Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.1
(Multicurrency--Cross Border)

                                    ISDA(R)

                 International Swap Dealers Association. Inc.
                                MASTER AGREEMENT

                        dated as of  February 25, 2000
                                     -----------------

 Bank of America, N.A.          and   First North American National Bank
-------------------------------      -------------------------------------

have entered and/or anticipate entering into one or more transactions (each a
"Transaction") that are or will be governed by this Master Agreement, which
includes the schedule (the "Schedule"), and the documents and other confirming
evidence (each a "Confirmation") exchanged between the parties confirming those
Transactions.

Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:--

1.   Interpretation

(a)  Definitions.  The terms defined in Section 14 and in the Schedule will have
the meanings therein specified for the purpose of this Master Agreement.

(b)  Inconsistency.  In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of
the Schedule and the other provisions of this Master Agreement, the Schedule
will prevail. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of any
Confirmation and this Master Agreement (including the Schedule), such
Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of the relevant Transaction.

(c)  Single Agreement.  All Transactions are entered into in reliance on the
fact that this Master Agreement and all Confirmations form a single agreement
between the parties (collectively referred to as this "Agreement"), and the
parties would not otherwise enter into any Transactions.

2.   Obligations

(a)  General Conditions.

     (i)    Each party will make each payment or delivery specified in each
     Confirmation to be made by it, subject to the other provisions of this
     Agreement.

     (ii)   Payments under this Agreement will be made on the due date for value
     on that date in the place of the account specified in the relevant
     Confirmation or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement, in freely
     transferable funds and in the manner customary for payments in the required
     currency. Where settlement is by delivery (that is, other than by payment),
     such delivery will be made for receipt on the due date in the manner
     customary for the relevant obligation unless otherwise specified in the
     relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this Agreement.

     (iii)  Each obligation of each party under Section 2(a)(i) is subject to
     (1) the condition precedent that no Event of Default or Potential Event of
     Default with respect to the other party has occurred and is continuing, (2)
     the condition precedent that no Early Termination Date in respect of the
     relevant Transaction has occurred or been effectively designated and (3)
     each other applicable condition precedent specified in this Agreement.

       Copyright (C)1992 by International Swap Dealers Association, Inc.
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(b)  Change of Account. Either party may change its account for receiving a
payment or delivery by giving notice to the other party at least five Local
Business Days prior to the scheduled date for the payment or delivery to which
such change applies unless such other party gives timely notice of a reasonable
objection to such change.

(c)  Netting.  If on any date amounts would otherwise be payable:--

     (i)  in the same currency; and

     (ii) in respect of the same Transaction,

by each party to the other, then, on such date, each party's obligation to make
payment of any such amount will be automatically satisfied and discharged and,
if the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by one party
exceeds the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by the other
party, replaced by an obligation upon the party by whom the larger aggregate
amount would have been payable to pay to the other party the excess of the
larger aggregate amount over the smaller aggregate amount.

The parties may elect in respect of two or more Transactions that a net amount
will be determined in respect of all amounts payable on the same date in the
same currency in respect of such Transactions, regardless of whether such
amounts are payable in respect of the same Transaction.  The election may be
made in the Schedule or a Confirmation by specifying that subparagraph (ii)
above will not apply to the Transactions identified as being subject to the
election, together with the starting date (in which case subparagraph (ii) above
will not, or will cease to, apply to such Transactions from such date).  This
election may be made separately for different groups of Transactions and will
apply separately to each pairing of Offices through which the parties make and
receive payments or deliveries.

(d)  Deduction or Withholding for Tax.

     (i)  Gross-Up.  All payments under this Agreement will be made without any
     deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax unless such deduction
     or withholding is required by any applicable law, as modified by the
     practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, then in effect.
     If a party is so required to deduct or withhold, then that party ("X")
     will:-

          (1)  promptly notify the other party ("Y") of such requirement;

          (2)  pay to the relevant authorities the full amount required to be
               deducted or withheld (including the full amount required to be
               deducted or withheld from any additional amount paid by X to Y
               under this Section 2(d)) promptly upon the earlier of determining
               that such deduction or withholding is required or receiving
               notice that such amount has been assessed against Y;

          (3)  promptly forward to Y an official receipt (or a certified copy),
               or other documentation reasonably acceptable to Y, evidencing
               such payment to such authorities; and

          (4)  if such Tax is an Indemnifiable Tax, pay to Y, in addition to the
               payment to which Y is otherwise entitled under this Agreement,
               such additional amount as is necessary to ensure that the net
               amount actually received by Y (free and clear of Indemnifiable
               Taxes, whether assessed against X or Y) will equal the full
               amount Y would have received had no such deduction or withholding
               been required. However, X will not be required to pay any
               additional amount to Y to the extent that it would not be
               required to be paid but for:-

                    (A)  the failure by Y to comply with or perform any
                    agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d);
                    or

                    (B)  the failure of a representation made by Y pursuant to
                    Section 3(f) to be accurate and true unless such failure
                    would not have occurred but for (I) any action taken by a
                    taxing authority, or brought in a court of competent
                    jurisdiction, on or after the date on which a Transaction is
                    entered into (regardless of whether such action is taken or
                    brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (II) a
                    Change in Tax Law.

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     (iii)  Liability.  If:-

               (1)  X is required by any applicable law, as modified by the
               practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, to make
               any deduction or withholding in respect of which X would not be
               required to pay an additional amount to Y under Section
               2(d)(i)(4);

               (2)  X does not so deduct or withhold; and

               (3)  a liability resulting from such Tax is assessed directly
               against X,

     then, except to the extent Y has satisfied or then satisfies the liability
     resulting from such Tax, Y will promptly pay to X the amount of such
     liability (including any related liability for interest, but including any
     related liability for penalties only if Y has failed to comply with or
     perform any agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d)).

(c)  Default Interest; Other Amounts. Prior to the occurrence or effective
designation of an Early Termination Date in respect of the relevant Transaction,
a party that defaults in the performance of any payment obligation will, to the
extent permitted by law and subject to Section 6(c), be required to pay interest
(before as well as after judgment) on the overdue amount to the other party on
demand in the same currency as such overdue amount, for the period from (and
including) the original due date for payment to (but excluding) the date of
actual payment, at the Default Rate. Such interest will be calculated on the
basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days elapsed. If, prior to
the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination Date in respect
of the relevant Transaction, a party defaults in the performance of any
obligation required to be settled by delivery, it will compensate the other
party on demand if and to the extent provided for in the relevant Confirmation
or elsewhere in this Agreement.

3.   Representations

Each party represents to the other party (which representations will be deemed
to be repeated by each party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into
and, in the case of the representations in Section 3(f), at all times until the
termination of this Agreement) that:-

(a)  Basic Representations.

     (i)   Status.  It is duly organised and validly existing under the laws of
     the jurisdiction of its organisation or incorporation and, if relevant
     under such laws, in good standing;

     (ii)   Powers.  It has the power to execute this Agreement and any other
     documentation relating to this Agreement to which it is a party, to deliver
     this Agreement and any other documentation relating to this Agreement that
     it is required by this Agreement to deliver and to perform its obligations
     under this Agreement and any obligations it has under any Credit Support
     Document to which it is a party and has taken all necessary action to
     authorise such execution, delivery and performance;

     (iii)  No Violation or Conflict.  Such execution, delivery and performance
     do not violate or conflict with any law applicable to it, any provision of
     its constitutional documents, any order or judgment of any court or other
     agency of government applicable to it or any of its assets or any
     contractual restriction binding on or affecting it or any of its assets;

     (iv)   Consents.  All governmental and other consents that are required to
     have been obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit
     Support Document to which it is a party have been obtained and are in full
     force and effect and all conditions of any such consents have been complied
     with; and

     (v)    Obligations Binding.  Its obligations under this Agreement and any
     Credit Support Document to which it is a party constitute its legal, valid
     and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their respective
     terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganisation, insolvency,
     moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and
     subject, as to enforceability, to equitable principles of general
     application (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in
     equity or at law)).

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(b)  Absence of Certain Events.  No Event of Default or Potential Event of
Default or, to its knowledge, Termination Event with respect to it has occurred
and is continuing and no such event or circumstance would occur as a result of
its entering into or performing its obligations under this Agreement or any
Credit Support Document to which it is a party.

(c)  Absence of Litigation.  There is not pending or, to its knowledge,
threatened against it or any of its Affiliates any action, suit or proceeding at
law or in equity or before any court, tribunal, governmental body, agency or
official or any arbitrator that is likely to affect the legality, validity or
enforceability against it of this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to
which it is a party or its ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or such Credit Support Document.

(d)  Accuracy of Specified Information.  All applicable information that is
furnished in writing by or on behalf of it to the other party and is identified
for the purpose of this Section 3(d) in the Schedule is, as of the date of the
information, true, accurate and complete in every material respect.

(e)  Payer Tax Representation.  Each representation specified in the Schedule as
being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(e) is accurate and true.

(f)  Payee Tax Representations.  Each representation specified in the Schedule
as being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(f) is accurate and true.

4.   Agreements

Each party agrees with the other that, so long as either party has or may have
any obligation under this Agreement or under any Credit Support Document to
which it is a party:-

(a)  Furnish Specified Information. It will deliver to the other party or, in
certain cases under subparagraph (iii) below, to such government or taxing
authority as the other party reasonably directs:-

     (i)    any forms, documents or certificates relating to taxation specified
     in the Schedule or any Confirmation;

     (ii)   any other documents specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation;
     and

     (iii)  upon reasonable demand by such other party, any form or document
     that may be required or reasonably requested in writing in order to allow
     such other party or its Credit Support Provider to make a payment under
     this Agreement or any applicable Credit Support Document without any
     deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax or with such
     deduction or withholding at a reduced rate (so long as the completion,
     execution or submission of such form or document would not materially
     prejudice the legal or commercial position of the party in receipt of such
     demand), with any such form or document to be accurate and completed in a
     manner reasonably satisfactory to such other party and to be executed and
     to be delivered with any reasonably required certification,

in each case by the date specified in the Schedule or such Confirmation or, if
none is specified, as soon as reasonably practicable.

(b)  Maintain Authorisations. It will use all reasonable efforts to maintain in
full force and effect all consents of any governmental or other authority that
are required to be obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party and will use all reasonable efforts to
obtain any that may become necessary in the future.

(c)  Comply with Laws. It will comply in all material respects with all
applicable laws and orders to which it may be subject if failure so to comply
would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party.

(d)  Tax Agreement. It will give notice of any failure of a representation made
by it under Section 3(f) to be accurate and true promptly upon learning of such
failure.

(e)  Payment of Stamp Tax. Subject to Section 11, it will pay any Stamp Tax
levied or imposed upon it or in respect of its execution or performance of this
Agreement by a jurisdiction in which it is incorporated,

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organised, managed and controlled, or considered to have its seat, or in which a
branch or office through which it is acting for the purpose of this Agreement is
located ("Stamp Tax Jurisdiction") and will indemnify the other party against
any Stamp Tax levied or imposed upon the other party or in respect of the other
party's execution or performance of this Agreement by any such Stamp Tax
Jurisdiction which is not also a Stamp Tax Jurisdiction with respect to the
other party.

5.   Events of Default and Termination Events

(a)  Events of Default. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or,
if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity
of such party of any of the following events constitutes an event of default (an
"Event of Default") with respect to such party:-

     (i)   Failure to Pay or Deliver. Failure by the party to make, when due,
     any payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or 2(e)
     required to be made by it if such failure is not remedied on or before the
     third Local Business Day after notice of such failure is given to the
     party;

     (ii)  Breach of Agreement. Failure by the party to comply with or perform
     any agreement or obligation (other than an obligation to make any payment
     under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or 2(e) or to give
     notice of a Termination Event or any agreement or obligation under Section
     4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d)) to be complied with or performed by the party
     in accordance with this Agreement if such failure is not remedied on or
     before the thirtieth day after notice of such failure is given to the
     party;

     (iii)  Credit Support Default.

            (1)  Failure by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such
            party to comply with or perform any agreement or obligation to be
            complied with or performed by it in accordance with any Credit
            Support Document if such failure is continuing after any applicable
            grace period has elapsed;

            (2)  the expiration or termination of such Credit Support Document
            or the failing or ceasing of such Credit Support Document to be in
            full force and effect for the purpose of this Agreement (in either
            case other than in accordance with its terms) prior to the
            satisfaction of all obligations of such party under each Transaction
            to which such Credit Support Document relates without the written
            consent of the other party; or

            (3)  the party or such Credit Support Provider disaffirms,
            disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part, or challenges
            the validity of, such Credit Support Document;

     (iv)   Misrepresentation. A representation (other than a representation
     under Section 3(e) or (f)) made or repeated or deemed to have been made or
     repeated by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such party in this
     Agreement or any Credit Support Document proves to have been incorrect or
     misleading in any material respect when made or repeated or deemed to have
     been made or repeated;

     (v)    Default under Specified Transaction.  The party, any Credit Support
     Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party (1)
     defaults under a Specified Transaction and, after giving effect to any
     applicable notice requirement or grace period, there occurs a liquidation
     of, an acceleration of obligations under, or an early termination of, that
     Specified Transaction, (2) defaults, after giving effect to any applicable
     notice requirement or grace period, in making any payment or delivery due
     on the last payment, delivery or exchange date of, or any payment on early
     termination of, a Specified Transaction (or such default continues for at
     least three Local Business Days if there is no applicable notice
     requirement or grace period) or (3) disaffirms, disclaims, repudiates or
     rejects, in whole or in part, a Specified Transaction (or such action is
     taken by any person or entity appointed or empowered to operate it or act
     on its behalf);

     (vi)   Cross Default. If "Cross Default" is specified in the Schedule as
     applying to the party, the occurrence or existence of (1) a default, event
     of default or other similar condition or event (however

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described) in respect of such party, any Credit Support Provider of such party
or any applicable Specified Entity of such party under one or more agreements or
instruments relating to Specified Indebtedness of any of them (individually or
collectively) in an aggregate amount of not less than the applicable Threshold
Amount (as specified in the Schedule) which has resulted in such Specified
Indebtedness becoming, or becoming capable at such time of being declared, due
and payable under such agreements or instruments, before it would otherwise have
been due and payable or (2) a default by such party, such Credit Support
Provider or such Specified Entity (individually or collectively) in making one
or more payments on the due date thereof in an aggregate amount of not less than
the applicable Threshold Amount under such agreements or instruments (after
giving effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period);

     (vii)  Bankruptcy. The party, any Credit Support Provider of such party or
     any applicable Specified Entity of such party:-

            (1)  is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation,
            amalgamation or merger); (2) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay
            its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to
            pay its debts as they become due; (3) makes a general assignment,
            arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors;
            (4) institutes or has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a
            judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any
            bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting
            creditors' rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or
            liquidation, and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition
            instituted or presented against it, such proceeding or petition (A)
            results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an
            order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or
            liquidation or (B) is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or
            restrained in each case within 30 days of the institution or
            presentation thereof; (5) has a resolution passed for its winding-
            up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a
            consolidation, amalgamation or merger); (6) seeks or becomes subject
            to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator,
            conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official
            for it or for all or substantially all its assets; (7) has a secured
            party take possession of all or substantially all its assets or has
            a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal
            process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially
            all its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any
            such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in
            each case within 30 days thereafter; (8) causes or is subject to any
            event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any
            jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified
            in clauses (1) to (7) (inclusive); or (9) takes any action in
            furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or
            acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts; or

     (viii) Merger Without Assumption. The party or any Credit Support Provider
     of such party consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or
     transfers all or substantially all its assets to, another entity and, at
     the time of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer:-

            (1) the resulting, surviving or transferee entity fails to assume
            all the obligations of such party or such Credit Support Provider
            under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it or
            its predecessor was a party by operation of law or pursuant to an
            agreement reasonably satisfactory to the other party to this
            Agreement; or

            (2) the benefits of any Credit Support Document fail to extend
            (without the consent of the other party) to the performance by such
            resulting, surviving or transferee entity of its obligations under
            this Agreement.

(b)  Termination Events.  The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or,
if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity
of such party of any event specified below constitutes an Illegality if the
event is specified in (i) below, a Tax Event if the event is specified in (ii)
below or a Tax Event upon Merger if the event is specified in (iii) below, and,
if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event

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Upon Merger if the event is specified pursuant to (iv) below or an Additional
Termination Event if the event is specified pursuant to (v) below:--

     (i)    Illegality. Due to the adoption of, or any change in, any applicable
     law after the date on which a Transaction is entered into, or due to the
     promulgation of, or any change in, the interpretation by any court,
     tribunal or regulatory authority with competent jurisdiction of any
     applicable law after such date, it becomes unlawful (other than as a result
     of a breach by the party of Section 4(b)) for such party (which will be the
     Affected Party):-

            (1)  to perform any absolute or contingent obligation to make a
            payment or delivery or to receive a payment or delivery in respect
            of such Transaction or to comply with any other material provision
            of this Agreement relating to such Transaction; or

            (2)  to perform, or for any Credit Support Provider of such party to
            perform, any contingent or other obligation which the party (or such
            Credit Support Provider) has under any Credit Support Document
            relating to such Transaction;

     (ii)   Tax Event.  Due to (x) any action taken by a taxing authority, or
     brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, on or after the date on which
     a Transaction is entered into (regardless of whether such action is taken
     or brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (y) a Change in
     Tax Law,  the party (which will be the Affected Party) will, or there is a
     substantial likelihood that it will, on the next succeeding Scheduled
     Payment Date (1) be required to pay to the other party an additional amount
     in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in
     respect of interest under Section 2(e), 6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) or (2) receive a
     payment from which an amount is required to be deducted or withheld for or
     on account of a Tax (except in respect of interest under Section 2(e),
     6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) and no additional amount is required to be paid in
     respect of such Tax under Section 2(d)(i)(4) (other than by reason of
     Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or (B));

     (iii)  Tax Event Upon Merger.  The party (the "Burdened Party") on the next
     succeeding Scheduled Payment Date will either (1) be required to pay an
     additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under Section
     2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 2(e), 6(d)(ii) or
     6(e)) or (2) receive a payment from which an amount has been deducted or
     withheld for or on account of any Indemnifiable Tax in respect of which the
     other party is not required to pay an additional amount (other than by
     reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or (B)), in either case as a result of a
     party consolidating or amalgamating with, or merging with or into, or
     transferring all or substantially all its assets to, another entity (which
     will be the Affected Party) where such action does not constitute an event
     described in Section 5(a)(viii);

     (iv)   Credit Event Upon Merger. If "Credit Event Upon Merger" is specified
     in the Schedule as applying to the party, such party ("X"), any Credit
     Support Provider of X or any applicable Specified Entity of X consolidates
     or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or transfers all or
     substantially all its assets to, another entity and such action does not
     constitute an event described in Section 5(a)(viii) but the
     creditworthiness of the resulting, surviving or transferee entity is
     materially weaker than that of X, such Credit Support Provider or such
     Specified Entity, as the case may be, immediately prior to such action
     (and, in such event, X or its successor or transferee, as appropriate, will
     be the Affected Party); or

     (v)    Additional Termination Event.  If any "Additional Termination Event"
     is specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation as applying, the
     occurrence of such event (and, in such event, the Affected Party or
     Affected Parties shall be as specified for such Additional Termination
     Event in the Schedule or such Confirmation).

(c)  Event of Default and Illegality.  If an event or circumstance which would
otherwise constitute or give rise to an Event of Default also constitutes an
Illegality, it will be treated as an Illegality and will not constitute an Event
of Default.

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6.   Early Termination

(a)  Right to Terminate Following Event of Default.  If at any time an Event of
Default with respect to a party (the "Defaulting Party") has occurred and is
then continuing, the other party (the "Non-defaulting Party") may, by not more
than 20 days notice to the Defaulting Party specifying the relevant Event of
Default, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is effective as an
Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions. If, however,
"Automatic Early Termination" is specified in the Schedule as applying to a
party, then an Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions
will occur immediately upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an
Event of Default specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(l), (3), (5), (6) or, to the
extent analogous thereto, (8), and as of the time immediately preceding the
institution of the relevant proceeding or the presentation of the relevant
petition upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an Event of Default
specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(4) or, to the extent analogous thereto, (8).

(b)  Right to Terminate Following Termination Event.

     (i)   Notice. If a Termination Event occurs, an Affected Party will,
     promptly upon becoming aware of it, notify the other party, specifying the
     nature of that Termination Event and each Affected Transaction and will
     also give such other information about that Termination Event as the other
     party may reasonably require.

     (ii)  Transfer to Avoid Termination Event.  If either an Illegality under
     Section 5(b)(i)(l) or a Tax Event occurs and there is only one Affected
     Party, or if a Tax Event Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is the
     Affected Party, the Affected Party will, as a condition to its right to
     designate an Early Termination Date under Section 6(b)(iv), use all
     reasonable efforts (which will not require such party to incur a loss,
     excluding immaterial, incidental expenses) to transfer within 20 days after
     it gives notice under Section 6(b)(i) all its rights and obligations under
     this Agreement in respect of the Affected Transactions to another of its
     Offices or Affiliates so that such Termination Event ceases to exist.

     If the Affected Party is not able to make such a transfer it will give
     notice to the other party to that effect within such 20 day period,
     whereupon the other party may effect such a transfer within 30 days after
     notice is given under Section 6(b)(i).

     Any such transfer by a party under this Section 6(b)(ii) will be subject to
     and conditional upon the prior written consent of the other party, which
     consent will not be withheld if such other party's policies in effect at
     such time would permit it to enter into transactions with the transferee on
     the terms proposed.

     (iii) Two Affected Parties.  If an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(1) or
     a Tax Event occurs and there are two Affected Parties, each party will use
     all reasonable efforts to reach agreement within 30 days after notice
     thereof is given under Section 6(b)(i) on action to avoid that Termination
     Event.

     (iv)  Right to Terminate. If:-

           (1) a transfer under Section 6(b)(ii) or an agreement under Section
           6(b)(iii), as the case may be, has not been effected with respect to
           all Affected Transactions within 30 days after an Affected Party
           gives notice under Section 6(b)(i); or

           (2)  an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(2), a Credit Event Upon
           Merger or an Additional Termination Event occurs, or a Tax Event Upon
           Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is not the Affected Party,

     either party in the case of an Illegality, the Burdened Party in the case
     of a Tax Event Upon Merger, any Affected Party in the case of a Tax Event
     or an Additional Termination Event if there is more than one Affected
     Party, or the party which is not the Affected Party in the case of a Credit
     Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event if there is only one
     Affected Party may, by not more than 20 days notice to the other party and
     provided that the relevant Termination Event is then

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     continuing, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is
     effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of all Affected
     Transactions.

(c)  Effect of Designation.

     (i)  If notice designating an Early Termination Date is given under Section
     6(a) or (b), the Early Termination Date will occur on the date so
     designated, whether or not the relevant Event of Default or Termination
     Event is then continuing.

     (ii) Upon the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination
     Date, no further payments or deliveries under Section 2(a)(i) or 2(e) in
     respect of the Terminated Transactions will be required to be made, but
     without prejudice to the other provisions of this Agreement. The amount if
     any, payable in respect of an Early Termination Date shall be determined
     pursuant to Section 6(e).

(d)  Calculations.

     (i)  Statement.  On or as soon as reasonably practicable following the
     occurrence of an Early Termination Date, each party will make the
     calculations on its part, if any, contemplated by Section 6(e) and will
     provide to the other party a statement (1) showing, in reasonable detail,
     such calculations (including all relevant quotations and specifying any
     amount payable under Section 6(e)) and (2) giving details of the relevant
     account to which any amount payable to it is to be paid.  In the absence of
     written confirmation from the source of a quotation obtained in determining
     a Market Quotation, the records of the party obtaining such quotation will
     be conclusive evidence of the existence and accuracy of such quotation.

     (ii) Payment Date.  An amount calculated as being due in respect of any
     Early Termination Date under Section 6(e) will be payable on the day that
     notice of the amount payable is effective (in the case of an Early
     Termination Date which is designated or occurs as a result of an Event of
     Default) and on the day which is two Local Business Days after the day on
     which notice of the amount payable is effective (in the case of an Early
     Termination Date which is designated as a result of a Termination Event).
     Such amount will be paid together with (to the extent permitted under
     applicable law) interest thereon (before as well as after judgment) in the
     Termination Currency, from (and including) the relevant Early Termination
     Date to (but excluding) the date such amount is paid, at the Applicable
     Rate. Such interest will be calculated on the basis of daily compounding
     and the actual number of days elapsed.

(e)  Payments on Early Termination.  If an Early Termination Date occurs. the
following provisions shall apply based on the parties' election in the Schedule
of a payment measure, either "Market Quotation" or "Loss", and a payment method,
either the "First Method" or the "Second Method". If the parties fail to
designate a payment measure or payment method in the Schedule, it will be deemed
that "Market Quotation" or the "Second Method", as the case may be, shall apply.
The amount, if any, payable in respect of an Early Termination Date and
determined pursuant to this Section will be subject to any Set-off.

     (i)  Events of Default.  If the Early Termination Date results from an
     Event of Default:-

          (1)  First Method and Market Quotation.  If the First Method and
          Market Quotation apply, the Defaulting Party will pay to the Non-
          defaulting Party the excess, if a positive number, of (A) the sum of
          the Settlement Amount (determined by the Non-defaulting Party) in
          respect of the Terminated Transactions and the Termination Currency
          Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts  owing to the Non-defaulting Party
          over (B) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts
          owing to the Defaulting Party.

          (2)  First Method and Loss.  If the First Method and Loss apply, the
          Defaulting Party will pay to the Non-defaulting Party, if a positive
          number, the Non-defaulting Party's Loss in respect of this Agreement.

          (3)  Second Method and Market Quotation.  If the Second Method and
          Market Quotation apply, an amount will be payable equal to (A) the sum
          of the Settlement Amount (determined by the

                                       9
<PAGE>

           Non-defaulting Party) in respect of the Terminated Transactions and
           the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to
           the Non-defaulting Party less (B) the Termination Currency Equivalent
           of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the Defaulting Party. If that amount
           is a positive number, the Defaulting Party will pay it to the Non-
           defaulting Party; if it is a negative number, the Non-defaulting
           Party will pay the absolute value of that amount to the Defaulting
           Party.

           (4)   Second Method and Loss. If the Second Method and Loss apply, an
           amount will be payable equal to the Non-defaulting Party's Loss in
           respect of this Agreement. If that amount is a positive number, the
           Defaulting Party will pay it to the Non-defaulting Party; if it is a
           negative number, the Non-defaulting Party will pay the absolute value
           of that amount to the Defaulting Party.

     (ii)  Termination Events.  If the Early Termination Date results from a
     Termination Event:-

           (1)   One Affected Party.  If there is one Affected Party, the amount
           payable will be determined in accordance with Section 6(e)(i)(3), if
           Market Quotation applies, or Section 6(e)(i)(4), if Loss applies,
           except that, in either case, references to the Defaulting Party and
           to the Non-defaulting Party will be deemed to be references to the
           Affected Party and the party which is not the Affected Party,
           respectively, and, if Loss applies and fewer than all the
           Transactions are being terminated, Loss shall be calculated in
           respect of all Terminated Transactions.

           (2)  Two Affected Parties. If there are two Affected Parties:-

                (A)  if Market Quotation applies, each party will determine a
                Settlement Amount in respect of the Terminated Transactions, and
                an amount will be payable equal to (I) the sum of (a) one-half
                of the difference between the Settlement Amount of the party
                with the higher Settlement Amount ("X") and the Settlement
                Amount of the party with the lower Settlement Amount ("Y") and
                (b) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts
                owing to X less (II) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the
                Unpaid Amounts owing to Y; and

                (B)  if Loss applies, each party will determine its Loss in
                respect of this Agreement (or, if fewer than all the
                Transactions are being terminated, in respect of all Terminated
                Transactions) and an amount will be payable equal to one-half of
                the difference between the Loss of the party with the higher
                Loss ("X") and the Loss of the party with the lower Loss ("Y").

           If the amount payable is a positive number, Y will pay it to X; if it
           is a negative number, X will pay the absolute value of that amount to
           Y.

     (iii) Adjustment for Bankruptcy.  In circumstances where an Early
     Termination Date occurs because "Automatic Early Termination" applies in
     respect of a party, the amount determined under this Section 6(e) will be
     subject to such adjustments as are appropriate and permitted by law to
     reflect any payments or deliveries made by one party to the other under
     this Agreement (and retained by such other party) during the period from
     the relevant Early Termination Date to the date for payment determined
     under Section 6(d)(ii).

     (iv)  Pre-Estimate.  The parties agree that if Market Quotation applies an
     amount recoverable under this Section 6(e) is a reasonable pre-estimate of
     loss and not a penalty. Such amount is payable for the loss of bargain and
     the loss of protection against future risks and except as otherwise
     provided in this Agreement neither party will be entitled to  recover any
     additional damages as a consequence of such losses.

                                      10
<PAGE>

7.   Transfer

Subject to Section 6(b)(ii), neither this Agreement nor any interest or
obligation in or under this Agreement may be transferred (whether by way of
security or otherwise) by either party without the prior written consent of the
other party, except that:-

(a)  a party may make such a transfer of this Agreement pursuant to a
consolidation or amalgamation with, or merger with or into, or transfer of all
or substantially all its assets to, another entity (but without prejudice to any
other right or remedy under this Agreement); and

(b)  a party may make such a transfer of all or any part of its interest in any
amount payable to it from a Defaulting Party under Section 6(e). purported
transfer that is not in compliance with this Section will be void.

8.   Contractual Currency

(a)  Payment in the Contractual Currency.  Each payment under this Agreement
will be made in the relevant currency specified in this Agreement for that
payment (the "Contractual Currency"). To the extent permitted by applicable law,
any obligation to make payments under this Agreement in the Contractual Currency
will not be discharged or satisfied by any tender in any currency other than the
Contractual Currency, except to the extent such tender results in the actual
receipt by the party to which payment is owed, acting in a reasonable manner and
in good faith in converting the currency so tendered into this Contractual
Currency, of the full amount in the Contractual Currency of all amounts payable
in respect of this Agreement. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual
Currency so received falls short of the amount in the Contractual Currency
payable in respect of this Agreement, the party required to make the payment
will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, immediately pay such additional
amount in the Contractual Currency as may be necessary to compensate for the
shortfall. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual Currency so received
exceeds the amount in the Contractual Currency payable in respect of this
Agreement, the party receiving the payment will refund promptly the amount of
such excess.

(b)  Judgments.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, if any judgment or
order expressed in a currency other than the Contractual Currency is rendered
(i) for the payment of any amount owing in respect of this Agreement, (ii) for
the payment of any amount relating to any early termination in respect of this
Agreement or (iii) in respect of a judgment or order of another court for the
payment of any amount described in (i) or (ii) above, the party seeking
recovery, after recovery in full of the aggregate amount to which such party is
entitled pursuant to the judgment or order, will be entitled to receive
immediately from the other party the amount of any shortfall of the Contractual
Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in such other
currency and will refund promptly to the other party any excess of the
Contractual Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in
such other currency if such shortfall or such excess arises or results from any
variation between the rate of exchange at which the Contractual Currency is
converted into the currency of the judgment or order for the purposes of such
judgment or order and the rate of exchange at which such party is able, acting
in a reasonable manner and in good faith in converting the currency received
into the Contractual Currency, to purchase the Contractual Currency with the
amount of the currency of the judgment or order actually received by such party.
The term "rate of exchange" includes, without limitation, any premiums and costs
of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of or conversion into the
Contractual Currency.

(c ) Separate Indemnities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these
indemnities constitute separate and independent obligations from the other
obligations in this Agreement, will be enforceable as separate and independent
causes of action, will apply notwithstanding any indulgence granted by the party
to which any payment is owed and will not be affected by judgment being obtained
or claim or proof being made for any other sums payable in respect of this
Agreement.

(d)  Evidence of Loss.  For the purpose of this Section 8, it will be sufficient
for a party to demonstrate that it would have suffered a loss had an actual
exchange or purchase been made.

                                      11
<PAGE>

9.   Miscellaneous

(a)  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes
all oral communication and prior writings with respect thereto.

(b)  Amendments.  No amendment, modification or waiver in respect of this
Agreement will be effective unless in writing (including a writing evidenced by
a facsimile transmission) and executed by each of the parties or confirmed by an
exchange of telexes or electronic messages on an electronic messaging system.

(c)  Survival of Obligations.  Without prejudice to Sections 2(a)(iii) and
6(c)(ii), the obligations of the parties under this Agreement will survive
the termination of any Transaction.

(d)  Remedies Cumulative.  Except as provided in this Agreement, the rights,
powers, remedies and privileges provided in this Agreement are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights, powers, remedies and privileges provided by law.

(e)  Counterparts and Confirmations.

     (i)  This Agreement (and each amendment, modification and waiver in respect
     of it) may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by
     facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original.

     (ii) The parties intend that they are legally bound by the terms of each
     Transaction from the moment they agree to those terms (whether orally or
     otherwise). A Confirmation shall be entered into as soon as practicable and
     may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile
     transmission) or be created by an exchange of telexes or by an exchange of
     electronic messages on an electronic messaging system, which in each case
     will be sufficient for all purposes to evidence a binding supplement to
     this Agreement. The parties will specify therein or through another
     effective means that any such counterpart, telex or electronic message
     constitutes a Confirmation.

(f)  No Waiver of Rights.  A failure or delay in exercising any right, power or
privilege in respect of this Agreement will not be presumed to operate as a
waiver, and a single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege will
not be presumed to preclude any subsequent or further exercise, of that right,
power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

(g)  Headings.  The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into
consideration in interpreting this Agreement.

10.  Offices; Multibranch Parties

(a)  If Section 10(a) is specified in the Schedule as applying, each party that
enters into a Transaction through an Office other than its head or home office
represents to the other party that, notwithstanding the place of booking office
or jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation of such party, the obligations
of such party are the same as if it had entered into the Transaction through its
head or home office. This representation will be deemed to be repeated by such
party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into.

(b)  Neither party may change the Office through which it makes and receives
payments or deliveries for the purpose of a Transaction without the prior
written consent of the other party.

(c)  If a party is specified as a Multibranch Party in the Schedule, such
Multibranch Party may make and receive payments or deliveries under any
Transaction through any Office listed in the Schedule, and the Office through
which it makes and receives payments or deliveries with respect to a Transaction
will be specified in the relevant Confirmation.

11.  Expenses

A Defaulting Party will, on demand, indemnify and hold harmless the other party
for and against all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including legal fees and
Stamp Tax, incurred by such other party by reason of the enforcement and
protection of its rights under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document

                                      12
<PAGE>

to which the Defaulting Party is a party or by reason of the early termination
of any Transaction, including, but not limited to, costs of collection.

12.  Notices

(a)  Effectiveness.  Any notice or other communication in respect of this
Agreement may be given in any manner set forth below (except that a notice or
other communication under Section 5 or 6 may not be given by facsimile
transmission or electronic messaging system) to the address or number or in
accordance with the electronic messaging system details provided (see the
Schedule) and will be deemed effective as indicated:-

     (i)   if in writing and delivered in person or by courier, on the date it
     is delivered;

     (ii)  if sent by telex, on the date the recipient's answerback is received;

     (iii) if sent by facsimile transmission, on the date that transmission is
     received by a responsible employee of the recipient in legible form (it
     being agreed that the burden of proving receipt will be on the sender and
     will not be met by a transmission report generated by the sender's
     facsimile machine);

     (iv)  if sent by certified or registered mail (airmail, if overseas) or the
     equivalent (return receipt requested), on the date that mail is delivered
     or its delivery is attempted; or

     (v)   if sent by electronic messaging system, on the date that electronic
     message is received,

unless the date of that delivery (or attempted delivery) or that receipt, as
applicable, is not a Local Business Day or that communication is delivered (or
attempted) or received, as applicable, after the close of business on a Local
Business Day, in which case that communication shall be deemed given and
effective on the first following day that is a Local Business Day.

(b)  Change of Addresses.  Either party may by notice to the other change the
address, telex or facsimile number or electronic messaging system details at
which notices or other communications are to be given to it.

13.  Governing Law and Jurisdiction

(a)  Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law specified in the Schedule.

(b)  Jurisdiction.  With respect to any suit, action or proceedings relating to
this Agreement ("Proceedings"), each party irrevocably:-

     (i)  submits to the jurisdiction of the English courts, if this Agreement
     is expressed to be governed by English law, or to the non-exclusive
     jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the United States
     District Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City, if
     this Agreement is expressed to be governed by the laws of the State of New
     York; and

     (ii) waives any objection which it may have at any time to the laying of
     venue of any Proceedings brought in any such court, waives any claim that
     such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further
     waives the right to object, with respect to such Proceedings, that such
     court does not have any jurisdiction over such party.

Nothing in this Agreement precludes either party from bringing Proceedings in
any other jurisdiction (outside, if this Agreement is expressed to be governed
by English law, the Contracting States, as defined in Section 1(3) of the Civil
Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 or any modification, extension or re-
enactment thereof for the time being in force) nor will the bringing of
Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the bringing of
Proceedings in any other jurisdiction.

(c)  Service of Process.  Each party irrevocably appoints the Process Agent (if
any) specified opposite its name in the Schedule to receive, for it and on its
behalf, service of process in any Proceedings. If for any

                                      13
<PAGE>

reason any party's Process Agent is unable to act as such,  such party will
promptly notify the other party and within 30 days appoint a substitute process
agent acceptable to the other party. The parties irrevocably consent to service
of process given in the manner provided for notices in Section 12. Nothing in
this Agreement will affect the right of either party to serve process in any
other manner permitted by law.

(d)  Waiver of Immunities.  Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, with respect to itself and its revenues and assets
(irrespective of their use or intended use), all immunity on the grounds of
sovereignty or other similar grounds from (i) suit, (ii) jurisdiction of any
court, (iii) relief by way of injunction, order for specific performance or for
recovery of property, (iv) attachment of its assets (whether before or after
judgment) and (v) execution or enforcement of any judgment to which it or its
revenues or assets might otherwise be entitled in any Proceedings in the courts
of any jurisdiction and irrevocably agrees, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, that it will not claim any such immunity in any Proceedings.

14.  Definitions

As used in this Agreement:-

"Additional Termination Event" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Affected Party" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Affected Transactions" means (a) with respect to any Termination Event
consisting of an Illegality, Tax Event or Tax Event Upon Merger, all
Transactions affected by the occurrence of such Termination Event and (b) with
respect to any other Termination Event, all Transactions.

"Affiliate" means, subject to the Schedule, in relation to any person, any
entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by the person, any entity that
controls, directly or indirectly, the person or any entity directly or
indirectly under common control with the person. For this purpose, "control" of
any entity or person means ownership of a majority of the voting power of the
entity or person.

"Applicable Rate" means:-

(a)  in respect of obligations payable or deliverable (or which would have been
but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Defaulting Party, the Default Rate;

(b)  in respect of an obligation to pay an amount under Section 6(e) of either
party from and after the date (determined in accordance with Section 6(d)(ii))
on which that amount is payable, the Default Rate;

(c)  in respect of all other obligations payable or deliverable (or which would
have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Non-defaulting Party, the Non-default
Rate; and

(d)  in all other cases, the Termination Rate.

"Burdened Party" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Change in Tax Law" means the enactment, promulgation, execution or ratification
of, or any change in or amendment to, any law (or in the application or official
interpretation of any law) that occurs on or after the date on which the
relevant Transaction is entered into.

"consent" includes a consent, approval, action, authorisation, exemption,
notice, filing, registration or exchange control consent.

"Credit Event Upon Merger" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Credit Support Document" means any agreement or instrument that is specified as
such in this Agreement.

"Credit Support Provider" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

"Default Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or
evidence of any actual cost) to the relevant payee (as certified by it) if it
were to fund or of funding the relevant amount plus 1% per annum.

                                      14
<PAGE>

"Defaulting Party" has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

"Early Termination Date" means the date determined in accordance with Section
6(a) or 6(b)(iv).

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5(a) and, if applicable,
in the Schedule.

"Illegality" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Indemnifiable Tax" means any Tax other than a Tax that would not be imposed in
respect of a payment under this Agreement but for a present or former connection
between the jurisdiction of the government or taxation authority imposing such
Tax and the recipient of such payment or a person related to such recipient
(including, without limitation, a connection arising from such recipient or
related person being or having been a citizen or resident of such jurisdiction,
or being or having been organised, present or engaged in a trade or business in
such jurisdiction, or having or having had a permanent establishment or fixed
place of business in such jurisdiction, but excluding a connection arising
solely from such recipient or related person having executed, delivered,
performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, this
Agreement or a Credit Support Document).

"law" includes any treaty, law, rule or regulation (as modified, in the case of
tax matters, by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority) and
"lawful" and "unlawful" will be construed accordingly.

"Local Business Day" means, subject to the Schedule, a day on which commercial
banks are open for  business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign
currency deposits) (a) in relation to any obligation under Section 2(a)(i), in
the place(s) specified in the relevant Confirmation or, if not so specified, as
otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or determined pursuant to provisions
contained, or incorporated by reference, in this Agreement, (b) in relation to
any other payment, in the place where the relevant account is located and, if
different, in the principal financial centre, if any, of the currency of such
payment, (c) in relation to any notice or other communication, including notice
contemplated under Section 5(a)(i), in the city specified in the address for
notice provided by the recipient and, in the case of a notice contemplated by
Section 2(b), in the place where the relevant new account is to be located and
(d) in relation to Section 5(a)(v)(2), in the relevant locations for performance
with respect to such Specified Transaction.

"Loss" means, with respect to this Agreement or one or more Terminated
Transactions, as the case may be, and a party, the Termination Currency
Equivalent of an amount that party reasonably determines in good faith to be its
total losses and costs (or gain, in which case expressed as a negative number)
in connection with this Agreement or that Terminated Transaction or group of
Terminated Transactions, as the case may be, including any loss of bargain, cost
of funding or, at the election of such party but without duplication, loss or
cost incurred as a result of its terminating, liquidating, obtaining or
reestablishing any hedge or related trading position (or any gain resulting from
any of them). Loss includes losses and costs (or gains) in respect of any
payment or delivery required to have been made (assuming satisfaction of each
applicable condition precedent) on or before the  relevant Early Termination
Date and not made, except, so as to avoid duplication, if Section 6(e)(i)(1) or
(3) or 6(e)(ii)(2)(A) applies. Loss does not include a party's legal fees and
out-of-pocket expenses referred to under Section 11. A party will determine its
Loss as of the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if that is not reasonably
practicable, as of the earliest date thereafter as is reasonably practicable. A
party may (but need not) determine its Loss by reference to quotations of
relevant rates or prices from one or more leading dealers in the relevant
markets.

"Market Quotation" means, with respect to one or more Terminated Transactions
and a party making the determination, an amount determined on the basis of
quotations from Reference Market-makers. Each quotation will be for an amount,
if any, that would be paid to such party (expressed as a negative number) or by
such party (expressed as a positive number) in consideration of an agreement
between such party (taking into account any existing Credit Support Document
with respect to the obligations of such party) and the quoting Reference Market-
maker to enter into a transaction (the "Replacement Transaction") that would
have the effect of preserving for such party the economic equivalent of any
payment or delivery (whether the underlying obligation was absolute or
contingent and assuming the satisfaction of each applicable condition precedent)
by the parties under Section 2(a)(i) in respect of such Terminated Transaction
or group of Terminated Transactions that would, but for the occurrence of the
relevant Early Termination Date, have

                                      15
<PAGE>

been required after that date. For this purpose, Unpaid Amounts in respect of
the Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions are to be
excluded but, without limitation, any payment or delivery that would, but for
the relevant Early Termination Date, have been required (assuming satisfaction
of each applicable condition precedent) after that Early Termination Date is to
be included. The Replacement Transaction would be subject to such documentation
as such party and the Reference Market-maker may, in good faith, agree. The
party making the determination (or its agent) will request each Reference
Market-maker to provide its quotation to the extent reasonably practicable as of
the same day and time (without regard to different time zones) on or as soon as
reasonably practicable after the relevant Early Termination Date.  The day and
time as of which those quotations are to be obtained will be selected in good
faith by the party obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), and, if
each party is so obliged, after consultation with the other. If more than three
quotations are provided, the Market Quotation will be the arithmetic mean of the
quotations, without regard to the quotations having the highest and lowest
values.  If exactly three such quotations are provided, the Market Quotation
will be the quotation remaining after disregarding the highest and lowest
quotations.  For this purpose, if more than one quotation has the same highest
value or lowest value, then one of such quotations shall be disregarded.  If
fewer than three quotations are provided, it will be deemed that the Market
Quotation in respect of such Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions cannot be determined.

"Non-default Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or
evidence of any actual cost) to the Non-defaulting Party (as certified by it) if
it were to fund the relevant amount.

"Non-defaulting Party" has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).

"Office" means a branch or office of a party, which may be such party's head or
home office.

"Potential Event of Default" means any event which, with the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

"Reference Market-makers" means four leading dealers in the relevant market
selected by the party determining a Market Quotation in good faith (a) from
among dealers of the highest credit standing which satisfy all the criteria that
such party applies generally at the time in deciding whether to offer or to make
an extension of credit and (b) to the extent practicable, from among such
dealers having an office in the same city.

"Relevant Jurisdiction" means, with respect to a party, the jurisdictions (a) in
which the party is incorporated, organised, managed and controlled or considered
to have its seat, (b) where an Office through which the party is acting for
purposes of this Agreement is located, (c) in which the party executes this
Agreement and (d) in relation to any payment, from or through which such payment
is made.

"Scheduled Payment Date" means a date on which a payment or delivery is to be
made under Section 2(a)(i) with respect to a Transaction.

"Set-off" means set-off, offset, combination of accounts, right of retention or
withholding or similar right or requirement to which the payer of an amount
under Section 6 is entitled or subject (whether arising under this Agreement,
another contract, applicable law or otherwise) that is exercised by, or imposed
on, such payer.

"Settlement Amount" means, with respect to a party and any Early Termination
Date, the sum of:-

(a)  the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Market Quotations (whether
positive or negative) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions for which a Market Quotation is determined; and

(b)  such party's Loss (whether positive or negative and without reference to
any Unpaid Amounts) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions for which a Market Quotation cannot be determined or would not (in
the reasonable belief of the party making the determination) produce a
commercially reasonable result.

"Specified Entity" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

                                      16
<PAGE>

"Specified Indebtedness" means, subject to the Schedule, any obligation (whether
present or future, contingent or otherwise, as principal or surety or otherwise)
in respect of borrowed money.

"Specified Transaction" means, subject to the Schedule, (a) any transaction
(including an agreement with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered
into between one party to this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such
party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party) and the other party to
this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such other party or any
applicable Specified Entity of such other party) which is a rate swap
transaction, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity
option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option,
interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor
transaction, collar transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate
swap transaction, currency option or any other similar transaction (including
any option with respect to any of these transactions), (b) any combination of
these transactions and (c) any other transaction identified as a Specified
Transaction in this Agreement or the relevant confirmation.

"Stamp Tax" means any stamp, registration, documentation or similar tax.

"Tax" means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, assessment or
fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and additions thereto) that is
imposed by any government or other taxing authority in respect of any payment
under this Agreement other than a stamp, registration, documentation or similar
tax.

"Tax Event" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Tax Event Upon Merger" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).

"Terminated Transactions" means with respect to any Early Termination Date (a)
if resulting from a Termination Event, all Affected Transactions and (b) if
resulting from an Event of Default, all Transactions (in either case) in effect
immediately before the effectiveness of the notice designating that Early
Termination Date (or, if "Automatic Early Termination" applies, immediately
before that Early Termination Date).

"Termination Currency" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.

"Termination Currency Equivalent" means, in respect of any amount denominated in
the Termination Currency, such Termination Currency amount and, in respect of
any amount denominated in a currency other than the Termination Currency (the
"Other Currency"), the amount in the Termination Currency determined by the
party making the relevant determination as being required to purchase such
amount of such Other Currency as at the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if
the relevant Market Quotation or Loss (as the case may be), is determined as of
a later date, that later date, with the Termination Currency at the rate equal
to the spot exchange rate of the foreign exchange agent (selected as provided
below) for the purchase of such Other Currency with the Termination Currency at
or about 11:00 a.m. (in the city in which such foreign exchange agent is
located) on such date as would be customary for the determination of such a rate
for the purchase of such Other Currency for value on the relevant Early
Termination Date or that later date.  The foreign exchange agent will, if only
one party is obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), be selected in
good faith by that party and otherwise will be agreed by the parties.

"Termination Event" means an Illegality, a Tax Event or a Tax Event Upon Merger
or, if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional
Termination Event.

"Termination Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the arithmetic mean of the
cost (without proof or evidence of any actual cost) to each party (as certified
by such party) if it were to fund or of funding such amounts.

"Unpaid Amounts" owing to any party means, with respect to an Early Termination
Date, the aggregate of (a) in respect of all Terminated Transactions, the
amounts that became payable (or that would have become payable but for Section
2(a)(iii)) to such party under Section 2(a)(i) on or prior to such Early
Termination Date and which remain unpaid as at such Early Termination Date and
(b) in respect of each Terminated Transaction, for each obligation under Section
2(a)(i) which was (or would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) required to be
settled by delivery to such party on or prior to such Early Termination Date and
which has not been so settled as at such Early Termination Date, an amount equal
to the fair market

                                      17
<PAGE>

value of that which was (or would have been) required to be delivered as of the
originally scheduled date for delivery, in each case together with (to the
extent permitted under applicable law) interest, in the currency of such
amounts, from (and including) the date such amounts or obligations were or would
have been required to have been paid or performed to (but excluding) such Early
Termination Date, at the Applicable Rate.  Such amounts of interest will be
calculated on the basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days
elapsed.  The fair market value of any obligation referred to in clause (b)
above shall be reasonably determined by the party obliged to make the
determination under Section 6(e) or, if each party is so obliged, it shall be
the average of the Termination Currency Equivalents of the fair market values
reasonably determined by both parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective
dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of
this document.

  Bank of America, N.A.                   First North American National Bank
----------------------------------      ---------------------------------------
          (Name of Party)                           (Name of Party)

By:  /S/ Roger Heintzelman              By:    /S/ Philip J. Dunn
----------------------------------      ---------------------------------------
Name:    Roger Heintzelman              Name:     Philip J. Dunn

Title:   Vice President                 Title:    Vice President

Date:    February 25, 2000              Date:     February 25, 2000

                                      18
<PAGE>

(Multicurrency--Cross Border)

                                    ISDA(R)
                 International Swap Dealers Association, Inc.

                                   SCHEDULE
                                    to the
                               Master Agreement

                         dated as of February 25, 2000

between  BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.        and                FIRST NORTH AMERICAN
                                                         NATIONAL BANK
             ("Party A")                                       ("Party B")

                        PART 1:  Termination Provisions
                                 ----------------------

(a)  "Specified Entity" means in relation to Party A for the purpose of:-

     Section 5(a)(v)  (Default under Specified Transaction),  none;
     Section 5(a)(vi) (Cross Default),                        none;
     Section 5(a)(vii) (Bankruptcy),                          none; and
     Section 5(b)(iv) (Credit Event Upon Merger),             none;

     in relation to Party B for the purpose of:-

     Section 5(a)(v) (Default under Specified Transaction)    none;
     Section 5(a)(vi) (Cross Default),                        none;
     Section 5(a)(vii) (Bankruptcy),                          none; and
     Section 5(b)(iv) (Credit Event Upon Merger),             none.

(b)  "Specified Transaction" will have the meaning specified in Section 14.

(c)  The "Cross-Default" provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) (as amended in Part
     5(g))
          will apply to Party A and
          will apply to Party B.

     In connection therewith, "Specified Indebtedness" will have the meaning
     specified in Section 14, except that such term shall not include
     obligations in respect of deposits received in the ordinary course of a
     party's banking business."

     "Threshold Amount" means with respect to Party A an amount equal to three
     percent (3%) of Party A's Shareholders' Equity and with respect to Party B,
     $10,000,000.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     "Shareholders' Equity" means with respect to an entity, at any time, the
     sum (as shown in the most recent annual audited financial statements of
     such entity) of (i) its capital stock (including preferred stock)
     outstanding, taken at par value, (ii) its capital surplus and (iii) its
     retained earnings, minus (iv) treasury stock, each to be determined in
     accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(d)  The "Credit Event Upon Merger" provisions of Section 5(b)(iv)
          will apply to Party A
          will apply to Party B.

(e)  The "Automatic Early Termination" provision of Section 6(a)
          will not apply to Party A
          will not apply to Party B.

(f)  Payments on Early Termination.  For the purpose of Section 6(e):

     (i)  Market Quotation will apply.
     (ii) The Second Method will apply.

(g)  "Termination Currency" means United States Dollars.

(h)  "Additional Termination Event." Additional Termination Event will not
     apply.

                         PART 2:  Tax Representations
                                  -------------------

(a)  Payer Tax Representations.  For the purpose of Section 3(e) of this
     Agreement, Party A and Party B will make the following representation:-

     It is not required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice of
     any relevant governmental revenue authority of any Relevant Jurisdiction to
     make any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax from any
     payment (other than interest under Section 2(e), 6(d)(ii) or 6(e) of this
     Agreement) to be made by it to the other party under this Agreement.  In
     making this representation, it may rely on (x) the accuracy of any
     representations made by the other party pursuant to Section 3(f) of this
     Agreement, (y) the satisfaction of the agreement contained in Section
     4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement and the accuracy and effectiveness
     of any document provided by the other party pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) or
     4(a)(iii) of this Agreement and (z) the satisfaction of the agreement of
     the other party contained in Section 4(d) of this Agreement, provided that
     it shall not be a breach of this representation where reliance is placed on
     clause (y) and the other party does not deliver a form or document under
     Section 4(a)(iii) by reason of material prejudice to its legal or
     commercial position.

(b)  Payee Tax Representations.  For the purpose of Section 3(f) of this
     Agreement, Party A and Party B will make the following representations
     specified below, if any:-

               (i)  The following representations will apply to Party A:

          Party A is a national banking association created or organized under
          the laws of the United States of America and the federal taxpayer
          identification number is 94-1687665.

                                       2
<PAGE>

               (ii) The following representations will apply to Party B:

          Party B is a national banking association created or organized under
          the laws of the United States of America and the federal taxpayer
          identification number is 58-1897792.

                    PART 3:  Agreement to Deliver Documents
                             ------------------------------

For the purpose of Section 4(a)(i) and (ii) of this Agreement, each party agrees
to deliver the following documents:

(a)  Tax forms, documents or certificates to be delivered are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Party          Form/Document/Certificate         Date by which to be delivered
     required to
     deliver
     document
     -----------    --------------------------------  --------------------------------------
     <S>            <C>                               <C>
     Party B        Internal Revenue Service Form     Upon execution and delivery of this
                    W-9                               Agreement

     Party A and    Any form, document or             Upon request
     Party B        certificate as may be
                    requested pursuant to Section
                    4(a)(iii) of this Agreement.
</TABLE>

(b)     Other documents to be delivered are:-

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Party            Form/Document/Certificate                 Date by             Covered by
     required to                                                which to be         Section 3(d)
     deliver                                                    delivered           Representation
     document
     -------------    --------------------------------------    ------------------  ------------------
     <S>              <C>                                       <C>                 <C>
     Party A and      Certified copies of all corporate         Upon execution and        Yes
     Party B          authorizations and any other              delivery of this
                      documents with respect to the             Agreement
                      execution, delivery and performance
                      of this Agreement and any Credit
                      Support Document

     Party A and      Certificate of authority and              Upon execution and        Yes
     Party B          specimen signatures of individuals        delivery of this
                      executing this Agreement any Credit       Agreement and
                      Support Document and Confirmations        thereafter upon
                                                                request of the
                                                                other party
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>

                            PART 4:  Miscellaneous
                                     -------------

(a)  Address for Notices.  For the purpose of Section 12(a) of this Agreement:-

     Address for notice or communications to Party A:

      Bank of America, N.A.
      Sears Tower
      233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2800
      Chicago, IL 60606
      Attention:  Swap Operations
      Telex No.:  49663210   Answerback:  NATIONSBANK CHA
      Reuters Dealing Code:  NBCH

     with a copy to:

      Bank of America, N.A.
      100 N. Tryon St., NC1-007-13-01
      Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
      Attention:  Capital Markets Documentation
      (Telex No.: 9663210;  Answerback: NATIONSBK CHA)
      Facsimile No.:  704-386-4113

     Address for notice or communications to Party B:

      First North American National Bank
      225 Chastain Meadows Court
      Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
      Attention:  Merle Worsham
      Telephone No.:  770-423-7900
      Facsimile No.:  770-423-7932

     with copy to:

      Circuit City Stores, Inc.
      9954 Mayland Drive
      Richmond, Virginia 23233
      Attention:  Phil Dunn
      Telephone No.:  804-527-4000
      Facsimile No.: 804-527-4113

(b)  Process Agent.  For the purpose of Section 13(c):

     Party A appoints as its Process Agent:  Not applicable.

     Party B appoints as its Process Agent:  Not applicable.

(c)  Offices.  The provisions of Section 10(a) will apply to this Agreement.

                                       4
<PAGE>

(d)  Multibranch Party. For the purpose of Section 10 of this Agreement:-

     Party A is not a Multibranch Party.

     Party B is not a Multibranch Party.

(e)  Calculation Agent.  The Calculation Agent is Party A.

(f)  Credit Support Document.  Details of any Credit Support Document:-

     Not applicable.

(g)  Credit Support Provider.

     Credit Support Provider means in relation to Party A:  Not applicable.

     Credit Support Provider means in relation to Party B:  Not applicable.

(h)  Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
     accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference to its
     conflict of laws doctrine).

(i)  Netting of Payments. All amounts payable on the same date, in the same
     currency and in respect of the same Transaction shall be netted in
     accordance with Section 2(c) of this Agreement.  The election contained in
     the last paragraph of Section 2(c) of this Agreement shall not apply for
     the purposes of this Agreement.

(j)  "Affiliate" will have the meaning specified in Section 14 of this
     Agreement.

                           PART 5: Other Provisions
                                   ----------------

(a)  Set-off.  Any amount (the "Early Termination Amount") payable to one party
     (the Payee) by the other party (the Payer) under Section 6(e), in
     circumstances where there is a Defaulting Party or one Affected Party in
     the case where a Termination Event under Section 5(b)(iv) has occurred,
     will, at the option of the party ("X") other than the Defaulting Party or
     the Affected Party (and without prior notice to the Defaulting Party or the
     Affected Party), be reduced by its set-off against any amount(s) (the
     "Other Agreement Amount") payable (whether at such time or in the future or
     upon the occurrence of a contingency) by the Payee to the Payer
     (irrespective of the currency, place of payment or booking office of the
     obligation) under any other agreement(s) between the Payee and the Payer or
     instrument(s) or undertaking(s) issued or executed by one party to, or in
     favor of, the other party (and the Other Agreement Amount will be
     discharged promptly and in all respects to the extent it is so set-off).  X
     will give prompt notice to the other party of any set-off effected under
     this Part 5(a), and will deliver a certificate to the other party setting
     forth in reasonable detail the calculation of such amount set-off.

     For this purpose, either the Early Termination Amount or the Other
     Agreement Amount (or the relevant portion of such amounts) may be converted
     by X into the currency in which the other is denominated at the rate of
     exchange at which such party would be able, acting in a reasonable manner
     and in good faith, to purchase the relevant amount of such currency.

                                       5
<PAGE>

     If an obligation is unascertained, X may in good faith estimate that
     obligation and set-off in respect of the estimate, subject to the relevant
     party accounting to the other when the obligation is ascertained.

     Nothing in this Part 5(a) shall be effective to create a charge or other
     security interest.  This Part 5(a) shall be without prejudice and in
     addition to any right of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other
     right to which any party is at any time otherwise entitled (whether by
     operation of law, contract or otherwise).

(b)  Delivery of Confirmations.  For each Transaction entered into hereunder,
     Party A shall promptly send to Party B a Confirmation via facsimile
     transmission.  Party B agrees to respond to such Confirmation within two
     (2) Business Days, either confirming agreement thereto or requesting a
     correction of any error(s) contained therein.  Failure by Party A to send a
     Confirmation or of Party B to respond within such period shall not affect
     the validity or enforceability of such Transaction.  Absent manifest error,
     there shall be a presumption that the terms contained in such Confirmation
     are the terms of the Transaction.

(c)  Recording of Conversations.  Each party to this Agreement acknowledges and
     agrees to the tape recording of conversations between the parties to this
     Agreement whether by one or other or both of the parties or their agents,
     and that any such tape recordings may be submitted in evidence in any
     Proceedings relating to the Agreement.

(d)  Section 3(a) of this Agreement is amended by (i) deleting the word "and" at
     the end of clause (iv); (ii) deleting the period at the end of clause (v)
     and inserting therein "; and " ; and (iii) by inserting the following
     additional representation:

     "(vi)  Eligible Swap Participant. It is an 'eligible swap participant' as
            defined under the regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading
            Commission, currently at 17 CFR Section 35.1(b)(2)."

(e)  Section 3 is revised so as to add the following Section (g) at the end
     thereof:

     "(g)   Relationship Between Parties. Each party represents to the other
            party and will be deemed to represent to the other party on the date
            on which it enters into a Transaction that (absent a written
            agreement between the parties that expressly imposes affirmative
            obligations to the contrary for that Transaction):-

            (i)  Non-Reliance. It is acting for its own account, and it has made
                 its own independent decisions to enter into that Transaction
                 and as to whether that Transaction is appropriate or proper for
                 it based upon its own judgment and upon advice from such
                 advisors as it has deemed necessary. It is not relying on any
                 communication (written or oral) of the other party as
                 investment advice or as a recommendation to enter into that
                 Transaction; it being understood that information and
                 explanations related to the terms and conditions of a
                 Transaction shall not be considered investment advice or a
                 recommendation to enter into that Transaction. Further, such
                 party has not received from the other party any assurance or
                 guarantee as to the expected results of that Transaction.

                                       6
<PAGE>

          (ii)   Evaluation and Understanding. It is capable of evaluating and
                 understanding (on its own behalf or through independent
                 professional advice), and understands and accepts, the terms,
                 conditions and risks of that Transaction. It is also capable of
                 assuming, and assumes, the financial and other risks of that
                 Transaction.

          (iii)  Status of Parties. The other party is not acting as an agent,
                 fiduciary or advisor for it in respect of that Transaction."

(f)  Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury.  EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY
     AND ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING
     ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION
     CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

(g)  Cross Default.  Section 5(a)(vi) of this Agreement is hereby amended adding
     the following after the semicolon at the end thereof:

          "provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing (but subject to
          any provision to the contrary contained in any such agreement or
          instrument), an Event of Default shall not occur under either (1) or
          (2) above if the default, event of default or other similar condition
          or event referred to in (1) or the failure to pay referred to in (2)
          is caused not (even in part) by the unavailability of funds but is
          caused solely due to a technical or administrative error which has
          been remedied within three Business Days after notice of such failure
          is given to the party."

Accepted and agreed:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.                      FIRST NORTH AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK

                                           By: /S/ Philip J. Dunn
By: /S/ Roger H. Heintzelman                  Name:  Philip J. Dunn
   Name:  Roger H. Heintzelman                Title: Vice President
   Title: Vice President

                                       7
<PAGE>

233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2800
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Tel 312-234-2732
Fax 312-234-3603

Bank of America

TO:          First North American National Bank
             1800 PARKWAY PLACE
             MARIETTA, GA 30067

ATTN:        LISA BALDYGA
TEL:         804-527-4060
FAX:         804-527-4113

FROM:        Bank of American, N.A.
             233 South Wacker Drive - Suite 2800
             Chicago, Illinois 60608
             Laurence Weithers / Jim Morrison

Date:        25FEB00

Our Reference No. 143266

Internal Tracking Nos. 3097597

THIS CONFIRMATION SUPERSEDES AND REPLACES ANY PREVIOUSLY SENT CONFIRMATION OF
THIS TRANSACTION.

The purpose of this letter agreement is to confirm the terms and conditions of
the Transaction entered into between First North American National Bank and Bank
of America, N.A. (each a "party" and together "the parties") on the Trade Date
specified below (the "Transaction").  This letter agreement constitutes a
"Confirmation" as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified in
paragraph 1 below (the "Agreement").

The definitions and provisions contained in the 1991 ISDA Definitions (as
supplemented by the 1998 Supplement), as published by the International Swaps
and Derivatives Association, Inc., (the "Definitions") are incorporated into
this Confirmation.  In the event of any inconsistency between the Definitions
and this Confirmation, this Confirmation will govern.  Without prejudice to the
foregoing, references in this Confirmation to the Transaction shall for the
purposes of the Definitions mean the Swap Transaction.

1.  This Confirmation evidences a complete binding agreement between the parties
as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates.  In
addition, the parties agree to use all reasonable efforts promptly to negotiate,
execute and deliver an agreement in the form of the ISDA Master Agreement
(Multicurrency-Cross Border) (the "ISDA Form"), with such modifications as the
parties will in good faith agree.  Upon the execution by the parties of such
<PAGE>

an agreement, this Confirmation will supplement, for a part of, and be subject
to that agreement. All provisions contained or incorporated by reference in that
agreement upon its execution will govern this Confirmation except as expressly
modified below. Until the parties execute and deliver that agreement, this
Confirmation, together with all other documents referring to the ISDA Form (each
a "Confirmation") confirming transactions (each a "Transaction") entered into
between the parties (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in a
Confirmation), shall supplement, for a part of, and be subject to an agreement
in the form of the ISDA Form as if the parties had executed an agreement in such
form (but without any Schedule) on the Trade Date of the first such Transaction
between the parties. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of
that agreement and this Confirmation, this Confirmation will prevail for the
purpose of this Transaction.

     In this Confirmation "Party A" means Bank of America, N.A. and "Party B"
means First North American National Bank.

2.  The terms of this Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
Notional Amount:                      USD 365,000,000.00
Trade Date:                           23FEB00
Effective Date:                       28FEB00
Termination Date:                     15FEB06 subject to adjustment in accordance with the
                                      Modified Following Business Day Convention

Amortization                          APPLICABLE (See Schedule A attached hereto)

Fixed Amounts:

Fixed Payer:                          Party B

Fixed Rate Payer Payment
Dates:                                25FEB00, subject to adjustment in accordance with the
                                      Modified Following Business Day Convention

Fixed Amount:                         USD 9,062,658.00

Floating Amounts:

Floating Rate Payer:                  Party A

Cap Rate:                             7.50000%

Floating Rate Payer Payment
Dates:                                The 15th of each Month, commencing 15APR00 and
                                      ending 15FEB06, subject to adjustment in accordance
                                      with the Modified Following Business Day Convention

Floating Rate for the Initial
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Calculation Period:                   6.10750% (inclusive of Spread)

Floating Rate Option:                 USD-LIBOR-BBA

Designated Maturity:                  1 Month

Spread:                               Plus 0.23000%

Floating Rate Day Count
Fraction:                             Actual/360

Reset Dates:                          The first day of each Calculation Period

Business Days:                        New York, London

Calculation Agent:                    Party A

3.   Recording of Conversations:

     Each party to this Transaction acknowledges and agrees to the tape
     recording of conversations between the parties to this Transaction whether
     by one or other or both of the parties or their agents, and that any such
     tape recordings may be submitted in evidence in any Proceedings relating to
     the Agreement and/or this Transaction.

4.   Account Details:

     Payments to Bank of America, N.A.:

                           USD
      NAME:                BANK OF AMERICA NA
      CITY:                NEW YORK
      ABA #:               026009599
      ATTN:                BOFAUS3N
      NAME:                BANK OF AMERICA NA
      CITY:                NEW YORK
      ACCT:                6550219386
      ATTN:                RATE DERIVATIVE SETTLEMENTS

     Payments to First North American National Bank

                           USD
      NAME:                Bankers Trust
      CITY:                New York
      ABA #:               021001033
      NAME:                Circuit City Master Trust
      ACCT:                01419647
<PAGE>

      ATTN:                 Attn: Corporate Trust, Pei Huang

5.   Offices:
     The Office of Party A for this
     Transaction is:                          Charlotte, NC

     The Office of Party B for this
     Transaction is:                          Georgia, USA

     Credit Support Document:  As per Agreement (and Credit Support Annex if
applicable).

     Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms and
conditions of our agreement by responding within three (3) Business Days by
returning via telecopier an executed copy of this Confirmation to the attention
of Global Derivative Operations at (fax no. (312) 234-3503).

     Failure to respond within such period shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of this Transaction, and shall be deemed to be an affirmation of
the terms and conditions contained herein, absent manifest error.

Yours Sincerely,

Bank of America, N.A.

/s/ Tracey Bissell

Authorized Signatory

Accepted and confirmed as of the date first written:

First North American National Bank

By: /s/ Michael T. Chalifoux

Name:  Michael T. Chalifoux

Title: President
<PAGE>

SCHEDULE A TO CONFIRMATION
  AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE

  CALCULATION PERIOD                     NOTIONAL AMOUNT
  28FEB00  17APR00                        365,000,000.00
  17APR00  15MAY00                        365,000,000.00
  15MAY00  15JUN00                        365,000,000.00
  15JUN00  17JUL00                        365,000,000.00
  17JUL00  15AUG00                        365,000,000.00
  15AUG00  15SEP00                        365,000,000.00
  15SEP00  16OCT00                        365,000,000.00
  16OCT00  15NOV00                        365,000,000.00
  15NOV00  15DEC00                        365,000,000.00
  15DEC00  16JAN01                        365,000,000.00
  16JAN01  15FEB01                        365,000,000.00
  15FEB01  15MAR01                        365,000,000.00
  15MAR01  17APR01                        365,000,000.00
  17APR01  15MAY01                        365,000,000.00
  15MAY01  15JUN01                        365,000,000.00
  15JUN01  16JUL01                        365,000,000.00
  16JUL01  15AUG01                        365,000,000.00
  15AUG01  17SEP01                        365,000,000.00
  17SEP01  15OCT01                        365,000,000.00
  15OCT01  15NOV01                        365,000,000.00
  15NOV01  17DEC01                        365,000,000.00
  17DEC01  15JAN02                        365,000,000.00
  15JAN02  15FEB02                        365,000,000.00
  15FEB02  15MAR02                        365,000,000.00
  15MAR02  15APR02                        365,000,000.00
  15APR02  15MAY02                        365,000,000.00
  15MAY02  17JUN02                        365,000,000.00
  17JUN02  15JUL02                        365,000,000.00
  15JUL02  15AUG02                        365,000,000.00
  15AUG02  16SEP02                        365,000,000.00
  16SEP02  15OCT02                        365,000,000.00
  15OCT02  15NOV02                        365,000,000.00
  15NOV02  16DEC02                        365,000,000.00
  16DEC02  15JAN03                        365,000,000.00
  15JAN03  18FEB03                        365,000,000.00
  18FEB03  17MAR03                        355,135,135.00
  17MAR03  15APR03                        345,270,270.00
  14APR03  15MAY03                        335,405,405.00
  15MAY03  16JUN03                        325,540,541.00
  16JUN03  15JUL03                        315,675,676.00
  15JUL03  15AUG03                        305,810,811.00
<PAGE>

  15AUG03  15SEP03                        295,945,946.00
  15SEP03  15OCT03                        286,061,081.00
  15OCT03  17NOV03                        276,216,216.00
  17NOV03  15DEC03                        266,331,351.00
  15DEC03  15JAN04                        256,406,406.00
  15JAN04  17FEB04                        246,621,622.00
  17FEB04  15MAR04                        238,756,757.00
  15MAR04  15APR04                        226,891,892.00
  15APR04  17MAY04                        217,027,027.00
  17MAY04  15JUN04                        207,162,162.00
  15JUN04  15JUL04                        197,297,237.00
  15JUL04  16AUG04                        187,632,432.00
  16AUG04  15SEP04                        177,567,568.00
  16SEP04  15OCT04                        167,702,703.00
  15OCT04  15NOV04                        157,837,838.00
  15NOV04  15DEC04                        147,972,973.00
  16DEC04  18JAN05                        138,108,108.00
  18JAN05  15FEB05                        128,243,243.00
  15FEB05  15MAR05                        118,378,378.00
  15MAR05  15APR05                        108,513,514.00
  15APR05  16MAY05                         98,648,649.00
  16MAY05  15JUL05                         88,783,784.00
  15JUL05  15JUL05                         78,918,919.00
  15JUL05  15AUG05                         69,054,054.00
  15AUG05  15SEP05                         59,189,189.00
  15SEP05  17OCT05                         49,324,324.00
  17OCT05  15NOV05                         39,459,459.00
  15NOV05  15DEC05                         29,394,595.00
  15DEC05  17JAN05                         19,723,730.00
  17JAN06  15FEB06                          9,864,865.00
<PAGE>

233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2800
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Tel  312-234-2732
Fax  312-234-3603

Bank of America

TO:      First North American National Bank
         1800 PARKWAY PLACE
         MARIETTA, GA 30067

ATTN:    LISA BALDYGA
TEL:     804-527-4060
FAX:     804-527-4113

FROM:    Bank of American, N.A.
         233 South Wacker Drive - Suite 2800
         Chicago, Illinois 60608
         Laurence Weithers / Jim Morrison

Date:    25FEB00

Our Reference No.  143257

Internal Tracking Nos.  3097596

THIS CONFIRMATION SUPERSEDES AND REPLACES ANY PREVIOUSLY SENT CONFIRMATION OF
THIS TRANSACTION.

The purpose of this letter agreement is to confirm the terms and conditions of
the Transaction entered into between First North American National Bank and Bank
of America, N.A. (each a "party" and together "the parties") on the Trade Date
specified below (the "Transaction"). This letter agreement constitutes a
"Confirmation" as referred to in the ISDA Master Agreement specified in
paragraph 1 below (the "Agreement").

The definitions and provisions contained in the 1991 ISDA Definitions (as
supplemented by the 1998 Supplement), as published by the International Swaps
and Derivatives Association, Inc., (the "Definitions") are incorporated into
this Confirmation. In the event of any inconsistency between the Definitions and
this Confirmation, this Confirmation will govern. Without prejudice to the
foregoing, references in this Confirmation to the Transaction shall for the
purposes of the Definitions mean the Swap Transaction.

1.  This Confirmation evidences a complete binding agreement between the parties
as to the terms of the Transaction to which this Confirmation relates. In
addition, the parties agree to use all reasonable efforts promptly to negotiate,
execute and deliver an agreement in the form of the ISDA Master Agreement
(Multicurrency-Cross Border) (the "ISDA Form"), with such modifications as the
parties will in good faith agree. Upon the execution by the parties of such
<PAGE>

an agreement, this Confirmation will supplement, for a part of, and be subject
to that agreement. All provisions contained or incorporated by reference in that
agreement upon its execution will govern this Confirmation except as expressly
modified below. Until the parties execute and deliver that agreement, this
Confirmation, together with all other documents referring to the ISDA Form (each
a "Confirmation") confirming transactions (each a "Transaction") entered into
between the parties (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in a
Confirmation), shall supplement, for a part of, and be subject to an agreement
in the form of the ISDA Form as if the parties had executed an agreement in such
form (but without any Schedule) on the Trade Date of the first such Transaction
between the parties. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of
that agreement and this Confirmation, this Confirmation will prevail for the
purpose of this Transaction.

     In this Confirmation "Party A" means Bank of America, N.A. and "Party B"
means First North American National Bank.

2.   The terms of this Transaction to which this Confirmation relates are as
follows:

Notional Amount:                 USD 57,500,000.00
Trade Date:                      23FEB00
Effective Date:                  28FEB00
Termination Date:                15FEB06 subject to adjustment in accordance
                                 with the Modified Following Business Day
                                 Convention

Amortization                     APPLICABLE (See Schedule A attached hereto)

Fixed Amounts:

Fixed Payer:                     Party B

Fixed Rate Payer Payment
Dates:                           25FEB00, subject to adjustment in accordance
                                 with the Modified Following Business Day
                                 Convention

Fixed Amount:                    USD 1,777,975.00

Floating Amounts:

Floating Rate Payer:             Party A

Cap Rate:                        7.50000%

Floating Rate Payer Payment
Dates:                           The 15th of each Month, commencing 15APR00 and
                                 ending 15FEB06, subject to adjustment in
                                 accordance with the Modified Following Business
                                 Day Convention

Floating Rate for the Initial
<PAGE>

Calculation Period:              6.48750% (inclusive of Spread)

Floating Rate Option:            USD-LIBOR-BBA

Designated Maturity:             1 Month

Spread:                          Plus 0.59000%

Floating Rate Day Count
Fraction:                        Actual/360

Reset Dates:                     The first day of each Calculation Period

Business Days:                   New York, London

Calculation Agent:               Party A

3.   Recording of Conversations:

     Each party to this Transaction acknowledges and agrees to the tape
     recording of conversations between the parties to this Transaction whether
     by one or other or both of the parties or their agents, and that any such
     tape recordings may be submitted in evidence in any Proceedings relating to
     the Agreement and/or this Transaction.

4.   Account Details:

     Payments to Bank of America, N.A.:

                         USD
     NAME:               BANK OF AMERICA NA
     CITY:               NEW YORK
     ABA #:              026009593
     ATTN:               BOFAUS3N
     NAME:               BANK OF AMERICA NA
     CITY:               NEW YORK
     ACCT:               6550219386
     ATTN:               RATE DERIVATIVE SETTLEMENTS

     Payments to First North American National Bank

                         USD
     NAME:               Bankers Trust
     CITY:               New York
     ABA #:              021001033
     NAME:               Circuit City Master Trust
     ACCT:               01419647
<PAGE>

     ATTN:               Attn: Corporate Trust, Pei Huang

5.   Offices:
     The Office of Party A for this
     Transaction is:                         Charlotte, NC

     The Office of Party B for this

     Transaction is:                         Georgia, USA

     Credit Support Document: As per Agreement (and Credit Support Annex if
applicable).

     Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms and
conditions of our agreement by responding within three (3) Business Days by
returning via telecopier an executed copy of this Confirmation to the attention
of Global Derivative Operations at (fax no. (312) 234-3503).

     Failure to respond within such period shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of this Transaction, and shall be deemed to be an affirmation of
the terms and conditions contained herein, absent manifest error.

Yours Sincerely,

Bank of America, N.A.

/s/ Tracey Bissell

Authorized Signatory

Accepted and confirmed as of the date first written:

First North American National Bank

By: /s/ Michael T. Chalifoux

Name: Michael T. Chalifoux

Title: President
<PAGE>

SCHEDULE A TO CONFIRMATION
  AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE

  CALCULATION PERIOD           NOTIONAL AMOUNT
  28FEB00  17APR00              57,500,000.00
  17APR00  15MAY00              57,500,000.00
  15MAY00  15JUN00              57,500,000.00
  15JUN00  17JUL00              57,500,000.00
  17JUL00  15AUG00              57,500,000.00
  15AUG00  15SEP00              57,500,000.00
  15SEP00  16OCT00              57,500,000.00
  16OCT00  15NOV00              57,500,000.00
  15NOV00  15DEC00              57,500,000.00
  15DEC00  16JAN01              57,500,000.00
  16JAN01  15FEB01              57,500,000.00
  15FEB01  15MAR01              57,500,000.00
  15MAR01  17APR01              57,500,000.00
  17APR01  15MAY01              57,500,000.00
  15MAY01  15JUN01              57,500,000.00
  15JUN01  16JUL01              57,500,000.00
  16JUL01  15AUG01              57,500,000.00
  15AUG01  17SEP01              57,500,000.00
  17SEP01  15OCT01              57,500,000.00
  15OCT01  15NOV01              57,500,000.00
  15NOV01  17DEC01              57,500,000.00
  17DEC01  15JAN02              57,500,000.00
  15JAN02  15FEB02              57,500,000.00
  15FEB02  15MAR02              57,500,000.00
  15MAR02  15APR02              57,500,000.00
  15APR02  15MAY02              57,500,000.00
  15MAY02  17JUN02              57,500,000.00
  17JUN02  15JUL02              57,500,000.00
  15JUL02  15AUG02              57,500,000.00
  15AUG02  16SEP02              57,500,000.00
  16SEP02  15OCT02              57,500,000.00
  15OCT02  15NOV02              57,500,000.00
  15NOV02  16DEC02              57,500,000.00
  16DEC02  15JAN03              57,500,000.00
  15JAN03  18FEB03              57,500,000.00
  18FEB03  17MAR03              55,345,346.00
  17MAR03  15APR03              54,391,492.00
  14APR03  15MAY03              52,437,438.00
  15MAY03  16JUN03              51,283,284.00
  16JUN03  15JUL03              49,729,730.00
  15JUL03  15AUG03              48,175,676.00
<PAGE>

  15AUG03  15SEP03              46,621,622.00
  15SEP03  15OCT03              45,067,560.00
  15OCT03  17NOV03              43,513,514.00
  17NOV03  15DEC03              41,959,459.00
  15DEC03  15JAN04              40,405,405.00
  15JAN04  17FEB04              38,852,351.00
  17FEB04  15MAR04              37,297,297.00
  15MAR04  15APR04              35,743,243.00
  15APR04  17MAY04              34,189,189.00
  17MAY04  15JUN04              32,635,135.00
  15JUN04  15JUL04              31,081,081.00
  15JULY04 16AUG04              29,527,037.00
  16AUG04  15SEP04              27,972,973.00
  15SEP04  15OCT04              26,410,919.00
  15OCT04  15NOV04              24,864,865.00
  15NOV04  15DEC04              23,310,811.00
  15DEC04  18JAN05              21,756,757.00
  18JAN05  15FEB05              20,202,703.00
  15FEB05  15MAR05              18,648,649.00
  15MAR05  15APR05              17,094,595.00
  15APR05  16MAY05              15,540,541.00
  16MAY05  15JUN05              13,986,486.00
  15JUN05  15JUL05              12,432,432.00
  15JUL05  15AUG05              10,878,378.00
  15AUG05  15SEP05               9,374,374.00
  15SEP05  17OCT05               7,770,270.00
  17OCT05  15NOV05               6,216,216.00
  15NOV05  15DEC05               4,662,162.00
  15DEC05  17JAN06               3,108,108.00
  17JAN06  15FEB06               1,554,054.00<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.7
                                                                    ------------

Paradigm Genetics, Inc. has omitted from this Exhibit 10.7 portions of the
Agreement for which Paradigm Genetics, Inc. has requested confidential treatment
from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The portions of the Agreement for
which confidential treatment has been requested have been filed separately with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such omitted portions have been marked
with an asterisk.

                                   AGREEMENT

     This Agreement is entered into by and between Bayer AG (hereinafter
"BAYER") of Leverkusen D51368, Germany and Paradigm Genetics, Inc., (hereinafter
"PARADIGM") of 104 Alexander Drive, Building 2, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina USA 27709.

     WHEREAS, PARADIGM and BAYER have facilities and personnel capable of
conducting research and rendering services for the development of biological
test systems ("ASSAYS") useful for the discovery of new herbicides; and

     WHEREAS, PARADIGM and BAYER desire to engage in a collaborative research
program relating to the development of such biological test systems
("ASSAYS"),

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions
contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   Scope of Research. BAYER and PARADIGM shall undertake a research
          -----------------
collaboration ("RESEARCH COLLABORATION") relating to the identification and
development of novel genes, and/or gene products, gene functions and ASSAYS
useful to measure the potential herbicidal activity of chemical compounds or
substances ("FIELD").

                                       1
<PAGE>

     PARADIGM under this Agreement agrees to conduct research and render
services in the FIELD as defined in the RESEARCH PROGRAM exclusively for BAYER.

     PARADIGM will not conduct research and render services in the FIELD as
defined in the RESEARCH PROGRAM for other third parties.

     "ASSAY" means with respect to a particular target gene, an in vitro or in
vivo assay developed by PARADIGM in the course of the RESEARCH COLLABORATION or
by BAYER, including the required reagents for performing such assay that are not
otherwise readily available, that is suitable for high-throughput screening and
that can measure whether a particular molecule or compound inhibits or
antagonizes (or, if appropriate, agonizes or enhances) the function of the
target gene and/or their products.

     Unless indicated otherwise, the term "HERBICIDE" throughout this Agreement
shall mean (for the period prior to ten (10) years after termination of the
RESEARCH COLLABORATION or prior to expiration of any issued patent controlled by
PARADIGM, which patent would result in infringement by BAYER in the absence of
this Agreement, whichever occurs last), a chemical compound or any substance
useful as a herbicide for combating weeds, including a chemical compound or any
substance identified as a potential herbicide discovered, or identified by BAYER
or a sublicensee directly or indirectly as a result of an ASSAY developed during
the RESEARCH COLLABORATION using PARADIGM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

     PARADIGM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY means (i) information that is controlled by
PARADIGM or its Affiliate, including, but not limited to, Proprietary
Information disclosed to BAYER that is necessary or useful for establishing and
performing an ASSAY or otherwise useful for discovering HERBICIDES under this
Agreement, and (ii) all patents controlled by PARADIGM or its affiliate that
claim or cover the components, manufacture or use of an ASSAY or Target Gene, or
the discovery of a HERBICIDE,

                                       2
<PAGE>

where such patents include inventions which were made prior to the end of the
term of this Agreement, including those made prior to the effective date of this
Agreement.

     The RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall be conducted in accordance with the
RESEARCH PROGRAM attached hereto as Exhibit A. The RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall
be under the direction and supervision of a JOINT RESEARCH COMMITTEE consisting
of a REPRESENTATIVE and a maximum of three voting members from both PARADIGM and
BAYER as listed in the attached Exhibit B. In the event that the JOINT RESEARCH
COMMITTEE is unable to agree upon the direction of the RESEARCH PROGRAM, BAYER
shall have a super majority vote. In addition, upon decision of the JOINT
RESEARCH COMMITTEE the content of the RESEARCH COLLABORATION may be modified,
including necessary changes in allocation of resources.

     2.   Meetings. BAYER and PARADIGM shall meet quarterly to discuss the
          --------
RESEARCH COLLABORATION. Participants of such meetings shall be determined by the
REPRESENTATIVES. Meetings shall take place alternating at PARADIGM's and BAYER's
facilities unless an alternate location is mutually agreed upon. All meetings
shall be conducted in the English language.

     3.   Reports. PARADIGM agrees to submit to BAYER a written summary of
          -------
meetings of the JOINT RESEARCH COMMITTEE, including protocols. PARADIGM further
agrees to furnish BAYER with a final written report summarizing the results of
the RESEARCH PROGRAM within sixty (60) days of completion of the RESEARCH
COLLABORATION. This final report shall include, but not be limited to, all data,
conclusions, results, observations, a detailed description of all procedures,
and the like. The final report shall be owned by BAYER and all information
contained in such report relating to the FIELD and resulting from the RESEARCH
COLLABORATION under this Agreement submitted to BAYER may be utilized by BAYER
for any purpose in the FIELD, subject to the provisions of this Agreement. All
such reports shall constitute CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION subject to the provisions
of Article 6.

                                       3
<PAGE>

     4.   Consideration. In consideration of the services provided by PARADIGM
          -------------
during the RESEARCH COLLABORATION and the rights obtained by BAYER under this
Agreement, BAYER shall provide PARADIGM with the following payments:

        a)  [________________________________________________]* upon execution
            of this Agreement by both parties, [______________________
            __________________________________________________________________]*

        b)  A total of [______________________________________________
            _______________]* during the initial first three years after
            execution of this Agreement ("Initial Term") and [_______________
            _____________________________________________]* during the fourth
            and fifth years after execution of this Agreement of the total five
            (5) year term ("Extended Term") according to the following schedule
            with each payment due as specified in Exhibit C:

                  Year 1                       [________]*
                  Year 2                       [________]*
                  Year 3                       [________]*
                  Subtotal (years 1-3)         [________]*
                  Year 4                       [________]*
                  Year 5                       [________]*
                  Subtotal (years 4-5)         [________]*
                  Total (years 1-5)            [________]*

The first installment shall be payable and due [_____________]*, and the
subsequent [_______]* installments payable prior to [__________________________
________________]* thereafter.

                                       4

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>

c)  Technical payments of:

               i)  [_________________________________]* upon delivery of and/or
                   access to a first customized agricultural database (AgDB(TM)
                   BAYER 1.0) to BAYER;
               ii) [__________________________]* upon delivery of and/or access
                   to a second customized agricultural database (AgDB(TM) BAYER
                   2.0) to BAYER;

               iii) [__________________________________________]* for each ASSAY
                    delivered to BAYER by PARADIGM up to a maximum of
                    [______]* ASSAYS. The total number of ASSAYS in the first
                    three (3) years shall be a minimum of [________]* and a
                    maximum of [_______] The total number of ASSAYS in the five
                    year Extended Term shall be a minimum of [_______]* and a
                    maximum of [______]*. The maximum total number of assays to
                    be delivered may be increased upon written agreement of the
                    JOINT RESEARCH COMMITTEE.

d)  Product Milestone payments of

               i)  [______________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    _________]*;

               ii)  A [_______]* payment of [___________________________]* upon
                    first commercial sale of each and every HERBICIDE in

                                       5

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

                    a major market country; wherein "major market countries" are
                    NAFTA countries, Japan, China, India and all countries that
                    are members of the European Union.
                    [___________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    ____________________________________________________________
                    ____________________]*

     e)  SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS on the annual Net Sales of each HERBICIDE of
[_________________________]* of worldwide Net Sales for
[_____________________________________________________________]* after the first
commercial sale of a HERBICIDE in a major market country, such
[_______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________]* after the first commercial sale
in a major market country as defined in Article 4.d.ii.

          f)  Net Sales for purposes of calculating SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS
royalties under this Article means the sum of the invoiced sales price of a
HERBICIDE billed to independent customers who are not Affiliates or joint
venture partner, less to the extent included in the invoiced sales price, (i)
credits, allowances, discounts and rebates to, and chargebacks from the account
of, such independent customers for spoiled, damaged, out-dated and returned, but
not replaced, HERBICIDE; (ii) actual freight and insurance costs incurred in
transporting such HERBICIDE in final form to such customers; (iii) cash,
quantity and trade discounts and other price reduction programs; (iv) sales,
use, value added and other direct taxes incurred; and (v) customs, duties,
surcharges and other governmental charges incurred in connection with the
exportation or importation of such HERBICIDE in final form. Affiliate for
purposes of this Agreement means, with respect to a party, any other party which
directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with such party. A party shall be regarded as in control of another if it owns,
or directly or indirectly

                                       6

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

controls at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock or other ownership
interest of the other party, or if it, directly or indirectly, possesses the
power to direct or to cause the direction of the management and policies of the
other party by any means whatsoever. Unless stated otherwise, all SUCCESS FEE
PAYMENTS shall be made within sixty (60) days after the end of each royalty
period. A SUCCESS FEE PAYMENT period for purposes of this Agreement means each
quarter of each calendar year in which SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS are due. Such
SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS shall be paid in US Dollars and all SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS
for worldwide sales shall be converted to US Dollars at the exchange rate quoted
in the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of each period. Total annual
net sales shall be based on total sales for a calendar year or portion thereof
PARADIGM shall have the right at any time to request to inspect the records of
sales and to audit the calculation of SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS for any period and
BAYER shall grant such request and provide access to the necessary information
within ten (10) business days of receipt by BAYER of notice of such request.

          g)  If the HERBICIDE active ingredient ("a.i.") is sold in a
Combination Product which contains in addition to the HERBICIDE a.i. other
herbicidal active ingredients different from the HERBICIDE a.i. then Adjusted
Net Sales as basis for SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS shall be computed as follows:

               (i)  If during the relevant accounting period, the HERBICIDE
               was sold and its content of the HERBICIDE a.i. is  comparable to
               the Combination Product, then the following formula shall be
               applicable:
[____________________________________________________________________]*

                                       7

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

               All percentages being percentages by weight.

               If during the relevant accounting period, no appropriate
               HERBICIDE was sold, then the dates of an appropriate HERBICIDE
               sold within one year before the relevant accounting period shall
               be applicable.

               ii)   If neither during the relevant accounting period nor within
               one year before the relevant accounting period any HERBICIDE of
               comparable content of the HERBICIDE a.i. in the Combination
               Product was sold, then the Adjusted Net Sales of the Combination
               Product is computed according to the ratio (by weight) of the
               content of the HERBICIDE a.i. in HERBICIDE and the total content
               of the agricultural chemicals from the Net Sales of the
               Combination Product.

     5.   Withholding Taxes. BAYER shall have the right to deduct from the
SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS the tax which PARADIGM is liable to pay thereon under the
German tax law and for the payment of which PARADIGM is responsible.

     PARADIGM shall immediately be sent a tax receipt certifying the payments of
the tax, so that PARADIGM may use it for claiming a credit on the tax payable by
PARADIGM in her own country on such SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS.

     No deduction shall be made if PARADIGM furnishes a document from the German
tax authorities by the time of the payment of the SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS
certifying that the SUCCESS FEE PAYMENTS are exempt from tax in the Federal
Republic of Germany according to the convention for the avoidance of double
taxation between USA and the Federal Republic of Germany.

                                       8
<PAGE>

     The German value added tax (VAT) will be administrated by BAYER for
PARADIGM. PARADIGM will not invoice any VAT to BAYER.

     Each party undertakes to cooperate with the other party to achieve the tax
arrangements which are most favorable for both parties.

     6. Grants, Licenses and Options. The following grants of rights are given
        -----------------------------
by the parties to this Agreement:

          a) PARADIGM grants to BAYER a worldwide, exclusive license,

including the right to sublicense, to use PARADIGM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY for the
discovery and identification of HERBICIDES. If however, any ASSAY is not used by
BAYER to screen at least [_________________________]* compounds within
[___________]* after delivery of such ASSAY to BAYER by PARADIGM it shall be
considered abandoned and the worldwide, exclusive license to BAYER for such
ASSAY under this Article 6a shall be considered revoked and all conveyed rights
in such ASSAY shall revert to PARADIGM.

          If such reverted ASSAY is used by or licensed by PARADIGM for the
discovery, identification and development of chemical compounds or substances to
be used as herbicides, PARADIGM shall negotiate in good faith terms of an
agreement whereby PARADIGM would pay to BAYER a reasonable payment for the use
of the ASSAY in the FIELD, such payment taking into consideration the payments
made for such ASSAY in the FIELD by BAYER. BAYER shall have the option to forego
any payment from PARADIGM for the reverted ASSAY in return for a co-exclusive
right to use such ASSAY in the FIELD. As far as PARADIGM obtains royalties for
the discovery or identification of chemical substances or compounds as a result
of a reverted ASSAY in the FIELD to be used as herbicides, BAYER shall receive
[______________]* of the net royalty income.

          b) For the term BAYER uses PARADIGM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

                                       9

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

as defined in this Agreement, PARADIGM grants to BAYER an exclusive option to
negotiate in good faith to obtain an exclusive license to results of an
additional research collaboration on herbicide tolerance of plant crops to each
HERBICIDE based on the target genes, including modifications and analogues of
such genes and any other herbicides. Upon exercise of an option under this
Article 5b by written notice, BAYER and PARADIGM shall undertake negotiations to
complete an agreement of terms to a license to results of an additional research
collaboration within ninety (90) days of exercise of the option. The terms of
such a license for an additional research collaboration may include a one time
licensing fee, periodic research payments, milestone payments and a commercially
reasonable royalty rate. Negotiations to acquire such a license shall take into
consideration factors affecting PARADIGM's business including, but not limited
to, size of market, development time and cost, product performance relative to
competing products and the like.

          c) BAYER shall hold a fully paid, irrevocable, exclusive license,
without the right to sublicense to third parties, to use AgDB(TM) BAYER 1.0,
AgDB(TM) BAYER 2.0, AgDB(TM) BAYER 3.0 and AgDB(TM) BAYER 4.0, including
software developed by PARADIGM associated with Analytical Packages AnP1 and
AnP2.

          d) PARADIGM grants to BAYER a [_______________________________________
___________]*. If BAYER exercises such license rights, BAYER shall inform
PARADIGM in writing and provide PARADIGM with results and data relating thereto
and grant to PARADIGM the right to make such results and data a part of
PARADIGM's AgDB(TM).
[_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

                                       10

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________]*.

            e) PARADIGM hereby grants to BAYER [________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______]*.

          f) BAYER grants PARADIGM the right to use HERBICIDES identified or
discovered during the RESEARCH COLLABORATION to develop and use selectable
markers. Any selectable marker developed as a result of this Article may be used
by either BAYER or PARADIGM for research purposes, shall be treated as
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and shall be jointly owned by BAYER and PARADIGM and
treated as if it were a JOINT PATENT outside the FIELD pursuant to Article 9.

          g) Upon BAYER's request, PARADIGM shall positively consider to
extend the FIELD of this Agreement to additional still to be defined objectives,
e.g., quality traits in plants and the like.

     7. Confidentiality. In view of the parties' proprietary rights and
        ---------------
interests concerning their facilities and technology, PARADIGM and BAYER agree
that during the term of and any subsequent &tension of this Agreement and for a
period of five (5) years thereafter, each party shall hold in confidence any
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: a) received by one party ("Receiving Party") from the
other party ("Disclosing Party")("Proprietary Information"), or 2) that results
from the RESEARCH COLLABORATION under this Agreement ("New Information"). Such
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION includes, but is not limited to, confidential or
proprietary information, business plan information, reports, materials, know-
how, data, both technical and non-technical, procedures, databases, documents,
specifications, techniques, ASSAYS, results, product development, conclusions,
and the like (including the terms of this

                                       11

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

Agreement). Each party shall not disclose such information to any third party or
use such information for any purpose, except as provided herein, and necessary
for the fulfillment of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without the
prior written approval of the other party. The parties shall have no obligations
with respect to any portion of such Proprietary Information and BAYER shall have
no obligations with respect to any portion of such New Information which:

          a) is or later becomes generally available to the public by use,
publication or the like through no fault of the Receiving Party in the case of
Proprietary Information or BAYER in the case of New Information;

          b) is obtained from a third party who had the legal right to disclose
the same to the Receiving Party in the case of Proprietary Information or BAYER
in the case of New Information;

          c) the Receiving Party in the case of Proprietary Information or BAYER
in the case of New Information already possesses, as evidenced by written
records, predating receipt thereof from of the Receiving Party in the case of
Proprietary Information or BAYER in the case of New Information.

     8. Publication. PARADIGM and BAYER recognize the importance to present or
        ------------
publish scientific articles and the importance to protect Proprietary
Information from premature disclosure to third parties relating to the FIELD.
However, BAYER agrees to obtain written permission from PARADIGM prior to
submission of any such presentation or article for publication that contains
PARADIGM's Proprietary Information or New Information or prior to disclosure of
PARADIGM's Proprietary Information or New Information to third parties. PARADIGM
agrees to obtain written permission from BAYER prior to submission of any such
presentation or article for publication that contains BAYER's Proprietary
Information or prior to disclosure of BAYER's Proprietary Information to third
parties. Each party agrees to provide to the REPRESENTATIVE of

                                       12
<PAGE>

the other party all such presentations or articles or disclosure of Proprietary
Information or New Information to third parties at least sixty (60) days prior
to submission of such presentations or articles for publication or prior to the
intended disclosure of CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION to third parties. The receiving
REPRESENTATIVE will notify the other party within the thirty (30) days following
receipt of the contents of the proposed publication or disclosure of any
comments they may have. The parties agree to remove any Proprietary Information
and BAYER agrees to delay disclosures, presentations or articles for publication
for up to ninety (90) days in order to file a patent application if it is
determined that the presentations or articles for publication or disclosure of
contain New Information with potentially patentable subject matter.

     9.   Inventions and Patents
          ----------------------
     9.1  Ownership of Research Intellectual Property.
          -------------------------------------------
          a)  Any patents or technology arising from inventions first conceived
or discovered by one or more employees of BAYER in the performance of the
RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall belong to BAYER ("BAYER PATENTS"). Any patents
arising from inventions first conceived or discovered by one or more employees
of PARADIGM in the performance of the RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall belong to
PARADIGM ("PARADIGM PATENTS"). Any patents arising from an invention first
conceived or discovered jointly by one or more employees of BAYER and one or
more employees of PARADIGM in the performance of RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall
belong jointly to BAYER and PARADIGM ("JOINT PATENTS'). JOINT PATENTS within the
FIELD shall be subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party of any
JOINT PATENT outside the FIELD shall exploit their undivided interest in such
JOINT PATENT without the written consent of the other party. Each party agrees
to cooperate with the other in preparing and executing any documents necessary
to obtain patent protection in any country in the world. Inventorship shall be
determined in accordance with the applicable patent laws of the jurisdiction
where the relevant patent application is filed.

                                       13
<PAGE>

     9.2  Disclosure of Patentable Inventions. In addition to the disclosures
          -----------------------------------
required under this Agreement, each party shall submit a written report to the
other within sixty (60) days of the end of each quarter summarizing any
invention arising during the prior quarter of the RESEARCH COLLABORATION in the
FIELD which it believes may be patentable.

     9.3  Patent Prosecution and Maintenance: Abandonment.
          ------------------------------------------------
          a) PARADIGM PATENTS. PARADIGM shall control the filing, prosecution
             ----------------

and maintenance of all PARADIGM PATENTS arising from the RESEARCH COLLABORATION.
In the event PARADIGM elects not to file in a reasonable time or to cease
prosecution of a filed application for a PARADIGM PATENT or to abandon an issued
PATENT, PARADIGM shall notify BAYER not less than two (2) months before any
relevant deadline, and BAYER shall have the right to assume control over the
prosecution of such filed application for a PARADIGM PATENT or maintenance of
such issued PARADIGM PATENT.

          b) BAYER PATENTS. BAYER shall control the filing prosecution and
             --------------
maintenance of all BAYER patents. In the event BAYER elects not to file in a
reasonable time or to cease prosecution of a filed application for a BAYER
PATENT or to abandon an issued BAYER PATENT, BAYER shall notify PARADIGM not
less than two (2) months before any relevant deadline, and PARADIGM shall have
the right to assume control over the prosecution of such filed application for a
BAYER PATENT or maintenance of such issued BAYER PATENT.

          c) JOINT PATENTS. PARADIGM shall control the initial preparation,
             --------------
filing, prosecution and maintenance in the U.S. of all JOINT PATENTS arising
from the RESEARCH COLLABORATION. BAYER shall be responsible for subsequent
filing, prosecution and maintenance in Europe of all JOINT PATENTS arising from
the RESEARCH COLLABORATION. Outside the U.S. and Europe ("Rest of World"),
PARADIGM and BAYER shall jointly be responsible for the filing, prosecution and
maintenance in Rest of World of all JOINT PATENTS arising from the RESEARCH

                                       14
<PAGE>

COLLABORATION. In the event PARADIGM or BAYER elects not to file in a reasonable
time or to cease prosecution of a filed application for a JOINT PATENT or to
abandon an issued JOINT PATENT, they shall notify the other party not less than
two (2) months before any relevant deadline, and the other party shall have the
right to assume control over the prosecution of such filed application for a
JOINT PATENT or maintenance of such issued JOINT PATENT.

     9.4 Costs. Each party shall retain control over and bear all expenses
         -----
associated with the filing, prosecution and maintenance of patents relating to
the Field on inventions made before the effective date of this Agreement by such
party.

     BAYER shall retain control over and bear all expenses associated with the
filing, prosecution and maintenance of BAYER PATENTS. PARADIGM shall retain
control over and bear all expenses associated with the filing, prosecution and
maintenance of PARADIGM PATENTS. In the FIELD, PARADIGM shall bear all expenses
associated with the filing, prosecution and maintenance of JOINT PATENTS in the
U.S. In the FIELD, BAYER shall bear all expenses associated with the filing,
prosecution and maintenance of JOINT PATENTS in EUROPE and Rest of World.
Outside the FIELD, PARADIGM and BAYER shall equally share all expenses
associated with the filing, prosecution and maintenance of JOINT PATENTS.

     In the FIELD, BAYER may elect not to pay any such costs and expenses with
respect to a patent application of issued patent covering a particular JOINT
PATENT, provided BAYER notifies PARADIGM not less than two (2) months before any
relevant deadline. If PARADIGM assumes the expenses associated with future
prosecution of the patent application or maintenance of the issued Patent,
PARADIGM will thereby become the sole owner of the JOINT PATENT.

     If BAYER elects not to pay such costs and expenses in the FIELD with
respect to a particular PARADIGM PATENT and/or JOINT PATENTS, PARADIGM may take
over or abandon prosecution and maintenance and bear expenses associated with
those

                                       15
<PAGE>

patents, but in any case, BAYER will only lose (i) exclusive user rights, which
shall become non-exclusive, and/or (ii) any remuneration payable by PARADIGM to
BAYER as provided for in this Agreement.

     9.5   Confidential Treatment. All information disclosed under Sections 9.2
           ----------------------
and 9.3 shall be treated as confidential pursuant to Article 7.

     9.6 The provisions of this Article 9 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis
to such portions of PARADIGM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY generated during the RESEARCH
COLLABORATION under this Agreement.

     10.   Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the execution of this
           ----
Agreement and the RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall commence October 1, 1998 and
continue for the Initial Term of three (3) years. The Initial Term may be
extended and this Agreement shall remain in continuous and uninterrupted effect
for another two (2) years term, unless terminated as provided in Article 11,

     11.  Termination.  a) Except as provided in Article 11b and 11c of this
          -----------
Agreement or unless mutually agreed to by both parties to Agreement shall
terminate:

                    i)  September 30, 2001; or
                    ii) on September 30, 2003, if extended in
                        accordance with Article 10.

          b) Provided the milestones of Article 4.c.ii and Article 4.c.iii have
not been achieved on or before September 30, 2001 or in the event that necessary
internal funding by BAYER is not approved, BAYER may terminate this Agreement
effective one hundred and twenty (120) days after providing notice to PARADIGM
of BAYER's intent to terminate this Agreement.

          c) A party may terminate this Agreement upon or after the breach of

                                       16
<PAGE>

any material provision of this Agreement, if the breaching party has not cured
such breach within ninety (90) days after notice thereof from the other party.
The licenses granted hereunder to the non-breaching party shall survive a
termination of this Agreement under this Article 10c and shall remain in full
force and effect, so long as such non-breaching party shall continue to comply
with its obligations under this Agreement to the breaching party in respect of
such licenses (including without limitation, any reporting, payment, funding,
development, commercialization, or royalty obligations) as if this Agreement had
not been terminated.

          d) In the event a third party issued patent is found by a court of

competent jurisdiction to prevent the parties from the performance of the
RESEARCH COLLABORATION and/or the development and/or use of assays in the FIELD,
either party may terminate this agreement by giving the other party thirty (30)
days notice.

     12. Notices. Unless otherwise stated, any notice or reports required to be
         -------
given under the terms of this Agreement may be given by certified letter
addressed to the other party and addressed to the party at the following
address. All such notices and reports shall be written in the English language.
Any notice so given shall be deemed to have been served when hand delivered to
the other party or at the expiration of two (2) days from the time of posting.

For BAYER:     Professor Dr. Dieter Berg
               Bayer AG
               Agricultural Center Monheim
               D-51368 Leverkusen
               Germany

For PARADIGM:  Dr. John Ryals, CEO
               Paradigm Genetics, Inc.
               104 Alexander Drive, Building 2
               Research Triangle Park,

                                       17
<PAGE>

               North Carolina 27709

Copy to:       Henry Nowak, General Counsel
               Vice President of Intellectual Property

     13. Publicity. During the term of this Agreement, neither party hereto will
         ---------
use the name of the other party in publicity or advertising without the written
approval of the other party. Neither party will make any public announcement of
the existence and nature of this Agreement or the RESEARCH COLLABORATION without
the written consent of the other party. However, nothing in this Article or
elsewhere in this Agreement is intended to restrict either party from disclosing
the existence and nature of this Agreement if required by applicable law.

     14. Liability. a)  Subject to the provisions of Article 14.b, each party
         ---------
hereto agrees to be responsible and assume liability for its own wrongful or
negligent acts or omissions, or those of its officers, agents or employees to
the full extent allowed by law. Further, each party warrants and represents that
it has adequate liability insurance for the protection of itself and its
officers, employees and agents, while acting within the scope of their
employment by the party. Neither party warrants that any license granted herein
allows the making using or selling of any product or technique resulting from
the RESEARCH COLLABORATION without liability to any third party or a license
from such third party. Each party is liable for its own actions and neither
indemnifies the other for any act of patent infringement by or against such
third party.

          b)  PARADIGM agrees to indemnify BAYER for any damages that may
result from a successful claim by a third party of patent infringement as
indicated by a judgment against BAYER by a court of competent jurisdiction,
where such claim of infringement results from use of an ASSAY in the FIELD and
where such judgment is based upon infringement of a patent that has issued prior
to October 1,1998.

     c) Additionally, PARADIGM agrees to indemnify BAYER for any damages that

                                       18
<PAGE>

may result from a successful claim by a third party of patent infringement as
indicated by a judgment against BAYER by a court of competent jurisdiction,
where such claim of infringement results from use of an ASSAY in the FIELD and
where such judgment is based upon infringement of a patent that has issued prior
to a decision in writing by the JOINT RESEARCH COMMITTEE to develop an ASSAY
from a target gene. PARADIGM shall provide the JOINT RESEARCH COMMITTEE with a
review of relevant patent literature known to PARADIGM and BAYER, including any
possible infringement issues.

     15. Independent Contractor. In the performance of all services hereunder,
         ----------------------
neither party is authorized or empowered to act as agent for the other for any
purpose and shall not on behalf of the other enter into any contract, warranty,
or representation as to any matter. Neither party shall be bound by the acts of
the other.

     16. Warranties. The parties warrant and represent that they have the right
         ----------
to enter into this Agreement. Both parties further warrant and represent that
the terms of this Agreement are not inconsistent with other contractual
obligations, expressed or implied that they may have.

     17. Amendments. No modification to this Agreement shall be effective unless
         ----------
made in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of each party.

     18. Entire Agreement. This agreement constitutes the entire Agreement
         ----------------
between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings between the parties (whether written or
oral) relating to said subject matter.

     19. Survival of Terms. The terms of Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,12,14,
         -----------------
20, 22 and 24 shall survive any termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Article 11.

                                       19
<PAGE>

     20. No Implied License. Neither party by this Agreement grants to the other
         ------------------
any license, express or implied, to any technology, know-how, inventions,
improvements, trade secrets or materials that it possesses, except for research
purposes necessary to conduct the RESEARCH COLLABORATION. Upon the termination
of the RESEARCH COLLABORATION, the parties' intellectual property rights with
respect to the results of the RESEARCH COLLABORATION shall be as set forth in
Article 6, and neither party shall have any implied license to any other
technology, know-how, inventions, improvements, trade secrets or materials of
the other party.

     21. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be held liable or responsible to the
         -------------
other party nor be deemed to have defaulted under or breached this Agreement for
failure or delay in fulfilling or performing any term of this Agreement to the
extent, and for so long as, such failure or delay is caused by or results from
causes beyond the reasonable control of the affected party including but not
limited to fire, floods, embargoes, war, acts of war (whether war be declared or
not), insurrections, riots, civil commotions, strikes, lockouts or other labor
disturbances, acts of God or acts, omissions, or delays in acting by any
governmental authority or the other party.

     22. Assignment. Neither party shall assign or transfer any interest in this
         ----------
Agreement, nor assign any claims for money due or to become due during this
Agreement, without the prior written approval of the other party. Subject to the
foregoing, the agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon
the successors and permitted assigns of the parties.

     23. Compliance with Laws. Each party agrees that it will comply with all
         --------------------
applicable international, national, state, province and local laws, codes,
regulations, rules and orders in the performance and direction of the work under
this Agreement. The parties represent and agree that they shall diligently apply
for and use their best efforts to obtain all necessary government licenses and
permits for the execution of this Agreement and any transactions required
hereunder.

                                       20
<PAGE>

     24. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the common law and
         -------------
the laws of the State of North Carolina and the United States, and the parties
hereby submit to the jurisdiction of the North Carolina courts, both state and
federal. Any proceedings relating to this Agreement shall be conducted in the
English language.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
dates set forth below.

PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.                BAYER AG

By:                                    By:
    ---------------------------            -----------------------------
     Dr. John A. Ryals                     Dr. Bamelis
     CEO and President                     Member of Board

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

                                       BAYER AG

                                       By:
                                           ---------------------------
                                           Dr. Wulff
                                           Head, Business Group
                                           Crop Protection

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

                                       21
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A

                                Research Program

     [------------------------------------------------------------------
      ------------------------------------------------------------------]*

                                       22

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

* Paradigm Genetics, Inc. requests confidential treatment for EXHIBIT A in its
  entirety. EXHIBIT A consists of six pages of text.

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT B

                            JOINT RESERCH COMMITTEE

BAYER REPRESENTATIVE:              [___________]*

BAYER VOTING MEMBERS:              [___________]*
                                   [___________]*
                                   [___________]*

BAYER NON-VOTING MEMBERS:          [___________]*

PARADIGM REPRESENTATIVE:           [___________]*

PARADIGM VOTING MEMBERS:           [___________]*
                                   [___________]*
                                   [___________]*

                                       23

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT C

                                Payment Schedule

QUARTER                      DUE DATE                AMOUNT DUE (U.S. Dollars)

  1                         October 1, 1998               [________]*
  2                         January 1, 1999               [________]*
  3                           April, 1999                 [________]*
  4                           July 1, 1999                [________]*
  5                         October 1, 1999               [________]*
  6                         January 1, 2000               [________]*
  7                          April 1, 2000                [________]*
  8                          July 1, 2000                 [________]*
  9                         October 1, 2000               [________]*
  10                        January 1, 2001               [________]*
  11                          April 1, 2001               [________]*
  12                          July 1, 2001                [________]*
  13                        October 1, 2001               [________]*
  14                        January 1, 2002               [________]*
  15                         April 1, 2002                [________]*
  16                          July 1, 2002                [________]*
  17                        October 1, 2002               [________]*
  18                        January 1, 2003               [________]*
  19                         April 1, 2003                [________]*
  20                          July 1, 2003                [________]*

                                       24

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

                                  Side Letter
             To the Paradigm Genetics, Inc. / Bayer AG - Agreement
                            Dated September 22, 1998

We mutually agree that Article 11.b (page 17) for a better understanding of the
parties interests should read:

"11 .b) Provided the milestones of Article 4.c.ii and 4.c.iii have not been
        achieved as indicated in Exhibit A (in particular delivery of AG DB 2.0
        by October 1, 2000) BAYER may notify PARADIGM that it is in breach of
        this Agreement and PARADIGM will be given 90 (ninety) days to cure the
        breach by delivering Ag DB 2.0 to BAYER. If PARADIGM does not deliver Ag
        DB 2.0 within the ninety (90) days period, then BAYER may terminate this
        Agreement effective one hundred twenty (120) days after providing notice
        to PARADIGM of BAYER's interest to terminate this Agreement. However, if
        PARADIGM is able to deliver Ag DB 2.0 to BAYER during this one hundred
        twenty (120) days period then the Agreement will not terminate. In the
        event that necessary internal funding by BAYER is not approved BAYER may
        terminate this Agreement at September 30, 2001, providing notice to
        PARADIGM ninety (90) days before this date."

PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.                      BAYER AG

By:                                          By:
    ________________________                     ____________________________
    Dr. John A. Ryals                            Dr. F.R. Heiker
    CEO and President                            Head of Chemical Research

Date:  Sept. 22, 1998                        Date: Sept. 22, 1998
       ---------------------                       --------------

                                             BAYER AG

                                             By:
                                                 ____________________________
                                                 Dr. Adrian
                                                 Patents and Licensing

                                             Date:  Sept. 22, 1998
                                                    --------------

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                  Side Letter
             To the Paradigm Genetics, Inc. / Bayer AG - Agreement
                            Dated September 22, 1998

     We mutually agree that for a better understanding of the parties interests,
     Article 4, first sentence, should be modified to clarify that the
     consideration provided by Bayer is for the services provided by Paradigm
     Genetics, and therefore should read:

                    4. Consideration. In consideration of the services provided
                       -------------
               by PARADIGM during the RESEARCH COLLABORATION under this
               Agreement, BAYER shall Provide PARADIGM with the following
               payments:

     Moreover, Article 6.a., first paragraph, should be modified to clarify that
     the License to Paradigm is royalty-free, and therefore should read:

               a) PARADIGM grants to BAYER a worldwide, royalty-free,
               exclusive license, including the right to sublicense, to use
               PARADIGM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY to the extent necessary for
               the operation of a licensed ASSAY for discovery and
               identification of HERBICIDES If, however, any ASSAY is not
               used by BAYER to screen [___________ _____________________]*
               compounds within [_________________]* after delivery of such
               ASSAY to BAYER by PARADIGM it shall be considered abandoned
               and the worldwide, royalty-free exclusive license to BAYER
               for such ASSAY under this Article 6a shall be considered
               revoked and all conveyed rights in such ASSAY shall revert
               to PARADIGM.

PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.                 BAYER AG

By:                                     By:
   ___________________________               ____________________________
   Dr. John A. Ryals                         Dr. Heiker
   CEO and President                         Head of Research

Date:  Oct 30, 1998                     Date: Nov. 17, 1998
       ------------                           -------------

                                        BAYER AG

                                        By:
                                             ____________________________
                                             Dr. Adrian  Patents and Licensing

                                        Date:  Nov. 9, 1998
                                               ------------

                                       26
--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

                                   AMENDMENT

WHEREAS, PARADIGM GENETICS, INC. and BAYER AG entered into a collaborative
research program relating to the development of biological test systems dated
September 22,1998 (the "AGREEMENT"), the parties herewith agree to amend the
AGREEMENT as follows:

Section 4.c(i) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with:

      [__________________________]* upon delivery of and/or access to a first
      customized agricultural database (AgDB(TM)\BAYER\ 1.0) to BAYER AG;

Section 4.c(ii) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with:

      [__________________________________]* upon delivery of and/or access to
      a second customized agricultural database (AgDB (TM)\BAYER\ 2.0) to BAYER
      AG;

BAYER AG                                  PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.

____________________________              ___________________________
Signature                                 Signature

                                          John A. Ryals
____________________________
Printed or Typed Name

                                          President & CEO
____________________________
Title

10.9.99                                   10.8.99
----------------------------              ---------------------------
Date                                      Date

BAYER AG

____________________________
Signature

____________________________
Printed or Typed Name

____________________________
Title

13.9.99
----------------------------
Date

                                       27

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

<PAGE>

                                   AMENDMENT

WHEREAS, PARADIGM GENETICS, INC. and BAYER AG entered into a collaborative
research program relating to the development of biological test systems dated
September 22, 1998 ("the AGREEMENT"), the parties herewith agree to amend the
AGREEMENT as follows:

Section 4.c(I) shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with:

          [________________________]* upon delivery of and/or access
          to a first customized agricultural database
          (AgDB(TM)\BAYER/ 1.0) to BAYER, such payment to be made
          within 60 days of the first anniversary of execution of
          this Agreement, [_______________________________________
          ________________________________________________________
          ________________________________________________________
          ________________________________________________________
          ________________________________________________________
          ______________________]*

PARADIGM GENETICS, INC.                       BAYER AG

By: ______________________                    By: ______________________
   Dr. John A. Ryals
    CEO                                           ______________________

                                                  ______________________

                                              Date: 24.11.99
                                                    --------------------

                                              BAYER AG

                                              By:
                                                 _______________________

                                                 _______________________

                                                 _______________________

                                              Date: 30.11.99
                                                   ---------------------

                                       28

--------
* Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions are
  omitted and filed separately with the Commission.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00002-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00002-of-00352.parquet"}]]