Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.31

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT entered into as of the 1st day of February, 2001,
between and among FirstMerit Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("FirstMerit"),
FirstMerit Bank, N.A., a national banking association ("FirstMerit Bank")
(collectively sometimes "FirstMerit"), and Sid A. Bostic ("Executive").

                                    RECITALS:

         FirstMerit and FirstMerit Bank desire to employ Executive for a period
certain, subject, however, to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

         IN CONSIDERATION OF THE FOREGOING, the mutual covenants contained
herein, and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. EMPLOYMENT

         FirstMerit hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts
employment, according to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement
and for the period specified in Section 3 of this Agreement.

2. DUTIES

         During the Term (as defined in Section 3), Executive shall serve
FirstMerit and FirstMerit Bank as its President and Chief Operating Officer in
accordance with directions from the Chief Executive Officer and FirstMerit's
Board of Directors, and in accordance with FirstMerit's Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of Regulations (as both
may be amended from time to time). Executive will report directly to the
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. While Executive is employed by FirstMerit
as a full-time employee, Executive shall serve FirstMerit faithfully,
diligently, competently and to the best of his ability, and will exclusively
devote his full time, energy and attention to the business of FirstMerit and to
the promotion of its interests. Executive shall not, without the written consent
of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of
FirstMerit, render services to or for any person, firm, corporation or other
entity or organization in exchange for compensation, regardless of the form in
which such compensation is paid and whether or not it is paid directly or
indirectly to Executive. Nothing in this Section 2 shall preclude Executive from
managing his personal investments and affairs, provided that such activities in
no way interfere with the proper performance of his duties and responsibilities
as President and Chief Operating Officer.

3. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

         The term of this Agreement (the "Term") shall commence as of February
1, 2001, and shall continue for a period of three (3) years ending on January
31, 2004, unless this Agreement

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has been earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 7
hereof. Following expiration of the Term, Executive's employment status will be
"at will."

4. COMPENSATION

4.1 BASE SALARY. While employed under this Agreement, Executive will receive as
his compensation for the performance of his duties and obligations to FirstMerit
under this Agreement a basic salary of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000)
per year, which will be payable in semi-monthly installments, and which will be
subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee as approved by the Board
of Directors (the base salary, as may be adjusted from time to time, is referred
to herein as the "Base Salary").

4.2 BONUS. In addition to the Base Salary, Executive will receive with respect
to each calendar year a bonus in accordance with FirstMerit's Incentive
Compensation Plan ("ICP"), a copy of which has been delivered to Executive, as
may be amended from time to time. Bonuses will be determined by FirstMerit's
Compensation Committee in accordance with the terms of the ICP, subject to
approval by the Board of Directors, and ordinarily will be paid during the first
quarter of the year following the year to which the bonus relates.

4.3 WITHHOLDING. All compensation payable to Executive pursuant to this Section
4 shall be paid net of amounts withheld for federal, state, municipal or local
income taxes, the Executive's share, if any, of any payroll taxes, and such
other federal, state, municipal or local taxes as may be applicable to amounts
paid by an employer to its employee or to the employer/employee relationship.

5. OTHER BENEFITS OF EMPLOYMENT

5.1 RETIREMENT BENEFITS

         (A)      PENSION PLAN. Executive will participate in the Pension Plan
                  for Employees of FirstMerit Corporation and Subsidiaries (the
                  "Pension Plan"), a copy of the summary plan description of
                  which has been provided to Executive, in accordance with the
                  provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time.

         (B)      EMPLOYEES' SALARY SAVINGS RETIREMENT PLAN. Executive will be
                  entitled to participate in the FirstMerit Corporation and
                  Subsidiaries Employees' Salary Savings Retirement Plan (the
                  "401(k) Plan"), a copy of the summary plan description of
                  which has been provided to Executive, in accordance with the
                  provisions of the Plan, as amended from time to time.

         (C)      SERP. Executive will participate in the FirstMerit Corporation
                  Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan (the "SERP"), a copy of
                  which has been provided to Executive, in accordance with the
                  provisions of the SERP, as may be amended from time to time
                  and as may be modified by the provisions of the Membership
                  Agreement entered into by FirstMerit and Executive in
                  connection with the SERP.

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         (D)      TOP HAT PLAN. Executive will be entitled to participate in the
                  FirstMerit Corporation Unfunded Supplemental Benefits Plan
                  (the "Top Hat Plan"), a copy of which has been provided to
                  Executive, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, as
                  amended from time to time.

5.2 CHANGE IN CONTROL TERMINATION AGREEMENT. FirstMerit and Executive have
entered into a a Change in Control Termination Agreement, dated of even date
with this Agreement, the terms of which provide for the continuation of
compensation and certain benefits in the event of certain terminations of
employment of Executive following a Change in Control. The terms of such
Agreement provide, subject to certain limitations, for continuation for a period
of thirty (30) months of the Base Salary, incentive compensation, medical, life,
and accidental death and dismemberment insurance under FirstMerit plans and
payment of premiums as provided in Section 5.3. The Change in Control
Termination Agreement will also provide that if any compensation or benefits
payable under such Agreement, alone or in conjunction with other compensation or
benefits received by Executive, constitute "parachute payments," within the
meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") or the
regulations adopted or proposed thereunder, then the compensation and benefits
payable under the Agreement will be reduced if, and only to the extent that, a
reduction will allow the Executive to receive a greater benefit, net after
taxes, than the Executive would receive absent a reduction.

5.3 EXECUTIVE LIFE INSURANCE. During such time as Executive is employed by
FirstMerit, FirstMerit shall pay the premiums, plus forty percent (40%) of such
premiums as a gross-up amount, on a permanent whole life insurance policy which
shall be owned by Executive and which shall provide Executive with Seven Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000) in life insurance. Executive will be
responsible for the payment of all taxes associated with the payment of the
premiums and the gross-up amount. FirstMerit's obligations under this Section
5.3 will cease upon the termination of Executive's employment for any reason
(other than retirement), except to the extent provided otherwise in the Change
in Control Termination Agreement or pursuant to Section 7.5(A). Executive
acknowledges that a physical examination will be required by the insurer.

5.4 DISABILITY. Executive will be entitled to participate in FirstMerit's
Long-Term Disability Plan applicable to executive level employees of FirstMerit,
and in FirstMerit's Short-Term Illness Program, all in accordance with the
provisions of such programs as may be amended from time to time.

5.5 MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS. Executive will be entitled to participate in such
hospitalization, life insurance, and other employee benefit plans and programs,
if any, as may be adopted by FirstMerit from time to time, in accordance with
the provisions of such plans and programs and on the same basis as other
full-time salaried employees of FirstMerit who participate in such employee
benefit plans (except to the extent that the benefits provided under any of such
plans or programs are expressly offset by any of the benefits provided under or
pursuant to this Agreement).

5.6 STOCK OPTION AND GRANTS. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall
be eligible to participate in the FirstMerit Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan,
as the same may be

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amended from time to time, and such other equity-based compensation plans or
programs as may be adopted by FirstMerit during the term of this Agreement, and
to receive such awards under such Plan or plans as may be authorized and
approved by the Board from time to time.

5.7 INCOME TAX PREPARATION. FirstMerit will reimburse Executive for fees
incurred in connection with personal income tax preparation in an amount not to
exceed Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750) per year.

5.8 CLUB DUES. FirstMerit will pay, or reimburse Executive for, all membership
dues and special assessments, and any sales tax assessed or payable with respect
to such dues or assessments, incurred in connection with the Executive's
membership in a country club chosen by the Executive in his sole discretion.

5.9 TAXES AND WITHHOLDING. Executive shall be responsible for paying all
federal, state, municipal or local taxes payable by him with respect to any
benefits provided under this Section 5, and FirstMerit will, when required by
law or when otherwise appropriate or customary, withhold from the benefits or
other compensation amounts sufficient to satisfy such taxes.

6. OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT

6.1 EXECUTIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. Approximately every two (2) years, Executive
will undergo an executive physical examination by physicians (not including any
physicians who have performed or are then performing medical services for
Executive) of the Cleveland Clinic or comparable facility. The expenses of the
physical examinations required under this Section 6.1 (but not any treatment in
connection therewith), which are not otherwise covered by FirstMerit-sponsored
medical plans, will be borne by FirstMerit.

6.2 VACATION. Executive will be entitled to five (5) weeks paid vacation and ten
(10) bank holidays per year.

6.3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FirstMerit will agree to nominate the Executive at such
times as necessary so that Executive remains a director of FirstMerit during his
employment by FirstMerit. Nothing in this Section 6.3 shall require FirstMerit
or its Board to decline to nominate an existing Director at the expiration of
such Director's term.

7. TERMINATION

7.1 DEFINITIONS

         (A)      "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any one of
                  the following events:

                  (i)      individuals who, on April 19, 2000, constitute the
                           Board (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any
                           reason to constitute at least a majority of the
                           Board, provided that any person becoming a director
                           subsequent to April 19, 2000 whose election or
                           nomination for election was approved by a

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                           vote of at least 2/3rds of the Incumbent Directors
                           then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by
                           approval of the proxy statement of the Company in
                           which such person is named as a nominee for director,
                           without written objection to such nomination) shall
                           be an Incumbent Director; provided, however, that no
                           director of the Company initially as a result of an
                           actual or threatened election contest with respect to
                           directors or any other actual or threatened
                           solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf
                           of any person other than the Board shall be deemed to
                           be an Incumbent Director;

                  (ii)     any "person" (as such term is defined in Section
                           3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
                           "Exchange Act") and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and
                           14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes a
                           "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
                           the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
                           securities of the Company representing 25% or more of
                           the combined voting power of the Company's then
                           outstanding securities eligible to vote for the
                           election of the Board (the "Company Voting
                           Securities"); provided, however, that the event
                           described in this paragraph (ii) shall not be deemed
                           to be a Change in Control by virtue of any of the
                           following acquisitions:

                           (a)      by the Company or any Subsidiary,

                           (b)      by any employee benefit plan sponsored or
                                    maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary,

                           (c)      by any underwriter temporarily holding
                                    securities pursuant to an offering of such
                                    securities,

                           (d)      pursuant to a Non-Control Transaction (as
                                    defined in paragraph (iii)), or

                           (e)      a transaction (other than one described in
                                    (iii) below) in which Company Voting
                                    Securities are acquired from the Company, if
                                    a majority of the Incumbent Directors then
                                    on the Board approve a resolution providing
                                    expressly that the acquisition pursuant to
                                    this clause (e) does not constitute a Change
                                    in Control under this paragraph (ii);

                  (iii)    the consummation of a merger, consolidation,
                           statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate
                           transaction involving the Company or any of its
                           Subsidiaries that requires the approval of the
                           Company's shareholders, whether for such transaction
                           or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a
                           "Business Combination"), unless immediately following
                           such Business Combination:

                           (a)      more than 50% of the total voting power of
                                    (1) the corporation

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                                    resulting from such Business Combination
                                    (the "Surviving Entity"), or (2) if
                                    applicable, the ultimate parent corporation
                                    that directly or indirectly has beneficial
                                    ownership of 100% of the voting securities
                                    eligible to elect directors ("Total Voting
                                    Power") of the Surviving Entity (the "Parent
                                    Entity"), is represented by Company Voting
                                    Securities that were outstanding immediately
                                    prior to such Business Combination (or, if
                                    applicable, shares into which such Company
                                    Voting Securities were converted pursuant to
                                    such Business Combination), and such voting
                                    power among the holders thereof is in
                                    substantially the same proportion as the
                                    voting power of such Company Voting
                                    Securities among the holders thereof
                                    immediately prior to the Business
                                    Combination,

                           (b)      no person (other than any employee benefit
                                    plan (or related trusts) sponsored or
                                    maintained by the Surviving Entity or the
                                    Parent Entity), is or becomes the beneficial
                                    owner, directly or indirectly, of 25% or
                                    more of the Total Voting Power of the
                                    outstanding voting securities eligible to
                                    elect directors of the Parent Entity (or, if
                                    there is no Parent Entity, the Surviving
                                    Entity), and

                           (c)      at least a majority of the members of the
                                    board of directors of the Parent Entity (or,
                                    if there is no Parent Entity, the Surviving
                                    Entity) following the consummation of the
                                    Business Combination were Incumbent
                                    Directors at the time of the Board's
                                    approval of the execution of the initial
                                    agreement providing for such Business
                                    Combination (any Business Combination which
                                    satisfies all of the criteria specified in
                                    (a), (b) and (c) above shall be deemed to be
                                    a "Non-Control Transaction"); or

                  (iv)     the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of
                           complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control of the Company shall
         not be deemed to occur solely because any person acquires beneficial
         ownership of more than 25% of the Company Voting Securities as a result
         of the acquisition of Company Voting Securities by the Company which
         reduces the number of Company Voting Securities outstanding; provided,
         that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the
         beneficial owner of additional Company Voting Securities that increases
         the percentage of outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially
         owned by such person by more than one percent, a Change in Control of
         the Company shall then occur.

         (B)      "DISABILITY" or "DISABLED" means eligibility for disability
                  benefits under the terms of FirstMerit's Long-Term Disability
                  Plan for executive level employees in effect at the time of
                  termination of Executive's employment.

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         (C)      "TERMINATION DATE" means the date on which Executive's
                  employment with FirstMerit terminates.

         (D)      "TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CAUSE" means the termination of
                  Executive's employment by FirstMerit for any of the following
                  reasons:

                  (i)      Felonious criminal activity whether or not affecting
                           FirstMerit;

                  (ii)     Disclosure to unauthorized persons of FirstMerit
                           information which is believed by the Board of
                           Directors of FirstMerit, acting in good faith, to be
                           confidential; provided, however, that any such
                           disclosure shall not be considered to be "cause" for
                           termination to the extent that:

                           (a)      it is required of Executive pursuant to an
                                    order of a court having competent
                                    jurisdiction or a subpoena from an
                                    appropriate government agency; or

                           (b)      it is made by Executive in the ordinary
                                    course of business within the scope of his
                                    authority;

                  (iii)    Dishonesty or the breach of any contract with or
                           violation of any legal obligation to FirstMerit;

                  (iv)     Gross negligence or insubordination in the
                           performance of duties held by the President and Chief
                           Operating Officer of FirstMerit.

         (E)      "TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT CAUSE" means the
                  termination of Executive's employment by FirstMerit for any
                  reason other than Death, Disability or For Cause.

         (F)      "TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR GOOD REASON" means the
                  voluntary termination of Executive's employment by Executive
                  for any of the following reasons:

                  (i)      Involuntary reduction in Executive's Base Salary
                           unless such reduction occurs simultaneously with a
                           company-wide reduction in officers' salaries;

                  (ii)     Involuntary discontinuance or reduction in
                           Executive's incentive compensation award
                           opportunities under FirstMerit's plan unless a
                           company-wide discontinuance or reduction of all
                           officers' incentive compensation award opportunities
                           occurs simultaneously with such discontinuance or
                           reduction;

                  (iii)    Significant reduction in Executive's responsibilities
                           and status within the FirstMerit organization, or a
                           change in his title or office without prior written
                           consent of Executive;

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                  (iv)     Involuntary discontinuance of Executive's
                           participation in any employee benefit plans
                           maintained by FirstMerit unless such plans are
                           discontinued by reason of law or loss of tax
                           deductibility to FirstMerit with respect to
                           contributions to such plans, or are discontinued as a
                           matter of FirstMerit policy applied equally to all
                           participants in such plans;

                  (v)      A material breach of this Agreement, which breach is
                           not corrected within a reasonable time after notice.

7.2 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT UPON DEATH. If Executive's employment is
terminated by reason of Death, his estate shall be entitled to receive only
Executive's Base Salary to which he was entitled through the Termination Date,
any unpaid bonus due with respect to a year prior to the year in which the
termination occurred, and such other benefits as may be available to him or his
estate through FirstMerit's benefit plans and policies (including the Membership
Agreement entered into in connection with the SERP as described in Section
5.1(C)).

7.3 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT UPON DISABILITY. If Executive's employment is
terminated due to his inability to perform his duties because of Disability,
Executive shall be entitled to receive only his Base Salary to which he was
entitled through the Termination Date, any unpaid bonus due with respect to a
year prior to the year in which the termination occurred, and such other
benefits as may be available to him through FirstMerit's benefit plans and
policies (including the Membership Agreement entered into in connection with the
SERP as described in Section 5.1(C)).

7.4 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT BY FIRSTMERIT FOR CAUSE. If Executive's employment
is terminated For Cause, Executive shall be entitled to receive only Executive's
Base Salary to which he was entitled through the Termination Date and such other
benefits as may be available to him through FirstMerit's benefit plans and
policies in effect at the time of termination.

7.5 TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON

         (A)      If there is a Termination of Employment Without Cause or a
                  Termination of Employment For Good Reason, and the Termination
                  Date is prior to the expiration of the Term, Executive's Base
                  Salary and benefits (including credit for Years of Service
                  under the SERP) shall continue for a period of thirty (30)
                  months following the month in which the Termination Date
                  occurs. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if a
                  termination of employment under this Section 7.5(A) occurs
                  following a Change in Control, and if the compensation and
                  benefits provided under this Section 7.5(A), either alone or
                  in conjunction with other compensation or benefits received by
                  Executive, constitute Parachute Payments, then the
                  compensation and benefits payable under this Section 7.5(A),
                  and under any other employment agreement to which the
                  Executive is party or employee benefit plan or program in
                  which the Executive is participating, shall be reduced if, and
                  only to the extent that, a reduction will allow the Executive
                  to receive a greater Net After Tax Amount than the Executive
                  would receive absent a

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                  reduction. The following steps shall be followed in
                  implementing the provisions of this paragraph 7.5(a):

                  (i)      The Accountant shall first determine the total amount
                           of the Parachute Payments and Net After Tax Amount of
                           such Parachute Payments.

                  (ii)     Next, the Accountant shall determine the amount of
                           the Executive's Reduced Parachute Payments and the
                           Net After Tax Amount of such Reduced Parachute
                           Payments.

                  (iii)    If the Accountant determines that the Net After Tax
                           Amount of the Reduced Parachute Payments is greater
                           than the Net After Tax Amount of the total Parachute
                           Payments, the Executive shall receive the Reduced
                           Parachute Payments. If the Accountant determines that
                           the Net After Tax Amount of the total Parachute
                           Payments is greater than or equal to the Net After
                           Tax Amount of the Reduced Parachute Payments, the
                           Executive shall receive the total Parachute Payments.
                           If the Accountant determines that the Executive's
                           Parachute Payments should be reduced to an amount
                           equal to the Reduced Parachute Payments, FirstMerit
                           shall give prompt notice to that effect to the
                           Executive with a copy of the Accountant's
                           calculations. The Executive may then elect, in his
                           sole discretion, within ten (10) days after his
                           receipt of such notice, which and how much of the
                           Parachute Payments, including without limitation the
                           compensation and benefits payable pursuant to this
                           Section 7.5(A), shall be eliminated or reduced to
                           arrive at the amount of the Reduced Parachute
                           Payments. If the Executive does not make an election
                           within such ten-day period, FirstMerit shall, in is
                           sole discretion, make the election to reduce the
                           Parachute Payments to arrive at the amount of the
                           Reduced Parachute Payments and shall notify the
                           Executive promptly thereof. All determinations made
                           by the Accountant pursuant to this Section 7.5(A)
                           shall be binding upon FirstMerit and the Executive
                           and shall be made within sixty (60) days after the
                           occurrence of an event which triggers the payment of
                           benefits under this Section 7.5(A).

                  (iv)     The following definitions shall apply for purposes of
                           this Section 7.5(A):

                           (a)      "Accountant" means the accounting firm
                                    approved by FirstMerit's shareholders as
                                    FirstMerit's independent auditor immediately
                                    prior to the occurrence of an event which
                                    triggers the payment of compensation or
                                    benefits under this Section 7.5(A).

                           (b)      "Parachute Payment" means a payment that is
                                    described in Code Section 280G(b)(2)
                                    (without regard to whether the aggregate
                                    present value of such payment exceeds the
                                    limit prescribed in Code Section
                                    280G(b)(2)(A)(ii)). The amount of any
                                    Parachute Payment shall be determined in
                                    accordance with Code Section

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                                    280G and the regulations promulgated
                                    thereunder, or, in the absence of final
                                    regulations, the proposed regulations
                                    promulgated under Code Section 280G.

                           (c)      "Net After Tax Amount" means the amount of
                                    any Parachute Payments or Reduced Parachute
                                    Payments, as applicable, net of the taxes
                                    imposed under Code Sections 1, 3101(b) and
                                    4999 and any state or local income taxes
                                    applicable to the Executive as in effect on
                                    the date of the payment under this Section
                                    7.5(A). The determination of the Net After
                                    Tax Amount shall be made using the highest
                                    combined effective rates of the taxes
                                    described in the preceding sentence imposed
                                    on income of the same character as the
                                    Parachute Payments or Reduced Parachute
                                    Payments, as applicable, in effect for the
                                    year for which the determination is made.

                           (d)      "Reduced Parachute Payment" means the
                                    largest amount of Parachute Payments that
                                    may be paid to the Executive without
                                    liability for any excise tax under Code
                                    Section 4999.

         (B)      If there is a Termination of Employment Without Cause or a
                  Termination of Employment For Good Reason, and the Termination
                  Date is after the expiration of the Term, Executive shall be
                  entitled to receive only his Base Salary to which he was
                  entitled through the Termination Date and such other benefits
                  as may be available to him through FirstMerit's benefit plans
                  and policies.

7.6 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OTHER THAN FOR GOOD REASON. If Executive
terminates employment with FirstMerit other than for Good Reason, Executive
shall be entitled to receive only his Base Salary to which he was entitled
through the Termination Date and such other benefits as may be available to him
through FirstMerit's benefit plans and policies.

7.7 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Upon termination of Executive's employment, the
obligations of each of the parties under this Agreement shall expire as of the
Termination Date, including, without limitation, the obligations of FirstMerit
to pay any compensation to Executive, except to the extent otherwise
specifically provided in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
obligations contained in Section 8 of this Agreement and the provisions hereof
relating to the obligations of FirstMerit described in the preceding sentence,
shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement in accordance with
the terms set forth therein.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-COMPETE

8.1 NON-DISCLOSURE. Executive expressly covenants and agrees that he will not
reveal, divulge or make known to any person, firm, company or corporation any
secret or confidential information of any nature concerning FirstMerit or its
business, or anything connected therewith.

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8.2 RETURN OF MATERIALS. Executive agrees to deliver or return to FirstMerit
upon termination or expiration of this Agreement or as soon thereafter as
possible, all information, whether written or stored in media used in computer
systems or otherwise, and any other similar items furnished by FirstMerit or
prepared by Executive in connection with his services hereunder. Executive will
retain no copies thereof after termination of this Agreement or Executive's
employment.

8.3 NON-COMPETE. If Executive terminates his employment other than for Good
Reason during the Term, or if FirstMerit terminates Executive's employment for
Cause during the Term, then, until the first anniversary of the Termination
Date, Executive shall not become associated, directly or indirectly, with any
entity, whether as a shareholder (other than as a holder of not more than one
percent (1%) of the outstanding voting shares of any publicly traded company),
principal, partner, employee or consultant (such activities collectively
referred to as an "Associate"), that is actively engaged in any business which
is in competition with FirstMerit or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in
any geographic area in which FirstMerit or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates
does business at the date of such termination. If Executive incurs a Termination
of Employment for Good Reason or a Termination of Employment Without Cause
during the Term, then, until the cessation of payments under Section 7.5(A),
Executive shall not become an Associate of any entity that is actively engaged
in any business which is in competition with FirstMerit or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates in the State of Ohio, and such other geographic area
as FirstMerit or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates may have begun doing
business as of the Termination Date.

8.4 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. Executive acknowledges that it is impossible to measure
in money the damages that will accrue to FirstMerit by reason of Executive's
failure to observe any of the obligations imposed on him by this Section 8.
Accordingly, if FirstMerit shall institute an action to enforce the provisions
hereof, Executive hereby waives the claim or defense that an adequate remedy at
law is available to FirstMerit, and Executive agrees not to urge in any such
action the claim or defense that such remedy at law exists.

9. MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their
respective heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators and
successors; provided, however, that Executive shall not assign this Agreement.

9.2 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed under and governed by the
internal laws of the State of Ohio. In the event that any provision of this
Agreement shall be held to be void or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, this Agreement shall not be rendered null and void thereby but
shall be construed and enforced as if such void or unenforceable provision was
not originally a part of this Agreement. The parties agree to the sole
jurisdiction and venue of the Common Pleas Court in Summit County, Ohio, for any
disputes arising hereunder.

9.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the
parties concerning the employment of Executive by FirstMerit, and any oral or
written statements, representations, agreements or understandings made or
entered into prior to or

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, are hereby rescinded,
revoked and rendered null and void by the parties.

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

                                            FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION

                                            By: /s/ John R. Cochran
                                                -------------------------------
                                                 John R. Cochran, Chairman and
                                                 Chief Executive Officer

                                                /s/ Sid A. Bostic
                                                --------------------------------
                                                    Sid A. Bostic

                                       12<PAGE>   1
                                 March 30, 2001

Ms. Julia A. Pollner
Senior Vice President, Finance
Metatec International, Inc.
7001 Metatec Boulevard
Dublin, Ohio  43017

          Re:   Metatec International, Inc. ("Company") -- Loans ("Loans") from
                The Huntington National Bank ("Huntington") and Bank One, NA
                ("Bank One") with Huntington, as Agent ("Agent")

Dear Julie:

         In connection with the Loan Agreement dated as of September 11, 1998
and executed by and among the Company, the Agent, Huntington and Bank One (as
amended, the "Loan Agreement"), it is the understanding of the Agent, Huntington
and Bank One that the Company has failed to comply with each of the following
covenants ("Current Covenant Violations"): (a) the Tangible Net Worth covenant
(set forth in Section 4.12 of the Agreement) for the period ending December 31,
2000; (b) the Leverage Ratio covenant (set forth in Section 4.13 of the
Agreement) for the period ending December 31, 2000; (c) the Interest Coverage
Ratio covenant (set forth in Section 4.14 of the Agreement) for the period
ending December 31, 2000; (d) the "no loss" covenant (set forth in Section 4.20
of the Agreement) for the period ending December 31, 2000; and (e) the minimum
EBITDA covenant (set forth in Section 4.21 of the Agreement) for the periods
ending October 31, November 30 and December 31, 2000. (Capitalized terms used
but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed in the Loan Agreement.)
The Company has requested that each of the Current Covenant Violations be waived
by the Agent, Huntington and Bank One.

         We have advised you that your agreement to various modifications to the
Loan Documents constitutes an integral part of our consideration of the
Company's request. The modifications under consideration at this time include,
but will not hereafter necessarily be limited to, the following:

         (i)  the minimum consolidated Tangible Net Worth covenant set forth in
         Section 4.12 of the Loan Agreement will be adjusted as follows:

<PAGE>   2

                   Period Ending                           Minimum TNW
                   -------------                           -----------
                   March, 2001                           $11,750,000.00
                   April, 2001                           $10,800,000.00
                   May, 2001                              $9,900,000.00
                   June, 2001                             $9,600,000.00
                   July, 2001                             $8,600,000.00
                   August, 2001                           $8,000,000.00
                   September, 2001                        $8,000,000.00
                   October, 2001                          $7,900,000.00
                   November, 2001                         $7,700,000.00
                   December, 2001                         $7,500,000.00
                   January, 2002                          $7,500,000.00
                   February, 2002                         $7,500,000.00
                   March, 2002                            $7,500,000.00

         The Tangible Net Worth figures set forth above will be adjusted to
         reflect any tax credits realized by the Company during the period
         January 1, 2001 through March 31, 2002, such adjustments to be made
         immediately prior to the end of the testing period in which such
         credits are realized.

         (ii) the monthly / quarterly limitation on the Company's expenditures
         for fixed or capital assets set forth in Section 4.19 of the Loan
         Agreement will be adjusted as follows:

                   Period Ending                          Capital Expenditures
                   -------------                          --------------------
                   March, 2001 (Quarter)                     $1,100,000.00
                   April, 2001                                 $350,000.00
                   May, 2001                                    $20,000.00
                   June, 2001                                   $10,000.00
                   July, 2001                                  $175,000.00
                   August, 2001                                 $50,000.00
                   September, 2001                              $10,000.00
                   October, 2001                                $25,000.00
                   November, 2001                               $25,000.00
                   December, 2001                               $25,000.00
                   December, 2001 (Year)                     $1,790,000.00
                   January, 2002                               $200,000.00
                   February, 2002                              $200,000.00
                   March, 2002                                 $200,000.00

         Any portion of a monthly or quarterly capital expenditure allowance set
         forth above that is not used in the specified month or quarter of 2001
         may be used by

<PAGE>   3

         the Company in any subsequent month or quarter of fiscal year 2001, but
         no such unused portion may be used by the Company in fiscal year 2002.

         (iii) the minimum monthly consolidated EBITDA covenant set forth in
         Section 4.21 of the Loan Agreement will be restated as a minimum
         monthly (cumulative)/ quarterly consolidated EBITDA covenant and
         adjusted as follows:

                   Period Ending                        Minimum EBITDA
                   ------------                         --------------
                   March, 2001 (Quarter)                   $885,000.00
                   April, 2001                             $970,000.00
                   May, 2001                             $1,200,000.00
                   June, 2001                            $2,000,000.00
                   June, 2001 (Quarter)                  $1,300,000.00
                   July, 2001                            $2,200,000.00
                   August, 2001                          $2,700,000.00
                   September, 2001                       $3,700,000.00
                   September, 2001 (Quarter)             $1,600,000.00
                   October, 2001                         $4,500,000.00
                   November, 2001                        $5,300,000.00
                   December, 2001                        $6,000,000.00
                   December, 2001 (Quarter)              $2,300,000.00
                   January, 2002                         $6,700,000.00
                   February, 2002                        $7,500,000.00
                   March, 2002                           $8,100,000.00
                   March, 2002 (Quarter)                 $2,300,000.00

         (iv) a minimum monthly (cumulative) / quarterly EBITDA covenant will be
         instituted for the Silicon Valley operation as follows:

                   Period Ending                         Minimum EBITDA
                   -------------                         --------------
                   March, 2001 (Quarter)                 ($300,000.00)
                   April, 2001                           ($400,000.00)
                   May, 2001                             ($500,000.00)
                   June, 2001                            ($600,000.00)
                   June, 2001 (Quarter)                  ($300,000.00)
                   July, 2001                            ($700,000.00)
                   August, 2001                          ($800,000.00)
                   September, 2001                       ($900,000.00)

<PAGE>   4
                   Period Ending                         Minimum EBITDA
                   -------------                         --------------
                   September, 2001 (Quarter)               ($275,000.00)
                   October, 2001                           ($950,000.00)
                   November, 2001                        ($1,000,000.00)
                   December, 2001                        ($1,050,000.00)
                   December, 2001 (Quarter)                ($250,000.00)
                   January, 2002                         ($1,050,000.00)
                   February, 2002                        ($1,050,000.00)
                   March, 2002                           ($1,050,000.00)
                   March, 2002 (Quarter)                    $100,000.00

         (v) the financial covenants set forth in Sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.14,
         4.19, 4.20, and 4.21 of the Loan Agreement will be suspended during the
         period January 1, 2001 through March 31, 2002; provided, however, that
         all terms defined in those Sections and all methods of financial
         covenant calculation set forth in those Sections (to the extent that
         such terms and methods of calculation are applicable to the financial
         covenants set forth in items (i) through (iv) above and to the extent
         such terms and methods of calculation are not modified by the terms of
         items (i) through (iv) above) will remain as currently written; and
         provided, further, however, that for purposes of EBITDA covenant
         compliance calculation and Tangible Net Worth covenant compliance
         calculation, EBITDA will be modified to permit the Company to add back
         (as and when paid) the $500,000.00 of fees hereinafter described that
         are payable by the Company to Huntington and Bank One and the fees that
         are payable by the Company to a "turnaround" consultant and to an
         appraiser as hereinafter set forth.

         (vi) effective March 31, 2001, interest will accrue on the outstanding
         principal balances of the Loans at a per annum rate of interest that is
         2.00% in excess of the Prime Rate, and the Commitment Fee will accrue
         at a per annum rate of 0.50% (all provisions in the Loan Agreement
         concerning calculations, payments and the like with respect to the
         foregoing otherwise to remain in effect as currently written);

         (vii) a borrowing base requirement (with daily borrowing base reports
         and monitoring by Huntington's asset based lending division) will be
         instituted with respect to Revolving Loan advances; Revolving Loan
         advance availability to be limited by outstanding Sub-Facility Letters
         of Credit (which Sub-Facility will hereafter be limited to
         $2,050,000.00) and by a formula based upon 80% of eligible domestic
         accounts, 80% of eligible insured foreign accounts, 30% of eligible
         domestic inventory and 20% of domestic machinery and equipment at net
         book value ("eligibility" to be determined by Huntington and Bank One
         in their sole discretion); as to eligible domestic accounts and
         eligible insured foreign accounts, such formula may be adjusted by
         Huntington and Bank One in their sole discretion following the
         completion of an asset-based-lending-type audit of the

<PAGE>   5

         accounts and inventory of the Company (the fees and expenses associated
         with such audit to be borne by the Company), any such adjustment to be
         effective as of July 15, 2001 and to be based upon the Company's
         dilution experience concerning such accounts during the period April 1,
         2001 through June 30, 2001; all accounts (domestic and foreign)
         securing the Loans will be collected through lockbox arrangements to be
         entered into between the Company and the Agent (and any necessary
         foreign entities); and cash collateral and controlled disbursement
         account arrangements also to be entered into between the Company and
         the Agent;

         (viii) quarterly financial reporting requirements will be changed to
         monthly (30 days after month end for monthly reports and 90 days after
         fiscal year end for annual reports) (presentations to include
         year-to-date results), with reporting by site and on a consolidated
         basis for income statements and with reporting as either "domestic" or
         "foreign" and on a consolidated basis for balance sheets, and
         period/prior-year comparisons and comparisons to budget will be
         required; the Company will provide cash receipts and disbursement
         reports to Huntington and Bank One on a daily basis; and within 15 days
         of month end, the Company will submit to the Agent and to each of the
         Banks reports concerning accounts receivable and payable agings,
         accounts receivable reconciliations and inventory listings;

         (ix) the definition of Net Cash Flow set forth in Section 1.4 (f) of
         the Loan Agreement will be modified to refer to "cash taxes" and the
         reference to "50%" in that Section will be changed to "100%"; and

         (x) the Revolving Loan Termination Date and the Term Loan Termination
         Date will be re-set to April 1, 2002.

         In connection with the foregoing, you need to be aware of several other
matters. First, the Company must pay (a) to each of Huntington and Bank One a
fee of $50,000.00 on April 2, 2001, a fee of $75,000.00 on or before July 31,
2001, and a fee of $75,000.00 on or before November 30, 2001, (b) to Bank One a
fee of $100,000.00 on or before March 31, 2002, and (c) the fees and expenses of
counsel for the Agent not later than 10 days after receipt of each statement
submitted by counsel for the Agent. Second, on April 2, 2001, all funds of the
Company currently on deposit with Huntington Capital Investment Company in
Account No. OHE495484 (in the approximate amount of $4,600,000.00) must be paid
to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of Huntington and Bank One, such funds to
be applied to the outstanding balance of the Revolving Loan. Third, on or before
April 20, 2001, the Company will engage a "turnaround" consultant to review,
prepare and analyze (as applicable) the Company's financial condition including,
without limitation, the Company's going concern and break-up values, the
Company's operating, cashflow and capital budgets and the Company's management
of working capital. The consultant will also prepare "hold/merge/liquidate"
recommendations for each business location concerning the Company operations.
All reports prepared by the consultant for the Company will also be
simultaneously delivered by the consultant to the Agent, Huntington

<PAGE>   6

and Bank One, and the Agent, Huntington and Bank One will have the right to
discuss such reports directly with the consultant. The consultant will be
selected and paid by the Company; provided, however, that the Agent, Huntington
and Bank One will have the right to approve the consultant selected by the
Company and the scope and cost of the engagement. Attached hereto as Schedule 1
is nonexclusive list of approved consultants. Fourth, the Agent will obtain an
appraisal (at fair market and orderly liquidation values) of the domestic
machinery and equipment of the Company (a schedule of such fixed assets by
location must be provided to the Agent on or before April 10, 2001), and the
fees and expenses associated with such appraisal will be borne by the Company.
Fifth, the Company (and its subsidiaries, as applicable) will not only reaffirm
existing security interests granted to secure the Loans and related fees, costs
and expenses, but will also provide additional security for the Loans, which
additional security will relate to the rights of the Company, as the sole member
of Meta Management, LLC, to receive distributions from Meta Management, LLC.
Sixth, the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Agent in the
pledged shares of Metatec International B.V. must be confirmed (to the
satisfaction of the Agent and its counsel) in an opinion of Netherlands counsel
to be delivered to the Agent by not later than April 30, 2001. Finally, a
guaranty secured by a first priority perfected security interest in the accounts
of Metatec International B.V. (which accounts must be insured to the
satisfaction of the Agent) must be delivered to the Agent and the validity and
enforceability of such guaranty and related security agreement, as well as the
perfection and priority of the security interest of the Agent in such accounts,
must be confirmed (to the satisfaction of the Agent and its counsel) in an
opinion of Netherlands counsel to be delivered to the Agent by not later than
April 30, 2001.

         With respect to the lease ("Lease") between the Company and Banc One
Leasing Company ("BOLC") described in Schedule 4.5 of the Loan Agreement, BOLC
will be granted a security interest in the Collateral, which security interest
will be junior in priority to that of the Agent. Additionally, as additional
security for the Lease, BOLC will be granted an assignment of the Company's
interest under a certain "foreign exchange contract" with Bank One in the
original amount of $5,000,000.00. If the Lease does not currently so provide,
the Lease will be cross-defaulted to the Events of Default set forth in the Loan
Documents.

         The foregoing terms and modifications will be set forth in one or more
formal amendments and/or supplemental documents which will be executed by the
parties on or before April 6, 2001.

         Based upon our understanding that you are in agreement with the
foregoing, the Agent, Huntington and Bank One agree to waive the Current
Covenant Violations, the terms of which waiver are more fully set forth in a
Limited Waiver of Covenants 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.20 and 4.21, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit A.

<PAGE>   7

         The Agent, Huntington and Bank One are under no obligation with respect
to any other waiver, modification, suspension, standstill or forbearance and no
commitment is hereby made or implied regarding the same.

                                              Very truly yours,

                                              THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK,
                                              AS AGENT

                                              /s/ Bud Ward
                                              ---------------------------------
                                              Bud Ward
                                              Senior Vice President

         It is the intention of each of the parties executing this letter
agreement that this letter agreement is binding upon and enforceable by and
against each of the parties irrespective of the execution of formal
documentation setting forth the terms and conditions hereof; provided, however,
that it is the intention of the parties that formal documentation setting forth
the terms and conditions hereof will be prepared and executed by the parties on
or before April 6, 2001.

         Acknowledged and agreed as of March 30, 2001:

METATEC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By:   /s/ Julia A. Pollner
     ---------------------------------
Its:  Senior Vice President, Finance
     ---------------------------------

METATEC WORLDWIDE, INC.

By:   /s/ Julia A. Pollner
     ---------------------------------
Its:  Vice President, Finance
     ---------------------------------

THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK

By:  /s/ Bud Ward
     ---------------------------------
Its:  Senior Vice President
     ---------------------------------
<PAGE>   8

BANK ONE, NA

By:  /s/ J. Ralph Parker
     ---------------------------------
Its:  Vice President
     ---------------------------------

<PAGE>   9

                                   SCHEDULE 1

                    Nonexclusive List of Approved Consultants

         1.       Casas, Benjamin & White, LLC -- Ed Casas -- Skokie, Illinois
                  847-583-1718

         2.       Development Specialists, Inc. -- Fred C. Caruso -- Chicago,
                  Illinois 312-263-4141

         3.       Glass & Associates - Henry Glass -- Canton, Ohio
                  330-494-3252

         4.       Groner, Boyle & Quillin, LLP -- Bradford S. Eldridge --
                  Columbus, Ohio 614-221-1120

         5.       The Meridian Group -- Maggie Good -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
                  412-232-0385

<PAGE>   10

                                    EXHIBIT A

                  LIMITED WAIVER OF COVENANTS 4.12, 4.13, 4.14,
                      4.20 AND 4.21 OF LOAN AGREEMENT DATED
                            AS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1998

         This Limited Waiver of Covenants 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.20 and 4.21 of
Loan Agreement Dated as of September 11, 1998 (this "Waiver") is dated as of the
31st day of December, 2000, and is executed by and among (a) Metatec
International, Inc. (successor by merger to Metatec Corporation), an Ohio
corporation (the "Company"), as borrower, (b) The Huntington National Bank
("Huntington"), Bank One, NA ("Bank One") and all other financial institutions
from time to time party to a certain Loan Agreement dated as of September 11,
1998 (as amended by a First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of December 23,
1998, by a Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of March 8, 1999, by a
Third Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of March 22, 2000 and by a Fourth
Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of August 14, 2000, the "Loan Agreement"),
whether by execution of the Loan Agreement or an assignment and acceptance
acceptable to the Administrative Agent (collectively, the "Banks" and
individually a "Bank"), as lenders, and (c) Huntington, as Administrative Agent
for the Banks (Huntington in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent").

                                    RECITALS:

         WHEREAS, the Banks, the Administrative Agent and the Company executed
the Loan Agreement in connection with the Company's execution and delivery to
(i) Huntington of a certain term note of even date therewith in the original
principal amount of $18,000,000.00, which term note was amended and restated as
of March 22, 2000 in the principal amount of $12,750,000.00; (ii) Bank One of a
certain term note of even date therewith in the original principal amount of
$12,000,000.00, which term note was amended and restated as of March 22, 2000 in
the principal amount of $8,500,000.00; (iii) Huntington of a certain revolving
note of even date therewith in the original principal amount of $15,000,000.00,
which revolving note was amended and restated as of December 23, 1998 in the
principal amount of $12,000,000.00, and which revolving note was further amended
and restated as of March 22, 2000 in the principal amount of $7,800,000.00; and
(iv) Bank One of a certain revolving note of even date therewith in the original
principal amount of $10,000,000.00, which revolving note was amended and
restated as of December 23, 1998 in the principal amount of $8,000,000.00, and
which revolving note was further amended and restated as of March 22, 2000 in
the principal amount of $5,200,000.00 (capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings ascribed in the Loan Agreement); and

         WHEREAS, Section 4.12 of the Loan Agreement requires the Company to
maintain a minimum consolidated Tangible Net Worth in excess of certain levels
during various periods (the "Section 4.12 Covenant"); and

         WHEREAS, Section 4.13 of the Loan Agreement prohibits the Company from
maintaining Leverage Ratios in excess of certain levels during various periods
(the "Section 4.13 Covenant"); and

         WHEREAS, Section 4.14 of the Loan Agreement prohibits the Company from
maintaining Interest Coverage Ratios of less than certain levels during various
periods (the "Section 4.14 Covenant"); and

         WHEREAS, Section 4.20 of the Loan Agreement prohibits the Company from
having net income before taxes for any calendar quarter of less than zero
dollars (the "Section 4.20 Covenant"); and

<PAGE>   11

         WHEREAS, Section 4.21 of the Loan Agreement requires the Company to
maintain minimum EBITDA on both a monthly and a quarterly basis (the "Section
4.21 Covenant"); and

         WHEREAS, the Company has requested the Banks and the Administrative
Agent to waive the Company's non-compliance with the Section 4.12 Covenant, the
Section 4.13 Covenant, the Section 4.14 Covenant, the Section 4.20 Covenant and
the Section 4.21 Covenant for certain periods hereinafter specified; and

         WHEREAS, the Banks and the Administrative Agent are willing to waive
the Company's non-compliance with the Section 4.12 Covenant, Section 4.13
Covenant, the Section 4.14 Covenant, the Section 4.20 Covenant and the Section
4.21 Covenant for certain periods hereinafter specified, subject to the terms
and conditions hereof.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained
herein and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

         1. The Banks and the Administrative Agent hereby (a) waive the
Company's non-compliance with the Section 4.12 Covenant, the Section 4.13, the
Section 4.14 Covenant and the Section 4.20 Covenant for the period ending
December 31, 2000, and (b) waive any Event of Default associated therewith or
occasioned thereby.

         2. The Banks and the Administrative Agent hereby (a) waive the
Company's non-compliance with the Section 4.21 Covenant for the periods ending
October 31, November 30 and December 31, 2000, and (b) waive any Event of
Default associated therewith or occasioned thereby.

         3. Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing contained herein shall
constitute a waiver or forbearance by the Banks or the Administrative Agent of
any other Event of Default, whether now existing or hereafter arising, or waiver
or modification of any other term, condition or covenant set forth in the Loan
Agreement, the Notes or any related documents, instruments or agreements
(collectively, the "Loan Documents"). Additionally, this Waiver shall not be
construed as a commitment on the part of the Banks or the Administrative Agent
to any future amendment, modification or waiver of any term, condition or
covenant set forth in the Loan Documents.

         4. The Company represents and warrants that, except for the Company's
non-compliance with the Section 4.13 Covenant, the Section 4.14, the Section
4.20 Covenant and the Section 4.21 Covenant for the periods specified herein, no
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Loan Documents.

         5. The Company agrees that, except for the Company's non-compliance
with the Section 4.13 Covenant, the Section 4.14, the Section 4.20 Covenant and
the Section 4.21 Covenant for the periods specified herein, the Company will
perform and observe all of the covenants, agreements, stipulations and
conditions to be performed or observed by the Company under the Loan Documents.

         6. This Waiver shall be interpreted, and the rights and liabilities of
the parties hereto determined, in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

<PAGE>   12

         7. This Waiver may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one
and the same document.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, the Banks and the Administrative Agent
have caused this Waiver to be executed by their duly authorized representatives
as of the day and year first above written.

                                        COMPANY:

                                        METATEC INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
                                        an Ohio corporation

                                        By:  /s/ Julia A. Pollner
                                             -----------------------------------
                                        Its:  Senior Vice President, Finance

                                        AGENT:

                                        THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK,
                                        a national banking association,
                                        as Administrative Agent

                                        By:  /s/ Bud Ward
                                             -----------------------------------
                                        Its:  Senior Vice President

<PAGE>   13

                                        BANK:

                                        THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK,
                                        a national banking association

                                        By:  /s/ Bud Ward
                                             -----------------------------------
                                        Its:  Senior Vice President

                                        BANK:

                                        BANK ONE, NA,
                                        a national banking association

                                        By:  /s/ J. Ralph Parker
                                             -----------------------------------
                                        Its:  Vice President

<PAGE>   14

                              CONSENT OF GUARANTOR

         The undersigned, being a guarantor of certain obligations of the
Company to the Banks and the Administrative Agent by virtue of a certain
Unconditional Guaranty of Payment and Performance ("Guaranty") executed and
delivered by it to the Banks and the Administrative Agent, hereby consents to
the terms of the Waiver, agrees that its Obligations (as defined in the
Guaranty) to the Banks and the Administrative Agent shall not be discharged,
limited, impaired or diminished in any way as a result of the execution of the
Waiver by the parties thereto and agrees that its Obligations to the Banks and
the Administrative Agent under its Guaranty shall be continuing as provided
therein. The undersigned, also being a debtor under a Security Agreement (the
"Security Agreement") in favor of the Banks and the Administrative Agent, hereby
reaffirms its grant to the Banks and the Administrative Agent of a security
interest under the Security Agreement, and acknowledges that such security
interest secures its Obligations to the Banks and the Administrative Agent.

         The undersigned authorizes any attorney at law to appear in any Court
of Record in the State of Ohio or in any other state or territory of the United
States after the Obligations subject to its Guaranty becomes due, whether by
acceleration or otherwise, to waive the issuing and service of process, and to
confess judgment against it in favor of the Banks and the Administrative Agent
for the amount then appearing due together with costs of suit, and thereupon to
waive all errors and all rights of appeal from the judgments rendered.

WARNING-BY SIGNING THIS PAPER YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO NOTICE AND COURT TRIAL.
IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWERS OF A COURT CAN BE USED TO COLLECT FROM YOU
REGARDLESS OF ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE CREDITOR WHETHER FOR RETURNED
GOODS, FAULTY GOODS, FAILURE ON HIS PART TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT, OR ANY
OTHER CAUSE.

                                               Metatec Worldwide, Inc.,
                                               an Ohio corporation

                                               By:  /s/ Julia A. Pollner
                                                   -----------------------------
                                               Its:  Treasurer

<PAGE>   15

STATE OF OHIO       }
COUNTY OF FRANKLIN: }SS

         The foregoing instrument was executed and acknowledged before me this
2nd day of April, 2001, by Julia A. Pollner, the Treasurer of Metatec Worldwide,
Inc., an Ohio corporation, on behalf of the corporation.

                                               /s/ Lorraine M. Rea
                                               --------------------------------
                                               Notary Public
Commission
Expiration:  2-16-04

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