Document:

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                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

         THIS AGREEMENT OF LEASE is made as of the 21st day of August, 1996,
between MARION B. MERTEN and HAROLD A. MERTEN, JR., hereinafter jointly called
"Lessor," and CM ACQUISITION CORP., an Ohio corporation, hereinafter called
"Lessee."

         1. Demise of Premises. Lessor hereby demises and leases to Lessee and
Lessee hereby accepts and leases from Lessor, for the term and upon the terms
and condition hereinafter net forth, the real property described in Exhibit A
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference (hereinafter called
"Premises" or "Demised Premises"), together with all improvements now existing
thereon.

         2. Term and Renewal. The term of this lease shall be sixty (60) months
commencing on September 1, 1996, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2001,
both dates inclusive, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided or unless
renewed as hereinafter provided. Provided that Lessee shall have complied with
all the terms and conditions of this lease, Lessee shall have the option to
renew this lease for two (2) successive additional periods of sixty (60) months
each after the expiration of the original term or the first renewal term, as
applicable, on the same terms and conditions, except for increased rent as
provided in Section 3, as herein provided for the initial term. Such option to
renew shall be exercised by Lessee giving written notice to Lessor of its
exercise of an option at least six (6) months before the end of the original or
renewal term.

         3. Rent. Lessee shall pay to Lessor, as rental for the occupation and
use of the Premises for and during the original term hereof, a total rental of
$486,000.00 payable monthly in advance in equal installments of $8,100.00 each,
the first of such installments being payable on the lst day of September, 1996,
and the remaining installments being due and payable on the lst day of each
calendar month thereafter during the original term hereof. Lessee shall pay to
Lessor, as rental for the occupation and use of the Premises for and during the
first renewal term, if this lease in renewed, a total rental of $510,300.00
payable monthly in advance in equal installments of $8,505.00 each, and for and
during the second renewal term, if this lease is renewed for such term, a total
rental of $535,815.00 payable monthly in advance in equal installments of
$8,930.25 each. All rental shall be payable to Lessor at 7895 Shawnee Run Road,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243, or at such other place as Lessor may direct in writing.

         4. Net Rent. It is the intention of the Lessor and the Lessee that the
rent herein specified shall be net to the Lessor in each month during the term
of this lease; that all costs, expenses, and obligations of every kind relating
to the Demised Premise, except as may be specifically otherwise provided in this
Lease, which may arise or become due during the term of this lease shall be paid
by the Lessee; and that the Lessor shall be indemnified by the Lessee against
such costs, expenses and obligation. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing provision, the parties agree that:

         a. Lessee shall promptly pay all taxes and assessments against or
allocated to the Premises as and when they become due for tax periods after the
signing of this Lease. Lessee will pay all taxes and assessment levied against
the equipment, buildings, or other property which is now located on or which
Lessee may erect, install or have located on the Premises. Taxes for the current
year shall be prorated between Lessor and Lessee as of the date of commencement
of this Lease.

         b. In the event the Premises are assessed as a separate tax parcel and
Lessee fails to pay the entire real estate tax bill when due, Lessor may, but
shall not be obligated to, pay the tax bill and the amount so paid together with
interest at the rate of eighteen (181) percent per annum from the date of
payment shall be deemed additional rent due hereunder and shall be paid by
Lessee not later than the date the next installment of rent shall become due
hereunder.

         c. Lessee, at its own cost and expense, covenants and agrees to keep
the Premise, including any improvements and betterments now existing or which
may be made to the Premises, fully insured during the term of this lease against
loss or damage by fire and other casualty; such insurance to be written by an
insurance company or companies authorized to do business in the State of Ohio
for the full insurable replacement value of the Premises, including
improvements. Lessee covenants and agrees that Lessor and Lessee shall be named
as insured parties on such policies as their interest may appear, and that
Lessee shall procure endorsements on the policies required to be maintained by
it under the provisions of this paragraph wherein and whereby the insurance
company will agree that the Lessor will be given thirty (30) days' advance
written notice of any cancellation or reduction of insurance under any such
policy and that copies of all endorsements issued after the date of such policy
will be forwarded to Lesssor.

         In the event that Lessee fails to pay for such fire and other casualty
insurance when the premiums are due, Lessor may, but shall not be obligated to,
pay the premium necessary to prevent the lapse of existing policies or obtain
and pay the premium for replacement policies, and the amount so paid together
with interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p1
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                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

annum from the date of payment shall be deemed additional rent due hereunder and
shall be paid by Lessee not later than the date the next installment of rent
shall become due hereunder.

         5. Lien for Rent. Lessee covenants and agrees that Lessor shall have
and is hereby given a lien upon the leasehold estate herein created and upon all
of the property of Lessee of every kind and character which shall come upon the
Demised Premises at any time during the term of this lease or any extension
hereof to secure the payment of all of the rent and other sums whatsoever which
are or shall become due Lessor under the terms of this lease and such lien shall
be paramount to any other liens placed or suffered thereon by Lessee. For the
purpose of enforcing such lien, Lessor shall have and is hereby given the right
to distrain for all of such rent and other sums in the manner and form as
provided by the lawn of the State of Ohio. The lien and right given Lessor in
this paragraph shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights and
remedies which it now has or may hereafter have under this lease and the laws of
the State of Ohio.

         6. Construction and Alterations by Lessee. Lessee may after having
first obtained the written consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed and at Lessee's full cont and expense alter or
construct improvements upon the Demised Premises, or make alterations or site
improvements such as utility extensions, final grading, paving, curbs,
sidewalks, landscaping, etc., to the Demised Premises, such as may be necessary
or incidental to the purposes and uses for which the Premises are leased. All
such improvements shall become a part of the Demised Premises and shall be the
sole property of Lessor upon the termination of this Lease. Such alterations
shall not impair the roof, exterior brick and block walls, supporting walls or
foundations.

         a. Mechanic's and Material Liens. The Lessor shall not be liable for
any labor or materials furnished to the Lessee and the mechanic's or other lien
for such labor and materials shall not attach to or affect the Lessor's interest
Demised Premises. The Lessee hereby agrees to pay any mechanic's or other lien,
or to discharge any such lien by bond or deposit or provide an escrow deposit
sufficient for that purpose upon request of the Lessor, and failing to do so,
the Lessor may, without having an obligation to do so, upon giving fifteen (15)
days written notice to the Lessee, pay or discharge the same and the amount so
paid or deposited together with interest at the rate of eighteen (18%) percent
per annum shall be deemed additional rent due hereunder and payable when the
next installment of rent shall become due.

         b. The Lessee shall be responsible for obtaining all required licenses,
approvals or permits for any of the construction, alteration or installation
allowed by this lease. Lessee shall be solely responsible for all work in
connection with the alterations and construction and shall be solely responsible
for assuring that all work is completed in a good and workmanlike manner and in
conformity with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, including,
without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and shall indemnify and
hold Lessor harmless from any loss, cost or expense, including attorney fees,
in, arising out of, or relating to, Lessee's failure to comply with the
provisions of this paragraph 6.

         c. Upon full compliance with all terms hereof, and at the termination
hereof, Lessee shall have the right and obligation to remove any and all of its
furniture, furnishings, or equipment then located on the Premises and to dispose
of the same. Lessee agrees that such removal of personal property shall occur
prior to the termination or cancellation of this lease or any extension thereof.

         7. Permissible Use. The Lessee shall during the continuance of this
lease, conduct upon said Demised Premises a printing and/or office supply and
furniture business and shall neither use nor suffer the same to be used for any
other purpose without the prior written consent of the Lessor, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld. Lessee shall conduct and manage the Demised
Premises in proper and orderly manner and will not allow the Demised Premises or
any part thereof to be used for any illegal or immoral purpose and will not
carry on or permit upon said Demised Premises any offensive, noisy, or dangerous
trade, business, manufacture or occupation of a nuisance. Lessee shall not alter
the drainage of the Premises.

         Lessor hereby represents and warrants to the best of their knowledge
that (i) no "Hazardous Substances", as defined hereinafter, have been
discharged, dispersed, released, stored, treated, generated, disposed of or
allowed to escape on the Premises prior to the date of this Lease; (ii) the
operations of the business of The Merten Company (the "Company") on the Demised
Premises and the building in which it is conducted conform with all applicable
restrictive covenants, deeds and restrictions and all applicable Federal, state
and local laws, ordinances and regulations (including those relating to zoning
and environmental protection), and such buildings and operations do not encroach
upon, and are not encroached upon by, property of others; and all buildings or
operations of Company and the business that are subject to the Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, comply with employee working
conditions as prescribed by such Act; (iii) the Demised Premises have no
underground storage tanks, either empty or containing any liquid, including but
without limitation solvents, fuel or waste oil, on any premises used in its
business; (iv) Company has obtained all permits, licenses and other
authorizations and filed all notices which are required to be obtained or filed
by Company for the operation of its business on the Demised Premises under
Federal, state and local laws relating to pollution, protection of the
environment or waste

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p2
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                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

disposal ("Environment Laws"); (v) the Company is in compliance in all respects
(a) will all terms and conditions of all required permits, licenses and
authorizations; and (b) all other applicable limitations, restrictions,
conditions, standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations, schedules and
timetables contained in the Environmental Laws or contained in any law,
regulation, code, plan, order, decree, judgment, notice or demand letter issued,
entered, promulgated or approved there under; (vi) there are no past or present
events, conditions, circumstances, activities, practices, incidents, actions or
plans which may interfere with or prevent continued compliance in all respects,
or which may give rise to any common law or statutory liability, or otherwise
form the basis of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing or investigation,
based on or related to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling, or the emission,
discharge, release or threatened release into the environment, of any pollutant,
contaminant, waste or hazardous or toxic material with respect to the Demised
Premises, the Company or its businesses, properties or plants; and (vii) the
properties and plants of Company do not contain asbestos or PCBs in any form.

         The Lessor shall, at their expense, take all necessary remedial
action(s) in response to the presence of any "Hazardous Substances" (an defined
hereinafter) in, on, under or about the Premises which occurred prior to the
date of this lease. The Lessor shall be solely responsible for, and shall
indemnify and hold harmless the Lessee, its directors, officers, employees,
agents, successors and assigns from and against any loss, cost, expense or
liability of any kind directly or indirectly arising out of or attributable to
the use, generation, storage, release, threatened release, discharge, disposal,
or presence of Hazardous Substances in, on, under or about the Premises which
occurred prior to the date of this lease, including, without limitation: (i) all
foreseeable consequential damages; (ii) the costs of any required or necessary
repair, cleanup or detoxification of the Premises, and the preparation and
implementation of any closure, remedial or other required plans; and (iii) all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Lessee in connection with any of
the matters addressed in this paragraph, including but not limited to reasonable
attorney's fees and experts' fees.

         Lessee hereby represents and warrants that, except for materials
customarily used in Lessee's normal course of business which shall be used and
disposed of in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws and
regulations, no "Hazardous Substances", as defined hereinafter, will be
discharged, dispersed, released, stored, treated, generated, disposed of, or
allowed to escape on the Premises during the term of this lease or any renewal
hereof. For purposes of this lease, "Hazardous Substances" shall mean and
include those elements or compounds which are contained in the list of hazardous
substances adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
and the list of toxic pollutants designated by Congress or the EPA or defined by
or in or pursuant to The Comprehensive Environmental Remediation, Compensation
and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
("RCRA"), 42 U.S.C. *6901 et seq., 42 U.S.C. *9601 et seq., or any other
Federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order
or decree regulating, relating to, or imposing liability or standards of conduct
concerning any hazardous, toxic or dangerous waste, substance or material, as
now or at any time hereafter in effect. The Lessee shall, at its expense, take
all necessary remedial action(s) in response to the presence of any Hazardous
Substances in, on, under or about the Premises attributable to its occupancy
hereunder. The Lessee shall be solely responsible for, and shall indemnify and
hold harmless the Lessor, its directors, officers, employees, agents, successors
and assigns from and against any loss, cost, expense or liability of any kind
directly or indirectly arising out of or attributable to the use, generation,
storage, release, threatened release, discharge, disposal, or presence of
Hazardous Substances in, on, under or about the Premises during the term of this
lease or any renewal hereof, including, without limitation, all reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by the Lessor in connection with any of the matters
addressed in this paragraph, including but not limited to reasonable attorney's
fees and experts' fees.

         8. Condition/Maintenance of Premises. Lessor warrants and represents to
the best of their knowledge that at the commencement of this lease the Premises
shall be in compliance with all material laws, rules and regulation affecting
the Premises or its use and that there is no adverse fact known to Lessor
relating to the physical, mechanical or structural condition of the Premises or
any portion thereof which has not been specifically disclosed to Lessee and not
incurred by other than ordinary wear and tear. The Lessor shall at its own
expense maintain and make all necessary repairs and replacements to the
fundamental structure of the Demised Premises, meaning the roof, exterior brick
and block walls, supporting walls, and foundations, unless the need for same
shall be caused by the negligence of Lessee, its employees, agents or invitees.
Such repairs and replacements, interior and exterior, ordinary as well an
extraordinary, shall be made promptly as and when necessary. All other repairs
to or maintenance of the Demised Premises shall be made by Lessee at its sole
cost and expense, and shall be made promptly as and when necessary. All repairs
and replacements shall be in quality and class at least equal to the original
work. Upon written notice by one party to the other that such maintenance,
repairs or replacements which are the responsibility of the other party are
necessary, and the failure of said other party to effect such maintenance,
repairs or replacements or commence work thereon (which work will be duly
prosecuted) within fifteen (15) days after such written notice is given, the
party giving notice shall have the right to make such repairs or replacements as
are specified in the notice at the expense of the other party and obtain
reimbursement from said other party for the cost thereof, including but not
limited to the right of the Lessor to collect such costs as additional rent and
the right of the Lessee to set off such costs against rentals.

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                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

         9. Compliance with Laws. The Lessee at its sole expense shall comply
with all material laws, orders, and regulations of federal, state, county, and
municipal authorities, and with any direction of any public officer, pursuant to
law, which shall impose a duty upon the Lessor or the Lessee with respect to the
Demised Premises. The Lessee, at its sole expense, shall obtain all licenses or
permits which may be required for the conduct of its business within the
provisions of this Lease, or for the making of any permitted repairs,
alterations, improvements or additions, and the Lessor, where necessary, will
join with the Lessee in applying for all such permits or licenses.

         10. Utilities. Lessor warrants that there is electricity, gas,
telephone, water and sewer available at the Premises in quantities sufficient
for the present use of the Premises. Lessor shall not be required to furnish any
utility or similar service to the Premises, including but not limited to, steam,
gas, water, heat or electricity. Except when due to the negligence of Lessor,
Lessor shall not be liable for any failure of any utility service or for injury
to person (including death) or damage to property resulting from steam, gas,
water, heat, electricity, rain or snow which may flow or leak from any part of
the leased property or from any pipes, appliances or plumbing works, from the
street or subsurface or from any other place, or for interference with light or
other easements however caused. Lessee shall pay all charges for utility
service, including but not limited to, steam, gas, water, heat, electricity and
other services used in or about or supplied to the Premises and shall indemnify
Lessor against any liability on such account.

         11. Indemnity. Lessee during the term of this lease will indemnify
Lessor against and hold Lessor harmless from all claims, demands and/or causes
of action including all costs, expenses and attorneys fees of Lessor incident
thereto for (1) injury to or death of any person or loss of or damage to any
property, including the Premises, (2) failure by Lessee to perform any covenant
required to be performed by Lessee hereunder, (3) failure to comply with any
requirements of any governmental authority, (4) any mechanic's lien or security
agreement filed against the Premises, any equipment therein or any materials
used in the construction or alteration of any building or improvement thereon,
where such claims, demands, and/or cause of action arise from or are incidental
to the use of the Premises by Lessee, its officers, agents, servants, employees
and/or invitees.

         12. Insurance. Lessee agrees that it will, at its cost and expense,
obtain and keep in force and effect in the names of both Lessor and Lessee, as
their respective interests may appear, general liability insurance against any
and all claims for personal injury or property damage occurring in, upon or
about the Premises during the term of this lease. Such insurance shall be
maintained for the purpose of protecting Lessor and Lessee pursuant to the
indemnity contained in the foregoing Section 11, but shall not be in
satisfaction of the indemnity obligations stated herein, and shall have limits
of liability of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) for injuries to
any number of persons in any one accident or occurrence or for damage to
property in any one accident or occurrence. Lessee agrees that it will, at its
cost and expense, obtain and keep in force and effect in the names of Lessor and
Lessee, as their respective interests may appear, a standard fire and extended
coverage insurance policy or policies protecting the Premises from loss or
damage within the coverage of such insurance policy or policies for its full
insurable replacement value. Lessee will furnish to Lessor appropriate and
acceptable evidence of its compliance with the provisions of this paragraph,
such as certificates of insurance or copies of the policies. Such certificates
or policies shall provide that such insurance will not be cancelled or
materially amended unless thirty (30) days prior written notice of such
cancellation or amendment is given to Lessor. The minimum limits of the policies
of insurance required to be carried by Lessee under this Lease, shall be subject
to increase for the remaining term, if Lessor, in the exercise of it reasonable
judgment shall deem the same necessary for its adequate protection. Within sixty
(60) days after demand therefore by Lessor, Lessee, shall furnish Lessor with
evidence that it has complied with such demand for increased insurance.

         13. Eminent Domain. If all the Premises or a substantial portion
thereof is taken by condemnation or under the power of eminent domain, or sold
under the threat of the exercise of said power (all of which are herein called
condemnation"), then either party may at its option terminate this lease as of
the date the condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever occurs
first, after giving thirty (30) days written notice to the other party of the
exercising of such option.

         If any other taking (of the Premises or otherwise) adversely and
substantially affects Lessee's use, access, or rights of ingress or egress of or
to the Premises, then Lessee may elect to terminate this lease as of the date
the condemning authority takes possession. Lessee's election to terminate shall
be made in writing within thirty (30) days after Lessor has given Lessee written
notice of the taking (or in the absence of such notice, within fifteen (15) days
after the condemning authority has taken possession). If Lessee does not
terminate this lease in accordance with this section, this lease shall remain in
full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that
rent shall be reduced in the proportion that the area taken diminishes the value
and use of the Premises to Lessee. In addition, Lessor, at its expense, if the
lease is not terminated, shall promptly repair any damage to the Premises caused
by condemnation and restore the remainder of the Premises to the reasonable
satisfaction of Lessee.

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p4
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                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

         Any award or payment made upon condemnation of all or any part of the
Premises shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award or payment made as
compensation for the taking of the fee or as severance damages; provided Lessee
shall be entitled to seek an award or payment for loss of or damage to Lessee's
trade fixtures, removable personal property, and additions, alterations and
improvements made to the Premises by Lessee, and for its loss of business or any
other consequential or special damages, such as Lessee's relocation and moving
expenses, provided that such award does not impair Lessor's ability to recover
its claim or the amount thereof. Lessor shall give notice to Lessee within ten
(10) days after receipt of notification from any condemning authority of its
intention to take all or a portion of the Premises. Notwithstanding anything,
expressed or implied, to the contrary contained in this Lease, Lessee, at its
own expense, may in good faith contest any such award for loss of or damage to
Lessee's trade fixtures, removable personal property, and additions, alterations
and improvements made to the Premises by Lessee, and for its loss of business or
any other consequential or special damages, such as Lessee's relocation and
moving expenses

         14. Fire or Other Casualty Losses. In the event the Premises are
damaged or destroyed or rendered partially untenantable for their then use by
fire or other casualty without the fault of Lessee, Lessor shall repair and/or
rebuild the same as promptly as possible, provided that the proceeds from
Lessee's insurance policies are available to Lessor and sufficient in amount to
fully pay all costs of repair or rebuilding. Lessor's obligation hereunder is
merely to restore the Premises to substantially the same condition as existed
immediately prior to the happening of the casualty and shall not extend to the
repair or replacement of any improvements, additions, fixtures, installations or
exterior signs of the Lessee. If as a result of such partial destruction or
damage there is substantial interference with the operation of Lessee's business
in the Premises, the rent payable under this lease shall be abated in the
proportion that the portion of the Premises destroyed or rendered untenantable
bears to the total Premises. Such abatement shall continue for the period
commencing with such damage or destruction and ending with the completion by the
Lessor of the work of repair and/or reconstruction, if Lessor is obligated to
complete such work. If the damage or casualty was caused by the negligence or
fault of the Lessee, its employees, agents or invitees, there shall be no
abatement of rent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that fifty
percent (50%) or more of the Premises or fifty percent (5O%) or more of the
building situate on the Premises are destroyed or rendered untenantable by fire
or other casualty, either party shall have the option to terminate this lease
effective as of the date of such casualty and Lessor may in such event retain
the casualty insurance proceeds. The terminating party shall give the other
party notice of termination within forty-five (45) days after the happening of
such casualty. If neither party elects to terminate this lease, Lessor shall
repair and/or rebuild the Premises as promptly an possible as set forth above,
subject to any delay from causes beyond its reasonable control and the terms of
this lease shall continue in full force and effect, subject to equitable
abatement of rent as set forth above and subject to the insurance proceeds
covering the cost of such repair and/or rebuilding.

         15. Assignment or. Subletting. Lessee shall not assign, transfer,
mortgage, or pledge this lease and will not sublet the Premises or any part
thereof without first obtaining the Lessor's written approval, which shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessor reserves the right to sell its
interest in the Premises and to assign or transfer this lease upon the condition
that in such event this lease shall remain in full force and effect, subject to
the performance by Lessee of all the terms, covenants and condition on its part
to be performed, and upon the further condition that such assignee or transferee
(except an assignee or transferee merely for security) agrees to be bound to
perform all terms, covenants and conditions of this lease. Upon any such sale,
assignment or transfer, other than merely as security, Lessee agrees to look
solely to the assignee or transferee with respect to all matters in connection
with this lease and Lessor shall be released from any further obligations
hereunder.

         16. Events of Default by Lessee. In the event that the rent, or any,
part thereof, of any additional rental or other payment shall not be paid on any
day when such payment is due and such default shall continue for a period of ten
(10) days after written notice by Lessor to Lessee; or if Lessee should fail in
the performance of, breach or permit the violation of any of the covenants,
conditions, terms, or provisions contained in this lease which on the part of
the Lessee ought to be observed, performed or fulfilled and shall fail to cure
or make good such failure, breach or violation within thirty (30) days after
written notice and demand from Lessor; or if the Demised Premises or any part
thereof shall be abandoned; or if Lessee shall be disposed therefrom by or under
the authority of anyone other than Lessor; or if Lessee shall file any petition
or institute any proceeding under an insolvency or bankruptcy act (or any
amendment or addition thereto hereafter made) seeking to effect an arrangement
or its reorganization or composition with its creditors; or if in any
proceedings based on the insolvency of Lessee or relating to bankruptcy
proceedings, a receiver or trustee shall be appointed for Lessee or the Demised
Premises and be not discharged within ninety (90) days or if the Lessee's estate
created hereby shall be taken in execution or by any process of law; or if
Lessee shall admit in writing its inability to pay its obligations generally as
they become due, then, at the option of Lessor, this lease and everything herein
contained on the part of the Lessor to be kept and performed shall cease,
terminate and be at an end, and Lessor shall be entitled to have again and
repossess the Premises as its former estate and Lessee shall be put out. This
remedy of forfeiture shall be deemed cumulative and in addition to all other
remedies provided by law. In the event Lessor exercises its option to terminate
this lease, repossess the Premises and put Lessee out as

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                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

herein provided, this shall not relieve Lessee from its obligations to pay rent
provided to be paid herein for the remainder of the term of this lease and
Lessee shall remain liable to Lessor for any costs or expenses incurred by
Lessor in reletting the Premises and for the difference between the rent
received upon such reletting and the rent herein specified to be paid by Lessee
for the term hereof.

         17. Surrender of Premises. Upon expiration of the term of this Lease or
any renewal term, or the sooner termination of this Lease or repossession of the
Premises as herein provided, the Lessee shall peaceably surrender possession of
the Premises in as good order and condition as they now are, reasonable wear and
tear excepted, and shall deliver all keys to the Premises to Lessor.

         18. Right of Access of the Lessor. The Lessee further covenants and
agrees that the Lessor may have access to the Demised Premises at all reasonable
times and upon reasonable notice for the purpose of the examining or exhibiting
the same for sale.

         19. Notices. All notices permitted or required to be given hereunder
shall be effectual if in writing signed by the party given notice and sent by
certified or registered U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the other parties at the
following addresses:

                  Lessor:   Mr. and Mrs. Harold A. Merten, Jr.
                               7895 Shawnee Run Road
                               Indian Hill, Ohio 45243

                  Copy to:  Thomas H. Clark, Esq.
                               441 Vine Street, Suite 1136
                               Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

                  Lessee:   CM Acquisition Corp.
                               c/o Champion Industries, Inc.
                               P. O. Box 2968
                               Huntington, West Virginia 25728

                  Copy To:  Thomas J. Murray, Esq.
                               611 Third Avenue
                               P. O. Box 2185
                               Huntington, West Virginia 25722

         20. Broker. Lessee and Lessor covenant, warrant and represent that
there was no broker instrumental in consummating this lease and that no
conversations or prior negotiations were held with any broker concerning the
renting of the Demised Premises. Lessee and Lessor each agree to hold the other
harmless against any claim for brokerage commission arising out of any
conversations or negotiations had by Lessee or Lessor with any broker.

         21. Title and Warranty/Subordination. Lessor covenants and agrees with
Lessee that Lessor is the lawful owner of the Premises and that they are free
and clear of all other liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever, except the
permitted encumbrances described below, zoning requirements, covenants,
conditions, easements and restrictions of record and non-delinquent taxes and
assessments, and Lessor will defend the same against all other claims
whatsoever. Lessor further covenants and agrees that Lessee by paying the rents
and observing and keeping the covenants of this lease on its part to be kept,
shall peaceably and quietly hold, occupy and enjoy the Premises during the term
herein created, or any extension.

         Upon request by the Lessor, Lessee shall subordinate its rights
hereunder to the lien of any mortgage or deed of trust, or the lien resulting
from any other method of financing or refinancing, now or hereafter in force
against the Premises, and to all advance made or hereafter to be made upon the
security thereof and will attorn to the mortgagee or beneficiary or their
assigns in the event of foreclosure; provided, however, that a condition
precedent to Lessee's attornment and requirement to subordinate hereunder shall
be that Lessee, upon any default in the terms of such financing by Lessor, shall
have the right to pay the rental due hereunder directly to the mortgagee,
trustee or beneficiary of such deed of trust or other persons to whom Lessor may
be obligated under such financing and, so long as Lessee does so pay the rentals
as herein provided and perform all of its obligations pursuant to this lease,
thin lease and all Lessee's rights and options hereunder shall remain in full
force and effect as to such mortgagee, trustee or beneficiary or other financing
obligee of Lessor. Lessee shall, upon request of any party-in-interest, execute
within ten (10) days of Lessee's receipt, such instruments or certificates to
carry out the intent of this paragraph. Provided, however, that nothing
contained in such instruments or certificates required by

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p6
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

Lessor or other party-in-interest shall be in derogation of any rights granted
to Lessee hereunder, nor expand Lessee's obligations hereunder.

         22. Zoning; Permits. Anything elsewhere in this Lease to the contrary
notwithstanding, this Lease and all terms, covenants and conditions hereof are
in all respects subject and subordinate to all zoning restrictions affecting the
Premises, and the Lessee shall be bound by such restrictions. The Lessor does
not warrant that any licenses or permits which may be required for Lessee's
business to be conducted on the Premises will be granted, or if granted will be
continued in effect or renewed. Any failure to obtain licenses or permits or any
revocation thereof or failure to renew shall not release Lessee from continuing
performance of this Lease.

         23. Default by Lessor. In the event the Lessor shall fail for a period
of thirty (30) days after written notice to comply with, keep and perform any of
the agreements herein contained on its part to be complied with, kept or
performed, then at the option of the Lessee this lease may be immediately
terminated, but without prejudice to any right of action or remedy which might
otherwise be used by Lessee to enforce its lawful rights in relation to any
antecedent breach or covenant or agreement herein contained. Waiver of any
default shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent default or
condition of the lease to which such default related.

         24. Miscellaneous.

         a.       Wherever the words "Lessor" and "Lessee" appear in this lease,
                  they shall include the parties and their respective sublessee
                  heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, successors and
                  assigns, and the provisions of this agreement are binding upon
                  them. Those words as may be used herein, shall be construed to
                  include the plural as well as the singular; and the necessary
                  grammatical changes required to make the provisions apply to
                  either corporations, partnerships, other entities, or
                  individuals, masculine or feminine, shall in all cases be
                  assumed as though fully expressed. The neuter gender has been
                  used herein for convenience only.

         b.       This lease expresses the entire agreement between the parties
                  hereto. No amendments, modification, or waiver of any
                  provision hereof shall be valid unless in writing and signed
                  by all of the parties hereto.

         c.       This agreement shal1 be construed in accordance with the laws
                  of the State of Ohio.

         d.       If any provisions or paragraphs or part thereof of this
                  agreement are held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity
                  or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforce
                  ability of the other portions hereof, all of which provisions
                  are hereby declared severable.

         e.       This lease shal1 not be recorded. However, the parties hereto
                  mutually agree, upon the written request of either one to the
                  other, to execute a memorandum of this lease in recordable
                  form as per Exhibit "B" for filing and recording in the Office
                  of the Recorder of Hamilton County, Ohio.

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p7
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties do hereunto set their hands to multiple
copies hereof, each of which shall constitute an original, by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized all as of the day and year hereinabove set
forth.

Witness as to Lessor:                                   LESSOR:
/s/ Susan M. Roberts                           /s/ Marion B. Merten
-----------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                               MARION B. MERTEN

/s/ Sherry R. Lawrason
-----------------------------

                                                /s/ Harold A. Merten, Jr.
                                                -------------------------------
                                                HAROLD A. MERTEN, JR.

Dated: August 21st 1996
              ----

Witness as to Lessee:                            LESSEE:

/s/ Steve Ward                                   CM ACQUISITION CORP.,
----------------------------
                                                 an Ohio corporation
/s/ Tom Clark
---------------------------

Dated: August 21st 1996                          By /s/ Joseph Worth
              ----                                  ----------------------------
                                                          Its President
                                                          ----------------------

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p8
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

8TATE OF MI         )
                    )        SS:
COUNTY OF EMMET     )

         The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me, a Notary Public in
and for the State of MI this 9th day of August 1996, by Harold A. Merten, Jr.
and Marion B. Merten.

                                     Sherry R. Lawrason
                                     ------------------
                                     Notary Public, State of MI

STATE OF OHTO       )
                    )        SS:
COUNTY OF HAMILTON  )

         BE IT REMEMBERED that on this 21st day of August, 1996, before me, the
Subscriber, Notary Public in and for said county and state, personally appeared
/s/Joseph C. Worth III President, of CM ACQUISTION CORP. the corporation whose
name is subscribed to and which executed the foregoing instrument, and for
themselves and as such officers and for and on behalf of said instrument by
authority of the Board of Directors, and on behalf of said corporation; and that
the signing and execution of said instrument is their free and voluntary act and
deed, their free act and deed as such officers, and the free and voluntary act
and deed of said corporation, for the uses and purposes in said instrument
mentioned.

         IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my
Notarial Seal on the day and year last aforesaid.

                             D. Lynn Spraetz
                             ---------------
                             Notary Public

This Instrument Was Prepared By:

Thomas J. Murray
Huddleston, Bolen, Beatty, Porter & Copen
Post Office Box 2185
Huntington, West Virginia 25722

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p9
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

                               AGREEMENT OF LEASE
                                 MERTEN COMPANY
                                   EXHIBIT "A"

Situate in the City of Cincinnati, County of Hamilton, State of Ohio, and being
particularly described as follows:

Beginning at the Northeast corner of Fifteenth and Providence Streets, thence in
the North line of Fifteenth Street, North 80 [degrees]11' East 25.09 feet to a
point, thence North 10 [degrees]06' West, 90.10 feet to a point in the South
line of Gore Alley, thence in said line South 80 [degrees]11' West, 24.94 feet
to the Southeast corner of Gore Alley and Providence Street, thence in the East
line of Providence Street South 10 [degrees]00' East, 90.10 feet to the place of
beginning.

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p10
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

                              MERTEN COMPANY LEASE
                                   Exhibit "B"

         This Memorandum of Lease is made as of the ___ day of August, 1996, by
and between Marion B. Merten and Harold A. Merten, Jr., _________________
("Lessor") and CM Acquisition Corp., an Ohio corporation having its principal
place of business at 1515 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214 ("Lessee").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         Lessor has leased to Lessee and Lessee has leased from Lessor that
certain parcel of real property as described on Exhibit A attached hereto and
made a part hereof, al1 upon and subject to such covenants, terms, conditions
and agreements set forth in a certain Lease between Lessor and Lessee dated
_____________, 1996 ("Lease"), which Lease is incorporated herein by reference.

         The term of the Lease shall be for an original term to begin on
September 1, 1996, and shall extend for a period of five (5) years, expiring on
August 3l, 2001 ("Initial Term"), unless sooner terminated or extended as
provided for in the Lease. Pursuant to the Lease, Landlord has granted Tenant
the right and option to extend the Initial Term for two additional terms of five
(5) years each to begin upon the expiration of the Initial Term, the first to
begin on September 1, 200l, and the second to begin on September 1, 2006.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Memorandum of Lease has been executed as of
the day, month and year first above written.

Signed and delivered
in the presence of:

--------------------------    ---------------------------
Witness                       Lessor

--------------------------    ---------------------------
Witness        Lessor

                                LESSEE: CM Acquisition Corp. an Ohio corporation

                           By:
--------------------------     ---------------------------
Witness
                           Its:
--------------------------     ---------------------------
                                   President

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p11
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

STATE OF OHIO          )
                       ) SS:
COUNTY OF HAMILTON     )

         The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me, a Notary Public in
and for the State of Ohio, this ___ day of August, 1996, by Harold A. Merten,
Jr. and Marion B. Merten.

                                         ------------------------------------
                                         Notary Public, State of Ohio

STATE 0F OHIO         )
                      )   SS:
COUNTY OF HAMILTON    )

BE IT REMEMBERED that on this ___ day of August, 1996, before me, the
Subscriber, Notary Public in and for said county and state, personally appeared
and, Secretary, of CM Acquisition Corp., the corporation whose name is
subscribed to and which executed the foregoing instrument, and for themselves
and as such officers and for and on behalf of said instrument by authority of
the Board of Directors, and on behalf of said corporation; and that the signing
and execution of said instrument is their free and voluntary act and deed, their
free act and deed as such officers, and the free and voluntary act and deed of
said corporation, for the uses and purposes in said instrument mentioned.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Notarial
Seal on the day and year last aforesaid.

                                         ------------------------------------
                                         Notary Public

This Instrument Was Prepared By:

Thomas J. Murray
Huddleston, Bolen, Beatty, Porter & Copen
Post Office Box 2185
Huntington, West Virginia 25722

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p12
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.1)

                               MEMORANDUM OF LEASE
                                 MERTEN COMPANY
                                   EXHIBIT "A"

Situate in the City of Cincinnati, County of Hamilton, State of Ohio, and being
particularly described as follows:

Beginning at the Northeast corner of Fifteenth and Providence Streets, thence in
the North line of Fifteenth Street, North 80 [degrees]11' East 25.09 feet to a
point, thence North 10 [degrees]06' West, 90.10 feet to a point in the South
line of Gore Alley, thence in said line South 80 [degrees]11' West, 24.94 feet
to the Southeast corner of Gore Alley and Providence Street, thence in the East
line of Providence Street South 10 [degrees]00' East, 90.10 feet to the place of
beginning.

                               Exhibit (10.1)-p13<PAGE>
                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

                             MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT
                                   NO. 0031293
              THIS MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT is by and between FIRSTAR EQUIPMENT
FINANCE, a division of Firstar Bank, National Association ("Lessor") and
CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. ("Lessee").

      1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this MLA: (a) "SCHEDULE" shall mean each
Lease Schedule executed by the parties now or hereafter, and all riders,
attachments and documents pertaining thereto; (b) "EQUIPMENT" shall mean all
units of equipment and other property described in the Schedule(s), together
with all accessories, upgrades, additions, substitutions, replacement parts,
tools, software licenses, contract rights, subleases, permits, licenses, chattel
paper, warranty and maintenance agreements and general intangibles pertaining
thereto now or hereafter arising, and all proceeds from any of the foregoing
(including any insurance proceeds); and (c) "MLA" shall mean this Master Lease
Agreement and all Schedules, and any other written agreements by and between
Lessor and Lessee with respect to this MLA, the Schedule(s) or the Equipment
plus any insurance agreements regarding the Equipment, any opinions of counsel,
any disclaimers regarding the Equipment, and any guaranties and/or letters of
credit relating to Lessee's obligations under the MLA, and any amendments to any
of the foregoing. Additional capitalized terms are defined in the Schedule or
herein.

      2. LEASE OF EQUIPMENT. Subject to the conditions set forth herein, Lessee
agrees to lease from Lessor the Equipment described in each Schedule. By
executing and delivering a Schedule hereunder to Lessor, Lessee agrees and
acknowledges that all Equipment related thereto has been specifically selected
by and delivered to Lessee, that Lessee has had a reasonable opportunity to
inspect the Equipment, and that Lessee has unconditionally and irrevocably
accepted the Equipment as conforming in all respects based solely on Lessee's
own information and judgment, and Lessee agrees that it will not reject or
revoke its acceptance of the Equipment for any reason. In the event Lessor
orders the Equipment at the direction of Lessee, Lessor shall have no liability
to Lessee for any delay or failure by the manufacturer/vendor to deliver any of
the Equipment to Lessee or the condition of the Equipment. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, Lessor is not obligated to lease any item of
Equipment to Lessee in the event that Lessee has not obtained the appropriate
license, permit, and certificate as required under federal, state or local
environmental laws.

      3. TERM OF LEASE AND RENT. The term of each lease of the Equipment is
described in each Schedule and commences upon the date Lessee accepts the
Equipment in accordance with Section 2 above. The rent for the Equipment is
designated in each Schedule. Lessee shall pay Lessor said rent at the times set
forth in each Schedule and at the office of Lessor (unless Lessor designates in
writing otherwise). In addition, if applicable, Lessee shall pay to Lessor
interim rent, at the daily equivalent, for the actual number of days from the
date of funding to the Commencement Date, as provided for in each Schedule. All
payments received by Lessor shall first be applied to any accrued late charge(s)
and other non-rental obligations owed by Lessee hereunder, and then to any
unpaid rents. All payments hereunder shall be applied to unpaid obligations then
due hereunder at Lessor's discretion. In the event Lessee should fail to pay
Lessor any Rent within ten (10) days of the due date hereof, or any other sum
required to be paid to Lessor within ten ( l 0) days of demand, Lessee shall pay
unto Lessor a late payment charge of the greater of 5 percent of the amount of
such late payment or $25.00. Time is of the essence as to the payment of Rent
and all other monies due Lessor hereunder. THIS MLA AND EACH SCHEDULE ARE
NON-CANCELABLE AND NON-TERMINABLE BY LESSEE, AND LESSEE MAY NOT PREPAY ANY RENTS
OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF LESSOR.

      4. USES, MAINTENANCE, AND MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT. (a) Lessee shall use
the Equipment within its recommended capacities and only for the purpose(s) for
which it was designed. Lessee shall comply with all laws, regulations and
ordinances relating to the possession and use of the Equipment including,
without limitation, job safety, health, fire and environmental laws applicable
to the Equipment ("SAFETY LAWS"). At Lessee's expense, Lessee shall maintain the
Equipment in good repair and working order, and shall promptly provide all
parts, upgrades, modifications, environments and software required or
recommended now and hereafter by the manufacturer and supplier of the Equipment
("OEM" and "REQUIRED MODIFICATIONS" respectively) at Lessee's own expense.
Lessor shall have no obligation to deliver, install, test, adjust, maintain or
service the Equipment or provide substitute or replacement Equipment; and Lessee
shall arrange for and bear the full cost of all such matters. At any time upon
Lessor's request, Lessee shall provide Lessor with a satisfactory certificate(s)
from a qualified third party that the Equipment has been properly maintained per
OEM Requirements, contains all Required Modifications and complies with all
applicable Safety Laws. As used herein, "OEM REQUIREMENTS" shall include

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p1
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

all servicing, modifications and improvements recommended in any manuals,
service bulletins and other publications from the OEM now or hereafter as
revised or supplemented. During the term of each Schedule, a complete and
accurate record of all maintenance, servicing, Required Modifications and
Permitted Modifications to the Equipment will be maintained by Lessee (the
"Service Records"), and the originals of such Service Records shall be Lessor's
property. Upon request during the term of any Schedule, Lessee will allow Lessor
to examine and copy the Service Records.

       (b) Without the prior written consent of Lessor and except for Required
Modifications, Lessee shall not make any other modifications, additions or
improvements to the Equipment unless such modifications do not: (i) impair the
originally intended function, capabilities, specifications and performance of
any unit of Equipment; (ii) impair any maintenance agreement(s), warranties or
licenses with respect to any unit of Equipment; (iii) violate any OEM
Requirements; (iv) adversely affect the Equipment's resale value; or (v) cause
any damage to any unit of Equipment upon removal; in each case, as determined by
Lessor ("PERMITTED MODIFICATIONS"). Lessee also grants Lessor a right of first
refusal as to the lease of any Permitted Modifications. Lessee shall remove all
Permitted Modifications upon return of the Equipment without damage to the
Equipment and so as to cause the Equipment to comply with all Safety Laws and
with all OEM Requirements then in effect. All Permitted Modifications and any
other accessories attached to the Equipment not so removed upon return of the
Equipment shall be deemed the sole property of Lessor.

       (c) Lessee shall not move Equipment without prior Lessor's consent. In
such event, Lessee agrees to execute all documents as may reasonably be required
by Lessor to effectuate the move of the Equipment.

       5. OWNERSHIP AND INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT. (a) The Equipment shall at all
times remain the exclusive property of Lessor. Lessee shall have no right, title
or interest in the Equipment except as expressly set forth herein or under the
Schedule. Lessee shall give Lessor immediate notice of any attempt by third
parties to seize any unit of Equipment. Lessee shall not change or remove any
insignia, lettering or identification on the Equipment; and shall keep for
safe-keeping any manuals, drawings, specifications, computer disks, maintenance
agreements and service records or any other written information regarding the
Equipment (and any associated hardware or software). Lessor may supply Lessee
with labels or other markings evidencing Lessor's interest in the Equipment and
Lessee shall promptly affix same to the Equipment in a prominent place. Lessee
shall maintain the Equipment as removable personal property notwithstanding the
fact that the Equipment (or any part thereof) may become attached to, imbedded
in, or resting on any real property or any building thereon. At any time during
Lessee's ordinary business hours, Lessor, or its agents, upon reasonable notice,
shall have the right to enter the premises where the Equipment is located to
inspect and/or test the Equipment, and show the Equipment to prospective
purchasers and lessees; and Lessee shall cooperate with Lessor in conducting
such activities. At any time during the term of any Schedule, Lessee will make
the Equipment available for mechanical inspection by the OEM (or other qualified
maintenance providers) at Lessor's expense except that Lessee shall bear the
cost of such inspection as follows: (i) as provided in Section 11 below; or (ii)
if such inspection discloses any material violation of the OEM Requirements as
reasonably determined by Lessor. Lessee will remove the Equipment from operation
for an adequate period of time to complete each such inspection provided that
such inspections do not materially interfere with Lessee's business. Any
Equipment not found to be in compliance with the OEM's Requirements will be
brought into compliance by Lessee at Lessee's expense within fifteen (15) days
of the inspection to the satisfaction of the Lessor.

       (b) If the Equipment is taken out of operation by Lessee for more than
thirty (30) days, Lessee shall take all measures prescribed by the OEM and
Lessor to place the Equipment in long term storage. During the storage period,
Lessee will keep the Equipment under power (unless otherwise agreed in writing
by Lessor) and follow the recommendation of the OEM relative to maintenance of
the Equipment. Lessee will notify Lessor in writing forty-five (45) days in
advance of its intent to place any Equipment in storage. At any time, Lessor, or
its agent, shall have the right to enter the premises where the Equipment is
being stored to inspect and/or test the Equipment, and show the Equipment to
prospective purchasers and lessees; and Lessee shall cooperate with Lessor in
conducting such activities.

       6. LOSS OF AND DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT (STIPULATED LOSS VALUE). Until
such time as Lessor accepts physical surrender of the Equipment from Lessee in
writing, Lessee hereby assumes the entire risk of loss and damage to the
Equipment from every cause whatsoever (notwithstanding the existence of any
insurance on

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p2
<PAGE>
                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

the Equipment in favor of Lessor). If any unit of Equipment is damaged, Lessee
shall place such Equipment in good repair and working order to the satisfaction
of Lessor and OEM requirements. If any unit of Equipment is determined by Lessor
in its sole discretion to be lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, Lessee shall
(at Lessor's option): (i) replace such Equipment with equipment of equivalent
value, utility and characteristics, or (ii) pay Lessor in cash the greater of
the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of such Equipment determined by Lessor
on any reasonable basis or the "STIPULATED LOSS VALUE" for such unit of
Equipment as set forth in the Schedule plus any and all unpaid rents, late
charges, taxes and other amounts due. Upon Lessee's payment in good funds of the
amount required, this MLA shall terminate with respect to such unit of Equipment
and Lessee shall (subject to the rights of any insurer) be deemed the owner of
such Equipment "AS IS" and "WHERE IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY (EXPRESS OR IMPLIED)
BY LESSOR WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE). "FAIR MARKET VALUE" shall mean the amount of
money to be paid for the Equipment by a fully informed and willing buyer/user
(including a lessee in possession) from a fully informed and willing seller
assuming: (a) an arm's length transaction with neither party under the
compulsion to buy or sell; and (b) the Equipment is valued on a fully assembled
and operational basis (including therein all necessary deinstallation,
reinstallation and engineering costs) and is in the condition required be this
MLA, and shall be determined by Lessor in its reasonable discretion.

       7. INSURANCE. a) Lessee shall insure the Equipment to Lessor's
satisfaction against all risks of loss and damage, and shall carry comprehensive
public liability and property damage insurance satisfactory to Lessor as
provided herein and in each Schedule. Lessee shall pay the premiums for all such
insurance, and shall deliver to Lessor one or more insurance certificates or
other satisfactory written evidence of the required insurance coverage at the
time Lessee accepts the Equipment, and annually thereafter. Lessor shall be
listed as additional insured and/or loss payee as the case may be for all
insurance policies required hereby on the insurance certificate(s) provided to
Lessor. Lessor shall have the exclusive right, and Lessee hereby appoints Lessor
as Lessee's attorney-in-fact (coupled with an interest), to make and settle any
claims under, receive any payments on, and execute and endorse any documents,
checks or drafts respecting any insurance (and proceeds therefrom) regarding the
Equipment. In the event any insurance proceeds are paid or payable with respect
to any unit of Equipment, such insurance proceeds shall be applied (at Lessor's
option) toward: (i) the replacement, restoration or repair of such Equipment; or
(ii) satisfaction of Lessee's obligations hereunder.

     b) Lessee agrees to give prompt written notice to Lessor, (within five (5)
days) as to any damage to, or loss of, the Equipment or material damage or
personal injury caused by the Equipment. Lessee shall, at its own expense and
cost, have the duty and responsibility to make all proofs of loss and take all
other steps necessary to effect collections from underwriters for any loss under
any of the above mentioned policies. If the Equipment is to be subleased or used
by others (subject to Lessor's prior written approval), a special insurance
endorsement may be required to permit such use. Lessee further agrees that the
property insurer must be licensed to do business in the state of Equipment
domicile and have a Best's Key Rating of at least "B+".

       8. PAYMENT OF TAXES, FEES & LESSOR'S EXPENSES. (a) Lessee shall keep the
Equipment free and clear of all security interests, liens, encumbrances and
claims of any kind; and Lessee shall promptly pay all municipal, state and
federal taxes (including unitary taxes, receipts taxes, and apportionment
taxes), assessments and/or charges (including any governmental charges to audit
Lessor's records regarding this MLA or due Equipment except Lessor's income tax
records) which may now or hereafter be imposed regarding the acquisition,
ownership, lease, sale, possession, use or transfer of the Equipment; excluding
any applicable federal, state taxes imposed on or measured by Lessor's general
income except to the extent provided in each Schedule. Lessor shall include the
Equipment, except as otherwise directed by Lessor, on Lessor's personal property
tax return and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor, upon demand, for all taxes paid by
Lessor with respect thereto. At Lessee's own expense, Lessee shall obtain,
prepare and deliver to Lessor: (i) all returns and/or filings required by
applicable law pertaining to such governmental taxes, assessments, and/or
charges; and (ii) all licenses, certificates, registrations and/or permits
required for the ownership, possession and/or use of the Equipment
("CERTIFICATES"). Lessee shall maintain and renew all such Certificates, and
shall take all necessary steps necessary to avoid the cancellation, suspension
and/or revocation of such Certificates, and/or any material adverse amendment
thereto.

       (b) Lessee shall promptly pay all costs, charges, expenses and
obligations of every kind and nature (including reasonable attorneys' fees of
outside and in-house counsel) incurred by or on behalf of Lessor regarding the
importation, shipment, delivery, possession, use, lease, tax treatment, return,
repossession, storage and transfer of

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p3
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

any unit of Equipment whenever and however arising, and for any termination
and/or amendment of this MLA or any Schedule, and for the exercise of any rights
or remedies with respect to MLA. In the event Lessee fails to procure or
maintain the insurance required under Section 7 above, or fails to promptly pay
any amounts required to be paid by Lessee herein, Lessor shall have the right
(but shall not be obligated) to procure such insurance and/or pay such amounts
on behalf of Lessee. In such event, Lessee shall promptly reimburse Lessor for
the amount thereof on demand. If Lessee fails to pay any amount(s) when due
hereunder, such amount(s) shall accrue interest until paid at 18% per annum or
the highest rate permitted by law (whichever is lower).

       9. WARRANTIES. (a) Lessee warrants that it is duly organized and in good
standing under the laws of its state of organization; that Lessee is qualified
to do business in those states where the Equipment is located; that the
execution of this MLA and each Schedule has been duly authorized; and that the
execution and performance of this MLA and each or any Schedule by Lessee will
not cause Lessee to be in default under any material agreements or in violation
of any applicable laws.

       (b) LESSEE REPRESENTS TO LESSOR THAT LESSEE HAS SELECTED THE TYPE,
QUANTITY AND SUPPLIER OF THE EQUIPMENT; AND THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS OF A DESIGN,
SIZE, QUALITY AND CAPACITY REQUIRED BY LESSEE, AND IS SUITABLE FOR LESSEE'S
PURPOSES. LESSOR IS NOT A MANUFACTURER OR SUPPLIER OF THE EQUIPMENT NOR AN AGENT
OF THE MANUFACTURER OR SUPPLIER OF THE EQUIPMENT, AND LESSOR DOES NOT ENDORSE OR
PROMOTE ANY ITEM OF EQUIPMENT. NO REPRESENTATIONS OR PROMISES MADE BY ANY
MANUFACTURER, SUPPLIER OR DISTRIBUTOR OF THE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE BINDING ON
LESSOR. LESSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION (EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED)
TO LESSEE AS TO THE FITNESS POR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, QUALITY, DESIGN,
CONDITION, CAPACIIY, SAFETY, SUITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR PERPORMANCE OF THE
EQUIPMENT (INCLUDING ITS CONFORMITY WITH APPLICABLE LAW AND REGULATIONS), TITLE
TO THE EQUIPMENT, OR ANY OTHER MATTER WHATSOEVER. LESSEE AGREES THAT THE
EQUIPMENT IS LEASED "AS IS" AND "WHERE IS" AND THAT ALL RISKS REGARDING THE
EQUIPMENT ARE TO BE BORNE SOLELY BY LESSEE INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY
LOSSES OR DAMAGES DUE TO ACTS OF GOD, STRIKES, GOVERNMENTAL ACTION OR
OBSOLESCENCE. LESSOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO LESSEE OR ANY OTHER PARTY FOR ANY
CLAIM OR MATTER PERTAINING TO THE EQUIPMENT WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE (DIRECT, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL) FROM BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF PROFITS, NONDELIVERY OR LATE DELIVERY OF THE EQUIPMENT,
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OR DESIGN OF THE EQUIPMENT, FAILURE OR IMPROPER OPERATION
OF THE EQUIPMENT, BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION MADE BY THE OEM OF
THE EQUIPMENT, OR ANY INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY. LESSOR MAKES NO
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR PROMTSES WITH REGARD TO THE TAX OR ACCOUNTING
TREATMENT OF THIS MLA OR AN LEASE SCHEDULE, OR THE INTERESTS OF LESSOR AND
LESSEE AS REGARDS THE EQUIPMENT.

       (c) Lessee acknowledges that it has reviewed and approved all contracts
and agreements pertaining to Lessor's acquisition of the Equipment prior to
leasing the Equipment, and that Lessee accepts the terms and limitations of any
warranties, licenses and/or OEM Requirements contained therein. To the extent
assignable by Lessor, all warranties and licenses made by the OEM of the
Equipment are hereby assigned to Lessee for the lease term applicable to such
Equipment. At Lessee's sole expense and in Lessee's own name only, Lessor hereby
authorizes Lessee to enforce any such warranties or licenses made with respect
to the Equipment upon written notice to Lessor; and Lessor is under no
obligation to enforce any warranties or license regarding the Equipment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not commence any legal proceedings
to enforce any warranty or license except upon the prior written consent of
Lessor (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). Lessor makes no
representations or warranties as to the existence, sufficiency or enforceability
of any warranties or licenses regarding the Equipment; and Lessee's sole remedy
for any defect in or nonconformity of the Equipment is against the OEM thereof.

       10. INDEMNITY. Notwithstanding the existence of any insurance in favor of
Lessor, Lessee shall promptly defend, indemnify and save Lessor harmless from
and against: (a) any and all loss of or damage to the Equipment; and (b) any
claim, action, demand, proceeding, or liability for any damage, loss, injury,
cost or expense (including reasonable attorney's fees) which Lessor may be
subject to: (i) relating to the construction, importation, exportation,

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p4
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

delivery, installation, ownership, sale, lease, transfer, storage,
nonacceptance, rejection, return, or repossession of the Equipment (or any part
thereof); (ii) resulting from the use, maintenance, repair, replacement,
operation or condition of the Equipment (or any part thereof); (iii) arising by
reason of any act or omission of Lessee or Lessee's violation of any law,
regulation or ordinance pertaining to the Equipment; (iv) as a result of any
claim for patent, copyright, trademark or other proprietary right infringement
relating to the Equipment or the use thereof; (v) as a result of any tort,
negligence or strict liability claim respecting the Equipment and/or the use
thereof (including, without limitation, any contribution and/or subrogation
claims relating thereto); or (vi) as a result of any third party claim to the
Equipment. The foregoing collectively called the "INDEMNITY CLAIMS." Lessee
agrees to give Lessor prompt written notice of any Indemnity Claims described in
this Section 10. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall not be obligated to
indemnify Lessor for any Indemnity Claim to the extent actually and proximately
caused by the willful misconduct of Lessor.

       11. RETURN OF EQUIPMENTIRETURN REQUIREMENTS. (a) Absent termination of
this MLA (or any Schedule) by default, Lessee will advise Lessor in writing of
its decision to return the Equipment at least one hundred eighty (180) days
prior to the end of the scheduled termination of each Schedule. Within thirty
(30) days after such notification, Lessee will make the Equipment comply with
OEM Requirements and available for examination by prospective buyers and/or
lessees, and inspection by Lessor. Upon the termination or cancellation of this
MLA or of any Schedule for any reason and at Lessee's expense, Lessee shall
disassemble, prepare for shipment and load the Equipment under the supervision
of Lessor (or a party designated by Lessor), so that it may be transported in a
manner consistent with the OEM's Requirements, industry standards and the
Lessor's guidelines except in the event Lessee properly effectuates its purchase
and/or reletting of the Equipment as provided for herein. If Lessee does not
purchase the Equipment or renew a Schedule, Lessee will store and maintain the
Equipment, at Lessee's expense for up to twelve (12) months after the
termination date of such Schedule at a location and under conditions reasonably
satisfactory to Lessor. Subsequent to any period of storage and at Lessor's
request, Lessee shall ship the Equipment including any tooling, attachments,
replacements and accretions, at Lessee's expense, to any location designated by
Lessor in the continental U.S. per the requirements set forth in this Section.
The Equipment will meet all return requirements and be clean and free of all
foreign and/or hazardous material, to the satisfaction of Lessor, prior to
shipment.

       (b) Upon return, the Equipment shall (i) be in compliance with this MLA,
all OEM Requirements and Safety Laws, have all Required Modifications; and (ii)
be in such mechanical condition that the Equipment can immediately be
reassembled in its original configuration (as originally invoiced to Lessor),
placed into service by an operator without the need for any modifications,
mechanical repairs, replacement parts, and operate per the OEM Requirements,
each as determined in the reasonable opinion of the Lessor. All of the foregoing
are the "RETURN REQUIREMENTS." At least fifteen (15) days prior to return of the
Equipment, Lessor may elect to have a qualified service technician inspect the
Equipment and submit a written report as to the Equipment's condition and
compliance with the Return Requirements at Lessee's expense. Lessee will remove
the Equipment from operation for an adequate period of time, in the opinion of
Lessor, for the purpose of completing such inspection. Any items of Equipment
not found to be in compliance with the Return Requirements will be brought into
compliance by Lessee prior to return of the Equipment at Lessee's expense.
Lessee will return to Lessor the originals of all operator's manuals,
maintenance manuals, drawings, computer software and manuals, Service Records
and any other materials regarding the Equipment (including any revisions to such
materials published during the term of the each Schedule). The Service Records
must be legible and contain all the required servicing maintenance and
modification information on the Equipment, or Lessor may cause a qualified
technician to reconstruct any deficient Service Records at Lessee's expense.

       (c) If for any reason Lessee shall fail to return any unit of Equipment
as specified herein, Lessee shall pay to Lessor rent equal to 150% of the Base
Rate set forth in the applicable Schedule(s) for each month or fraction thereof
that such Equipment remains unreturned ("POST-TERMINATION RENT"). Lessee agrees
that such Post-Termination Rent is not a penalty, but liquidated damages for
Lessor's inability to take possession of the Equipment for reletting or resale,
and for the increased risk of damage to and loss of the Equipment. Acceptance by
Lessor of any Post-Termination Rent shall not constitute a renewal of this MLA
or the applicable Schedule, nor a waiver of any default under this MLA or the
applicable Schedule, nor a waiver of any of Lessor's rights and remedies.

       12. DEFAULT. Any of the following shall constitute an event of default
hereunder: (a) Lessee's failure to pay any amounts when due hereunder; (b) the
unauthorized removal of any unit of Equipment from the

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p5
<PAGE>
                                Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

location(s)described in the Schedule(s); (c) Lessee's unpermitted assignment of
any interest in this MLA or in the Equipment; (d) Lessee (or any guarantor of
Lessee's obligations hereunder) making an assignment for the benefit of its
creditors, or becoming subject to any proceedings under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
or any state reorganization, receivership, insolvency or dissolution
proceedings; (e) the filing of any lien, levy, attachment or judgment affecting
the Equipment which has not been released or stayed on appeal within ten (10)
business days of Lessee's knowledge thereof, or for which a bond satisfactory to
Lessor in the full amount of such lien, levy attachment or judgment has not been
obtained
in favor of Lessor within ten (10) business days of Lessee's knowledge thereof;
(f) Lessee's failure to cure any breach of any other provision of this MLA
within ten (10) business days of Lessee's knowledge thereof or of Lessee's
receipt of Lessor's written notice thereof (whichever occurs earlier); (g)
Lessee (or any guarantor of Lessee's obligations hereunder) making any
misrepresentations to Lessor now or hereafter; (h) Lessee being in default under
any other agreement with Lessor or any of its affiliates or under any material
third party agreement which has not been cured as provided; (i) any adverse
material change in Lessee's financial condition or business operations (or that
of any guarantor of Lessee's obligations hereunder), or any material change in
the ownership of Lessee in Lessor's reasonable determination; or (j) Lessee or
any guarantor dies; or (k) Lessee or any guarantor sells, transfers or disposes
of all or substantially all of its assets or property or a material-portion
thereof, or merges with any other entity, or engages in any form of corporate
reorganization or recapitalization without the prior written consent of Lessor;
(l) Lessee's failure to comply with any covenant, condition or obligation
related to this MLA; or (m) Lessee fails to maintain, throughout the term of
this MLA, all significant accounts (including, without limitation, all
significant operating accounts, demand and time deposit accounts, certificate of
deposit accounts and safekeeping accounts) and/or other banking relationships
currently established between Lessee and Lessor. Upon an event of default, this
MLA and each Schedule shall automatically terminate unless otherwise agreed in
writing by Lessor.

       13. REMEDIES/ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL. (a) Upon the occurrence of an event
of default hereunder (and regardless of Lessor's termination of this MLA),
Lessor shall have the non-exclusive option to (i) declare the present value of
the aggregate Rents or the Stipulated Loss Values payable under any or all of
the Schedules immediately due and payable; (ii) declare all other amount(s) due
Lessor hereunder immediately due and payable; (iii) declare the present value of
the Residual Value of all the Equipment to be immediately due and payable (the
"RESIDUAL VALUE" of the Equipment for these purposes is deemed to be the greater
of twenty percent (20%) of the Equipment's original cost or the Fair Market
Value of the Equipment at the end of the originally scheduled lease term
determined by Lessor in any reasonable manner; (iv) take possession of the
Equipment and remove same from its existing location(s) without further notice
to or consent of Lessee, and store and/or dispose (by public sale or otherwise)
of the Equipment at its existing location(s) at no charge to Lessor; (v) collect
from Lessee all expenses associated with enforcing remedies hereunder including
but not limited to reasonable attorney fees, repossession, transportation,
storage and remarketing expenses; or (vi) assert any other remedies available to
Lessor at law or in equity (including, without limitation, under the Uniform
Commercial Code). For purposes of computing present value hereunder, the
discount rate shall be a rate per annum equal to the lowest published Ask Yield
of any U.S. Treasury Bond, Note or Bill set forth in The Wall Street Journal,
Treasury Bonds, Notes and Bills section, having a maturity date closest to the
originally scheduled termination date of the applicable Schedule. Any return
and/or repossession of the Equipment shall not waive or impair any of Lessor's
rights or remedies. Except as otherwise provided for herein or by law, all
amount(s) due Lessor after an event of default shall be due and payable without
any further notice or demand by Lessor, and without regard to any action taken
by Lessor regarding the Equipment. All amounts payable herein by Lessee after
the occurrence of an event of default shall bear interest until paid at the rate
of 18% per annum or the highest rate permitted by law (whichever is lower).
Lessee releases Lessor from any requirement to post a bond or surety regarding
any repossession or disposition of the Equipment. Lessee grants the Lessor a
security interest and right of setoff against all deposits, account balances and
credits with or due from the Lessor (and/or its affiliates) now existing or
hereafter arising, and all proceeds thereof.

       b) FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, LESSEE AGREES THAT ALL OF ITS
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MLA ARE PART OF ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE OBLIGATIONS
COVERED BY ANY SECURITY AGREEMENT(S), COLLATERAL AGREEMENT(S), AND MORTGAGE(S)
EXECUTED BY LESSEE NOW OR HEREAFTER IN FAVOR OF FIRSTAR BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, OR ANY OTHER FIRSTAR ENTITY AND ALL COLLATERAL DESCRIBED THEREIN,
AND ALL SUCH AGREEMENTS ARE AMENDED BY THIS MLA ACCORDINGLY WITHOUT FURTHER
AMENDMENT.

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p6
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

       c) In the event Lessor accepts in writing the return of any unit of
Equipment, Lessor shall use its reasonable efforts thereafter to sell and/or
re-let such Equipment, and Lessee agrees that such attempt shall fully satisfy
Lessor's obligation to mitigate its damages. After deducting all expenses of
retaking, repairing, holding, transporting, meeting the Return Requirements,
selling and/or reletting the Equipment, the net proceeds (if any) from such sale
or re-letting by Lessor shall be applied against Lessee's obligations hereunder
(without regard to the fact that each Schedule constitutes a separate lease of
Equipment). The proceeds of any sale, re-lease or other disposition (if any)
shall be applied in the following priorities: (i) First, to pay all Lessor's
costs, charges and expenses in taking, removing, holding, meeting the Return
Requirements, selling, re-leasing and disposing of the Equipment; (ii) second,
to the extent not previously paid by Lessee (or by a guarantor of Lessee's
obligations hereunder) to pay Lessor all amounts due from Lessee hereunder;
(iii) third, to reimburse to Lessee (or any guarantor) any sums previously paid
as damages to Lessor by Lessee (or such guarantor); and (iv) lastly, any surplus
and all other amounts attributable to the Equipment shall be retained by Lessor
(except Lessee shall be entitled to such surplus to the extent Lessee has paid
any damages requested by Lessor under Section 13(a)(iii) above and the Schedule
provides Lessor is entitled to such surplus). Lessor shall have the right to
seek a deficiency from Lessee notwithstanding Lessor's repossession or
abandonment of the Equipment, or Lessor's sale or reletting the Equipment to a
third party and Lessor shall determine the present value of any future committed
lease payments due from a third party lessee in its reasonable opinion. After an
event of default, Lessee hereby irrevocably appoints Lessor as its
attorney-in-fact (coupled with an interest) to do all things necessary to
carryout Lessee's obligations under this MLA and with respect to the Equipment.
All remedies granted to Lessor herein and at law are cumulative, and may be
exercised concurrently or separately. No right or remedy is exclusive of any
other right or remedy. Notwithstanding any repossession, reletting or sale of
any unit of Equipment by Lessor and/or termination of this MLA, Lessee shall
remain fully liable for the performance of its obligations herein. In the event
that any Schedule is determined to be a transaction intended to create a
security interest within the meaning of UCC-Article 9, then Lessor shall have
all of the rights and remedies provided by UCC-Article 9 plus the other remedies
provided for herein.

       14. ASSIGNMENT. This MLA shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be
binding upon, the successors and assigns of the parties hereto (whether by
operation of law or by agreement) except as provided for herein. Any or all of
Lessor's rights and obligations under this MLA (or any part thereof) and/or any
or all of the Lessor's rights and interest in the Equipment (or any part
thereof), may be sold, assigned or pledged to a third party ("ASSIGNEE") without
notice to or the consent of Lessee. Lessee agrees that any Assignee may enforce
its rights independent of the rights of Lessor or any other Assignee under this
MLA and the applicable Schedule. Lessee acknowledges that any such sale,
assignment or pledge of any or all of Lessor's rights and/or obligations
hereunder and/or rights and interests in the Equipment shall not be deemed to
materially change Lessee's duties or obligations hereunder nor increase the
burdens or risks imposed on Lessee for purposes of Article 2A of the Uniform
Commercial Code. No breach or default by Lessor hereunder shall excuse the full
and timely performance by Lessee of its obligations under this MLA or any
Schedule to Assignee of Lessor. Lessee agrees to execute a written
acknowledgment of the matters set forth herein in favor of (and to the
satisfaction of such successor or assignee) upon request. LESSEE SHALL NOT
ASSIGN, TRANSFER, OR PLEDGE ANY RIGHT, INTEREST OR OBLIGATION UNDER THIS MLA (OR
ANY PART THEREOF) OR ANY RIGHT OR INTEREST IN THE EQUIPMENT (OR ANY PART
THEREOF), NOR PERM1T THE EQUIPMENT (OR ANY SCHEDULE) TO BE SUBLEASED OR USED BY
ANY PARTY OTHER THAN LESSEE AND ITS EMPLOYEES. ANY SUCH UNPERMITTED ASSIGNMENT,
TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR USE SHALL BE DEEMED A DEFAULT HEREUNDER. TO THE EXTENT THIS
MLA OR ANY SCHEDULE IS ASSIGNABLE OR ASSUMABLE BY OPERATION OF LAW WITHOUT THE
CONSENT OF LESSOR, THIS MLA AND ALL SCHEDULES MUST BE ASSIGNED AND/OR ASSUMED
TOGETHER IN THEIR ENTIRETY. At Lessor's sole discretion (and without notice to
or consent of Lessee), Lessor may sell a participation in this MLA and any
Schedule and may distribute information regarding Lessee and this MLA to
potential participants.

15. NET LEASE/FINANCE LEASE. a) THIS MLA CONSTITUTES A NET LEASE, AND LESSEE'S
OBLIGATION TO PAY THE RENTS AND OTHER AMOUNTS DUE HEREUNDER (AND THE CONTINUING
EFFECTIVENESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS MLA) ARE ABSOLUTE, UNCONDITIONAL AND
INDEPENDENT OBLIGATIONS NOT SUBJECT TO ABATEMENT, DIMINUTION, SUSPENSION,
DEFERMENT, REDUCTION OR OFFSET FOR ANY REASON INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION: (1)
ANY CLAIMS OF LESSEE AGAINST LESSOR, OR THE OEM OF THE EQUIPMENT; (2) ANY DEFECT
IN, DAMAGE TO, OR LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY UNIT OF EQUIPMENT HOWEVER

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p7
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

ARISING; OR (3) ANY INTERFERENCE WITH LESSEES USE OF ANY UNIT OF EQUIPMENT BY
ANY THIRD PARTY (INCLUDING ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY). IT IS THE EXPRESS INTENTION
OF THE PARTIES HERETO THAT ALL RENTS AND OTHER AMOUNTS PAYABLE BY LESSEE TO
LESSOR HEREUNDER SHALL CONTINUE TO BE PROMPTLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY PAID IN ALL
EVENTS.

b) Lessee acknowledges that this MLA constitutes a "finance lease" under UCC
Article 2A in all respects, and that Lessor's sole obligations to Lessee
hereunder is not to interfere with Lessee's quiet enjoyment of the Equipment so
long as Lessee is not in default hereunder. Subject to the foregoing sentence
and to the extent permitted by law, Lessee unconditionally and irrevocably
waives any and all rights and remedies against Lessor at law or in equity
(including, without limitation, any rights and remedies granted Lessee under
Article 2A of the Uniform Commercial Code and/or the right to reject any
Equipment or repudiate this MLA).

c) In the event any lease transaction covered by this MLA is deemed to be a
"secured transaction", Lessee grants Lessor a security interest and lien on all
Equipment and other property related to such transaction contemporaneous with
Lessee's entering into such transaction with Lessor, and the Lessor shall have
all the rights of a secured party under UCC Article 9 as to such transaction.

16. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION. Lessee shall execute and deliver to
Lessor such other documents as Lessor may reasonably deem necessary to evidence
or protect Lessor's interests in the Equipment and Lessor's rights under this
MLA. Lessee authorizes Lessor to file, at Lessor's option, any such instruments
(including financing statements and certificates of title) without Lessee's
signature and if such signature is required by law, Lessee appoints Lessor as
Lessee's attorney-in-fact to execute such items, in Lessee's name without
restriction, and Lessor's expenses with respect thereto shall be payable by
Lessee upon demand. Upon request by Lessor, Lessee shall verify in writing the
exact location of the Equipment and identify any unit of Equipment moved since
the date of any previous verification, and provide Lessor with maintenance
information regarding the Equipment. Lessee shall furnish Lessor with (a)
audited year end financial statements from a public accounting firm reasonably
satisfactory to Lessor within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of its
fiscal year, and (b) company prepared quarterly financial statements within
forty-five (45) days of the end of each quarter, and such other financial
information as Lessor may from tune to time request. Lessee hereby warrants and
represents that all financial statements heretofore and hereafter delivered to
Lessor by or upon behalf of Lessee have been and will be prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and all
statements and data submitted to Lessor in connection with this MLA and each
Schedule shall be complete and accurate in all respects.

17. GOVERNING LAW & CONSTRUCTION. (a) This MLA and each Schedule shall be
construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction
against the party causing this MLA to be drafted. If more than one Lessee is
named in this MLA (or any Schedule), the liability of such Lessees shall be
joint and several. If any provision of this MLA or the application thereof to
any party is held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the other provisions
of this MLA and their application shall be unaffected thereby, and shall remain
in full force and effect. No delay on the part of Lessor in exercising any
right, power, or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, and no
single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy by Lessor hereunder
shall preclude any further exercise thereof (or the exercise of any other right,
power, or remedy). THE VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS MLA
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA (IRRESPECTIVE OF SUCH
STATE'S CHOICE OF LAWS RULES). THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE MLA AND EACH SCHEDULE
ARE DEEMED TO BE EXECUTED, EFFECTIVE AND PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA BY
VIRTUE OF LESSOR EXECUTING AND ACCEPTING THE MLA AND EACH

SCHEDULE IN SUCH STATE AND ALL RENTAL PAYMENTS BEING PAID TO LESSOR IN SUCH
STATE. ALL CLAIMS AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THIS MLA AND THE EQUIPMENT (AS
BETWEEN LESSOR AND LESSEE) SHALL BE HEARD IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED
IN HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA; AND THE PARTIES HEREBY CONSENT TO THE PERSONAL
JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS, AND WA1VE TRIAL BY JURY. Nothing in this section
shall affect or impair Lessor's right to serve legal process in any manner or
Lessor's right to bring any action or proceeding against Lessee or the Equipment
in the courts of any other jurisdiction. THIS MLA AND EACH SCHEDULE REPRESENTS
THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES AND THEIR PROVISIONS SHALL NOT BE

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p8
<PAGE>
                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

MODIFIED, SUPPLEMENTED OR WAIVED IN ANY MANNER EXCEPT BY THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF
THE PARTIES.

       (b) ALL OF LESSEE'S OBLIGATIONS TO LESSOR NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER
ARISING UNDER THE MLA AND ALL SCHEDULES HERETO ARE SECURED BY ALL THE EQUIPMENT
COVERED BY THIS MLA (TO THE EXTENT NOT OWNED BY LESSOR), NOTWITHSTANDING THE
INDEPENDENCE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SCHEDULES OR THE DATE OF THEIR EXECUTION.

       18. NOTICES. The giving of all notices required herein shall be
sufficient if made in writing and delivered personally, sent via facsimile
(transmission confirmed) or mailed to the party involved at the address
hereinafter set forth below (or at such other address as each party may provide
in writing). If mailed, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the
U.S. mail fully addressed with postage prepaid.

        19. SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS. The indemnity and reimbursement
obligations set forth in this MLA shall survive termination of this MLA and each
Schedule, and satisfaction of Lessee's obligations hereunder.

Dated and accepted this ____day of _______, 20__. Accepted this 12th day of
January, 2001.

LESSEE:                                       LESSOR:
CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC.                     FIRSTAR EQUIPMENT
FINANCE, A DIVISION OF
2450-90 FIRST AVE                             FIRSTAR BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION
HUNTINGTON, WV 25728                          400 HIGHWAY 169 SOUTH,
SUITE 300
                                              ST. LOUIS PARK, MN 55426

By:  /s/ Todd R. Fry                          By:  /s/ Mathew F. Iacobucci
     ---------------                               -----------------------
Print Name:  Todd R. Fry                      Print Name: Mathew F. Iacobucci
             -----------                                  -------------------
Title:  Vice President and CFO                 Title:
        ----------------------                       ------------------------

                             LEASE SCHEDULE NO. 001
                  TO MASTER LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 0031293 ("MLA")
                    BY AND BETWEEN FIRSTAR EQUIPMENT FINANCE,
           A DIVISION OF FIRSTAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.("LESSOR")
                      AND THE UNDERSIGNED LESSEE ("LESSEE")

A.       LEASE TYPE:  FINANCE LEASE

B.       EQUIPMENT LEASED: Lessee confirms that the Equipment described in
Attachment A hereto has been delivered to Lessee; that the Equipment is of the
size, design, capacity and manufacture selected by Lessee and meets the
provisions of any purchase agreements pursuant to which Lessor has acquired
title the Equipment and Lessee irrevocably accepts said Equipment "as-is,
where-is" for all purposes of the MLA as of the date executed by Lessee.

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p9
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

C.       TOTAL EQUIPMENT COST:  $4 l 5,454.69.

D.       TERM: The term of this Lease Schedule ("Schedule") commences on JANUARY
20, 2001, ("Commencement Date") and expires on JANUARY 20, 2006 ("Base Term").
Unless sooner terminated as set forth in the MLA and at Lessor's option, this
Schedule shall be automatically renewed (at Lessor's option) in its entirety on
a semiannual basis ("Renewal Term") unless Lessee gives Lessor written notice of
non-renewal one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the Base
Term of this Schedule (and of any Renewal Term).

E.       RENT: As rent for the Equipment described in this Schedule, Lessee
shall pay Lessor 60 consecutive rent payments of $8,322.00 ("Rent"), plus any
applicable use tax. The first Rent payment shall be due on JANUARY 20, 2001 and
the remaining Rent payments shall be due on the same day of every month
thereafter during the Base Term of this Schedule (and any Renewal Term).

F.       LOCATION: The Equipment shall be domiciled at the locations attached
hereto as Attachment A and shall not be removed therefrom without the prior
written consent of Lessor.

G.       LEASE RENEWAL OR PURCHASE: Provided Lessee shall have complied with all
terms and conditions of the MLA and provided Lessee shall not be in default as
defined in Section 12 the MLA, Lessee shall, at least one hundred eighty (180)
days prior to the expiration of the Base Term (or any Renewal Term) of the MLA,
notify Lessor of its intent to exercise one of the following options (except as
provided in Section D above):

       1.  PURCHASE: Lessee hereby gives notice to Lessor of its intention to
           purchase the Equipment at the end of the Base Term. Lessee and Lessor
           hereby agree that all and not less than all of the Equipment will be
           purchased on an "AS IS, WHERE-IS" basis at a cost of $1.00 at the
           expiration of the Base Term. Payment for the purchase of the
           Equipment must be received by certified check or wire transfer on or
           before the expiration date of the Base Term with any applicable sales
           tax. Lessee shall pay all taxes, fees, costs, expenses, and other
           charges of any kind pertaining to its purchase of the Equipment and
           shall be purchased "AS IS WHERE IS" WITH NO WARRANTIES (EXPRESSED OR
           IMPLIED) AS TO ANY MA1TER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
           MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXCEPT THAT NO
           SECURITY INTEREST, LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE AGAINST SUCH EQUIPMENT HAS
           BEEN CREATED BY OR THROUGH LESSOR; or

       2.  RENEWAL: In the event this Schedule has been renewed by Lessee as
           provided in Section D herein, Lessee shall pay to Lessor a rental
           payment equal to that set forth in Section E herein during the
           Renewal Term. This rental payment shall be due and payable on the
           same day of each month, as was established in Section D above during
           the Renewal Term. In all other respects, this Schedule and the MLA
           shall remain unchanged, and in full force and effect, during the
           Renewal Period.

H.     ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

       1.  PROPERTY OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE INSURANCE will be "comprehensive" or "all
           risk" coverage. Insured values must be equal to the greater of the
           Equipment cost or the Fair Market Value of the Equipment at all
           times, and valuation of loss must be on a replacement cost basis.
           Such policy providing insurance for damage to the Equipment shall
           name "Firstar Bank, National Association and/or its assigns" as loss
           payee as Lessor's interest may appear and shall not have a deductible
           amount in excess of $5,000 or other policy limitations unsatisfactory
           to Lessor without the express written consent of Lessor.

       2.  GENERAL AND/OR AUTO LIABILITY INSURANCE shall have minimum limits of
           $1,000,000 general aggregate, $1,000,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000
           per personal injury and $1,000,000 per products - completed
           operations aggregate and shall have no deductible without the
           express written consent of Lessor. Such policy must include (a)
           Lessee as the named insured; (b) "broad form" general liability
           coverage or similar form (including, but not limited to, premises
           and operations, products and completed operations, employees as
           insureds, blanket contractual liability, personal injury and
           advertising liability), with owners and contractors coverage, if
           necessary; (c) thirty (30) day prior written

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p10
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

            notice of cancellation, non-renewal or adverse material change must
            be given to Lessor by the insurer and/or the agent.

I.     STIPULATED LOSS VALUE: The Stipulated Loss Values during the Base Term
(and any Renewal Term) of this Schedule for each unit of Equipment lost, stolen,
destroyed or damaged beyond repair as determined by Lessor ("Stipulated Loss
Values") are set forth in Attachment B hereto.

J.     ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS: The Lessee and Lessor further agree as follows:
None.

K.     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE/ORAL MODIFICATIONS: The MLA executed by Lessee
is incorporated herein in its entirety, and Lessee hereby reaffirms all of the
representations and warranties contained in said MLA. This Schedule constitutes
a separate and independent lease of property from any other Lease schedule. If
any provisions of this Schedule conflict with any provisions of the MLA, the
provisions of this Schedule shall prevail.

LESSEE:                                 LESSOR:
CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC.               FIRSTAR EQUIPMENT
FINANCE, A DIVISION OF
                                        FIRSTAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:  /s/ Todd R. Fry                     By:  /s/ Mathew F. Iacobucci
     ---------------                          -----------------------
Print Name:  Todd R. Fry                 Print Name:  Mathew F. Iacobucci
             -----------                              -------------------
Title:  Vice President and CFO           Title:  Vice President
        ----------------------                   --------------
Date:  1/17/01                           Date:  1/12/01
       -------                                  -------

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p11
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

                                  ATTACHMENT A
                              EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION                                      ORIGINAL COST              EQUIPMENT DOMICILE
---------------------                                      -------------              ------------------
COUNTY
------
<S>                                                         <C>                      <C>
(2) COLOR 20 1/2 X 29 1/8 OFFSET PRINGT PRESS                $223,552.75              1515 CENTRAE PKWY
HAMILTON
WITH ALL STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND                                                       CINCINNATI, OH 45214
ACCESSORIES

(2) MAXI TOPAZ BOARD                                           23,944.66

(1) 600DPI IRIS INICJET PROOFER 14't X 21" IMAGE               45,821.62
SIZE W/ NEW FX INCLUDES: MACBETH
SPRECTORNLINE SPECTROL SPECTROSCAN,
PROOFER INSTALLABLE, CYE-K-70921 ARCSV
ADV BKU SW, CYE K-70926 ARCSV TP LB OPTN,
AHA2940U2W 2940 SCSI CARD, #ADP-J-65880
290U2W W/ MAC KTI, #FDSK6700 18.2GB DISC
DRIVE

(1) IS 90 DESKSD SERVER DUL PT3, 00MHZ, 512MB,                 54,977.22
3-9.1GB, EXTRM Z-SHBY783AAU010lA, (1) AGFA
APIS PCI INTERFACE, (2) FMEM23400 256MB RAM
UPGRADE, (1) FOPT4230 21" COLOR MNTR, (1)
APOG BLT 103 APC IMP, AD, EX (1) INRIP TRAP
TAIPN SW, (1) ECRL 8000 TAIPAN / TRADE, (1) ASF
COBRA TO TAIPAN RIP UPG, (1) TAIPAN 3.1 WITH
PAC BOARD SN; 022010001134 AND (1) COLOR
CENTRAL FOR WIND / INTEL NT VERSION, (2)
FSDK 7200 9.0GB 7200 RPM DISK

(1) IN90 RACK MOUNT INIERSISTE F/ WINDOWS                      67,158.44
NT, (1) NT SERVER SW, (1) 100MHZ 256 MB ECC, (2)
4.3GB UW SCSI DISK, (1) 15" COLOR MONITOR, (l)
IR12-L R2RK UW-2CHN, (6) 18.2GB 14.6" 7200 RAM,
(1) 2.0KVA DESKSIDE UPS7 (1) 40U-I9' EXPN PACK,
(1) IN RACK USER INTF K, (1) RACK MOUNT
KEYBD, K, (1) S6KX2 FAX/ DATA/ V.MD, (1) GNTC II
1000 BASE SX, (1) PRESTIGE PRIME 3-YR FOR
SERVER, (1) TD -260MT, 450MHZ, 64M, (1)
INTERSITE F/W, (1) 128MB RAM UPGRADE, (10 17"
COLOR MONITOR, (1) KEYBOARD ENGLISH, (1)
PRESITGE PRIME 2-YR, (I) 500 GB AIT2 TAPE
LIBRARY, (1) AIT RACK MOUNT KIT, (1) EPSON 740
INKIET, (1) CABLE / PER FOOT, (3) PIMAC
G3/450MHZ /1 289G

                       TOTAL EQUIPMENT COST:                 $415,454.69
</TABLE>

NOTE:  THIS EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE

Lessee initials /s/ TF              Lessor initials /s/ MI
                ------                              ------

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p12
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

                                  ATTACHMENT B
                             STIPULATED LOSS VALUES

THIS ATTACHMENT B is to that certain Lease Schedule No. 001 between Firstar
Equipment Finance, a division of Firstar Bank, National Association ("Lessor")
and CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. ("Lessee"). Terms defined in the MLA and Schedule
shall have the same meanings when used herein. Stipulated Loss Values are
calculated by multiplying original Equipment Cost by the Stipulated Loss Value
Percentage as of the preceding Rent payment date.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Rent       Stipulated         Rent        Stipulated
                        Payment       Loss Value      Payment        Loss Value
                           Date       Percentage         Date        Percentage
                  --------------------------------------------------------------
                       <S>             <C>         <C>              <C>
                        2/20/01           102.39      8/20/03             57.70
                        3/20/01           101.06      9/20/03             56.03
                        4/20/01            99.72     10/20/03             54.35
                        5/20/01            98.37     11/20/03             52.65
                        6/20/01            97.02     12/20/03             50.95
                        7/20/01            95.65      1/20/04             49.23
                        8/20/01            94.27      2/20/04             47.50
                        9/20/01            92.88      3/20/04             45.76
                       10/20/01            91.48      4/20/04             44.01
                       11/20/01            90.08      5/20/04             42.25
                       12/20/01            88.66      6/20/04             40.49
                        1/20/02            87.23      7/20/04             38.71
                        2/20/02            85.79      8/20/04             36.92
                        3/20/02            84.34      9/20/04             35.13
                        4/20/02            82.88     10/20/04             33.23
                        5/20/02            81.40     11/20/04             31.50
                        6/20/02            79.91     12/20/04             29.67
                        7/20/02            78.40      1/20/05             27.84
                        8/20/02            76.89      2/20/05             25.99
                        9/20/02            75.36      3/20/05             24.12
                       10/20/02            73.81      4/20/05             22.25
                       11/20/02            72.26      5/20/05             20.37
                       12/20/02            70.69      6/20/05             18.48
                        1/20/03            69.10      7/20/05             16.58
                        2/20/03            67.51      8/20/05             14.67
                        3/20/03            65.90      9/20/05             12.75
                        4/20/03            64.28     10/20/05             10.82
                        5/20/03            62.65     11/20/05              8.88
                        6/20/03            61.01     12/20/05              6.92
                        7/20/03            59.36
                  --------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Lessee initials /s/ TF              Lessor initials /s/ MI
                ------                              ------

 * * STIPULATED LOSS VALUES ARE NOT INTENDED FOR PAYOFF OR BUYOUT PURPOSES, BUT
              ONLY AN ESTIMATE OF CASUALTY LOSSES FOR THE EQUIPMENT

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p13
<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit Section
                                 Exhibit (10.2)

                      CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE RESOLUTIONS

The undersigned, (Assistant) Secretary of CHAMPION [NDUSTRIES, INC., a
corporation duly incorporated and in good standing under the laws of the State
of West Virginia (hereinafter "Corporation"), does hereby certify to Firstar
Equipment Finance, a division of Firstar Bank, National Association ("Firstar")
as follows:

1.     That the undersigned is the duly elected and acting (Assistant) Secretary
of the Corporation;

2.     That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, duly
called and convened, at which a quorum was present throughout, the following
resolutions were duly adopted:

       RESOLVED, that this Corporation is hereby authorized to enter into a
lease or other financing arrangements with Firstar via a Master Lease Agreement
or a Credit and Security Agreement and/or various other agreements (collectively
"Finance Agreements") with Firstar upon such terms as the officers of this
Corporation deem appropriate. Any officer of this Corporation is hereby
authorized to execute and deliver to Firstar Financing Agreements and, from time
to time, various Lease Schedules, Promissory Notes, and any other documents
deemed necessary or appropriate by Firstar including, without limitation,
amendments to any of the foregoing documents and UCC financing statements; and
to do all things necessary or appropriate to effectuate the agreements between
Corporation and Firstar including, without limitation, pledging and/or granting
a security in such assets of this Corporation as Firstar may require from time
to time. Execution of such documents by any officer shall be conclusive evidence
of such officer's authority, and Firstar shall be under no obligation to make
any additional inquiry of such officer's authority or the genuineness of such
officer's signature.

       FURTHERMORE, Corporation hereby ratifies and/or confirms (as the case may
be) all prior actions of its officers as to any of the foregoing.

       FURTHER RESOLVED, that at the request of Firstar, any officer of this
Corporation is authorized to sell to Firstar the property described in any
Financing Agreement and related documents; and contemporaneously with such sale,
the Corporation warrants to Firstar that title to such property shall be free
and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, charges and other
encumbrances of any other party and, if applicable, is authorized to lease such
property back from Lessor pursuant to the above described Master Lease
Agreement. Further resolved, that if this Corporation shall be in default under
said Financing Agreements or any other Agreement with Firstar, that any officer
of this Corporation is authorized to surrender to Firstar the property subject
to the Financing Agreements and any assets of this Corporation pledged to
Firstar without the further consent of Board of Directors and/or the
shareholders of this Corporation

       FURTHER RESOLVED, that Firstar may rely on these resolutions until the
same have been rescinded by: Corporation and written notice of such rescission
received by Firstar (or its assignee) by certified mail. Such rescission shall
have no effect on the validity of any agreements executed and/or the acts of any
officer or this Corporation undertaken prior to Firstar's receipt of such
notice.

3.     That the above-described resolutions are in full force and effect as of
the date of this Certificate of Corporate Resolutions, and have not been amended
or rescinded in any matter. Furthermore, the provisions of said resolution do
not violate any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or the By-Laws of
this Corporation, or applicable law.

       IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Certificate of
Corporate Resolutions to be executed this 22nd day of January, 2001.

(Corporate Seal if Applicable)                 /s/ Toney K. Adkins
                                               -------------------
                                               (Assistant) Secretary

                               Exhibit (10.2)-p14

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