Document:

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN INTERMET CORPORATION AND CERTAIN
EXECTUTIVES OTHER THAN JOHN DODDRIDGE

NOTE: Intermet has entered into an employment agreement substantially identical
to the following form with the following executives. In each case, the material
details in which the contract with the executive differs from this form are
described below.

Doretha J. Christoph. An employment agreement with Ms. Christoph was entered
into as of July 1, 2001, having a Contract Term, as defined in the agreement,
from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002. The dates referred to in section 2.7(b) are
July 1, 2001.

Terry C. Graessle. An employment agreement with Mr. Graessle was entered into as
of March 26, 2001, having a Contract Term, as defined in the agreement, from
March 26, 2001 to March 25, 2002. The dates referred to in section 2.7(b) are
March 26, 2002.

Michael J. Ryan. An employment agreement with Mr. Ryan was entered into as of
March 20, 2000, having a Contract Term, as defined in the agreement, from March
20, 2000 to March 19, 2001. The dates referred to in section 2.7(b) are March
20, 2000. In the case of Mr. Ryan, Section 1.3 provides that following a
termination as set forth therein, Mr. Ryan is entitled, in addition to the
payments set forth on this form, to payment of an Annual Bonus for the one-year
period following the Date of Termination equal to the Annual bonus that would
have been payable for the Annual Bonus Period during which the termination
occurred.

Alan J. Miller. An employment agreement with Mr. Miller was entered into as of
January 4, 2000, having a Contract Term, as defined in the agreement, from
January 4, 2000 to January 3, 2001. The dates referred to in section 2.7(b) are
January 4, 2000. This agreement replaced and superseded a prior employment
agreement with Mr. Miller dated July 6, 1998.

Gary F. Ruff. An employment agreement with Dr. Ruff was entered into as of June
1, 1999, having a Contract Term, as defined in the agreement, from June 1, 1999
to December 31, 2000. The dates referred to in section 2.7(b) are June 1, 1999.
The employment agreement with Dr. Ruff does not contain Section 1.5.

Laurence Vine-Chatterton. An employment agreement with Mr. Chatterton was
entered into as of November 17, 1998, having a Contract Term, as defined in the
agreement, from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999. The dates referred to in
section 2.7(b) are January 1, 1999. The employment agreement with Mr. Chatterton
does not contain Section 1.5.

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                          FORM OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of ______________________ is made by and between
INTERMET CORPORATION, a Georgia corporation having its principal place of
business in Troy, Michigan (the "Company"), and ___________________________ (the
"Executive").

WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue the services of the Executive, and the
Executive is willing to continue to render such services; and

WHEREAS, in order to secure the continued services of the Executive, the Company
believes it should continue to provide the Executive with an agreement for
severance payments.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

                      Article 1 - Termination of Employment

1.1  Termination of Employment for Cause or Other Than for Good Reason. If,
     before the end of the Contract Term, the Company terminates the Executive's
     employment for Cause or the Executive terminates employment other than for
     Good Reason, then the Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum
     immediately after the Date of Termination that portion of the Executive's
     then current annual base salary which is accrued but unpaid as of such Date
     of Termination. The Executive will not be entitled to receive any other
     compensation or benefits under this Agreement.

1.2  Termination of Employment for Death or Disability. If, before the end of
     the Contract Term, the Executive's employment terminates due to death or
     Disability, the Company shall pay to the Executive (or to the Executive's
     estate), in accordance with Company policy following the Date of
     Termination:

(a)  that portion of the Executive's annual base salary which is accrued but
     unpaid as of the Date of Termination;

(b)  the amount of any Annual Bonus applicable to any Annual Bonus Period which
     ended prior to the Date of Termination, but which is unpaid as of the Date
     of Termination;

(c)  disability, life insurance, and other benefits as typically provided to an
     executive under the Company's employee welfare benefit plans as a result of
     such an executive's death or Disability; and

(d)  a pro rata portion of the Annual Bonus applicable to the Annual Bonus
     Period during which the Date of Termination occurs based upon actual
     performance for the Annual Bonus Period (such pro rata bonus shall be based
     on the portion of such Annual Bonus Period that expired prior to the Date
     of Termination, shall be payable

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     following such Annual Bonus Period in accordance with Company policy and
     shall be determined without regard to any reduction in earnings on account
     of interest paid on additional debt incurred by the Company in connection
     with any Change in Control).

1.3  Termination of Employment By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive
     for Good Reason (other than following a Change of Control). If, before the
     end of the Contract Term, unless such event follows a Change of Control,
     the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by
     the Executive for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the following
     Section 1.4), the Executive shall receive the following:

(a)  In a lump sum, that portion of the Executive's annual base salary which is
     accrued but unpaid as of the Date of Termination and any unpaid Annual
     Bonus applicable to any Annual Bonus Period which ended prior to the Date
     of Termination;

(b)  In monthly payments, the amount of the Executive's annual base salary (not
     taking into account any reductions which would constitute Good Reason)
     which would be payable for the period beginning on the Date of Termination
     and ending on the date that is one (1) year following the Date of
     Termination;

(c)  Following the Annual Bonus Period during which the Date of Termination
     occurs and in accordance with Company policy, a pro rata portion of the
     Annual Bonus applicable to such Annual Bonus Period based upon actual
     performance for the Annual Bonus Period (such pro rata bonus shall be based
     on the portion of such Annual Bonus Period that expired prior to the Date
     of Termination, shall be payable following such Annual Bonus Period in
     accordance with Company policy and shall be determined without regard to
     any reduction in earnings on account of interest paid on additional debt
     incurred by the Company in connection with any Change in Control); and

(d)  During the period in which the Executive is receiving the payments set
     forth in subsection 1.3(b) above, the employee benefits to which the
     Executive was entitled during the Contract Term. The employee benefits to
     which the Executive is entitled hereunder shall include the continued use
     of a Company vehicle. The Executive will not be entitled to participate in
     the Company's 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership plan, or similar
     retirement savings plan following the Date of Termination. The amount of
     any employee benefits payable under this Section 1.3(d) and the use of the
     Company vehicle shall be reduced or eliminated to the extent the Executive
     becomes entitled to duplicative benefits by virtue of his/her subsequent
     employment after the Date of Termination.

1.4  For purposes of the foregoing Section 1.3, the term "Good Reason" means the
     occurrence of any one of the following events:

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(a)  assignment to the Executive of any duties materially inconsistent with the
     Executive's current position (or such other position to which he/she may
     have been promoted), or any other action that results in a material and
     adverse change in the Executive's position, status, title or
     responsibilities, provided, however, that (i) a change of title or change
     in reporting relationship that does not otherwise result in a material
     diminution of status or responsibilities, or (ii) a change that results in
     the Executive not serving as a member of the Company's highest level
     executive committee (currently designated as the Company's Operating
     Committee) will not constitute Good Reason,

(b)  the failure of the Company to assign this Agreement to a successor to the
     Company,

(c)  any reduction in the Executive's annual base salary or any change in the
     Executive's Annual Bonus that is not permitted by Section 2.1 hereof, or

(c)  any other material adverse change to the terms and conditions of the
     Executive's employment under this Agreement,

if the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after written
notice from the Executive; provided, however, that if the event is intentional,
knowing or repeated, the Executive shall not be required to provide written
notice or an opportunity to cure.

1.5  Termination of Employment By the Company Without Cause or By the Executive
     for Good Reason (following a Change of Control). If, before the end of the
     Contract Term, and within twenty-four (24) months following a Change of
     Control, the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company without
     Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the
     following Section 1.6), the Executive shall receive the following:

(a)  In a lump sum, that portion of the Executive's annual base salary which is
     accrued but unpaid as of the Date of Termination and any unpaid Annual
     Bonus applicable to any Annual Bonus Period which ended prior to the Date
     of Termination;

(b)  In monthly payments, the amount of the Executive's annual base salary (not
     taking into account any reductions which would constitute Good Reason)
     which would be payable for the period beginning on the Date of Termination
     and ending on the date that is two (2) years following the Date of
     Termination;

(c)  Following the Annual Bonus Period during which the Date of Termination
     occurs and in accordance with Company policy, a pro rata portion of the
     Annual Bonus applicable to such Annual Bonus Period based upon actual
     performance for the Annual Bonus Period (such pro rata bonus shall be based
     on the portion of such Annual Bonus Period that expired prior to the Date
     of Termination, shall be payable following such Annual Bonus Period in
     accordance with Company policy and shall be determined without regard to
     any reduction in earnings on account of interest

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     paid on additional debt incurred by the Company in connection with any
     Change in Control); and

(d)  During the period in which the Executive is receiving the payments set
     forth in subsection 1.5(b) above, the employee benefits to which the
     Executive was entitled during the Contract Term. The employee benefits to
     which the Executive is entitled under this Section 1.5(d) shall include the
     continued use of a Company vehicle. The Executive will not be entitled to
     participate in the Company's 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership plan, or
     similar retirement savings plan following the Date of Termination. The
     amount of any employee benefits payable under this Section 1.5(d) shall be
     reduced or eliminated to the extent the Executive becomes entitled to
     duplicative benefits by virtue of his/her subsequent employment after the
     Date of Termination.

1.6  For purposes of the foregoing Section 1.5, the term "Good Reason" means the
     occurrence of any one of the following events:

(a)  assignment to the Executive of any duties materially inconsistent with the
     Executive's current position (or such other position to which he/she may
     have been promoted), or any other action that results in a material and
     adverse change in the Executive's position, status, title or
     responsibilities,

(b)  the failure of the Company to assign this Agreement to a successor to the
     Company,

(c)  any reduction in the Executive's annual base salary or any change in the
     Executive's Annual Bonus that is not permitted by Section 2.1 hereof

(d)  any other material adverse change to the terms and conditions of the
     Executive's employment under this Agreement, or

(e)  any change that would require the Executive's place of employment to be
     located outside a radius of thirty-five (35) miles of the Executive's
     current place of employment,

if the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after written
notice from the Executive; provided, however, that if the event is intentional,
knowing or repeated, the Executive shall not be required to provide written
notice or an opportunity to cure.

1.7  Other Termination Benefits. In addition to any amounts or benefits provided
     upon termination of employment hereunder and except as otherwise provided
     herein, the Executive shall be entitled to any payments or benefits
     explicitly provided under the terms of any plan, policy or program of the
     Company or as otherwise required by applicable law.

                         Article 2 - Certain Definitions

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2.1  "Annual Bonus" means the annual cash bonus paid to the Executive pursuant
     to the Company's annual bonus plan. During the Contract Term, the Company
     shall maintain an annual bonus plan that provides the Executive with
     benefits that are substantially equivalent to the benefits provided under
     the Company's current annual bonus plan, provided, however, that the
     Company shall continue to be permitted to adjust bonus participation levels
     for company executives, including for the Executive, based on performance
     factors in accordance with the Company's current practice.

2.2  "Annual Bonus Period" means the annual period on which the Executive's
     Annual Bonus is based.

2.3  "Contract Term" means the period commencing on _______________ and ending
     on __________________ ; provided, however, that commencing _______________
     the Contract Term shall be automatically extended by one day on each day
     the Executive remains employed; and, provided further, that notwithstanding
     anything herein to the contrary, the Contract Term and all obligations of
     the Company hereunder shall terminate on the Executive's sixty-fifth (65th)
     birthday.

2.4  "Date of Termination" means the date on which the Executive's employment
     with the Company terminates.

2.5  "Disability" means any medically determinable physical or mental impairment
     that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six
     (6) months, and that renders the Executive unable to perform the duties
     required under this Agreement. The date of the determination of Disability
     is the date on which the Executive is certified as having incurred a
     Disability by a physician acceptable to the Company.

2.6  "Cause" means (a) the Executive's committing any felony or other crime
     involving dishonesty; (b) any serious misconduct in the course of the
     Executive's employment; or (c) the Executive's habitual neglect of the
     Executive's duties (other than on account of Disability), except that Cause
     shall not mean:

(1) bad judgment or negligence other than habitual neglect of duty;

(2)  any act or omission believed by the Executive in good faith to have been in
     or not opposed to the interest of the Company (without intent of the
     Executive to gain therefrom, directly or indirectly, a profit to which the
     Executive was not legally entitled); or

(3)  any act or omission with respect to which a determination could properly
     have been made that the Executive met the applicable standard of conduct
     for indemnification or reimbursement under the by-laws of the Company, any
     applicable indemnification agreement or the laws and regulations under
     which the Company is governed, in each case in effect at the time of such
     act or omission.

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2.7  "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(a)  any "person" (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and as used in Sections 13(d)(3)
     and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes a "beneficial owner" (as
     defined in Rule 1 3d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
     securities of the Company representing 30% or more of the combined voting
     power of the Company's then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the
     election of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Company Voting
     Securities") provided, however, that the event described in this paragraph
     shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control by virtue of any of the
     following acquisitions: (i) by the Company or, direct or indirect,
     majority-owned subsidiaries of the Company, (ii) by any employee benefit
     plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled
     by the Company, (iii) by any underwriter temporarily holding securities
     pursuant to an offering of such securities, (iv) pursuant to a Non-Control
     Transaction (as defined in paragraph (c)), (v) pursuant to any acquisition
     by the Executive or any group of persons including the Executive, or (vi)
     in which Company Voting Securities are acquired from the Company, if a
     majority of the Board of Directors of the Company approves a resolution
     providing expressly that the acquisition pursuant to this clause (vi) does
     not constitute a Change in Control under this paragraph (a);

(b)  individuals who, on ________________, constitute the Board of Directors of
     the Company (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at
     least a majority thereof, provided that (i) any person becoming a director
     subsequent to ________________, whose election, or nomination for election,
     by the Company's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least
     three-quarters of the directors comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a
     specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which
     such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such
     nomination) shall be, for purposes of this paragraph (b), considered as
     though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; Provided however,
     that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the
     Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with
     respect to directors or any other actual or threatened solicitation of
     proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board of
     Directors shall be deemed to be a member of the Incumbent Board;

(c)  the consummation of a merger or consolidation or similar form of corporate
     reorganization, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of
     the assets, of the Company (a "Business Combination") is consummated,
     unless immediately following such Business Combination: (i) more than 50%
     of the total voting power of the corporation resulting from such Business
     Combination (including, without limitation, for purposes of making such 50%
     determination, any shares owned through any entity which directly or
     indirectly has beneficial ownership of the Company Voting Securities or all
     or substantially all of the Company's assets) eligible to elect directors
     of such corporation is represented by shares held by shareholders of the
     Company immediately prior to such Business Combination

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     (either by remaining outstanding or being converted), (ii) no person (other
     than any holding company resulting from such Business Combination, any
     employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company (or the
     corporation resulting from such Business Combination), or any person which
     beneficially owned, immediately prior to such Business Combination,
     directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the Company Voting Securities)
     becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of 30% or more of the
     total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to elect
     directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination, and
     (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the
     corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the
     Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or
     action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination
     (a "Non-Control Transaction"); or

(d)  the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or
     dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur
solely because any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 30% of the
Company Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Company Voting
Securities by the Company which, by reducing the number of Company Voting
Securities outstanding, increases the percentage of shares beneficially owned by
such person; provided, that if a Change in Control would occur as a result of
such an acquisition by the Company (if not for the operation of this sentence),
and after the Company's acquisition such person becomes the beneficial owner of
additional Company Voting Securities that increases the percentage of
outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by such person, then a
Change in Control shall occur.

2.8 "Good Reason" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.4 or 1.6, as the
case may be.

                        Article 3 - Restrictive Covenants

3.1  Trade Secrets. Confidential and Proprietary Business Information

(a)  The Company has advised the Executive and the Executive acknowledges that
     it is the policy of the Company to maintain as secret and confidential all
     Protected Information (as defined below), and that Protected Information
     has been and will be developed at substantial cost and effort to the
     Company. "Protected Information" means trade secrets, confidential and
     proprietary business information of the Company, any information of the
     Company other than information which has entered the public domain (unless
     such information entered the public domain through the efforts of or on
     account of the Executive), and all valuable and unique information and
     techniques acquired, developed or used by the Company relating to its
     business, operations, employees and customers, which give the Company a
     competitive advantage over those who do not know the information and
     techniques and which are protected by the Company from unauthorized
     disclosure, including

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     but not limited to, customer lists (including potential customers), sources
     of supply processes, plans, materials, pricing information, internal
     memoranda, marketing plans, internal policies, and products and services
     which may be developed from time to time by the Company and its agents or
     employees.

(b)  The Executive acknowledges that the Executive will acquire Protected
     Information with respect to the Company and its successors in interest,
     which information is valuable, special and a unique asset of the Company's
     business and operations and that disclosure of such Protected Information
     would cause irreparable damage to the Company.

(c)  The Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, divulge, furnish or make
     accessible to any person, firm, corporation, association or other entity
     (otherwise than as may be required in the regular course of the Executive's
     employment) nor use in any manner, either during or after termination of
     employment by the Company any Protected Information or cause any such
     information of the Company to enter the public domain.

3.2  Non-Competition.

(a)  The Executive agrees that the Executive shall not during the Executive's
     employment with the Company, and, if the Executive's employment is
     terminated for any reason other than termination of employment without
     Cause or for Good Reason, thereafter for a period of one (1) year directly
     or indirectly, in any capacity, engage or participate in or become employed
     by or render advisory or consulting or other services in connection with
     any Prohibited Business as defined below.

(b)  The Executive agrees that if the Executive's employment is terminated
     without Cause or for Good Reason, thereafter during the period in which the
     Executive is receiving payments under either Section 1.3(b) or 1.5(b)
     hereof, directly or indirectly, in any capacity, engage or participate in
     or become employed by or render advisory or consulting or other services in
     connection with any Prohibited Business as defined below.

(c)  Notwithstanding Section 3.2(b) above, at any time during which the
     Executive is receiving the payments and benefits due the Executive pursuant
     to Sections 1.3(b) and 1.3(d), or Sections 1.5(b) and 1.5(d), as the case
     may be, the Executive may elect by written notice to the Company to forego
     and release the Company from paying such payments and providing such
     benefits. From and after the date of such notice (i) the Company shall have
     no further obligation to make such payments or provide such benefits, and
     (ii) the obligation of the Executive set forth in Section 3.2(b) shall
     terminate.

(d)  The Executive agrees that the Executive shall not during the Executive's
     employment with the Company, and, if the Executive's employment is
     terminated for any reason, thereafter for a period of one (1) year, make
     any financial investment,

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     whether in the form of equity or debt, or own any interest, directly or
     indirectly, in any Prohibited Business. Nothing in this Section 7.02 shall,
     however, restrict the Executive from making any investment in any Company
     whose stock is listed on a national securities exchange or actively traded
     in the over-the-counter market; provided that (i) such investment does not
     give the Executive the right or ability to control or influence the policy
     decisions of any Prohibited Business, and (ii) such investment does not
     create a conflict of interest between the Executive's duties hereunder and
     the Executive's interest in such investment.

(d)  "Prohibited Business" shall be defined as any business and any branch,
     office or operation thereof, which is a direct and material competitor of
     the Company wherever the Company does business, in the United States or
     abroad, and which has established or seeks to establish contact, in
     whatever form (including but not limited to solicitation of sales, or the
     receipt or submission of bids) with any entity who is at any time a client,
     customer or supplier of the Company (including but not limited to all
     subdivisions of the federal government).

3.3  Undertaking Regarding Employees. From the date hereof until two years after
     the Executive's Date of Termination, the Executive shall not, directly or
     indirectly, (a) encourage any employee of the Company or its successors in
     interest to leave their employment with the Company or its successors in
     interest; or (b) employ, hire, solicit or cause to be employed or hired or
     solicited (other than by the Company or its successors in interest), or
     establish a business with, or encourage others to hire, any person who
     within two (2) years prior thereto was employed by the Company or its
     successors in interest.

3.4  Disclosure of Employee-Created Trade Secrets. Confidential and Proprietary
     Business Information. The Executive agrees to promptly disclose to the
     Company all Protected Information developed in whole or in part by the
     Executive during the Executive's employment with the Company and which
     relate to the Company's business. Such Protected Information is, and shall
     remain, the exclusive property of the Company. All writings created during
     the Executive's employment with the Company (excluding writings unrelated
     to the Company's business) are considered to be "works-for-hire" for the
     benefit of the Company and the Company shall own all rights in such
     writings.

                             Article 4 - Successors

4.1  The Company shall cause this Agreement to be binding on the Company and any
     successor to the Company.

INTERMET CORPORATION

By: ____________________________________

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Title: ___________________________________

__________________________________________
                           Executive

                                       11<PAGE>

                           [FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY]

         THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A
NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO, OR REGISTERED OR
EXCHANGED FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF, ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE
DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF AND NO SUCH TRANSFER MAY BE REGISTERED, EXCEPT
IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. EVERY SECURITY
AUTHENTICATED AND DELIVERED UPON REGISTRATION OF, TRANSFER OF, OR IN EXCHANGE
FOR OR IN LIEU OF, THIS SECURITY SHALL BE A GLOBAL SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE
FOREGOING, EXCEPT IN SUCH LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

         UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE COMPANY OR ITS
AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED
IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS
MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER
USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL IN AS MUCH AS
THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

                          SOUTHERN NATURAL GAS COMPANY

                            8% NOTE DUE MARCH 1, 2032

NO. 1                                                                     U.S.$
CUSIP No. 843452 AZ 6

         SOUTHERN NATURAL GAS COMPANY, a corporation duly incorporated and
existing under the laws of Delaware (herein called the "Company," which term
includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for
value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the
principal sum of ______________ United States Dollars on March 1, 2032, and to
pay interest thereon from February 26, 2002, or from the most recent Interest
Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually
on March 1 and September 1 in each year, commencing September 1, 2002, at the
rate of 8% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for
payment. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on
any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest, which shall be February 15 or August 15 (whether or not a Business
Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such

<PAGE>

interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and shall either be paid to
the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities)
is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment
of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice of which shall be
given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to
such Special Record Date, or be paid at such time in any other lawful manner not
inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in such Indenture.

         Payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on this
Security will be made by transfer of immediately available funds to a bank
account in New York, New York designated by the Holder in such coin or currency
of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for
payment of public and private debts.

         Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

         Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed.

Dated:

                                       SOUTHERN NATURAL GAS COMPANY

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

         This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred
to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                       JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,
                                       AS TRUSTEE

                                       By:
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Authorized Representative

<PAGE>

                          [FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]

                          SOUTHERN NATURAL GAS COMPANY
                            8% NOTE DUE MARCH 1, 2032

         This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of the
Company (the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under
an Indenture dated as of June 1, 1987, as amended (the "Indenture"), between the
Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank (as successor to Manufacturers Hanover Trust
Company), as Trustee (the "Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee
under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations
of rights, obligations, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the
Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the
Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. As provided in the
Indenture, the Securities may be issued in one or more series, which different
series may be issued in various aggregate principal amounts, may mature at
different times, may bear interest, if any, at different rates, may be subject
to different redemption provisions, if any, may be subject to different sinking,
purchase or analogous funds, if any, may be subject to different covenants and
Events of Default and may otherwise vary as in the Indenture provided or
permitted. This Security is one of a series of Securities designated on the face
hereof limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S. $300,000,000.

         The Securities of this series are redeemable, upon not less than 30 nor
more than 60 days' notice by mail, as a whole or in part, at the option of the
Company at any time at a Redemption Price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of
the principal amount thereof and (ii) as determined by an Independent Investment
Banker, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of
principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption on a
semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months)
at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest
thereon to the date of redemption, but interest installments whose Stated
Maturity is on or prior to such date of redemption will be payable to the
Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at
the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face
hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.

         "Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Redemption Date,
the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for such Redemption Date, plus 0.50%.

         "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker that (i) has a maturity comparable
to the remaining term of the Securities of this series to be redeemed and (ii)
would be used, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary
financial practice, to price new issues of corporate debt securities of
comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.

         "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any Redemption Date,
(i) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third
Business Day preceding such Redemption

<PAGE>

Date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release)
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated "Composite 3:30
p.m. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities," or (ii) if such release (or any
successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such
Business Day, (A) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for
such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (B) if the Trustee obtains fewer than three such
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Reference Treasury
Dealer Quotations.

         "Independent Investment Banker" means one of the Reference Treasury
Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with the Company.

         "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and
their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing
shall not be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a
"Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall substitute therefor another
Primary Treasury Dealer.

         "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each
Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by
the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in
writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. on the
third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date.

         Notwithstanding Section 4.01 of the Indenture, the notice of redemption
with respect to the foregoing redemption need not set forth the Redemption Price
but only the manner of calculation thereof.

         Promptly after the calculation thereof, the Company shall give the
Trustee written notice of the Redemption Price for the foregoing redemption.

         In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new
Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed
portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the
cancellation hereof.

         If an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series
shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series
may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in
the Indenture.

         The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of all series to be affected (voting as one class). The
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all affected series
(voting as one class), on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such
series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the
Indenture. The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided,
the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of any
series then

<PAGE>

Outstanding to waive past defaults under the Indenture with respect to such
series and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this
Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future
Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of
transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not
notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

         As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the
Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding
with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or
for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given
the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the
Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written
request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of
Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity and the Trustee
shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent
with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for
60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The
foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security
for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or interest hereon on or
after the respective due dates expressed herein.

         No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security
or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which
is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on this Security at the times, place(s) and rate, and in the coin or
currency, herein prescribed.

         This Global Security or portion hereof may not be exchanged for
Definitive Securities except in the limited circumstances provided in the
Indenture.

         The holders of beneficial interests in this Global Security will not be
entitled to receive physical delivery of Definitive Securities except as
described in the Indenture and will not be considered the Holders hereof for any
purpose under the Indenture.

         The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form,
without coupons, in denominations of U.S. $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein
set forth, the Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate
principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different
authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

         No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer
or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge payable in connection
therewith.

         Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

<PAGE>

         No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of or
contained in the Indenture or of or contained in any Security, or for any claim
based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or in any Security, or because of
the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any
incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or
future, of the Company or of any successor Person, either directly or through
the Company or any successor Person, whether by virtue of any constitution,
statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment, penalty or
otherwise; it being expressly understood that all such liability is hereby
expressly waived and released by the acceptance hereof and as a condition of,
and as part of the consideration for, the Securities and the execution of the
Indenture.

         The Indenture provides that the Company (a) will be discharged from any
and all obligations in respect of the Securities (except for certain obligations
described in the Indenture), or (b) need not comply with certain restrictive
covenants of the Indenture, in each case if the Company deposits, in trust, with
the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations (or a combination thereof)
which through the payment of interest thereon and principal thereof in
accordance with their terms will provide money, in an amount sufficient to pay
all the principal of and interest of the Securities, but such money need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

         THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

         All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

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