of any such Unavoidable
                        Delay not later than thirty (30) days after NYMEX knows
                        of the same.

                                      -17-

<PAGE>   23

                               ARTICLE ONE - TERM

      ss.1.1 Term. The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence upon
the date (the "Commencement Date") on which both of the following conditions
shall have been satisfied: (1) the execution of this Agreement by all the
Parties hereto and the unconditional delivery of this Agreement by each Party to
the other Parties, and (2) the execution and unconditional delivery of the Lease
and the Occupancy Agreement. The Term shall expire upon the earlier to occur of
(i) the complete disbursement of the Funding, the BPCA Financing (if applicable)
or the Alternative Financing (if applicable), (ii) the date on which NYMEX
shall, in accordance with the terms of the Occupancy Agreement, have "abandoned"
(as such term is defined and described in Section 2 of the Occupancy Agreement)
the Project, (iii) the termination of the Lease, or (iv) the earlier termination
of this Agreement as hereinafter provided.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   24

                            ARTICLE TWO - THE FUNDING

      ss.2.1 Agreement to Fund the UDC Funds and the City Funds. (a) Subject to
the terms, conditions, representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement, UDC agrees to make available to EDC, for disbursement by EDC to NYMEX
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the UDC Funds.

      (b) The City, by executing this Agreement for purposes of this ss.2.1(b)
and ss.5A.5 hereof only, agrees (i) to make available to EDC, for disbursement
by EDC to NYMEX in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement,
$123,686,000 of City capital budget funds under the Consolidated Contract, and
(ii) that, in the event that it does not make the City Funds available to EDC
pursuant to ss.2.1(b)(i) above, the City nevertheless will transfer or cause to
be transferred the full amount of the City Funds directly to NYMEX in accordance
with the procedures outlined in this Agreement.

      (c) Subject to the terms, conditions, representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement and the Project Agreement and in accordance with the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, EDC agrees to disburse the UDC Funds and
the City Funds, on behalf of itself and UDC, to NYMEX, in an amount equal to
$128,686,000. NYMEX agrees to accept the UDC Funds and the City Funds and to
apply the proceeds of the UDC Funds and the City Funds solely to Eligible Costs
incurred by NYMEX in connection with the Project Work.

      (d) The full amount of the UDC Funds and the City Funds comprises the
entire amount that EDC shall be required to disburse under this Agreement for
any and all costs, fees or expenses of NYMEX in any way connected with the
Project Work and the Project. (Nothing

                                      -19-
<PAGE>   25

contained in the foregoing sentence shall operate to prevent, impede or
otherwise affect BPCA's obligation, as set forth in this Agreement, the
Financing Letter and the BPCA Financing Documents, to provide NYMEX with the
BPCA Financing or a credit enhancement for the Alternative Financing if such
becomes necessary as a result of NYMEX's inability to obtain Private Financing.)
NYMEX acknowledges that none of the Public Parties has represented or warranted
that the UDC Funds and the City Funds will be sufficient to pay for the entire
cost of the Project Work or the Project. NYMEX agrees that to the extent that
Eligible Costs and all other costs incurred in connection with the Project Work
exceed the aggregate amount of the UDC Funds and the City Funds for any reason,
such costs will not be paid for by UDC, the City or EDC. The Parties acknowledge
that the UDC Funds and the City Funds are not a fee or other compensation earned
by or paid to NYMEX.

      ss.2.1A Agreement to Fund the BPCA Financing. (a) If, in accordance with
the terms and conditions of ss.2.2(b) of this Agreement, the Financing Letter
and the BPCA Financing Documents, BPCA Financing shall become available, then,
subject to the terms, conditions, representations and warranties contained in
this Agreement and the BPCA Financing Documents, BPCA agrees to disburse the
BPCA Financing to NYMEX.

      (b) The amount of the BPCA Financing comprises the entire amount that BPCA
shall be required to disburse under this Agreement for any and all costs, fees
or expenses of NYMEX in any way connected with the Project Work and the Project.
NYMEX acknowledges that none of the Public Parties has represented or warranted
that the BPCA Financing will be sufficient to

                                      -20-
<PAGE>   26

pay for the remainder of the Eligible Costs of the Project Work not financed
with UDC Funds and City Funds.

      ss.2.2 Pre-Conditions to the Disbursement of Funds; Litigation. (a) (i)
EDC shall not be required to:

      (1) disburse any of the Funding pursuant to the first Requisition unless,
      simultaneously with such disbursement, NYMEX delivers to BPCA, on behalf
      of the Public Parties, either (A) an irrevocable letter of credit in form
      and substance, and issued by a financial institution, reasonably
      acceptable to BPCA and otherwise subject to and in accordance with the
      terms of Article 42 of the Lease, or (B) cash or other security or
      marketable instruments reasonably acceptable to BPCA, and otherwise
      subject to and in accordance with the terms of Article 42 of the Lease
      (such letter of credit, cash or other form of security is hereinafter
      referred to as the "Security Deposit"), such Security Deposit to be in an
      amount (the "First Requisition Amount") equal to the amount disbursed by
      EDC to NYMEX pursuant to such first Requisition but in no event to exceed
      $10,000,000; or

      (2) if the First Requisition Amount is less than $10,000,000, disburse
      any additional Funding after the disbursement of the First Requisition
      Amount in excess of $500,000 in the first instance or in excess of
      aggregate incremental amounts of $500,000 thereafter, unless,
      simultaneously with the disbursement of Funding after the disbursement of
      the First Requisition Amount in excess of $500,000 and each additional
      aggregate incremental amount of $500,000 thereafter, NYMEX increases the
      amount of the Security Deposit by $500,000 (each time that NYMEX so
      increases the amount of the Security Deposit is

                                      -21-
<PAGE>   27

      hereinafter called the "Security Deposit Increase Date") until the total
      of such Security Deposit equals $10,000,000, it being understood that if,
      pursuant to any Requisition submitted after the disbursement of the First
      Requisition Amount or after any Security Deposit Increase Date, the amount
      NYMEX is then requesting to disburse is, together with any previous
      disbursements made by EDC after the disbursement of the First Requisition
      Amount or after any Security Deposit Increase Date (as applicable), less
      than $500,000, EDC shall disburse Funding pursuant to such Requisition
      without NYMEX having to increase, or further increase, the amount of the
      Security Deposit (for example: if the First Requisition Amount was equal
      to $2,000,000 and, simultaneously with the disbursement of $2,000,000 of
      the Funding, NYMEX, in accordance with (1) above, delivered a Security
      Deposit in the amount of $2,000,000 to BPCA; the second Requisition
      requested disbursement of $50,000; the third Requisition requested
      disbursement of $300,000; the fourth Requisition requested disbursement of
      $200,000; and the fifth Requisition requested disbursement of $450,000;
      then EDC shall disburse the $50,000 requested pursuant to the second
      Requisition and the $300,000 requested pursuant to the third Requisition
      without NYMEX having to increase the Security Deposit, but EDC shall not
      disburse the amounts requisitioned pursuant to the fourth and fifth
      Requisitions unless simultaneously with EDC's disbursement of the $200,000
      pursuant to the fourth Requisition, NYMEX increases the amount of the
      Security Deposit to $2,500,000 and simultaneously with EDC's disbursement
      of the $450,000 pursuant to the fifth Requisition, NYMEX increases the
      amount of the Security Deposit to $3,000,000); or

                                      -22-
<PAGE>   28

      (3) disburse any of the Funding at any time if any amendment to the
      Project Budget, submitted by NYMEX pursuant to ss.4.3(b) hereof, contains
      an estimate of Total Project Costs that exceeds $245,500,000, unless,
      simultaneously with the submission of such amended Project Budget, NYMEX
      delivers to EDC, on behalf of the Public Parties, an additional letter of
      credit, cash or other form of security (the "Additional Security Deposit")
      in substantially the same form and subject to those conditions set forth
      in ss.2.2(b) hereof, or an increase to the Additional Security Deposit if
      the Additional Security Deposit has already been delivered, in an amount
      equal to $250,000 for each $500,000 of Project costs in excess of
      $245,000,000 that is estimated on any such amended Project Budget;
      provided, however, that at such time as any amendment to the Project
      Budget contains an estimate of Total Project Costs that exceeds
      $275,500,000, NYMEX shall deliver the Additional Security Deposit to EDC
      (or increase the Additional Security Deposit, if the Additional Security
      Deposit has already been delivered), in an amount equal to $250,000 for
      each $500,000 of Project costs in excess of $245,000,000 but less than
      $275,000,000, and $500,000 for each $500,000 of Project costs in excess of
      $275,000,000.

      If NYMEX fails to deliver the Security Deposit and/or the Additional
Security Deposit in the amount required, or fails to increase the amount of such
Security Deposit and/or such Additional Security Deposit, all as required
pursuant to this ss.2.2(a)(i), EDC shall have the right to withhold the
disbursement of the Funding until the requirements of this ss.2.2(a)(i) have
been satisfied.

                                      -23-
<PAGE>   29

      (ii) The Additional Security Deposit shall be in the form of either (A) an
irrevocable letter of credit issued and drawn upon a commercial bank which is a
member of the New York Clearinghouse Association, reasonably acceptable to EDC,
with offices for banking purposes in New York City (which letter of credit shall
have a term of not less than one year, be in form and content satisfactory to
EDC, and be for the account of EDC), or (B) cash or other security or marketable
instrument reasonably acceptable to EDC.

      If the Additional Security Deposit is in the form of a letter of credit,
such letter of credit shall provide that:

            (I)   The issuing bank shall pay to EDC or its duly authorized
                  representative an amount up to the face amount of the letter
                  of credit upon presentation of the letter of credit and a
                  sight draft in the amount to be drawn; and

            (II)  The letter of credit shall be deemed to be automatically
                  renewed, without amendment, for consecutive periods of one
                  year each, unless the issuing bank sends written notice (the
                  "Non-Renewal Notice") to EDC by certified or registered mail,
                  return receipt requested, at least thirty (30) days prior to
                  the expiration date of the letter of credit, to the effect
                  that it elects not to have such letter of credit renewed.

EDC, after receipt of the Non-Renewal Notice, shall have the right to draw the
entire amount of the letter of credit and to hold the proceeds as a cash
security deposit pursuant to the terms hereof until such time as NYMEX delivers
to EDC a replacement letter of credit complying with the terms hereof.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>   30

      If the Additional Security Deposit is in the form of cash, such cash shall
be placed in a separate, interest bearing account in a bank located in New York
City, reasonably acceptable to EDC, which account shall provide for the right of
EDC to access such account and withdraw funds therefrom in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement. NYMEX shall pay all fees, costs or other charges
imposed by the bank in which such account is located or any other expense
incurred, in connection with the establishment and administration of the
account. Any interest accrued on the cash deposited in such account shall be
payable to NYMEX.

      If the Additional Security Deposit is in the form of securities or other
marketable instruments, such securities or other marketable instruments shall be
held by EDC, Chemical Bank or another escrow agent reasonably approved by EDC,
pursuant to an escrow agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to EDC. NYMEX
shall pay all fees, costs or other charges imposed by Chemical Bank or any other
escrow agent approved in accordance herewith or any other expense incurred in
connection with the establishment and administration of the escrow account.

      (iii) The Additional Security Deposit shall remain in place and in full
force and effect until the date that is the earlier to occur of the date on
which either (x) the Project Work is Substantially Completed, (y) the
termination of this Agreement pursuant to ss.2.2(c)(iii) or ss.9.6(b) hereof, or
(z) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article 43 of the Lease. EDC
shall have the right to draw on the Additional Security Deposit under the
circumstances and subject to the provisions set forth in ss.7.3 hereof

      (b) (i) On the earlier to occur of (x) the date which is six (6) months
prior to the date on which NYMEX estimates (as evidenced by the drawdown
schedule to be furnished by NYMEX to EDC in accordance with ss.4.3 hereof) that
the entire amount of the Funding shall

                                      -25-
<PAGE>   31

have been disbursed to NYMEX pursuant to this Agreement, and (y) the date on
which EDC shall have disbursed $65,000,000 of the Funding to NYMEX, NYMEX shall
have notified the Public Parties, in writing, as to whether it believes it will
be able to obtain Private Financing, and (1) if at believes it will be able to
obtain Private Financing, such notification shall be accompanied by the letter
described in ss.2.2(b)(ii) below, and (2) if it believes it may not be able to
obtain Private Financing, such notification shall be accompanied by a written
request, to BPCA, to provide BPCA Financing or credit enhancement for
Alternative Financing. If NYMEX fails to satisfy the conditions described above,
it will be assumed that NYMEX has requested BPCA to provide BPCA Financing or
credit enhancement for Alternative Financing, and NYMEX shall supply BPCA with
reasonably requested material with which to evaluate such financing request. If
NYMEX fails to deliver to BPCA the requested material within thirty (30) days of
the date NYMEX should have delivered notification to the Public Parties of (1)
or (2) above, BPCA shall notify the Public Parties promptly of such failure and
upon such notification, EDC shall have the right to withhold the disbursement of
the Funding from the date of notification by BPCA until, and if, such material
is actually delivered in full.

      (ii) If NYMEX shall, in accordance with ss.2.2(b)(i) above, have notified
the Public Parties that it believes it will be able to obtain Private Financing,
NYMEX will submit to the Public Parties a letter from Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
(or other investment bank or financial advisor reasonably acceptable to the
Public Parties) stating the basis for this belief. Thereafter, NYMEX will
furnish to the Public Parties monthly reports on its efforts to arrange Private
Financing and otherwise keep the Public Parties advised of its efforts to
arrange Private Financing. In addition, NYMEX shall, at the request of the
Public Parties, together with its investment banker or financial advisor, meet
with the Public Parties to review the status of the

                                      -26-
<PAGE>   32

Private Financing. If NYMEX receives a commitment for Private Financing from a
financing source, NYMEX shall provide a copy of such commitment to the Public
Parties. If NYMEX receives a credit rating from a credit rating agency, NYMEX
shall provide a copy of the credit rating letter to the Public Parties.

      (iii) If NYMEX shall, in accordance with ss.2.2(b)(i) above, have notified
the Public Parties that it believes it will not be able to obtain Private
Financing and shall have requested BPCA to provide BPCA Financing or
credit-enhancement for Alternative Financing, thereafter, NYMEX will cooperate
and work diligently with BPCA to arrange such BPCA Financing or Alternative
Financing, including applying for a credit rating from a credit rating agency.
At such time, NYMEX shall also furnish BPCA with the basic credit documents that
it has developed in connection with its efforts to secure financing; provided,
however, that NYMEX need not furnish such basic credit documents if it provides
reasonably satisfactory evidence that it has arranged to obtain the financing it
requires to advance the Project Work to completion.

      (c)(i) EDC shall be obligated to disburse the Funding notwithstanding the
pendency of Article 78 Litigation and notwithstanding the fact that the statute
of limitations relative to the commencement of (or the time within which to
appeal an adjudication of) any Article 78 Litigation has not been tolled.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall EDC be obligated to disburse
any portion of the Funding while an injunction prohibiting the State, the City,
UDC, EDC or BPCA from advancing the Funding or prohibiting NYMEX from
constructing the Project (an "Injunction") is in effect.

      (ii) If EDC does not disburse, or ceases to disburse the Funding as a
result of the existence of an Injunction as described in ss.2.2(c)(i) above,
then, within twenty (20) days after the removal of such Injunction by a judicial
authority authorized to do so, EDC shall be required

                                      -27-
<PAGE>   33

to commence (or, if EDC has ceased the disbursement of the Funding upon the
procurement of an Injunction, recommence) the disbursement of the Funding in
accordance with ss.2.3 hereof.

      (iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in ss.2.2(c)(ii)
above, in the event that either (A) a permanent Injunction has been granted and
all appeals seeking to remove such Injunction have been denied or the time
period for bringing such appeals has expired, or (B) a temporary Injunction
remains in effect for a period of twelve (12) months or longer, then each of the
Public Parties and NYMEX shall have the right, in accordance with and as more
fully described in ss.7.3(a) hereof, to terminate this Agreement by written
notice to the other. Upon the termination of this Agreement in accordance with
this ss.2.2(c)(iii), BPCA shall return the Security Deposit to NYMEX in
accordance with the provisions of Section 42.01 of the Lease.

      (iv) NYMEX agrees that it will cooperate with the Public Parties in the
defense of any Article 78 Litigation. The Public Parties agree to (A) defend any
Article 78 Litigation at their expense, (B) keep NYMEX advised and current as to
the status of any Article 78 Litigation, and (C) copy NYMEX on correspondence or
court papers they receive or deliver in connection with any Article 78
Litigation.

      ss.2.3 Disbursements. (a) Subject to satisfaction of, and/or compliance
with, the terms and conditions of ss.2.2(a) and ss.2.2(b) hereof and the other
applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Project Agreement, and
subject to the right of EDC to not disburse, or cease the disbursement of, the
Funding as a result of the existence of an Injunction as described in
ss.2.2(c)(i) hereof, EDC shall disburse the Funding to NYMEX as follows:

                                      -28-
<PAGE>   34

      (1) With respect to Soft Costs, other than CM Costs and Owner's
      Representative Costs, after receipt by EDC of all items required by
      ss.4.2(a)(1) hereof, (A) in the case of the first disbursement pursuant to
      the first Requisition, in an amount equal to the portion of the Soft Costs
      actually incurred by NYMEX prior to the date of such Requisition which are
      Eligible Costs, and (B) in all other cases, in monthly installments equal
      to the amount of the portion of the Soft Costs actually incurred by NYMEX
      for the previous month which are Eligible Costs;

      (2) With respect to CM Costs, after receipt by EDC of all applicable items
      required by ss.4.2(a)(1) hereof (provided, however, that if the
      Construction Manager's contact shall not have been executed and delivered
      (but shall be the subject of negotiation) at the time of the submission of
      a Requisition, then after receipt by EDC of an executed and delivered
      letter agreement between NYMEX and the Construction Manager setting forth
      the essential terms of the contract, including the scope of work to be
      performed by the Construction Manager and a payment or fee schedule, which
      letter agreement shall be binding upon NYMEX and the Construction
      Manager), (A) in the case of the first disbursement pursuant to the first
      Requisition, in an amount equal to the portion of the CM Costs actually
      incurred by NYMEX prior to the date of such Requisition which are Eligible
      Costs, and (B) in all other cases, in monthly installments equal to the
      portion of the CM Costs for the previous month, calculated based on the
      Construction Manager's fee schedule attached to the Construction Manager's
      contract (or letter agreement), which are Eligible Costs;

                                      -29-
<PAGE>   35

      (3) With respect to Owner's Representative Costs, after receipt by EDC of
      all applicable items required by ss.4.2(a)(1) hereof (provided, however,
      that if the Owner's Representative's contract shall not have been executed
      and delivered (but shall be the subject of negotiation) at the time of the
      submission of a Requisition, then after receipt by EDC of an executed and
      delivered letter agreement between NYMEX and the Owner's Representative
      setting forth the essential terms of the contract, including the scope of
      work to be performed by the Owner's Representative and a payment or fee
      schedule, which letter agreement shall be binding upon NYMEX and the
      Owner's Representative), (A) in the case of the first disbursement
      pursuant to the first Requisition, in an amount equal to the portion of
      the Owner's Representative Costs actually incurred by NYMEX prior to the
      date of such Requisition which are Eligible Costs, and (B) in all other
      cases, in monthly installments equal to the portion of the Owner's
      Representative Costs for the previous month, calculated based on the
      Owner's Representative's fee schedule attached to the Owner's
      Representative's contract (or letter agreement), which are Eligible Costs;

      (4) With respect to Hard Costs, after satisfaction by NYMEX of all the
      conditions set forth in ss.3.1 hereof and after receipt by EDC of all
      items required by ss.4.2(a)(2) hereof, in installments equal to (i) the
      product of (A) the total Eligible Costs of each trade attributable to the
      Construction Work and (B) the percentage of such trade's work then
      completed (as certified by an Architect and approved by the Construction
      Monitor), less (ii) with respect to each trade, the sum of (A) either, at
      NYMEX's option, five percent (5%) retainage for all the work performed by
      such trade pursuant to its Construction Contract, or ten percent (10%)
      retainage for the first fifty percent (50%) of the work

                                      -30-
<PAGE>   36

      performed by such trade pursuant to its Construction Contract (any amounts
      retained as described in (A) above are hereinafter referred to as the
      "Retainage"), the Retainage being subject to disbursement as set forth in
      ss.2.3(a)(5) below, (B) the total amount previously disbursed by EDC
      hereunder with respect to such trade, and (C) the total amount otherwise
      previously disbursed to NYMEX for Construction Work that at the time of
      the disbursement request was ineligible for reimbursement with the Funding
      pursuant to any provision of this Agreement and as to which EDC has given
      NYMEX notice;

      (5) With respect to the Retainage, within ten (10) Business Days after the
      work to be performed pursuant to such trade's Construction Contract has
      been substantially completed (as certified by the Architect and the
      Construction Manager and as approved by the Construction Monitor); and

      (6) With respect to M&E Costs, after receipt by EDC of all items required
      by ss.4.2(a)(3) hereof, in an amount equal to the Eligible Costs stated on
      the purchase order or invoice for such M&E and actually incurred by NYMEX;
      provided that with respect to M&E not yet delivered to the Premises or any
      Staging Area and accepted by NYMEX, such amount shall not exceed the
      amount set forth in ss.3.2(e)(iii) hereof.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, costs
paid to or incurred by any Design Professional, Consultant and/or Contractor
that is an Associated Contractor or an Affiliate shall be subject to
reimbursement under this Agreement only to the extent that such costs do not
exceed an amount, to be reasonably determined by EDC, that would have been paid
to an unrelated party in an arms-length transaction.

                                      -31-
<PAGE>   37

      (c) Except as otherwise set forth in ss.4.4 hereof, all disbursements
shall be made by check at the principal office of EDC, or at such other place
within New York City as EDC may designate. At NYMEX's request, disbursements may
be made by wire transfer to a bank located within New York City, provided that
all costs and fees associated with such wire transfer are paid for by NYMEX.
Disbursement requests shall be submitted within the time periods and in the
manner provided therefor in Article 4.

      (d) With respect to Hard Costs and M&E Costs, no portion of the Funding
shall be advanced for materials not incorporated into the Premises or into the
Support Facilities other than materials (i) as to which NYMEX (or, in accordance
with Section 11.05 of the Lease, BPCA) has acquired title, (ii) are properly
stored on the Premises or on any permitted Staging Area or off-site, and secured
and insured against theft and damage to the reasonable satisfaction of EDC, and
(iii) with respect to materials stored off-site, are properly identified as
materials relating to the Project and segregated to the reasonable satisfaction
of EDC.

      (e) Disbursements shall be made within ten (10) Business Days after EDC
receives from NYMEX a complete disbursement request in accordance with this
Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall EDC be obligated to make
disbursements of the Funding more frequently than once every thirty (30) days.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely for the initial disbursement, the ten (10)
Business Day time period for disbursement by EDC, provided NYMEX has delivered a
complete disbursement request in accordance with this Agreement, shall not
commence until ten (10) Business Days from the date this Agreement is registered
by the Comptroller as provided in ss.9.18 hereof.

                                      -32-
<PAGE>   38

      ss.2.4 The Public Parties' Right to Cease the Disbursement of the Funds
and to Terminate this Agreement upon Abandonment of Project. If NYMEX, pursuant
to Section 2 of the Occupancy Agreement, "abandons" (as such term is defined and
described in Section 2 of the Occupancy Agreement) the Project, then (i) EDC
shall have the right to cease the disbursement of the Funding, (ii) the Public
Parties shall have the right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with
ss.7.2(a) hereof, and (iii) the Public Parties shall have the right to exercise
any other remedy permitted to the Public Parties and each of them in accordance
with this Agreement, the Occupancy Agreement, the Lease, or the BPCA Financing
Documents, if applicable.

      ss.2.5 Payment of Construction Monitor. (a) Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained in this Article Two or elsewhere in this Agreement,
commencing on the date on which EDC delivers to the Construction Monitor, in
accordance with its contract with the Construction Monitor for the provision of
services with respect to the Project Work, a Notice to Proceed with the
services, and continuing until the date which is sixty (60) days after the date
on which all of the Funding has been disbursed in accordance with this
Agreement, EDC shall be entitled to apply a portion of the Funding in an amount
equal to the fees and expenses of the Construction Monitor but not to exceed in
any event $335,000; provided, however that if there is a delay in the
commencement of the construction of the Project Work, EDC shall be entitled to
apply an additional portion of the Funding in an amount equal to $13,000 for
each month of delay but such additional amount shall not exceed, in any event,
$26,000. Not later than sixty (60) days prior to the date on which NYMEX
anticipates that it will commence construction of the Project

                                      -33-
<PAGE>   39

Work, NYMEX shall deliver to EDC written notice specifying the date on which
NYMEX anticipates that it will so commence construction.

            (b) In the event that BPCA Financing shall, in accordance with the
terms of the Financing Letter, become available for disbursement to NYMEX, then,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article Two or
elsewhere in this Agreement, commencing on the date on which BPCA commences the
disbursement of the BPCA Financing and continuing until the daze which is sixty
(60) days after the date on which all of the BPCA Financing has been disbursed
in accordance with this Agreement and the BPCA Financing Documents, BPCA shall
be entitled to apply an amount of the BPCA Financing, to be set forth in the
BPCA Financing Documents, to pay for the services of the Construction Monitor.

                                      -34-
<PAGE>   40

         ARTICLE THREE - THE PROJECT WORK; PERFORMANCE, PROCUREMENT AND
                              CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

      ss.3.1 General Provisions Regarding Design and Construction.

      (a) Plans and Specifications. (1) NYMEX shall prepare, or cause the
Architects to prepare, the Schematics, Design Development Plans, Construction
Documents (as such terms are defined in the Lease) and all other drawings,
plans, specifications and other construction documents required in connection
with the Project Work (all such documents are collectively referred to herein as
the "Plans and Specifications") in accordance with the Design Guidelines and
otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of the Lease.

      (2) Intentionally omitted.

      (3) EDC will not be obligated to disburse any of the Funding for the
performance of Construction Work until (i) either (x) BPCA has approved (or is
deemed to have approved) the Plans and Specifications in accordance with the
provisions of the Lease, or (y) if BPCA has, in accordance with Section 11.02(i)
of the Lease, reviewed certain aspects of the Plans and Specifications prior to
completion and submission to BPCA of every aspect thereof so as to accommodate
NYMEX's request to "fast track" the construction of the Project, then BPCA has
approved (or is deemed to have approved) such aspects of the Plans and
Specifications applicable to the portion of the Construction Work which NYMEX is
then requesting to be funded with the Funding in accordance with the provisions
of the Lease, and (ii) all approvals necessary for the construction of any
portion of the Construction Work which NYMEX is then requesting to be funded
under this Agreement have been obtained. Without affecting BPCA's rights under
the Lease, it is agreed that nothing contained herein is intended to either (x)
prohibit or otherwise

                                      -35-
<PAGE>   41

prevent NYMEX from proceeding with the Project Work or any portion thereof which
is not to be funded under this Agreement, or (y) prevent the disbursement of the
Funding for the payment or reimbursement of the Eligible Costs of Design and/or
Consulting Services performed prior to the commencement of the Construction
Work.

      (b) Performance of the Project Work. NYMEX covenants and agrees to cause
the Project Work to be performed in accordance with Article 11 of the Lease
(including, without limitation, in accordance with the Plans and Specifications,
the Design Guidelines and all applicable governmental requirements).

      (c) Site Inspections. NYMEX shall permit the Construction Monitor to have
access to the Premises at all times when Construction Work is in progress. In
addition, NYMEX shall permit UDC and EDC and each of their respective agents
and/or professional consultants to make inspections of the Premises, during
normal business hours or otherwise when Construction Work is in progress, at
reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice to NYMEX and in accordance
with applicable safety standards, as they reasonably deem necessary to observe
compliance with this Agreement. Such inspections shall be made at UDC's and
EDC's own risk. UDC and EDC shall use their best efforts to cause such
inspections to be made in a coordinated manner and otherwise in a manner such
that they will not interfere with the progress of the Construction Work or other
Project Work. The omission or failure of the Construction Monitor, UDC, EDC, or
any representative of UDC or EDC, to make such inspections, or to notify NYMEX
of any non-compliance with the terms of this Agreement, the Lease, the Plans and
Specifications or the Design Guidelines, shall in no way relieve NYMEX of its
obligations under this Agreement or the Lease or impose any liability under this
Agreement or impose any liability

                                      -36-
<PAGE>   42

upon the Public Parties, their agents or consultants. Nothing contained herein
is intended to limit or otherwise prevent BPCA's access to the Premises as
provided in the Lease.

      ss.3.2 Procurement of Services and Goods

      (a)(1) Except as specifically provided in Section 11.05 of the Lease with
respect to the purchase of materials and supplies to be incorporated into the
Project and for which a sales and compensating use tax exemption is to be
sought, NYMEX agrees to enter into, or cause to be entered into, Project
Contracts independently and not as agent of the Public Parties or any one of the
Public Parties.

            (2) Any Project Contract entered into by NYMEX (and any bid packages
prepared by NYMEX for the bid of Construction Work) shall instruct the Design
Professionals, the Contractors (or bidders, as appropriate), and any Consultants
which will, in connection with the Project, be purchasing materials of the type
that would qualify for the sales tax exemption described in Section 11.05 of the
Lease, as follows: title to the Premises and the improvements to be constructed
thereon and the equipment to be purchased and installed at the Premises and at
the Support Facilities and to be used in support of NYMEX's operations at the
Premises shall be and vest in BPCA. Materials to be incorporated into the
Premises and the equipment to be purchased and installed at the Premises and at
the Support Facilities and to be used in support of NYMEX's operations at the
Premises shall, effective upon their purchase and at all times thereafter,
constitute the property of BPCA and upon incorporation of such materials into
the Premises or into the Support Facilities title thereto shall be and continue
in BPCA. In accordance therewith, purchases of tangible personal property by, as
the case may be, the Design

                                      -37-
<PAGE>   43

Professionals, the Contractors, and the Consultants (if applicable), arising in
connection with the Project are exempt from the payment of certain sales and
compensating use taxes to the extent that such property (i) is used to alter,
maintain or improve, and becomes an integral component part of, the Premises, or
(ii) remains tangible personal property and is installed on the Premises or
within the Support Facilities. This exemption does not apply to construction
tools, construction machinery, construction equipment or other property to be
purchased or leased by NYMEX or its Design Professionals, Contractors or
Consultants (if applicable) and to be used to facilitate the construction of the
Project, or to supplies, materials or other property which are consumed in the
course of construction or for any other reason not incorporated into the
Premises or into the Support Facilities.

      (b)(1) Prior to entering into or letting any Public-Funded Design Contract
and/or Consulting Agreement or any Public-Funded M&E Contract, and, if BPCA
Financing is provided, prior to entering into or letting any BPCA-Financed
Design Contract and/or Consulting Agreement or any BPCA-Financed M&E Contract
NYMEX shall submit a list of the proposed Design Professional(s) and/or
Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s), together with a copy of the proposed Design
Contract(s), Consulting Agreement(s) and/or M&E Contract(s) applicable to such
Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) or Contractor(s), to EDC. Such list shall
also identify all known principals of such proposed Design Professional(s),
Consultant(s) or Contractor(s). EDC shall advise NYMEX, within fifteen (15)
Business Days after receipt of the list of the proposed Design Professional(s),
Consultant(s) or Contractor(s) and their principals, as to which Design
Professional(s), Consultant(s) or Contractor(s) are acceptable or unacceptable
and, if any Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) or Contractor(s) are
unacceptable, the reasons therefor. If

                                      -38-
<PAGE>   44

EDC fails to so advise NYMEX within such fifteen (15) Business Day period, such
Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) or Contractor(s) shall be and be deemed to
be acceptable. EDC's evaluation of the list of proposed Design Professional(s),
Consultant(s) or Contractor(s) shall be limited to (x) its determination as to
whether or not the proposed Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) or
Contractor(s) are Prohibited Persons, and (y) verification as to whether or not
proposed Architects and proposed Construction Managers are acceptable to BPCA in
accordance with the provisions of the Lease. NYMEX shall not enter into any
Public-Funded Design Contract and/or Consulting Agreement or any Public-Funded
M&E Contract, or, if applicable, any BPCA-Financed Design Contract and/or
Consulting Agreement or any BPCA-Financed M&E Contract, with a Design
Professional, Consultant or Contractor who has been determined to be a
Prohibited Person. EDC understands that NYMEX has entered into Design Contracts
and/or Consulting Agreements with various Design Professionals and Consultants
for the performance of certain Design and Consulting Services, and hereby
acknowledges and agrees that (I) as of the date of this Agreement, the Design
Professionals and Consultants listed in Schedule A attached hereto are not
Prohibited Persons and are therefore acceptable to EDC, and (II) the Architects
and Construction Managers listed in Schedule A attached hereto are acceptable to
BPCA. EDC reserves the right, at any time prior to NYMEX's execution of a Design
Contract, Consulting Agreement and/or M&E Contract, to withdraw its prior
approval of the Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor pursuant to which
such contract applies in the event that EDC shall learn that any of the
principals of such Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor which were not
identified at the time of EDC's initial approval of such Design Professional,
Consultant or Contractor is a Prohibited Person.

                                      -39-
<PAGE>   45

      (2) Prior to entering into or letting any Public-Funded Construction
Contract, and, if BPCA Financing is provided, prior to entering into or letting
any BPCA-Financed Construction Contract, NYMEX shall submit a list of proposed
bidders to EDC and identify the known principals of the bidders. EDC shall
advise NYMEX, within fifteen (15) Business Days after receipt of the list of the
proposed bidders and all their known principals, as to which bidders are
unacceptable by reason of such bidders being Prohibited Persons. If EDC fails to
so advise NYMEX within such fifteen (15) Business Day period as to which
bidder(s) are unacceptable, such bidder(s) shall be deemed to be acceptable.
EDC's evaluation of the list of the proposed bidders shall be limited to its
determination as to whether or not the proposed bidders are Prohibited Persons.
NYMEX shall obtain proposals from at least three (3) qualified bidders from the
list of acceptable bidders (except in those instances where three (3) qualified
bidders are unavailable or where, despite NYMEX's best efforts to obtain three
(3) qualified bids, three (3) qualified bids are not obtained, in which case
NYMEX shall submit to EDC a statement explaining why three (3) qualified bidders
are not available or why, despite NYMEX's best efforts, three (3) qualified bids
were not obtained and requesting that EDC waive the requirement for three (3)
qualified bidders, which waiver shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
NYMEX shall not enter into any Public-Funded Construction Contract or, if
applicable, any BPCA-Financed Construction Contract, with a bidder who has been
determined to be a Prohibited Person. At least five (5) Business Days before
awarding any Public-Funded Construction Contract, or, if applicable, any
BPCA-Financed Construction Contract, NYMEX shall submit to EDC a bid summary,
analysis and statement by the Authorized Representative as to which bidder NYMEX
intends to select, which statement shall give specific reasons for NYMEX's
preference.

                                      -40-
<PAGE>   46

NYMEX shall not accept a bid that is not the lowest responsible bid without
EDC's prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed. EDC reserves the right, at any time prior to NYMEX's acceptance of a
bid, to withdraw its prior approval of the bidder chosen in the event that EDC
shall learn that the bidder shall have committed (or if there shall be
allegations of the bidder's commission of) any act, or if the bidder shall
become the subject of any investigation or legal proceeding, either or both of
which would have rendered such bidder a Prohibited Person. EDC further reserves
the right, at any time prior to NYMEX's execution of a Public-Funded
Construction Contract or a BPCA-Financed Construction Contract, to withdraw its
prior approval of the Contractor pursuant to which such contract applies in the
event that EDC shall learn that any of the principals of such Contractor which
were not identified at the time of EDC's initial approval of such Contractor is
a Prohibited Person. Nothing contained in this ss.3.2(b)(2) shall limit NYMEX's
right to negotiate with one or more bidders and/or to reject all bids in its
sole discretion.

      (3) Prior to entering into or letting any Credit-Enhanced Contract, NYMEX
shall submit a list of the proposed Design Professional(s), Consultant(s),
and/or Contractor(s), together with a copy of the proposed Design Contract
and/or Consulting Agreement or Construction Contract applicable to such Design
Professional(s), Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s), to BPCA. Such list shall
also identify all known principals of such proposed Design Professional(s),
Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s). BPCA shall advise NYMEX, within twenty (20)
Business Days after receipt of the list of the proposed Design Professional(s),
Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s) and all their known principals as to whether
such proposed Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s) is
unacceptable by reason of being a Prohibited Person. If

                                      -41-
<PAGE>   47

BPCA fails to so advise NYMEX within such twenty (20) Business Day period as to
whether such proposed Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s)
is unacceptable, such Design Professional(s), Consultant(s) and/or Contractor(s)
shall be deemed to be acceptable. NYMEX need not obtain the approval of BPCA,
pursuant to this ss.3.2(b)(3), of any Design Professional, Consultant or
Contractor if such Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor shall have
obtained the prior approval of EDC in accordance with ss.3.2(b)(1) or
ss.3.2(b)(2) above. NYMEX shall not enter into any Credit-Enhanced Contract with
a Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor who has been determined to be a
Prohibited Person. BPCA reserves the right, at any time prior to NYMEX's
execution of a Credit-Enhanced Contract, to withdraw its prior approval of the
Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor pursuant to which such contract
applies in the event that BPCA shall learn that any of the principals of such
Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor which were not identified at the
time of BPCA's initial approval of such Design Professional, Consultant or
Contractor is a Prohibited Person.

      (4) For purposes hereof, the term "Prohibited Person" shall mean:

            (i)   Any Person (A) that is in default or in breach, beyond any
                  applicable notice and/or grace period, of its obligations
                  under any material written agreement with the City or EDC, or
                  (B) that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or
                  is under common control with a Person that is in default or in
                  breach, beyond any applicable notice and/or grace period, of
                  its obligations under any material written agreement with the
                  City or EDC, unless such default or breach has been waived in
                  writing by the City or EDC, as the case may be.

                                      -42-
<PAGE>   48

            (ii)  Any Person (A) that has been convicted in a criminal
                  proceeding for a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude
                  or that is an organized crime figure or is reputed to have
                  substantial business or other affiliations with an organized
                  crime figure, or (B) that directly or indirectly controls, is
                  controlled by, or is under common control with, a Person that
                  has been convicted in a criminal proceeding for a felony or
                  any crime involving moral turpitude or that is an organized
                  crime figure or is reputed to have substantial business or
                  other affiliations with an organized crime figure.

            (iii) Any government, or any Person that is directly or indirectly
                  controlled (rather than only regulated) by a government, that
                  is finally determined to be in violation of (including, but
                  not limited to, any participant in an international boycott in
                  violation of) the Export Administration Act of 1979, as
                  amended, or any successor statute, or the regulations issued
                  pursuant thereto, or any government that is, or any Person
                  that, directly or indirectly, is controlled (rather than only
                  regulated) by a government that is subject to the regulations
                  or controls thereof.

            (iv)  Any government, or any Person that, directly or indirectly, is
                  controlled (rather than only regulated) by a government, the
                  effects or the activities of which are regulated or controlled
                  pursuant to regulations of the United States Treasury
                  Department or executive orders of the President of the United
                  States of America issued pursuant to the Trading with the
                  Enemy Act of 1917, as amended.

                                      -43-
<PAGE>   49

            (v)   Any Person that is in default in the payment to the City of
                  any real estate taxes, sewer rents or water charges totaling
                  more than $10,000 (or any person that directly controls, is
                  controlled by, or is under common control with a Person in
                  such default), unless such default is then being contested in
                  good faith in accordance with the law.

            (vi)  Any Person (A) that has owned at any time during the three (3)
                  years immediately preceding a determination of whether such
                  Person is a Prohibited Person any property which, while in the
                  ownership of such Person, was acquired by the City by in rem
                  tax foreclosure, other than a property in which the City has
                  released or is in the process of releasing its interest
                  pursuant to the Administrative Code of the City or (B) that,
                  directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under
                  common control with, such a Person.

            (vii) Any person (A) that is in default or in breach, beyond any
                  applicable notice and/or grace period, of its obligations
                  under any material written agreement with the State or BPCA,
                  or (B) that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by,
                  or is under common control with a Person that is in default or
                  in breach, beyond any applicable notice and/or grace period,
                  of its obligations under any material written agreement with
                  the State or BPCA unless such default or breach has been
                  waived in writing, by the State or BPCA, as the case may be.

                                      -44-
<PAGE>   50

      (c) With respect to any (x) Public-Funded Construction Contract, (y) if
BPCA financing is provided, any BPCA-Financed Construction Contract, and (z) if
Alternative Financing is provided, any Credit-Enhanced Contract for Construction
Work, in any case whose contact amount totals more than $100,000, NYMEX shall
provide EDC with a list of all Contractors, other than suppliers, on the form
annexed hereto as Exhibit A. NYMEX will furnish each such Contractor with a
subcontractor questionnaire in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit B and/or such
other qualification and background investigation form(s) as may be used by the
City at such time (collectively, "Investigation Forms") provided by EDC to
NYMEX, and shall use its good faith efforts to cause each such Contractor to
fill out and complete the Investigation Forms in a timely fashion but in no
event later than the completion of the work performed by such Contractor
pursuant to its Construction Contract.

      (d) Except as otherwise set forth in this ss.3.2(d), all Project
Contracts, in order to be eligible for disbursement under this Agreement, shall
provide, in substance:

      (1) that, except as specifically provided in Section 11.05 of the Lease
      with respect to the purchase of certain materials and supplies to be
      incorporated into the Project and for which a sales and compensating use
      tax exemption is to be sought, neither the Design Professional, Consultant
      nor the Contractor, nor any of their employees or subcontractors, is or
      shall be deemed to be an agent, servant, employee or contractor of any of
      the Public Parties by virtue of this Agreement or by virtue of any
      approval, permit, license, grant, right or other authorization given by
      any of the Public Parties or any of their respective officers, officials,
      directors, members, agents or employees; and that neither the Design
      Professional, Consultant, nor the Contractor, shall commence any legal
      proceeding against

                                      -45-
<PAGE>   51

      any of the Public Parties to recover any compensation that may be payable
      under any Project Contract;

      (2) that the Design Professional, Consultant, or the Contractor (as the
      case may be), is solely responsible for the work, direction and
      compensation of its respective employees and subcontractors and that
      (except in the case of NYMEX's legal advisers) neither UDC, EDC nor BPCA
      will incur any liability by virtue of any act, omission, negligence or
      obligation of such Design Professional, Consultant or Contractor (as the
      case may be);

      (3) with respect to Design Contracts only, that each of the Design
      Professionals (other than the Owner's Representative) shall indemnify and
      hold harmless each of the Indemnified Parties from any and all claims,
      judgments or liabilities to which the Indemnified Parties may be subject
      because of any negligent act or omission, fault or default of such Design
      Professional, or its respective agents, officers, directors, employees or
      subcontractors arising out of or in connection with the pertinent Design
      Contract;

      (4) with respect to Construction Contracts only, that the Contractor shall
      indemnify and hold harmless each of the Indemnified Parties from any and
      all claims, judgments or liabilities to which the Indemnified Parties may
      be subject because of any act or omission of such Contractor or its
      agents, officers, directors, employees or subcontractors arising out of or
      in connection with the pertinent Construction Contract or because of any
      negligence, fault or default of such Contractor, or its agents, employees,
      officers, directors or subcontractors related to the Project;

      (5) that the Design Professional, the Consultant, or the Contractor (as
      the case may be), shall maintain accurate, readily auditable records and
      accounts with supporting

                                      -46-
<PAGE>   52

      documentation, in accordance with Accounting Principles, of all Project
      Work performed, and receipts and expenditures made, in connection
      therewith, and that the Design Professional, the Consultant, or the
      Contractor (as the case may be), shall (subject to any professional
      privilege permitted by law) make such records and accounts available to
      (I) the Public Party mutually designated from time to time by all of the
      Public Parties to perform inspections and audits under this Agreement, and
      to such designated Public Party's agents and employees, and (II) the
      Comptroller of the State and/or the City Comptroller and any other elected
      or appointed public official or public agency or entity entitled by law to
      inspect records in connection with publicly funded projects and such
      person's or entity's agents and employees, for inspection and audit at
      reasonable times and upon reasonable prior written notice, for a period of
      six (6) years after completion of the pertinent Project Contract;

      (6) with respect to the Construction Managers' Contracts and the
      Construction Contracts only, provisions incorporating the requirements of
      ss.6.5(a) (Compliance with Applicable Law) hereof;

      (7) provisions incorporating the requirements of ss.9.2 (Conflict of
      Interests) hereof;

      (8) with respect to Public-Funded Construction Contracts and BPCA-Financed
      Construction Contracts only, provisions incorporating the requirements of
      ss.6.13 (Tropical Hardwoods) and ss.6.14 (MacBride Principles) hereof; and

      (9) that the Design Professional, the Contractor and any Consultant which
      will, in connection with the Project, be purchasing materials of the type
      that would qualify for the sales tax exemption described in Section 11.05
      of the Lease, represents and warrants, and

                                      -47-
<PAGE>   53

      shall cause its subcontractors and material suppliers to represent and
      warrant, that, as of the date of this Agreement, state and local sales tax
      will be excluded from the contract price, to the extent authorized by the
      Sales Tax Letter; provided, however, that the Design Professional, the
      Contractor or the Consultant (if applicable), and its subcontractors and
      material suppliers, shall be responsible for and pay any and all
      applicable taxes, including sales and use taxes, imposed upon construction
      tools, construction machinery, construction equipment purchased or leased,
      and upon all supplies and materials and other property, that are consumed
      in the course of construction or for any other reasons not incorporated
      into the Premises or the Support Facilities.

      (e) (i) No Public-Funded Design Contract or BPCA-Financed Design Contract
shall be eligible for disbursement under this Agreement unless such contract or
agreement shall contain the provisions required to be included therein pursuant
to ss.3.2(d)(l), ss.3.2(d)(2), ss.3.2(d)(3), ss.3.2(d)(5), ss.3.2(d)(7) and
ss.3.2(d)(9) hereof and no Public-Funded Consulting Agreement or BPCA-Financed
Consulting Agreement shall be eligible for disbursement under this Agreement
unless such contract or agreement shall contain the provisions required to be
included therein pursuant to ss.3.2(d)(l), ss.3.2(d)(2), ss.3.2(d)(5),
ss.3.2(d)(7) and ss.3.2(d)(9) hereof. A form rider, to be attached to Design
Contracts, containing the provisions required pursuant to this Agreement to be
contained in such contact or agreement, has been approved by the Public Parties
and is attached hereto as Exhibit C-1. A form letter, to be executed by NYMEX
and all Consultants and to serve as an addendum to each such Consultant's
Consulting Agreement, providing that such Consultant shall comply with the
provisions required pursuant to this

                                      -48-

<PAGE>   54

Agreement to be complied with by such Consultant, has been approved by the
Public Parties and is attached hereto as Exhibit C-2.

      (ii) No Public-Funded Construction Contract or BPCA-Financed Construction
Contract shall be eligible for disbursement under this Agreement unless such
contract shall (w) have been procured in accordance with the bidding
requirements set forth in ss.3.2(b)(2) hereof, (x) comply with the requirements
of ss.3.2(c) hereof, (y) contain the provisions required to be included therein
pursuant to ss.3.2(d)(1), ss.3.2(d)(2), ss.3.2(d)(4), ss.3.2(d)(5),
ss.3.2(d)(6), ss.3.2(d)(7), ss.3.2(d)(8) and ss.3.2(d)(9) hereof, and (z)
provide for the right of NYMEX to keep at least a five percent (5%) Retainage
against all payments (prior to the final payment) to the Contractor, or in the
alternative, a ten percent (10%) Retainage against all payments to the
Contractor (prior to the final payment) until the work to be performed pursuant
to such Contractor's Construction Contract is fifty percent (5 0%) complete. A
form rider, to be attached to Construction Contracts, containing the provisions
required pursuant to this Agreement to be contained in such contract, has been
approved by the Public Parties and is attached hereto as Exhibit C-3.

      (iii) No M&E Contract shall be eligible for disbursement under this
Agreement unless such contract shall (x) contain the provisions required to be
included therein pursuant to ss.3.2(d)(1), ss.3.2(d)(2), ss.3.2(d)(5),
ss.3.2(d)(7) and ss.32(d)(9) hereof, and (y) provide for the right of NYMEX to
withhold payment of at least fifty percent (50%) (or upon NYMEX's request and
demonstration that a lesser percentage may be necessary or required, such lesser
percentage as may be approved by EDC) of the total contract amount at all times
prior to the delivery of such M&E to the Premises or any permitted Staging Area
and the acceptance of such M&E by NYMEX. A form rider, to be attached to M&E
Contracts, containing the provisions required

                                      -49-
<PAGE>   55

pursuant to this Agreement to be contained in such contract, has been approved
by the Public Parties and is attached hereto as Exhibit C-4.

      (iv) Any document providing for the disbursement to NYMEX of Alternative
Financing shall provide that no Credit-Enhanced Contract shall be eligible for
disbursement under such document providing for Alternative Financing unless such
contract shall (i) comply with the requirements of ss.3.2(b)(3) and ss.3.2(c)
hereof, and (ii) contain the applicable provisions required to be included
therein pursuant to ss.3.2(d) hereof.

      (v) NYMEX shall not change or amend a Project Contract if such change or
amendment would effect the applicable provisions to be included in such Project
Contract pursuant to ss.3.2(d) hereof without the prior written approval of EDC
(which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). No Funding shall
be disbursed in respect of any Project Work affected by any such change or
amendment unless EDC shall have previously approved such change or amendment.

      (f) NYMEX shall cause each of the Design Professionals, Consultants and
Contractors to include, in any subcontracts entered into by any one of them with
respect to the Project, provisions substantially the same as the applicable
provisions set forth in ss.3.2(d) hereof.

      ss.3.3 Personnel. (a) NYMEX shall retain and employ the Design
Professionals and Consultants, and NYMEX shall, or shall cause the Construction
Managers to, retain and employ all other personnel required in connection with
the performance of the Project Work. NYMEX or the Construction Managers, as the
case may be, shall be solely responsible for the work, compensation, direction
and conduct of all Design Professionals, Consultants and Contractors

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<PAGE>   56

during the Term of this Agreement All personnel furnished by NYMEX as required
under this Agreement shall be employees of NYMEX and not of the Public Parties.

      (b) NYMEX shall cause the Design Professionals and Consultants, and NYMEX
or the Construction Manager(s) shall cause the Contractors and all other
personnel employed in connection with the performance of the Project Work, to
cooperate fully with the Public Parties and the Construction Monitor.

      ss.3.4 Liaison to Public Parties. NYMEX identifies Elizabeth Venute as the
member of NYMEX's staff, and James Stuckey as the member of the Owner's
Representative's staff, who will have the authority and primary responsibility
to communicate with each of the Public Parties' respective contact person, as
identified in ss.3.5, ss.3.6 and ss.3.7 hereof (whether to respond to inquiries
or to provide updates regarding the progress of the work or otherwise) regarding
the performance of the Project Work or otherwise in connection with the Project.
NYMEX agrees to notify the Public Parties in writing of any intended
substitution of either of said persons at least fifteen (IS) days prior to the
date such substitution will take effect NYMEX further agrees to cause such
persons to be available to the extent necessary to communicate with the Public
Parties regarding the performance of the Project Work or otherwise in connection
with the Project.

      ss.3.5 UDC Contact Person. UDC identifies its Senior Vice President for
Design and Construction and its Senior Vice President Legal as the members of
UDCs staff who will have primary responsibility to communicate the NYMEX's
contact persons. as identified in ss.3.4

                                      -51-

<PAGE>   57

hereof, regarding UDC's obligations under this Agreement. UDC agrees to notify
NYMEX in writing of any intended substitution of either of said persons at least
fifteen (15) days prior to the date such substitution will take effect UDC
further agrees to cause such persons to be available to the extent necessary to
communicate with NYMEX regarding this Agreement.

      ss.3.6 EDC Contact Person. EDC identifies Mel Glickman as the member of
EDCs staff who will have primary responsibility to communicate with NYMEX's
contact persons, as identified in ss.3.4 hereof, regarding EDC's obligations
under this Agreement EDC agrees to notify NYMEX in writing of any intended
substitution of said person ax least fifteen (15) days prior to the date such
substitution will take effect. EDC further agrees to cause such person to be
available to the extent necessary to communicate with NYMEX regarding this
Agreement.

      ss.3.7 BPCA Contact Person. BPCA identifies Antony Woo as the member of
BPCA's staff who will have the primary responsibility to communicate with
NYMEX's contact persons. as identified in ss.3.4 hereof, regarding BPCA's
obligations under this Agreement BPCA agrees to notify NYMEX in writing of any
intended substitution of said person at least fifteen (15) days prior to the
date such substitution will take effect BPCA further agrees to cause such person
to be available to the extent necessary to communicate with NYMEX regarding this
Agreement

                                       52

<PAGE>   58

                   ARTICLE FOUR - CONDITIONS FOR DISBURSEMENT

      ss.4.1 Initial Submissions by NYMEX. In addition to any conditions set
forth in Article Two hereof, EDC shall not be obligated to disburse any of the
Funding to NYMEX unless, at any time prior to the first request for disbursement
of the Funding but not later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the date on
which the first payment to be made pursuant to this Agreement is sought (except
as otherwise specified herein), EDC shall have received the following documents,
together with a cover sheet (a "Completed Cover Sheet") listing the items
submitted:

      (a)   if not previously submitted by NYMEX, certificates, in form and
            substance reasonably satisfactory to EDC, evidencing the insurance
            policies to be obtained and maintained by NYMEX as of the
            commencement date of the Lease in accordance with Section
            11.03(a)(i) and Section 1 1.03(a)(ii) of the Lease; provided,
            however, that EDC shall also be given certified copies, signed by an
            authorized representative of the insurer, of the policies evidenced
            by such certificates, upon request therefor,

      (b)   changes or amendments to the Project Budget submitted by NYMEX to
            EDC in accordance with ss.4.3(a) hereof, if any;

      (c)   a certificate, in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit D, of an
            authorized officer of NYMEX certifying, as of the date of the
            signing of such certificate, the specimen signature of each officer,
            director or agent of NYMEX authorized to deliver

                                      -53-
<PAGE>   59

            Requisitions under this Agreement and, if applicable, the specimen
            signature of NYMEX's Authorized Representative;

      (d)   a collateral assignment, in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit E, by
            NYMEX to BPCA of NYMEX's right, title and interest in and to the
            Plans and Specifications, and to any Design Contracts and
            Construction Contracts that have been entered into by NYMEX as of
            the date of such collateral assignment; and

      (e)   if not previously submitted by NYMEX, a photostatic copy of the
            current title report by Ticor Title Guarantee Company relating to
            the Premises and judgment and federal tax lien searches against the
            Premises.

      ss.4.2 Documentation for Disbursements on Account of Eligilble Costs. EDC
shall not be obligated to make the first disbursement of the Funding or any
subsequent disbursement unless, in addition to the conditions contained in
Article Two, ss.3.1 and ss.4.1 hereof, the following conditions shall have been
satisfied:

      (a) The following documents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to EDC, together with a Completed Cover Sheet, shall, except to the extent
previously submitted by NYMEX, be delivered to EDC at least ten (10) Business
Days in advance of the date on which each payment is sought (except as otherwise
indicated in this ss.4.2):

      (1) With respect to Soft Costs:

      (i)   a requisition executed and certified by NYMEX or NYMEX's Authorized
            Representative (and addressed to EDC) setting forth (x) the amount
            of the requested disbursement, (y) an itemization of the Eligible
            Costs for which the

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<PAGE>   60

            disbursement is sought, and (z) a list of Design Professionals or
            Consultants whose work is covered by the requisition, the amount
            requested on behalf of each such Design Contract or Consulting
            Agreement, and identifying any of such Design Professionals or
            Consultants that are Affiliates or Associated Contractors and, if
            so, in what respect. accompanied by a completed and executed
            certification in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit F and (I) copies
            of all Design Contracts and/or Consulting Agreements on account of
            which payment is being sought that have not been previously
            delivered to EDC, containing all the applicable provisions required
            pursuant to ss.3.2(d) hereof (or, for Design Contracts and/or
            Consulting Agreements that have been previously delivered, copies of
            amendments thereof, if any); (II) a collateral assignment, in the
            form annexed hereto as Exhibit E, by NYMEX to BPCA of NYMEX'S right,
            title and interesting and to all Design Contracts on account of
            which payment is being sought that have not been previously assigned
            to BPCA; (III) copies of all insurance certificates, if any,
            delivered to NYMEX by the relevant Design Professional or Consultant
            in connection with the Design Contract and/or Consulting Agreement
            on account of which payment is being sought, that have not been
            previously delivered to EDC; and (IV) supporting bills, invoices or
            other documentation reflecting such Eligible Costs (the items
            described in this ss.4.2(a)(l)(i) are collectively referred to as
            the "Soft Costs Requisition); and

      (ii)  such additional documents, data or information reasonably requested
            by EDC with respect to the Design and Consulting Services or in
            support of the Soft Costs

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<PAGE>   61

            Requisition and without which EDC could not reasonably be expected
            to disburse the Funding prior to the receipt thereof.

      (2)   With respect to Hard Costs:

      (i)   at least ten (10) Business Days in advance of the date of the
            disbursement on account of Construction Work for which a permit,
            consent, certificate, license or approval is needed to lawfully
            perform such Construction Work, true copies of all such permits,
            consents, certificates, licenses and approvals (it being understood
            that such permits, consents, certificates, licenses and approvals
            only need to be submitted at the time of the first requisition
            covering such Construction Work);

      (ii)  a requisition executed and certified by NYMEX or NYMEX's Authorized
            Representative (and addressed to EDC) setting forth (x) the amount
            of the requested disbursement, (y) an itemization of the Eligible
            Costs for which the disbursement is sought, and (z) a list of
            Contractors whose work is covered by the requisition, the amount
            requested on behalf of each such Construction Contract, and
            identifying any of such Contractors that are Associated Contractors
            or Affiliates and, if so, in what respect, accompanied by a
            completed and executed certification in the form annexed hereto as
            Exhibit F, and (I) certified true copies of all Construction
            Contracts on account of which payment is being sought that have not
            been previously delivered to EDC, containing all the applicable
            provisions required pursuant to ss.3.2(d) hereof (or, for
            Construction Contracts that have been previously delivered, copies
            of amendments thereof, if any); (II) without limiting BPCA's rights
            under the Lease, a collateral assignment, in the form

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<PAGE>   62

            annexed hereto as Exhibit E, by NYMEX to BPCA of NYMEX's right,
            title and interest in and to all Construction Contracts on account
            of which payment is being sought that have not been previously
            assigned by BPCA; (III) copies of all insurance certificates, if
            any, delivered to NYMEX by the relevant Contractor in connection
            with the Construction Contract on account of which payment is being
            sought that have not been previously delivered to EDC; (IV) as
            applicable, requisitions or applications for payment by a
            Construction Manager or an Architect to NYMEX (in the form of an
            "Application and Certificate for Payment", substantially in the form
            of American Institute of Architects forms G702 and G703 annexed
            hereto as Exhibit G, or otherwise), in either case which is
            completed and executed by a Construction Manager and an Architect
            with respect to all Construction Work performed by the Contractor(s)
            and covered by NYMEX's requisition, together with any trade payment
            breakdowns in support of all subcontractors' requisitions to the
            Architect or the Construction Manager, and, with respect to
            "reimbursable" items only, invoices and receipts, reflecting such
            Eligible Costs; and (V) partial releases of liens from the
            Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers with respect to all
            Construction Work completed prior to the period covered by the
            requisition then being submitted (the items described in this
            ss.4.2(a)(2)(ii) are collectively referred to as the "Hard Costs
            Requisition");

      (iii) a statement of an Architect addressed to EDC certifying that, in
            such Architect's opinion, the Construction Work covered by the Hard
            Costs Requisition has been performed substantially in accordance
            with the applicable Plans and Specifications;

                                      -57-
<PAGE>   63

      (iv)  a photostatic copy of a certificate of title continuation indicating
            no change in the state of title, and no liens not contemplated by
            the development of the Premises pursuant to this Agreement or the
            Lease, or not previously approved by BPCA under the Lease or EDC;
            and

      (v)   such additional documents, data or information reasonably requested
            by EDC with respect to the Construction Work or in support of the
            Hard Costs Requisition and without which EDC could not reasonably be
            expected to disburse the Funding prior to the receipt thereof.

      (3)   With respect to M&E Costs:

      (i)   a requisition executed and certified by NYMEX or NYMEX's Authorized
            Representative (and addressed to EDC) setting forth (x) the amount
            of the requested disbursement, (y) an itemization of the Eligible
            Costs for which the disbursement is sought, and (z) a list of
            suppliers supplying the M&E covered by the requisition, the amount
            requested on behalf of each such supplier, and identifying any of
            such suppliers that are Affiliates or Associated Contractors and, if
            so, in what respect, accompanied by a completed and executed
            certification in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit F and copies
            of (I) all M&E Contracts on account of which payment is being sought
            that have not been previously delivered to EDC, containing all the
            applicable provisions required pursuant to ss.3.2(d) hereof (or, for
            M&E Contracts that have been previously delivered, copies of
            amendments thereof, if any); (II) all insurance certificates
            obtained by NYMEX evidencing the insurance required pursuant to
            ss.2.3(d) hereof with respect to the

                                       58
<PAGE>   64

            protection of stored materials against theft and damage; (Ill)
            supporting bills, invoices or other documentation reflecting such
            Eligible Costs; and (lV) for M&E delivered to the Premises, evidence
            of NYMEX's approval and acceptance of the M&E on account of which
            payment is being sought (the items described in this ss.4.2(a)(3)(i)
            are collectively referred to as the "M&E Requisition");

      (ii)  copies of any contracts, invoices, bills of sale, statements,
            receipted vouchers, equipment leases or other agreements under which
            NYMEX (or, in accordance with Section 11.05 of the Lease, BPCA)
            claims a fee title to, or a leasehold interest in, any M&E purchased
            or leased in connection with the Project and for which payment or
            reimbursement is being sought and paid,

      (iii) UCC searches against NYMEX with respect to the M&E which is the
            subject of the M&E Requisition; and

      (iv)  such additional documents, data or information reasonably requested
            by EDC with respect to the M&E or in support of the M&E Requisition
            and without which EDC could not reasonably be expected to disburse
            the Funding prior to the receipt thereof.

      (b) As of the date of the disbursement, (i) the representations mid
warranties made in Article Five, and in any certification required pursuant to
this Agreement to be delivered to EDC together with the Requisition, shall be
true, correct and complete, (ii) NYMEX shall not be in default, beyond any
applicable notice and/or grace periods, of any material covenant or obligation
of NYMEX under this Agreement, the Lease, the Occupancy Agreement or under any
of the

                                      -59-
<PAGE>   65

other Project Documents, and (ii) NYMEX shall have provided EDC, in accordance
with ss.4.3(b) hereof, with all amendments of the Project Budget not previously
delivered to EDC.

      (c) As of the date of the disbursement, NYMEX shall not be in default,
beyond any applicable notice and/or grace periods, of any material covenant or
obligation of NYMEX under a Project Contract which is the subject of the
disbursement; provided however that EDC shall disburse the Funding to NYMEX in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement with respect to any
portion of the disbursement request which is for payment under Project Contracts
other than the Project Contract(s) that NYMEX has defaulted under.

      ss.4.3 Project Budget (a) Attached hereto as Appendix B is a project
budget (the "Project Budget"), approved by EDC, that contains a current estimate
of the Total Project Costs and a drawdown schedule that contains a projection of
the amounts that NYMEX expects to requisition, on a monthly basis, over the Term
of this Agreement

      (b) NYMEX shall submit to EDC, for EDC's information, any amended or
updated Project Budget as such Project Budget is amended or updated, but not
less than once every thirty (30) days; provided however, that if there have been
no amendments to the Project Budget since the most recent amended Project Budget
submitted to EDC in accordance with this ss.4.3(b), NYMEX shall either submit to
EDC for such thirty (30) day period a statement, signed by an Authorized
Representative of NYMEX, certifying that there have been no further amendments
to the Project Budget, or, if NYMEX submits a Requisition to EDC for such thirty
(30) day period, certify to EDC in the certification to be submitted to EDC
together with each Requisition,

                                      -60-
<PAGE>   66

that there have been no further amendments to the Project Budget for the period
covered by the Requisition.

      ss.4.4 BPCA's Disbursement of the BPCA Financing/BPCA's Provision of
Credit Enhancement for Alternative Financing. (a) At such time as EDC shall have
fully disbursed the UDC Funds and the City Funds under this Agreement, then if,
in accordance with the terms and conditions of ss.2.2(b) of this Agreement, the
Financing Letter and the BPCA Financing Documents, BPCA Financing shall become
available to NYMEX for the purpose of financing the remainder of the Eligible
Costs paid and/or incurred by NYMEX in connection with the Project Work, BPCA
shall disburse the BPCA Financing in accordance with, and subject to, the terms
and provisions of this Agreement (including specifically, but without
limitation, the provisions of ss.2.2(c) hereof) and the terms and provisions of
the BPCA Financing Documents, as if the BPCA Financing was the Funding, and BPCA
shall become the disbursing agent instead of EDC and all references to EDC shall
instead be and be deemed to be references to BPCA. NYMEX and BPCA agree that,
except as otherwise set forth in ss.4.4(b) below, all the conditions for the
disbursement of the Funding set forth in Articles Two, Three and Four herein
shall apply equally to the disbursement of the BPCA Financing.

      (b) All disbursements of the BPCA Financing shall be made by check at the
principal office of BPCA, or such other place within New York City as BPCA may
designate. At NYMEX's request, disbursements may be made by wire transfer to a
bank located within New York City, provided that all costs and fees associated
with such wire transfer are paid for by NYMEX

                                       61

<PAGE>   67

      (c) If BPCA Financing is not available, and if in accordance with the
terms of the Financing Letter and the BPCA Financing Documents, a credit
enhancement from BPCA is available for the Alternative Financing, BPCA and NYMEX
shall jointly determine the extent to which the terms and conditions of this
Agreement related to procurement requirements, the Additional Security Deposit
and other conditions for the disbursement of funds shall apply to the
disbursement of the Alternative Financing, it being understood and agreed that
such terms and conditions shall not duplicate those otherwise performed pursuant
to financing documents governing the disbursement of the Alternative Financing
and shall be reflective of the extent to which BPCA revenues are pledged to the
Alternative Financing. BPCA and NYMEX shall also jointly determine the amount of
the Alternative Financing to be applied towards the payment of the services to
be performed by the Construction Monitor during the disbursement of the
Alternative Financing, it being understood that the services to be performed by
the Construction Monitor shall not duplicate services otherwise performed
pursuant to financing documents governing the disbursement of the Alternative
Financing and shall be reflective of the extent to which BPCA revenues are
pledged to the Alternative Financing.

                                      -62-
<PAGE>   68

             ARTICLE FIVE - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NYMEX

      To induce the Public Parties to enter into this Agreement, NYMEX
represents and warrants as follows:

      ss.5.1 Organization: Standing. NYMEX is a corporation duly organized and
validly existing under the Not-For-Profit corporation laws of the State of New
York and has all requisite power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver
and perform its obligations under this Agreement. A copy of a certificate, as to
subsistence of the NYMEX corporation, from the Secretary of the State of New
York is attached hereto as Appendix C, and hereby made a part hereof.

      ss.5.2 Due Authorization: Enforceable Obligations. This Agreement has been
duly authorized, executed and delivered by NYMEX and constitutes a legally
binding obligation of NYMEX enforceable in accordance with its terms. A legal
opinion by each of the general counsel of NYMEX and special counsel to NYMEX
(addressed to the Public Parties) has been delivered to the Public Parties upon
the execution of this Agreement by the Parties hereto and is attached hereto as
Appendix D and hereby made a part hereof. A certificate of the Secretary of
NYMEX, certifying as to the adoption of resolutions by the Board of Directors of
NYMEX authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement by NYMEX, has
been delivered to the Public Parties upon the execution of this Agreement by the
Parties hereto and is attached hereto as Appendix E and hereby mde a part
hereof.

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<PAGE>   69

      ss.5.3 Conflict under Other Documents. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by NYMEX is not, and the performance of this
Agreement by NYMEX will not (a) be effectively prohibited or prevented by, or in
breach of, (i) the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of NYMEX, (ii) any
law, judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree, rule or regulation of any court
or Governmental Authority applicable to NYMEX, or (iii) except as may be
permitted under the Lease, any loan agreement, indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, or other financing agreement or instrument to which NYMEX is a party or
by which NYMEX is bound or to which any of its properties or assets is subject,
or (b) except as may be permitted under the Lease, result in or require the
creation or imposition of a mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security
interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature upon or with respect to
any of the properties or interests now owned or hereafter acquired by NYMEX.

      ss.5.4 No Litigation. Except as set forth in Appendix F attached hereto,
as of the date of this Agreement, there are no suits or proceedings pending or,
to the best of NYMEX's knowledge, threatened against NYMEX or any Affiliate that
would materially affect the development and improvement of the Premises, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the full
performance of the obligations of NYMEX under this Agreement and the Lease.

      ss.5.5 No Default. To its knowledge, NYMEX is not in default beyond
applicable grace periods after notice, if any, in any material respect in the
payment or performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement, the
Occupancy Agreement, the Lease or any of the other

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<PAGE>   70

Project Documents. NYMEX is not in default under any order, award or decree of
any court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority binding upon or affecting it or
by which any of its assets may be bound or affected.

      ss.5.6 No Burdensome Agreements. NYMEX is not a party to any agreement,
instrument or undertaking, or subject to any other restriction, that materially
adversely affects NYMEX's ability to complete the Project Work and the Project.

      ss.5.7 Filing Statements and Reports. NYMEX has filed copies of all
statements and reports that, to its knowledge, are required to be flied by it
with any Governmental Authority and that, if not filed, may affect NYMEX's
ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, construct
the Project in accordance herewith and in accordance with the Lease, or
otherwise fully perform its obligations under this Agreement.

      ss.5.8 Project Contracts. As of the date of this Agreement, to its
knowledge, NYMEX is not in default beyond applicable grace periods after notice,
if any, in any material respect in the payment or performance of any of its
obligations under the Project Contracts.

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<PAGE>   71

             ARTICLE FIVE-A - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE

                           PUBLIC PARTIES AND THE CITY

      To induce NYMEX to enter into this Agreement, each of the Public Parties,
for and on behalf of itself, represent and warrant with respect to ss.5A 1,
ss.5A.2, ss.5A.3 and ss.5A.4 hereof, and the City represents and warrants with
respect to ss.5A.5 hereof, as follows:

      ss.5A. 1 Organization: Standing; (a) UDC is a public benefit corporation
organized under, and existing by virtue of, the laws of the State of New York
and has all the requisite power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver
and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

      (b) EDC is a not-for-profit corporation, organized pursuant to ss. 1411 of
the New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation Laws and has all the requisite
power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations
under this Agreement.

      (c) BPCA is a public benefit corporation organized under, and existing by
virtue of, the laws of the State of New York and has all the requisite power,
authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under
this Agreement.

      ss.5A2 Due Authorization: Enforceable Obligation. (a) This Agreement has
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by UDC and constitutes a legally
binding obligation of UDC enforceable in accordance with its terms. A legal
opinion by general counsel of UDC (addressed to NYMEX) has been delivered to
NYMEX upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties hereto and is attached
hereto as Appendix G and hereby made a part hereof. A certified copy

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<PAGE>   72

of the resolution by the Directors of UDC authorizing the execution and delivery
of this Agreement by UDC has been delivered to NYMEX upon the execution of this
Agreement by the Parties hereto and is attached hereto as Appendix H and hereby
made a part hereof.

      (b) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by EDC
and constitutes a legally binding obligation of EDC enforceable in accordance
with its terms. A legal opinion by general counsel of EDC (addressed to NYMEX)
has been delivered to NYMEX upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties
hereto and is attached hereto as Appendix G-2 and hereby made a part hereof. A
certificate of the Secretary of EDC, certifying to the adoption of resolutions
by the Board of Directors of EDC authorizing the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by EDC, has been delivered to NYMEX upon the execution of this
Agreement by the Parties hereto and is attached hereto as Appendix H-I and
hereby made a part hereof.

      (c) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
BPCA and constitutes a legally binding obligation of BPCA enforceable in
accordance with its terms. A legal opinion by general counsel of BPCA (addressed
to NYMEX) has been delivered to NYMEX upon the execution of this Agreement by
the Parties hereto and is attached hereto as Appendix G-2 and hereby made a part
hereof. A certified copy of the resolution by the Members of BPCA, authorizing
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by BPCA, has been delivered to
NYMEX upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties hereto and is attached
hereto as Appendix H-2 and hereby made a part hereof.

      ss.5A.3 No Litigation. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no
suits or proceedings pending or, to the best of each of the Public Parties'
knowledge, threatened against the Public

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<PAGE>   73

Parties, or any one of them, that would materially affect the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the full performance of the
obligations of the Public Parties under this Agreement

      ss.SA.4 No Burdensome Agreements. (a) As of the date hereof, UDC is not a
party to any agreement, instrument or undertaking or subject to any other
restriction, that materially adversely affects UIC's ability to disburse the
UDC Funds to EDC pursuant to this Agreement and the Project Agreement.

      (b) As of the date hereof, EDC is not a party to any agreement, instrument
or undertaking or subject to any other restriction, that materially adversely
affects EDC's ability to disburse the UDC Funds and the City Funds to NYMEX
pursuant to this Agreement and the Project Agreement

      (c) As of the date hereof, BPCA is not a party to any agreement,
instrument or undertaking or, assuming that all those terms and conditions for
the provision of BPCA Financing set forth in the Financing Letter and the
Financing Documents have been satisfied, subject to any other restriction, that
materially adversely affects BPCA's ability to disburse the BPCA Financing
to NYMEX pursuant to this Agreement.

      ss.5A.5 Representations and Warranties of the City. The City, in
connection with the provisions of ss.2.1(b) hereof only, represents and warrants
that.

      (a) The City has been duly authorized to execute this Agreement for the
purpose of agreeing to the provisions of ss.2.1(b) hereof and for the purpose of
making the representations

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<PAGE>   74

contained in this ss.5A.5 and, upon execution hereof, the provisions of
ss.2.1(b) hereof and this ss.5A.5 shall constitute binding obligations of the
City enforceable in accordance with their terms. A legal opinion by the Acting
Corporation Counsel of the City (addressed to NYMEX) has been delivered to NYMEX
upon the execution of this Agreement by the Parties hereto and is attached
hereto as Appendix G-3 and hereby made a part hereof.

(b) As of the date of this Agreement, there are no suits or proceedings pending
or, to the best of the City's knowledge, threatened against the City that would
materially affect the Cites performance of its obligations under ss.2.1(b)
hereof.

(c) As of the date hereof, the City is not a party to any agreement, instrument
or undertaking or subject to any other restriction, that materially adversely
affects the City's ability to disburse the City Funds in accordance with the
provisions of ss.2.1(b) hereof.

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<PAGE>   75

                             ARTICLE SIX - COVENANTS

      ss.6.1 Intentionally Omitted

      ss.6.2 Compliance with the Project Documents and Law: Legal Status. During
the Term, NYMEX shall:

      (a) faithfully comply with all of the terms, conditions and covenants now
or in the future binding upon or applicable to NYMEX under this Agreement, the
Lease, the Occupancy Agreement, any Project Contracts and any of the other
Project Documents;

      (b) do all things necessary to maintain and keep in full force and effect
its existence, franchise, rights and privileges under the laws of the State and
City of New York; and

      (c) comply with, and do all things necessary to cause the Project Work to
be performed in compliance with, all applicable laws, rules, regulations and
orders of Governmental Authorities applicable to the Project Work and the
Premises, and with the terms and conditions of the Lease.

      ss.6.3 Maintenance of and Compliance with Insurance Requirements. NYMEX
shall maintain or cause to be maintained at NYMEX's expense such insurance, in
the amounts and in accordance with the applicable provisions, as is described in
Article 7 and Section 11.03 of the Lease. NYMEX shall comply with all of the
applicable provisions of such insurance policies. Nothing contained in this
ss.6.3 is intended to confer any rights upon any third party.

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<PAGE>   76

      ss.6.4 Maintenance of Office. NYMEX will maintain an office in New York
City where notices with respect to this Agreement may be delivered to it and
inspections and audits in accordance with ss.6.7 hereof may be conducted.

      ss.6.5 Compliance with Applicable Law. (a) NYMEX shall include, or cause
to be included, the following requirements, as applicable, in the Construction
Managers' contracts and all Construction Contracts, and require all subcontracts
and material suppliers to include the same requirements, so that the
Construction Manager(s), the Contractor(s), any subcontractors and material
suppliers shall agree, in substance:

            (i)   to comply with (1) the equal employment requirements set forth
                  in Article 40 of the Lease, incorporated herein by reference
                  and made a part hereof as if more fully set forth herein, (2)
                  New York State Labor Law ss.220-e, and (3) City Administrative
                  Code ss.6-108;

            (ii)  to comply with the applicable provisions of the New York City
                  Noise Control Code (Administrative Code ss.24-216, as amended)
                  and related regulations;

            (iii) to pay no less than prevailing wage rates and supplemental
                  benefits to State Labor Law in accordance with the currently
                  scheduled rates, as laborers, workers and mechanics pursuant
                  to ss.220(3) of the New York State Labor Law in accordance
                  with the currently scheduled rates, as amended from time to
                  time; and

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<PAGE>   77

            (iv)  to comply with the Affirmative Action Program set forth in
                  Exhibit D attached to the Lease, incorporated herein by
                  reference and made a part hereof as if more fully set forth
                  herein.

      (b) NYMEX shall promptly, diligently and continuously enforce to the
reasonable satisfaction of EDC (if EDC shall then be administering this
Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA shall then be administering this Agreement) the full
and faithful compliance by the Persons referred to in ss.6.5(a) hereof with the
provisions of law referred to in such ss.6.5(a).

      ss.6.6 Assignment. Without the prior written consent of EDC (if EDC shall
then be administering this Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA shall then be
administering this Agreement), NYMEX shall not assign this Agreement other than
to wholly owned subsidiaries of NYMEX.

      ss.6.7 Maintenance of Records. (a) NYMEX agrees to maintain, or cause to
be maintained, accurate, readily auditable records and accounts with supporting
documentation, in accordance with sound accounting principles, of (i) all of the
costs of developing and improving the Premises, (ii) all of its receipts and
expenditures in connection with the Funding and, if applicable, BPCA Financing
and Alternative Financing, (iii) all expenditures made in connection with the
Project Work (whether such expenditures be paid with the Funding, BPCA
Financing, Alternative Financing or otherwise), and (iv) all financial accounts
and transactions maintained or undertaken in connection with this Agreement.
NYMEX shall make such records available for inspection and audit by the Public
Party mutually designated from time to time by all of the Public Parties to
perform inspections and audits under this Agreement and such Public Party's

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<PAGE>   78

agents and employees, and by the Comptroller of the State and/or the City
Comptroller and any other elected or appointed public official or public agency
or entity entitled by law to inspect records in connection with publicly funded
projects and each of such person's or entity's agents and employees, at NYMEX's
place of business within New York City, at the request of, EDC (if EDC shall
then be administering this Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA shall then be
administering this Agreement) at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice.
All such records and accounts shall be maintained for a period of six years
after the last disbursement of either the Funding, the BPCA Financing or the
Alternative Financing, as applicable, in connection with the record or account
to be maintenance.

      (b) If any records and accounts maintained by NYMEX in accordance with
ss.6.7(a) above shall contain proprietary information regarding NYMEX's
business, or trade secrets of NYMEX, the Public Parties agree to (i) keep such
information or trade secrets confidential to the extent permitted by law, (ii)
notify NYMEX if any one of them receives any request for disclosure in respect
of any such information or trade secrets, (iii) copy NYMEX on any communications
that the Public Parties' have with, or receive from, any party making the
request for disclosure, and (iv) notify NYMEX if any one of them intends to make
any disclosure at least five (5) Business Days prior to the actual disclosure
and copy NYMEX on any such disclosure.

      (c) The provisions of this ss.6.7 shall survive termination of this
Agreement for the six-year period specified in ss.6.7(a) hereof.

      ss.6.8 Other Information. NYMEX shall furnish and cause to be furnished to
EDC (if EDC shall then be administering this Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA shall
then be administering

                                      ~73-
<PAGE>   79

this Agreement) such other information respecting the Premises and the Project
Work, as EDC (if EDC shall then be administering this Agreement) or BPCA (if
BPCA shall then be administering this Agreement) may from time to time
reasonably request

      ss.6.9 Due Application of Funding Proceeds. (a) NYMEX shall receive and
hold the proceeds of the UDC Funds and the City Funds (including any insurance
proceeds arising out of any casualty affecting property purchased with the UDC
Funds and the City Funds) as a trust fund to be applied exclusively for the
payment of Eligible Costs in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and
shall not use any part of the same for any other purpose.

      (b) NYMEX shall receive and hold the proceeds of the BPCA Financing, if
any, disbursed in accordance with this Agreement, the Lease (if applicable) and
the BPCA Financing Documents (including any insurance proceeds arising out of
any casualty affecting property purchased with the BPCA Financing) as a trust
fund to be applied exclusively for the payment of Eligible Costs in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement and, if applicable, the Lease and the BPCA
Financing Documents and shall not use any part of the same for any other
purpose.

      (c) Any document providing for the disbursement to NYMEX of Alternative
Financing shall provide that NYMEX shall receive and hold the proceeds of such
Alternative Financing (including any insurance proceeds arising out of any
casualty affecting property purchased with the Alternative Financing) as a trust
fund to be applied exclusively for the payment of Eligible Costs incurred in
connection with the Project Work and shall not use any part of the same for any
other purpose.

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<PAGE>   80

      ss.6.10 Liens. NYMEX will cause the Project to be constructed free and
clear of liens of mechanics, material persons and suppliers, including public
improvement liens, subject to NYMEX's right to cause any such lien to be removed
or bonded substantially in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of the
Lease as if such lien were a lien against "Landlord" (as such term is defined in
the Lease). The costs of removing or bonding such liens shall be paid for by
NYMEX and may be paid or reimbursed using the Funding and/or the BPCA Financing,
if any.

      ss.6.11 Defects: Non-Conforming Work. (a) The disbursement of any portion
of the Funding, or the BPCA Financing, if applicable, shall not constitute a
waiver by any one of the Public Parties of a default by NYMEX to perform, or
cause to be performed, the Construction Work in accordance with the Plans and
Specifications.

      (b) In the event that any of the Design Professionals (including, without
limitation, any of the Construction Managers) or any of the Contractors has
performed work or caused work to be performed that is claimed to be defective or
non-conforming and, in order to proceed with the Project Work without
interruption or delay it is necessary that such work be corrected, the cost of
performing such corrective work (the "Corrective Work") may be paid for with the
Funding, provided, that if at the time all of the City Funds and all of the UDCF
funds to be ddisbursed to NYMEX hereunder have been disbursed, the work that is
claimed to be defective or non-conforming has been determined to be defective or
non-conforming and the fault of a Design -Professional and/or Contractor, then:

      (i)   NYMEX (or its Construction Manager) shall, to the extent that the
            work has been found to be defective or non-conforming, submit to EDC
            (y) a

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<PAGE>   81

            credit against the Funding in an amount equal to the portion of the
            Funding previously disbursed by EDC to NYMEX to pay for, or
            reimburse NYMEX for, the Eligible Costs incurred in connection with
            the performance of the Corrective Work required as a result of such
            defective or non-conforming work, and (z) a new Requisition or
            Requisitions, together with any and all supporting documentation
            required under this Agreement to be submitted together with a
            Requisition, for Eligible Costs incurred in connection with the
            performance of the Project Work and not previously funded with
            Funding.

      (ii)  EDC shall re-apply the portion of the Funding previously disbursed
            on account of the Corrective Work, in an amount equal to the amount
            of the credit, to the work described in the new Requisition; and

      (iii) thereafter, NYMEX (or the Construction Manager) shall be solely
            responsible for seeking an appropriate recovery against the Design
            Professional or Contractor (or from others on its or their behalf)
            and shall be entitled to retain any amounts so recovered;

provided, further that if at the time all of the City Funds and all of the UDC
Funds to be disbursed hereunder have been disbursed, there remains an unresolved
dispute as to whether such work is defective or non-conforming or as to whether
such defect or non-conformity is the fault of any Design Professional or
Contractor, or NYMEX elects to settle such dispute without making a
determination as to who caused the defective or non-conforming work to have been
performed, then:

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<PAGE>   82

      (i)   NYMEX (or its Construction Manager) shall be solely responsible for
            disputing or litigating (or settling, as applicable) any claims
            arising out of the work that is claimed to be defective or
            non-conforming;

      (ii)  NYMEX shall be entitled to retain any amounts recovered from the
            Design Professional or Contractor (or from others on its or their
            behalf);

      (iii) NYMEX (or its Construction Manager) shall submit to EDC (y) a credit
            against the Funding in an amount equal to the portion of the Funding
            previously disbursed by EDC to NYMEX to pay for, or reimburse NYMEX
            for, the Eligible Costs incurred in connection with the performance
            of the Corrective Work required as a result of such work, and (z) a
            new Requisition or Requisitions, together with any and all
            supporting documentation required under this Agreement to be
            submitted together with a Requisition, for Eligible Costs incurred
            in connection with the performance of the Project Work and not
            previously funded with the Funding; and

      (iv)  EDC shall re-apply the portion of the Funding previously disbursed
            on account of Corrective Work, in an amount equal to the amount of
            the credit, to the work described in the new Requisition or
            Requisitions.

If EDC has re-applied the Funding as described in this ss.6.11(b), and if a
dispute with a Design Professional or Contractor is thereafter resolved in
favor of the Design Professional or Contractor, NYMEX may seek funding or
reimbursement for (and to the extent of) the Corrective

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<PAGE>   83

Work determined to have been appropriate or conforming from BPCA or from any
other lender or entity making the financing required to complete the Project
Work available.

      ss.6.12 Satisfaction of Conditions. The Funding may be expended by EDC for
the purpose of satisfying any default in the covenants and conditions applicable
to NYMEX under this Agreement provided that (a) except in the case of an
emergency in which case EDC shall provide NYMEX with such advance notice as is
practicable under the circumstances, EDC shall have delivered fifteen (15) days
prior written notice to NYMEX of its intention so to apply the funding,
and (b) NYMEX shall have failed, prior to the expiration of any applicable
notice and/or cure period provided for in this Agreement, to have satisfied
any such covenant or condition in a manner that would remedy the default.
Amounts so expended by EDC shall be deemed a disbursement on account of
the Funding. The terms and conditions contained in this ss.6.12 shall apply to
BPCA upon the disbursement of the BPCA Financing, if applicable.

      ss.6.13 Tropical Hardwoods. NYMEX hereby agrees that with respect to any
Public-Funded Construction Contract and any BPCA-Financed Construction Contract
entered into for the performance of the Construction Work, NYMEX shall include,
or cause the Construction Manager to include, in such Construction Contract a
prohibition against the use of tropical hardwoods (as defined in Section 167-b
of the New York State Finance Law) in the performance of the Construction Work
except as expressly permitted by Section 167-b of the New York State Finance
Law.

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<PAGE>   84

      ss.6.14 MacBride Principles. NYMEX hereby agrees that, with respect to any
Project Contract that is to be funded in whole or in part with the Funding
and/or the BPCA Financing, NYMEX shall (i) include, or cause the Construction
Manager to include, in such Project Contract the requirements of the MacBride
Principles Rider, attached hereto as Appendix I, and (ii) require, or cause the
Construction Manager to require, the Design Professionals, Consultants and
Contractors (A) to comply with applicable covenants and representations set
forth in Appendix I, and (B) to cause its contractors, subcontractors, and
materials suppliers performing the Project Work to also comply with the
requirements of Appendix I. NYMEX (x) shall not enter into, (y) shall cause the
Construction Monitor, Design Professionals and Consultants to not enter into,
and (z) shall cause the Construction Manager to cause the Contractors to not
enter into, any Project Contract that is to be funded in whole or in part with
the Funding and/or the BPCA Financing with any party that does not agree to
comply with the applicable covenants and representations set forth in Appendix
I, unless NYMEX certifies that (1) there is no other actual source that can
provide the services or supply the materials described under such Project
Contract and (2) the services to be performed or the materials to be supplied
under such Project Contract are essential to the construction or operation of
the Project, and there exists no adequate substitution therefor.

      ss.6.15 No Waiver of Compliance. The disbursement by EDC of any portion of
the Funding or, if applicable, the disbursement by BPCA of any portion of the
BPCA Financing, to NYMEX shall not constitute a waiver of EDC's or BPCA's, as
applicable, right to require compliance with any of the covenants contained in
this Article Six or otherwise contained in this Agreement.

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<PAGE>   85

      ss.6.16. Employment Information. So as to enable EDC to comply with the
requirements of Local Law 69, NYMEX agrees as follows:

      (a) Upon execution of this Agreement by NYMEX, NYMEX if it has not already
done so, shall complete and return to EDC (A) a questionnaire (the
"Questionnaire (Initial)") in the form annexed hereto and made a part of this
Agreement as Exhibit H describing, in substance, how many and what types of jobs
NYMEX in good faith estimates that it will create and retain with regard to its
activities in or concerning the Project and its projected timetable for the
creation and retention of jobs for the first seven years after the initial
disbursement of any of the Funding, and (B) the attachments required by the
Questionnaire (Initial). If the information filled in on the Questionnaire
(Initial) changes between the daze of its submittal to EDC and the initial
disbursement of any of the Funding, NYMEX shall promptly submit an amended
Questionnaire (Initial) to EDC.

      (b) NYMEX shall, with regard to each July 1 - June 30 period during which
any part of the seven (7) years from the initial disbursement of any of the
Funding falls, (i) report to EDC by October 1, on an annual basis for the twelve
months ending the previous June 30, the number of jobs created and retained by
it at the Premises, such report to be in the form of the questionnaire (the
"Questionnaire (Annual)") annexed hereto and made a part of this Agreement as
Exhibit H-1, and (ii) deliver to EDC any and all forms required to be delivered
by the Questionnaire (Annual). The provisions of this ss.6.16(b) shall survive
termination of this Agreement for the seven (7) year period described herein.

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<PAGE>   86

                      ARTICLE SEVEN - DEFAULT; TERMINATION

      ss.7.1 Events of Default An "Event of Default" shall exist if any of the
following shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement:

      (a) NYMEX shall have "abandoned" the Project (as defined and described in
Section 2 of the Occupancy Agreement); or

      (b) NYMEX shall have applied the Funding or, if applicable, the BPCA
Financing or the Alternative Financing in violation of the covenant set forth in
ss.6.9 and such misapplication was (i) fraudulent or (ii) not corrected within
five (5) Business Days of receipt of written notice thereof; or

      (c) NYMEX shall have failed to duly observe or perform any of the
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement (other than the covenants
contained in ss.6.9) and such failure continued for twenty (20) Business Days
after receipt of written notice to NYMEX by EDC (if such failure took place
during the disbursement of the UDC Funds or the City Funds) or BPCA (if such
failure took place during the disbursement of the BPCA Financing) specifying
such default and requiring such default to be remedied; provided, however, that
if because of Unavoidable Delays or if the nature of the default is such that
NYMEX cannot reasonably be expected to cure the same within such period, such
default shall not be an Event of Default if, within such period (subject to
Unavoidable Delays), NYMEX commences in good faith to cure such default and
(subject to Unavoidable Delays) diligently prosecutes such cure to completion;
or

                                      -81-
<PAGE>   87

      (d) an Event of Default (as defined in the Lease) has occurred under the
Lease, or an event of default has occurred under any of the other Project
Documents that is not cured within any applicable notice and/or grace period; or

      (e) any representation or warranty by NYMEX contained in this Agreement
shall have been materially false when made, or shall have subsequently become
materially false and, at the time that NYMEX knew of the same, NYMEX shall have
failed to notify EDC (if EDC shall then be administering this Agreement) or BPCA
(if BPCA shall then be administering this Agreement) of such changes and shall
have failed to cure, or commence to cure, such failure within ten (10) days
after receipt of written notice from EDC or BPCA, as applicable; provided,
however, that if because of Unavoidable Delays or if the nature of the default
is such that NYMEX cannot reasonably be expected to cure the same within such
period, such default shall not be an Event of Default if, within such period
(subject to Unavoidable Delays), NYMEX commences in good faith to cure such
default and (subject to Unavoidable Delays) diligently prosecutes such cure to
completion.

      ss.7.2 Default Remedies; Exculpation.

      (a) Upon an Event of Default described in ss.7.1 hereof, EDC (if EDC is
then administering this Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA is then administering this
Agreement) shall have the right to elect to terminate this Agreement (reserving,
however, all remedies provided in this Article Seven or existing otherwise) or
to make no further disbursements (without terminating this Agreement) until such
Event of Default is remedied.

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<PAGE>   88

      (b) Any Event of Default under this Agreement shall also be an event of
default under the other Project Documents, and the Public Parties shall have the
right to exercise any rights, powers, or remedies permitted to the Public
Parties and each of them under such other Project Documents upon the occurrence
of an event of default thereunder (including, without limitation, the right set
forth in Article 42 of the Lease to draw upon the Security Deposit and the right
set forth in the Occupancy Agreement to recover liquidated damages in the amount
described in Section 5 of the Occupancy Agreement).

      (c) In addition to any other right, power or remedy specified herein or in
the other Project Documents, EDC (if EDC is then administering this Agreement)
or BPCA (if BPCA is then administering this Agreement) may obtain restitution of
any portion of the Funding, or if applicable the BPCA Financing, that is applied
by NYMEX, or NYMEX's employees, agents or contractors in violation of ss.6.9,
with interest from the date of disbursement at the Late Charge Rate.

      (d) In no event shall the Public Parties look to the property or assets of
any of the individuals who are the directors, officers, members or member firms,
employees, shareholders, agents or servants of NYMEX or any Affiliate of NYMEX,
and no property or assets of any of the aforesaid Persons shall be subject to
levy, execution or other enforcement procedure for the satisfaction of NYMEX's
obligations under this Agreement, except in the event such individual has
misapplied the Funding, or if applicable the BPCA Financing, as described in
ss.7.2(c) above, in which case the relevant individual shall be personally
liable to the full extent provided by law.

      (e) No right, power or remedy conferred upon or reserved to any one of the
Public Parties hereunder is intended to be exclusive of any other right, power
or remedy hereunder.

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<PAGE>   89

Every right, power and remedy hereunder shall, to the extent permitted by law,
be cumulative and in addition to every other right, power and remedy contained
in this Agreement or the other Project Documents, and may be exercised from time
to time and as often and in such order as the Public Parties may deem
appropriate.

      (f) No course of dealing on the part of EDC, or BPCA if applicable, or any
failure on the part of EDC, or BPCA if applicable, to exercise any right, power
or remedy shall operate as an election or a waiver of such right or any other
right, power or remedy, or otherwise prejudice the powers and remedies of EDC,
or BPCA, if applicable, hereunder. No delay or omission of the Public Parties in
exercising any right, power or remedy occurring upon an Event of Default shall
impair any such right, power or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence
in such Event of Default.

      (g) The Public Parties agree that upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default described in ss.7.1(a), ss.7.1(c), ss.7.1(d) and ss.7.1(e) hereof,
except as may otherwise be specifically set forth in the Occupancy Agreement or
in any of the other Project Documents, the Public Parties shall not have the
right to seek injunctive relief requiring NYMEX to comply with the requirements
of this Agreement or enjoining NYMEX from failing to comply with a requirement
of this Agreement.

      (h) The provisions of this ss.7.2 shall survive the expiration or
termination of the Term.

      ss.7.3 Termination. (a) If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with
the provisions of ss.7.2 hereof, or for any other reason provided for in this
Agreement (except in the event of a termination of this Agreement by NYMEX in
accordance with ss.9.6(b) hereof), then

                                      -84-
<PAGE>   90

in the event of such termination, no Party will have any rights against or
liabilities to any other Party and no Party will have any obligation to
reimburse any other Party for any amounts previously disbursed or expended,
except as specifically set forth herein or in the other Project Documents.

      (b) If this Agreement is terminated as described in ss.7.3(a) above, the
Public Parties may (but shall be under no obligation) to: (i) enter and protect
the Premises; (ii) assume any Design Contract or Construction Contract made by
or on behalf of NYMEX in any way relating to the Project Work and take over and
use all or any part or parts of the labor, materials, supplies and equipment
contracted for, by or on behalf of NYMEX, whether or not previously incorporated
into the Premises, and complete performance of the Project Work in accordance
with the Plans and Specifications for the Project Work or as otherwise may be
deemed appropriate, all in the discretion of the Public Parties; or (iii) (x)
engage builders, contractors, architects, engineers and others for the purpose
of furnishing labor, materials and equipment, and (y) reasonably pay, settle or
compromise all bills or claims that may become liens against the Premises, or
that have been or may be properly incurred, or for the discharge of liens,
encumbrances or defects in the title of the Premises. To effectuate the
provisions of this ss.7.3(b), (i) NYMEX collaterally assigns to BPCA the Plans
and Specifications and all such Design Contracts and Construction Contracts,
whether presently existing or made in the future, as more particularly set forth
in ss.4.1(d), and (ii) EDC shall (except as otherwise may be provided in the
case of a termination of this Agreement in accordance with ss.2.2(c)(iii) or
ss.9.6(b) hereof) have the right to draw on the Additional Security Deposit and
apply the Additional Security Deposit for the purpose of completing the Project
Work or otherwise retain the Additional Security

                                      -85-
<PAGE>   91

Deposit (which right shall be in addition to any right that BPCA may have under
Article 42 of the Lease or pursuant to any other provision of the Lease or any
provision of any other Project Document, to draw on the Security Deposit and
apply or retain such Security Deposit for the purpose of completing the Project
Work).

      (c) The provisions of this ss.7.3 shall survive the expiration or
termination of the Term.

                                      -86-
<PAGE>   92

                             ARTICLE EIGHT - NOTICES

      ss.8.1 Notices. (a) All notices, demands, requests, consents or other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been sufficiently given or served for all purposes as of the date when sent
by hand or by facsimile or by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested and addressed as follows (or to such other addresses as may from time
to time be designated by UDC, EDC, BPCA or NYMEX by notice delivered to the
other in accordance with this ss.8.1):

      (i)  if to UDC:

           New York State Urban Development Corporation
           1515 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10036
           Attention:  General Counsel
           Fax Number: (212) 930-0196

      (ii) if to EDC:

           New York City Economic Development Corporation
           110 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038
           Attention: President
           Fax Number: (212) 312-3913

           with a copy to the General Counsel, at the same address

           and with copies to;

           New York City Law Department
           100 Church Street, New York, N.Y. 10007
           Attention: Chief, Economic Development Division
           Fax Number: (212) 227-5648

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<PAGE>   93

      (iii) if to BPCA:
            Battery Park City Authority
            One World Financial Center, New York, N.Y. 10281
            Attention: President
            Fax Number: (212) 416-5315

            with a copy to the General Counsel, at the same address

      (iv)  if to NYMEX:

            New York Mercantile Exchange
            Four World Trade Center
            New York, New York 10048
            Attention: President
            Fax Number: (212) 432-1562

            with a copy to the General Counsel at the same address
            Fax Number: (212) 775-8638

            and with a copy to:

            Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
            One Battery Park Plaza
            New York, New York 10004-1490
            Attention: Stephen Lefkowitz, Esq.
            Fax Number: (212) 858-1500

      (b) All notices, demands, requests, consents or other communications under
this Agreement shall be deemed to have been delivered and received for all
purposes as of the date sent by hand or by facsimile or, if delivered by mail,
on the date actually received as indicated on the receipt thereof or on the date
delivery thereof is refused by the recipient thereof.

                                      -88-
<PAGE>   94

                 ARTICLE NINE - GENERAL CONDITIONS AND COVENANTS

      The following covenants and conditions shall be applicable throughout the
Term:

      ss.9.1 Satisfactory Proceedings. All proceedings taken and documents
required or contemplated in connection with the transactions provided for by
this Agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to EDC (if
EDC shall then be administering this Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA shall then be
administering this Agreement), and EDC or BPCA, as applicable, shall have
received copies of all such documents.

      ss.9.2 Conflict of Interests. No member, officer, director or employee of
EDC or the City, or their designees, consultants or agents, and no member of the
governing body of the City and no public official of the City, who exercises or
exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement during his/her tenure, if known to NYMEX, shall have any
interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or subcontract, or the proceeds
thereof, for work to be performed in connection with the Project Work or in any
activity or benefit arising out of or in connection with the performance of the
Project Work. Upon receiving notice or knowledge of any of the circumstances
specified in the preceding sentence, NYMEX shall deliver notice to EDC of the
circumstances and immediately shall use its best efforts to cause the Persons
affected to terminate their interest in the prohibited contract or property.
NYMEX shall require its Design Professionals, Consultants, subconsultants,
Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to make appropriate representations in
writing that they, their employees and principals do not

                                      -89-
<PAGE>   95

have any conflict of interest prohibited under this ss.9.2, and to covenant to
cause the prohibited Persons to terminate their interest in the relevant
contract or property upon demand by NYMEX.

      ss.9.3 No Liability of Individuals. No officer, employee, director,
member, agent or other person authorized to act on behalf of the State, the
City, UDC, EDC or BPCA shall have any personal liability in connection with this
Agreement or on account of any default by the State, the City, UDC, EDC or BPCA.

      ss.9.4 Anti-Boycott Provisions. (a) NYMEX agrees that neither it nor any
Affiliate is participating or shall participate in an international boycott in
violation of the provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as
amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.

      (b) Upon the final determination by the United States Department of
Commerce or any other agency of the United States as to conviction of NYMEX or
an Affiliate for participation in an international boycott in violation of the
provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended, or the
regulations promulgated thereunder, EDC (if EDC is then administering this
Agreement) or BPCA (if BPCA is then administering this Agreement) may, at its
option, declare a default under this Agreement.

      (c) NYMEX shall comply in all respects with the provisions of ss.6-114 of
the Administrative Code of the City and the rules and regulations issued by the
Comptroller of the City thereunder.

                                      -90-
<PAGE>   96

      ss.9.5 Governing Law. The provisions of this Agreement shall be governed
and interpreted in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

      ss.9.6 Limited Liability of the Public Parties; Remedies in the Event of a
Public Party Default. (a) The Public Parties shall not be liable under this
Agreement to any Person (other than NYMEX) in any matter arising out of the
financing, development, construction and equipping of the Project

      (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement,
in the event that (i) UDC fials to fund the UDC to EDC, (ii) the City fails to
fund the City Funds to EDC, or (iii) EDC fails to disburse the UDC Funds and/or
the City Funds to NYMEX in accordance with this Agreement, then, provided that
NYMEX is not in default under any of the Project Documents and shall have
delivered to the defaulting Public Party, Public Parties, and/or the City (such
defaulting party or parties is hereinafter referred to as the "Defaulting
Party") notice of such failure, which notice shall state with specificity the
nature of the conduct constituting the failure or default and bear the following
legend in capital letters:

      "IF THE DEFAULTING PARTY FAILS TO CURE THE FAILURE OR DEFAULT DESCRIBED IN
      THIS LETTER WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER THE RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE,
      NYMEX SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE FUNDING AGREEMENT, THE LEASE
      AND THE OCCUPANCY AGREEMENT, AND/OR PURSUE SUCH OTHER REMEDIES PERMITTED
      TO IT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ss.9.6 OF THE FUNDING AGREEMENT",

and such Defaulting Party fails, within a period of forty-five (45) days after
such Defaulting Party's receipt of such notice, to cure such failure, then,
upon the expiration of such forty-five (45) day period:

                                      -91-
<PAGE>   97

      (i) NYMEX may elect to bring an action to compel the Defaulting Party to
perform its (or their) respective obligations under this Agreement (during the
pendency of which and until a judgment with respect to such action has been made
by a court of competent jurisdiction and if NYMEX is successful in such action
at all times thereafter, this Agreement, the Lease and the Occupancy Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect); or

      (ii) if NYMEX elects not to bring an action to compel the Defaulting Party
to perform or if such action is unsuccessful, NYMEX may elect to:

      (A) terminate this Agreement, the Occupancy Agreement, the Lease and all
      other Project Documents (including the Financing Letter), in which event,
      upon such termination, (x) BPCA shall return the Security Deposit to NYMEX
      promptly, and EDC shall return the Additional Security Deposit to NYMEX
      promptly, (y) NYMEX shall have no further obligations to the Public
      Parties or to the City under or in connection with any of the Project
      Documents or the Project, and (z) if NYMEX elects, NYMEX may pursue its
      remedies at law; or

      (B) terminate this Agreement, the Occupancy Agreement and the Financing
      Letter, but not the Lease, in which event, following such termination, (w)
      NYMEX shall occupy the building to be constructed on the Premises for the
      period and in the manner set forth in Section 23.01 of the Lease, (x) if
      the Security Deposit, pursuant to any provision of the Lease, is not
      required to remain in effect, BPCA shall return the Security Deposit to
      NYMEX promptly, and EDC shall return the Additional Security Deposit to
      NYMEX promptly, (y) NYMEX

                                      -92-
<PAGE>   98

      shall have no further obligations to the Public Parties and the City under
      this Agreement and the Occupancy Agreement, but shall remain bound by the
      provisions of the Lease, and (z) if NYMEX elects, NYMEX may pursue its
      remedies at law.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this ss.9.6(b), in the
event that NYMEX elects, in accordance with ss.9.6(b)(ii)(B) hereof, to sue the
Defaulting Party for damages, then, NYMEX shall remain bound by the provisions
of the Occupancy Agreement unless and until such suit is terminated with
prejudice either by NYMEX irrevocably withdrawing such suit or by a judicial
dismissal or similar termination of such suit which occurs without a judgment on
the merits of whether and how much damages may be due.

      (c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, (i)
if the moneys in the aggregate sum of $5,000,000 shall not be made available by
UDC to EDC, or (ii) if the moneys in the aggregate sum of $123,686,000 under the
Consolidated Contract shall not be made available by the City to EDC in whole or
in part for any reason, then EDC shall be under no obligation to make any
disbursement of UDC Funds and/or City Funds unless and to the extent that UDC
and the City remit such moneys to EDC. The failure of EDC to receive such funds
from either UDC or the City shall be deemed to be the failure of an essential
condition for EDC's obligations and NYMEX shall not commence any action or
proceeding against EDC arising out of the failure of this condition; provided,
however, that if it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that EDC
is a necessary party to any action or proceeding commenced by NYMEX against UDC
and/or the City, EDC may be joined as a party defendant to such action

                                      -93-
<PAGE>   99

(but in no event shall EDC be liable for the payment of the Funding to the
extent such Funding has not been made available to EDC by UDC and/or the City).

      ss.9.6A Arbitration. In the event that there arises a dispute among the
Parties as to whether EDC has defaulted in making disbursements of the Funding
in accordance with, and to the extent specifically provided in, this Agreement,
or whether BPCA has defaulted in making disbursements of the BPCA Financing in
accordance with, and to the extent specifically provided in, this Agreement and
the BPCA Financing Documents, such dispute shall be determined by arbitration in
the manner hereinafter provided:

      (a) Procedure for Arbitration.

            (i) The party desiring the arbitration shall, by notice to the other
party (the "Dispute Notice"), require that the dispute in question be presented
for resolution to the first available applicable arbiter set forth on the list
set fort in ss.9.6A(b)(iii) below. The party giving the Dispute Notice shall
give a copy of such Dispute Notice to the first applicable arbiter on such
applicable list (unless such first arbiter is known to be unavailable) with a
cover letter requesting such arbiter to serve. In the event the first named
applicable arbiter is not available or is unwilling to serve, the applicable
arbiter next set forth on the applicable list shall be engaged, and so on, until
arriving at a available applicable arbiter. The arbiter serving to resolve any
dispute hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the "Arbiter".

            (ii) Arbiter's Decision. Upon selection of an Arbiter in accordance
with ss.9.6A(a)(i) above, the Parties shall make such submissions as they may
wish to the Arbiter within five (5) Business Days after receipt of the Dispute
Notice and selection of an Arbiter.

                                      -94-
<PAGE>   100

Within five (5) Business Days thereafter, the Arbiter shall attempt to cause the
Parties to agree on a resolution to the dispute and, failing that, shall make a
decision in writing by 5:00 PM on the last day of such five (5) Business Day
period. Copies of the Arbiter's decision shall be sent to all the Parties. In
rendering his or her decision, the Arbiter shall have no power to modify any of
the provisions of this Agreement, and the jurisdiction of the Arbiter is
expressly limited accordingly. The decision of the Arbiter shall be final and
conclusive on the Parties, and judgment may be entered on the decision of the
Arbiter rendered in accordance with this ss.9.6A and may be enforced in
accordance with the laws of New York State.

      (b) Selection of Arbiter.

            (i) Disqualifications. During the month of January of each calendar
year during the Term of this Agreement, each Party may, by written notice to the
other, disqualify one of the listed arbiters for any reason whatsoever. Each
party may also, by written notice to the other at any time (including during the
five (5) Business Day period following the giving of a Dispute Notice), require
any arbiter to be disqualified for cause (including, without limitation,
conflict of interest), the presence of such cause (if disputed) to be determined
by another arbiter under the provisions of this ss.9.6A. The remaining arbiters
shall move up on the list to fill any vacancies so created.

            (ii) Replacements. If any of the listed arbiters dies, becomes
disabled, retires, goes out of business, is disqualified by any Party for cause
or otherwise, or elects to withdraw from the list, then the Parties shall agree
on a replacement within twenty (20) days after notice thereof. If the parties
fail to so agree, each, within five(5) days after such twenty (20) day period,
shall designate one of the remaining listed arbiters and the two arbiters so
chosen shall

                                      -95-
<PAGE>   101

appoint a replacement within twenty (20) days thereafter. All newly chosen
arbiters shall be placed at the last position on the applicable list. If more
than one arbiter is chosen at the same time, the arbiters who are so chosen
shall be listed in alphabetical order. In the event that, at any time, there is
no listed applicable arbiter available, the Parties shall endeavor to agree upon
a reputable and experienced arbiter to resolve the dispute in question. In the
event that the Parties are unable to agree on such arbiter, such arbiter shall
be chosen in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association
then prevailing. The Arbiter, however chosen, shall proceed to resolve any
dispute in accordance with the provisions set forth in this ss.9.6A.

            (iii) Lists of Arbiters. The following is a list of persons from
which to select an arbiter to determine applicable disputes arising hereunder:

               LIST OF ARBITER FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ISSUES:

1.    Mr. Arthur Thompsen
      Hennigan Construction, Inc.
      250 West 30th Street
      New York, NY 10001
      (212) 947-6441

2.    Mr. Jeremiah I. Collins
      York/Hunter Inc.
      1372 Broadway
      New York, NY 10018
      (212) 703-3700

3.    Mr. Clark Pile, P.E.
      O'Brien-Kreitzberg and Associates
      1515 Broadway
      New York, NY 10036
      (212) 921-9898

                                      -96-
<PAGE>   102

4.    Mr. Charles Uribe
      A.J. Contracting Corporation
      470 Park Avenue South
      New York, NY 10016
      (212) 889-9100

5.    Mr. Mitch Solomon
      HRH Construction
      909 3rd Avenue
      New York, NY 10022
      (212) 751-3100

6.    Mr. Joseph Coppotelli
      Structure Tone, Inc.
      15 East 26th Street
      New York, NY 10010
      (212) 481-6100

7.    Mr. Nicolas Andreadis
      Turner Construction Company
      375 Hudson Street
      New York, NY 10014
      (212) 229-6000

           LIST OF ARBITERS FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING ISSUES:

1.    Mr. Richard Dattner
      Richard Dattner Architect P.C.
      154 West 57th Street
      New York, NY 10019
      (212) 247-2660

2.    Mr. Fred Bland
      Beyer Blinder Belle
      41 East 11th Street
      New York, NY 10003
      (212) 777-7800

                                      -97-
<PAGE>   103

3.    Mr. Richard K Carlson
      Swanke Hayden Connell Architects
      4 Columbus Circle
      New York, NY 10019
      (212) 977-9696

4.    Mr. Jerrold Clarke
      Schuman Lichteinstein Claman Efron Architects
      841 Broadway, 7th Floor
      New York, New York 10003
      (212) 979-8400

5.    Mr. Henry Brennan
      Brennan Beer Gorman
      515 Madison Avenue
      New York, NY 10001
      (212) 888-7663

6.    Mr. Brad Perkins
      Perkins Eastman and Partners
      437 Fifth Avenue
      New York, NY 10016
      (212) 889-1720

7.    Mr. Vincent DeSimone
      DeSimone Chaplin and Dobryn
      20 Waterside Plaza, Level C
      New York, New York 10010
      (212) 532-2211

8.     Mr. Theodore S. Hammer
       Haines Lundberg Waehler
       115 Fifth Avenue
       New York, New York 10003
       (212) 353-4600

      ss.9.7 Amendments. (a) This Agreement may not be amended, waived or
terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against whom enforcement of the amendment, waiver or termination is sought.

                                      -98-
<PAGE>   104

      (b) The Public Parties hereby agree not to amend the Project Agreement in
such a way as to materially or adversely affect the rights of NYMEX under this
Agreement, the Lease or the Occupancy Agreement.

      ss.9.8 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of UDC, EDC, BPCA, NYMEX and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.

      ss.9.9 Assignment of Funds. NYMEX acknowledges that the UDC Funds and the
City Funds are not, and shall not be deemed to be, an assignment of any funds
received by EDC from UDC or the City. NYMEX acknowledges that it has no right to
or interest in such funds under any agreements providing for the administration
of such funds by EDC and confirms that NYMEX's rights to the UDC Funds and the
City Funds arise exclusively under this Agreement.

      ss.9.10 No Third Party Rights. The Parties mutually confirm that this
Agreement is not intended to confer any rights upon any person other than the
Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement shall not be construed to confer
any rights upon the Architects, the Construction Managers, any other Design
Professionals or Consultants, or the Contractors, as third party beneficiaries
or under any other legal theory.

                                      -99-
<PAGE>   105

      ss.9.11 Interpretation. The provisions of the Occupancy Agreement and/or
the Lease that are incorporated by reference into this Agreement are intended to
supplement the other provisions of this Agreement. In the event of any conflict
between the provisions of the Occupancy Agreement and/or the Lease and the other
provisions of this Agreement relating to the performance of the Project Work,
the more restrictive provisions shall control. If any part of this Agreement is
held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and shall be
enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

      ss.9.12 Captions. Captions are inserted for the convenience of the reader
only and shall not be considered in the construction of this Agreement.

      ss.9.13 Indemnity. (a) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, NYMEX shall be solely responsible for all injuries to persons
including death, damage to property, or loss of any other description arising
out of the performance of this Agreement by NYMEX or any Project Work paid for
in whole or in part with the Funding, or the BPCA Financing (if applicable), or
the Alternative Financing (if applicable), including without limitation, any
loss, damage or expense resulting from any negligent act or omission, fault or
default of NYMEX, the Architects, the Construction Managers, any other Design
Professionals or Consultants, any Contractors or its or their respective
employees, agents, servants, independent contractors or subcontractors, in
connection with the Project Work, but specifically excluding any loss, damage or
expense directly resulting from the gross negligence or intentional misconduct
of the Indemnified Parties.

                                     -100-
<PAGE>   106

      (b) (i) NYMEX shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified
Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and
causes of action whatsoever to which they may be subject arising out of the
negligent acts or omission, faults or defaults of the Architects, the
Construction Managers any other Design Professionals or the Consultants, or any
subconsultant, agent or employee of the Architects, Construction Managers, any
other Design Professionals or Consultants, in connection with the performance of
the Design and/or Consulting Services, except to the extent that such claims,
damages, judgments, liabilities and causes of action have arisen directly as a
result of the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the Indemnified
Parties.

            (ii) NYMEX shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified
Parties from and against any and all claims, damages, judgments, liabilities and
causes of action whatsoever to which they may be subject arising out of the acts
or omissions of NYMEX, the Contractors, subcontractors, agents, employees or
material suppliers, and any and all Persons, in connection with the performance
of the Construction Work, or because of any negligence, fault or default of
NYMEX, its agents, employees, material suppliers or subcontractors in connection
with the Project, except to the extent that such claims, damages, judgments,
liabilities and causes of action have arisen directly as a result of (i) the
gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the Indemnified Parties, or (ii)
any construction or installation of Civic Facilities being performed by BPCA in
accordance wit Article 26 of the Lease.

            (iii) The termination of this Agreement shall not release NYMEX from
any liability to the Indemnified Parties arising out of any act or omission of
NYMEX in connection with, and occurring prior to the termination of, this
Agreement.

                                     -101-
<PAGE>   107

      (c) If any claim, action or proceeding is made or brought against any of
the Indemnified Parties that is the subject of NYMEX's indemnification under
ss.9.13(b) hereof, then, NYMEX shall resist or defend such claim, action or
proceeding (in the Indemnified Parties' name, if necessary) by the attorneys for
NYMEX's insurance carrier (if such claim, action or proceeding is covered by
insurance maintained by NYMEX) or (in all other instances) by such attorneys as
NYMEX shall select and EDC (if EDC shall then be administering this Agreement)
or BPCA (if BPCA shall then be administering this Agreement) shall approve,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and NYMEX shall
control all decisions in respect of the litigation and settlement of such
claims. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Indemnified Parties may at their own
expense engage their own attorneys to assist such Indemnified Parties in the
defense of such claim, action or proceeding, as the case may be. The
indemnification obligations imposed upon NYMEX under ss.9.13(b) shall not apply
to any settlement agreed to by the Indemnified Parties without NYMEX's prior
written consent.

      (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event
that any Indemnified Party fails, within thirty (30) days after such Indemnified
Party has (or have) actual knowledge of the commencement of any action or
proceeding subject to indemnification hereunder, to give NYMEX notice of the
commencement of such action or proceeding, such Indemnified Party shall not be
entitled to indemnification in respect of such action or proceeding; provided,
however, that NYMEX shall be required to indemnify any Indemnified Party named
in any such action or proceeding that names NYMEX, in addition to any
Indemnified Party, as a party litigant regardless of whether the Indemnified
Party has given NYMEX notice of the

                                     -102-
<PAGE>   108

commencement of such action of proceeding in accordance with the provisions
hereof, provided that NYMEX has actual knowledge of such action or proceeding.

      ss.9.14 No Agency. Except as specifically provided in Section 11.05 of the
Lease with respect to the purchase of certain materials and supplies to be
incorporated into the Project and for which a sales and compensating use tax
exemption is to be sought, neither NYMEX nor any of its employees, contractors
or subcontractors is, shall be or shall represent that he, she or it is an
agent, servant or employee of the State, the City, UDC, EDC or BPCA by virtue of
this Agreement or by virtue of any approval, permit, license, grant, right or
authorization given by the State, the City, UDC, EDC or BPCA or any of their
officers, agents or employees.

      ss.9.15 Venue

      (a) Any and all claims asserted by or against the City, UDC, EDC or BPCA
arising under this Agreement or related hereto shall be heard and determined
either in the courts of the United States located in the Southern District of
New York ("Federal Courts") or in the courts of the State of New York located in
the County of New York ("New York State Courts"). To effectuate this agreement
and intent UDC, EDC, BPCA and NYMEX agree and, where appropriate, shall require
each Design Professional, Contractor or Consultant to agree, as follows:

      (i) If UDC, EDC or BPCA initiates any action against NYMEX in Federal
Court or in New York State Court, service of process may be made on NYMEX either
in person, wherever NYMEX may be found, or by registered mail (return receipt
requested) addressed to NYMEX

                                     -103-
<PAGE>   109

at its address as set forth in this Agreement, or to such other address as NYMEX
may provide to UDC, EDC and BPCA in writing.

      (ii) With respect to any action between UDC, EDC, BPCA, and NYMEX in New
York Stare Court, NYMEX hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any rights it
might otherwise have (A) to move to dismiss on grounds of forum non conveniens,
(B) to remove to a federal court wholly outside New York City, and (C) to move
for a change of venue to a New York State Court outside New York City; provided,
however, that NYMEX may remove to a Federal Court located within New York City.

      (iii) With respect to any action between UDC, EDC, BPCA and NYMEX in
Federal Court, NYMEX expressly waives and relinquishes any right it might
otherwise have to transfer the action to another federal court outside New York
City.

      (iv) If NYMEX commences any action against the State, the City, UDC, EDC
or BPCA in a court located other than in the City and State of New York, then,
upon request of the Public Parties, NYMEX shall either consent to a transfer of
the action to a court of competent jurisdiction located in the City and State of
New York or, if the court where the action is initially brought will not or
cannot transfer the action, then NYMEX shall consent to dismiss such action
without prejudice and may thereafter reinstitute the action in a court of
competent jurisdiction in New York City.

      ss.9.16 Investigations; Cooperation.

      (a) NYMEX shall cooperate fully and faithfully with any investigation,
audit or inquiry conducted by any Governmental Authority that is empowered
directly or by designation

                                     -104-
<PAGE>   110

to compel the attendance of witnesses and to examine witnesses under oath, or
conducted by the inspector general of a Governmental Authority that is a party
in interest to this Agreement or the transaction to which it relates, when it is
subject of the investigation, audit or inquiry. In addition, NYMEX shall
promptly report in writing to the Commissioner of Investigation any solicitation
of money, goods, requests for future employment or other benefits or thing of
value, by or on behalf of any employee of the City or other person, firm,
corporation or entity for any purpose relating to the procurement or obtaining
of this Agreement by NYMEX or affecting the performance of this Agreement.

      (b) If: (1) any person who has been advised that his or her statement, and
any information from such statement, will not be used against him or her in any
subsequent criminal proceeding refuses to testify before a grand jury or other
Governmental Authority empowered directly or by designation to compel the
attendance of witnesses and to examine witnesses under oath concerning the award
of, or performance under, any transaction, agreement, lease, permit, contract,
or license entered into with the State or any political subdivision or public
authority thereof the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, UDC or any
other public benefit corporation organized under the laws of the State of New
York, the City, EDC, or any local development corporation (defined collectively
for purposes of this ss.9.16 as "agencies"), or

      (2) any person refuses to testify for a reason other than the assertion of
his or her privilege against self-incrimination in an investigation, audit or
inquiry conducted by a Governmental Authority empowered directly or by
designation to compel the attendance of witnesses and to take testimony under
oath, or by the Inspector General of a Governmental that is a party in interest
in, and is seeking testimony concerning the award of, or

                                     -105-
<PAGE>   111

performance under, any transaction agreement, lease, permit, contract, or
license entered into with the City, the State of New York, or any political
subdivision thereof EDC or any local development corporation, or

      (3) any person with information concerning any solicitation of money,
goods, requests for future employment or other benefit or thing of value, by or
on behalf of any employee of the City or other person, firm, corporation or
entity for any purpose relating to the procurement or obtaining of this
Agreement by NYMEX or affecting the performance of this Agreement, fails to
report such information to the Commissioner of Investigation of the City, then
the commissioner or. agency head whose agency is a party in interest to the
transaction, submitted bid, submitted proposal, contract, lease, permit or
license shall convene a hearing, upon not less than five (5) days written notice
to the parties involved, to determine if any penalties should attach for the
failure of a person to testify.

      (c) If NYMEX or any agent, employee or associate of NYMEX requests an
adjournment, in any proceeding investigating the events surrounding the
negotiation and consummation of this Agreement or the transaction to which it
relates, up to thirty (30) days, such adjournment shall be granted. If a further
adjournment is sought it must be done by a written request to the agency head or
commissioner who convened the hearing, at least three (3) business days prior to
the scheduled hearing date, setting forth the reasons for the request. If the
commissioner or agency head denies the request for an additional adjournment,
then NYMEX, their agent, employee or associate must appear at the scheduled
hearing or commence an action to obtain a court order, pursuant to Article 78 of
the Civil Practice Laws and Rules, substantiating a claim that the denial of the
adjournment was capricious or arbitrary. If NYMEX, their agent,

                                     -106-
<PAGE>   112

employee or associate fails to appear at the rescheduled hearing or to
diligently pursue such judicial relief, as the case may be, then, if in the sole
judgment of the commissioner or agency head the failure to appear would have a
material adverse effect on the investigation, the commissioner or agency head
who convened the hearing may suspend this Agreement pending the final
determination pursuant to ss.9.16(e) below without the City's or agency's
incurring any penalty or damages for delay or otherwise; provided, that the
right to suspend this Agreement shall not be invoked if NYMEX shall have
discharged or disassociated itself from such agent, employee or associate and
said agent, employee or associate is not reemployed either directly or
indirectly or otherwise compensated by NYMEX.

      (d) The penalties which may attach after a final determination by the
commissioner or agency head may include but shall not exceed:

                  (i) the disqualification for a period not to exceed five (5)
            years from the date of an adverse determination for any person, or
            if the person was an associated person of NYMEX or any successor or
            assignee thereof, such entity, as the case may be, of which such
            person was an associated person at the time the testimony was
            sought, from submitting bids for, or transacting business with, or
            entering into or obtaining any contract, lease, permit or license
            with or from the EDC or the City or another agency; and

                  (ii) the cancellation or termination of any and all such
            existing contracts, leases, permits or licenses made with EDC or the
            City or another agency that the refusal to testify concerns and that
            have not been assigned as permitted under this Agreement, nor the
            proceeds of which pledged, to an inaffiliated and

                                     -107-
<PAGE>   113

            unrelated institutional lender for fair value prior to the issuance
            of the notice scheduling the hearing, without EDC, the City or other
            agency incurring any penalty or damages on account of such
            cancellation or termination.

      (e) The commissioner or agency head shall consider and address in reaching
his or her determination and in assessing an appropriate penalty the factors in
subsections (i) and (ii) below. He or she may also consider, if relevant and
appropriate, the criteria established in subsections (iii) and (iv) below in
addition to any other information which may be relevant and appropriate:

            (i) The entity's good faith endeavors or lack thereof to cooperate
            fully and faithfully with any governmental investigation or audit,
            including but not limited to the discipline, discharge or
            disassociation of any person failing to testify, the production of
            accurate and complete books and records, and the forthcoming
            testimony of all other associated persons, agents, assignees or
            fiduciaries whose testimony is sought.

            (ii) The relationship of the person who refused to testify to any
            entity that is a party to the hearing, including, but not limited
            to, whether the person whose testimony is sought has an ownership
            interest in the entity and/or the degree of authority and
            responsibility the person has within the entity.

            (iii) The nexus of the testimony sought to the subject entity and
            its contracts, leases, permit or licenses with the agency.

            (iv) the effect a penalty may have on an unaffiliated and unrelated
            party or entity that has a significant interest in an entity subject
            to penalties under ss.9.16(d)

                                     -108-
<PAGE>   114

            above, provided that the party or entity has given actual notice to
            the commissioner or agency head upon the acquisition of the
            interest, or at the hearing called for in ss.9.16(b) and ss.9.16(c)
            above gives notice and proves that such interest was previously
            acquired. Under either circumstance the party or entity must present
            evidence at the hearing demonstrating the potential adverse impact a
            penalty will have on such person or entity.

      (f) As used in this ss.9.16:

            (i) The term "license" or "permit" shall mean a license, permit,
            franchise or concession not granted as a matter of right

            (ii) The term "entity" shall mean any firm, partnership,
            corporation, association or person that receives monies, benefits,
            licenses, leases or permits from or through the City or otherwise
            transacts business with EDC or the City.

            (iii) The term "associated person" shall mean any person associated
            with another person or entity as a partner, director, officer,
            principal or employee (but not any member or member firm of NYMEX).

      ss.9.17 Assignment by EDC. EDC shall have the right to assign this
Agreement or EDC's rights under this Agreement to the City, provided that the
City shall assume in writing the obligations of EDC hereunder and EDC or the
City shall have provided NYMEX with a copy of such assignment and assumption
agreement.

                                     -109-
<PAGE>   115

      ss.9.18 Registration of Agreement. EDC shall promptly deliver this
Agreement to the Comptroller of the City (the "City Comptroller") and request
that the City Comptroller file and register this Agreement promptly. EDC agrees
to take such other steps as are ordinarily and reasonably necessary to have an
agreement such as this Agreement filed with and registered by the City
Comptroller. EDC shall promptly notify NYMEX as to the filing and registration
of this Agreement upon the occurrence thereof or the City Comptroller's
notification to EDC as to the nonfiling or nonregistration thereof.

      ss.9.19 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts that, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same
document.

                                     -110-
<PAGE>   116

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the day
and year first above written.

                                          NEW YORK STATE URBAN
                                          DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

                                          By: /s/ Charles A. Gargano
                                             -----------------------------------
                                          Title: Chairman
                                                --------------------------------

                                          NEW YORK CITY ECONOMIC
                                          DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

                                          By: /s/ Clay B. Lifflander
                                             -----------------------------------
                                          Title: President
                                                --------------------------------

                                          BATTERY PARK CITY AUTHORITY

                                          By: /s/ Phillip Pitruzzello
                                             -----------------------------------
                                          Title: President
                                                --------------------------------

APPROVE AS TO FORM:                       NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

By: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]                       By: /s/ Daniel Rappaport
   ----------------------------              -----------------------------------
Acting Corporation Counsel                Title: Chairman
                                                --------------------------------

THE CITY, BY SIGNING IN
THE SPACE DESIGNATED BELOW,
AGREES TO THE PROVISIONS OF
ss.2.1(b) and ss.5A.5 HEREOF:

THE CITY OF NEW YORK

BY: /s/ John S. Dyson
   ----------------------------
Title: Deputy Mayor
      -------------------------

                                     -111-
<PAGE>   117

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
                    :
COUNTY OF NEW YORK  )

On this 12 day of April, 1995, before me personally came Charles A. Gargano, to
me know, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he has an address
at 1515 Broadway, New York, New York 10036; that he is the Chairman of NEW YORK
STATE URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, the corporation described in and which
executed the foregoing instrument; and that he signed his name thereon by
authority of the board of directors of such corporation.

                                                 /s/ Eileen M. Mildenberger
                                                --------------------------------
                                                         Notary Public

                                                   EILEEN M. MILDENBERGER
                                              Notary Public, State of New York
                                                       No. 02M15021835
                                                 Qualified in Suffolk County
                                            Commission Expires December 27, 1995

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
                    :
COUNTY OF NEW YORK  )

      On this 12 day of April, 1995, before me personally came Clay B.
Lifflander, to me know, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he
has an address at 110 William Street, New York, New York 10038; that he is the
President of NEW YORK CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, the corporation
described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; and that be signed his
name thereon by authority of the board of directors of such corporation.

                                                      /s/ Concetta Miele
                                                --------------------------------
                                                         Notary Public

                                                        CONCETTA MIELE
                                                     Commisioner of Deeds
                                                   City of New York - 2-7034
                                               Certificate Filed in Kings County
                                               Commission Expires April 1, 1997

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
                    :
COUNTY OF NEW YORK  )

      On this 12th day of April, 1995, before me personally came Phillip
Pitruzzello, to me know, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he
has an address at One World Financial Center, New York New York; that he is the
President of the BATTERY PARK CITY AUTHORITY, the corporation described in and
which executed the foregoing instrument; and that he signed his name thereon by
authority of the board of directors of such corporation.

                                                       /s/ Frieda L. Dweck
                                                --------------------------------
                                                         Notary Public

                     FRIEDA L. DWECK
            Notary Public, State of New York
                     No. 24-4904179
                Qualified in Kings County
           Commission Expires August 10, 1995

                                     -112-
<PAGE>   118

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
                    :
COUNTY OF NEW YORK  )

      On this 11th day of April, 1995, before me personally came Daniel P.
Rappaport, to me know, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he
has an address at 6 Tall Trees Drive Westport, CT 06330; that he is the Chairman
of the NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE, the corporation described in and which
executed the foregoing instrument; and that he signed his name thereon by
authority of the board of directors of such corporation.

                                                       /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
                                                --------------------------------
                                                         Notary Public

                                                         [ILLEGIBLE]
                                              Notary Public, State of New York
                                                          [ILLEGIBLE]
                                                Qualified in [ILLEGIBLE] County
                                               Commission Expires Aug. 2, 1998

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
                    :
COUNTY OF NEW YORK  )

      On the 12th day of April, 1995, before me personally came John S. Dyson,
to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he has an
address at City Hall, New York, New York; that he is the Deputy Mayor of The
City of New York and the same person who executed the foregoing instrument; and
that he acknowledged that he signed his name thereto on behalf of The City of
New York and pursuant to the authority vested in him.

                                                       /s/ Frieda L. Dweck
                                                --------------------------------
                                                         Notary Public

                                                       FRIEDA L. DWECK
                                              Notary Public, State of New York
                                                       No. 24-4904179
                                                  Qualified in Kings County
                                             Commission Expires August 10, 1995

                                     -113-<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.5

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

                          NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                     7.48% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2011
                     7.75% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2021
                     7.84% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2026

                             NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                          Dated as of October 15, 1996

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

<PAGE>   2

                                Table of Contents

                                                                       Page
                                                                       ----

1. AUTHORIZATION OF NOTES ..............................................  1

2. SALE AND PURCHASE OF NOTES ..........................................  1

3. CLOSINGS ............................................................  2

4. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING ...............................................  3
        4.1.  First Closing ............................................  3
        4.2.  Conditions to Each Closing ...............................  4
        4.3.  Additional Condition to Second and Third Closing .........  5

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE EXCHANGE ......................  5
        5.1.  Organization; Power and Authority ........................  5
        5.2.  Authorization, etc .......................................  6
        5.3.  Disclosure ...............................................  6
        5.4.  Organization and Ownership of Shares of
                 Subsidiaries ..........................................  6
        5.5.  Financial Statements .....................................  7
        5.6.  Compliance with Laws, Other Instruments, etc .............  7
        5.7.  Governmental Authorizations, etc .........................  8
        5.8.  Litigation; Observance, Statutes and Orders ..............  8
        5.9.  Taxes ....................................................  8
        5.10. Title to Property; Leases ................................  9
        5.11. Licenses, Permits, etc ...................................  9
        5.12. Compliance with ERISA ....................................  9
        5.13. Private Offering by the Exchange ......................... 10
        5.14. Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations ...................... 10
        5.15. Existing Debt ............................................ 11
        5.16. Foreign Assets Control Regulations, etc .................. 11
        5.17. Status under Certain Statutes ............................ 11
        5.18. Environmental Matters .................................... 12

6. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PURCHASER .................................... 12
        6.1.  Purchase of Notes ........................................ 12
        6.2.  Source of Funds .......................................... 12
        6.3.  Not an Exchange Member ................................... 13

7. INFORMATION AS TO EXCHANGE .......................................... 14
        7.1.  Financial and Business Information ....................... 14
        7.2.  Officer's Certificate .................................... 16
        7.3.  Inspection ............................................... 17

8. PREPAYMENT OF THE NOTES ............................................. 18
        8.1.  Required Prepayments ..................................... 18
        8.2.  Optional Prepayments ..................................... 19
        8.3.  Allocation of Partial Prepayments ........................ 20
        8.4.  Maturity; Surrender; etc ................................. 20
        8.5.  Purchase of Notes ........................................ 21
        8.6.  Make-Whole Amount ........................................ 21

9. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ............................................... 23
        9.1.  Compliance with Law ...................................... 23
        9.2.  Insurance ................................................ 23

<PAGE>   3

        9.3. Maintenance of Properties ................................. 23
        9.4. Payment of Taxes .......................................... 24
        9.5. Corporate Existence, etc .................................. 24
        9.6. Nature of Business ........................................ 24

10. NEGATIVE COVENANTS ................................................. 24
        10.1. Subsidiary Debt .......................................... 25
        10.2. Liens .................................................... 25
        10.3. Sale and Leaseback Transactions .......................... 27
        10.4. Merger, Consolidation, etc ............................... 28
        10.5. Transactions with Affiliates ............................. 28

11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT .................................................. 29

12. REMEDIES ON DEFAULT, ETC ........................................... 32
        12.1. Acceleration ............................................. 32
        12.2. Other Remedies ........................................... 33
        12.3. Rescission ............................................... 33
        12.4. No Waivers or Election of Remedies, Expenses, etc ........ 33

13. REGISTRATION; EXCHANGE; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES ...................... 34
        13.1. Registration of Notes .................................... 34
        13.2. Transfer and Exchange of Notes ........................... 34
        13.3. Replacement of Notes ..................................... 34

14. PAYMENTS ON NOTES .................................................. 35
        14.1. Place of Payment ......................................... 35
        14.2. Home Office Payment ...................................... 35

15. EXPENSES, ETC ...................................................... 36
         15.1. Transaction Expenses .................................... 36
         15.2. Survival ................................................ 37

16. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; ENTIRE
         AGREEMENT ..................................................... 37

17. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER ............................................... 37
         17.1. Requirements ............................................ 37
         17.2. Solicitation of Holders of Notes ........................ 37
         17.3. Binding Effect, etc ..................................... 38
         17.4. Notes held by Exchange, etc ............................. 38

18. NOTICES ............................................................ 39

19. REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS .......................................... 39

20. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ........................................... 40

21. SUBSTITUTION OF PURCHASER .......................................... 41

22. MISCELLANEOUS ...................................................... 41
        22.1. Successors and Assigns ................................... 41
        22.2. Construction ............................................. 41
        22.3. Payments Due on Non-Business Days ........................ 42
        22.4. Severability ............................................. 42
        22.5. Accounting Terms ......................................... 42
        22.6. Counterparts ............................................. 42
        22.7. Governing Law ............................................ 42

23.     DEFEASANCE ..................................................... 43
        23.1. Exchange's Option to Effect Covenant Defeasance .......... 43

<PAGE>   4

        23.2. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be
                 Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions ......... 45
        23.3. Reinstatement ............................................ 46

Exhibit 1(a)        -- Form of 7.48% Senior Note, Series A, due 2011
Exhibit 1(b)        -- Form of 7.75% Senior Note, Series B, due 2021
Exhibit 1(c)        -- Form of 7.84% Senior Note, Series C, due 2026
Exhibit 4.1(c)(1)   -- Form of First Closing Opinion of Special Counsel for the
                       Exchange
Exhibit 4.1(c)(2)   -- Form of First Closing Opinion of Counsel for the Exchange
Exhibit 4.1(c)(3)   -- Form of First Closing Opinion of Special Counsel for the
                       Purchasers
Exhibit 4.3(a)      -- Form of Second and Third Closing Opinion of Special
                       Counsel for the Exchange
Exhibit 4.3(b)      -- Form of Second and Third Closing Opinion of Special
                       Counsel for the Purchasers

Schedule A     --   Names and Addresses of Purchasers
Schedule B     --   Defined Terms
Schedule 5.3   --   Disclosure Information
Schedule 5.4   --   Subsidiaries
Schedule 5.5   --   Financial Statements
Schedule 5.8   --   Litigation
Schedule 5.11  --   Licenses, etc.
Schedule 5.15  --   Existing Debt and Liens
Schedule 6.2   --   Certain Plans Maintained by the Exchange

<PAGE>   5

                          NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE
                             Four World Trade Center
                               New York, NY 10048

                     7.48% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2011
                     7.75% Senior Notes, Series B, due 2021
                     7.84% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2026

                                                          As of October 15, 1996

TO EACH OF THE PURCHASERS LISTED IN
THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE A:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

            NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE, a New York corporation formed under
the NPCL (the "Exchange"), agrees with you as follows:

1. AUTHORIZATION OF NOTES.

            The Exchange has duly authorized the issue and sale of $31,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its 7.48% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2011 (the
"Series A Notes"), $54,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7.75% Senior
Notes, Series B, due 2021 (the "Series B Notes") and $15,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of its 7.84% Senior Notes, Series C, due 2026 (the "Series C
Notes" and, together with the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes, the
"Notes"), such notes to be substantially in the respective forms set out in
Exhibits 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c). As used herein, the term "Notes" shall mean all
notes (irrespective of series unless otherwise specified) originally delivered
pursuant to this Agreement and the Other Agreements referred to below and all
notes delivered in substitution or exchange for any such note and, where
applicable, shall include the singular number as well as the plural. The terms
"Note", "Series A Note", "Series B Note" and "Series C Note" mean one of the
Notes, Series A Notes, Series B Notes and Series C Notes, respectively. Certain
capitalized and other terms used in this Agreement are defined in Schedule B;
references to a "Schedule" or an "Exhibit" are, unless otherwise specified, to a
Schedule or an Exhibit attached to this Agreement.

2. SALE AND PURCHASE OF NOTES.

            Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Exchange
will issue and sell to you and you will purchase from the Exchange, at one or
more of the Closings provided for in Section 3, Notes of the series and in the
principal amount or amounts specified opposite your name in Schedule A at the
purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof.

<PAGE>   6
                                       2

Contemporaneously with entering into this Agreement, the Exchange is entering
into separate Note Purchase Agreements (the "Other Agreements") identical with
this Agreement with the other purchasers named in Schedule A (the "Other
Purchasers"), providing for the sale at one or more of such Closings to each of
the Other Purchasers of Notes of the series and in the principal amount or
amounts specified opposite its name in Schedule A. Your obligation hereunder and
the obligations of the Other Purchasers under the Other Agreements are several
and not joint obligations and you shall have no obligation under any Other
Agreement and no liability to any Person for the performance or non-performance
by any Other Purchaser thereunder.

3. CLOSINGS.

            The sale and purchase of the Notes to be purchased by you and the
Other Purchasers shall occur at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, One
Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 at 10:00 a.m., New
York time, at three closings (individually a "Closing" and respectively the
"First Closing", the "Second Closing" and the "Third Closing"). The First
Closing shall be on October 18, 1996, or such other Business Day thereafter on
or prior to October 31, 1996 as may be agreed to by the Exchange and you (if you
are purchasing Notes at such Closing) and the Other Purchasers then purchasing
Notes. The Second Closing shall be on December 27, 1996, or such other Business
Day on or prior to December 31, 1996 as may be agreed to by the Exchange and you
(if you are purchasing Notes at such Closing) and the Other Purchasers then
purchasing Notes. The Third Closing shall be on January 27, 1997, or such other
Business Day on or prior to January 31, 1997 as may be agreed to by the Exchange
and you (if you are purchasing Notes at such Closing). At each Closing for your
purchase of Notes the Exchange will deliver to you the Notes to be purchased by
you in the form of a single Note of each series (or such greater number of Notes
of each series in denominations of at least $500,000 as you may request), dated
the date of such Closing and registered in your name (or in the name of your
nominee), against delivery by you to the Exchange or its order of the purchase
price therefor by wire transfer of immediately available funds to account number
09250276 of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., at Citibank, N.A., ABA number
021000089 for the Exchange's account number 8442519 at Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co. (NYMEX Construction Asset Portfolio; contact: Robert Push).

            If the Exchange shall fail to tender the Notes to be purchased by
you at any Closing on or before the last date specified above in this Section 3
for such Closing, or if any of the conditions specified in Section 4 with
respect to such Closing shall not have been fulfilled to your satisfaction on or
before the last date specified above for such Closing, you shall be relieved of
all further obligations to purchase Notes under this Agreement, without thereby
waiving any rights you may have by reason of such failure or such nonfulfillment
(including without limitation pursuant to Section 11(j)).

<PAGE>   7
                                       3

4. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING.

4.1. First Closing.

            Your obligation to purchase and pay for the Notes to be sold to you
at the First Closing is subject to the fulfillment to your satisfaction, prior
to or at the First Closing, of the following conditions:

            (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
      warranties of the Exchange in this Agreement shall be correct when made
      and correct in all material respects at the time of such Closing.

            (b) Officer's Certificates. The Exchange shall have delivered to you
      an Officer's Certificate, dated the date of the First Closing, certifying
      that the conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (e) and (f) of this
      Section 4.1 and paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.2 have been fulfilled.
      The Exchange shall have also delivered to you a certificate of the
      Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Exchange certifying as to the
      resolutions attached thereto and other corporate proceedings relating to
      the authorization, execution and delivery of the Notes and this Agreement
      and the Other Agreements.

            (c) Opinions of Counsel. You shall have received opinions in form
      and substance satisfactory to you, dated the date of the First Closing,
      (i) from Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts, special counsel for the
      Exchange, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit 4.1(c)(1) and
      covering such other matters incident to the transactions contemplated
      hereby as you or your counsel may reasonably request (and the Exchange
      hereby instructs its counsel to deliver such opinion to you), (ii) from
      Ronald S. Oppenheimer, Esq., Executive Vice President and General Counsel
      of the Exchange, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit 4.1(c)(2)
      and covering such other matters incident to the transactions contemplated
      hereby as you or your counsel may reasonably request (and the Exchange
      hereby instructs its counsel to deliver such opinion to you) and (iii)
      from Willkie Farr & Gallagher, your special counsel in connection with
      such transactions, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit 4.1(c)
      (3) and covering such other matters incident to such transactions as you
      may reasonably request.

            (d) Private Placement Numbers. A Private Placement Number issued by
      Standard & Poor's CUSIP Service Bureau (in cooperation with the Securities
      Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
      shall have been obtained for the Notes of each series.

<PAGE>   8
                                       4

            (e) Changes in Corporate Structure. The Exchange shall not have
      changed its jurisdiction of incorporation or been a party to any merger or
      consolidation and shall not have succeeded to all or any substantial part
      of the liabilities of any other entity (whether or not the transaction
      would be permitted by Section 10.4) at any time following the date of the
      most recent financial statements referred to in Schedule 5.5.

            (f) Rating. The Notes shall have been rated "AA" or better by
      Standard & Poor's Rating Group, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.

4.2. Conditions to Each Closing.

            Your obligation to purchase and pay for the Notes to be purchased by
you hereunder at any Closing is subject to the fulfillment to your satisfaction,
prior to or at such Closing, of the following additional conditions:

            (a) Performance. The Exchange shall have performed all agreements
      required on its part to be performed under this Agreement on or prior to
      the date of such Closing.

            (b) No Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
      and been continuing.

            (c) Proceedings and Documents. All corporate and other proceedings
      in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all
      documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall be
      satisfactory to you and your special counsel, and you and your special
      counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified or
      other copies of such documents as you or they may reasonably request.

            (d) Purchase Permitted By Applicable Law, etc. On the date of such
      Closing your purchase of Notes shall (i) be permitted by the laws and
      regulations of each jurisdiction to which you are subject, without
      recourse to provisions (such as Section 1405 (a)(8) of the New York
      Insurance Law) permitting limited investments by insurance companies
      without restriction as to the character of the particular investment, (ii)
      not violate any applicable law or regulation (including without limitation
      Regulation G, T or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
      System) and (iii) not subject you to any tax (other than income or
      franchise taxes), penalty or liability under or pursuant to any applicable
      law or regulation, which law or regulation was not in effect on the date
      hereof. If requested by you, you shall have received an Officer's
      Certificate certifying as to such matters of fact as you may reasonably
      specify to enable you to determine whether such purchase is so permitted.

<PAGE>   9
                                       5

            (e) Sale of Notes to Other Purchasers. The Exchange shall sell to
      the Other Purchasers and the Other Purchasers shall purchase the Notes to
      be purchased by them at or before such Closing as specified in Schedule A.

            (f) Payment of Special Counsel Fees. Without limiting the provisions
      of Section 15.1, the Exchange shall have paid on or before the date of
      such Closing the fees, charges and disbursements of your special counsel
      referred to in Section 4.1(c) to the extent reflected in a statement of
      such counsel rendered to the Exchange at least one Business Day prior to
      such Closing.

4.3. Additional Condition to Second and Third Closing.

            Your obligation to purchase and pay for the Notes to be purchased by
you hereunder at the Second or Third Closing is subject to the fulfillment to
your satisfaction, prior to or at such Closing, of the following additional
conditions:

            (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
      warranties of the Exchange in Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.6 and 5.13 shall be
      correct in all material respects at the time of such Closing.

            (b) Opinions of Counsel. You shall have received opinions in form
      and substance satisfactory to you, dated the date of such Closing, (i)
      from Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts, special counsel for the
      Exchange, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit 4.3(a)(1) and
      covering such other matters incident to the transactions contemplated
      hereby as you or your counsel may reasonably request (and the Exchange
      hereby instructs its counsel to deliver such opinion to you), and (ii)
      from Willkie Farr & Gallagher, your special counsel in connection with
      such transactions, substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit
      4.3(a)(2) and covering such other matters incident to such transactions as
      you may reasonably request.

            (c) Officer's Certificate. The Exchange shall have delivered to you
      an Officer's Certificate, dated the date of such Closing, certifying that
      the conditions specified in paragraph (a) of this Section 4.3 and
      paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.2 have been fulfilled.

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE EXCHANGE.

            The Exchange represents and warrants to you that:

5.1. Organization; Power and Authority.

            The Exchange is a corporation duly organized under the NPCL, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York, and is
duly qualified as a foreign corporation

<PAGE>   10
                                       6

and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is
required by law, other than those jurisdictions as to which the failure to be so
qualified or in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Exchange has the
corporate power and authority to own or hold under lease the properties it
purports to own or hold under lease, to transact the business it transacts and
proposes to transact, to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Other
Agreements and the Notes and to perform the provisions hereof and thereof.

5.2. Authorization, etc.

            This Agreement and the Other Agreements and the Notes have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Exchange, and
this Agreement constitutes, and upon execution and delivery thereof each Note
will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Exchange
enforceable against the Exchange in accordance with its terms, except as may be
limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and
(b) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

5.3. Disclosure.

            The Exchange, through its agent, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated,
has delivered to you a copy of a Private Placement Memorandum dated August 19,
1996 (the "Memorandum"), relating to the transactions contemplated hereby. This
Agreement, the Memorandum, the documents, certificates or other writings
delivered to you by or on behalf of the Exchange in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby and described in Schedule 5.3, and the
financial statements listed in Schedule 5.5, taken as a whole, do not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made. Except as disclosed in the Memorandum
or as expressly described in Schedule 5.3, or in one of the documents,
certificates or other writings identified therein, or in the financial
statements listed in Schedule 5.5, since December 31, 1995, there has been no
change in the financial condition, operations, business or properties of the
Exchange or any Subsidiary except changes that individually or in the aggregate
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.4. Organization and Ownership of Shares of Subsidiaries.

            (a) Schedule 5.4 is (except as noted therein) a complete and correct
list of the Exchange's Subsidiaries, showing, as to each Subsidiary, the correct
name thereof, the jurisdiction of its organization, and the percentage of shares
of

<PAGE>   11
                                       7

each class of its capital stock or similar equity interests outstanding owned by
the Exchange and each other Subsidiary.

            (b) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock or similar equity
interests of each Subsidiary shown in Schedule 5.4 as being owned by the
Exchange and its Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable and are owned by the Exchange or another Subsidiary free and clear
of any Lien (except as otherwise disclosed in Schedule 5.4).

            (c) Each Subsidiary identified in Schedule 5.4 is a corporation or
other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation or other legal entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
in which such qualification is required by law, other than those jurisdictions
as to which the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. Each such Subsidiary has the corporate or other power and
authority to own or hold under lease the properties it purports to own or hold
under lease and to transact the business it transacts and proposes to transact.

5.5. Financial Statements.

            The Exchange has delivered to you copies of the consolidated
financial statements of the Exchange and its consolidated Subsidiaries listed in
Schedule 5.5. All of said financial statements (including in each case the
related schedules and notes) fairly present in all material respects the
consolidated financial position of the Exchange and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as of the respective dates specified in such Schedule and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the respective
periods so specified and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied throughout the periods involved except as set forth in the notes thereto
(subject, in the case of any interim financial statements, to normal year-end
adjustments).

5.6. Compliance with Laws, Other Instruments, etc.

            The execution, delivery and performance by the Exchange of this
Agreement and the Notes will not (i) contravene, result in any breach of, or
constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien in respect of
any property of the Exchange or any Subsidiary under, any indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, loan, purchase or credit agreement, lease, corporate charter or
by-law or any other Material agreement or instrument to which the Exchange or
any Subsidiary is bound or by which the Exchange or any Subsidiary or any of
their respective properties may be bound or affected, (ii) conflict with or
result in a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any order,
judgment, decree, or ruling of any court, arbitrator or Governmental

<PAGE>   12
                                       8

Authority applicable to the Exchange or any Subsidiary or (iii) violate any
provision of any statute or other rule or regulation of any Governmental
Authority applicable to the Exchange or any Subsidiary.

5.7. Governmental Authorizations, etc.

            No consent, approval or authorization of, or registration, filing or
declaration with, any Governmental Authority is required in connection with the
execution, delivery or performance by the Exchange of this Agreement or the
Notes.

5.8. Litigation; Observance, Statutes and Orders.

            (a) Except as described in Schedule 5.8, there are no actions, suits
or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Exchange, threatened against
or affecting the Exchange or any Subsidiary or any property of the Exchange or
any Subsidiary in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by
any Governmental Authority that, individually or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (b) Except as described in Schedule 5.8, neither the Exchange nor
any Subsidiary is in default under any order, judgment, decree or ruling of any
court, arbitrator or Governmental Authority or is in violation of any applicable
law, ordinance, rule or regulation (including without limitation Environmental
Laws) of any Governmental Authority, which default or violation, individually or
in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

5.9. Taxes.

            The Exchange and its Subsidiaries have filed all income tax returns
that are required to have been filed in any jurisdiction, and have paid all
taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns and all other taxes and
assessments payable by them, to the extent such taxes and assessments have
become due and payable and before they have become delinquent, except for any
taxes and assessments (a) the amount of which is not individually or in the
aggregate Material or (b) the amount, applicability or validity of which is
currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with
respect to which the Exchange or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, has
established adequate reserves to the extent required by GAAP. The Federal income
tax liabilities of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries (other than COMEX) have
been determined by the Internal Revenue Service and paid for all fiscal years up
to and including the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992 and the Federal income
tax liabilities of COMEX have been determined by the Internal Revenue Service
and paid for all fiscal years up to and including the fiscal year ended November
30, 1992.

<PAGE>   13
                                       9

5.10. Title to Property; Leases.

            The Exchange and its Subsidiaries have good and sufficient title to
their respective Material properties, including all such properties reflected in
the most recent audited balance sheet listed in Schedule 5.5 or purported to
have been acquired by the Exchange or a Subsidiary after said date (except as
sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), in each case
free and clear of Liens, except for Liens that are permitted to exist under
Section 10.2 without equally and ratably securing the Notes. All Material leases
are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect in all material
respects.

5.11. Licenses, Permits, etc.

            Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.11, the Exchange and its
Subsidiaries own or possess all licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations,
patents, copyrights, proprietary software, service marks, trademarks and trade
names, or rights thereto, that are Material, without known conflict with the
rights of others, except for those conflicts that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.12. Compliance with ERISA.

            (a) The Exchange and each ERISA Affiliate have operated and
administered each Plan in compliance with all applicable laws except for such
instances of noncompliance as have not resulted in and would not reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Exchange nor any
ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or
the penalty or excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit
plans (as defined in Section 3 of ERISA), and no event, transaction or condition
has occurred or exists that would reasonably be expected to result in the
incurrence of any such liability by the Exchange or any ERISA Affiliate, or in
the imposition of any Lien on any of the rights, properties or assets of the
Exchange or any ERISA Affiliate, in either case pursuant to Title I or IV of
ERISA or to such penalty or excise tax provisions or to Section 401(a)(29) or
412 of the Code, other than such liabilities or Liens as would not be
individually or in the aggregate Material.

            (b) As of December 31, 1995, the projected benefit obligation for
each Plan that is a pension plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA did
not exceed the fair market value of the Plan's assets. For this purpose,
"projected benefit obligation" shall have the meaning specified in paragraph 18
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87.

            (c) The Exchange and its ERISA Affiliates have not incurred
withdrawal liabilities (and are not subject to contingent withdrawal
liabilities) under section 4201 or 4204 of

<PAGE>   14
                                       10

ERISA in respect of Multiemployer Plans that individually or in the aggregate
are Material.

            (d) The expected postretirement benefit obligation (determined as of
the last day of the Exchange's most recently ended fiscal year in accordance
with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 106, without regard to
liabilities attributable to continuation coverage mandated by section 4980B of
the Code) of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries is not Material.

            (e) With respect to each employee benefit plan, if any, disclosed by
you in writing to the Exchange in accordance with Section 6.2(c), neither the
Exchange nor any "affiliate" of the Exchange (as defined in Section V(c) of the
QPAM Exemption) has at this time, nor has exercised at any time during the
immediately preceding year, the authority to appoint or terminate the "QPAM" (as
defined in Part V of the QPAM Exemption) disclosed by you to the Exchange
pursuant to Section 6.2(c) as manager of any of the assets of any such plan or
to negotiate the terms of any management agreement with such QPAM on behalf of
any such plan, and the Exchange is not an "affiliate" (as so defined) of such
QPAM. The Exchange is not a party in interest with respect to any employee
benefit plan disclosed by you in accordance with Section 6.2(b) or 6.2(e). The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the issuance and sale of the Notes
at any Closing hereunder will not involve any prohibited transaction (as such
term is defined in section 406(a) of ERISA and section 4975(c)(1)(A)-(D) of
the Code) that could subject the Exchange or any holder of a Note to any tax or
penalty on prohibited transactions imposed under said section 4975 of the Code
or by section 502(i) of ERISA. The representation by the Exchange in the
preceding sentence of this Section 5.12(e) is made in reliance upon and subject
to the accuracy of your representation in Section 6.2 as to the source of the
funds used to pay the purchase price of the Notes to be purchased by you.

5.13. Private Offering by the Exchange.

            Neither the Exchange nor anyone acting on its behalf has offered the
Notes or any similar securities for sale to, or solicited any offer to buy any
of the same from, or otherwise approached or negotiated in respect thereof with,
any person other than you, the Other Purchasers and not more than 65 other
Institutional Investors, each of which has been offered the Notes at a private
sale for investment. Neither the Exchange nor anyone acting on its behalf has
taken, or will take, any action that would subject the issuance or sale of the
Notes to the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act.

5.14. Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations.

            The Exchange will apply the net proceeds of the sale of the Notes to
complete construction of, and relocate to, its new

<PAGE>   15
                                       11

headquarters facility in New York City (as described in the Memorandum) and any
balance will be applied for general corporate purposes. No part of the proceeds
from the sale of the Notes hereunder will be used, directly or indirectly, for
the purpose of buying or carrying any margin stock within the meaning of
Regulation G of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12 CFR
207), or for the purpose of buying or carrying or trading in any securities
under such circumstances as to involve the Exchange in a violation of Regulation
X of said Board (12 CFR 224) or to involve any broker or dealer in a violation
of Regulation T of said Board (12 CFR 220). Margin stock does not constitute
more than 1% of the value of the consolidated assets of the Exchange and its
Subsidiaries and the Exchange does not have any present intention that margin
stock will constitute more than 5% of the value of such assets. As used in this
Section, the terms "margin stock" and "purpose of buying or carrying" shall have
the meanings assigned to them in said Regulation G.

5.15. Existing Debt.

            Schedule 5.15 sets forth a complete and correct list of all
outstanding Debt of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996,
since which date there has been no Material change in the amounts, interest
rates, sinking funds, installment payments or maturities of the Debt of the
Exchange or any Subsidiary. Neither the Exchange nor any Subsidiary is in
default, and no waiver of default is currently in effect, in the payment of any
principal of or interest on any Debt, and no event or condition exists with
respect to any such Debt the outstanding principal amount of which exceeds
$500,000 that would permit (or that with the giving of notice or the lapse of
time, or both, would permit) one or more Persons to cause such Debt to become
due and payable before its stated maturity or before its regularly scheduled
dates of payment.

5.16. Foreign Assets Control Regulations, etc.

            Neither the sale of the Notes by the Exchange hereunder nor its use
of the proceeds thereof will violate the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended,
or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury
Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling
legislation or executive order relating thereto.

5.17. Status under Certain Statutes.

            Neither the Exchange nor any Subsidiary is subject to regulation
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935, as amended, the Interstate Commerce Act, as amended, or the
Federal Power Act, as amended.

<PAGE>   16
                                       12

5.18. Environmental Matters.

            Neither the Exchange nor any Subsidiary has knowledge of any claim
or has received any notice of any claim, and no proceeding has been instituted
raising any claim against the Exchange or its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective real properties now or formerly owned, leased or operated by any of
them or other assets, alleging any damage to the environment or violation of any
Environmental Laws, except, in each case, such as would not reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

6. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PURCHASER.

6.1. Purchase of Notes.

            You represent that you are purchasing the Notes to be purchased by
you at each Closing for your own account or for one or more separate accounts
maintained by you or for the account of one or more pension or trust funds and
not with a view to the distribution thereof, provided that the disposition of
your or their property shall at all times be within your or their control. You
understand that the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and
may be resold only if registered pursuant to the provisions of the Securities
Act or if an exemption from registration is available, except under
circumstances where neither such registration nor such an exemption is required
by law, and that the Exchange is not required to register the Notes.

6.2. Source of Funds.

            You represent that at least one of the following statements is an
accurate representation as to each source of funds (a "Source") to be used by
you to pay the purchase price of the Notes to be purchased by you hereunder:

            (a) the Source is an "insurance company general account", as such
      term is defined in Prohibited Transaction Exemption ("PTE") 95-60 (issued
      July 12, 1995), and either (i) there is no "plan" with respect to which
      the aggregate amount of such general account's reserves and liabilities
      for the contracts held by or on behalf of such "plan" and all other
      "plans" maintained by the same employer (and affiliates thereof as defined
      in Section V(a)(1) of PTE 95-60) or by the same employee organization (in
      each case determined in accordance with PTE 95-60) exceeds or will exceed
      10% of the total of all reserves and liabilities of such general account
      (determined in accordance with PTE 95-60, exclusive of separate account
      liabilities, plus any applicable surplus) as of the date of the Closing
      for such purchase, or (ii) if any "plan" described in the preceding clause
      (i) exists, such "plan" is not a "plan" maintained by

<PAGE>   17
                                       13

      the Exchange or by any such affiliate or employee organization identified
      in Schedule 6.2; or

            (b) the Source is either (i) an insurance company pooled separate
      account, within the meaning of PTE 90-1 (issued January 29, 1990), or (ii)
      a bank collective investment fund, within the meaning of the PTE 91-38
      (issued July 12, 1991) and, except as you have disclosed to the Exchange
      in writing pursuant to this paragraph (b), no employee benefit plan or
      group of plans maintained by the same employer or employee organization
      beneficially owns more than 10% of all assets allocated to such pooled
      separate account or collective investment fund; or

            (c) the Source constitutes assets of an "investment fund" (within
      the meaning of Part V of the QPAM Exemption) managed by a "qualified
      professional asset manager" or "QPAM" (within the meaning of Part V of the
      QPAM Exemption), no employee benefit plan's assets that are included in
      such investment fund, when combined with the assets of all other employee
      benefit plans established or maintained by the same employer or by an
      affiliate (within the meaning of Section V(c)(1) of the QPAM Exemption)
      of such employer or by the same employee organization and managed by such
      QPAM, exceed 20% of the total client assets managed by such QPAM, the
      conditions of Part I(c) and (g) of the QPAM Exemption are satisfied,
      neither the QPAM nor a person controlling or controlled by the QPAM
      (applying the definition of "control" in Section V(e) of the QPAM
      Exemption) owns a 5% or more interest in the Exchange and (i) the identity
      of such QPAM and (ii) the names of all employee benefit plans whose assets
      are included in such investment fund have been disclosed to the Exchange
      in writing pursuant to this paragraph (c); or

            (d) the Source is a governmental plan; or

            (e) the Source is one or more employee benefit plans, or a separate
      account or trust fund comprised of one or more employee benefit plans,
      each of which has been disclosed to the Exchange in writing pursuant to
      this paragraph (e); or

            (f) the Source does not include assets of any employee benefit plan,
      other than a plan exempt from the coverage of ERISA.

As used in this Section 6.2, the terms "employee benefit plan", "governmental
plan" and "separate account" shall have the respective meanings assigned to such
terms in Section 3 of ERISA.

6.3. Not an Exchange Member.

            You represent that you are not an Exchange Member.

<PAGE>   18
                                       14

7. INFORMATION AS TO EXCHANGE.

7.1. Financial and Business Information.

            The Exchange shall deliver to you (so long as you are obligated to
purchase Notes hereunder and thereafter so long as you shall hold any of the
Notes) and to each holder of Notes that is an Institutional Investor:

            (a) Quarterly Statements - - promptly upon their becoming available
      and in any event within 60 days after the end of each quarterly fiscal
      period in each fiscal year of the Exchange (other than the last quarterly
      fiscal period of each such fiscal year), duplicate copies of,

                  (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Exchange and its
            consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter, and

                  (ii) consolidated statements of income and members' equity and
            cash flows of the Exchange and its consolidated Subsidiaries for
            such quarter and (in the case of the second and third quarters) for
            the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter,

      setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
      corresponding periods in the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable
      detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial
      statements generally, and certified by a Senior Financial Officer as
      fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial position of the
      companies being reported on and their results of operations and cash
      flows, subject to changes resulting from year-end adjustments;

            (b) Annual Statements -- promptly upon their becoming available and
      in any event within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year of the
      Exchange, duplicate copies of,

                  (i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Exchange and its
            consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such year, and

                  (ii) consolidated statements of income and members' equity and
            cash flows of the Exchange and its consolidated Subsidiaries for
            such year,

      setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the
      previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance
      with GAAP, and accompanied by

                  (A) an opinion thereon of independent public accountants of
            recognized national standing, which opinion shall state that such
            financial statements

<PAGE>   19
                                       15

            present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
            the companies being reported upon and their results of operations
            and cash flows and have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, and
            that the examination of such accountants in connection with such
            financial statements has been made in accordance with generally
            accepted auditing standards, and that such audit provides a
            reasonable basis for such opinion in the circumstances, and

                  (B) a certificate of such accountants stating that they have
            reviewed this Agreement and stating further whether, in making their
            audit, they have become aware of any condition or event that then
            constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, and, if they are aware
            that any such condition or event then exists, specifying the nature
            and period of the existence thereof (it being understood that such
            accountants shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any
            failure to obtain knowledge of any Default or Event of Default
            unless such accountants should have obtained knowledge thereof in
            making an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
            standards or did not make such an audit);

            (c) CFTC and Other Reports - - promptly upon their becoming
      available, one copy of (i) each financial statement or Material report
      sent by the Exchange or any Subsidiary to public securities holders
      generally, (ii) each regular or periodic report, if any, filed by the
      Exchange or any Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
      and (iii) each Material report relating to the financial condition of the
      Exchange filed by the Exchange or any Subsidiary with the Commodity
      Futures Trading Commission (excluding reports or other information filed
      with said Commission in connection with rule changes or amendments and
      applications for designation as a "contract market" with respect to
      futures contracts);

            (d) Notice of Default or Event of Default - - promptly, and in any
      event within five Business Days after a Responsible Officer becomes aware
      of the existence of any Default or Event of Default (including without
      limitation the acceleration of any Debt referred to in clause (ii) of
      Section 11(e) irrespective of whether any rescission or annulment thereof
      is at the time being sought), a written notice specifying the nature and
      period of existence thereof and what action the Exchange is taking or
      proposes to take with respect thereto and the Exchange's estimate of the
      period of time that will be required to cure such Default or Event of
      Default;

            (e) ERISA Matters -- promptly, and in any event within five Business
      Days after a Responsible Officer becomes aware

<PAGE>   20
                                       16

      of any of the following, a written notice setting forth the nature thereof
      and the action, if any, that the Exchange or an ERISA Affiliate proposes
      to take with respect thereto:

                  (i) with respect to any Plan, any reportable event, as defined
            in section 4043(b) of ERISA and the regulations thereunder, for
            which notice thereof has not been waived pursuant to such
            regulations as in effect on the date hereof; or

                  (ii) the taking by the PBGC of steps to institute, or the
            threatening by the PBGC of the institution of, proceedings under
            section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of
            a trustee to administer, any Plan, or the receipt by the Exchange or
            any ERISA Affiliate of a notice from a Multiemployer Plan that such
            action has been taken by the PBGC with respect to such Multiemployer
            Plan; or

                  (iii) any event, transaction or condition that could result in
            the incurrence of any liability by the Exchange or any ERISA
            Affiliate pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or
            excise tax provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit
            plans, or in the imposition of any Lien on any of the rights,
            properties or assets of the Exchange or any ERISA Affiliate pursuant
            to Title I or IV of ERISA or such penalty or excise tax provisions,
            if such liability or Lien, taken together with any other such
            liabilities or Liens then existing, would reasonably be expected to
            have a Material Adverse Effect; and

            (f) Requested Information -- with reasonable promptness, such other
      data and information relating to the business, operations, affairs,
      financial condition, assets or properties of the Exchange or any of its
      Subsidiaries or the ability of the Exchange to perform its obligations
      hereunder and under the Notes as from time to time may be reasonably
      requested by you or any such holder (subject to the limitations of the
      final paragraph of Section 7.3)

            The Exchange shall deliver, with reasonable promptness after a
written request thereof or by any holder of a Note or a prospective transferee
of a Note, information satisfying the requirements of subsection (d)(4)(i) of
Rule 144A of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act or
any similar rule then in effect.

7.2. Officer's Certificate.

            Each set of financial statements delivered to you (so long as you
are obligated to purchase Notes hereunder) or any holder of Notes pursuant to
Section 7.1(a) or Section 7.1(b)

<PAGE>   21
                                       17

shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer setting
forth:

            (a) Covenant Compliance -- the information (including detailed
      calculations) required in order to establish whether the Exchange was in
      compliance with the requirements of Sections 10.1 through 10.3, inclusive,
      during the quarterly or annual period covered by the statements then being
      furnished (including with respect to each such Section, where applicable,
      the calculations of the maximum amount permissible under the terms of such
      Section, and the calculation of the amount then in existence) ; and

            (b) No Default -- a statement that such Senior Financial Officer has
      reviewed the relevant terms hereof and has made, or caused to be made,
      under his or her supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions
      of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries from the beginning of the quarterly
      or annual period covered by the statements then being furnished to the
      date of the certificate and that such review shall not have disclosed the
      existence during such period of any condition or event that constitutes a
      Default or an Event of Default or, if any such condition or event existed
      or exists (including without limitation any such event or condition
      resulting from the failure of the Exchange or any Subsidiary to comply
      with any Environmental Law or the rules and regulations of the Commodities
      Futures Trading Commission), specifying the nature and period of existence
      thereof and what action the Exchange shall have taken or proposes to take
      with respect thereto and the Exchange's estimate of the period of time
      that will be required to cure such Default or Event of Default.

7.3. Inspection.

            The Exchange shall permit your representatives (so long as you shall
be obligated to purchase Notes hereunder and thereafter so long as you shall
hold any of the Notes) and the representatives of each holder of Notes that is
an Institutional Investor:

            (a) No Default -- if no Default or Event of Default then exists, at
      the expense of you or such holder and upon reasonable prior notice to the
      Exchange, to visit the principal executive office of the Exchange and to
      discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Exchange and its
      Subsidiaries with the Exchange's officers, all at such reasonable times
      during the Exchange's regular business hours and as often as may be
      reasonably requested in writing; and

            (b) Default -- if a Default or Event of Default then exists, at the
      expense of the Exchange and upon reasonable prior notice to the Exchange,
      to visit and inspect any of

<PAGE>   22
                                       18

      the offices or properties of the Exchange or any Subsidiary, to examine
      all their respective books of account, records, reports and other papers,
      to make copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective
      affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers and
      independent public accountants (and by this provision the Exchange
      authorizes said accountants to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts
      of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times and as
      often as may be requested.

            Neither the Exchange nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required
to provide materials or information pursuant to Section 7.1(f) or this Section
7.3 if the disclosure of such materials or information, based upon written
advice of counsel to the Exchange (furnished for information purposes only to
you or any holder of Notes requesting such materials or information at the
Exchange's expense), would be prohibited under applicable law or regulation or
decree of any Governmental Authority or by the terms of any confidentiality
agreement binding on the Exchange or such Subsidiary which is generally
applicable to all holders of securities issued by the Exchange and was not
entered into in contemplation of this Agreement. You agree, and each holder of
a Note by acceptance of such Note agrees, that any materials or information
identified by the Exchange or any Subsidiary as Confidential Information in
connection with your exercise of rights pursuant to Section 7.1(f) or this
Section 7.3 shall be treated in a confidential manner in accordance with the
requirements of Section 20.

8. PREPAYMENT OF THE NOTES.

            In addition to the payment of the entire unpaid principal amount of
the Notes of each series at the final maturity thereof, the Exchange will make
required prepayments and may make optional prepayments in respect of the Notes
as hereinafter provided.

8.1. Required Prepayments.

            (a) Series A Notes. On October 1, 2001 and on each October 1
thereafter to and including October 1, 2010, the Exchange will prepay in
accordance with Section 14 an aggregate principal amount of the Series A Notes
equal to 9.08064% of the aggregate principal amount (rounded to the nearest
$1,000) of Series A Notes originally issued under this Agreement and the Other
Agreements (or such lesser principal amount as shall then be outstanding), such
prepayment to be made at the principal amount to be prepaid, together with
accrued interest thereon to the date of such prepayment, without premium and
allocated as provided in Section 8.3, provided that upon any partial prepayment
of the Series A Notes pursuant to Section 8.2 or any purchase of less than all
of the Series A Notes pursuant to Section 8.5, the principal amount of each
required prepayment of the Series A Notes becoming due under this Section 8.1(a)
on and

<PAGE>   23
                                       19

after the date of such prepayment or purchase shall be reduced in the same
proportion as the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Series A Notes is
reduced as a result of such prepayment or purchase.

            (b) Series B Notes. On October 1, 2011 and on each October 1
thereafter to and including October 1, 2020, the Exchange will prepay in
accordance with Section 14 an aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes
equal to 9.09074% of the aggregate principal amount (rounded to the nearest
$1,000) of Series B Notes originally issued under this Agreement and the Other
Agreements (or such lesser principal amount as shall then be outstanding), such
prepayment to be made at the principal amount to be prepaid, together with
accrued interest thereon to the date of such prepayment, without premium and
allocated as provided in Section 8.3, provided that upon any partial prepayment
of the Series B Notes pursuant to Section 8.2 or any purchase of less than all
of the Series B Notes pursuant to Section 8.5, the principal amount of each
required prepayment of the Series B Notes becoming due under this Section 8.1(b)
on and after the date of such prepayment or purchase shall be reduced in the
same proportion as the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Series B Notes
is reduced as a result of such prepayment or purchase.

            (c) Series C Notes. On October 1, 2022 and on each October 1
thereafter to and including October 1, 2025, the Exchange will prepay in
accordance with Section 14 an aggregate principal amount of the Series C Notes
equal to 20% of the aggregate principal amount (rounded to the nearest $1,000)
of Series C Notes originally issued under this Agreement and the Other
Agreements (or such lesser principal amount as shall then be outstanding), such
prepayment to be made at the principal amount to be prepaid, together with
accrued interest thereon to the date of such prepayment, without premium and
allocated as provided in Section 8.3, provided that upon any partial prepayment
of the Series C Notes pursuant to Section 8.2 or any purchase of less than all
of the Series C Notes pursuant to Section 8.5, the principal amount of each
required prepayment of the Series C Notes becoming due under this Section 8.1(c)
on and after the date of such prepayment or purchase shall be reduced in the
same proportion as the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Series C Notes
is reduced as a result of such prepayment or purchase.

8.2. Optional Prepayments.

            The Exchange may, at its option and upon notice as provided below,
prepay in accordance with Section 14 on any Business Day after the Third Closing
all, or from time to time any part of, the Notes of any series (in a minimum
amount of $1,000,000 and otherwise in multiples of $100,000), at the principal
amount so prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of such
prepayment, plus the Make-Whole

<PAGE>   24
                                       20

Amount for the Notes of such series determined for the prepayment date with
respect to such principal amount.

            The Exchange will give each holder of Notes of the series to be
prepaid written notice of each optional prepayment under this Section 8.2 not
less than 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for such
prepayment. Each such notice shall specify the date fixed for such prepayment
(which shall be a Business Day), the aggregate principal amount of the Notes of
such series to be prepaid on such date, the principal amount of Notes of such
series held by such holder to be prepaid (determined in accordance with Section
8.3), the interest to be paid on the prepayment date with respect to such
principal amount being prepaid and that such prepayment is being made pursuant
to this Section 8.2. Each such notice of prepayment pursuant to this Section 8.2
shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer as to the
estimated Make-Whole Amount for the Notes of such series due in connection with
such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the
prepayment), setting forth the details of such computation. Two Business Days
prior to such prepayment of Notes, the Exchange shall deliver to each holder of
Notes of the series to be prepaid a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer
specifying the calculation of such Make-Whole Amount for the Notes of such
series as of the specified prepayment date. All notices and certificates
delivered under this Section 8.2 shall be sent in accordance with Section 18
(including without limitation by telecopy if a number has been provided to the
Exchange).

8.3. Allocation of Partial Prepayments.

            In the case of each partial prepayment of the Notes or the Notes of
any series, the principal amount of the Notes or the Notes of such series, as
the case may be, to be prepaid shall be allocated among all the Notes, or the
Notes of such series, as the case may be, at the time outstanding in proportion,
as nearly as practicable, to the respective unpaid principal amounts thereof.

8.4. Maturity; Surrender; etc.

            In the case of each prepayment of Notes pursuant to this Section 8,
the principal amount of each Note to be prepaid shall mature and become due and
payable on the date fixed for such prepayment, together with interest on such
principal amount accrued to such date and the applicable Make-Whole Amount, if
any. From and after such date, unless the Exchange shall fail to pay such
principal amount when so due and payable, together with the interest and
Make-Whole Amount, if any, as aforesaid, interest on such principal amount shall
cease to accrue. Any Note paid or prepaid in full shall be surrendered to the
Exchange and cancelled and shall not be reissued, and no Note shall be issued in
lieu of any prepaid principal amount of any Note.

<PAGE>   25
                                       21

8.5. Purchase of Notes.

            The Exchange will not and will not permit any Affiliate to purchase,
redeem, prepay or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of the
outstanding Notes except (a) upon the payment or prepayment of the Notes in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Notes or (b) pursuant to an
offer to purchase made by the Exchange or an Affiliate pro rata to the holders
of all Notes at the time outstanding upon the same terms and conditions (except
for such difference in the offering price that reflects differences in interest
rates and maturities of the Notes of the respective series). Any such offer
shall provide each holder with sufficient information to enable it to make an
informed decision with respect to such offer, and shall remain open for at least
20 Business Days. If the holders of more than 25% of the principal amount of the
Notes of any series then outstanding accept such offer, the Exchange shall
promptly notify the remaining holders of all Notes of such fact and the
expiration date for the acceptance by holders of Notes of such offer shall be
extended by the number of days necessary to give each such remaining holder at
least five Business Days from its receipt of such notice to accept such offer.
The Exchange will promptly cancel all Notes acquired by it or any Affiliate
pursuant to any payment, prepayment or purchase of Notes pursuant to any
provision of this Agreement and no Notes may be issued in substitution or
exchange for any such Notes.

8.6. Make-Whole Amount.

            The term "Make-Whole Amount" means, with respect to any Note, an
amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Discounted Value of the Remaining
Scheduled Payments with respect to the Called Principal of such Note over the
amount of such Called Principal, provided that the Make-Whole Amount may in no
event be less than zero. For the purposes of determining the Make-Whole Amount,
the following terms have the following meanings:

            "Called Principal" means, with respect to any Note, the principal of
      such Note that is to be prepaid pursuant to Section 8.2 or has become or
      is declared to be immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 12.1, as
      the context requires.

            "Discounted Value" means, with respect to the Called Principal of
      any Note, the amount obtained by discounting all Remaining Scheduled
      Payments with respect to such Called Principal from their respective
      scheduled due dates to the Settlement Date with respect to such Called
      Principal, in accordance with accepted financial practice and at a
      discount factor (applied on the same periodic basis as that on which
      interest on the Notes is payable) equal to the Reinvestment Yield with
      respect to such Called Principal.

<PAGE>   26
                                       22

            "Reinvestment Yield" means, with respect to the Called Principal of
      any Note, the yield to maturity implied by (i) the yields reported, as of
      10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the second Business Day preceding the
      Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, on the display
      designated as "USD" on the Bloomberg Financial Markets Commodities News
      Screen (or such other display as may replace USD on the Bloomberg
      Financial Markets Commodities News Screen) for actively traded U.S.
      Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life
      of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date, or (ii) if such
      yields are not reported as of such time or the yields reported as of such
      time are not ascertainable, the Treasury Constant Maturity Series Yields
      reported, for the latest day for which such yields have been so reported
      as of the second Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect
      to such Called Principal, in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15
      (519)(or any comparable successor publication) for actively traded U.S.
      Treasury securities having a constant maturity equal to the Remaining
      Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date. Such
      implied yield will be determined, if necessary, by (a) converting U.S.
      Treasury bill quotations to bond-equivalent yields in accordance with
      accepted financial practice and (b) interpolating linearly between (1) the
      actively traded U.S. Treasury security with a maturity closest to and
      greater than the Remaining Average Life and (2) the actively traded U.S.
      Treasury security with a maturity closest to and less than the Remaining
      Average Life.

            "Remaining Average Life" means, with respect to any Called
      Principal, the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth
      year) obtained by dividing (i) such Called Principal into (ii) the sum of
      the products obtained by multiplying (a) the principal component of each
      Remaining Scheduled Payment with respect to such Called Principal by (b)
      the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth year) that will
      elapse between the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal
      and the scheduled due date of such Remaining Scheduled Payment.

            "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to the Called
      Principal of any Note, all payments of such Called Principal and interest
      thereon that would be due after the Settlement Date with respect to such
      Called Principal if no payment of such Called Principal were made prior to
      its scheduled due date, provided that if such Settlement Date is not a
      date on which interest payments are due to be made under the terms of the
      Notes, then the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment
      will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued to such Settlement Date
      and required to be paid on such Settlement Date pursuant to Section 8.2 or
      12.1.

<PAGE>   27
                                       23

            "Settlement Date" means, with respect to the Called Principal of any
      Note, the date on which such Called Principal is to be prepaid pursuant to
      Section 8.2 or has become or is declared to be immediately due and payable
      pursuant to Section 12.1, as the context requires.

9. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

            The Exchange covenants that so long as you shall be obligated to
purchase Notes hereunder and thereafter so long as any of the Notes are
outstanding:

9.1. Compliance with Law.

            The Exchange will and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply
with all laws, ordinances or governmental rules or regulations to which each of
them is subject, including, without limitation, Environmental Laws and the rules
and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and will obtain and
maintain in effect all licenses, certificates, permits, franchises and other
governmental authorizations necessary to the ownership of their respective
properties or to the conduct of their respective businesses, in each case to the
extent necessary to ensure that non-compliance with such laws, ordinances or
governmental rules or regulations or failures to obtain or maintain in effect
such licenses, certificates, permits, franchises and other governmental
authorizations, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.2. Insurance.

            The Exchange will and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to
maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect
to their respective properties and businesses against such casualties and
contingencies, of such types, on such terms and in such amounts (including
deductibles, co-insurance and self-insurance, if adequate reserves are
maintained with respect thereto) as is customary in the case of entities of
established reputations engaged in the same or a similar business and similarly
situated.

9.3. Maintenance of Properties.

            The Exchange will and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to
maintain and keep, or cause to be maintained and kept, their respective
properties in good repair, working order and condition (other than ordinary wear
and tear), so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be
properly conducted at all times, provided that this Section shall not prevent
the Exchange or any Subsidiary from discontinuing the operation and the
maintenance of any of its properties if such discontinuance is desirable in the
conduct of its business and, in the good faith judgment of the Exchange, such
discontinuance,

<PAGE>   28
                                       24

individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

9.4. Payment of Taxes.

            The Exchange will and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to file
all tax returns required to be filed in any jurisdiction and to pay and
discharge all taxes shown to be due and payable on such returns and all other
taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies payable on them or any of
them, to the extent such taxes and assessments have become due and payable and
before they have become delinquent, provided that neither the Exchange nor any
Subsidiary need pay any such tax, assessment, charge or levy if (a) the same can
be paid without any penalty or (b) the amount, applicability or validity thereof
is contested by the Exchange or such Subsidiary on a timely basis in good faith
and in appropriate proceedings, and the Exchange or a Subsidiary has established
adequate reserves therefor in accordance with and to the extent required by GAAP
on the books of the Exchange or such Subsidiary or (c) the nonpayment of all
such taxes, assessments, charges and levies in the aggregate would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.5. Corporate Existence, etc.

            Subject to Section 10.4, the Exchange will at all times preserve and
keep in full force and effect its corporate existence. The Exchange will at all
times preserve and keep in full force and effect the corporate existence of each
of its Subsidiaries (unless merged into the Exchange or merged into or
consolidated with a Subsidiary) and the Exchange will at all times preserve and
keep in full force and effect, and will cause each Subsidiary at all times to
preserve and keep in full force and effect, all of their respective rights and
franchises unless, in the good faith judgment of the Exchange, the termination
of or failure to preserve and keep in full force and effect such corporate
existence, right or franchise, individually or in the aggregate, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

9.6. Nature of Business.

            The Exchange will continue to be primarily engaged in providing or
operating facilities for the buying and selling of commodities for future
delivery, options or similar instruments.

10. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

            The Exchange covenants that so long as you shall be obligated to
purchase Notes hereunder and thereafter so long as any of the Notes are
outstanding:

<PAGE>   29
                                       25

10.1. Subsidiary Debt.

            The Exchange will not permit any Subsidiary to create, assume,
incur, guarantee or otherwise be or become liable in respect of any Debt except

            (a) Debt existing on the date of this Agreement and described in
      Schedule 5.15,

            (b) Debt owing by any Subsidiary to the Exchange or another
      Subsidiary,

            (c) in the case of any Person that after the date of this Agreement
      becomes a Subsidiary or is consolidated with or merged with or into the
      Exchange or a Subsidiary or sells, leases or otherwise disposes of all or
      substantially all of its property or assets to the Exchange or a
      Subsidiary, Debt existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or
      is so consolidated or merged or effects such sale, lease or other
      disposition of property or assets (which Debt is not incurred in
      contemplation thereof), and any extension, renewal or refunding of any
      such Debt provided in each case that the principal amount of such Debt
      does not exceed the principal amount of such Debt being extended, renewed
      or refunded, and

            (d) other Debt, provided that after giving effect to the incurrence
      of such Debt the aggregate amount of Priority Debt does not exceed 15% of
      Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

10.2. Liens.

            The Exchange will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to create,
assume, incur or suffer to be created, assumed or incurred or to exist any Lien
upon or with respect to any property or assets of the Exchange or any
Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, without making effective
provision (pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Majority Holders) whereby the Notes shall be secured by such
Lien equally and ratably with or prior to any and all Debt and other obligations
to be secured thereby (so long as any such Debt or other obligations shall be
outstanding), provided that nothing in this Section 10.2 shall prohibit:

            (a) Liens in respect of property or assets of the Exchange or a
      Subsidiary existing on the date of this Agreement and described in
      Schedule 5.15;

            (b) Liens in respect of property or assets acquired or improved
      after the date of this Agreement, which Liens are created at the time of
      acquisition or completion of construction of such property or assets or
      within 120 days

<PAGE>   30
                                       26

      thereafter, to secure Debt assumed or incurred to finance all or any part
      of the purchase price or cost of construction of such property or assets,
      or in the case of any Person that after the date of this Agreement becomes
      a Subsidiary or is consolidated with or merged with or into the Exchange
      or a Subsidiary or sells, leases or otherwise disposes of all or
      substantially all of its property or assets to the Exchange or a
      Subsidiary, Liens existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or
      is so consolidated or merged or effects such sale, lease or other
      disposition of property or assets (and not incurred in contemplation
      thereof), or in the case of any property or assets acquired by the
      Exchange or any Subsidiary after the date of this Agreement, Liens
      existing on such property or assets at the time of acquisition thereof
      (and not incurred in contemplation thereof), whether or not the Debt
      secured thereby is assumed by the exchange or a Subsidiary, provided in
      any such case that

                  (i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any other property
            or assets of the Exchange or such Subsidiary, as the case may be,
            and

                  (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Debt secured by all
            such Liens in respect of any such property or assets shall not
            exceed the lesser of the cost and the fair market value of such
            property or assets at the time of such acquisition (or in the case
            of Debt incurred to finance improvements the lesser of the cost and
            the fair market value at the time of completion of construction) or,
            in the case of a Lien in respect of property or assets existing at
            the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or is so consolidated or
            merged or at the time of such sale, lease or other disposition, the
            fair market value of such property or assets at such time;

            (c) Liens relating to any extension, renewal or refunding of Debt
      secured by any such Lien permitted by paragraph (a) or (b), provided that
      the principal amount of Debt secured by any such Lien is not increased and
      such Lien does not extend to or cover any other property other than the
      property covered by such Lien immediately prior to such extension, renewal
      or refunding;

            (d) Liens on property or assets of a Subsidiary securing Debt or
      other obligations owed by a Subsidiary to the Exchange or to another
      Subsidiary;

            (e) Liens for current taxes, assessments or other governmental
      charges or levies in the ordinary course of business, either not yet due
      and payable or to the extent that nonpayment thereof shall be permitted by
      the proviso to Section 9.4;

<PAGE>   31
                                       27

            (f) Liens created by or resulting from any litigation or legal
      proceedings that are currently being contested in good faith and by
      appropriate proceedings and for which the Exchange or Subsidiary, as
      applicable, has established adequate reserves on its books in accordance
      with and to the extent required by GAAP;

            (g) other Liens incidental to the normal conduct of the business of
      the Exchange or any of its Subsidiaries, which are not incurred in
      connection with the incurrence of Debt and which do not in the aggregate
      materially impair the use of the affected property in the operation of the
      business of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or the
      value of such property for the purpose of such business; and

            (h) Liens which would otherwise not be permitted by the foregoing
      paragraphs of this Section 10.2 without equally and ratably securing the
      Notes, securing Debt of the Exchange or a Subsidiary, provided that after
      giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt (or, if later, the creation,
      incurrence or assumption of any such Lien) the aggregate amount of
      Priority Debt does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

            In case any property or assets shall be subject to a Lien in
violation of this Section 10.2, the obligations of the Exchange under this
Agreement and the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full extent that and with
such priority as the holders of Notes may be entitled under applicable law, of
an equitable Lien on such property or assets securing the obligations of the
Exchange under this Agreement and the Notes, provided that such violation will
constitute a Default whether or not such equitable Lien is enforceable under
applicable law.

10.3. Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

            The Exchange will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to enter
into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any Person whereby the
Exchange or such Subsidiary shall sell, lease or transfer any asset, whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, and then or thereafter rent or lease as lessee such
asset or any part thereof or any other asset that the Exchange or such
Subsidiary, as the case may be, intends to use for substantially the same
purposes as the asset being sold, leased or transferred (any such sale, lease or
transfer and rent or lease, a "Sale and Leaseback Transaction"), unless:

            (a) the Exchange shall make effective provision (pursuant to
      documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
      Required Holders) whereby the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably
      with or prior to any other Debt secured by a Lien on the asset subject to
      such Sale and Leaseback Transaction;

<PAGE>   32
                                       28

            (b) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction involves an asset upon which
      a Lien would at the time be permitted by Section 10.2(b) without equally
      and ratably securing the Notes or such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is
      between the Exchange and a Subsidiary as lessee and involves an asset
      subject to a Lien permitted by Section 10.2(d);

            (c) such lease is for a period not exceeding one year, at the
      expiration of which it is intended that the use of such asset by the
      lessee will be discontinued;

            (d) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction relates to equipment,
      fixtures, supplies or materials that, in the reasonable determination of
      the Exchange, are outdated or obsolete; or

            (e) after giving effect to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, the
      aggregate amount of Priority Debt does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net
      Tangible Assets.

10.4. Merger, Consolidation, etc.

            The Exchange will not consolidate with or merge with any other
corporation or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets
in a single transaction or series of transactions to any Person unless

            (a) the continuing, surviving or acquiring corporation (the
      "surviving corporation") shall be a solvent corporation organized under
      the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof, and the
      surviving corporation (if not the Exchange) shall have executed and
      delivered to each holder of a Note its assumption of the due and punctual
      performance and observance of all obligations of the Exchange under this
      Agreement, the Other Agreements and the Notes,

            (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction no Default
      or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and

            (c) the surviving corporation shall have caused to be delivered to
      each holder of a Note an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
      Majority Holders to the effect that all agreements or instruments
      effecting such assumption are enforceable in accordance with their terms
      and comply with the terms hereof.

10.5. Transactions with Affiliates.

            The Exchange will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to enter
into directly or indirectly any Material transaction or Material group of
related transactions (including without limitation with respect to the purchase,
lease, sale or exchange of properties of any kind or the rendering of any

<PAGE>   33
                                       29

service) with any Affiliate (other than the Exchange or a Subsidiary), except
(a) pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Exchange's or such
Subsidiary's business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to
the Exchange or such Subsidiary than would be obtainable in a comparable
arm's-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate, (b) any transaction
entered into with Commodities Exchange Center, Inc. or any member thereof and
(c) any transaction to which this Agreement by its express terms is
inapplicable. For purposes of clarification, this Section 10.5 shall not apply
to any distribution of cash or property to, or the conferring of other benefits
upon, members (including former members) of the Exchange or any transaction
pursuant to which the fees of any members of the Exchange or such Subsidiary are
reduced or in connection with the financing of any membership in the Exchange.

11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

            An "Event of Default" shall exist if any of the following conditions
or events shall occur and be continuing:

            (a) the Exchange defaults in the payment of any principal or
      Make-Whole Amount, if any, on any Note when the same becomes due and
      payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by
      declaration or otherwise; or

            (b) the Exchange defaults in the payment of any interest on any Note
      for more than five Business Days after the same becomes due and payable;
      or

            (c) the Exchange defaults in the performance of or compliance with
      any term contained herein (other than those referred to in paragraphs (a)
      and (b) of this Section 11) and such default is not remedied within 30
      days after the earlier of (i) a Responsible Officer obtaining actual
      knowledge of such default and (ii) the Exchange receiving written notice
      of such default from any holder of a Note (any such written notice to be
      identified as a "notice of default" and to refer specifically to this
      paragraph (c) of Section 11); or

            (d) any representation or warranty made in writing by or on behalf
      of the Exchange or by any officer of the Exchange in this Agreement or in
      any writing furnished in connection with the transactions contemplated
      hereby proves to have been false or incorrect in any material respect on
      the date as of which made and, if curable, is not cured within 30 days
      after the earlier of (i) a Responsible Officer obtaining actual knowledge
      of such default and (ii) the Exchange receiving written notice of such
      default from any holder of a Note (any such written notice to be
      identified as a "notice of default" and to refer specifically to this
      paragraph (d) of Section 11); or

<PAGE>   34
                                       30

            (e) (i) the Exchange or any Subsidiary is in default (as principal
      or as guarantor or other surety) in the payment of any principal of or
      premium or make-whole amount or interest on any Debt for money borrowed
      that is outstanding beyond any period of grace provided with respect
      thereto, or (ii) the Exchange or any Subsidiary is in default in the
      performance of or compliance with any term of any evidence of any Debt for
      money borrowed or of any mortgage, indenture or other agreement relating
      thereto or any other condition exists and, as a result thereof, such Debt
      shall have become or be due and payable by acceleration or other action
      before its stated maturity or before its regularly scheduled dates of
      payment and such acceleration or other action shall not have been
      rescinded or annulled, or (iii) as a consequence of the occurrence or
      continuation of any event or condition (other than the passage of time or
      the right of the holder of Debt to convert such Debt into equity interests
      or the exercise by the Exchange or any Subsidiary of any option to
      purchase or repay Debt before its stated maturity or before its regularly
      schedule dates of payment), the Exchange or any Subsidiary has become
      obligated to purchase or repay Debt before its stated maturity or before
      its regularly scheduled dates of payment, provided that the aggregate
      outstanding principal amount of all such Debt (without duplication)
      described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above shall exceed $10,000,000;
      or

            (f) the Exchange or any Subsidiary (i) is generally not paying, or
      admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due, (ii)
      files, or consents by answer or otherwise to the filing against it of, a
      petition for relief or reorganization or arrangement or any other petition
      in bankruptcy, for liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy,
      insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar law of any
      jurisdiction, (iii) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
      creditors, (iv) consents to the appointment of a custodian, receiver,
      trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to it or with
      respect to any substantial part of its property, (v) is adjudicated as
      insolvent or to be liquidated, or (vi) takes corporate action for the
      purpose of any of the foregoing; or

            (g) a court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction
      enters an order appointing, without consent by the Exchange or any
      Subsidiary, a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
      powers with respect to it or with respect to any substantial part of its
      property, or constituting an order for relief or approving a petition for
      relief or reorganization or any other petition in bankruptcy or for
      liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of
      any jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding-up or liquidation
      of the Exchange or any Subsidiary, or any such petition shall be filed
      against the Exchange or any Subsidiary and such

<PAGE>   35
                                       31

      petition shall remain unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

            (h) a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money
      aggregating in excess of $10,000,000 (excluding any amounts covered by
      insurance in respect of which the insurer has admitted liability) are
      rendered against one or more of the Exchange and its Subsidiaries which
      judgments are not, within 60 days after entry thereof, bonded, discharged
      or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within 60 days after the
      expiration of such stay; or

            (i) if (i) any Plan shall fail to satisfy the minimum funding
      standards of ERISA or the Code for any plan year or part thereof or a
      waiver of such standards or extension of any amortization period is sought
      or granted under section 412 of the Code, (ii) a notice of intent to
      terminate any Plan shall have been or is reasonably expected to be filed
      with the PBGC or the PBGC shall have instituted proceedings under ERISA
      section 4042 to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan or
      the PBGC shall have notified the Exchange or any ERISA Affiliate that a
      Plan may become a subject of any such proceedings, (iii) the aggregate
      "amount of unfunded benefit liabilities" (within the meaning of section
      4001 (a) (18) of ERISA) under all Plans, determined in accordance with
      Title IV of ERISA, shall exceed $10,000,000, (iv) the Exchange or any
      ERISA Affiliate shall have incurred or is reasonably expected to incur any
      liability pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax
      provisions of the Code relating to employee benefit plans, (v) the
      Exchange or any ERISA Affiliate withdraws from any Multiemployer Plan, or
      (vi) the Exchange or any Subsidiary establishes or amends any employee
      welfare benefit plan that provides post-employment welfare benefits in a
      manner that would increase the liability of the Exchange or any Subsidiary
      thereunder; and any such event or events described in clauses (i) through
      (vi) above, either individually or together with any other such event or
      events, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

            (j) the purchases of Notes contemplated to be made at the Second
      Closing shall not be made prior to January 31, 1997 or the purchases of
      Notes contemplated to be made at the Third Closing shall not be made prior
      to February 28, 1997, in each case other than by reason of the failure to
      satisfy the condition precedent to such purchases specified in Section 4.2
      (d) or the failure of any of the Other Purchasers to comply with its
      obligations under the Other Agreements; provided that the event specified
      in this paragraph (j) shall not be deemed to be continuing in respect of
      either such Closing for more than 30 days after the Exchange provides
      notice of such event pursuant to Section 7.l(d) unless on or before the
      last day of such 30-

<PAGE>   36
                                       32

      day period the Majority Holders shall have declared all the Notes at the
      time outstanding to be immediately due and payable as provided in Section
      12.1(c).

As used in Section 11(i), the terms "employee benefit plan" and `employee
welfare benefit plan" shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms
in Section 3 of ERISA.

12. REMEDIES ON DEFAULT, ETC.

12.1. Acceleration.

            (a) If an Event of Default with respect to the Exchange described in
paragraph (f) or (g) of Section 11 has occurred, all the Notes then outstanding
shall automatically become immediately due and payable.

            (b) If any Event of Default described in paragraph (a) or (b) of
Section 11 has occurred and is continuing, the holder or holders of at least 25%
in unpaid principal amount of the Notes of any series at the time outstanding
may at its or their option, by notice or notices to the Exchange, declare all
the Notes of such series at the time outstanding to be immediately due and
payable and any holder or holders of Notes at the time outstanding affected by
such Event of Default may at any time, at its or their option, by notice or
notices to the Exchange, declare all the Notes held by it or them to be
immediately due and payable.

            (c) If any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
the Majority Holders may at any time at their option, by notice or notices to
the Exchange, declare all the Notes at the time outstanding to be immediately
due and payable.

            Upon any Notes becoming due and payable under this Section 12.1,
whether automatically or by declaration, such Notes will forthwith mature and
the entire unpaid principal amount of such Notes, plus (x) all accrued and
unpaid interest thereon and (y) the Make-Whole Amount for the Notes of each
series determined in respect of such principal amount of the Notes of such
series (to the full extent permitted by applicable law), shall all be
immediately due and payable, in each and every case without presentment, demand,
protest or further notice, all of which are hereby waived. The Exchange
acknowledges, and the parties hereto agree, that each holder of a Note has the
right to maintain its investment in the Notes free from repayment by the
Exchange (except as herein specifically provided for) and that the provision for
payment of a Make-Whole Amount by the Exchange in the event that the Notes are
prepaid or are accelerated as a result of an Event of Default, is intended to
provide compensation for the deprivation of such right under such circumstances.

<PAGE>   37
                                       33

12.2. Other Remedies.

            If any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
and irrespective of whether any Notes have become or have been declared
immediately due and payable under Section 12.1, the holder of any Note at the
time outstanding may proceed to protect and enforce the rights of such holder by
an action at law, suit in equity or other appropriate proceeding, whether for
the specific performance of any agreement contained herein or in any Note, or
for an injunction against a violation of any of the terms hereof or thereof, or
in aid of the exercise of any power granted hereby or thereby or by law or
otherwise.

12.3. Rescission.

            At any time after any Notes of any series have been declared due
and payable pursuant to clause (b) of Section 12.1 or all Notes have been due
and payable pursuant to clause (c) of Section 12.1, the Majority Holders of the
Notes of such series or the Majority Holders of all Notes, as the case may be,
by written notice to the Exchange, may rescind and annul any such declaration
and its consequences if (a) the Exchange has paid all overdue interest on the
Notes, all principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, on any Notes that are due
and payable and are unpaid other than by reason of such declaration, and all
interest on such overdue principal and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the
extent permitted by applicable law) any overdue interest in respect of the
Notes, at the applicable Default Rate for the Notes of each series, (b) all
Events of Default and Defaults, other than the non-payment of amounts that have
become due solely by reason of such declaration, have been cured or have been
waived pursuant to Section 17, and (c) no judgment or decree has been entered
for the payment of any monies due pursuant hereto or to the Notes. No rescission
and annulment under this Section 12.3 will extend to or affect any subsequent
Event of Default or Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

12.4. No Waivers or Election of Remedies, Expenses, etc.

            No course of dealing and no delay on the part of any holder of any
Note in exercising any right, power or remedy shall operate as a waiver thereof
or otherwise prejudice such holder's rights, powers or remedies. No right, power
or remedy conferred by this Agreement or by any Note upon any holder thereof
shall be exclusive of any other right, power or remedy referred to herein or
therein or now or hereafter available at law, in equity, by statute or
otherwise. Without limiting the obligations of the Exchange under Section 15,
the Exchange will pay to the holder of each Note on demand such further amount
as shall be sufficient to cover all costs and expenses of such holder incurred
in any enforcement or collection under this Section 12, including without
limitation reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses and disbursements.

<PAGE>   38
                                       34

13. REGISTRATION; EXCHANGE; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.

13.1. Registration of Notes.

            The Exchange shall keep at its principal executive office a register
for the registration and registration of transfers of Notes. The name and
address of each holder of one or more Notes, each transfer thereof and the name
and address of each transferee of one or more Notes shall be registered in such
register. Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer, the Person in
whose name any Note shall be registered shall be deemed and treated as the owner
and holder thereof for all purposes hereof, and the Exchange shall not be
affected by any notice or knowledge to the contrary. The Exchange shall give to
any holder of a Note that is an Institutional Investor promptly upon request
therefor, a complete and correct copy of the names and addresses of all
registered holders of Notes.

13.2. Transfer and Exchange of Notes.

            Upon surrender of any Note at the principal executive office of the
Exchange for exchange or registration of transfer (and in the case of a
surrender for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of such
Note or its attorney duly authorized in writing and accompanied by the address
for notices of each transferee of such Note or part thereof), the Exchange shall
execute and deliver, at the Exchange's expense (except as provided below), one
or more new Notes (as requested by the holder thereof and in denominations as
provided below) of the same series in exchange therefor, in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note.
Each such new Note shall be payable to such Person as such holder may request.
Each such new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date to which
interest shall have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the date of the
surrendered Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon. The Exchange may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp tax or governmental
charge imposed in respect of any such transfer of Notes. Notes shall not be
transferred in denominations of less than $500,000, provided that if necessary
to enable the registration of transfer by a holder of its entire holding of
Notes of a series, one Note may be in a denomination of less than $500,000. Any
transferee, by its acceptance of a Note registered in its name (or the name of
its nominee), shall be deemed to have made the representation set forth in
Sections 6.2 and 6.3.

13.3. Replacement of Notes.

            Upon receipt by the Exchange of evidence reasonably satisfactory to
it of the ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any
Note (which evidence shall be, in the case of an Institutional Investor, notice
from such

<PAGE>   39
                                       35

Institutional Investor of such ownership and such loss, theft, destruction or
mutilation), and

            (a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, upon receipt of
      indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it (provided that if the holder of
      such Note is, or is a nominee for, an original Purchaser or any other
      Institutional Investor, such Person's own unsecured agreement of indemnity
      shall be deemed to be satisfactory), or

            (b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of
      such Note,

the Exchange at its own expense shall execute and deliver, in lieu thereof, a
new Note of the same series, dated and bearing interest from the date to which
interest shall have been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note
or dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note if no
interest shall have been paid thereon.

14. PAYMENTS ON NOTES.

14.1. Place of Payment.

            Subject to Section 14.2, payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount,
if any, and interest becoming due and payable on the Notes shall be made in New
York, New York at the principal office of Citibank, N.A. in such jurisdiction.
The Exchange may at any time, by notice to each holder of a Note, change the
place of payment of the Notes so long as such place of payment shall be either
the principal office of the Exchange in such jurisdiction or the principal
office of a bank or trust Exchange in such jurisdiction.

14.2. Home Office Payment.

            So long as you or your nominee shall be the holder of any Note, and
notwithstanding anything contained in Section 14.1 or in such Note to the
contrary, the Exchange will pay all sums becoming due on such Note for
principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest by the method and at the
address specified for such purpose below your name in Schedule A, or by such
other method or at such other address as you shall have from time to time
specified to the Exchange in writing for such purpose, without the presentation
or surrender of such Note or the making of any notation thereon, except that
upon written request of the Exchange made concurrently with or reasonably
promptly after payment or prepayment in full of any Note, you shall surrender
such Note for cancellation, reasonably promptly after any such request, to the
Exchange at its principal executive office or at the place of payment most
recently designated by the Exchange pursuant to Section 14.1. Prior to any sale
or other disposition of any Note held by you or your nominee you will, at your
election, either endorse thereon the amount of principal paid

<PAGE>   40
                                       36

thereon and the last date to which interest has been paid thereon or surrender
such Note to the Exchange in exchange for a new Note or Notes pursuant to
Section 13.2. The Exchange will afford the benefits of this Section 14.2 to any
Institutional Investor that is the direct or indirect transferee of any Note
purchased by you under this Agreement and that has made the same agreement
relating to such Note as you have made in this Section 14.2.

15. EXPENSES, ETC.

15.1. Transaction Expenses.

            Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated,
the Exchange will pay all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees of your special counsel and, if reasonably required, local or other
counsel) incurred by you and the Other Purchasers or any holder of a Note in
connection with such transactions and in connection with any amendments, waivers
or consents under or in respect of this Agreement or the Notes (whether or not
such amendment, waiver or consent becomes effective), including without
limitation: (a) the costs and expenses incurred in enforcing or defending (or
determining whether or how to enforce or defend) any rights under this Agreement
or the Notes or in responding to any subpoena or other legal process or informal
investigative demand issued in connection with this Agreement or the Notes, or
by reason of being a holder of any Note, (b) the costs and expenses of a
covenant defeasance pursuant to Section 23 (including all fees of the Defeasance
Trustee), and (c) the costs and expenses, including financial advisors' fees,
incurred in connection with the insolvency or bankruptcy of the Exchange or any
Subsidiary or in connection with any work-out or restructuring of the
transactions contemplated hereby and by the Notes. The Exchange will pay, and
will save you and each other holder of a Note harmless from, all claims in
respect of any fees, costs or expenses, if any, of brokers and finders (other
than those retained by you)

            In furtherance of the foregoing, on the date of each Closing the
Exchange will pay or cause to be paid the reasonable fees and disbursements
(including estimated unposted disbursements as of the date of such Closing) of
your special counsel which are reflected in the statement such counsel submitted
to the Exchange on or prior to the date of such Closing. The Exchange will also
pay, promptly upon receipt of supplemental statements therefor, reasonable
additional fees and disbursements of such special counsel in connection with the
transactions hereby contemplated (including disbursements unposted as of the
date of a Closing to the extent such disbursements exceed estimated
disbursements as of the date of such Closing).

<PAGE>   41
                                       37

15.2. Survival.

            The obligations of the Exchange under this Section 15 will survive
the payment or transfer of any Note, the enforcement, amendment or waiver of any
provision of this Agreement or the Notes, and the termination of this Agreement.

16. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

            All representations and warranties contained herein shall survive
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes, the purchase or
transfer by you of any Note or portion thereof or interest therein and the
payment of any Note, and may be relied upon by any subsequent holder of a Note,
regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of you or any
other holder of a Note. All statements contained in any certificate or other
instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Exchange pursuant to this Agreement
shall be deemed representations and warranties of the Exchange under this
Agreement. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement and the Notes
embody the entire agreement and understanding between you and the Exchange and
supersede all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter
hereof.

17. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.

17.1. Requirements.

            This Agreement and the Notes may be amended, and the observance of
any term hereof or of the Notes may be waived (either retroactively or
prospectively), with (and only with) the written consent of the Exchange and the
Required Holders, except that (a) no amendment or waiver of any of the
provisions of Section 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 21, or any defined term (as it is used
therein), will be effective as to you unless consented to by you in writing, and
(b) no such amendment or waiver may, without the written consent of the holder
of each Note at the time outstanding (and your written consent so long as you
shall be obligated to purchase Notes hereunder), (i) subject to the provisions
of Section 12 relating to acceleration or rescission, change the amount or time
of any prepayment or payment of principal of, or change the rate or the time of
payment or method of computation of interest or of the Make-Whole Amount on, the
Notes, (ii) change the definition of "Majority Holders" or "Required Holders" or
the percentage of the principal amount and series of the Notes the holders of
which are required to consent to any such amendment or waiver, or (iii) amend
any of Sections 8, 11(a), 11(b), 12, 17 or 20.

17.2. Solicitation of Holders of Notes.

            (a) Solicitation. The Exchange will provide each holder of the Notes
(irrespective of the amount of Notes or

<PAGE>   42
                                       38

series then owned by it) with sufficient information, sufficiently far in
advance of the date a decision is required, to enable such holder to make an
informed and considered decision with respect to any proposed amendment, waiver
or consent in respect of any of the provisions hereof or of the Notes. The
Exchange will deliver executed or true and correct copies of each amendment,
waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 17 to each
holder of outstanding Notes promptly following the date on which it is executed
and delivered by, or receives the consent or approval of, the requisite holders
of Notes.

            (b) Payment. The Exchange will not directly or indirectly pay or
cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional
interest, fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any holder of Notes as
consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by any holder of
Notes or any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions hereof
unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is concurrently
granted, on the same terms, ratably to each holder of Notes then outstanding
even if such holder did not consent to such waiver or amendment.

17.3. Binding Effect, etc.

            Any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 17
applies equally to all holders of Notes and is binding upon them and upon each
future holder of any Note and upon the Exchange without regard to whether such
Note has been marked to indicate such amendment or waiver. No such amendment or
waiver will extend to or affect any obligation, covenant, agreement, Default or
Event of Default not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent
thereon. No course of dealing between the Exchange and the holder of any Note
nor any delay in exercising any rights hereunder or under any Note shall operate
as a waiver of any rights of any holder of such Note. As used herein, the term
"this Agreement" and references thereto shall mean this Agreement as it may from
time to time be amended or supplemented.

17.4. Notes held by Exchange, etc.

            Solely for the purpose of determining whether the holders of the
requisite percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding
approved or consented to any amendment, waiver or consent to be given under this
Agreement or the Notes, or have directed the taking of any action provided
herein or in the Notes to be taken upon the direction of the holders of a
specified percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then
outstanding, Notes directly or indirectly owned by the Exchange or any of its
Affiliates or any Exchange Member shall be deemed not to be outstanding.

<PAGE>   43
                                       39

18. NOTICES.

            All notices and communications provided for hereunder shall be in
writing and sent (a) by telecopy if the sender on the same day sends a
confirming copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery service
(charges prepaid), or (b) by registered or certified mail with return receipt
requested (postage prepaid), or (c) by a recognized overnight delivery service
(with charges prepaid). Any such notice must be sent:

            (i) if to you or your nominee, to you or it at the address specified
      for such communications in Schedule A, or at such other address as you or
      it shall have specified to the Exchange in writing,

            (ii) if to any other holder of any Note, to such holder at such
      address as such other holder shall have specified to the Exchange in
      writing, or

            (iii) if to the Exchange, to the Exchange at its address set forth
      at the beginning hereof to the attention of the President of the Exchange,
      with a copy to its Executive Vice President and General Counsel, at the
      Exchange's address set forth at the beginning of this Agreement, or at
      such other address as the Exchange shall have specified to the holder of
      each Note in writing.

Notices under this Section 18 will be deemed given only when actually received.

19. REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS.

            This Agreement and all documents relating hereto, including without
limitation (a) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be
executed, (b) documents received by you at the Closing (except the Notes
themselves), and (c) financial statements, certificates and other information
previously or hereafter furnished to you, may be reproduced by you by any
photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other
similar process and you may destroy any original document so reproduced. The
Exchange agrees and stipulates that, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in
any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in
existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by you in the regular
course of business) and any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of
such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence. This Section 19
shall not prohibit the Exchange or any other holder of Notes from contesting any
such reproduction to the same extent that it could contest the original, or from
introducing evidence to demonstrate the inaccuracy of any such reproduction.

<PAGE>   44
                                       40

20. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

            For the purposes of this Section 20, "Confidential Information"
means information delivered to you by or on behalf of the Exchange or any
Subsidiary in connection with the transactions contemplated by or otherwise
pursuant to this Agreement that is proprietary in nature and that was clearly
marked or labeled or otherwise adequately identified when received by you as
being confidential information of the Exchange or such Subsidiary, provided that
such term does not include information that (a) was publicly known or otherwise
known to you prior to the time of such disclosure, (b) subsequently becomes
publicly known through no act or omission by you or any person acting on your
behalf, (c) otherwise becomes known to you other than through disclosure by the
Exchange or any Subsidiary or (d) constitutes financial statements delivered to
you under Section 7.1 that are otherwise publicly available. You will maintain
the confidentiality of such Confidential Information in accordance with
procedures adopted by you in good faith to protect confidential information of
third parties delivered to you, provided that you may deliver or disclose
Confidential Information to (i) your directors, officers, trustees, employees,
agents, attorneys and affiliates (to the extent such disclosure reasonably
relates to the administration of the investment represented by your Notes), (ii)
your financial advisors and other professional advisors whose duties require
them to hold confidential the Confidential Information substantially in
accordance with the terms of this Section 20, (iii) any other holder of any
Note, (iv) any Institutional Investor to which you sell or offer to sell such
Note or any part thereof or any participation therein (if such Person has agreed
in writing prior to its receipt of such Confidential Information to be bound by
the provisions of this Section 20), (v) any Person from which you offer to
purchase any security of the Exchange (if such Institutional Investor has agreed
in writing prior to its receipt of such Confidential Information to be bound by
the provisions of this Section 20), (vi) any federal or state regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over you, (vii) the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners or any similar organization, or any nationally
recognized rating agency that requires access to information about your
investment portfolio or (viii) any other Person to which such delivery or
disclosure may be necessary or appropriate (w) to effect compliance with any
law, rule, regulation or order applicable to you, (x) in response to any
subpoena or other legal process, (y) in connection with any litigation to which
you are a party or (z) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to
the extent you may reasonably determine such delivery or disclosure to be
necessary or appropriate in the enforcement or for the protection of the rights
and remedies under your Notes and this Agreement.

            Each holder of a Note, by its acceptance of a Note, will be deemed
to have agreed to be bound by and to be entitled to the benefits of this Section
20 as though it were a party to

<PAGE>   45
                                       41

this Agreement. On reasonable request by the Exchange in connection with the
delivery to any holder of a Note of information required to be delivered to such
holder under this Agreement or requested by such holder (other than a holder
that is a party to this Agreement or its nominee), such holder will enter into
an agreement with the Exchange embodying the provisions of this Section 20.

21. SUBSTITUTION OF PURCHASER.

            You shall have the right to substitute any one of your Affiliates as
the purchaser of the Notes that you have agreed to purchase hereunder, by
written notice to the Exchange, which notice shall be signed by both you and
such Affiliate, shall contain such Affiliate's agreement to be bound by this
Agreement and shall contain a confirmation by such Affiliate of its rights and
obligations under this Agreement, including the accuracy with respect to it of
the representations set forth in Section 6. Upon receipt of such notice,
wherever the word "you" is used in this Agreement (other than in this Section
21), such word shall be deemed to refer to such Affiliate in lieu of you. In the
event that such Affiliate is so substituted as a purchaser hereunder and such
Affiliate thereafter transfers to you all of the Notes then held by such
Affiliate, upon receipt by the Exchange of notice of such transfer, wherever the
word "you" is used in this Agreement, such word shall no longer be deemed to
refer to such Affiliate, but shall refer to you, and you shall have all the
rights and obligations of an original holder of the Notes under this Agreement.

22. MISCELLANEOUS.

22.1. Successors and Assigns.

            All covenants and other agreements contained in this Agreement by or
on behalf of any of the parties hereto bind and inure to the benefit of their
respective successors and assigns (including without limitation any subsequent
holder of a Note) whether so expressed or not.

22.2. Construction.

            Each covenant contained herein shall be construed (absent express
provision to the contrary) as being independent of each other covenant contained
herein, so that compliance with any one covenant shall not (absent such an
express contrary provision) be deemed to excuse compliance with any other
covenant. Where any provision herein refers to action to be taken by any Person,
or which such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be
applicable whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such Person.

<PAGE>   46
                                       42

22.3. Payments Due on Non-Business Days.

            Anything in this Agreement or the Notes to the contrary
notwithstanding (but without limiting the requirement in Section 8.2 that notice
of an optional prepayment specify a Business Day as the date fixed for such
prepayment), any payment of principal of or Make-Whole Amount (if any) or
interest on any Note that is due on a date other than a Business Day shall be
made on the next succeeding Business Day without including the additional days
elapsed in the computation of the interest payable on such next succeeding
Business Day.

22.4. Severability.

            Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable
in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent
of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall (to the extent permitted by law) not invalidate or render
unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

22.5. Accounting Terms.

            All accounting terms used herein which are not expressly defined in
this Agreement have the meanings respectively given to them in accordance with
GAAP. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all computations made
pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in accordance with GAAP and all balance
sheets and other financial statements with respect thereto shall be prepared in
accordance with GAAP. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any
consolidated financial statement or financial computation shall be done in
accordance with GAAP; and, if at the time that any such statement or computation
is required to be made the Exchange shall not have any Subsidiary, such terms
shall mean a financial statement or a financial computation, as the case may be,
with respect to the Exchange only.

22.6. Counterparts.

            This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one
instrument. Each counterpart may consist of a number of copies hereof, each
signed by less than all, but together signed by all, of the parties hereto.

22.7. Governing Law.

            This Agreement and the Notes shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with, and the rights of the parties shall be governed by, the laws of
the State of New York excluding choice-of-law principles of the law of such
State that would

<PAGE>   47
                                       43

require the application of the laws of a jurisdiction other than such State.

23. DEFEASANCE.

23.1. Exchange's Option to Effect Covenant Defeasance.

            (a) Covenant Defeasance. The Exchange may at its option at any time
after the Third Closing elect to have this Section 23 applied to all (but not
less than all) of the outstanding Notes, upon compliance with the conditions set
forth below in this Section 23, whereupon (i) the Exchange shall be released
from its obligations under Sections 7, 9 and 10 and (ii) the occurrence of an
event specified in paragraph (c), (d), (e) (h) or (i) of Section 11 shall not be
deemed to be a Default or an Event of Default on and after the date the
conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance"),
and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed to be not "outstanding" for the
purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration of holders (and the
consequences of any thereof) in connection with such obligations, but shall
continue to be deemed "outstanding" for all other purposes thereunder (it being
understood that the Notes may not be deemed "outstanding" for financial
accounting purposes). For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that the
Exchange may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any
term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Sections or paragraphs,
whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to
any such Section or paragraph or by reason of any reference in any such Section
or paragraph, to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the
remainder of this Agreement and the Notes shall be unaffected thereby.

            (b) Conditions to Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be the
conditions to application of Section 23.l(a) to the then outstanding Notes:

            (i) The Exchange shall have irrevocably deposited or caused to be
      deposited with the Defeasance Trustee as trust funds, specifically pledged
      as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the holders of
      the Notes, (A) money in an amount, or (B) Government Obligations which
      through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof
      in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before
      the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination
      thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of an internationally recognized firm
      of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification
      thereof delivered to the holders of the Notes, to pay and discharge, and
      which shall be applied by the Defeasance Trustee to pay and discharge, the
      required prepayments of the Notes of each series pursuant to Section 8.1,
      the principal balance of the Notes of each series payable upon maturity
      and each installment of interest on

<PAGE>   48
                                       44

      the Notes of each series on the respective due date therefor (assuming
      such required prepayments pursuant to Section 8.1 and upon maturity) in
      accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Notes.

            (ii) The Exchange shall have delivered to the holder of each Note an
      opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Required Holders to the effect that
      the holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize gain or loss for
      Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant
      defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount,
      in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
      such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred.

            (iii) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
      continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as paragraph (c), (d),
      (e), (h) or (i) of Section 11 is concerned, at any time during the period
      ending on the 121st day after the date of such deposit (it being
      understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the
      expiration of such period).

            (iv) Such covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or
      violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or
      instrument to which the Exchange is a party or by which it is bound.

            (v) Such covenant defeasance shall not result in the trust arising
      from such deposit constituting an investment company as defined in the
      Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or such trust shall be
      qualified under such act or exempt from regulation thereunder.

            (vi) The Exchange shall have delivered to the holder of each Note an
      Officer's Certificate and an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the
      Required Holders, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for
      relating to such covenant defeasance under this Section 23.1 have been
      complied with.

            (c) Certain Definitions. As used in this Section 23;

            (i) "Defeasance Trustee" means a bank or trust company acting as
      trustee under the trust pursuant to paragraph (b) above which is
      incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any State
      thereof, which at the time has combined capital, surplus and undivided
      profits aggregating at least $250,000,000, and which otherwise shall be
      reasonably satisfactory to the Majority Holders; and

            (ii) "Government Obligations" means

<PAGE>   49
                                       45

                  (A) direct obligations of the United States of America or any
            agency or instrumentality thereof, or obligations of a Person
            controlled or supervised by, and acting as an agency or
            instrumentality of, the United States of America, in any case having
            the benefit of the full faith and credit of the United States of
            America, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the
            issuer thereof, and

                  (B) depository receipts issued by a bank or trust company
            incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any
            State thereof which, as of the date of determination, shall have
            combined capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least
            $50,000,000, as custodian with respect to a Government Obligation or
            a specific payment of interest on or principal of a Government
            Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of
            such depository receipt, provided that, except as may otherwise be
            required by law, such custodian is not authorized to make any
            deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository
            receipt from any amount received by such custodian in respect of
            such Government Obligation or in respect of the specific payment of
            interest on or principal of such Government Obligation evidenced by
            such depository receipt.

23.2. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other
Miscellaneous Provisions.

            All money and Government obligations (including the proceeds
thereof) deposited with the Defeasance Trustee pursuant to Section 23.1 in
respect of the Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Defeasance
Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Agreement, to
the payment, either directly or through any paying agent (including the Exchange
acting as its own paying agent) as the Defeasance Trustee may determine, to the
holders of the Notes, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of
principal and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.

            The Exchange shall pay and indemnify the Defeasance Trustee against
any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government
Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 23.1 or the principal and interest
received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which
by law is for the account of the holders of the Notes.

            Anything in this Section 23.2 to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Defeasance Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Exchange from time to time upon
written request therefor any moneys or Government Obligations held by it as
provided in

<PAGE>   50
                                       46

Section 23.1 which, in the opinion of an internationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Defeasance Trustee and the holders of the Notes, are in excess
of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a
covenant defeasance.

23.3. Reinstatement.

            If the Defeasance Trustee or any paying agent is unable to apply any
money in accordance with Section 23.2 by reason of any order or judgment of any
court or Governmental Authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
such application, then the Exchange's obligations under this Agreement and the
Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant
to this Section 23 until such time as the Defeasance Trustee or paying agent is
permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 23.2; provided that
if the Exchange makes any payment of principal of or interest on any Note
following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Exchange shall be subrogated
to the rights of the holders of such Note to receive such payment from the money
held by the Defeasance Trustee or the paying agent.

<PAGE>   51
                                       47

            If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By /s/ Patrick F. Conroy
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Title: Sr. Vice President - Finance

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

WOODMEN ACCIDENT AND LIFE COMPANY

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

<PAGE>   52
                                       47

            If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

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

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By  /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
  ------------------------------
    Title:

By  /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
  ------------------------------
    Title:

<PAGE>   53
                                       47

            If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

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

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

ALLSTATE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 OF NEW YORK

By  /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
  ------------------------------
    Title:

By  /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
  ------------------------------
    Title:

<PAGE>   54

            If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

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

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

AMERICAN ECONOMY INSURANCE COMPANY

By  LINCOLN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.,
    Its Attorney-In-Fact

By   /s/ David C. Patak
  ------------------------------
   Title: Vice President

<PAGE>   55
                                       47

            If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

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

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

AMERICAN STATES LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By LINCOLN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.,
   Its Attorney-In-Fact

By   /s/ David C. Patak
  ------------------------------
   Title: Vice President

<PAGE>   56
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

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

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

ASSURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By       /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
  ------------------------------
   Title: Senior Vice President
              and Treasurer

<PAGE>   57
                                       47

            If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

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

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

THE CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY

By  /s/ Brian J. Lynch
  ------------------------------
   Title:  BRIAN J. LYNCH
           ASSOCIATE TREASURER

<PAGE>   58

                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By__________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

CANADA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 OF AMERICA

By /s/ Brian Lynch
   ------------------------------
   Title:   BRIAN J. LYNCH
          ASSISTANT TREASURER

<PAGE>   59
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By_____________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

CANADA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 OF NEW YORK

By /s/ Brian Lynch
   ------------------------------
   Title:   BRIAN J. LYNCH
          ASSISTANT TREASURER

<PAGE>   60
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By___________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

LINCOLN NATIONAL HEALTH & CASUALTY
 INSURANCE COMPANY

By LINCOLN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.,
   Its Attorney-In-Fact

   By: /s/ David C. Patak
       ------------------------------
       Title: Vice President

<PAGE>   61
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By__________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

LINCOLN NATIONAL REASSURANCE COMPANY

By LINCOLN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.,
   Its Attorney-In-Fact

   By: /s/ David C. Patak
       ------------------------------
       Title: Vice President

<PAGE>   62
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By_____________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

THE LINCOLN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By LINCOLN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.,
   Its Attorney-In-Fact

   By: /s/ David C. Patak
       ------------------------------
       Title: Vice President

<PAGE>   63
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By______________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed to
as of the date thereof.

MUTUAL OF OMAHA INSURANCE COMPANY

By: /s/ Edwin H. Garrison Jr.
    ---------------------------------
    Title: EDWIN H. GARRISON JR.
           FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

<PAGE>   64
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By___________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed to
as of the date thereof.

NATIONAL GUARDIAN LIFE INSURANCE
 COMPANY

By /s/ Robert A. Mucci
   -----------------------------------
   Title: Robert A. Mucci
   Assistant Vice President, Investments

<PAGE>   65
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By /s/ Harry A. Schermer
   --------------------------------
   Title:  Harry A. Schermer
           Vice President
           Equity Securities

<PAGE>   66
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By__________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

STANDARD INSURANCE

By /s/ Vicki R. Chase
   -------------------------------
   Title: Vicki R. Chase
          Vice President - Securities

<PAGE>   67
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By______________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

UNITED OF OMAHA LIFE INSURANCE
COMPANY

By /s/ Edwin H. Garrison Jr.
   --------------------------------
   Title: EDWIN H. GARRISON JR.
          FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

<PAGE>   68
                                       47

      If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign the form of
agreement in the space below provided on a counterpart of this Agreement and
return it to the Exchange, whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding
agreement between you and the Exchange.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE

                                     By______________________________________
                                       Title:

The foregoing is hereby agreed
to as of the date thereof.

WOODMEN ACCIDENT AND LIFE COMPANY

By /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
   --------------------------------
   Title: Senior Vice President
             and Treasurer

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