Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.11

                              COMPUWARE CORPORATION

                 2001 INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

1.       PURPOSE

         The purpose of the Compuware Corporation 2001 International Employee
Stock Purchase Plan is to encourage employee stock ownership by offering
employees of participating subsidiaries and affiliates of Compuware Corporation
the ability to purchase common stock of Compuware Corporation at discounted
prices and without brokerage costs. By means of this plan, Compuware Corporation
seeks to retain the services of its international employees, to secure and
retain the services of new international employees, and to provide incentives
for such international employees to exert maximum efforts for the success of
Compuware Corporation. This plan is not intended to qualify as an employee stock
purchase plan as defined in section 423 of the United States Internal Revenue
Code of 1986; accordingly, this plan need not be construed or administered
consistently with the requirements for such plans.

2.       DEFINITIONS

         The following words and phrases will have the meanings assigned to them
when used in this document unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

         "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of Compuware Corporation. The term
Board also includes the Committee when the Committee is exercising the authority
or responsibilities of the Board under this Plan.

         "COMMITTEE" means a committee of the Board of Directors of Compuware
Corporation to which such Board has delegated any or all of its authority or
responsibilities under this Plan.

         "COMMON SHARES" means the common shares, par value U.S. $.01 per share,
of Compuware Corporation.

         "COMPANY" means each foreign (i.e., not organized under the laws of any
State of the United States) subsidiary, affiliate, or other venture of Compuware
Corporation whose employees are designated by the Board, from time to time, as
eligible to participate in this Plan. Upon the adoption of this Plan by the
Board, employees of the foreign subsidiaries, affiliates, and other ventures
listed on the exhibit entitled Participating Employers are entitled to
participate in this Plan.

         "COMPUWARE CORPORATION" means Compuware Corporation, a corporation
organized in the United States under the laws of the State of Michigan, and the
sponsor of the Plan.

         "CUSTODIAN" means the Bank of Bermuda or such successor person or
entity designated by the Board to hold custody of Common Shares on behalf of
Participants under this Plan.

                               Page 22 of 35 Pages

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         "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means the average of the high and low quoted sale
prices of a Common Share reported in the table entitled "Nasdaq National Market
Issues" or any successor table in The Wall Street Journal for such date or, if
no Common Shares were traded on that date, on the next preceding day on which
there was such a trade, or, if the Common Shares are not traded in The Nasdaq
National Market, "Fair Market Value" shall be determined by a method determined
by the Board.

         "JOURNAL ACCOUNT" means a bookkeeping or recordkeeping account under
the Plan to which are credited a Participant's payroll deductions under the
Plan. Amounts credited to a Journal Account will not be segregated from the
general assets of the Company and may be used by the Company for general
corporate purposes. No interest will be paid on amounts credited to a Journal
Account.

         "OFFERING PERIOD" means a period (usually a semi-annual period ending
September 30 or March 31) described in Section 5(b) of this Plan.

         "PARTICIPANT" means an employee of the Company who is eligible to
participate in this Plan under Section 3 and who has enrolled in this Plan under
Section 4.

         "PARTICIPATION FORM" means a paper form, electronic enrollment
authorization, or other enrollment means selected by the Plan Administrator for
employees to enroll in this Plan under Section 4(a). Except as otherwise
provided by the Plan Administrator, a Participation Form will include (1) a
payroll deduction authorization; and (2) a Participant's election to receive
certificates for the Common Shares purchased under this Plan in lieu of having
such shares held by the Custodian if so desired by the Participant.

         "PLAN" means this Compuware Corporation 2001 International Employee
Stock Purchase Plan as it may be amended from time to time.

         "PLAN ADMINISTRATOR" means the person or committee designated by the
Board to be responsible for the operation of this Plan.

         "PURCHASE DATE" means the last day of an Offering Period (or the next
Trading Day if the last day of an Offering Period is not a Trading Day).

         "PURCHASE RIGHT" means a Participant's right under the terms of this
Plan to purchase Common Shares at the end of a Purchase Period.

         "TOTAL COMPENSATION" means all amounts received by an employee from the
Company for personal services rendered to the Company in such individual's
capacity as an employee, including wages, salary, commissions, bonuses,
overtime, and shift differentials, but excluding severance pay, payment for
accrued vacation not taken, non-cash employee benefits and contributions to any
employee benefit plan, income realized on the exercise of stock options, and
other non-cash income. The Plan Administrator may in its sole discretion
determine if any form of remuneration is included in or excluded from Total
Compensation.

                               Page 23 of 35 Pages

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         "TRADING DAY" means a day on which Common Shares are traded on the
Nasdaq National Market.

         "TRANSACTION REQUEST FORM" means a paper form, electronic
authorization, or other means selected by the Plan Administrator or Custodian
for Participants to sell and/or withdraw Common Shares held by the Custodian
under Section 11.

         "WITHDRAWAL FORM" means a paper form, electronic authorization, or
other withdrawal means selected by the Plan Administrator for employees to
withdraw from this Plan under Section 9(a).

3.       ELIGIBILITY

         Participation in the Plan is voluntary. All employees of the Company
(including officers and directors of the Company who are also employees of the
Company) are eligible to participate in the Plan except employees whose
customary employment with the Company at the beginning of an applicable Offering
Period is 20 hours per week or less or five months per year or less are not
eligible to participate in the Plan during that Offering Period.

4.       PARTICIPATION

         (a) An employee eligible to participate in the Plan under Section 3
becomes a Participant in the Plan by completing a Participation Form and
delivering it to the Plan Administrator no later than five calendar days after
the beginning of an Offering Period (or such other date specified by the Plan
Administrator). Such election continues in effect from Offering Period to
Offering Period until a Participant submits a new Participation Form or
withdraws from the Plan under Section 9.

         (b) In the case of an employee eligible to participate in the Plan
under Section 3 who is hired or re-hired by the Company, the employee becomes a
Participant in the Plan by completing a Participation Form and delivering it to
the Plan Administrator no later than 45 days after such employee is hired or
re-hired by the Company. However, a Participation Form received by the Company
from such an employee will be effective only with respect to Total Compensation
paid to such employee at least 10 business days after the Company receives such
Participation Form (or such other date specified by the Plan Administrator).

                               Page 24 of 35 Pages
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5.       SECURITIES AUTHORIZED; OFFERING PERIODS

         (a) The maximum number of Common Shares that may be purchased under
this Plan is 15,000,000, reduced by the number of Common Shares purchased under
the Compuware Corporation 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which number may be
adjusted by the Board in the manner described in Section 15 of this Plan. Shares
purchased under this Plan may be authorized but unissued shares, Treasury
shares, or shares acquired by Compuware Corporation in the open market or other
transactions. If any Purchase Right granted under either plan expires or
terminates for any reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased
underlying Common Shares will again become available for purposes of the Plan
and the Compuware Corporation 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, unless the Plan
or the Compuware Corporation 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan will have been
terminated.

         (b) The first Offering Period under this Plan will begin on October 1,
2001, and end on March 31, 2002. Except as otherwise provided by the Board,
there will be subsequent semi-annual Offering Periods with the following
beginning and ending dates:

                  Beginning Date            Ending Date

                  April 1                   September 30
                  October 1                 March 31

6.       PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS

         (a) Participants may purchase Common Shares under this Plan by means of
payroll deductions from their Total Compensation. Each Participation Form will
specify the amount to be deducted from a Participant's Total Compensation. The
amount specified must either be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 percent of
Total Compensation during the Offering Period or a specified amount not to
exceed 10 percent of Total Compensation during the Offering Period.

         (b) Amounts deducted from a Participant's Total Compensation will be
credited to a Journal Account for the Participant under the Plan. Such amounts
will not be segregated from the general assets of the Company and may be used by
the Company for general corporate purposes. No interest will be paid on such
amounts. Amounts deducted from a Participant's Total Compensation that is not
paid in U.S. dollars may be converted into U.S. dollars at such times as the
Plan Administrator may designate. When accumulated payroll deductions credited
to a Participant's Journal Account will be refunded to the Participant (or the
Participant's estate or personal representative) and such amounts have
previously been converted to U.S. dollars, the amount to be refunded will be
converted back to the applicable currency. The Company or the Custodian may
effect such currency conversions. A Participant's Journal Account will reflect
currency conversions at the exchange rates at which any such conversions are
actually made.

         (c) Payroll deductions will begin on the first pay day in an Offering
Period (or such other payroll period as the Plan Administrator may designate).
Payroll deductions will end with the last pay day on or before the Purchase Date
(or such other payroll period as the Plan Administrator may designate). Except
as required by the law of any jurisdiction and permitted by the Plan
Administrator, Participants may purchase Common Shares under this Plan only by

                               Page 25 of 35 Pages

<PAGE>   5

means of payroll deductions from their Total Compensation.

         (d) Payroll deductions authorized by a Participant on a Participation
Form will continue from Offering Period to Offering Period unless the
Participant ceases to be eligible to participate in this Plan under Section 3 or
completes and delivers to the Plan Administrator a revised Participation Form or
a Withdrawal Form. Participants may not change the percentage or amount of their
payroll deductions during an Offering Period but may withdraw from the Plan in
accordance with Section 9.

         (e) A Participant may elect to change the percentage of Total
Compensation or specified amount to be deducted from Total Compensation for
subsequent Offering Periods by completing a Participation Form and delivering it
to the Plan Administrator as provided in Section 4(a). Such changes will be
effective for an Offering Period only if the Participation Form is received by
the Plan Administrator no later than five calendar days after the beginning of
the Offering Period (or such other date specified by the Plan Administrator).

7.       PURCHASE PRICE

         (a) A Participant is granted a Purchase Right on the first day of each
Offering Period. Purchase Rights give the Participant the right under the terms
of this Plan to purchase Common Shares on the Purchase Date at the end of the
Purchase Period.

         (b) The price per share at which Common Shares are purchased on the
Purchase Date is the lower of the following prices (rounded up to the nearest
whole U.S. $.01):

                           (i) 85 percent of the Fair Market Value of the Common
                  Shares on the first day of the Offering Period; or

                           (ii) 85 percent of the Fair Market Value of the
                  Common Shares on the Purchase Date.

         (c) Accumulated payroll deductions credited to a Participant's Journal
Account will be used to purchase Common Shares on the Purchase Date. The number
of shares to be purchased is the number obtained by dividing accumulated payroll
deductions in the Participant's Journal Account, as of the Purchase Date, by the
price per share determined under Section 7(b).

                               Page 26 of 35 Pages
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8.       PURCHASE RIGHTS

         (a) Accumulated payroll deductions credited to a Participant's Journal
Account will automatically be used to purchase Common Shares on the Purchase
Date.

         (b) Unless the Plan Administrator determines otherwise, only whole
Common Shares and no fractional Common Shares will be purchased. Accumulated
payroll deductions credited to a Participant's Journal Account that are not used
to purchase Common Shares in any Offering Period because such amounts are
insufficient to purchase a whole Common Share will remain in the Participant's
Journal Account.

         (c) If the number of Common Shares for which Purchase Rights are
exercised exceeds the number of Common Shares remaining under the Plan, then the
Common Shares available under the Plan will be allocated by the Plan
Administrator pro rata among the Participants. Each Participant will be
allocated Common Shares in the same proportion as the amounts credited to the
Participant's Journal Account bears to the sum of all amounts credited to the
Journal Accounts of all Participants, subject to rounding to allocate only whole
Common Shares. Any amounts not applied to the purchase of Common Shares under
the Plan will be refunded to the Participants.

9.       WITHDRAWALS AND TERMINATION OF PURCHASE RIGHTS

         (a) A Participant may terminate payroll deductions and withdraw from
the Plan in any Offering Period by completing a Withdrawal Form and delivering
it to the Plan Administrator no later than ten business days before the end of
an Offering Period (or such other date specified by the Plan Administrator).

                           (i) A Participant who elects to terminate payroll
                  deductions may elect to have payroll deductions cease (i) with
                  the first pay day that is at least ten business days after
                  delivery of the Withdrawal Form to the Plan Administrator (or
                  such other pay day as the Plan Administrator may designate) or
                  (ii) on the first day of the next Offering Period if such day
                  is at least ten business days after delivery of the Withdrawal
                  Form to the Plan Administrator (or such other Offering Period
                  as the Plan Administrator may designate).

                           (ii) Upon a Participant's termination of payroll
                  deductions and withdrawal from the Plan, accumulated Payroll
                  Deductions then credited to the Participant's Journal Account
                  shall be used to purchase Common Shares on the next Purchase
                  Date. Accumulated payroll deductions credited to a
                  Participant's Journal Account that are not so used to purchase
                  Common Shares because such amounts are insufficient to
                  purchase a whole Common Share will be refunded to the
                  Participant unless the Participant has reenrolled in the Plan
                  for the subsequent Offering Period.

         (b) A Participant who withdraws from the Plan during an Offering Period
pursuant to Section 9(a) may not rejoin the Plan during that Offering Period.
The Participant may rejoin the Plan in a subsequent Offering Period by
completing a Participation Form and delivering it to the

                               Page 27 of 35 Pages

<PAGE>   7

Plan Administrator as provided in Section 4(a).

         (c) The Purchase Rights of a Participant who terminates employment with
the Company during an Offering Period for any reason, including death, will be
canceled. Accumulated payroll deductions then credited to the Participant's
Journal Account will be refunded to the Participant (or the Participant's estate
or personal representative in the case of death). A Participant receiving
short-term disability payments from the Company will not be considered to have
terminated employment (and such payments will be deemed part of the
Participant's Total Compensation) until and unless the Participant becomes
eligible to receive long-term disability payments; the Plan Administrator may
determine when a Participant's employment terminates for purposes of this Plan.

10.      RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDER

         (a) A Participant is not a shareholder of Compuware Corporation with
respect to Common Shares subject to Purchase Rights until such Common Shares are
purchased on the Purchase Date and certificates representing such shares have
been issued, and then only with respect to whole Common Shares issued to the
Participant or credited to the Participant's account. A Participant will not be
entitled to vote or receive dividends with respect to Common Shares subject to
Purchase Rights before the Purchase Date for such Common Shares.

         (b) A Participant may elect to take delivery of whole Common Shares
purchased on any Purchase Date or to have such Common Shares held by the
Custodian. In the absence of a Participant's election, the Custodian will hold
such Common Shares. The Plan Administrator may offer one or more methods by
which a Participant may take delivery of Common Shares, including, but not
limited to, (i) delivering stock certificates for such Common Shares to the
Participant, (ii) transferring such Common Shares into a brokerage account
designated by the Participant, or (iii) depositing such Common Shares in an
account for the Participant in the Company's dividend reinvestment plan or the
direct registration system of the Company's transfer agent. A Participant makes
an election to take delivery of Common Shares purchased during any Offering
Period by completing a Participation Form and delivering it to the Plan
Administrator no later than five calendar days after the beginning of such
Offering Period and may not change elections during that Offering Period. The
Participant is responsible for notifying the Plan Administrator of any changes
of address.

11.      SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF COMMON SHARES ACQUIRED UNDER THE PLAN

         (a) A Participant may elect to sell any Common Shares held for the
Participant by the Custodian the first business day of each calendar quarter and
only if the Participant completes a Transaction Request Form and delivers it to
the Plan Administrator at least ten business days before the date on which the
Participant desires to have the Common Shares sold.

         (b) A Participant may elect to withdraw any Common Shares held for the
Participant by the Custodian and have a stock certificate issued to the
Participant the first business day of each calendar quarter and only if the
Participant completes a Transaction Request Form and delivers it to the Plan
Administrator at least ten days before the date on which the Participant desires
to have the Common Shares withdrawn. The Custodian may charge a reasonable fee
for

                               Page 28 of 35 Pages

<PAGE>   8

such withdrawal and issuance of a stock certificate.

         (c) As a condition of participating in the Plan, each Participant
authorizes the Company to withhold all applicable taxes due in connection with
any transaction under the Plan from any payments due to the Participant from the
Company, including Total Compensation, whether or not such payments relate to
this Plan.

12.      PLAN ADMINISTRATION

         (a) This Plan will be interpreted and administered by the Board. The
Board has the discretionary authority to interpret, construe, and apply the
provisions of this Plan and the rights granted under it and to establish, amend
and revoke rules for the administration of the Plan. The Board also has the
power, and the right to perform such acts, as the Board deems necessary or
expedient to carry out the purposes of the Plan or to promote the best interests
of Compuware Corporation or the Company. The Plan Administrator has the
discretionary authority to make any and all factual findings necessary or
appropriate to the determination of any individual's eligibility or entitlement
to any award or payment under this Plan or the amount thereof and any other
matter or issue arising under this Plan. Decisions of the Board (and those to
whom it has delegated it authority under this Plan) are binding on all persons
absent bad faith.

         (b) The Board may delegate all or part of its authority to interpret
and administer the Plan to the Committee, the Plan Administrator, or any other
person or entity. The Committee or Plan Administrator may delegate all or part
of its authority to any other person or entity unless the Board restricts the
authority of the Committee or Plan Administrator to delegate its authority.

         (c) The Board or Committee may modify or suspend any requirement in
this Plan with respect to Participants in any jurisdiction in which such
requirement conflicts with applicable legal requirements and adopt sub-plans
with varying requirements in any jurisdiction in which compliance with
applicable laws, regulations and rules would confer a significant benefit on
Participants without significantly increasing the costs or burdens of the Plan
for Compuware Corporation or the Company.

         (d) The Board or Committee may waive or modify any administrative
requirement of this Plan, including without limitation any requirement relating
to the time within which elections must be made.

13.      TRANSFERABILITY

         (a) Each account maintained for a Participant by the Custodian will be
held in the name of the Participant only.

         (b) Except as provided in Section 9 in the case of the death of a
Participant, a Participant's interests in Journal Accounts, Purchase Rights, and
Common Shares held for the Participant by the Custodian and other rights under
this Plan may not be voluntarily or involuntarily assigned or alienated.

14.      MERGER OR LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY

                               Page 29 of 35 Pages

<PAGE>   9

         (a) In the event of an extraordinary transaction involving Compuware
Corporation enumerated in Section 14(b), the Board may elect to do either of the
following:

                           (i) Cancel all Purchase Rights and refund to
                  Participants all accumulated Payroll Deductions then credited
                  to their Journal Accounts; or

                           (ii) Terminate the Offering Period immediately before
                  such extraordinary transaction and apply accumulated Payroll
                  Deductions then credited to the Journal Accounts of
                  Participants to purchase Common Shares immediately before such
                  extraordinary transaction.

         (b) Extraordinary transactions include:

                           (i) the dissolution or liquidation of Compuware
                  Corporation;

                           (ii) the merger of Compuware Corporation with another
                  entity in a transaction in which Compuware Corporation is not
                  the surviving entity;

                           (iii) the acquisition of more than 50 percent of the
                  outstanding Common Shares of Compuware Corporation by another
                  entity;

                           (iv) the acquisition of all or substantially all of
                  the assets of Compuware Corporation by another entity; or

                           (v) any other similar extraordinary transaction that
                  the Board determines warrants such treatment.

15.      ADJUSTMENT

         The Board may in its sole discretion adjust the maximum number and
class of securities that may be issued under this Plan and the number and class
of securities and the price per share to be paid for such securities under any
Purchase Right to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants
whenever changes are made to Compuware Corporation's capital structure by reason
of any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, exchange of shares,
merger, reorganization, recapitalization, dividend in kind, liquidating
dividend, or any change in the capital structure of Compuware Corporation
effected without receipt of reasonably equivalent consideration.

16.      AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

         Except as otherwise provided in this Section 16, the Board may amend or
terminate this Plan and any Purchase Rights at any time. No amendment or
termination of this Plan may adversely affect Purchase Rights previously granted
under the Plan without the consent of affected Participants. This Plan will
terminate on the earlier of (i) its termination by the Board under this Section
16, (ii) the purchase of the full number of Common Shares authorized under
Section 5(a) of this Plan, or (iii) 10 years after approval of this Plan by the
Board.

                               Page 30 of 35 Pages

<PAGE>   10

17.      NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

         Nothing in this Plan gives any Participant the right to continued
employment with the Company or limits the right of the Company to terminate or
change the terms and conditions of any Participant's employment at any time with
or without cause. Nothing in this Plan gives any Participant the right to future
grants of Purchase Rights or limits the right of the Company to amend or
terminate this Plan or discontinue or change the grant of Purchase Rights.

18.      EXPENSES

         Except as provided in Section 11(b) or this Section 18, Compuware
Corporation or the Company will pay the costs of administering this Plan and the
fees of the Custodian. Brokerage fees relating to the sale of any Common Shares
held for a Participant by the Custodian will be borne by the Participant.

19.      PARTICIPANT STATEMENTS

         The Plan Administrator will cause statements in paper, electronic, or
other form containing such information after the close of each Offering Period.

20.      GOVERNING LAW

         This Plan, any rules relating to this Plan, and their validity and
effect, will be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State
of Michigan without regard to the conflicts of laws rules of any other
jurisdiction.

21.      COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

         (a) Delivery or issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of Purchase
Rights may, in the sole discretion of Compuware Corporation, be postponed to
permit Compuware Corporation to take all action necessary for the lawful
issuance and sale of such Common Shares, including, but not limited to, (i)
registration or qualification of such Common Shares with any applicable
jurisdiction, (ii) listing or other required action with respect to any
automated quotation system or stock exchange, (iii) compliance with any
contractual commitment of Compuware Corporation or the Company, or (iv) any
other requirement necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of such Common
Shares. Compuware Corporation may require, as a condition of issuance and sale
of Common Shares upon exercise of Purchase Rights, that a Participant make such
representations and furnish such information as Compuware Corporation may, in
its sole discretion, determine is necessary to comply with applicable laws,
regulations, rules, listing requirements, or contractual obligations or to
obtain any necessary regulatory approvals necessary for the lawful issuance and
sale of such Common Shares.

         (b) If Compuware Corporation is unable to obtain any regulatory
approval deemed necessary by Compuware Corporation for the issuance and sale of
Common Shares upon exercise of any Purchase Rights, then Compuware Corporation
may cancel such Purchase Rights and refund all accumulated Payroll Deductions
credited to the Journal Accounts of affected Participants.

                               Page 31 of 35 Pages

<PAGE>   11

22.      INDEMNIFICATION

         To the fullest extent permitted by law, Compuware Corporation will
indemnify and hold harmless the Board, Committee, Plan Administrator, Custodian
and other officers, directors, and employees of Compuware Corporation or the
Company against any liabilities incurred by them in connection with their
exercise and performance of their responsibilities and duties under this Plan.

23.      NOTICES

         The Plan Administrator will determine the form and effectiveness of
notices, elections, and other communications to be used in connection with the
administration of this Plan.

                               Page 32 of 35 Pages
<PAGE>   12

                                                                       Exhibit A

                             PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS

Pursuant to the definition of "Company" in Section 2 of the Plan, upon the
initial adoption of this Plan by the Board, employees of the following
subsidiaries, affiliates, and ventures of Compuware Corporation are eligible to
participate in the Plan:

Compuware Asia-Pacific Pty. Ltd. (Australia and New Zealand)
Compuware Asia Pacific Limited (Hong Kong)
Compuware GmbH (Austria)
Compuware NV/SA (Belgium)
Compuware Corporation of Canada (Canada)
Compuware System Software GmbH (Germany)
Compuware Systems Software Srl (Italy)
Compuware Japan Corporation (Japan)
Compuware Korea (Korea)
Compuware de Mexico (Mexico)
Compuware B.V. (Netherlands)
Compuware AS (Norway/Finland)
Compuware S.A. (Spain/Portugal)
Compuware A.B. (Sweden)
Compuware AG (Switzerland)
Compuware Ltd. (UK)

Nothing in this Exhibit limits the authority of the Board to further designate,
from time to time, those subsidiaries, affiliates, and other ventures of
Compuware Corporation whose employees are eligible to participate in the Plan.

                               Page 33 of 35 Pages<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

FORM BCA-2.10                                ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                                         <C>
   (REV. JAN. 1995)                   THIS SPACE FOR USE BY SECRETARY OF STATE
GEORGE H. RYAN
SECRETARY OF STATE                                    FILED                           SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS SERVICES
SPRINGFIELD, IL  62756
------------------------------------                                              -------------------------------
                                                    MAR 6 1997                        THIS SPACE FOR USE BY
PAYMENT MUST BE MADE BY  CERTIFIED                GEORGE H. RYAN                      SECRETARY OF STATE
CHECK,  CASHIER'S CHECK,  ILLINOIS              SECRETARY OF STATE                    DATE 3-6-97
ATTORNEY'S CHECK, ILLINOIS                                                            FRANCHISE TAX $25.--
C.P.A'S CHECK OR MONEY ORDER,                                                         FILING FEE    $75.--
PAYABLE TO "SECRETARY OF STATE."                                                                    ------
                                                                                      APPROVED:      $100.

------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
</TABLE>

1.       CORPORATE NAME:  West Pointe Bancorp, Inc.
         (The corporate name must contain the word "corporation", "company,"
         "incorporated," "limited" or an abbreviation thereof.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.       Initial Registered Agent:    Harry E. Cruncleton
         Initial Registered Office:   5701 West Main Street
                                      Belleville, IL  62226  St. Clair

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.       Purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized:
         (If not sufficient space to cover this point, add one or more sheets of
         this size.)

         The transaction of any or all lawful purposes for which corporations
         may be incorporated under the Illinois Business Corporation Act of
         1983.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.       Paragraph 1: Authorized Shares, Issued Shares and Consideration
         Received:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         PAR VALUE           NUMBER OF SHARES          NUMBER OF SHARES        CONSIDERATION TO BE
CLASS                    PER SHARE              AUTHORIZED          PROPOSED TO BE ISSUED       RECEIVED THEREFOR
<S>                 <C>                  <C>                        <C>                       <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common              $  See attachment                                        1000                   $1,000.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              TOTAL = $1,000.00
</TABLE>

         Paragraph 2: The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions
         and special or relative rights in respect of the shares of each class
         are:
         (If not sufficient space to cover this point, add one or more sheets of
         this size.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. OPTIONAL: (a) Number of directors constituting the initial board of directors
                 of the corporation:
                                    ---------------------
             (b) Names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as
                 directors until the first annual meeting of shareholders or
                 until their successors are elected and qualify:

         Name            Residential Address                    City, State, Zip

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

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

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

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

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<S><C>
6. OPTIONAL:   (a) It is estimated that the value of all property to be owned by the
                   corporation for the following year wherever located will be:         $
                                                                                         -----------------
               (b) It is estimated that the value of the property to be located within
                   the State of Illinois during the following year will be:             $
                                                                                         -----------------
               (c) It is estimated that the gross amount of business that will be
                   transacted by the corporation during the following year will be:     $
                                                                                         -----------------
               (d) It is estimated that the gross amount of business that will be
                   transacted from places of business in the State of Illinois during
                   the following year will be:                                          $
                                                                                         -----------------
</TABLE>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. OPTIONAL: OTHER PROVISIONS   See Attachment
                Attach a separate sheet of this size for any other provision
                to be included in the Articles of Incorporation, e.g.,
                authorizing preemptive rights, denying cumulative voting,
                regulating internal affairs, voting majority requirements,
                fixing a duration other than perpetual, etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.              NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF INCORPORATOR(S)
         The undersigned incorporator(s) hereby declare(s), under penalties of
perjury, that the statements made in the foregoing Articles of Incorporation are
true.

Dated      March 5       , 1997.

             SIGNATURE AND NAME                        ADDRESS
1.                                          1.  211 North Broadway
   ---------------------------------          ---------------------------------
    Signature                                   Street
         John M. Welge                          St. Louis    Mo       63102
   ---------------------------------          ---------------------------------
    (Type or Print Name)                        City/Town    State    Zip Code

2.                                          2.
   ---------------------------------          ---------------------------------
    Signature                                   Street

   ---------------------------------          ---------------------------------
    (Type or Print Name)                        City/Town   State    Zip Code

3.                                          3.
   ---------------------------------          ---------------------------------
    Signature                                   Street

   ---------------------------------          ---------------------------------
    (Type or Print Name)                        City/Town   State    Zip Code

(Signatures must be in BLACK INK on original document Carbon copy, photocopy or
rubber stamp signatures may only be used on conformed copies.)
NOTE: If a corporation acts as incorporator, the name of the corporation and the
state of incorporation shall be shown and the execution shall be by its
president or vice president and verified by him, and attested by its secretary
or assistant secretary.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  FEE SCHEDULE
-    The initial franchise tax is assessed at the rate of 15/100 of 1 percent
     ($1.50 per $1,000) on the paid-in capital represented in this state, with a
     minimum of $25.

-    The filing fee is $75.

-    The minimum total due (franchise tax + filing fee) is $100.
     (Applies when the Consideration to be Received as set forth in item 4 does
     not exceed $16,667)

-    The Department of Business Services in Springfield will provide assistance
     in calculating the total fees if necessary.
     Illinois Secretary of State            Springfield, IL 62756
     Department of Business Services        Telephone (217) 782-9522 or 782-9523

                                      A-2

<PAGE>   3

                     Attachment to Articles of Incorporation

                                       of

                            West Pointe Bancorp, Inc.

SECTION 4

CAPITAL STOCK

         The aggregate number of shares of all classes of capital stock which
the Corporation has authority to issue is 1,050,000, of which 1,000,000 are to
be shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, and of which 50,000 are to
be shares of serial preferred stock, $1.00 par value per share. The shares may
be issued by the Corporation from time to time as approved by the board of
directors of the Corporation without the approval of shareholders except as
otherwise provided in this Section 4. The consideration for the issuance of the
shares shall be paid to or received by the Corporation in full before their
issuance and shall not be less than the par value per share. The consideration
for the issuance of the shares shall be cash, services rendered, personal
property (tangible or intangible), real property, leases of real property or any
combination of the foregoing. In the absence of actual fraud in the transaction,
the judgment of the board of directors as to the value of such consideration
shall be conclusive. Upon payment of such consideration such shares shall be
deemed to be fully paid and nonassessable. In the case of a stock dividend, the
part of the surplus of the Corporation which is transferred to stated capital
upon the issuance of shares as a stock dividend shall be deemed to be the
consideration for their issuance.

         A description of the different classes and series (if any) of the
Corporation's capital stock, and a statement of the relative powers,
designations, preferences and rights of the shares of each class and series (if
any) of capital stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof, are as follows:

         A. Common Stock. Except as provided in these Articles, the holders of
the common stock shall exclusively possess all voting power. Each holder of
shares of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by such
holder.

         Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for
payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class of stock having
preference over the common stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount
of dividends and sinking fund or retirement fund or other retirement payments,
if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in preference to the
common stock, then dividends may be paid on the common stock, and on any class
or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends, out of any
assets legally available for the payment of dividends, but only when declared by
the board of directors of the Corporation.

         In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, after there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for
payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class having preference
over the common stock in any such event, the full preferential

                                      A-3
<PAGE>   4

amounts to which they are respectively entitled, the holders of the common stock
and of any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith, in whole
or in part, as to distribution of assets shall be entitled, after payment or
provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation, to
receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution, in
cash or in kind.

         Each share of common stock shall have the same relative powers,
preferences and rights as, and shall be identical in all respects with, all the
other shares of common stock of the Corporation.

         B. Serial Preferred Stock. Except as provided in these Articles, the
board of directors of the Corporation is authorized, by resolution or
resolutions from time to time adopted, to provide for the issuance of preferred
stock in series and to fix and state the powers, designations, preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of such
series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including,
but not limited to determination of any of the following:

            1. the distinctive serial designation and the number of shares
constituting such series;

            2. the dividend rates or the amount of dividends to be paid on the
shares of such series, whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from
which date or dates, the payment date or dates for dividends, and the
participating or other special rights, if any, with respect to dividends;

            3. the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of the shares of such
series;

            4. whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so,
the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which such
shares may be redeemed;

            5. the amount or amounts payable upon the shares of such series in
the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Corporation;

            6. whether the shares of such series shall be entitled to the
benefits of a sinking or retirement fund to be applied to the purchase or
redemption of such shares, and, if so entitled, the amount of such fund and the
manner of its application, including the price or prices at which such shares
may be redeemed or purchased through the application of such funds;

            7. whether the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or
exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or any other series of
the same or any other class or classes of stock of the Corporation and, if so
convertible or exchangeable, the conversion price or prices, or the rate or
rates of exchange, and the adjustments thereof, if any, at which such conversion
or exchange may be made, and any other terms and conditions of such conversion
or exchange;

            8. the subscription or purchase price and form of consideration for
which the shares of such series shall be issued; and

                                      A-4
<PAGE>   5

            9. whether the shares of such series which are redeemed or converted
shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of serial preferred
stock and whether such shares may be reissued as shares of the same or any other
series of serial preferred stock.

         Each share of each series of preferred stock shall have the same
relative powers, preferences and rights as, and shall be identical in all
respects with, all the other shares of the Corporation of the same series.

SECTION 7

(A)      PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

         No holder of any of the shares of any class or series of stock or of
options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or series of
stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any preemptive right
to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any class or series, or any
unissued bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities
convertible into or exchangeable for stock of any class or series or carrying
any right to purchase stock of any class or series; but any such unissued stock,
bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible
into or exchangeable for stock or carrying any right to purchase stock may be
issued pursuant to resolution of the board of directors of the Corporation to
such persons, firms, corporations or associations, whether or not holders
thereof, and upon such terms as may be deemed advisable by the board of
directors in the exercise of its sole discretion.

(B)      REPURCHASE OF SHARES

         The Corporation may from time to time, pursuant to authorization by the
board of directors of the Corporation and without action by the shareholders,
purchase or otherwise acquire shares of any class of stock, bonds, debentures,
notes, scrip, warrants, obligations, evidences of indebtedness, or other
securities of the Corporation in such manner, upon such terms, and in such
amounts as the board of directors shall determine; subject, however, to such
limitations or restrictions, if any, as are contained in the express terms of
any class of shares of the Corporation outstanding at the time of the purchase
or acquisition in question or as are imposed by law.

(C)      MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS; CUMULATIVE VOTING

         A. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles or the Bylaws
of the Corporation, no action required to be taken or which may be taken at any
annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Corporation may be taken
without a meeting, and the power of shareholders to consent in writing, without
a meeting, to the taking of any action is specifically denied.

                                      A-5

<PAGE>   6

         B. Special meetings of the shareholders of the Corporation for any
purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the board of directors of the
Corporation, or by a committee of the board of directors which has been duly
designated by the board of directors and whose powers and authorities, as
provided in a resolution of the board of directors or in the Bylaws of the
Corporation, include the power and authority to call such meetings, but such
special meetings may not be called by any other person or persons.

         C. There shall be no cumulative voting by shareholders of any class or
series in the election of directors of the Corporation.

         D. Meetings of shareholders may be held at such place as the Bylaws may
provide.

(D)      NOTICE FOR NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS

         A. Nominations for the election of directors and proposals for any new
business to be taken up at any annual or special meeting of shareholders may be
made by the board of directors of the Corporation or by any shareholder of the
Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. In order
for a shareholder of the Corporation to make any such nominations and/or
proposals, he or she shall give notice thereof in writing, delivered or mailed
by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the
Corporation not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days prior to any such
meeting; provided, however, that if less than thirty-one days' notice of the
meeting is given to shareholders, such written notice shall be delivered or
mailed, as prescribed, to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the
close of the tenth day following the day on which notice of the meeting was
mailed to shareholders. Each such notice given by a shareholder with respect to
nominations for election of directors shall set forth (i) the name, age,
business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in
such notice, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee,
(iii) the number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are beneficially
owned by each such nominee, (iv) such other information as would be required to
be included in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of the
proposed nominee pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, including, without limitation, such person's written consent
to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director,
if elected, and (v) as to the shareholder giving such notice (a) his name and
address as they appear on the Corporation's books and (b) the class and number
of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such shareholder.
In addition, the shareholder making such nomination shall promptly provide any
other information reasonably requested by the Corporation.

         B. Each such notice given by a shareholder to the Secretary with
respect to business proposals to bring before a meeting shall set forth in
writing as to each matter: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the
meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books,
of the shareholder proposing such business; (iii) the class and number of shares
of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the shareholder; and (iv) any
material interest of the shareholder in such

                                      A-6

<PAGE>   7

business. Notwithstanding anything in these Articles to the contrary, no
business shall be conducted at the meeting except in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Section 7(d).

         C. The Chairman of the annual or special meeting of shareholders may,
if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination or
proposal was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and, if the
Chairman should so determine, the Chairman shall so declare to the meeting and
the defective nomination or proposal shall be disregarded and laid over for
action at the next succeeding adjourned, special or annual meeting of the
shareholders taking place thirty days or more thereafter. This provision shall
not require the holding of any adjourned or special meeting of shareholders for
the purpose of considering such defective nomination or proposal.

(E)      DIRECTORS

         A. Number; Vacancies. The number of directors of the Corporation shall
be such number, not less than 6 nor more than 11 (exclusive of directors, if
any, to be elected by holders of preferred stock of the Corporation, voting
separately as a class), as shall be provided from time to time in or in
accordance with the Bylaws; provided, however, that no decrease in the number of
directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent
director, and provided further, that no action shall be taken to decrease or
increase the number of directors from time to time unless at least two-thirds of
the directors then in office shall concur with said action. Vacancies in the
board of directors of the Corporation, however caused, and newly created
directorships shall be filled by a vote of two-thirds of the directors then in
office, whether or not a quorum, and any director so chosen shall hold office
for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders at which the term of
the class to which the director has been chosen expires and when the director's
successor is elected and qualified.

         B. Classified Board. The board of directors of the Corporation shall be
divided into three classes of directors which shall be designated Class I, Class
II and Class III. The members of each class shall be elected for a term of three
years and until their successors are elected and qualified. Such classes shall
be as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors constituting
the entire board of directors shall permit, with the terms of office of all
members of one class expiring each year. At the first annual meeting of
shareholders, directors in Class I shall be elected to hold office for a term
expiring at the third succeeding annual meeting thereafter. At the second annual
meeting of shareholders, directors of Class II shall be elected to hold office
for a term expiring at the third succeeding meeting thereafter. At the third
annual meeting of shareholders, directors of Class III shall be elected to hold
office for a term expiring at the third succeeding meeting thereafter.
Thereafter, at each succeeding annual meeting, directors of each class shall be
elected for three year terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the director whose
term shall expire at any annual meeting shall continue to serve until such time
as his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified unless
his position on the board of directors shall have been abolished by action taken
to reduce the size of the board of directors prior to said meeting.

         Should the number of directors of the Corporation be reduced, the
directorship(s) eliminated

                                      A-7

<PAGE>   8

shall be allocated among classes as appropriate so that the number of directors
in each class is as nearly as equal as possible. The board of directors shall
designate, by the name of the incumbent(s), the position(s) to be abolished.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no decrease in the number of directors shall have
the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director. Should the number
of directors of the Corporation be increased, the additional directorships shall
be allocated among classes as appropriate so that the number of directors in
each class is as nearly as equal as possible.

         Whenever the holders of any one or more series of preferred stock of
the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a class, to elect one
or more directors of the Corporation, the board of directors shall consist of
said directors so elected in addition to the number of directors fixed as
provided above in this Section 7(e). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except
as otherwise may be required by law, whenever the holders of any one or more
series of preferred stock of the Corporation shall have the right, voting
separately as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the
terms of the director or directors elected by such holders shall expire at the
next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders.

(F)      REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

         Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles or the Bylaws of
the Corporation, any director or the entire board of directors of the
Corporation may be removed, at any time, but only for cause, which shall be
defined for this purpose as (i) commission of fraud or dishonesty against the
Corporation, (ii) breach of the duty of loyalty to the Corporation, (iii)
entering of a plea of guilty or nolo contendre in a criminal proceeding, or,
(iv) willful conduct involving a third party which significantly impairs the
reputation of, or harms, the Corporation, and only by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered
for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the shareholders called for
that purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or
more series of preferred stock of the Corporation shall have the right, voting
separately as a class, to elect one or more directors of the Corporation, the
preceding provisions of this Section 7(f) shall not apply with respect to the
director or directors elected by such holders of preferred stock.

(G)      APPROVAL OF CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

         The shareholder vote required to approve Business Combinations (as
hereinafter defined) shall be as set forth in this section.

         A. 1. Except in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved
in advance by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors who are
unaffiliated with the Related Person (as hereinafter defined) and were directors
prior to the time when the Related Person became a Related Person, the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon, shall be required in order to authorize any of the

                                      A-8
<PAGE>   9

following:

                (a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or a
subsidiary of the Corporation with or into a Related Person;

                (b) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition,
including without limitation, a mortgage, or any other security device, of all
or any Substantial Part (as hereinafter defined) of the assets of the
Corporation (including without limitation any voting securities of a subsidiary)
or combined assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, to a Related Person;

                (c) any merger or consolidation of a Related Person with or into
the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation;

                (d) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of
all or any Substantial Part of the assets of a Related Person to the Corporation
or a subsidiary of the Corporation;

                (e) the issuance of any securities of the Corporation or a
subsidiary of the Corporation to a Related Person;

                (f) the acquisition by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the
Corporation of any securities of a Related Person;

                (g) any reclassification of the common stock of the Corporation,
or any recapitalization involving the common stock of the Corporation; and

                (h) any agreement, contract or other arrangement providing for
any of the transactions described in this Section 7(g).

            2. Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding any other
provision of these Articles, any provision of law, or any agreement with any
regulatory agency or national securities exchange which might otherwise permit a
lesser vote or no vote.

            3. The term "Business Combination" as used in these Articles shall
mean any transaction which is referred to in any one or more of subparagraphs
A(1)(a) through (h) above.

      B. The provisions of paragraph A shall not be applicable to any particular
Business Combination, and such Business Combination shall require only such
affirmative vote as is required by any other provision of these Articles, any
provision of law, or any agreement with any regulatory agency or national
securities exchange, if the Business Combination shall have been approved by a
two-thirds vote of the Continuing Directors (as hereinafter defined); provided,
however, that such approval shall only be effective if obtained at a meeting at
which a Continuing Director Quorum (as hereinafter defined) is present.

                                      A-9

<PAGE>   10

      C. For the purposes of these Articles the following definitions apply:

            1. The term "Related Person" shall mean and include (a) any
individual, corporation, partnership or other person or entity which together
with its "affiliates" (as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 of the General
Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended),
"beneficially owns" (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules
and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in the
aggregate 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the
Corporation; and (b) any "affiliate" (as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of any such individual,
corporation, partnership or other person or entity. Without limitation, any
shares of the common stock of the Corporation which any Related Person has the
right to acquire pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise or conversion
rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, shall be deemed "beneficially owned"
by such Related Person.

            2. The term "Substantial Part" shall mean more than 25% of the total
assets of the Corporation, as of the end of its most recent fiscal year ending
prior to the time the determination is made.

            3. The term "Continuing Director" shall mean any member of the board
of directors of the Corporation who is unaffiliated with the Related Person and
was a member of the board prior to the time that the Related Person became a
Related Person, and any successor of a Continuing Director who is unaffiliated
with the Related Person and is recommended to succeed a Continuing Director by a
majority of Continuing Directors then on the board.

            4. The term "Continuing Director Quorum" shall mean two-thirds of
the Continuing Directors capable of exercising the powers conferred on them.

(H)      EVALUATION OF BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

         In connection with the exercise of its judgment in determining what is
in the best interests of the Corporation and of the shareholders, when
evaluating a Business Combination (as defined in these Articles) or a tender or
exchange offer, the board of directors of the Corporation shall, in addition to
considering the adequacy of the amount to be paid in connection with any such
transaction, consider all of the following factors and any other factors which
it deems relevant; (i) the social and economic effects of the transaction on the
Corporation and its subsidiaries, employees, depositors, loan and other
customers, creditors and other elements of the communities in which the
Corporation and its subsidiaries operate or are located; (ii) the business and
financial condition and earnings prospects of the acquiring person or entity,
including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial
obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the
acquisition and other likely financial obligations of the acquiring person or
entity and the possible effect of such conditions upon the Corporation and its
subsidiaries and the other elements of the communities in which the Corporation
and its subsidiaries operate or are located; and (iii) the competence,
experience, and integrity of the acquiring person or entity and their or its
management.

                                      A-10

<PAGE>   11

(I)      INDEMNIFICATION

         A. Persons. The Corporation shall indemnify, to the extent provided in
paragraphs B, D or F:

            1. any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of the
Corporation; and

            2. any person who serves or served at the Corporation's request as a
director, officer, employee, agent, partner or trustee of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.

         B. Extent -- Derivative Suits. In case of a threatened, pending
or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation against a
person named in paragraph A by reason of his holding a position named in
paragraph A, the Corporation shall indemnify such person if such person
satisfies the standard in paragraph C, for expenses (including attorneys' fees
but excluding amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by
such person in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit.

         C. Standard -- Derivative Suits. In case of a threatened, pending
or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation, a person
named in paragraph A shall be indemnified only if:

            1. such person is successful on the merits or otherwise; or

            2. such person acted in good faith in the transaction which is the
subject of the suit or action, and in a manner such person reasonably believed
to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Corporation, including,
but not limited to, the taking of any and all actions in connection with the
Corporation's response to any tender offer or any offer or proposal of another
party to engage in a Business Combination (as defined in these Articles) not
approved by the board of directors. However, such person shall not be
indemnified in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has
been adjudged liable to the Corporation unless (and only to the extent that) the
court in which the suit was brought shall determine, upon application, that
despite the adjudication but in view of all the circumstances, such person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall
deem proper.

         D. Extent -- Nonderivative Suits. In case of a threatened, pending or
completed suit, action or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative), other than a suit by or in the right of the Corporation,
together hereafter referred to as a nonderivative suit, against a person named
in paragraph A by reason of his holding a position named in paragraph A, the
Corporation shall indemnify such person if such person satisfies the standard in
paragraph E, for amounts actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with the defense or settlement of the nonderivative suit, including,
but not limited to (i) expenses (including attorneys' fees), (ii) amounts paid
in settlement, (iii) judgments, and (iv) fines.

                                      A-11

<PAGE>   12

         E. Standard -- Nonderivative Suits. In case of a nonderivative suit, a
person named in paragraph A shall be indemnified only if:

            1. such person is successful on the merits or otherwise; or

            2. such person acted in good faith in the transaction which is the
subject of the nonderivative suit and in a manner such person reasonably
believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Corporation,
including, but not limited to, the taking of any and all actions in connection
with the Corporation's response to any tender offer or any offer or proposal of
another party to engage in a Business Combination (as defined in these Articles)
not approved by the board of directors and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
unlawful. The termination of a nonderivative suit by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent
shall not, in itself, create a presumption that the person failed to satisfy the
standard of this paragraph E.2.

         F. Determination That Standard Has Been Met. A determination that the
standard of paragraph C or E has been satisfied may be made by a court, or,
except as stated in paragraph C.2 (second sentence), the determination may be
made by:

            1. a majority vote of the directors of the Corporation who are not
parties to the action,
suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum; or

            2. independent legal counsel (appointed by a majority of the
disinterested directors of the Corporation, whether or not a quorum) in a
written opinion; or

            3. the shareholders of the Corporation.

         G. Proration. Anyone making a determination under paragraph F may
determine that a person has met the standard as to some matters but not as to
others, and may reasonably prorate amounts to be indemnified.

         H. Advance Payment. The Corporation may pay in advance any expenses
(including attorneys' fees) which may become subject to indemnification under
paragraphs A through G if (i) the board of directors authorizes the specific
payment; and (ii) the person receiving the payment undertakes in writing to
repay the same if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled
to indemnification by the Corporation under paragraphs A through G.

         I. Nonexclusive. The indemnification and advance of expenses provided
by paragraphs A through H shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which a
person may be entitled by law, bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise.

         J. Continuation. The indemnification provided by these Articles shall
be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and the persons entitled to
indemnification thereunder, and any repeal or modification of this Section 7(i)
shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing

                                      A-12
<PAGE>   13

with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore existing or any action,
suit or proceeding theretofore or thereafter brought based in whole or in part
upon any such state of facts. The indemnification and advance payment provided
by paragraphs A through H shall continue as to a person who has ceased to hold a
position named in paragraph A and shall inure to such person's heirs, executors
and administrators.

         K. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any person who holds or who has held any position named in paragraph
A, against any liability incurred by such person in any such position, or
arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the Corporation
would have power to indemnify such person against such liability under
paragraphs A through H.

         L. Savings Clause. If this Section 7(i) or any portion hereof shall be
invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the
Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director, officer, employee, and
agent of the Corporation as to costs, charges, and expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement with respect
to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative, including an action by or in the right of the Corporation to the
full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 7(i) that shall
not have been invalidated and to the full extent permitted by applicable law.

(J) ELIMINATION OF DIRECTORS' LIABILITY

         A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except: (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty
to the Corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not made in
good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, (iii) under Section 8.65 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act, or (iv)
for any transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.
If the Illinois Business Corporation Act is amended after the date of filing of
these Articles to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of
directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be
eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Illinois Business
Corporation Act, as so amended.

         Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the
shareholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or
protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal
or modification.

(K)      AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

         In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by
statute, the board of directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to
make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind the Bylaws of the Corporation by a
two-thirds vote of the board. Notwithstanding any other provision of these
Articles or the Bylaws of the Corporation (and notwithstanding the fact that
some lesser percentage
                                      A-13

<PAGE>   14

may be specified by law), the Bylaws shall not be adopted, repealed, altered,
amended or rescinded by the shareholders of the Corporation except by the vote
of the holders of not less than 80% of the outstanding shares of capital stock
of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
(considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the shareholders
called for that purpose (provided that notice of such proposed adoption, repeal,
alteration, amendment or rescission is included in the notice of such meeting),
or, as set forth above, by the board of directors.

(L)      AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

         The Corporation reserves the right to repeal, alter, amend or rescind
any provision contained in these Articles in the manner now or hereafter
prescribed by law, and all rights conferred on shareholders herein are granted
subject to this reservation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set
forth in Sections 7(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k) and this Section
7(l) may not be repealed, altered, amended or rescinded in any respect unless
the same is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80%
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as a single
class) cast at a meeting of the shareholders called for that purpose (provided
that notice of such proposed adoption, repeal, alteration, amendment or
rescission is included in the notice of such meeting).

                                      A-14

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