Document:

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.43

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                           PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

                                   dated as of

                                  July 26, 2002

                                 by and between

                          THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.

                                       and

                          LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
 Section 1.01. Definitions                                                                                 4
 Section 1.02. Interpretation                                                                              9
ARTICLE II SALE OF CLAIMS                                                                                 10
 Section 2.01. Sale of the Claims and the WCG Note                                                        10
 Section 2.02. Excluded Claims                                                                            10
 Section 2.03. Closing Payment                                                                            11
 Section 2.04. Closing                                                                                    11
 Section 2.05. Deliveries by Seller                                                                       11
 Section 2.06. Deliveries by Purchaser                                                                    11
 Section 2.07. Purchase Price Allocation                                                                  11
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES                                                                12
 Section 3.01. Representations of Seller                                                                  12
 Section 3.02. Representations of Purchaser                                                               13
ARTICLE IV COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS                                                                       14
 Section 4.01. February 23, 2002 Letter                                                                   14
 Section 4.02. Communications Investment                                                                  14
 Section 4.03. No Shop                                                                                    14
 Section 4.04. Impairment                                                                                 15
 Section 4.05. Purchaser Support of Plan and TWC Settlement Agreement                                     15
 Section 4.06. Seller Support of Plan                                                                     15
 Section 4.07. Voting                                                                                     16
 Section 4.08. Seller Rights                                                                              16
 Section 4.09. Non-assumption of Liabilities                                                              16
 Section 4.10. Condition of Claims and WCG Note                                                           16
 Section 4.11. Make-Whole Provision                                                                       16
 Section 4.12. HSR Act                                                                                    17
 Section 4.13. Covenant to Satisfy Conditions                                                             17
 Section 4.14. Further Assurances                                                                         17
ARTICLE V CONDITIONS PRECEDENT                                                                            17
 Section 5.01. Conditions to Purchaser's Obligation to Effect the Closing                                 17
 Section 5.02. Conditions to Seller's Obligation to Effect the Closing                                    18
ARTICLE VI TERMINATION                                                                                    19
 Section 6.01. Termination                                                                                19
 Section 6.02. Effect of Termination                                                                      20
 Section 6.03. Liquidated Damages                                                                         20
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS                                                                                 20
 Section 7.01. Expenses                                                                                   20
 Section 7.02. Extension; Waiver                                                                          20
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                                                                                                       Page
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
    Section 7.03. Transfer Taxes                                                                        20
    Section 7.04. Notices                                                                               21
    Section 7.05. Entire Agreement; Amendment                                                           22
    Section 7.06. Governing Law                                                                         22
    Section 7.07. Jurisdiction                                                                          22
    Section 7.08. Counterparts                                                                          22
    Section 7.09. Severability                                                                          22
    Section 7.10. Headings                                                                              22
    Section 7.11. Assignment                                                                            22
    Section 7.12. Successors and Assigns                                                                23
    Section 7.13. No Third-Party Beneficiaries                                                          23
    Section 7.14. Publicity                                                                             23

Schedules
Schedule 2.01(a)(i) ADP Claims
Schedule 2.02(a) Services Agreements

Exhibits
Exhibit A Plan
Exhibit B Form of Claims Assignment
Exhibit C Investment Agreement
Exhibit D TWC Settlement Agreement
</Table>

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<PAGE>
                           PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

                  This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT, dated as of July 26, 2002,
by and between THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES. INC., a Delaware corporation ("Seller")
and LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION, a New York corporation ("Purchaser").

                                   WITNESSETH:

                  WHEREAS, Seller owns certain claims against Williams
Communications Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Communications") and
certain of its affiliates (collectively, "WCG");

                  WHEREAS, Seller, in its capacity as the agent of the Indenture
Trustee (as defined below) pursuant to Section 9.04 of the Trust Note Indenture
(as defined below) has the right and ability to direct the sale of the WCG Note
(as defined below) at the highest reasonably available market price (on an arm's
length basis);

                  WHEREAS, Seller has determined after due inquiry that the
portion of the Purchase Price (as defined below) allocated to the WCG Note
pursuant to this Agreement is the highest reasonably available market price (on
an arm's length basis) for the WCG Note;

                  WHEREAS, Communications and its subsidiary, CG Austria. Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (collectively, the "Debtors") are debtors in possession,
having filed voluntary petitions on April 22, 2002, for relief pursuant to
chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. Sections 101-1330
(as amended, the "Bankruptcy Code"), whose cases are pending in the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy
Court") and procedurally consolidated under Case No. 02-11957 (the "Bankruptcy
Case"):

                  WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser
desires to purchase from Seller, the Claims (as defined below) and the WCG Note,
in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and
the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                         DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

         Section 1.01. DEFINITIONS. For all purposes of this Agreement, except
as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context clearly requires
otherwise, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

                  "ADP Claims" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(i).

                                       4
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                  "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other
Person which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries,
controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person
provided that, for the purposes of this definition, "control" (including with
correlative meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control
with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly
or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities
or partnership interests, by contract or otherwise.

                  "Agreement" shall mean this Purchase and Sale Agreement,
together with the Schedules and Exhibits hereto, as amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time,

                  "Applicable Law" shall mean any applicable law, regulation,
rule, order, judgment or decree.

                  "April Agreement" shall mean the agreement dated as of April
19, 2002 by and among Debtors, WCL, certain Subsidiaries of WCG, certain
Bondholders and certain Lenders, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time.

                  "Asset Defeasance Program" shall mean the transactions
pursuant to which WCL leased certain property from State Street Bank and Trust
Company of Connecticut, National Association, as trustee, as set forth in (i)
the Amended and Restated Participation Agreement, dated as of September 2, 1998,
among Williams Communications, Inc., State Street Bank and Trust Company of
Connecticut. National Association. as trustee and various other parties named
therein, and (ii) the Operative Documents (as defined therein), as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

                  "Bank Agent" shall mean Bank of America, N.A., as agent under
the WCG Bank Facility.

                  "Bankruptcy Case" has the meaning Set forth in the recitals
hereof.

                  "Bankruptcy Code" has the meaning set forth in the recitals
hereof

                  "Bankruptcy Court" has the meaning set forth in the recitals
hereof

                  "Bankruptcy Rules" shall mean the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
Procedure, as the same are applicable to the Bankruptcy Case.

                  "Bondholders" shall mean the holders of the Senior Redeemable
Notes.

                  "Building Purchase" shall mean the purchase by WTC of all of
the Property for (i) Fifty Million Dollars ($50.000.000) in cash (subject to
adjustment as set forth in the agreements and documents evidencing the Building
Purchase), and (ii) the issuance by WTC and Communications (or, pursuant to the
terms of such agreement, Reorganized Communications), as makers, and WCL, as
guarantor, of a 10-year promissory note made payable to Williams Headquarters
Building Company, a Delaware corporation, in the amount of One Hundred Million
Dollars ($100,000,000) (reduced by the amount realized from the disposition or
refinancing of the outstanding Aircraft Dry Leases, dated September 13, 2001, or
the aircraft covered thereby, as set forth in the agreements and documents
evidencing the Building Purchase) with interest at the rate of 7% per annum, and
principal to be amortized until maturity on the basis of a 30-year schedule, the
payment of which shall be secured by a first lien mortgage and security interest
in and to the Property.

                                       5
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                  "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday,
Sunday or a day on which banks in New York City are authorized or obligated by
law or executive order to close or are otherwise generally closed.

                  "Causes of Action" shall mean all rights, claims, causes of
action, defenses, demands, rights to recover damages and debts from third
parties, and rights to enforce against third parties obligations and liabilities
of any kind or nature under contract, at law or in equity, known or unknown,
contingent or mature, liquidated or unliquidated, and all remedies with respect
thereto.

                  "Claims" shall mean the ADP Claims and the Pre-Spin Services
Claims.

                  "Claims Assignment" shall mean the Assignment of Claims to be
executed by Seller with respect to the ADP Claims and the Pre-Spin Services
Claims in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

                  "Claims Documents" shall mean all guarantees, security
agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, letters of credit, reimbursement
agreements, waivers, supplements, modifications and amendments and all other
documents and agreements evidencing (i) the ADP Claims and (ii) the Pre-Spin
Services Claims.

                  "Claims Exchange Consideration" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.11(a).

                  "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

                  "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

                  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

                  "Committee" shall mean the Official Committee of Unsecured
Creditors appointed in the Bankruptcy Case.

                  "Communications" has the meaning set forth in the recitals
hereof.

                  "Communications Investment" shall mean the investment by
Purchaser of One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($150,000,000) in Communications
or Reorganized Communications pursuant to the Investment Agreement.

                  "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean the Confidentiality
Agreement between Purchaser and Seller dated May 23, 2002, as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

                  "Confirmation Order" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.01(g).

                  "Debtors" has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

                  "Disclosure Statement" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.05(b).

                  "Excluded Claims" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

                  "February 23 Agreement" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.01.

                                       6
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                  "Final Order" shall mean (a) an order or judgment of the
Bankruptcy Court as to which the time to appeal, petition for certiorari, or
other proceedings for reargument or rehearing has expired and as to which no
appeal, petition for certiorari, or other proceedings for reargument or
rehearing shall then be pending or, (b) in the event that an appeal, petition
for certiorari, or for reargument or rehearing has been sought, such order of
the Bankruptcy Court shall have been affirmed by the highest court to which such
order was appealed or from which reargument or rehearing was sought, or
certiorari has been denied, and the time to take any further appeal, petition
for certiorari or other proceedings for reargument or rehearing shall have
expired; provided, that no order shall fail to be a Final Order solely because
of the possibility that a motion pursuant to Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure or Rule 7024 of the Bankruptcy Rules may be filed with respect
to such order.

                  "Governmental Entity" shall mean a court, arbitral tribunal,
administrative agency or commission or other governmental or other regulatory
authority or agency.

                  "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

                  "Indenture Trustee" shall mean Wells Fargo, N.A., a national
banking association, as successor to United States Trust Company of New York, a
New York banking corporation, as indenture trustee and securities intermediary
under the Trust Note Indenture.

                  "Investment Agreement" shall mean the investment agreement, of
even date herewith, by and among Purchaser, Communications and WCL, pursuant to
which Purchaser shall make the Communications Investment, a true and correct
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

                  "Issuer" shall mean WCG Note Trust, a special purpose
statutory business trust created under the laws of the state of Delaware.

                  "Issuer Trustee" shall mean Wilmington Trust Company, in its
capacity as Issuer's trustee.

                  "Lenders" shall mean the lenders under the WCG Bank Facility.

                  "Note Documents" shall mean the WCG Note, the WCG Note
Indenture, the Trust Note Indenture and all guarantees, security agreements,
mortgages, deeds of trust, letters of credit, remarketing and reimbursement
agreements, waivers, supplements, modifications and amendments and all other
documents and agreements evidencing (i) the WCG Note. (ii) the WCG Note
Indenture and (iii) the Trust Note Indenture.

                  "Person" shall mean a natural person, partnership,
corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company,
trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, Governmental Entity or other
entity or organization.

                  "Plan" shall mean the First Amended Chapter 11 Plan Of
Reorganization With Respect To The Debtors, dated as of July 26, 2002, a true
and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, as it may be amended
or modified from time to time with the consent of Seller and Purchaser.

                  "Plan Effective Date" shall mean the date on which the Plan is
consummated and becomes effective and binding in all material respects.

                                       7
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                  "Pre-Spin Services Agreement" shall mean the Administrative
Services Agreement by and between Seller and certain of its Subsidiaries on the
one hand, and Communications and certain of its Subsidiaries on the other hand,
dated September 30, 1999, as deferred pursuant to that certain letter agreement
dated April 23, 2001, and further deferred pursuant to that certain letter
agreement dated February 23, 2002.

                  "Pre-Spin Services Claims" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01(a)(ii).

                  "Property" shall mean all of the property covered by the
Master Lease Agreement, dated September 13, 2001 (including the building,
improvements, furniture and fixtures, and the parking garage, but excluding the
central plant.)

                  "Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

                  "Purchaser" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

                  "Reorganized Communications" shall mean any successor to
Communications under the Plan.

                  "SBC" shall mean SBC Communications Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

                  "Seller" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

                  "Senior Redeemable Notes" shall mean Communications' (i)
10.875% fixed rate notes due October 1, 2009, (ii) 10.70% fixed rate notes due
October 7, 2007, (iii) 11.70% fixed rate notes due August 1,2008 and (iv)
11.875% fixed rate notes due August 1, 2010.

                  "Services Agreements" shall mean (i) the Amended and Restated
Administrative Services Agreement between Seller and certain of its Subsidiaries
on the one hand, and Communications and certain of its Subsidiaries on the other
hand, effective April 23, 2001, (ii) the Supplemental Terms and Conditions to
the Master Administrative Services Agreement between Seller and certain of its
Subsidiaries on the one hand, and Communications and certain of its Subsidiaries
on the other hand and (iii) the several related Service Level Agreements set
forth on Schedule 2.02(a).

                  "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any
corporation or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of
which (a) at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by
their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors
or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other
organization is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by
any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its
Subsidiaries or (b) such Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person is a
general partner (excluding any such partnership where such Person or any
Subsidiary of such party does not have a majority of the voting interest in such
partnership).

                  "Tax Sharing Agreement" shall mean the Tax Sharing Agreement
entered into as of September 30, 1999, by and between Seller and Communications,
as amended and restated as of April 23, 2001.

                  "Transactions" shall mean all the transactions provided for or
contemplated by this Agreement.

                  "Trust Note Indenture" shall mean the Indenture dated as of
March 28, 2001, among the

                                       8
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Issuer, WCG Note Corp., Inc., a special purpose corporation organized under the
laws of the state of Delaware, as co-issuer of 8.25% Senior Secured Notes due
2004, and the Indenture Trustee.

                  "TWC Settlement Agreement" shall mean the agreement by and
among Seller, Debtors, the Committee and Purchaser compromising and settling
various disputes and issues between them and their respective Subsidiaries, a
true and correct copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

                  "TWC Settlement Order" shall mean the order of the Bankruptcy
Court, which may be the Confirmation Order, approving the TWC Settlement
Agreement, on terms that are acceptable to Purchaser and Seller.

                  "WCG" has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

                  "WCG Bank Facility" shall mean the Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of September 8, 1999, as amended, among WCL, as borrower,
Communications, as guarantor, the Bank Agent, the Lenders, The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as syndication agent, Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Lehman Brothers, Inc.,
as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners with respect to the Incremental
Facility referred to therein, and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Lehman Brothers.
Inc. and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., as co-documentation agents.

                  "WCG Note" shall mean the $1.5 Billion 8.25% Senior Reset Note
due 2008 issued by Communications to the issuer pursuant to the WCG Note
Indenture and the Participation Agreement (as defined in the Trust Note
Indenture).

                  "WCG Note Indenture" shall mean the Indenture dated as of
March 28, 2001, between Communications and United States Trust Company of New
York, a New York banking corporation, as trustee.

                  "WCL" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a)(i).

                  "WTC" shall mean Williams Technology Center, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.

         Section 1.02. Interpretation. When a reference is made in this
Agreement to a section, article, paragraph, exhibit or schedule, such reference
shall be to a section, article, paragraph, exhibit or schedule of this Agreement
unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

                  (a) Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including"
         are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the
         words "without limitation."

                  (b) The words "hereof", "herein" and "herewith" and words of
         similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to
         this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
         Agreement.

                  (c) The meaning assigned to each term defined herein shall be
         equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms of such
         term, and words denoting any gender shall include all genders. Where a
         word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms
         shall have a corresponding meaning.

                  (d) A reference to any party to this Agreement or any other
         agreement or document shall include such party's predecessors,
         successors and permitted assigns.

                                       9
<PAGE>
                  (e) A reference to any legislation or to any provision of any
         legislation shall include any amendment to, and any modification or
         re-enactment thereof, any legislative provision substituted therefor
         and all regulations and statutory instruments issued thereunder or
         pursuant thereto.

                  (f) References to Dollars or $ are to United States Dollars.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                 SALE OF CLAIMS

         Section 2.01. Sale of the Claims and the WCG Note. On the terms, and
subject to the conditions, set forth in this Agreement:

                  (a) Seller agrees to sell, assign, transfer and deliver to
         Purchaser on the Closing Date and Purchaser agrees to purchase from
         Seller on the Closing Date, all of Seller's right, title and interest
         in and to the Claims against WCG identified as follows:

                           (i) All Causes of Action of Seller, together with all
                  collateral therefor and proceeds thereof, arising from
                  Seller's guaranty of the obligations of Williams
                  Communications, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and
                  a wholly owned Subsidiary of Communications ("WCL"), under the
                  Asset Defeasance Program, the provision of other financial
                  accommodations in connection therewith and the payment of
                  WCL's obligations thereunder pursuant to the agreements set
                  forth on Schedule 2.01(a)(i) (the "ADP Claims"): and (ii) All
                  Causes of Action of Seller, together with all collateral
                  therefor and proceeds thereof, arising from the Pre-Spin
                  Services Agreement (the "Pre-Spin Services Claims").

                  (b) Seller, in its capacity as agent of the Indenture Trustee
         under the Trust Note Indenture, agrees to sell, assign, transfer and
         deliver to Purchaser on the Closing Date and Purchaser agrees to
         purchase from Seller (in its capacity as agent of the Indenture Trustee
         under the Trust Note Indenture) on the Closing Date, all of the
         Issuer's right, title and interest in and to the WCG Note.

         Section 2.02. Excluded Claims. It is expressly understood and agreed
that the Claims shall not include any other claims or assets, including, without
limitation, the Causes of Action of Seller and its Affiliates under the
following agreements (the "Excluded Claims"):

                  (a) the Services Agreements;

                  (b) the Tax Sharing Agreement;

                  (c) the Amended and Restated Employee Benefits Agreement with
         WCG, dated April 23, 2001;

                  (d) the Trademark License Agreement and the Cross-License
         Agreement, both effective as of April 23, 2001 between Seller and WCG;
         and

                  (e) the Relocation Services Agreement with WCG, effective as
         of January 2, 2002.

                                       10
<PAGE>

         Section 2.03. Closing Payment. In consideration for the purchase by
Purchaser of the Claims and the WCG Note, on the Closing Date Purchaser shall
pay to Seller (or such other party or parties as Seller shall direct) One
Hundred Eighty Million Dollars ($180,000,000) in the aggregate (the "Purchase
Price") in cash.

         Section 2.04. Closing. The sales referred to in Section 2.01 (the
"Closing") shall take place at 10:00 A.M., New York time, at the offices of
White & Case LLP, 1155 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036,
simultaneously with the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set
forth in Article V hereof, or at such other time and date as Seller and
Purchaser shall agree ("Closing Date").

         Section 2.05. Deliveries by Seller. At the Closing, Seller shall
deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser (unless previously delivered), the
following:

                  (a) a duly executed Claims Assignment:

                  (b) the WCG Note, with an attached Transfer Notice in favor of
         Purchaser duly executed by the Issuer Trustee on behalf of the Issuer;
         and

                  (c) all other previously undelivered documents required by
         this Agreement to be delivered by Seller to Purchaser at or prior to
         the Closing in connection with the Transactions.

         Section 2.06. Deliveries by Purchaser. At the Closing, Purchaser shall
deliver to Seller (unless previously delivered), the following:

                  (a) the Purchase Price by wire transfer of immediately
         available funds to the account or accounts identified by Seller at
         least two Business Days prior to the Closing Date;

                  (b) a duly executed Claims Assignment; and

                  (c) all other previously undelivered documents required by
         this Agreement to be delivered by Purchaser to Seller at or prior to
         the Closing in connection with the Transactions.

         Section 2.07. Purchase Price Allocation. Seller and Purchaser agree to
allocate the Purchase Price to be paid for the Claims and the WCG Note as
follows:

                  (a) One Hundred Eleven Million Seven Hundred Seventy Five
         Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Six Dollars and Seventy Three Cents
         ($111,775,556.73) for the WCG Note;

                  (b) Sixty Million Thirty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Five
         Dollars and Eighty Cents ($60,039,655.80) for the ADP Claims; and

                  (c) Eight Million One Hundred Eighty Four Thousand Seven
         Hundred Eighty Seven Dollars and Forty Seven Cents ($8,184,787.47) for
         the Pre-Spin Services Claims.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Section 3.01. Representations of Seller. Seller represents and warrants
to Purchaser as follows:

                  (a) Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
         and in good standing under the laws of the state of Delaware;

                  (b) Seller has the requisite power and authority to execute
         and deliver this Agreement and any other agreements or instruments
         contemplated by this Agreement to be executed by it and to perform its
         obligations hereunder and thereunder, including, without limitation, to
         act as agent of the Indenture Trustee under the Trust Note Indenture
         with respect to the sale of the WCG Note;

                  (c) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Seller and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable
against Seller in accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, and
other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, general
equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)
and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;

                  (d) When executed and delivered as provided in this Agreement,
each other agreement and instrument contemplated hereby to be executed by Seller
will be a valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in
accordance with its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws
relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, general equitable
principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and an
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;

         (e) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other
agreements and instruments contemplated by this Agreement to be executed by
Seller, the consummation by Seller of the Transactions or compliance by Seller
with any of the provisions hereof or thereof will (i) conflict with or
constitute a breach of or default under any of Seller's charter or bylaws, (ii)
result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any third-party right of
termination, cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under, any
note, loan agreement, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, contract, commitment,
arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument or obligation of any
kind (including any of the foregoing relating to the Claims or the WCG Note) to
which Seller is a party or by which Seller or any of its properties or assets
may be bound, (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment,
statute, rule or regulation applicable to Seller or any of its properties or
assets or (iv) require any order, consent, approval or authorization of, or
notice to, or declaration, filing, application, qualification or registration
with, any Governmental Entity, except with respect to the foregoing clauses
(ii)-(iv), as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to
consummate the Transactions;

         (f) As of the Closing Date, and upon the assignment and assumption of
the Claims and the transfer of the WCG Note, (i) Seller will have transferred to
Purchaser all of Seller's right, title and interest in and to the Claims and
(ii) Seller, in its capacity as agent of the Indenture Trustee under the Trust
Note Indenture, will have transferred to Purchaser all of the Issuer's right,
title and interest in and to the WCG Note;

         (g) As of April 22, 2002, (i) the ADP Claims had a nominal value of
Seven Hundred Fifty Three Million Eight Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand One Hundred
and Twenty Eight Dollars and Fifty Cents ($753,867,128.50), plus the right to
accrued and unpaid interest; (ii) the Pre-Spin Services Claims had a nominal
value of One Hundred Eight Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($108,250,000), plus the right to accrued and unpaid interest; and (iii) the WCG
Note had a face value of One Billion Five Hundred Million Dollars
($1,500,000,000):

                                       12
<PAGE>

         (h) Correct and complete copies of all of the material Claims Documents
and material Note Documents have been delivered to Purchaser prior to the date
hereof;

         (i) No broker, finder or other Person acting under Seller's authority
is entitled to any broker's commission or other fee in connection with the
Transactions for which Purchaser could be responsible; and

         (j) Except for the representations and warranties contained in this
Section 3.01, neither Seller nor any other Person makes any other express or
implied representation or warranty to Purchaser.

         Section 3.02. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser hereby represents
and warrants to Seller as follows:

                  (a) Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly
         existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of New York;

                  (b) Purchaser has the requisite power and authority to execute
         and deliver this Agreement and any other agreements or instruments
         contemplated by this Agreement to be executed by Purchaser and to
         perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder;

                  (c) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
         Purchaser and this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
         obligation of Purchaser, enforceable against Purchaser in accordance
         with its terms subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency,
         fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar
         laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, general
         equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or
         at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing;

                  (d) When executed and delivered as provided in this Agreement,
         each other agreement and instrument contemplated hereby to be executed
         by Purchaser will be a valid and binding obligation of Purchaser,
         enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms, subject to
         the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
         reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws relating to or
         affecting creditors' rights generally, general equitable principles
         (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied
         covenant of good faith and fair dealing;

                  (e) None of the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
         any other agreements or instruments contemplated by this Agreement to
         be executed by Purchaser, nor the consummation by Purchaser of the
         Transactions or compliance by Purchaser with any of the provisions
         hereof or thereof will (i) conflict with or constitute a breach of or
         default under any of its charter or bylaws. (ii) result in a violation
         or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or
         both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
         cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under, any note,
         loan agreement, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, contract,
         commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
         or obligation of any kind to which Purchaser is a party or by which
         Purchaser or any of its properties or assets may be bound, (iii)
         violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or
         regulation application to Purchaser or any of its properties or assets
         or (iv) except for applicable requirements of the HSR Act, require any
         order, consent, approval or authorization of, or notice to, or
         declaration, filing, application, qualification or registration with,
         any Governmental Entity, except with respect to the foregoing clauses
         (ii)-(iv) as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
         expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Purchaser
         to consummate the Transactions;

                                       13
<PAGE>
                  (f) Purchaser (i) is a sophisticated Person with respect to
         the purchase of the Claims and the WCG Note, (ii) is able to bear the
         economic risk associated with the purchase of the Claims and the WCG
         Note, (iii) has adequate information concerning the business and
         financial condition of the Debtors and the status of the Bankruptcy
         Case to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of the Claims
         and the WCG Note, (iv) has such knowledge and experience, and has made
         investments of a similar nature, so as to be aware of the risks and
         uncertainties inherent in the purchase of rights and assumption of
         liabilities of the type contemplated in this Agreement and (v) has
         independently and without reliance upon Seller, and based on such
         information as Purchaser has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis
         and decision to enter into this Agreement, except that Purchaser has
         relied upon Seller's express representations and warranties in this
         Agreement. Purchaser acknowledges that Seller has not given Purchaser
         any investment advice, credit information or opinion on whether the
         purchase of the Claims and the WCG Note is prudent;

                  (g) No broker, finder or other Person acting under Purchaser's
         authority is entitled to any broker's commission or other fee in
         connection with the Transactions for which Seller could be responsible;

                  (h) Purchaser has and will have on the Closing Date sufficient
         funds available to it to pay the Purchase Price and all contemplated
         fees and expenses of Purchaser related to the Transactions; and

                  (i) Except for the representations and warranties contained in
         this Section 3.02, neither Purchaser nor any other Person makes any
         other express or implied representation or warranty to Seller.

         Section 3.03. Survival. All the representations and warranties of
Seller and Purchaser set forth in this Article III shall survive the Closing.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                            COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

         Section 4.01. February 23. 2002 Letter. Purchaser hereby agrees to be
bound by Seller's obligations under the Letter Agreement dated February 23,
2002, between Seller and WCG (the "February 23 Agreement"), including, without
limitation, paragraphs 1 and 4(e) thereof, with respect to the Claims, the WCG
Note and the Excluded Claims.

         Section 4.02. Communications Investment. Purchaser agrees to use its
commercially reasonable best efforts to satisfy the terms and conditions of the
Investment Agreement.

         Section 4.03. No Shop. During the period from the date of this
Agreement to the earlier of (i) the Closing Date and (ii) the date this
Agreement is terminated, Seller and its Subsidiaries shall not, and shall use
their reasonable best efforts to cause each of their respective directors,
officers and agents (including, financial advisors) not to (i) directly or
indirectly, initiate or solicit proposals or offers from any Person, other than
Purchaser (and its Affiliates and representatives), relating to any acquisition
or purchase of all or a portion of the Claims or the WCG Note or (ii)
participate in any negotiations or furnish any information with respect to, or
facilitate any effort or attempt by any other Person to do or seek any of the
foregoing.

                                       14
<PAGE>

         Section 4.04. Impairment. (a) Seller covenants and agrees that from and
after the date of this Agreement Seller shall not, and shall cause its
Affiliates not to, knowingly take any action or fail to take action that could
reasonably be expected to (i) impair materially the Claims or the WCG Note or
(ii) adversely affect in a material way the Plan; and

         (b) Purchaser covenants and agrees that from and after the date of this
Agreement, Purchaser shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, knowingly
take any action or fail to take action that could reasonably be expected to (i)
impair materially the Excluded Claims or (ii) adversely affect in a material way
the Plan.

         Section 4.05. Purchaser Support of Plan and TWC Settlement Agreement.
(a) To the extent Purchaser is or becomes a creditor of the Debtors, or
otherwise has standing in the Bankruptcy Case, Purchaser shall (i) support and
not oppose, the Plan, (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as
expeditiously as possible, the confirmation and consummation of the Plan and
(iii) support the approval by the Bankruptcy Court of the TWC Settlement
Agreement and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain entry of the TWC
Settlement Order.

                  (b) Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (1)
cause the Plan and a disclosure statement with respect to the Plan (the
"Disclosure Statement") to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court as expeditiously
as practicable, (2) seek to obtain entry of an order approving the Disclosure
Statement as containing "adequate information" as required by section 1125 of
the Bankruptcy Code as expeditiously as possible, (3) facilitate the
solicitation of votes on the Plan, (4) obtain entry of the Confirmation Order,
and (5) cause the Plan Effective Date to occur on or before February 28, 2003.

                  (c) Regardless of whether the Purchaser is a creditor of the
Debtors or is a proponent of the Plan, Purchaser shall not (1) object to the
Plan, (2) vote against the Plan, (3) take any action that would delay the
confirmation and consummation of the Plan, (4) solicit, encourage, entertain, or
engage in any inquiries, discussions, offers, proposals, or enter into any
agreements, arrangement or understandings, relating to any other chapter 11 plan
with respect to the Debtors or any transaction involving the Debtors or their
assets that is inconsistent with the Plan and the transactions contemplated
hereby, (5) consent to, support or participate in the formulation of any chapter
11 plan for the Debtors other than the Plan, (6) encourage or support in any
fashion any Person to vote against or object to the Plan, or (7) take any action
directly or indirectly for the purpose of delaying, preventing, frustrating or
impeding acceptance, confirmation and consummation of the Plan.

         Section 4.06. Seller Support of Plan. (a) Seller shall support and not
oppose, the Plan, and shall be commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as
expeditiously as possible, the confirmation and consummation of the Plan.

                  (b) Seller shall not (1) object to the Plan, (2) vote against
the Plan, (3) take any action that would delay the confirmation and consummation
of the Plan, (4) solicit, encourage, entertain, or engage in any inquiries,
discussions, offers, proposals, or enter into any agreements, arrangement or
understandings, relating to any other chapter Il plan with respect to the
Debtors or any transaction involving the Debtors or their assets that is
inconsistent with the Plan and the transactions contemplated hereby, (5) consent
to, support or participate in the formulation of any chapter 11 plan for the
Debtors other than the Plan, (6) encourage or support in any fashion any Person
to vote against or object to the Plan, or (7) take any action directly or
indirectly for the purpose of delaying, preventing, frustrating or impeding
acceptance, confirmation and consummation of the Plan.

                                       15
<PAGE>
         Section 4.07. Voting. Until the Closing Date, Seller shall have sole
authority to exercise all voting and other rights and remedies with respect to
the Claims, the WCG Note (in its capacity as agent of the Indenture Trustee
under the Trust Note Indenture) and the Plan, and Purchaser shall have no right
to act as agent for Seller in respect of any matter relating to the Claims, the
WCG Note or the Plan; provided, that Seller agrees not to exercise such voting
and other tights and remedies in a manner inconsistent with the terms of this
Agreement; and provided, further, that to the extent practicable, prior to
exercising any such voting or other rights or remedies, Seller shall notify
Purchaser of any such proposed exercise.

         Section 4.08. Seller Rights. Except as specifically provided in this
Agreement, nothing shall restrict the right, power or ability of Seller to take
any action it deems necessary or appropriate to protect its interests,
including, without limitation, with respect to any Causes of Action that (i) WCG
or any other Person may have against Seller or any of its Affiliates, or (ii)
relate to the Claims or the WCG Note.

         Section 4.09. Non-assumption of Liabilities. It is expressly agreed
that Purchaser is not assuming any of Seller's obligations or liabilities to WCG
as a result of the Transactions.

         Section 4.10. Condition of Claims and WCG Note. PURCHASER AGREES THAT
THE CLAIMS AND THE WCG NOTE BEING SOLD HEREUNDER ARE BEING SOLD WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WHATSOEVER (EXPRESS OR IMPLIED), EXCEPT AS
SPECIFICALLY STATED HEREIN AND THAT, EXCEPT FOR SUCH REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES, THE SALE OF THE CLAIMS BY SELLER AND OF THE WCG NOTE BY SELLER IN
ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT OF THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE UNDER THE TRUST NOTE INDENTURE TO
PURCHASER IS MADE ON AN "AS IS, WHERE IS" BASIS, WITH ALL DEFECTS AND
IMPAIRMENTS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, MATURE OR LATENT,
WHICH MAY AFFECT THE AMOUNT, PRIORITY, VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY, ALLOWABILITY OR
RECOVERY OF SUCH CLAIMS OR THE WCG NOTE IN THE BANKRUPTCY CASE (INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE AMOUNT OF EQUITY RECEIVED UNDER THE PLAN) OR OTHERWISE;
SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, IN EITHER ITS INDIVIDUAL
CAPACITY OR ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT OF THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE UNDER THE TRUST NOTE
INDENTURE, REGARDING THE AMOUNT, VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY OR ALLOWABILITY OF THE
CLAIMS OR THE WCG NOTE, AND PURCHASER ASSUMES ALL RISKS WITH RESPECT THERETO
(AND SHALL HAVE NO RIGHT, CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR REMEDY AGAINST SELLER
THEREFOR).

         Section 4.11. Make-Whole Provision (a) Purchaser hereby agrees that, if
within one year of the Closing Date, Purchaser or any of its Affiliates directly
or indirectly sells, exchanges or disposes of (or enters into an agreement or
agreements with respect thereto) the Claims and/or the WCG Note or any
consideration received in exchange therefor pursuant to a chapter 11 plan with
respect to Communications (including, without limitation, any equity or debt
security of any Person (the "Claims Exchange Consideration")), or receives a
dividend, payment or similar distribution from Communications, Reorganized
Communications, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any successors thereof
as a consequence of a sale of assets of, or transaction involving,
Communications, Reorganized Communications, any of their respective Subsidiaries
or any successors thereof (or enters into an agreement or agreements with
respect thereto) resulting in an aggregate payment to Purchaser and/or its
Affiliates of greater than One Hundred Eighty Million Dollars ($180,000,000) (it
being expressly agreed that Fifty Four and Fifty Four Hundredths Percent
(54.54%) of (i) the proceeds of each sale, exchange or other disposition by
Purchaser and/or any of its Affiliates of any equity or debt security of any
Person received by Purchaser and/or any of its Affiliates during such year in
conjunction with or pursuant to a

                                       16
<PAGE>
chapter 11 plan with respect to Communications and (ii) each dividend, payment
or similar distribution received by Purchaser from Communications, Reorganized
Communications, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any successors thereof
during such year as a consequence of a sale of assets of, or transaction
involving, Communications, Reorganized Communications or any of their respective
Subsidiaries or any successors thereof, shall be allocated to the Claims
Exchange Consideration for purposes of determining any payment(s) due Seller
under this Section 4.11), Purchaser shall, within three (3) Business Days of the
consummation of such transaction, pay to Seller in immediately available funds
(except as provided in Section 4.11(b)) to an account designated by Seller in
writing, an amount equal to the product of (x) Fifty Percent (50%) multiplied by
(y) the excess of the aggregate payment over One Hundred Eighty Million Dollars
($180,000,000); provided, that such payment shall be allocated pro rata among
the Claims and the WCG Note in proportion to their allocated portion of the
Purchase Price in Section 2.07; and, provided, further, that with respect to the
portion of such payment attributable to the WCG Note or any consideration
received in exchange therefor pursuant to a chapter 11 plan with respect to
Communications, Seller will receive such payment in its capacity as the agent of
the Indenture Trustee under the Trust Note Indenture. Purchaser agrees that it
will notify Seller in writing within three (3) Business Days of entering into a
transaction or agreement of the type set forth in this Section 4.11.

         (b) In the event the consideration received or to be received by
Purchaser in a transaction of the type set forth in Section 4.11(a) is to be
paid in whole or in part other than in Dollars, for purposes of Section 4.11(a),
the value of such consideration shall be mutually agreed between Purchaser and
Seller. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event
Purchaser receives non-Dollar consideration in a transaction of the type set
forth in Section 4.11(a), unless otherwise agreed between Purchaser and Seller
in accordance with the previous sentence, any payment by Purchaser to Seller
under Section 4.11(a) shall be made pro rata (based on the amount of non-Dollar
consideration relative to the amount of Dollar consideration received by
Purchaser in such transaction(s)) in such non-Dollar consideration.

         Section 4.12. HSR Act. Purchaser agrees to cause to be made all
appropriate filings under the HSR Act with respect to the Transactions as soon
as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement and to diligently
pursue termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act.

         Section 4.13. Covenant to Satisfy Conditions. Each party hereto agrees
to use all commercially reasonable best efforts to insure that the conditions
set forth in Article V hereof are satisfied, insofar as such matters are within
the control of such party.

         Section 4.14. Further Assurances. Each party shall execute and deliver
such other documents and instruments and take such further actions, as may be
reasonably required by the other party in order to consummate the Transactions
contemplated hereby.

                                    ARTICLE V

                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         Section 5.01. Conditions to Purchaser's Obligation to Effect the
Closing. The obligation of Purchaser to consummate the Closing shall be subject
to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions, unless validly waived in writing by Purchaser:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations
         and warranties of Seller set forth in this Agreement that are qualified
         as to materiality shall be true and correct and any such
         representations and warranties that are not so qualified shall be true
         and correct in all

                                       17
<PAGE>
         material respects, in each case as of the date hereof and as of the
         Closing Date, other than representations and warranties that speak as
         of a specific date or time (which need only be so true and correct as
         of such date or time).

                  (b) Seller's Performance of Covenants. Seller shall not have
         failed to perform in any material respect any obligation or to comply
         in any material respect with any agreement or covenant of Seller to be
         performed or complied with by it under this Agreement.

                  (c) Injunctions. On the Closing Date, there shall not be any
         injunction, writ, preliminary restraining order or other order in
         effect of any nature issued by a Governmental Entity of competent
         jurisdiction that restrains, prohibits or limits, in whole or in
         material part, the consummation of the Transactions.

                  (d) HSR Act. The applicable waiting period under the HSR Act
         with respect to the Transactions shall have expired or been terminated.

                  (e) SBC Consent. SBC (on behalf of itself and its Affiliates)
         shall have consented to (i) the April 23, 2001 transactions pursuant to
         which the stock in WCG held by Seller was dividended to Seller's
         shareholders and (ii) the transactions contemplated by the Plan and the
         Investment Agreement, such consents to be in form and substance
         reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser, with Purchaser's approval not to
         be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided, however, that this
         condition may be satisfied as to any of clauses (1) or (ii) if
         Purchaser seeks or directs Communications to seek and, subsequently, a
         court of competent jurisdiction shall have entered an order reasonably
         satisfactory to Purchaser providing that SBC does not have and will not
         have a right to terminate the Master Alliance Agreement between SBC and
         WCL, dated February 12, 1999 by reason of the transactions contemplated
         by clauses (i) or (ii), as applicable.

                  (f) Closing Deliveries. Seller shall have made all closing
         deliveries to Purchaser as set forth in Section 2.05.

                  (g) Confirmation of Plan. The Bankruptcy Court shall have
         entered an order (the "Confirmation Order"), confirming the Plan, which
         shall have become a Final Order, and the Plan shall have been
         consummated and become effective and binding on WCG and all creditors,
         interest holders and parties in interest.

The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Purchaser and may be waived
by Purchaser, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time in its sole
discretion.

         Section 5.02. Conditions to Seller's Obligation to Effect the Closing.
The obligation of Seller to consummate the Closing shall be subject to the
satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions, unless waived in writing by Seller:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties. All of the representations
         and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement that are
         qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct and any such
         representations and warranties that are not so qualified shall be true
         and correct in all material respects, in each case as of the date
         hereof and as of the Closing Date, other than representations and
         warranties that speak as of a specific date or time (which need only be
         so true and correct as of such date or time).

                  (b) Purchaser's Performance of Covenants. Purchaser shall not
         have failed to perform in any material respect any obligation or to
         comply in any material respect with any agreement or covenant to be
         performed or complied with by it under this Agreement.

                                       18
<PAGE>

                  (c) Injunctions. On the Closing Date, there shall not be any
         injunction, writ, preliminary restraining order or other order in
         effect of any nature issued by a Governmental Entity of competent
         jurisdiction that restrains, prohibits or limits, in whole or in
         material part, the consummation of the Transactions.

                  (d) Communications Investment. Purchaser shall have
         consummated the Communications Investment concurrently with the
         Closing.

                  (e) Closing Deliveries. Purchaser shall have made all closing
         deliveries to Seller as set forth in Section 2.06.

                  (f) Confirmation Order. The Bankruptcy Court shall have
         entered the Confirmation Order (which shall be reasonably satisfactory
         to Seller), which shall have become a Final Order, and the Plan (and
         all of the transactions contemplated thereby) shall have been
         consummated and become effective and binding on WCG and all creditors,
         interest holders and parties in interest.

                  (g) Building Purchase. The Building Purchase shall have been
         consummated or shall be consummated concurrently with the Closing.

                  (h) Settlement Order. The TWC Settlement Order shall have
         become a Final Order and all of the transactions contemplated thereby
         shall have been consummated.

The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of Seller and may be waived by
Seller, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to tune in its sole
discretion.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                   TERMINATION

         Section 6.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated or
abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date:

                  (a) By the mutual written consent of Purchaser and Seller:

                  (b) By Purchaser or Seller if any Governmental Entity with
         jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Agreement shall have
         issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action
         restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting in whole or in material
         part the consummation of the Transactions and such order, decree,
         ruling or other action shall have become a Final Order;

                  (c) By Purchaser or Seller if the Bankruptcy Court denies
         approval of the TWC Settlement Agreement, or, in. any event, if the TWC
         Settlement Order is not entered by October 15, 2002;

                  (d) By Purchaser or Seller in the event of a material breach
         of this Agreement by the other party, which breach shall be incapable
         of being cured or, if capable of being cured, shall not have been cured
         within thirty (30) days following receipt by the breaching party from
         the other party of written notice of such breach (specifying in
         reasonable detail the claimed breach and demand of its cure);

                                       19
<PAGE>

                  (e) By Seller in the event any of the conditions set forth in
         Section 5.02 becomes incapable of being satisfied on or before February
         28, 2003; and

                  (f) By Purchaser or Seller if the Closing has not occurred on
         or before February 28, 2003; unless the failure of such consummation
         shall be due to the failure of such party to comply in all material
         respects with the representations, warranties, agreements and covenants
         contained herein or to be performed by such party on or prior to
         February 28, 2003.

         Section 6.02. Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination or
abandonment of this Agreement by any party hereto pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other party
specifying the provision hereof pursuant to which such termination or
abandonment of this Agreement is made, and there shall be no liability or
obligation thereafter on the part of Purchaser or Seller except (A) as set forth
in Section 6.03, (B) for fraud and (C) for willful breach of this Agreement
prior to such termination or abandonment of the Transactions.

         Section 6.03. Liquidated Damages. In the event of the termination by
Purchaser of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.01(d) (provided that Purchaser
is not then in material breach of this Agreement), Seller shall, within three
(3) Business Days of such termination, pay to Purchaser in immediately available
funds to an account designated by Purchaser in writing Five Million Dollars
($5,000,000). The parties hereto expressly acknowledge and agree that, in light
of the difficulty of accurately determining actual damages with respect to the
foregoing upon any termination of this Agreement where a fee is or may become
payable in accordance with this Section 6.03, the right to payment: (i)
constitutes a reasonable estimate of the damages that will be suffered by reason
of any such proposed or actual termination of this Agreement, and (ii) shall be
in full and complete satisfaction of any and all damages arising from the
foregoing.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 7.01. Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions shall be paid by
the party incurring such expenses, except as specifically provided to the
contrary in this Agreement.

         Section 7.02. Extension: Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing, each
of the parties hereto may (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or acts of any other party hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in
the representations and warranties of any other party contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto, (iii) waive compliance with any of the
agreements of the other party contained herein, or (iv) waive any condition to
its obligations hereunder. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any
such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written
instrument signed on behalf of such party.

         Section 7.03. Transfer Taxes. In accordance with Section 1146(c) of the
Bankruptcy Code, the instruments transferring the Claims and the WCG Note to
Purchaser shall contain the following endorsement:

                  "Because this [instrument] has been authorized pursuant to
Order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New
York relating to a chapter 11 plan of Williams Communications Group, Inc. and
the order of the Honorable Burton R. Lifland, United

                                       20
<PAGE>
States Bankruptcy Judge, it is exempt from transfer taxes, stamp taxes or
similar taxes pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Section 1146(c)."

         Section 7.04. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when mailed, delivered personally,
telecopied (which is confirmed) or sent by an overnight courier service, such as
Federal Express, to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by such party by like notice):

                if to Purchaser to:

                Leucadia National Corporation
                315 Park Avenue South
                New York, NY 10010
                Attention:
                Facsimile:

                with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
                919 Third Avenue
                New York, NY 10022
                Attention:  Michael L. Cook, Esq.
                            Michael R. Littenberg, Esq.
                Facsimile:  (212) 593-5955

                if to Seller to:

                The Williams Companies, Inc.
                One Williams Center
                Tulsa, OK 74172
                Attention:  William von Glahn, Esq.
                            Brian Shore, Esq.
                Facsimile:  (918) 573-5942

                with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

                White & Case LLP
                1155 Avenue of the Americas
                New York, NY 10036
                Attention:  John Reiss, Esq.
                Facsimile:  (212) 354-8113

                and

                White & Case LLP
                First Union Financial Center
                200 South Biscayne Boulevard
                Miami, FL 33131-2352
                Attention:  Thomas E Lauria, Esq.
                Facsimile:  (305) 358-5744

                                       21
<PAGE>

                  or to such other address, telecopier number or person's
attention as a party may from time to time designate in writing in accordance
with this Section. Each notice or other communication given to any party hereto
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been
received (a) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by personal delivery or
telecopied, or (b) on the first Business Day after sending, if sent by overnight
delivery, properly addressed and prepaid or (c) upon receipt, if Sent by mail
(regular, certified or registered); provided, however, that notice of change of
address shall be effective only upon receipt. The parties agree that delivery of
process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in
connection with this Agreement in the manner provided in this Section 7.04, or
in such other manner as may be permitted by Applicable Law, shall be valid and
sufficient service thereof.

         Section 7.05. Entire Agreement: Amendment. This Agreement, the
Confidentiality Agreement and other schedules and exhibits hereto constitute the
entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and thereof and supersede and cancel all prior agreements, negotiations,
correspondence, undertakings, understandings and communications of the parties,
oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may
only be modified or amended by a written instrument executed by the parties
hereto.

         Section 7.06. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without giving
effect to the provisions thereof relating to conflicts of law).

         Section 7.07. Jurisdiction Purchaser and Seller each hereby irrevocably
and unconditionally submit to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any New York
State court or Federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York
City, and any appellate court from any thereof, but solely in any action or
proceedings to enforce this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a
final judgment in any such action or proceeding will be conclusive and may be
enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner
provided by law.

         Section 7.08. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts
and by facsimile, with the same effect as if all parties had signed the same
document. All such counterparts are to be deemed an original, construed together
and constitute one and the same instrument.

         Section 7.09. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement
that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, will, as to that
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms
and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of
any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If
any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the
provision will be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

         Section 7.10. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs of this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and not to affect the interpretation
hereof.

         Section 7.11. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor the rights or the
obligations of any party hereto are assignable in whole or in part (whether by
operation of law or otherwise), without the written consent of the other party
and any attempt to do so in contravention of this Section 7.11 will be void;
except that Purchaser may assign any or all of its rights (but not its
obligations) hereunder to any Affiliate of Purchaser; provided, that no such
assignment shall relieve Purchaser of its obligations hereunder.

                                       22
<PAGE>
         Section 7.12. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement, including the
representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement, shall
inure to the benefit of, be binding upon and be enforceable by and against the
parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

         Section 7.13. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely
for the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective successors and permitted
assigns, and the Persons identified as beneficiaries herein.

         Section 7.14. Publicity. The parties agree that until the Plan
Effective Date, or the date the Transactions are terminated or abandoned
pursuant to Article VI, neither Seller nor Purchaser nor any of their respective
Affiliates, shall issue or cause the publication of any press release or other
public announcement with respect to this Agreement or the Transactions or the
Plan without prior consultation with the other(s), except as may be (a) required
by Applicable Law, which shall include such filings and/or statements as any
party shall determine to be necessary or advisable in its reasonable judgment in
order to comply with its obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, or (b) appropriate to the Debtors' administration of the Bankruptcy
Case.

                                       23
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Purchaser have executed this Purchase
and Sale Agreement by heir duly authorized officers as of the date first set
forth above.

                                    THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.

                                    By:     /s/ Jack D. McCarthy
                                    Title:  Senior Vice President - Finance,
                                            Chief Financial Officer

                                   LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION

                                   BY:
                                      ---------------------------
                                    Name:
                                    Title:

                                       24
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Purchaser have executed this Purchase
and Sale Agreement by heir duly authorized officers as of the date first set
forth above.

                                           THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.

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

                                     LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION

                                     BY:  /s/ BARBARA L. LOWENTHAL
                                     Name:
                                     Title: Vice-President

                                       25<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.44

                    AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AMENDMENT (the "Amendment") to the Purchase and Sale
Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of July 26, 2002, is made as of this 15th
day of October, 2002, by and among Leucadia National Corporation, a New York
corporation ("Purchaser"), and The Williams Companies, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Seller"). All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall
have the meanings given to such terms in the Agreement.

         FOR good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions. (a) The following definitions are hereby added, in alphabetical
order to Section 1.01 of the Agreement:

                  "Escrow Agreement" means that certain escrow agreement,
         entered into as of October 15, 2002 among Purchaser, Seller, WilTel
         Communications Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and the Escrow Agent.

                  "Escrow Agent" means The Bank of New York, a New York banking
         institution.

         (b) The definition of "Building Purchase" in Section 1.01 of the
Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

                  "Building Purchase" means the purchase by WTC of all of the
         Property for an aggregate purchase price of One Hundred Fifty Million
         Dollars ($150,000,000) payable to Williams Headquarters Building
         Company as follows: (i) the issuance of a promissory note made by WTC
         and WCL, as co-issuers, and guaranteed by Reorganized Communications in
         the stated face amount of Seventy-Four Million Three Hundred Sixty
         Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Five Dollars and Thirty Cents
         ($74,360,295.30), which amount is payable in full on December 29, 2006
         and represents the original principal amount of Forty Four Million
         Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($44,800,000) (which sum reflects a
         $50,000,000 portion of the purchase price reduced by $5,200,000
         relating to the certain credits as set forth in the agreements and
         documents evidencing the Building Purchase) and accreted interest on
         the outstanding principal commencing at the rate of 10% per annum
         through December 31, 2003, and increasing each calendar year thereafter
         by 2% per annum until the maturity date of December 29, 2006, and (ii)
         the issuance of a promissory note made by WTC and WCL, as co-issuers,
         and guaranteed by Reorganized Communications, in the amount of One
         Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) with interest at the rate of 7%
         per annum, and principal to be amortized until maturity on the basis of
         a 30-year schedule, with the entire outstanding principal balance and
         accrued but unpaid interest thereon due and payable in full on the date
         which is seven and one half (7 1/2) years from the date of Closing. The
         payment of each promissory note referred to in clauses (i) and (ii)
         above, is secured by a first lien mortgage and security interest in and
         to the Property and a second lien on certain pledged collateral subject
         to Permitted Encumbrances as defined in the Mortgage with Power of
         Sale, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases, Rents and Profits,
         Financing Statement and Fixture Filing date as of October 15, 2002 made
         by Williams Technology Center, LLC to Williams Headquarters Building
         Company.

<PAGE>
3. Closing Payment. Section 2.03 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
to read as follows:

                  In consideration for the purchase by Purchaser of the Claims
         and the WCG Note, on the Closing Date Purchaser shall pay to Seller (or
         such persons as Seller shall direct) One Hundred Eighty Million Dollars
         ($180,000,000) in the aggregate (the "Purchase Price"), by depositing
         the TWC Letter of Credit (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) into
         escrow pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement.

4. Make-Whole Provision. Section 4.11 is hereby amended by including the
following subsection (c):

                  (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing
         Sections 4.11(a) and (1), Sections 4.11(a) and (b) shall not be
         applicable, and shall have no further force and effect in connection
         with, and upon the release or cancellation of, the TWC Stock
         Certificate (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) pursuant to Section 5
         of the Escrow Agreement.

5. Conditions to Seller's Obligations to Effect the Closing. The parties hereby
agree that:

         (a) Section 5.02(d) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in
its entirety to read as follows:

                  Purchaser shall have consummated the Communications Investment
         by depositing the Company Letter of Credit (as defined in the Escrow
         Agreement) into escrow pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement
         concurrently with the Closing.

         (b) Section 5.02(g) of the Agreement shall be amended and restated in
its entirety to read as follows:

                  Concurrently with the Closing, the agreements, instruments,
         instructions and other documents relating to the Building Purchase
         shall have been deposited into escrow pursuant to the terms of the
         Escrow Agreement.

         (c) Section 5.02(h) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in
its entirety to read as follows:

                  The TWC Settlement Order shall have become a Final Order and
         all of the transactions contemplated thereby shall have been
         consummated, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
         Escrow Agreement.

6. General Provisions. This Amendment shall be deemed to be a part of the
Agreement, to the same extent as set forth therein in its entirety, and all
other terms and provisions of the Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect.

                                      -2-

                            [Signature Page follows]
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly
executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date and year first
written above.

                                         THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.

                                          By: /s/ JACK D. MCCARTHY
                                              --------------------------------
                                          Its: Senior Vice President and Chief
                                               Financial Officer

                                          LEUCADIA NATIONAL CORPORATION

                                          By: /s/ Joseph A. Orlando
                                              --------------------------------
                                          Its: Vice President & Chief
                                               Finance Officer

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