Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17

                                                                  Execution Copy

                                SEVENTH AMENDMENT

        SEVENTH AMENDMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as of July 3, 2000, to the
Assumption Agreement and Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
November 6, 1997 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement"), among TransWestern Publishing Company, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (the "Company"), TWP Capital Corp. II, a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company ("TWP Capital
II"; the Company and TWP Capital II, collectively, the "Borrowers"), the several
banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto (the
"Lenders"), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Agency, as
administrative agent for the Lenders thereunder (in such capacity, the
"Administrative Agent"), First Union National Bank, a national banking
association, as documentation agent for the Lenders with respect to the
Revolving Credit Loans and the Tranche A Term Loans (as defined below) (in such
capacity, the "Initial Documentation Agent"), Fleet National Bank, a national
banking association, as documentation agent for the Lenders with respect to the
Tranche B Term Loans (as defined below) (in such capacity, the "Tranche B
Documentation Agent") and First Union National Bank, as syndication agent for
the Lenders with respect to the Tranche B Term Loans, (in such capacity, the
"Tranche B Syndication Agent" and, together with the Administrative Agent, the
Initial Documentation Agent and the Tranche B Documentation Agent, the
"Agents").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :
                               - - - - - - - - - -

        WHEREAS, the Company has requested, and the Administrative Agent and
each Lender have agreed, to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement in
the manner provided below;

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

        SECTION 1. Defined Terms. As used in this Amendment, unless otherwise
defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein
defined. Unless otherwise indicated, all section and subsection references are
to the Credit Agreement.

        SECTION 2. Amendments. (a) Subsection 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is
hereby amended as follows:

           (i) by deleting therefrom the definitions of the following defined
terms in their respective entireties and substituting in lieu thereof the
following definitions:

                "Applicable Margin": (a) for each Revolving Credit Loan or
        Tranche A Term Loan, the rate per annum set forth in the table below
        opposite the Total Leverage Ratio then in effect; such Applicable Margin
        shall be in effect for the period beginning the second Business Day
        following the

<PAGE>   2

                                                                              2

        date on which the Pricing Certificate provided pursuant to subsection
        6.2(b) is delivered to the Lenders and ending on the first Business Day
        following the date on which the next such Pricing Certificate is
        delivered to the Lenders; provided, that, if for any reason the Pricing
        Certificate required by subsection 6.2(b) is not delivered in accordance
        with such subsection to the Lenders, the Total Leverage Ratio shall, for
        purposes of determining the Applicable Margin, be deemed to be greater
        than or equal to 6.25 to 1.00 for each day during the period from and
        including the day such Pricing Certificate was required to be delivered
        pursuant to subsection 6.2(b) to the day such Pricing Certificate is so
        delivered; and provided, further, that for the period from and including
        the Original Closing Date to the first Business Day following the date
        on which the Borrowers shall deliver the first Pricing Certificate
        pursuant to subsection 6.2(b), the Total Leverage Ratio shall, for
        purposes of determining Applicable Margin, be deemed to be greater than
        or equal to 6.25 to 1.00.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               APPLICABLE                   APPLICABLE
                                               MARGIN FOR                   MARGIN FOR
TOTAL LEVERAGE RATIO                            ABR LOANS                  LIBOR LOANS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                         <C>
Revolving Credit Loans
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greater than or equal to 6.25 to 1.00            1.500%                       2.500%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 6.25 to 1.00 and greater               1.375%                       2.375%
than or equal to 6.00 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 6.00 to 1.00 and greater               1.125%                       2.125%
than or equal to 5.50 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 5.50 to 1.00 and greater               0.875%                       1.875%
than or equal to 5.00 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 5.00 to 1.00 and greater               0.625%                       1.625%
than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 4.50 to 1.00                           0.375%                       1.375%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tranche A Term Loans
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greater than or equal to 6.25 to 1.00            1.750%                       2.750%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3

                                                                               3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>                          <C>
Less than 6.25 to 1.00 and greater               1.625%                       2.625%
than or equal to 6.00 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 6.00 to 1.00 and greater               1.375%                       2.375%
than or equal to 5.50 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 5.50 to 1.00 and greater               1.125%                       2.125%
than or equal to 5.00 to 1.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than 5.00 to 1.00                           0.875%                       1.875%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

        and (b) for each Tranche B Term Loan, the applicable margin for ABR
        Loans is 2.50% per annum, and the applicable margin for LIBOR Loans is
        3.50% per annum.

                "Facilities Termination Date": April 1, 2005.

                "Interest Period": with respect to any LIBOR Loan:

                (i) initially, the period commencing on the borrowing or
        conversion date, as the case may be, with respect to such LIBOR Loan and
        ending one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the
        Borrowers in their notice of borrowing or notice of conversion, as the
        case may be, given with respect thereto; and

                (ii) thereafter, each period commencing on the last day of the
        next preceding Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Loan and ending
        one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrowers
        by irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent by 11:00 a.m. New York
        City time not less than three Business Days prior to the last day of the
        then current Interest Period with respect thereto;

<PAGE>   4

                                                                               4

        provided that, all of the foregoing provisions relating to Interest
        Periods are subject to the following:

                        (1) if any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Loan
                would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day, such
                Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding
                Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to
                carry such Interest Period into another calendar month in which
                event such Interest Period shall end on the immediately
                preceding Business Day;

                        (2) any Interest Period that would otherwise extend
                beyond the Revolving Credit Termination Date (in the case of the
                Revolving Credit Loans) or beyond the date final payment is due
                on the Tranche A Term Loans (in the case of the Tranche A Term
                Loans) or the Tranche B Term Loans (in the case of the Tranche B
                Term Loans) shall end on the Revolving Credit Termination Date
                or such date of final payment, as the case may be;

                        (3) any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Loan that
                begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day
                for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the
                calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on
                the last Business Day of a calendar month; and

                        (4) the Borrowers shall select Interest Periods so as
                not to require a payment or prepayment of any LIBOR Loan during
                an Interest Period for such Loan.

                      "Notes": the collective reference to the Revolving Credit
           Notes, the Tranche A Term Notes and the Tranche B Term Notes.

                      "Seventh Amendment Effective Date": the date on which the
           Seventh Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2000,
           became effective pursuant to the terms thereof.

                      "Term Loans": the collective reference to the Tranche A
           Term Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans, provided, however, that as
           used in the second sentence of subsection 3.14(a), such Term Loans
           shall mean the Tranche

<PAGE>   5
                                                                               5

           A Term Loans.

                      "Term Notes": the collective reference to the Tranche A
           Term Notes and the Tranche B Term Notes.

                      (ii) by adding thereto the following definitions in their
           appropriate alphabetical order:

                      "Tranche A Term Loan": as defined in subsection 3.5.

                      "Tranche A Term Loan Lender": each Lender that holds any
           Tranche A Term Loan.

                      "Tranche A Term Loan Percentage": as to any Lender at any
           time, the percentage which the aggregate principal amount of such
           Lender's Tranche A Term Loans then outstanding constitutes of the
           aggregate principal amount of the Tranche A Term Loans then
           outstanding.

                      "Tranche A Term Note": as defined in subsection 3.7(e).

                      "Tranche B Term Loan": as defined in subsection 3.5.

                      "Tranche B Term Loan Commitment": as to any Tranche B Term
           Loan Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make a Tranche
           B Term Loan to the Borrowers hereunder in a principal amount not to
           exceed the amount set forth under the heading "Tranche B Term Loan
           Commitment" opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1.1.

                      "Tranche B Term Loan Lender": each Lender that has a
           Tranche B Term Loan Commitment or that holds any Tranche B Term Loan.

                      "Tranche B Term Loan Percentage": as to any Lender at any
           time, the percentage which such Lender's Tranche B Term Loan
           Commitment then constitutes of the aggregate Tranche B Term Loan
           Commitments (or, at any time after the Seventh Amendment Effective
           Date, the percentage which the aggregate principal amount of such
           Lender's Tranche B Term Loans then outstanding constitutes of the
           aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loans then
           outstanding).

<PAGE>   6

                                                                              6

                      "Tranche B Term Note": as defined in subsection 3.7(e).

           (b) Section 3 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

               (i) by deleting subsection 3.5 in its entirety and substituting
in lieu thereof the following:

                      "3.5 TERM LOANS. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions
           hereof, each Tranche A Term Loan Lender severally agrees to continue
           on the Seventh Amendment Effective Date the term loan (a "Tranche A
           Term Loan") to the Borrowers held by it immediately prior to such
           date. The Tranche A Term Loans may from time to time be (i) LIBOR
           Loans, (ii) ABR Loans or (iii) a combination thereof, as determined
           by the Borrowers and notified to the Administrative Agent in
           accordance with subsection 3.9."

               (b) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Tranche B
Term Loan Lender severally agrees to make a term loan (a "Tranche B Term Loan")
to the Borrowers on the Seventh Amendment Effective Date in an amount equal to
the amount of the Tranche B Term Loan Commitment of such Tranche B Term Loan
Lender then in effect. The Tranche B Term Loans may from time to time be (i)
LIBOR Loans, (ii) ABR Loans or (iii) a combination thereof, as determined by the
Borrowers and notified to the Administrative Agent in accordance with
subsections 3.6 and 3.9."

               (ii) by deleting subsection 3.6 in its entirety and substituting
in lieu thereof the following:

                      "3.6 PROCEDURE FOR TRANCHE B TERM LOAN BORROWING. The
           Borrowers shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable notice
           (which notice must be received by the Administrative Agent prior to
           12:00 Noon, New York City time, one Business Day prior to the
           anticipated Seventh Amendment Effective Date), requesting that the
           Tranche B Term Loan Lenders make the Tranche B Term Loans on the
           anticipated Seventh Amendment Effective Date and specifying the
           Seventh Amendment Effective Date. The Tranche B Term Loans shall be
           initially made as ABR Loans on the Seventh Amendment Effective Date.
           Upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly
           notify each Tranche B

<PAGE>   7

                                                                               7

        Term Loan Lender thereof. In such case, not later than 11:00 a.m. New
        York City time on the Seventh Amendment Effective Date, each Tranche B
        Term Loan Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent at its
        office specified in subsection 10.2 the amount of such Tranche B Term
        Loan Lender's pro rata share of such amount of the Tranche B Term Loans
        to be borrowed on the Seventh Amendment Effective Date, in immediately
        available funds. The Administrative Agent shall on such date credit the
        account of the Borrowers on the books of such office of the
        Administrative Agent with the aggregate of the amounts made available to
        the Administrative Agent by the Tranche B Term Loan Lenders and in like
        funds as received by the Administrative Agent."

                      (iii) by deleting the first sentence of subsection 3.7(a)
thereof in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following
sentence:

                      "3.7 REPAYMENT OF LOANS; EVIDENCE OF DEBT. (a) The
        Borrowers jointly and severally hereby unconditionally promise to pay to
        the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender (i) the then
        unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan of such Lender on
        the Revolving Credit Termination Date (or such earlier date on which the
        Revolving Credit Loans become due and payable pursuant to Section 7),
        (ii) the principal amount of each Tranche A Term Loan of such Lender, in
        quarterly installments on the dates set forth on Schedule 3.7, in the
        aggregate principal amounts for all Lenders set forth on said Schedule
        opposite the date of such installment (or the then unpaid principal
        amount of such Tranche A Term Loan, on the date that the Tranche A Term
        Loans become due and payable pursuant to Section 7 or otherwise) and
        (iii) the principal amount of each Tranche B Term Loan of such Lender,
        in installments on the dates set forth on Schedule 3.7(a), in the
        aggregate principal amounts for all Lenders set forth in said Schedule
        opposite the date of such installments (or the then unpaid principal
        amount of such Tranche B Term Loan, on the date that the Tranche B Terms
        Loans become due and payable pursuant to Section 7 or otherwise)."

                      (iv) by deleting subsection 3.7(e) thereof in its entirety
and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

<PAGE>   8
                                                                               8

                      "(e) The Borrowers agree that, upon the request to the
        Administrative Agent by any Lender, the Borrowers will execute and
        deliver to such Lender (i) a promissory note of the Borrowers evidencing
        the Revolving Credit Loans of such Lender, substantially in the form of
        Exhibit A with appropriate insertions as to date and principal amount (a
        "Revolving Credit Note"), and/or (ii) a promissory note of the Borrowers
        evidencing the Tranche A Term Loans of such Lender, substantially in the
        form of Exhibit B-1 with appropriate insertions as to date and principal
        amount (a "Tranche A Term Note") and/or (iii) a promissory note of the
        Borrowers evidencing the Tranche B Term Loans of such Lender,
        substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2 with appropriate insertions as
        to date and principal amount (a "Tranche B Term Note")."

                      (v) by deleting subsection 3.8(a) thereof in its entirety
and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

                      "3.8 OPTIONAL PREPAYMENTS; MANDATORY PREPAYMENTS AND
        REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT REDUCTIONS. (a) The Borrowers may on the
        last day of any Interest Period with respect thereto (or on any other
        day if the prepayment referred to herein is accompanied by all amounts
        payable by the Borrowers pursuant to subsection 3.18), in the case of
        LIBOR Loans, or at any time and from time to time, in the case of ABR
        Loans, prepay the Loans, in whole or in part, without premium or
        penalty, upon one Business Days' written notice in the case of ABR Loans
        and three Business Days' written notice in the case of LIBOR Loans to
        the Administrative Agent, specifying the date and amount of prepayment
        and whether the prepayment is of LIBOR Loans, ABR Loans or a combination
        thereof, and, if of a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each
        and specifying whether the prepayment is of Tranche A Term Loans,
        Tranche B Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans or a combination thereof
        and, if a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each. Upon
        receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly
        notify each Lender thereof. If any such notice is given, the amount
        specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified
        therein, together with any amounts payable pursuant to subsection 3.18.
        Partial optional prepayments of the Tranche A Term Loans and the Tranche
        B Term Loans pursuant to this subsection 3.8(a) shall, in each case, be
        applied ratably to the respective remaining installments of

<PAGE>   9

                                                                               9

         principal thereof. Amounts prepaid on account of the Term Loans may not
         be reborrowed. Partial prepayments shall be in an aggregate principal
         amount of $50,000 or a whole multiple thereof."

                      (vi) by deleting subsection 3.8(f) thereof in its entirety
and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

                      "(f) All mandatory prepayments pursuant to subsections
        3.8(b), (c) and (d) and, except as provided in clause (ii) of the
        proviso thereto, subsection 3.8(e) shall be applied first pro rata to
        the permanent repayment of the Tranche B Term Loans, second pro rata to
        the permanent repayment of the Tranche A Term Loans, and third pro rata
        to permanently reduce the Revolving Credit Commitments and, to the
        extent required by subsection 3.8(g), to the prepayment of Revolving
        Credit Loans, in each case together with interest accrued to the date of
        such prepayment and any amounts payable under subsection 3.18. Mandatory
        prepayments of the Tranche A Term Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans
        pursuant to this subsection 3.8 shall, in each case, be applied to the
        respective remaining installments of principal thereof (i) in the
        inverse order of the maturity of such installments, in the case of
        prepayments pursuant to subsections 3.8(c) and (e), and (ii) ratably to
        such installments, in the case of prepayments pursuant to subsections
        3.8(b) and (d). Mandatory prepayments of the Term Loans may not be
        reborrowed. All mandatory permanent reductions of the Revolving Credit
        Commitments shall be applied to reduce the Revolving Credit Commitments
        in inverse order of the Revolving Credit Commitment reductions provided
        for in subsection 3.4(c) until reduced to zero."

                      (vii) by adding the following subsection at the end of
        subsection 3.8(g):

                      "(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
        subsection 3.8(f) or 3.14, with respect to the amount of any mandatory
        prepayment described in subsection 3.8 that is allocated to Tranche B
        Term Loans (such amounts, the "Tranche B Prepayment Amount"), at any
        time when Tranche A Term Loans remain outstanding, the Borrowers will,
        in lieu of applying such amount to the prepayment of Tranche B Term
        Loans, as provided in paragraph (f) above, on the date specified in
        subsection 3.8 for such prepayment, give the Administrative Agent
        telephonic notice (promptly confirmed

<PAGE>   10
                                                                              10

         in writing) requesting that the Administrative Agent prepare and
         provide to each Tranche Bterm Loan Lender a notice (each, a "Prepayment
         Option Notice") as described below. As promptly as practicable after
         receiving such notice from the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent will
         send to each Tranche B Term Loan Lender a Prepayment Option Notice,
         which shall be in the form of Exhibit I, and shall include an offer by
         the Borrowers to prepay on the date (each a "Mandatory Prepayment
         Date") that is 10 Business Days after the date of the Prepayment Option
         Notice, the relevant Term Loans of such Lender by an amount equal to
         the portion of the Prepayment Amount indicated in such Lender's
         Prepayment Option Notice as being applicable to such Lender's Tranche B
         Term Loans. On the Mandatory Prepayment Date, (i) the Borrowers shall
         pay to the relevant Tranche B Term Loan Lenders the aggregate amount
         necessary to prepay that portion of the outstanding relevant Term Loans
         in respect of which such Lenders have accepted prepayment as described
         above, (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to the Tranche A Term Loan Lenders
         an amount equal to 100% of the portion of the Tranche B Prepayment
         Amount not accepted by the relevant Lenders, and such amount shall be
         applied to the prepayment of the Tranche A Term Loans.

               (b) Section 9 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
deleting subsection 9.7 thereof in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof
the following:

                      "9.7 INDEMNIFICATION. The Lenders agree to indemnify each
        Agent in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed by the
        Borrowers and without limiting the obligation of the Borrowers to do
        so), ratably according to their respective Revolving Credit Commitment
        Percentage, Tranche A Term Loan Percentage and Tranche B Term Loan
        Percentage in effect on the date on which indemnification is sought (or,
        if indemnification is sought after the date upon which the Revolving
        Credit Commitment shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been
        paid in full, ratably in accordance with their Percentages immediately
        prior to such date), from and against any and all liabilities,
        obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
        costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any
        time (including, without limitation, at any time following the payment
        of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against

<PAGE>   11

                                                                              11

         such Agent in any way relating to or arising out of, the Revolving
         Credit Commitment, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or
         any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the
         transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or
         omitted by such Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing;
         provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion
         of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
         judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting solely
         from such Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The
         agreements in this subsection shall survive the payment of the Loans
         and all other amounts payable hereunder."

                  (c) Subsection 10.6 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
         as follows:

                      (i) by deleting the first sentence of subsection 10.6(c)
thereof in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

                      "(c) Any Lender may, in the ordinary course of its
        commercial banking business and in accordance with applicable law, at
        any time and from time to time assign to any Lender or any affiliate
        thereof or, with the consent, unless an Event of Default has occurred
        and is continuing, of the Borrowers (except in the case of assignments
        made by CIBC, Fleet National Bank and First Union National Bank in
        connection with its initial syndication of the Tranche B Term Loans) and
        the Administrative Agent (which consents shall not be unreasonably
        withheld or delayed) to an additional bank or financial institution (an
        "Assignee") all or any part of its rights and obligations under this
        Agreement and the other Loan Documents pursuant to an Assignment and
        Acceptance, substantially in the form of Exhibit E, executed by such
        Assignee, such assigning Lender and delivered to the Administrative
        Agent for its acceptance and recording in the Register, provided that,
        in the case of any such assignment to an additional bank or financial
        institution, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of the Loans and
        the aggregate amount of the Available Commitment being assigned and, if
        such assignment is of less than all of the rights and obligations of the
        assigning Lender, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of the Loans
        and the aggregate amount of the Available

<PAGE>   12

                                                                              12

        Commitment remaining with the assigning Lender are each not less than
        $2.5 million (or such lesser amount as may be agreed to by the Borrowers
        and the Administrative Agent)."

                      (ii) by deleting subsection 10.6(e) thereof in its
entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:

                      "(e) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance
        executed by an assigning Lender and an Assignee together with payment to
        the Administrative Agent of a registration and processing fee of $1,500,
        the Administrative Agent shall (i) promptly accept such Assignment and
        Acceptance and (ii) on the effective date determined pursuant thereto
        record the information contained therein in the Register and give notice
        of such acceptance and recordation to the Lenders and the Borrowers."

               (d) Schedule 1.1 to the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to
read as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, a new Schedule 3.7(a) to the Credit
Agreement is hereby added thereto in the form of Exhibit B hereto, Exhibit B to
the Credit Agreement is hereby redesignated as Exhibit B-1, and a new Exhibit
B-2 to the Credit Agreement is hereby added thereto in the form of Exhibit C
hereto, and a new Exhibit I to the Credit Agreement is hereby added thereto in
the form of Exhibit D hereto.

               SECTION 3. Fees. In consideration of the agreement of the Lenders
to consent to the amendments contained herein, the Borrowers agree to pay to
each Lender which so consents on or prior to June 28, 2000 (by executing and
delivering to the Administrative Agent or its counsel this Amendment on or prior
to such date), an amendment fee in an amount equal to 0.10% of the aggregate
amount of such Lender's Term Loans and Revolving Credit Commitment outstanding
on the date hereof; such fees shall be payable on the Amendment Effective Date
(as defined below) in immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent on
behalf of the applicable Lender.

               SECTION 4. Representations and Warranties. After giving effect to
this Amendment, each Borrower hereby confirms, reaffirms and restates the
representations and warranties made by it in the Credit Agreement, provided that
each reference to the Credit Agreement therein shall be deemed to be a reference
to the Credit Agreement after giving effect to this Amendment. Each Borrower
represents and warrants that, after giving effect

<PAGE>   13

                                                                              13

to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing.

               SECTION 5. Conditions to Effectiveness. This Amendment shall
become effective on the date (the "Amendment Effective Date") on which all of
the following conditions precedent have been satisfied or waived:

               (a) the Borrowers, the Required Lenders (including each Tranche B
        Term Loan Lender) and the Administrative Agent shall have executed and
        delivered to the Administrative Agent this Amendment; and TransWestern
        Holdings L.P. shall have executed and delivered to the Administrative
        Agent the Acknowledgment and Consent attached hereto;

               (b) the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of the
        resolutions, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative
        Agent, of the Sole Member or the Board of Directors (or a duly
        authorized committee thereof) (as the case may be) of each Borrower
        authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment,
        certified by the respective Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each
        Borrower as of the Amendment Effective Date, which certificate shall be
        in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents and shall
        state that the resolutions and other actions thereby certified have not
        been amended, modified, revoked or rescinded as of the date of such
        certificate;

               (c) the Administrative Agent shall have received, with a
        counterpart for each Lender, an executed legal opinion of Kirkland &
        Ellis, counsel to the Borrowers, which shall be in form and substance
        satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

               (d) the Borrowers shall have paid the fees referred to in
        Section 3 above.

               SECTION 6. Miscellaneous. Except as expressly amended pursuant to
Section 2 above, the Credit Agreement shall continue to be, and shall remain, in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms. This Amendment may be
executed by the parties hereto in any number of separate counterparts (including
by facsimile transmission), and all of said counterparts taken together shall be
deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. The Company agrees to pay or
reimburse the Administrative Agent for all its reasonable out-of-pocket costs
and expenses incurred in connection with the development,

<PAGE>   14

                                                                              14

preparation and execution of this Amendment including, without limitation, the
fees and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent. THIS AMENDMENT
AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY,
AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment
to be duly executed and delivered by their properly and duly authorized officers
as of the day and year first above written.

                                 TRANSWESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY LLC

                                 By: /s/ JOAN M. FIORITO
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President - CFO

                                 TWP CAPITAL CORP. II

                                 By: /s/ JOAN M. FIORITO
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Title: Vice President - CFO

                                 CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, NEW YORK
                                 AGENCY, as Administrative Agent

                                 By: /s/ Tefta Ghilaga
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Title: Authorized Signatory

                                 CIBC INC., as a Lender

                                 By: /s/ Tefta Ghilaga
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Title: Executive Director

<PAGE>   15

                                FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as Initial
                                Documentation Agent, as Tranche B Syndication
                                Agent and as a Lender

                                By: /s/ Mark Misenheimer
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Director

                                FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as Tranche B Documentation
                                Agent and as a Lender

                                By: /s/ Sharon Hawkins
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                 BANK OF HAWAII

                                By: /s/ Shari Sakami
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                  Title:  Vice President

                                BANKERS TRUST COMPANY

                                By: /s/ Gregory P. Shefrin
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                  Title:  Authorized Signatory

                                ARCHIMEDES FUNDING, LLC

                                By:    ING Capital Advisors, Inc.,
                                       as Collateral Manager

                                 By: /s/ Amy W. Grenier
                                    ------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Managing Director

<PAGE>   16

                                CRESCENT/MACH PARTNERS, L.P.

                                By: /s/ Jonathan Insull
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                KZH CRESCENT LLC

                                By: /s/ Susan Lee
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Authorized Agent

                                KZH CRESCENT-3 LLC

                                By: /s/ Susan Lee
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Authorized Agent

                                VAN KAMPEN CLO I, LTD.

                                By: /s/ Darvin D. Pierce
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                VAN KAMPEN CLO II, LTD.

                                By: /s/ Darvin D. Pierce
                                   -----------------------------------------

                                   Title:  Vice President

                                VAN KAMPEN
                                PRIME RATE INCOME TRUST

                                By: /s/ Darvin D. Pierce
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                VAN KAMPEN
                                SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND

                                By: /s/ Darvin D. Pierce
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                MONUMENT CAPITAL, LTD.

                                By: /s/ Robert Bayer
                                    --------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President

<PAGE>   17

                         EXHIBIT A TO SEVENTH AMENDMENT

                                 SCHEDULE 1.1 TO
                              THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
                               (AS OF JULY 3, 2000)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================
                                  REVOLVING
                                    CREDIT       TRANCHE A TERM    TRANCHE B TERM          TOTAL
  BANK/ADDRESS FOR NOTICES       COMMITMENT           LOANS            LOANS          COMMITMENT/LOANS
=======================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>
CIBC INC.                       $24,000,000.00    $7,149,929.71    $11,666,666.66       $42,816,596.37
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Tefta Ghilaga
Fax: (212) 856-3558

with a copy to:

Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Agency Services
Fax: (212) 856-3763
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK       $18,000,000.00    $7,681,294.10    $11,666,666.67       $37,347,960.77
One First Union Center
301 S. College Street, DC-5
Charlotte, North Carolina
28288-0735
Attn: Mark Misenheimer
Fax: (704) 374-4092
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLEET NATIONAL BANK             $17,000,000.00    $9,985,682.36    $11,666,666.67       $38,652,349.03
One Federal Street
Mail Code: MA/DE/10303H
Boston, MA 02110
Attn: Sherri Hawkins
Fax: 617-346-4345

=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   18

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================
                                  REVOLVING
                                    CREDIT       TRANCHE A TERM    TRANCHE B TERM          TOTAL
  BANK/ADDRESS FOR NOTICES       COMMITMENT           LOANS            LOANS          COMMITMENT/LOANS
=======================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>
BANK OF HAWAII                   $5,500,000.00    $3,840,647.05        ---               $9,340,647.05
130 Merchant Street,
20th Floor
Honolulu, HI  96813
Attn: Shari Sakami
Fax:  (808) 537-8301
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BANKERS TRUST COMPANY            $5,500,000.00        ---              ---               $5,500,000.00
130 Liberty Street,
27th Floor
New York, NY  10006
Attn: Sonali Khanna
Fax:  (212) 250-7218
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARCHIMEDES FUNDING, LLC              ---          $6,145,035.31        ---               $6,227,105.89
333 S. Grand Avenue
42nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA  90071
Attn:  Jonathan David
Fax:  (213) 631-3795
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VAN KAMPEN CLO I, LTD.               ---              ---           $5,000,000.00        $5,000,000.00
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181
Attn:  Ernie Hodge
Fax:  (630) 684-6740
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VAN KAMPEN CLO II, LTD.              ---                               ---
One Parkview Plaza                                $3,840,647.05                          $3,840,647.05
Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181
Attn:  Ernie Hodge
Fax:  (630) 684-6740
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   19

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================
                                  REVOLVING
                                    CREDIT       TRANCHE A TERM    TRANCHE B TERM          TOTAL
  BANK/ADDRESS FOR NOTICES       COMMITMENT           LOANS            LOANS          COMMITMENT/LOANS
=======================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>
VAN KAMPEN                           ---          $6,145,035.31        ---               $6,145,035.31
PRIME RATE INCOME TRUST
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181
Attn:  Ernie Hodge
Fax:  (630) 684-6740
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VAN KAMPEN                           ---          $4,107,966.96        ---               $4,107,966.96
SENIOR FLOATING RATE FUND
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, IL  60181
Attn:  Ernie Hodge
Fax:  (630) 684-6740
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRESENT/MACH PARTNERS, L.P.          ---          $3,072,517.64        ---               $3,072,517.64
TCW
200 Park Avenue
Suite 2200
New York, NY  10166
Attn:  Jonathan Insull
Fax:  (212) 771-4159
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KZH CRESCENT  - 3 LLC                ---          $6,145,035.31        ---               $6,145,035.31
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank
140 East 45th Street,
11th Floor
Attn: Virginia Conway
Fax:  (212) 622-0123
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KZH CRESCENT LLC                     ---          $3,072,517.64        ---               $3,072,517.64
c/o The Chase Manhattan Bank
140 East 45th Street,
11th Floor
Attn: Virginia Conway
Fax:  (212) 622-0123
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   20

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================================
                                  REVOLVING
                                    CREDIT       TRANCHE A TERM    TRANCHE B TERM          TOTAL
  BANK/ADDRESS FOR NOTICES       COMMITMENT           LOANS            LOANS          COMMITMENT/LOANS
=======================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>
MONUMENT CAPITAL, LTD. C/O           ---          $4,104,691.56        ---               $4,104,691.56
ALLIANCE CAPITAL MGMT., L.P.
1345 Ave. of the Americas
37th Floor
New York, NY  10105
Attn:  Robert Bayer
Fax:  (212) 969-1466
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL                      $70,000,000.00   $65,291,000.00    $40,000,000.00      $175,291,000.00
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   21

                           ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

        The undersigned as Pledgor under the Pledge Agreement, dated as of
November 6, 1997 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time, the "Pledge Agreement"), made by the undersigned in favor of the
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby (a) consents to the
transactions contemplated by this Amendment, and (b) acknowledges and agrees
that the pledge and grants of collateral security contained in such Pledge
Agreement are, and shall remain, in full force and effect after giving effect to
this Amendment, and all prior modifications to the Credit Agreement.

TRANSWESTERN HOLDINGS L.P.

By:  TransWestern Communications Company,   Inc., its General Partner

        By:
           ---------------------------
            Name:
            Title:<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10

                                    EXECUTIVE
                          SEVERANCE BENEFITS AGREEMENT

        THIS EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE BENEFITS AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is entered
into this _____ day of ___________, 2000 (the "Effective Date"), between
_______________ ("EXECUTIVE") and VIROLOGIC, INC. (the "COMPANY"). This
Agreement is intended to provide Executive with the compensation and benefits
described herein upon the occurrence of specific events. Certain capitalized
terms used in this Agreement are defined in Article 5.

        The Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1

                  SCOPE OF AND CONSIDERATION FOR THIS AGREEMENT

        1.1 Executive is currently employed by the Company.

        1.2 The Company and Executive wish to set forth the compensation and
benefits which Executive shall be entitled to receive in the event Executive's
employment with the Company is terminated under the circumstances described
herein following a Change in Control.

        1.3 The duties and obligations of the Company to Executive under this
Agreement shall be in consideration for Executive's past services to the
Company, Executive's continued employment with the Company, and Executive's
execution of a release in accordance with Section 3.1.

        1.4 This Agreement shall supersede any other agreement relating to cash
severance benefits, health benefits in the event of Executive's severance from
employment with the Company following a Change in Control.

                                   ARTICLE 2

                               SEVERANCE BENEFITS

        2.1 SEVERANCE BENEFITS. A Covered Termination (as defined in Article 4)
entitles Executive to receive the benefits set forth in Section 2.2.

        2.2 SEVERANCE PAYMENT. Executive shall receive a severance payment equal
to twelve (12) months of his Base Salary plus the amount of the bonus the
Executive received during the year prior to the Covered Termination. Such amount
shall be subject to all required tax withholding and shall be paid in a lump sum
upon Executive's compliance with Section 3.1 herein.

        2.3 MITIGATION. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein,
Executive shall not be required to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment
provided under this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor
shall the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement be reduced by
any compensation earned by Executive as a result of

                                       1.
<PAGE>   2

employment by another employer or by any retirement benefits received by
Executive after the date of the Covered Termination.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                     LIMITATIONS AND CONDITIONS ON BENEFITS

        3.1 RELEASE PRIOR TO PAYMENT OF BENEFITS. Upon the occurrence of a
Covered Termination, and prior to the payment of any benefits under this
Agreement on account of such Covered Termination, Executive shall execute a
release (the "Release") in the form attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Exhibit A. Such Release shall specifically relate to all of Executive's rights
and claims in existence at the time of such execution and shall confirm
Executive's obligations under the Company's standard form of proprietary
information and inventions agreement. It is understood that, as specified in the
applicable Release, Executive has a certain number of calendar days to consider
whether to execute such Release, and Executive may revoke such Release within
seven (7) calendar days after execution. In the event Executive does not execute
such Release within the applicable period, or if Executive revokes such Release
within the subsequent seven (7) day period, no benefits shall be payable under
this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be null and void.

        3.2 TERMINATION OF BENEFITS. Benefits under this Agreement shall
terminate immediately if the Executive, at any time, violates any proprietary
information or confidentiality obligation to the Company.

        3.3 NON-DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS. Executive is not eligible to receive
benefits under this Agreement more than one time.

                                   ARTICLE 4

                                   DEFINITIONS

        For purposes of the Agreement, the following terms are defined as
follows:

        4.1 "BASE SALARY" means Executive's annual base salary as in effect
during the last regularly scheduled payroll period immediately preceding the
Covered Termination.

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

        4.3 "CAUSE" means that, in the reasonable determination of the Company
or, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, the Board, Executive:

            (a) has willfully or recklessly, and repeatedly failed to
satisfactorily perform the Executive's job duties, after being given written
notice of the failure to perform and an opportunity to cure such deficiency;

            (b) has committed an act that materially injures the business of the
Company;

                                       2.
<PAGE>   3

            (c) has misappropriated property belonging to the Company or has
violated any of his proprietary information or confidentiality obligations to
the Company; or

            (d) has been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude that is
likely to inflict or has inflicted material injury on the business of the
Company.

        4.4 "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means

            (a) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company;

            (b) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the
surviving entity and in which the stockholders of the Company immediately prior
to such consolidation or merger own less than fifty percent (50%) of the
surviving entity's voting power immediately after the transaction;

            (c) a reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity
but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger are
converted by virtue of the merger into other property, whether in the form of
securities, cash or otherwise, and in which the stockholders of the Company
immediately prior to such reverse merger own less than fifty percent (50%) of
the Company's voting power immediately after the transaction;

            (d) after the Listing Date as defined in the Company's Equity
Incentive Plan, an acquisition by any person, entity or group within the meaning
of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor
provisions (excluding any employee benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or
maintained by the Company or subsidiary of the Company or other entity
controlled by the Company) of the beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or comparable successor rule) of
securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the
voting power entitled to vote in the election of Directors; or

            (e) in the event that the individuals who, as of the date of
adoption of the Plan, are members of the Company's Board (the "Incumbent
Board"), cease for any reason to constitute at least fifty percent (50%) of the
Board. (If the election, or nomination for election by the Company's
stockholders, of any new Director is approved by a vote of at least fifty
percent (50%) of the Incumbent Board, such new Director shall be considered to
be a member of the Incumbent Board in the future.)

        4.5 "COMPANY" means ViroLogic, Inc. or, following a Change in Control,
the surviving entity resulting from such transaction.

        4.6 "CONSTRUCTIVE TERMINATION" means the occurrence of any of the
following events without the Executive's express written consent:

            (a) a change in Executive's responsibilities which represents
material adverse change from the Executive's responsibilities as in effect at
any time within ninety (90) days preceding the effective date of a Change in
Control or at any time thereafter, or the assignment to Executive of any duties
or responsibilities which are materially and adversely inconsistent with

                                       3.
<PAGE>   4

the Executive's duties and responsibilities in effect at any time within ninety
(90) days preceding the effective date of a Change of Control or at any time
thereafter;

            (b) a material reduction by the Company in Executive's overall
compensation package [or any failure to pay Executive any compensation or
benefits to which Executive is entitled within fifteen (15) days of the date
due;

            (c) the Company's relocation of Executive to any place outside a
fifty (50) mile radius of the Executive's current worksite, except for
reasonably required travel on the business of the Company and/or its affiliates
which is not materially greater than such travel requirements prior to the
effective date of the Change of Control. a relocation of Executive's business
office to a location more than twenty (20) miles from the location at which
Executive performs duties as of the effective date of the Change in Control;

            (d) the failure by the Company to: (i) continue in effect (without
reduction in benefit level and/or reward opportunities) any material
compensation or employee benefit plan in which the Executive was participating
at any time within ninety (90) days preceding the effective date of a Change in
Control or at any time thereafter, unless such plan is replaced with a plan that
provides substantially equivalent compensation or benefits to Executive (it
being understood that changes to any such plans necessitated by the need to
conform Executive's and the Company's other employees', as a whole, compensation
and benefits packages to those of the surviving corporation and/or acquiror (as
applicable) shall not alone constitute Constructive Termination unless such
changes result in a material reduction in Executive's overall annual
compensation package as described in subsection (B) above), or (ii) provide
Executive with compensation and benefits, in the aggregate, at least
substantially similar (in terms of benefit levels and/or reward opportunities)
to those provided for under each other employee benefit plan, program and
practice in which the Executive was participating at any time within ninety (90)
days preceding the effective date of a Change in Control or at any time
thereafter;

            (e) a material breach by the Company of any provision of this
Agreement, unless such breach is cured within fifteen (15) days following notice
by the Executive of such breach; or

            (f) any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption of this
Agreement by the surviving corporation and/or acquiror (as applicable) of the
Company.

        4.7 "COVERED TERMINATION" means an Involuntary Termination Without Cause
or a Constructive Termination within three (3) months prior to or twenty-four
(24) months following the effective date of a Change in Control.

        4.8 "INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE" means Executive's dismissal
or discharge other than for Cause. The termination of Executive's employment as
a result of Executive's death or disability will not be deemed to be an
Involuntary Termination Without Cause.

                                       4.
<PAGE>   5

                                   ARTICLE 5

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

        5.1 EMPLOYMENT STATUS; EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT SUPERCEDED. This Agreement
does not constitute a contract of employment or impose upon Executive any
obligation to remain as an employee, or impose on the Company any obligation (i)
to retain Executive as an employee, (ii) to change the status of Executive as an
at-will employee, or (iii) to change the Company's policies regarding
termination of employment. In the event of any conflict between the provisions
of this Agreement and the provisions of any other previously existing
employment, severance or other similar agreement, then the provisions of this
Agreement shall govern.

        5.2 NOTICES. Any notices provided hereunder must be in writing, and such
notices or any other written communication shall be deemed effective upon the
earlier of personal delivery (including personal delivery by facsimile) or the
third day after mailing by first class mail, to the Company at its primary
office location and to Executive at Executive's address as listed in the
Company's payroll records. Any payments made by the Company to Executive under
the terms of this Agreement shall be delivered to Executive either in person or
at the address as listed in the Company's payroll records.

        5.3 SEVERABILITY. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable
law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect
any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained herein.

        5.4 WAIVER. If either party should waive any breach of any provisions of
this Agreement, he or it shall not thereby be deemed to have waived any
preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision of this
Agreement.

        5.5 ARBITRATION. Unless otherwise prohibited by law or specified below,
all disputes, claims and causes of action, in law or equity, arising from or
relating to this Agreement or its enforcement, performance, breach, or
interpretation shall be resolved solely and exclusively by final and binding
arbitration held in San Diego County, California through Judicial Arbitration &
Mediation Services/Endispute ("JAMS") under the then existing JAMS arbitration
rules. However, nothing in this section is intended to prevent either party from
obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the
conclusion of any such arbitration. Each party in any such arbitration shall be
responsible for its own attorneys' fees, costs and necessary disbursement;
provided, however, that in the event one party refuses to arbitrate and the
other party seeks to compel arbitration by court order, if such other party
prevails, it shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and
necessary disbursements. Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1717, each
party warrants that it was represented by counsel in the negotiation and
execution of this Agreement, including the attorneys' fees provision herein.

                                       5.
<PAGE>   6

        5.6 COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, including Exhibit A, constitutes
the entire agreement between Executive and the Company and is the complete,
final, and exclusive embodiment of their agreement with regard to this subject
matter, wholly superseding all written and oral agreements with respect to cash
severance benefits and health benefits to Executive in the event of employment
termination other than any outstanding loans by the Company to Executive. It is
entered into without reliance on any promise or representation other than those
expressly contained herein.

        5.7 AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement may be changed
or terminated only upon the mutual written consent of the Company and Executive.
The written consent of the Company to a change or termination of this Agreement
must be signed by an executive officer of the Company after such change or
termination has been approved by the Board.

        5.8 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in separate
counterparts, any one of which need not contain signatures of more than one
party, but all of which taken together will constitute one and the same
Agreement.

        5.9 HEADINGS. The headings of the Articles and Sections hereof are
inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute a part
hereof nor to affect the meaning thereof.

        5.10 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is intended to bind and
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive, and the Company, and
any surviving entity resulting from a Change in Control and upon any other
person who is a successor by merger, acquisition, consolidation or otherwise to
the business formerly carried on by the Company, and their respective
successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators, without regard to
whether or not such person actively assumes any rights or duties hereunder;
provided, however, that Executive may not assign any duties hereunder and may
not assign any rights hereunder without the written consent of the Company,
which consent shall not be withheld unreasonably.

        5.11 CHOICE OF LAW. All questions concerning the construction, validity
and interpretation of this Agreement will be governed by the law of the State of
California, without regard to such state's conflict of laws rules.

        5.12 NON-PUBLICATION. The parties mutually agree not to disclose
publicly the terms of this Agreement except to the extent that disclosure is
mandated by applicable law or to respective advisors (e.g., attorneys,
accountants).

        5.13 CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT. In the event of a conflict between the
text of the Agreement and any summary, description or other information
regarding the Agreement, the text of the Agreement shall control.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the
Effective Date written above.

VIROLOGIC, INC.                                    [EXECUTIVE]

                                       6.
<PAGE>   7

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

Exhibit A:  Release

                                       7.
<PAGE>   8

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                     RELEASE

        Certain capitalized terms used in this Release are defined in the
Executive Severance Benefits Agreement (the "Agreement") which I have executed
and of which this Release is a part.

        I hereby confirm my obligations under the Company's proprietary
information and inventions agreement.

        I acknowledge that I have read and understand Section 1542 of the
California Civil Code which reads as follows: "A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND
TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT
THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY
AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR." I hereby expressly waive and
relinquish all rights and benefits under that section and any law of any
jurisdiction of similar effect with respect to my release of any claims I may
have against the Company.

        Except as otherwise set forth in this Release, I hereby release, acquit
and forever discharge the Company, its parents and subsidiaries, and their
officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, shareholders, successors,
assigns and affiliates, of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands,
causes of action, costs, expenses, attorneys fees, damages, indemnities and
obligations of every kind and nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and
unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and undisclosed (other than any
claim for indemnification I may have as a result of any third party action
against me based on my employment with the Company), arising out of or in any
way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any time prior to the date
I execute this Release, including, but not limited to: all such claims and
demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with my
employment with the Company or the termination of that employment, including but
not limited to, claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional
distress, any and all tort claims for personal injury, claims or demands related
to salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, or any other ownership
interests in the Company, vacation pay, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements,
severance pay, or any other form of disputed compensation; claims pursuant to
any federal, state or local law or cause of action including, but not limited
to, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended ("ADEA"); the federal
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; the federal
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the California Fair Employment and
Housing Act, as amended; tort law; contract law; statutory law; common law;
wrongful discharge; discrimination; fraud; defamation; emotional distress; and
breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; provided,
however, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed in any way to release
the Company from its obligation to indemnify me pursuant to the Company's
indemnification obligation pursuant to agreement or applicable law.

        I acknowledge that I am knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing
any rights I may have under ADEA. I also acknowledge that the consideration
given under the Agreement

                                       1.
<PAGE>   9

for the waiver and release in the preceding paragraph hereof is in addition to
anything of value to which I was already entitled. I further acknowledge that I
have been advised by this writing, as required by the ADEA, that: (A) my waiver
and release do not apply to any rights or claims that may arise on or after the
date I execute this Release; (B) I have the right to consult with an attorney
prior to executing this Release; (C) I have twenty-one (21) days to consider
this Release (although I may choose to voluntarily execute this Release
earlier); (D) I have seven (7) days following the execution of this Release by
the parties to revoke the Release; and (E) this Release shall not be effective
until the date upon which the revocation period has expired, which shall be the
eighth day after this Release is executed by me.

                                        [EXECUTIVE]

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

                                        Date:
                                             -----------------------------------

                                       2.

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