Document:

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     Exhibit 4.2

                           SECOND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
                          TO LONG TERM CREDIT AGREEMENT

         THIS AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (this "Amendment Agreement") is made and
entered into as of this 20th day of June, 2000, by and among REPUBLIC SERVICES,
INC., a Delaware corporation (herein called the "Company"), the several
financial institutions signatory hereto (collectively, the "Lenders";
individually each a "Lender") and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (successor by merger of
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association), as administrative agent
for the Lenders (the "Administrative Agent").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, the Company, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have
entered into a Long Term Credit Agreement dated July 10, 1998, as amended (the
"Agreement") pursuant to which the Lenders have agreed to make loans to the
Company in the aggregate principal amount of up to $500,000,000 as evidenced by
the Notes (as defined in the Agreement) and to issue Letters of Credit for the
benefit of the Company; and

         WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Agreement be amended in the
manner described herein and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, to make such amendment, as
provided herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Company, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders
do hereby agree as follows:

<PAGE>   2

         1. DEFINITIONS. The term "Agreement" as used herein and in the Loan
Documents (as defined in the Agreement) shall mean the Agreement as hereinafter
amended and modified. Unless the context otherwise requires, all terms used
herein without definition shall have the definition provided therefor in the
Agreement.

         2. AMENDMENT. Subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Agreement
is hereby amended, effective as of the date hereof, as follows:

                  (a) The following new definitions are hereby added to SECTION
         1.1 in the appropriate alphabetical order:

                           "CANADIAN CURRENCY EQUIVALENT AMOUNT means, with
                  respect to the Canadian Dollar and a specified Dollar amount,
                  the amount of Canadian Dollars into which such Dollar amount
                  would be converted, based on the Exchange Rate.

                           CANADIAN DOLLARS means the lawful currency of Canada.

                           CANADIAN L/C means a Letter of Credit which is
                  denominated in Canadian Dollars.

                           DOLLAR EQUIVALENT AMOUNT means, with respect to a
                  Canadian Dollar amount, the amount of Dollars into which the
                  Canadian Dollar amount would be converted, based on the
                  applicable Exchange Rate.

                           DOLLAR VALUE of a Letter of Credit in a Canadian
                  Dollar amount means the Dollar Equivalent Amount of the stated
                  amount of such Letter of Credit as recorded in the
                  Administrative Agent's records pursuant to SECTION 3.1(C).

                           EXCHANGE RATE means, with respect to the issuance of
                  a Canadian L/C, the Spot Rate of Exchange as of the date two
                  Business Days preceding the Valuation Date.

                           SPOT RATE OF EXCHANGE means, (i) in determining the
                  Dollar Equivalent Amount of a specified Canadian Dollar amount
                  as of any date, the spot exchange rate determined by the
                  Administrative Agent in accordance with its usual procedures
                  for the purchase by the Administrative Agent of Dollars with
                  Canadian Dollars at approximately 10:00 A.M. on the Business
                  Day that is two (2) Business Days prior to such date, and (ii)
                  in determining the Canadian Currency Equivalent Amount of a
                  specified Dollar amount on any date, the spot exchange rate
                  determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with its
                  usual procedures for the purchase by the Administrative Agent
                  of Canadian

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                  Dollars with Dollars at approximately 10:00 A.M. on the
                  Business Day that is two (2) Business Days prior to such date.

                           VALUATION DATE means any of (i) the date of any
                  Credit Extension, (ii) the date of any L/C Borrowing, and
                  (iii) any other date when there are outstanding Canadian L/Cs
                  that the Administrative Agent shall determine the Dollar
                  Equivalent Amount of Canadian L/Cs."

                  (b) The definition of "L/C Obligations" in SECTION 1.1 is
         hereby amended in its entirety so that as amended it shall read as
         follows:

                           "L/C OBLIGATIONS means at any time the sum of (a) the
                  aggregate Dollar Equivalent Amount of all undrawn Canadian
                  L/Cs and Dollar amount of all other undrawn Letters of Credit
                  then outstanding, plus (b) the Dollar Equivalent Amount of all
                  unreimbursed drawings under all Canadian L/Cs, plus (c) the
                  Dollar amount of all unreimbursed drawings under all other
                  Letters of Credit, including all outstanding L/C Borrowings."

                  (c) CLAUSE (V) of SECTION 3.1(B) is amended in its entirety so
         that as amended it shall read as follows:

                           "(v) such Letter of Credit is denominated in a
                  currency other than Dollars, or, in the case of BofA only, in
                  a currency other than Dollars or Canadian Dollars."

                  (d) A new subsection (c) is hereby added to SECTION 3.1 which
         subsection (c) shall read as follows:

                           "(c) On the terms and conditions set forth herein,
                  BofA may Issue upon request and for the account of the Company
                  a standby Canadian L/C. For purposes of determining L/C
                  Obligations, any Canadian L/C shall be recorded in the
                  Administrative Agent's account in Dollars based on the Dollar
                  Equivalent Amount on the date of issuance of such Canadian
                  L/C; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Administrative Agent shall
                  determine the Dollar Equivalent Amount of any Canadian L/C on
                  the Valuation Date for the purpose of determining L/C
                  Obligations. Any draw on a Canadian L/C shall be repaid in
                  Canadian Dollars in an amount equal to the amount of the draw
                  in Canadian Dollars. If at any time there is a drawing under a
                  Canadian L/C and the Company shall not promptly reimburse such
                  drawing as provided in SECTION 3.3, the Company shall be
                  obligated to immediately repay to the Administrative Agent for
                  the benefit of the Lenders an amount in Dollars equal to the
                  Dollar Equivalent Amount of the Canadian Dollars paid by BofA
                  to the beneficiary of such Canadian L/C on the date of such
                  drawing."

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<PAGE>   4

                  (e) Subsection (a) of SECTION 3.8 is amended in its entirety
         so that as amended it shall read as follows:

                           "(a) The Company shall pay to the Administrative
                  Agent for the account of each Lender a letter of credit fee
                  with respect to each Letter of Credit equal to the L/C Fee
                  Rate (plus, upon notice from the Administrative Agent (acting
                  at the request or with the consent of the Required Lenders)
                  during the existence of an Event of Default, and for so long
                  as such Event of Default shall continue, 2%) per annum of the
                  average daily maximum amount available to be drawn on such
                  Letter of Credit or in the case of a Canadian L/C the Dollar
                  Equivalent Amount of the average daily maximum amount,
                  computed on a quarterly basis and on the Termination Date (or
                  such later date on which such Letter of Credit shall expire or
                  be fully drawn)."

                  (f) SECTION 8.6 is hereby amended in its entirety so that as
         amended it shall read as follows:

                           "8.6 LIMITATIONS ON SUBSIDIARY INDEBTEDNESS. The
                  Company shall not permit the sum of the aggregate amount of
                  all Indebtedness of Subsidiaries (excluding (i) the existing
                  Indebtedness listed on SCHEDULE 8.6 and extensions, renewals
                  and refinancings thereof so long as the principal amount
                  thereof is not increased and (ii) extensions of credit
                  permitted under SECTION 8.5(C)) to exceed 20% of Consolidated
                  Tangible Assets."

         3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Company hereby represents and
warrants that:

                  (a) The representations and warranties made by Company in
         ARTICLE VI of the Agreement are true on and as of the date hereof;

                  (b) There has been no material adverse change in the
         condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and its Subsidiaries
         since the date of the most recent financial reports of the Company
         received by each Lender under SECTION 7.1 thereof, other than changes
         in the ordinary course of business, none of which has a Material
         Adverse Effect;

                  (c) The business and properties of the Company and its
         Subsidiaries are not and have not been adversely affected in any
         substantial way as the result of any fire, explosion, earthquake,
         accident, strike, lockout, combination of workers, flood, embargo,
         riot, activities of armed forces, war or acts of God or the public
         enemy, or cancellation or loss of any major contracts; and

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                  (d) No event has occurred and no condition exists which, upon
         the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby, constitutes an
         Unmatured Event of Default or an Event of Default on the part of the
         Company under the Agreement, the Notes or any other Loan Document
         either immediately or with the lapse of time or the giving of notice,
         or both.

         4. CONDITIONS. This Amendment Agreement shall become effective upon the
Company delivering to the Administrative Agent (i) seventeen (17) counterparts
of this Amendment Agreement duly executed by the Company, the Administrative
Agent and the Lenders and (ii) receipt by the Administrative Agent of all fees
and expenses due in connection with this Amendment Agreement.

         5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Amendment Agreement sets forth the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties hereto in relation to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes any prior negotiations and agreements among the
parties relative to such subject matter. No promise, conditions, representation
or warranty, express or implied, not herein set forth shall bind any party
hereto, and no one of them has relied on any such promise, condition,
representation or warranty. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that, except
as in this Amendment Agreement otherwise expressly stated, no representations,
warranties or commitments, express or implied, have been made by any other party
to the other. None of the terms or conditions of this Amendment Agreement may be
changed, modified, waived or canceled orally or otherwise, except by writing, in
the manner provided in the Agreement, specifying such change, modification,
waiver or cancellation of such terms or conditions, or of any proceeding or
succeeding breach thereof.

         6. FULL FORCE AND EFFECT OF AGREEMENT. Except as hereby specifically
amended, modified or supplemented, the Agreement and all of the other Loan
Documents are hereby confirmed and ratified in all respects and shall remain in
full force and effect according to their respective terms.

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

                                  COMPANY:

                                  REPUBLIC SERVICES, INC.

WITNESS:

/s/ R. MALLOY MCKEITHEN           By: /s/ EDWARD LANG
----------------------------         --------------------------------
                                     Name: Edward Lang
                                     Title: Vice President-Finance & Treasurer

/s/ TERRY L. WITCHER
----------------------------

                                       6
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                                    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                                    as Administrative Agent and a
                                    Documentation Agent

                                    By: /s/ RICHARD M. STARKE
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Name: Richard M. Starke
                                       Title: Managing Director

                                    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Swing Line
                                    Lender, as an Issuing Lender and as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ RICHARD M. STARKE
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Name: Richard M. Starke
                                            ---------------------------
                                       Title: Managing Director
                                             --------------------------

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

                                    THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                    as Documentation Agent and as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ GAIL WEISS
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Gail Weiss
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       8
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                                    BANK ONE, N.A.,
                                    as Documentation Agent, as an Issuing
                                    Lender and as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ DIANNA MCCARTHY
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Dianna McCarthy
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

                                    ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ LAURIE D. FLOM
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Laurie D. Flom
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Group Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                    By: /s/ MARY L. HONDA
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Mary L. Honda
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

                                    BANCA DI ROMA,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ STEVEN PALEY
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Steven Paley
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: FVP
                                          -----------------------------

                                    By: /s/ ALESSANDRO PAOLI
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Alessandro Paoli
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Asst. Treasurer
                                          -----------------------------

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

                                    BANK OF NEW YORK,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ DAVID SIEGEL
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: David Siegel
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

                                    CIBC, INC.,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ STEPHANIE E. DEVANE
                                       -------------------------------------
                                    Name: Stephanie E. Devane
                                         -----------------------------------
                                    Title:  Executive Director
                                          ----------------------------------
                                            CIBC World Market Corp., as agent

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

                                    CITIBANK, N.A.,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ DAVID L. HARRIS
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name:   David L. Harris
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

                                    COMMERZBANK AG, NEW YORK AND
                                    GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ HARRY P. YERGEY
                                        ----------------------------------
                                    Name: Harry P. Yergey
                                          --------------------------------
                                    Title: Senior Vice President & Manager
                                          --------------------------------

                                    By: /s/ SUBASH R. VISWANATHAN
                                        ----------------------------------
                                    Name:  Subash R. Viswanathan
                                          --------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          --------------------------------

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

                                    DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK
                                    AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ IAIN STUART
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name:  Iain Stuart
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                    By: /s/ STEPHANIE STROKE
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name:  Stephanie Stroke
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       16
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                                    AMSOUTH BANK,
                                    as a Lender

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

                                       17
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                                    FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ MARY A. MORGAN
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Mary A. Morgan
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: SVP
                                          -----------------------------

                                       18
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                                    FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ MICHAEL NATOCA
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael Natoca
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       19
<PAGE>   20

                                    SUNTRUST BANK,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ W. DAVID WISDOM
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: W. David Wisdom
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       20
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                                    WELLS FARGO BANK,
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ RON SINGH
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name:  Ron Singh
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Vice President
                                          -----------------------------

                                       21
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                                    WESTDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK,
                                    GIROZENTRALE, New York Branch
                                    as a Lender

                                    By: /s/ DUNCAN M. ROBERTSON
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Duncan M. Robertson
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Director
                                          -----------------------------

                                    By: /s/ BARRY S. WADLER
                                       --------------------------------
                                    Name: Barry S. Wadler
                                         ------------------------------
                                    Title: Manager
                                          -----------------------------

                                       22<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

                AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT, made this 30th day of March, 2000, is by and among Bank
of America, N.A., a national banking association and the successor to
NationsBank of Tennessee, N.A., ("Bank of America", and together with any other
banks who become parties to this Agreement, the "Banks"), ClinTrials Research,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), ClinTrials Research Kentucky,
Inc., a Tennessee corporation ("ClinTrials Kentucky"), ClinTrials Research North
Carolina, Inc., a North Carolina corporation ("ClinTrials North Carolina") and
Bank of America, N.A., as agent for the Banks (the "Agent").

                                    RECITALS

         Bank of America currently provides a line of credit to Borrower
pursuant to a Loan and Security Agreement dated March 27, 1998. Such line of
credit expires on March 31, 2000, and Borrower has requested that the Banks
renew such line of credit. The Banks are willing to renew such line of credit on
the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

                             SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

         As used herein:

         "ACCOUNTS", "CHATTEL PAPER", DOCUMENTS", "EQUIPMENT", "GENERAL
INTANGIBLES", "INSTRUMENTS", and "INVENTORY" shall have the same respective
meanings as are given to those terms in the UCC.

         "ACQUISITION" means any transaction, or any series of related
transactions, by which any Person, in the transaction or as of the most recent
transactions in a series of transactions, directly or indirectly acquires any
going concern or all or a substantial part of the assets of any corporation,
partnership or other entity or any division of any such entity, or any such
entity or any division of any such entity becomes a Subsidiary or a Foreign
Subsidiary of such Person.

         "AFFILIATES" means as to any Person (A) any Person which, directly, or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is
under common control with such Person, or (B) any Person who is a director or
executive officer (i) of such Person, (ii) of any Subsidiary or a Foreign
Subsidiary of such Person or (iii) of any Person described in clause (A) above.
For purposes of this definition, "control" of a Person shall mean the power,
direct or indirect, (i) to vote or direct the voting of more than five percent
(5%) of the outstanding shares of voting stock of such Person, or (ii) to direct
or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by
contract or otherwise. In no event shall any of the Banks be deemed to be
Affiliates of the Borrower.

         "AGENT" means Bank of America, N.A. in its capacity as agent for the
Banks pursuant to Section 9 hereof, and not in its individual capacity as a
Bank, and any successor Agent appointed pursuant to Section 9.

         "AGREEMENT" means this Loan and Security Agreement, as it may be
amended, restated, renewed or extended from time to time.

                                       1
<PAGE>   2

         "APPLICABLE LENDING OFFICE" means, for each Bank and for each type of
Loan, the "Lending Office" of such Bank (or of an affiliate of such Bank)
designated for such type of Loan in Paragraph 10.5 hereof or such other office
of such Bank (or of an affiliate of such Bank) as such Bank may from time to
time specify to the Agent and the Borrower as the office for its Loans of such
type.

         "APPLICABLE LIBO RATE MARGIN" means, for each Effective Period (as
defined below), a percentage per annum determined from time to time in
accordance with the table below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Funded Debt to EBITDA                           Applicable LIBO Rate Margin
---------------------                           ---------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
Greater than 2.50 to 1.0                              2.25% per annum

Equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.0 and                 1.75% per annum
Greater than 1.75 to 1.0

Equal to or Less than 1.75:1.0 and                    1.25% per annum
Greater than 1.0:1.0

Equal to or Less than 1.0:1.0                         0.75% per annum
</TABLE>

The Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio shall be computed generally as set forth in
Paragraph 6.15(b) with EBITDA being computed by multiplying the figures for the
most recent quarter by four (4), and the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin shall be
confirmed by the Agent on the basis of quarter-annual financial statements of
the Borrower delivered to the Banks pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(b). The "Effective
Period" shall be the period commencing on the first Business Day of the first
month following delivery to the Agent of the financial statements of the
Borrower pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(b), which financial statements indicate that
the applicable test set forth above has been satisfied for the preceding fiscal
quarter, and ending on the date that is three months after such commencement
date. At the end of any Effective Period, the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin shall
automatically become 2.25% per annum unless at or prior to such time the next
Effective Period shall have commenced.

         "APPLICABLE PRIME RATE MARGIN" means, for each Effective Period (as
defined below), a percentage per annum determined from time to time in
accordance with the table below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Funded Debt to EBITDA                           Applicable Prime Rate Margin
---------------------                           ----------------------------
<S>                                             <C>
Greater than 1.75 to 1.0                               0.0% per annum

Equal to or Less than 1.75:1.0                       -0.50% per annum
</TABLE>

The Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio shall be computed generally as set forth in
Paragraph 6.15(b) with EBITDA being computed by multiplying the figures for the
most recent quarter by four (4), and the Applicable Prime Rate Margin shall be
confirmed by the Agent on the basis of quarter-annual financial statements of
the Borrower delivered to the Banks pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(c). The "Effective
Period" shall be the period commencing on the first Business Day of the first
month following delivery to the Agent of the financial statements of the
Borrower pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(b), which financial statements indicate that
the applicable test set forth above has been satisfied for the preceding fiscal
quarter, and ending on the date that is three months after such

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

commencement date. At the end of any Effective Period, the Applicable Prime Rate
Margin shall automatically become 0.0% per annum unless at or prior to such time
the next Effective Period shall have commenced.

         "ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE" means an Assignment and Acceptance
substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

         "BANK" means each lending institution and/or Bank listed on the
signature pages of this Agreement, and their respective successors and assigns,
and "Banks" means all of such lender(s) and Banks collectively.

         "BANK OF AMERICA" means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors and
assigns.

         "BORROWING BASE" means, subject to the provisions of Section 6.16
hereof with respect to any additional Guarantor, 75% of Borrower's and
Guarantors' Qualified Accounts Receivable, as computed by Bank.

         "BUSINESS DAY" means any day on which the state banks and national
banking associations in Nashville, Tennessee and New York, New York are open for
the conduct of ordinary business; provided however, that when used in connection
with determining the LIBO Rate or notices in connection therewith, the term
"Business Day" shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for
dealings in U.S. Dollar deposits in the London Interbank Market.

         "CAPITAL EXPENDITURE" means all amounts paid by the Borrower in
connection with the purchase of property, plant, machinery, equipment or other
similar expenditures (including capital leases of any of the foregoing), but
excluding amounts directly related to an Acquisition or the formation of a new
Subsidiary or a Foreign Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement, which would be
required to be capitalized and shown on a consolidated balance sheet of Borrower
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.

         "CASH EQUIVALENT" means (i) obligations issued by or unconditionally
guaranteed by the United States government or issued by any agency thereof and
supported by the full faith and credit of the United States government, in each
case maturing within twelve months from the date of acquisition thereof, (ii)
(A) commercial paper maturing not more than 270 days from the date of
acquisition thereof and (B) debt securities maturing within twelve months after
the acquisition thereof, in each case issued by a United States corporation and,
at the time of acquisition, having, in the case of commercial paper, the highest
rating, and in the case of debt securities, one of the three highest ratings,
obtainable from both Standard & Poor's Corporation and Moody's Investors
Service, Inc., (iii) U.S. Dollar denominated investments in money market funds
that are either insured or which have the highest rating obtainable from both
Standard & Poor's Corporation and Moody's Investors Service, Inc., (iv)
certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances, and secured repurchase
agreements, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition,
and issued by or entered into with any United States banking institution having
combined capital and surplus of not less than $5,000,000,000, (v) municipal
bonds of states and local governments representing a general obligation to pay
principal and interest, (vi) cash, (vii) money market nonconvertible preferred
stock having the highest rating of Standard & Poor's Corporation and Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., and (viii) credit enhanced lower-floater industrial
revenue bonds having one of the three highest ratings obtainable from Standard &
Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

         "CASH FLOW" means, as to the Borrower for any period of determination,
after tax income (or deficit), excluding any extraordinary, non-recurring gains
or losses, computed on a consolidated basis for the immediately preceding fiscal
quarter plus (A) Interest Expense for such period deducted in the determination
of such net income, (B) Rental Expense for such period deducted in the
determination of such net income, (C) depreciation for such period, and (D)
amortization for such period, less (X) 25% of previously budgeted Maintenance
Capital Expenditures for the applicable year, and (Y) the sum of any cash
dividends or other cash payments or distributions of assets on account of its
capital stock, and any amounts expended in connection with the repurchase of any
shares of its capital stock, all during such period.

         "CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the occurrence, after the date of this
Agreement, of (i) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert acquiring
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended),
directly or indirectly, of securities of Borrower (or other securities
convertible into such securities) representing 51% or more of the combined
voting power of Borrower.

         "CLOSING" means the valid execution and delivery of the Note, this
Agreement, and Collateral Documents to the Agent, or as the Banks otherwise
direct.

         "COLLATERAL" has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 4.1.

         "COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS" means the documents specified in Paragraphs 3.1
(b) through (d).

         "COMMITMENT PERCENTAGE" means, as to any Bank at any time, the
percentage of the Total Commitments then constituted by such Bank's Commitment.

         "COMMITMENTS" means the Loan Commitments described in Paragraph 2.1
hereof and "COMMITMENT" means, for each Bank, the obligation of such Bank to
make Loans in an aggregate amount at any one time outstanding up to but not
exceeding the amount(s) set out below the name of such Bank in Paragraph 2.1 or,
in the case of any Person who hereafter becomes a Bank, the amount as reflected
on the signature page of the Assignment and Acceptance executed by such Person;
and provided further, that the Commitment of each Bank shall be decreased (or
increased, as the case may be) to reflect any assignments by such Bank in
accordance with Paragraph 10.8 hereof.

         "CONSOLIDATED ASSETS" means, at any time, all assets that in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles should be classified as assets on
a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower.

         "CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL" means, as to the Borrower on a consolidated
basis at any time of determination, the sum of its Funded Debt plus
Shareholder's Equity.

         "CONSOLIDATED CURRENT ASSETS" means, at any time, all Consolidated
Assets that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, should be classified as current assets on a consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower.

         "CONSOLIDATED CURRENT LIABILITIES" means, at any time, all Consolidated
Liabilities that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, should be classified as current liabilities on a
consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, but during the twelve (12) months
prior to the Loan Termination Date, excluding the indebtedness evidenced by the
Notes.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

         "CONSOLIDATED EBITDA" means, for any period of determination, the Net
Income of the Borrower, determined on a consolidated basis, for such period plus
(A) Interest Expense for such period deducted in the determination of such Net
Income, (B) Federal and state taxes for such period deducted in the
determination of such Net Income, (C) depreciation for such period deducted in
the determination of such Net Income, and (D) amortization for such period
deducted in the determination of such Net Income, all as determined for any
period in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.

         "CONSOLIDATED LIABILITIES" means at any time, all liabilities that in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles should be classified as
liabilities on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower.

         "CREDIT FACILITY" means all Loans made hereunder.

         "DEBT SERVICE" means, for the Borrower for any period of determination,
the sum of the following computed on an a consolidated basis: (A) Interest
Expense for the previous fiscal quarter, (B) Rental Expense for the previous
fiscal quarter, and (C) principal payments scheduled to be made on any Funded
Debt during the previous fiscal quarter.

         "EBITDA" means, for any period of determination, without duplication,
the Net Income of the Borrower and each Guarantor for such period plus (A)
Interest Expense for such period deducted in the determination of such Net
Income, (B) Federal and state taxes for such period deducted in the
determination of such Net Income, (C) depreciation for such period deducted in
the determination of such Net Income, and (D) amortization for such period
deducted in the determination of such Net Income, all as determined for any
period in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.

         "ELIGIBLE ASSIGNEE" means (A) a commercial bank organized under the
laws of the United States, or any State thereof, and having a combined capital
and surplus of at least $500,000,000.00; (B) a commercial bank organized under
the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (the "OECD"), or a political subdivision of any such
country, and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000.00,
provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the
United States; (C) any Bank and any Affiliate of a Bank; and (D) any Federal
Reserve Bank.

         "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA);
the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act; the Clean Water Act
(Federal Water Pollution Control Act); the Safe Drinking Water Act; the Clean
Air Act; the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act; the Coastal Zone
Management Act; the Noise Control Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act;
the Toxic substances Control Act (TSCA); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); any so-called "Superfund" or "Superlien" law; or any
other federal, state or local statute, law, ordinance, code, rule, regulations,
order, decree or other requirements of any governmental body regulating,
relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning any
Hazardous Materials or toxic or dangerous chemical, waste, substance or
material.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

         "EURODOLLAR LIABILITIES" has the meaning assigned to that term in
Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in
effect from time to time.

         "EURODOLLAR LOAN" means any Loan which bears interest based on the LIBO
Rate.

         "EURODOLLAR RATE RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means the reserve percentage
applicable during any Eurodollar Loan Interest Period (or if more than one such
percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for
those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so
applicable) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum
reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental
or other marginal reserve requirement) for Banks with respect to liabilities or
assets consisting of or including Eurodollar Liabilities having a term equal to
such Interest Period.

         "EVENT OF DEFAULT" has the meaning set forth in Paragraph 8.1.

         "EXPANSION OPTION" means the Borrower's option, subject to the
provisions of Paragraph 2.1(a), to increase the amount of the Total Commitments
to up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000.

         "EXTENSION OPTION" means the Borrower's option, subject to the
provisions of Paragraph 2.1(f), to term out the Total Commitments over a period
of six (6) quarters.

         "FEDERAL FUNDS RATE" means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded
upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the weighted average
of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such
day; provided that (a) if the day for which such rate is to be determined is not
a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such
transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next
succeeding Business Day and (b) if such rate is not so published for any
Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such Business Day shall be the average
rate charged to the Agent on such Business Day on such transactions as
determined in good faith by the Agent.

         "FINANCING STATEMENTS" means any one or more filings made pursuant to
the UCC to perfect the security interests in the Collateral granted to Agent for
the benefit of the Banks pursuant to Section 4 hereof.

         "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" means Borrower's audited consolidated balance
sheet, statement of cash flows and income statement at December 31, 1999 and for
the periods then ending.

         "FISCAL YEAR" means, with respect to the Borrower and any of its
Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries, the calendar year period of January 1
through December 31.

         "FLOATING RATE LOAN" means any Loan which bears interest based on the
Prime Rate.

         "FOREIGN SUBSIDIARIES" means the entities described in Exhibit C
attached hereto.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

         "FUNDED DEBT" means at any date, all of the following obligations
(without duplication) of Borrower, the Subsidiaries and the Foreign Subsidiaries
as of such date: (a) all obligations for borrowed money, (b) all obligations
evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) all
obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property, except trade
accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business, (d) all obligations
as lessee under capitalized leases, (e) all obligations to purchase securities
or other property which arise out of or in connection with the sale of the same
or substantially similar securities or property, such as bankers acceptances or
similar instruments, (f) all contingent and non-contingent obligations to
reimburse any bank or other person in respect of amounts payable or paid under a
letter of credit or similar instrument, (g) all debt of others secured by a lien
on any asset of Borrower, or the Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries, whether
or not such debt is assumed, and (h) all obligations of others of the type
described in clauses (a) through (g) of this definition, guaranteed by Borrower,
or the Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries.

         "GUARANTEE OBLIGATION" means with respect to any Person, any contract,
agreement or understanding of such Person pursuant to which such Person
guarantees, or in effect guarantees, any Indebtedness of any other person (the
"primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including,
without limitation, agreements (a) to purchase such Indebtedness or any asset
constituting security therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds for the purchase
or payment of such Indebtedness or to maintain net worth or working capital or
other balance sheet conditions, or otherwise to advance or make available funds
for the purchase or payment of such Indebtedness, (c) to purchase an asset or
service primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of such Indebtedness of
the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of the Indebtedness, or (d)
otherwise to assure the holder of the Indebtedness of the primary obligor
against loss with respect thereto; provided, however, that such term shall not
include the endorsement by Borrower or a Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary of
negotiable instruments or documents for deposit or collection in the ordinary
course of business. The amount of any Guarantee Obligation of any guaranteeing
person shall be deemed to be the lower of (a) an amount equal to the stated or
determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Guarantee
Obligation is made and (b) the maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person
may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guarantee
Obligation, unless such primary obligation and the maximum amount for which such
guaranteeing person may be liable are not stated or determinable, in which case
the amount of such Guarantee Obligation shall be such guaranteeing person's
maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof.

         "GUARANTOR" means each Subsidiary of Borrower which now or hereafter is
a party to this Agreement, has unconditionally guaranteed repayment of the
Obligations and has pledged all of its assets as collateral security for
repayment of the Obligations, all in a manner and pursuant to documentation
reasonably satisfactory to Bank, and "GUARANTORS" means any two or more of such
entities.

         "GUARANTY AGREEMENT" means the Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement
to be executed pursuant to Section 3.1(c) of this Agreement, as the same may be
amended from time to time.

         "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means any hazardous, toxic or dangerous chemical,
substance, waste or material defined as such in any of the Environmental Laws,
and petroleum, petroleum products, oil, asbestos and PCB's.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

         "INDEBTEDNESS" means, as to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary, all items of indebtedness, obligation or liability, whether matured
or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or contingent, joint or
several, including without limitation:

         (a) All indebtedness guaranteed, directly or indirectly, in any manner,
or endorsed (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business) or discounted with recourse;

         (b) All indebtedness in effect guaranteed, directly or indirectly,
through agreements, contingent or otherwise: (1) to purchase such indebtedness;
or (2) to purchase, sell or lease (as lessee or lessor) property, products,
materials or supplies or to purchase or sell services, primarily for the purpose
of enabling the debtor to make payment of such indebtedness or to assure the
owner of the indebtedness against loss; or (3) to supply funds to or in any
other manner invest in the debtor;

         (c) All indebtedness secured by (or for which the holder of such
indebtedness has a right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any
mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or
encumbrance upon property owned or acquired subject thereto, whether or not the
liabilities secured thereby have been assumed; and

         (d) All indebtedness incurred as the lessee of facilities, goods or
services under leases that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, should be reflected on the balance sheet of the
Borrower, or of any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary.

         "INTEREST EXPENSE" means, with respect to any Person for any period of
determination, the gross interest expenses of such Person determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as
shown on its income statement.

         "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" shall mean, as to any Loan, the last day of the
Interest Period applicable to such Loan and, in addition, in the case of a
Eurodollar Loan with an Interest Period of six (6) months duration, each day
which is three (3) months, or a whole multiple thereof, after the first day of
such Interest Period, and the last day of such Interest Period.

         "INTEREST PERIOD" shall mean: (a) as to any Eurodollar Loan, the period
commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Loan and ending on the numerically
corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding day, on the last
day) in the calendar month that is 1, 2, 3 or 6 months thereafter, as the
Borrower may elect, and (b) as to any Floating Rate Loan, the period commencing
on the date of such Loan and ending on the first (1st) day of the next
succeeding calendar month; provided, however, that (x) if any Interest Period
would end on a day that shall not be a Business Day, such Interest Period shall
be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, with respect to
Eurodollar Loans only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next
calendar month, in which case which Interest Period shall end on the next
preceding Business Day and (y) no Interest Period with respect to any Loan shall
end later than the Loan Termination Date. Interest shall accrue from and
including the first day of an Interest Period to but excluding the last day of
such Interest Period.

         "INTEREST RATE AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS" means interest rate and
foreign exchange swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, interest rate
collar agreements, interest rate and foreign exchange insurance and other
agreements or arrangements designed to provide protection against fluctuations
in interest rates and currency exchange rates.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

         "ISSUING BANK" means Bank of America or any successor thereto, as the
issuer of Letters of Credit under Paragraph 2.3, together with its successors
and assigns in each capacity.

         "LAWS" means all ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, order,
injunctions, writs or decrees of any government or political subdivision or
agency thereof, or any court of similar entity established by any thereof.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
Paragraph 2.3.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT DOCUMENTS" means, with respect to any Letter of
Credit, collectively, any application for any Letter of Credit and any other
agreements, instruments, guarantees or other documents (whether general in
application or applicable only to such Letter of Credit) governing or providing
for (a) the rights and obligations of the parties concerned or at risk with
respect to such Letter of Credit or (b) any collateral security for any of such
obligations.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT INTEREST" means, for each Bank, such Bank's
participation interest (or, in the case of the Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank's
retained interest) in the Issuing Bank's liability under Letters of Credit and
such Bank's rights and interests in Reimbursement Obligations and fees, interest
and other amounts payable in connection with Letters of Credit and Reimbursement
Obligations.

         "LETTER OF CREDIT LIABILITY" means, with duplication, at any time and
in respect of any Letter of Credit, the sum of (a) the undrawn face amount of
such Letter of Credit plus (b) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all
Reimbursement Obligations of the Borrower at such time due and payable in
respect of all drawings made under such Letter of Credit. For purposes of this
Agreement, a Bank (other than the Issuing Bank) shall be deemed to hold a Letter
of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its participation interest in the
related Letter of Credit under Paragraph 2.3, and the Issuing Bank shall be
deemed to hold a Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its retained
interest in the related Letter of Credit after giving effect to the acquisition
by the Banks (other than the Issuing Bank) of their participation interests
under Paragraph 2.3.

         "LIBO RATE" means, for any Eurodollar Loan for any Interest Period
therefor, the rate per annum appearing on the Telerate Page 3750 (or successor
page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at
approximately 11:00 a.m. (London Time) two Business Days prior to the first day
of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period. If for
any reason such rate is not available, the term "LIBO Rate" shall mean, for any
Eurodollar Loan for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum appearing
on Reuters Screen LIBO Page as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in
Dollars at approximately 11 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the
first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period;
provided, however, if more than one rate is specified on Reuters Screen LIBO
Page, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates.

         "LOAN" means any funds which any Bank had advanced or will advance to
the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, and "Loans" means all such advances by
all Banks.

         "LOAN DOCUMENTS" means this Agreement, the Notes, the Letter of Credit
Documents, the Collateral Documents, or any other document executed or delivered
by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary
evidencing or securing the Obligations.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

         "LOAN TERMINATION DATE" means September 30, 2001, subject to adjustment
as provided in Paragraph 2.1(e).

         "MAINTENANCE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" means that portion of annual Capital
Expenditures of the Borrower (including funds advanced to any Subsidiaries or
Foreign Subsidiaries for purposes of Capital Expenditures) which are set forth
in the Borrower's annual Capital Expenditures budget provided to Agent, but
excluding Capital Expenditures incurred by the Borrower as a direct result of an
Acquisition or as a direct result of the formation of a new Subsidiary or
Foreign Subsidiary permitted by Paragraphs 7.9 or 7.12.

         "MAJORITY BANKS" means those Banks having sixty-six and two-thirds
percent (66-2/3%) or more of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
outstanding Loans.

         "MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE" means a material adverse change in the
business or conditions (financial or otherwise) or in the result of operations
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries (unless otherwise
indicated) or in the value of the Collateral, taken as a whole as determined by
the Majority Banks in their reasonable discretion.

         "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means, when referring to the taking of an
action or the omission to take an action, that such action, if taken, or
omission, would have a material adverse effect on the business, condition
(financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries (unless otherwise indicated), or might
materially impair the value of the Collateral, each taken as a whole as
determined by the Majority Banks in their reasonable discretion.

         "NET INCOME" means, for any Person, net income as reflected on such
Person's income statement, determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, excluding extraordinary, non-recurring gains and losses.

         "NOTE" means a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit E
attached hereto, duly executed and delivered to any Bank by Borrower and payable
to the order of a Bank in the amount of one or more of its Commitments,
including any amendment, modification, renewal, extension, or replacement
thereof, and "NOTES" means the Notes payable to each of the Banks collectively.

         "OBLIGATIONS" means,

         (a) with respect to the Borrower, all of the obligations of the
Borrower:

             (i) To pay the principal of and interest on the Notes in accordance
with the terms thereof and to satisfy all the Borrower's other liabilities to
the Bank hereunder, whether now existing or hereafter incurred, matured or
unmatured, direct of contingent, joint or several, including any extension,
modifications, and renewals thereof and substitutions therefor;

             (ii) To repay the Bank all amounts advanced by the Banks hereunder
on behalf of the Borrower, including, but without limitation, amounts owed under
Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Contracts to one or more of the Banks, and
advances for overdrafts, principal or interest payments to prior secured
parties, mortgagees, or lienors, or for taxes, levies, insurance, rent, repairs
to or maintenance or storage of any of the Collateral; and

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

             (iii) To reimburse the Agent and the Banks, on demand, for all of
the Agent's and each Banks' reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and costs,
including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel, in connection with
the enforcement of this Agreement and the documents required hereunder,
including, without limitation, any proceeding brought or threatened to enforce
payment of any of the obligations referred to in the foregoing paragraphs (a)
and (b), or any suits or claims against any Bank whatsoever as a result of such
Bank's execution of this Agreement and making of its Loan, all as more
specifically set forth in Paragraphs 10.4 and 10.7 hereof; and in addition, to
reimburse the Agent for its expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees in
connection with the preparation, administration, amendment, modification or
waiver of the Agreement and the other Loan Documents; and

         (b) with respect to each Guarantor, all obligations under the Guaranty
Agreement.

         "PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means all expenditures made and all liabilities
incurred (contingent or otherwise) by any Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary for:

         (a) obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by
the United States of America and having a maturity of not more than twelve (12)
months from the date of purchase;

         (b) certificates of deposit, issued by banks organized under the laws
of the United States of America or any State thereof and foreign subsidiaries of
such banks, having a rating of not less than A or its equivalent by Standard &
Poor's Corporations, or its successor;

         (c) commercial paper or finance company paper which is rated not less
than prime-one or A-1 or their equivalents by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. or
Standard & Poor's Corporation or their successors;

         (d) repurchase agreements related to an investment of the type
described in Clause (a) above, provided that the counter-party thereto is a
government securities dealer designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
as a "Reporting Dealer" and whose financial statements indicate that it has a
capital of at least $5,000,000,000.00 and that the investment which is the
subject of such repurchase agreement shall be at all times during the term of
the repurchase agreement in the possession of the Borrower (or the Agent) or the
interest of such Borrower therein shall be appropriately recorded in accordance
with the United States Federal Regulations regarding Book Entry Treasury
Securities;

         (e) bankers acceptances issued by banks that qualify for the Bank of
America, N.A. Federal Funds List, not to exceed $500,000.00 per issuer and a
maximum maturity of 180 days;

         (f) investments in any Foreign Subsidiary which is engaged in
businesses that enhance or support the primary business activity of the
Borrower, including, without limitation, the existing entities described in
Exhibit C attached hereto.

         "PERMITTED LIENS" means:

         (a) Liens in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Banks;

         (b) Security interests granted to secure equipment notes and
capitalized leases which secure not more than the amount of the purchase price
financed thereby;

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

         (c) Liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges, incurred in the
ordinary course of business that are not yet delinquent;

         (d) Pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to
secure payment of workmen's compensation, or to participate in any fund in
connection with workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance, old-age pensions
or other social security programs;

         (e) Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, carriers, or other
like liens, securing obligations in the ordinary course of business that are not
yet delinquent;

         (f) Good faith pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of
business to secure performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the
repayment of borrowed money) or leases, not in excess of ten percent (10%) of
the aggregate amount due thereunder, or to secure statutory obligations, or
surety, appeal, indemnity, performance or other similar bonds required in the
ordinary course of business;

         (g) Encumbrances consisting of zoning restrictions, easements or other
restrictions on the use of real property, none of which materially impairs the
use of such property by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary in
the operations of its business, and none of which is violated in any material
respect by existing or proposed structures or land use;

         (h) Existing liens set forth or described on Exhibit F, securing
indebtedness not to exceed the respective amounts indicated on such schedules
attached hereto and made a part hereof, and renewals thereof;

         (i) Landlord's liens on fixtures retained in any lease;

         (j) The following, if the validity or amount thereof is being contested
in good faith by appropriate and lawful proceedings, so long as levy and
execution thereon have been stayed and continue to be stayed; if Borrower or any
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary has posted such security as may be required by
Laws or as is reasonably satisfactory to Banks; and if the following do not, in
the aggregate, materially detract from the value of the properties of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary taken as a whole, or materially
impair the use thereof in the operation of their respective businesses:

             (i) Claims or liens for taxes, assessments or charges due and
payable and subject to interest or penalty;

             (ii) Claims, liens and encumbrances upon, and defects of title to,
real or personal property, including any attachment of personal or real property
or other legal process prior to adjudication of a dispute on the merits;

             (iii) Claims or liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen,
carriers, or other like liens; and

             (iv) Adverse judgments on appeal.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

         "PERSON" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association,
joint-stock company, estate, trust, unincorporated organization, limited
liability company, joint venture, court or government or political subdivision
or agency thereof.

         "PLEDGED STOCK" means the stock and other interest pledged pursuant to
the Stock Pledge Agreement dated March 27, 1998 between Bank and Borrower, as
amended and/or restated from time to time.

         "PRIME RATE" means the rate announced by Bank of America, N.A. from
time to time as the Bank of America Prime Rate. No representation is made herein
that the Bank of America Prime Rate is the lowest rate at which any Bank will
lend to its customers.

         "PRO-FORMA EFFECT" means, in making any calculation to determine if the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries are in compliance with
Subparagraph 6.15(b), to determine if the conditions precedent to a Permitted
Acquisition under Subparagraph 7.12(a) have been met, or to calculate the
Applicable LIBO Rate Margin or Applicable Floating Rate Margin, that the
calculation will be made assuming that (a) any Permitted Acquisition made during
the twelve-month period ending on the date of determination (the "Reference
Period"), and (b) any Indebtedness associated with (a) incurred during the
Reference Period or to be incurred as of the date of determination, were made or
incurred on the first day of the Reference Period. Any funds to be used by
Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary in consummating a Permitted
Acquisition will be assumed to have been used for that purpose as of the first
day of the Reference Period. EBITDA for the Reference Period associated with the
assets acquired or to be acquired in any Permitted Acquisition will be included
in the calculation of EBITDA for Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Foreign
Subsidiaries. Any Indebtedness to be incurred by Borrower or any Subsidiary or
Foreign Subsidiary in connection with the consummation of any Permitted
Acquisition will be assumed to have been incurred on the first day of the
Reference Period. Interest Expense with respect to such Indebtedness assumed to
have been incurred on the first day of the Reference Period which bears interest
at a floating rate shall be calculated at the current rate under the agreement
governing such Indebtedness (including this Agreement if the Indebtedness is
incurred hereunder). Any Interest Expense incurred during the Reference Period
which was or is to be refinanced with the proceeds of Indebtedness assumed to
have been incurred as of the first day of the Reference Period will be excluded
from the calculation for which a Pro-Forma Effect is being given.

         "QUALIFIED ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE" means those Accounts of Borrower or any
Subsidiary (or any Foreign Subsidiary, to the extent such Foreign Subsidiary may
elect to pledge such Accounts to the Agent hereunder) that meet the following
criteria:

             (a) the account is one in which the Agent, for the benefit of the
Banks, has a perfected first priority security interest;

             (b) the account arises from a bona fide, outright sale of goods by
the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or for services performed by the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, or for services performed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary under an
enforceable contract, and such goods have been shipped to the appropriate
account debtors, or the sale has otherwise been consummated, or the services
have been performed for the appropriate account debtors in accordance with such
order or contract;

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

             (c) the title of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the account,
and, except as to the account debtor, to any goods, is absolute and is not
subject to any prior assignment, claim, lien or security interest;

             (d) the amount shown on the books of the Borrower or any Subsidiary
or on any invoice or statement delivered to Agent is owing to the Borrower or
any Subsidiary, and no partial payment has been made thereon by anyone;

             (e) the account is not subject to any claim of reduction,
counterclaim, setoff, recoupment, or any claim for credits, allowances or
adjustments by the account debtor because of returned, inferior or damaged goods
or unsatisfactory services, or for any other reason, except for customary
discounts allowed for prompt payment;

             (f) the account is not an account that the Bank, in its reasonable
discretion, has determined to be ineligible in whole or in part and has notified
the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;

             (g) the account debtor has not returned or refused to retain any of
the goods from the sale of which the account arose;

             (h) the account is recognized by Borrower in Borrower's financial
statement as a receivable due Borrower pursuant to existing contracts with a
client or customer of Borrower;

             (i) no account arises out of a contract with, or order from, an
account debtor that, by its terms, forbids or makes the assignment of that
account to the Bank void or unenforceable;

             (j) the Borrower or any Subsidiary has not received any note, trade
acceptance, draft or other instrument with respect to or in payment of the
account, or any chattel paper with respect to the goods giving rise to the
account, and if any such instrument or chattel paper is received, the Borrower
or any Subsidiary will immediately notify Bank and, at the latter's request,
endorse or assign and deliver the same to Bank;

             (k) neither the Borrower or any Subsidiary nor any Bank has
received any notice of the death of the account debtor or a partner thereof, nor
the dissolution, termination of existence, insolvency, business failure,
appointment of a receiver for any part of the property of, assignment for the
benefit of creditors by, or the filing of a petition in bankruptcy or the
commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or
against the account debtor;

             (l) the account debtor is not an affiliate of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary or in any way related by common ownership to the Borrower or any
Subsidiary;

             (m) the account debtor is not the United States Government or an
agency thereof;

             (n) the account does not arise from a lease of goods or a loan
transaction; and

             (o) if the account is classified as an unbilled account in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, not more than ninety
(90) days has passed since such account was so classified, or, if the account is
classified as a billed account in accordance with

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

generally accepted accounting principles, such account has been outstanding for
less than ninety (90) days from the date such account has been so classified.

         To the extent a Foreign Subsidiary elects to pledge Accounts to the
Agent hereunder, all of the foregoing provisions shall be deemed to apply to
such Accounts for purposes of determining whether such Accounts qualify as
Qualified Accounts Receivable. In the event Borrower requests the Banks to
consent to the release by Agent of a security interest in the Accounts of
Foreign Subsidiary pledged hereunder, the Banks agree that, so long as no
Default exists hereunder, the consent of the Banks to such release shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

         "QUARTERLY DATES" means the first day of each January, April, July, or
October, the first of which shall be April 1, 2000.

         "QUARTERLY PERIOD" means (a) the Period from the Closing Date to the
next succeeding Quarterly Date and (b) thereafter, any period from the first day
after a Quarterly Date to the next succeeding Quarterly Date.

         "REAL PROPERTY" means any real property now owned or hereafter acquired
by Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary.

         "RECORDS" means correspondence, memoranda, tapes, books, discs, paper,
magnetic storage and other documents or information of any type, whether
expressed in ordinary or machine language.

         "RENTAL EXPENSE" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the
gross real estate rental expenses of such Person for such period determined in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
excluding all personal property rental expense.

         "SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY" means, at any time, the accounts required to be
set forth in a balance sheet of the Borrower on a consolidated basis, prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied, including but not limited to: (A) the par or stated value of all
outstanding capital stock; (B) capital surplus, including additional paid-in
capital; and (C) retained earnings.

         "SUBSIDIARY" means the domestic Subsidiaries described in Exhibit A
attached hereto, together with any Person of which more than fifty percent (50%)
of the outstanding voting securities or other equity interest in such Person
shall, at the time of determination, be owned directly, or indirectly through
one or more intermediaries, by the Borrower, and "SUBSIDIARIES" means any two or
more such entities, but specifically excluding the Foreign Subsidiaries.

         "TOTAL COMMITMENTS" means from time to time the aggregate Commitments
of all of the Banks hereunder, which initially is the lesser of the Borrowing
Base or $15,000,000, subject to being increased to the lesser of the Borrowing
Base or $25,000,000, all as is more specifically provided in Paragraph 2.1
hereof.

         "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date hereof
in the State of Tennessee, as it may be amended from time to time; provided that
if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, the perfection or the effect of
perfection or non-perfection of a security interest in any Collateral is
governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other
than

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

Tennessee, "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in such other
jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection
or effect of perfection or non-perfection.

         "UNMATURED DEFAULT" means an event which but for the lapse of time or
the giving of notice, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

                              SECTION 2. THE LOANS.

         2.1 The Loan Commitments.

             (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of and relying on the
representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement, each Bank
agrees to fund severally but not jointly to the Borrower an aggregate maximum
principal amount of up to $25,000,000; provided, no more than $15,000,000.00
shall be initially committed and funded hereunder unless and until Borrower
exercises the Expansion Option, will exercise shall be subject to satisfaction
of each of the following conditions:

                 (i) The Borrower shall provide notice to Agent specifying the
amount by which it wishes to increase the Total Commitments (the "Increase
Amount");

                 (ii) The Expansion Option shall be exercised on or prior to the
delivery of the Extension Option (as defined in Paragraph (e) below) and shall
be accompanied by an additional commitment fee of 0.20% of the Increase Amount;

                 (iii) No Event of Default or Unmatured Default is in existence
hereunder; and

                 (iv) The Borrower shall provide evidence reasonably
satisfactory to Agent that, after including the Increase Amount in Funded Debt,
Borrower will be in compliance with Paragraph 6.15(b) of this Agreement.

Subject to the foregoing provisions for increases in the Commitments, each
advance of Loans made hereunder shall be made by each Bank ratably in accordance
with its respective Commitment Percentage of such advance. The Borrower may
obtain Loans, repay without penalty or premium except as set forth in Paragraph
2.10 below and reborrow hereunder, from the date of this Agreement up to the
date prior to the earlier to occur of (i) the Loan Termination Date, or (ii) the
delivery of the Extension Exercise (as defined in Paragraph (e) below), the then
available Total Commitments or any lesser sum which is in the minimum amount of
$100,000.00 and in an integral multiple of $100,000.00 if in excess thereof.

             (b) The Credit Facility shall be evidenced initially by the
$15,000,000.00 Note of Borrower payable to the order of Bank of America.

             (c) Loans may be used by the Borrower for general corporate
purposes, including working capital, the issuance of Letters of Credit and the
funding of Permitted Acquisitions; provided, that the Banks shall have no
obligation to fund if the conditions precedent in Paragraph 3.2 below have not
been satisfied, including, without limitation, the requirement that the
Borrowing Base exceed the total amount outstanding under the Credit Facility
(including the face amount of any outstanding Letters of Credit) following any
such advance.

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

             (d) The failure of any Bank to make any advances hereunder pursuant
to its Loan Commitment shall not relieve any other Bank of its obligation, if
any, hereunder to make its advances pursuant to its Loan Commitment. However, no
Bank shall be responsible for any other Bank's failure or refusal to make any
advances pursuant to such other Bank's Loan Commitment.

             (e) Borrower shall immediately make principal payments as follows:

                 (i) If at any time prior to March 31, 2001 (regardless of
whether Borrower has exercised the Expansion Option), the aggregate outstanding
principal balance of the Credit Facility (including the face amount of any
outstanding Letters of Credit) exceeds the Borrowing Base, a principal payment
in the amount of such excess shall be immediately due and payable.

                 (ii) If at any time after March 31, 2001 and after Borrower's
exercise of the Expansion Option, Borrower is out of compliance with the
covenant set forth in Paragraph 6.15(b), a principal payment in the amount
necessary to bring Borrower into compliance with such covenant shall be
immediately due and payable.

             (f) All outstanding principal and interest on the Credit Facility
shall be due and payable in full in a balloon installment on the Loan
Termination Date, unless and until Borrower exercises the Extension Option, will
exercise shall be subject to satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

                 (i) The Borrower shall provide notice to Agent specifying its
exercise of the Extension Option;

                 (ii) Such exercise is on or prior to the Loan Termination Date,
and is accompanied by an additional commitment fee equal to 0.40% of the then
outstanding balance of the Credit Facility; and

                 (iii) No Event of Default or Unmatured Default is in existence
hereunder.

If the Borrower satisfies each of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii)
and (iii) above, the Loan Termination Date shall be extended to the sixth
Quarterly Date after the delivery of the Extension Option. In such event, the
then outstanding balance of the Credit Facility shall be termed out over six (6)
quarters, and no further advances shall be permitted under the Credit Facility.
In addition to interest due on each Interest Payment Date, quarterly principal
payments, each in the amount of 5% of the Total Commitments upon the effective
time of the exercise of the Extension Option, shall be due and payable on each
Quarterly Date, beginning on the second Quarterly Date after exercise of the
Extension Option.

         2.2 Borrowing Notices, Interest Rates and Payments of Interest.

             (a) Loans made hereunder may be either Eurodollar Loans, Floating
Rate Loans, or a combination thereof; provided, Eurodollar Loans shall be in the
minimum amount of $100,000.00 and shall be in an integral multiple of
$100,000.00.

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

             (b) The Borrower shall give the Agent irrevocable notice in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit 2.2(b)(i) (a "Borrowing Notice"), accompanied by
a completed and certified Borrowing Base Certificate in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit 2.2(b)(ii), not later than 10:00 a.m. Nashville time, at least three
(3) Business Days prior to the date of any requested disbursement of Eurodollar
Loans and one (1) Business Day prior to any requested disbursement of Floating
Rate Loans. Each Borrowing Notice shall be filled in and signed and may be made
by telecopier, telex or cable in addition to the means set forth for giving
notice in Paragraph 10.5. Each Borrowing Notice shall specify the requested date
of such requested disbursement; the aggregate amount of such disbursement; the
type of Loan, i.e., Eurodollar or Floating Rate; and if a Eurodollar Loan, the
designated Interest Period. The Agent shall promptly advise the other Banks of
any Borrowing Notice given pursuant to this Subparagraph and each Bank's portion
of the requested Loan. Not later than noon (12:00 p.m.) Nashville time on each
disbursement date, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Agent will
credit the proceeds of the Loans received by Agent from the Banks to the
Borrower's deposit account with Agent. Each such Borrowing Notice shall obligate
the Borrower to accept the Loan disbursement requested thereby.

             (c) The Borrower shall have the right at any time, on prior
irrevocable written or telex notice to the Agent not later than 10:00 a.m.,
Nashville time, three (3) Business Days prior to the date of any requested
conversion, to convert any Floating Rate or Eurodollar Loan into a Loan of
another type, or to continue any Eurodollar Loan for another Interest Period
(specifying in each case the Interest Period to be applicable thereto), subject
in each case to the following:

                 (i) Each conversion or continuation shall be made prorata among
the Banks in accordance with the respective principal amounts of the Loan
converted or continued;

                 (ii) No Eurodollar Loan shall be converted at any time other
than at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto;

                 (iii) Each conversion shall be effected by applying the
proceeds of the new Eurodollar and/or Floating Rate Loan, as the case may be, to
the Loan (or portion thereof) being converted;

                 (iv) The number of Eurodollar Loans outstanding at one time may
not exceed six (6); and

                 (v) No Interest Period may be selected for any Eurodollar Loan
that would end later than a repayment date occurring on or after the first day
of such Interest Period if the aggregate outstanding amount of Eurodollar Loans
with Interest Periods ending prior to such repayment date plus the aggregate
outstanding amount of all Floating Rate Loans is not equal to or greater than
the principal amount(s) of the Loan(s) to be paid on such repayment date.

             (d) Each notice pursuant to this Paragraph shall be irrevocable and
shall refer to this Agreement and specify (1) the identity and principal amount
of the particular Loan that the Borrower requests be converted or continued, (2)
if such notice requests conversion, the date of such conversion (which shall be
a Business Day), and (3) if a Loan is to be converted to a Eurodollar Loan or a
Eurodollar Loan is to be continued, the Interest Period with respect thereto. In
the event that the Borrower shall not give notice to continue any Eurodollar
Loan for a subsequent period, such

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

Eurodollar Loan (unless repaid) shall automatically be converted into a Floating
Rate Loan. If the Borrower shall fail to specify in any Borrowing Notice the
type of borrowing or, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, the applicable Interest
Period, the Borrower will be deemed to have requested a Floating Rate Loan. If
Agent reasonably believes that any failure by Borrower to specify the type of
borrowing or the applicable Interest Period shall have resulted from failure of
communications equipment or clerical error, then prior to funding any such
borrowing the Agent shall use reasonable efforts to obtain confirmation from
Borrower of the contents of such Borrowing Notice; however, in the absence of
prompt confirmation by Borrower which specifies the type of borrowing and/or the
applicable Interest Period, the Borrower will be deemed to have requested a
Floating Rate Loan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, if
an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no Eurodollar Loan
may be continued and no Floating Rate Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar
Loan.

             (e) Interest shall be charged and paid on each Loan from the date
of the initial advance thereunder until such Loan is paid or converted as
follows:

                 (i) For a Floating Rate Loan, at an annual rate equal to the
Prime Rate plus the Applicable Prime Rate Margin, said rate to change
contemporaneously with any change in the Prime Rate;

                 (ii) For a Eurodollar Loan, at a rate equal to the LIBO Rate
plus the Applicable LIBO Rate Margin;

                 (iii) The Borrower shall pay to any Bank, if and so long as
such Bank shall be required under regulations of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or
assets consisting of or including Eurodollar Liabilities, additional interest on
the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan, from the date of such
advance until said principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per
annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the LIBO
Rate for the Interest Period from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing the LIBO
Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage
for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable.
Such additional interest shall be determined by such Bank who shall notify
Borrower thereof.

                 (iv) Interest for both Floating Rate Loans and Eurodollar Loans
shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year counting the actual number of
days elapsed, and shall be due and payable without notice on each Interest
Payment Date.

             (f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of an Event
of Default interest may be charged at the default rate as defined and set forth
in the Notes if the Majority Banks so elect, regardless of whether the Majority
Banks have elected to exercise any other remedies under Section 8 hereof,
including, without limitation, acceleration of the maturity of the outstanding
principal of the Notes. All such interest shall be paid at the time of and as a
condition precedent to the curing of any such default to the extent any right to
cure is given.

             (g) All agreements herein made are expressly limited so that in no
event whatsoever shall the interest and loan charges agreed to be paid to the
Banks for the use of the money advanced or to be advanced pursuant to this
Agreement exceed the maximum amounts collectible under applicable laws in effect
from time to time. If for any reason whatsoever the interest or loan

                                       19
<PAGE>   20

charges paid or contracted to be paid in respect of the Loans shall exceed the
maximum amounts collectible under applicable laws in effect from time to time,
then, ipso facto, the obligation to pay such interest and/or loan charges shall
be reduced to the maximum amounts collectible under applicable laws in effect
from time to time, and any amounts collected by the Banks that exceed such
maximum amounts shall be applied to the reduction of the principal balance of
the Loans and/or refunded to Borrower so that at no time shall the interest or
loan charges paid or payable in respect of the Loans exceed the maximum amounts
permitted from time to time by applicable law. This provision shall control
every other provision herein and in any and all other agreements and instruments
now existing or hereafter arising between Borrower and the Banks with respect to
the Loans.

         2.3 Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Commitments may be utilized, upon the request of the Borrower, in
addition to the Loans provided for by Paragraph 2.1, for the issuance by the
Issuing Bank of letters of credit (collectively, the "Letters of Credit") for
the account of the Borrower; provided that in no event shall (i) the aggregate
amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, together with the aggregate
principal amount of the Loans exceed the aggregate amount of the Total
Commitments as in effect from time to time, and (ii) the expiration date of any
Letter of Credit extend beyond the earlier of the Loan Termination Date, and the
date twelve months following the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The
following additional provisions shall apply to Letters of Credit:

             (a) The Borrower shall give the Agent at least three Business Days'
irrevocable prior notice (effective upon receipt) specifying the Business Day
(which shall be no later than 30 days preceding the Loan Termination Date) each
Letter of Credit is to be issued and describing in reasonable detail the
proposed terms of such Letter of Credit (including its beneficiary) and the
nature of the transactions or obligations proposed to be supported. The Borrower
shall be the account party for each Letter of Credit, including Letters of
Credit issuable to a beneficiary having a claim or potential claim against a
Subsidiary of the Borrower.

             (b) On each day during the period commencing with the issuance by
the Issuing bank of any Letter of Credit and until such Letter of Credit shall
have expired or been terminated or, if drawn upon, until the resulting
Reimbursement Obligations have been reimbursed in full by the Borrower (whether
by a borrowing under this Agreement or otherwise), the Commitment of each Bank
shall be deemed to be utilized for all purposes of this Agreement in an amount
equal to such Bank's Commitment Percentage of the then Letter of Credit
Liabilities associated with such Letter of Credit. Each Bank (other than the
Issuing Bank) agrees that, upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit it shall
automatically acquire a participation in the Issuing Bank's liability under such
Letter of Credit in an amount equal to such Bank's Commitment Percentage of such
liability, and each Bank (other than the Issuing Bank) thereby shall absolutely,
unconditionally and irrevocably assume, as primary obligor and not as surety,
and shall be unconditionally obligated to the Issuing Bank to pay and discharge
when due, its Commitment Percentage of the Issuing Bank's liability under such
Letter of Credit.

             (c) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or
any demand for payment under such Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank shall
promptly notify the Borrower (through the Agent) of the amount to be paid by the
Issuing Bank as a result of such demand and the date on which payment is to be
made by the Issuing Bank to such beneficiary in respect of such demand. The
Borrower hereby unconditionally agrees to pay and reimburse the Agent for the
account of the Issuing Bank and other Banks with respect to their Letter of
Credit Interest for the amount of each

                                       20
<PAGE>   21

demand for payment under such Letter of Credit at or prior to the date on which
payment is to be made by the Issuing Bank to the beneficiary under such Letter
of Credit, without presentment, demand, protest or other formalities of any
kind. Any amounts not so paid or borrowed as set forth in Subparagraph 2.3(d)
below shall bear interest at the rate(s) specified in the Letter of Credit
Documents or, if higher, at the rate(s) specified on the Notes (including the
Default Rate, if applicable).

             (d) Forthwith upon its receipt of a notice referred to in clause
Subparagraph 2.3(c), the Borrower shall advise the Agent whether or not the
Borrower intends to borrow under Paragraph 2.1 to finance its obligation to
reimburse the Issuing Bank for the amount of the related demand for payment and,
if it does, submit a notice of such borrowing as provided in Paragraph 2.2. In
the event that the Borrower fails to so advise the Agent, and if the Borrower
fails to reimburse the Issuing Bank for a demand for payment under a Letter of
Credit by the date of such payment, the Agent shall give each Bank prompt notice
of the amount of the demand for payment, specifying such Bank's Commitment
Percentage of the amount of the related demand for payment, and the Borrower
shall be deemed in default hereunder for breaching Subparagraph 2.3(c) above.

             (e) Each Bank (other than the Issuing Bank) shall pay to the Agent
for the account of the Issuing Bank in Dollars and in immediately available
funds, the amount of such Bank's Commitment Percentage of any payment under a
Letter of Credit upon notice by the Agent to such Bank requesting such payment
and specifying such amount as provided in clause (d) of the Paragraph 2.3. Each
such Bank's obligation to make such payments to the Agent for the account of the
Issuing Bank under this clause (e), and the Issuing Bank's right to receive the
same, shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any
circumstance whatsoever, including (i) the failure of any other Bank to make its
payment under this clause (e), the financial condition of the Borrower (or any
other account party), the existence of any Default or (ii) the termination of
the Commitments. Each such payment to the Issuing Bank shall be made without any
offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever; provided, nothing
contained in the foregoing shall limit the Issuing Bank's liability for its
gross negligence or willful misconduct in improperly honoring a draft drawn
under a Letter of Credit.

             (f) Upon the making of each payment by a Bank to the Issuing Bank
pursuant to clause (e) above in respect of any Letter of Credit, such Bank
shall, automatically and without any further action on the part of the Agent,
the Issuing Bank or such Bank, acquire (i) a participation in any amount equal
to such payment in the Reimbursement Obligation owing to the Issuing Bank by the
Borrower under this Agreement and under the Letter of Credit Documents relating
to such Letter of Credit and (ii) a participation in a percentage equal to such
Bank's Commitment Percentage in any interest or other amounts payable by the
Borrower under such Letter of Credit Documents and the other Loan Documents in
respect of such Reimbursement Obligation (other than the commissions, charges,
costs and expenses payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to clause (g) of this
Paragraph 2.3). Upon receipt by the Issuing Bank from or for the account of the
Borrower of any payment in respect of any Reimbursement Obligation or any such
interest or other amount (including by way of set-off or application of proceeds
of any collateral security) the Issuing Bank shall promptly pay to the Agent for
the account of each Bank who shall have previously assumed a participation in
such payment under clause (ii) above, such Bank's Commitment Percentage of such
payment, each such payment by the Issuing Bank to be made in the same money and
funds in which received by the Issuing Bank. In the event any payment received
bye the Issuing Bank and so paid t the Banks is rescinded or must otherwise be
returned by the Issuing Bank, each Bank shall, upon request of the

                                       21
<PAGE>   22

Issuing Bank (through the Agent), repay to the Issuing Bank (through the Agent)
the amount of such payment paid to such Bank, with interest at the rate
specified in clause (j) of this Paragraph 2.3.

             (g) Borrower shall pay the Agent for the account of each Bank a
letter of credit fee in respect of each Letter of Credit on the daily average
undrawn face amount of such Letter of Credit for the period from and including
the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit to and including the date such
Letter of Credit is drawn in full, expires or is terminated (such fee to be
non-refundable, to be paid in arrears on each Quarterly Date and on the Loan
Termination Date and to be calculated, for any day, after giving effect to any
payments made under such Letter of Credit on such day) in an amount equal to the
Applicable LIBOR Rate Margin per annum. All calculations of Letter of Credit
fees shall be based on a 360 day year counting the actual number of elapsed
days.

             (h) Upon the request of any Bank from time to time, the Issuing
Bank shall deliver any information reasonably requested by such Bank with
respect to each Letter of Credit then outstanding.

             (i) The issuance by the Issuing Bank of each Letter of Credit shall
be subject, in addition to the conditions precedent set forth in Paragraph 3.2,
to the conditions precedent that (i) such Letter of Credit shall be in such
form, contain such terms and support such transactions as shall be satisfactory
to the Issuing Bank consistent with its then current practices as shall be
satisfactory to the Issuing Bank consistent with its then current practices and
procedures with respect to letters of credit of the same type and (ii) the
Borrower shall have executed and delivered such applications, agreements and
other instruments relating to such Letter of Credit as the Issuing Bank shall
have reasonably requested consistent with its then current practices and
procedures with respect to letters of credit of the same type; provided that in
the event of any conflict between any such application, agreement or other
instrument and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this
Agreement shall control.

             (j) In the event that any Bank fails to pay any amount required to
be paid pursuant to clause (e) or (f) of this Paragraph 2.3 when due, such Bank
shall pay interest to the Issuing Bank (through the Agent) on such amount from
and including such due date to but excluding the date such payment is made (i)
during the period from and including such due date to but excluding the date
three Business Days thereafter, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds
Rate (as in effect from time to time) and (ii) thereafter, at a rate per annum
equal to the Prime Rate plus 2.0%.

             (k) The issuance by the Issuing Bank of any modification or
supplement to any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the same conditions
applicable under this Paragraph 2.3 to the issuance of new Letters of Credit,
and no such modification or supplement shall be issued unless either (x) the
respective Letter of Credit as affected by such action would have complied with
such conditions had it originally been issued in such modified or supplemented
form or (y) each Bank shall have consented to such modification or supplement.

             (l) The obligations of the Borrower under this Paragraph 2.3 shall
be unconditional and absolute and shall not be affected, modified or impaired,
upon the happening at any time or from time to time of any event, including any
of the following, whether or not with notice to or the consent of the Borrower:

                                       22
<PAGE>   23

                 (i) the compromise, settlement, release, modification,
amendment (whether material or otherwise) or termination of any or all of the
obligations, conditions covenants or agreements of any Person in respect of any
of the Loan Documents:

                 (ii) the occurrence, or the failure by the Agent, any Bank or
any other Person to give notice to the Borrower of the occurrence, of any Event
of Default or any default under any of the other Loan Documents;

                 (iii) the waiver of the payment, performance or observance of
any of the obligations, conditions, covenants or agreements of any Person
contained in any of the Loan Documents;

                 (iv) the extension of the time for performance of any other
obligations, covenants or agreements of any Person under or arising out of any
of the Loan Documents;

                 (v) the taking or the omission of any of the actions referred
to in any of the Loan Documents;

                 (vi) any failure, omission or delay on the part of the Agent,
any Bank, the Borrower or the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to enforce,
assert or exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege conferred by this
Agreement or any of the Loan Documents, or any other act or acts on the part of
the Agent, any Bank, the Borrower or the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit;

                 (vii) the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution,
sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of, the
marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy,
assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement,
composition with creditors or readjustment of, or other similar proceedings
which affect, the Borrower or any other party to any of the Loan Documents;

                 (viii) any lack of validity or enforceability of this
Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other Loan Document, or any allegation of
invalidity or unenforceability or any contest of such validity or
enforceability;

                 (ix) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other
right which the Borrower may have at any time against the Agent, any Bank or any
beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any persons or
entities for whom the Bank or any such beneficiary of transferee may be acting),
or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan
Document or any of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document or any
unrelated transaction;

                 (x) any statement in any certificate or any other document
presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid
or insufficient in any respect or any such statement being untrue or inaccurate
in any respect whatsoever;

                 (xi) payment by the Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit
against presentation of a demand or certificate which does not comply with the
terms of such Letter of Credit;

                                       23
<PAGE>   24

                 (xii) the release or discharge by operation of law of the
Borrower from the performance or observance of any obligation, covenant or
agreement contained in any of the Loan Documents; or

                 (xiii) any circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not
similar to any of the foregoing.

             (m) Without affecting the Borrower's liability under Paragraph
10.7, the Borrower agrees to indemnify each of the Issuing Bank, the Agent and
the Banks and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees,
attorneys and agent from , and hold each of them harmless against, any and all
losses, liabilities, damages or expenses incurred by any of them in connection
with or by reason of any actual or threatened investigation, litigation or other
proceeding (including, in respect of the Issuing Bank and the Agent, any such
Bank) relating to (a) the execution and delivery of any Letter of Credit; (b)
the use of the proceeds of any drawing under any Letter of Credit; or (c) the
transfer or substitution of, or payment or failure to pay under, any Letter of
Credit, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel incurred in
connection with any such investigation, litigation or other proceeding, but
excluding damages, losses, liabilities or expenses to the extent, but only to
the extent, incurred by reason of (x) the willful misconduct or gross negligence
of the Issuing Bank in determining whether a document presented under any Letter
of Credit complies with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (y) in the case of
the Issuing Bank, such Bank's failure to pay under any such Letter of Credit
after presentation to it of documents strictly complying with the terms and
condition of such Letter of Credit. It shall not be a condition to any such
indemnification that the Issuing Bank, the Agent or any Bank shall be a party to
any such investigations, litigation or other proceeding. Nothing in this
Paragraph 2.3 is intended to limit the Borrower's payment obligations under this
Agreement.

             (n) The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any
beneficiary of any Letter of Credit with respect to the use of such Letter of
Credit. None of the Agent, any Bank nor any of their respective affiliates,
officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents shall be liable or
responsible for: (a) the use which may be made of the Letter of Credit or for
any acts or omissions of any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit in connection
with such Letter of Credit; (b) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of
documents presented to the Issuing Bank, or of any endorsement on such
documents, even if such documents should in fact prove to be in any or all
respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged; (c) payment by the Issuing
Bank against presentation of documents which do not comply with the terms of any
Letter of Credit, including failure of any documents to bear any reference or
adequate reference to such Letter of Credit; or (d) any other circumstances
whatsoever in making or failure to make payment under any Letter of Credit;
provided however, that Subparagraph 2.3(l) above notwithstanding, the Borrower
shall have a claim against the Issuing Bank to the extent, but only to the
extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential, damages suffered by the
Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by (i) the Issuing Bank's willful
misconduct or gross negligence in determining whether a document presented under
any Letter of Credit complies with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (ii)
the Issuing Bank's willful failure to pay under the Letter of Credit after
presentation to it of documents strictly complying with the terms and conditions
of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing,
the Issuing bank may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order,
without responsibility for further investigation.

         2.4 Arrangement Fee. An aggregate nonrefundable Arrangement Fee of
$35,000 shall be due and payable in full at Closing to the Agent.

                                       24
<PAGE>   25

         2.5 Commitment Fee. An aggregate commitment fee equal to the product of
(i) 0.15% per annum multiplied by (ii) the then current Total Commitments,
without regard to the Borrowing Base, less the average outstanding daily balance
of the Credit Facility (including the face amount of any letters of credit then
outstanding) during the immediately preceding quarter shall be due and payable
quarterly in arrears.

         2.6 Agent's Fee. An agent's fee of $5,000 per annum for each Bank other
than Bank of America that is a party to this Agreement shall be due and payable
by Borrower to the Agent annually commencing with the date of the admission of
the Bank hereto other than Bank of America and on each anniversary thereof.

         2.7 Alternate Rate of Interest.

             a. In the event, and on such occasion, that on the date of
commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Loan, any Bank shall have
reasonably determined:

                 (i) That dollar deposits in the amount of the requested
principal amount of such Eurodollar Loan are not generally available to
first-class banks in the London Interbank Market;

                 (ii) That the rate at which such dollar deposits are being
offered will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Bank of making or
maintaining such Eurodollar Loan during such Interest Period; or

                 (iii) That reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the
LIBO Rate generally,

such Bank shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, give written or telephonic
notice of such determination to the Agent and the Borrower. In the event of any
such determination, any request by the Borrowers for a Eurodollar Loan pursuant
to Section 2.2 shall, until the circumstances giving rise to such notice no
longer exist, be deemed to be a request for a Floating Rate Loan. Each
determination by such Bank hereunder shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

         2.8 Change in Circumstances.

             a. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if after the date of
this Agreement any change in applicable Laws or regulations or in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority charged
with the interpretation or administration thereof (whether or not having the
force of law) shall change the basis of taxation of payments to a Bank under any
Eurodollar Loan made by Bank or any other fees or amounts payable hereunder
(other than taxes imposed on the overall net income of a Bank by the country in
which such Bank is located, or by the jurisdiction in which such Bank has its
principal office, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority therein),
or shall impose, modify, or deem applicable any reserve requirement, special
deposit, insurance charge (including FDIC insurance on Eurodollar deposits) or
similar requirements against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or
credit extended by, such Bank or shall impose on such Bank or the London
Interbank Market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar
Loans made by such Bank, and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to
increase the cost to such Bank of making or maintaining its Eurodollar Loan or
to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Bank for any of
its Eurodollar Loans hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise) by
an

                                       25
<PAGE>   26

amount reasonably deemed by such Bank to be material, then the Borrowers will
pay to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will reasonably compensate
Bank for such additional costs.

             b. If either:

                 (i) The introduction of, or any change in, or in the
interpretation of, any United States or foreign law, rule or regulation; or

                 (ii) Compliance with any directive, guidelines or request from
any central bank or other United States or foreign governmental authority
(whether or not having the force of law) promulgated or made after the date
hereof (but excluding, however, any law, rule, regulation, interpretation,
directive, guideline or request contemplated by or resulting from the report
dated July, 1988, entitled "International Convergence of Capital Measurement and
Capital Standards" issued by the Basic Committee on Banking Regulations and
Supervisory Practices), affects or would affect the amount of capital required
or expected to be maintained by such Bank (or any lending office of such Bank)
or any corporation directly or indirectly owning or controlling such Bank (or
any lending office of such Bank) based upon the existence of this Agreement, and
such Bank shall have determined that such introduction, change or compliance has
or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Bank's capital
or on the capital of such owning or controlling corporation as a consequence of
its obligations hereunder (including its Commitment) to a level below that which
such Bank or such owning or controlling corporation could have achieved but for
such introduction, change or compliance (after taking into account that Bank's
policies or the policies of such owning or controlling corporation, as the case
may be, regarding capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Bank (in its
sole discretion) to be material, then the Borrowers will pay to such Bank such
additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such reduction
attributable to making, funding and maintaining its Commitment, Loans and
Letters of Credit hereunder.

             c. A certificate of a Bank setting forth such amount or amounts as
shall be necessary to compensate such Bank (or its participating banks or other
entities pursuant to this Agreement), as specified in Paragraph (a) or (b)
above, as the case may be, shall be delivered to Borrower and shall be
conclusive absent manifest error; provided, however, that the Borrower shall be
responsible for compliance herewith and the payment of increased costs only to
the extent:

                 (i) Any change in applicable Laws giving rise to increased
costs occurs after the date of this Agreement; and

                 (ii) Such change in Laws or the application thereof applies
generally to the banking industry and is not the result of one or more of the
Banks having inadequate or substandard capital as determined by its regulators;
and

                 (iii) The affected Bank gives notice of the change giving rise
to increased costs within one hundred eighty (180) Business Days after the date
on which such Bank has, or with reasonable diligence should have had, knowledge
of the change, or else such Bank can only collect costs from and after the date
of the notice.

Subject to the foregoing, the Borrower shall pay the affected Bank the amount
shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after its receipt of
such certificate.

                                       26
<PAGE>   27
             d. The protection of this Section 2.8 shall be available to Bank
regardless of any possible contention of invalidity or inapplicability of the
law, regulation or condition that shall have been imposed.

         2.9 Change in Legality.

             a. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, if
any change in any law or regulation or in interpretation thereof by any
governmental authority charged with the administration or interpretation thereof
shall make it unlawful for any Bank to make or maintain any Eurodollar Loan or
to give effect to its obligations to make Eurodollar Loans as contemplated
hereby, then, by written notice to the Agent and the Borrower, such Bank may:

                 (i) Declare that Eurodollar Loans will not thereafter be made
by such Bank hereunder, whereupon the Borrowers shall be prohibited from
requesting Eurodollar Loans from such Bank hereunder unless such declaration is
subsequently withdrawn; and

                 (ii) Require that all outstanding Eurodollar Loans made by it
be converted to Floating Rate Loans, in which event (A) all such Eurodollar
Loans shall be automatically converted to Floating Rate Loans as of the
effective date of such notice as provided in Paragraph(b) below, and (B) all
payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise have been applied to
repay the converted Eurodollar Loans shall instead be applied to repay the
Floating Rate Loans resulting from the conversion of such Eurodollar Loans.

             b. For purposes of this Section 2.9, a notice to Borrower and Agent
by any Bank, pursuant to (a) above, shall be effective, if lawful, on the last
day of the then current Interest Periods; in all other cases, such notice shall
be effective on the date of receipt by the Borrower.

         2.10 Optional Prepayment - Premiums in Certain Events.

             (a) The Borrower may, upon three (3) Business Day's prior written
notice to the Agent, and upon payment of all premiums set forth in Subparagraph
(d) below, prepay any outstanding Eurodollar Loans prior to any Interest Payment
Date for such Eurodollar Loans, in whole or in part.

             (b) The Borrower may at any time prepay any outstanding Floating
Rate Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty.

             (c) Each notice of prepayment of any Eurodollar Loan shall specify
the date and amount of such prepayment and shall be irrevocable. The Agent shall
promptly notify the Banks of its receipt of a notice of prepayment. Each partial
prepayment of any Eurodollar Loans shall be in an aggregate principal amount
which is the lesser of (1) the then outstanding principal balance of the one or
more Eurodollar Loans to be prepaid, or (2) $100,000.00 or an integral multiple
thereof. Interest on the amount prepaid accrued to the prepayment date shall be
paid on such date.

             (d) Upon prepayment of any Eurodollar Loan on a date other than the
relevant Interest Payment Date for such borrowing, Borrower shall pay to Agent
for the account of each Bank, in addition to all other payments then due and
owing the Banks, premiums which shall be equal to an amount, if any, reasonably
determined by each Bank to be the difference between the rate of interest then
applicable to the relevant Eurodollar Loan and the yield each Bank receives upon

                                       27
<PAGE>   28

reinvestment of so much of the relevant Eurodollar Loans as is prepaid for the
remainder of the term of the relevant Eurodollar Loan or Loans. Anything in this
Section 2.10(d) to the contrary notwithstanding, the premiums payable upon any
such prepayment shall not exceed the amount, if any, reasonably determined by
each Bank to be the difference between the rate of interest then applicable to
the relevant Eurodollar Loan and the yield that each Bank could receive upon
reinvestment in the "Floor Reinvestment" of so much of the relevant Eurodollar
Loan as is prepaid for the remainder of the term of the relevant Eurodollar
Loan. For purposes hereof, "Floor Reinvestment" shall mean an investment for the
time period from the date of such prepayment to the end of the relevant Interest
Period applicable to such Eurodollar Loan at an interest rate per annum equal to
the Federal Fund Rate "offered" as published in the Wall Street Journal on the
date of such prepayment. All determinations, estimates, assumptions, allocations
and the like required for the determination of such premiums shall be made by
each Bank in good faith and shall be presumed correct absent demonstrable error.

         2.11 Prepayment to the Agent.

             (a) The Agent shall send the Borrower statements of all amounts due
hereunder (or the Banks may in the case of Section 2.7 above), which statements
shall be considered correct and conclusively binding on the Borrower unless the
Borrower notifies the Agent to the contrary within one hundred eighty (180) days
of its receipt of any statement to which it objects. All sums payable to the
Banks hereunder shall be paid directly to the Agent for the account of each Bank
in immediately available funds prior to 12:00 noon, Nashville time, on the date
when such sums are due and payable. Any amounts received by the Agent after
12:00 noon Nashville time on any Business Day shall be deemed to have been
received on the next Business Day. Alternatively, at its sole discretion, the
Agent may charge against any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with any
of the Banks all or any part of any amount due pursuant to this Agreement.

             (b) Each payment made to the Agent on the notes or for other sums
or fees due hereunder for the account of the Banks shall in like funds be
properly remitted by the Agent to each Bank, no later than 2:00 p.m. Nashville
time on the date on which Agent receives such payment.

                         SECTION 3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         The obligation of the Banks to fund and/or continue funding the Loans
hereunder is subject to the following conditions precedent:

         3.1 Documents Required for the Closing. The Borrower shall have
delivered to the Agent prior to the initial disbursement of the Loans the
following:

             (a) The Note;

             (b) The Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement (the "Stock
Pledge Agreement") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1(b), including
Schedule I thereto, duly executed by the Borrower, together with, to the extent
not already in the possession of the Agent, the certificates representing the
shares of the Subsidiaries pledged thereby, duly endorsed in blank, and stock
powers duly endorsed in blank;

             (c) The Amended and Restated Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1(c), duly executed by each Guarantor;

                                       28
<PAGE>   29

             (d) The Financing Statements required by Section 4.5;

             (e) Copies of the resolutions of the board of directors of the
Borrower and each Subsidiary, respectively, certified by the corporate secretary
or assistant secretary of each as of the date of Closing, authorizing the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and, as applicable, the
Notes, the Loan Documents, and each other document to be delivered pursuant
hereto;

             (f) A copy, certified as of the most recent date practicable, by
the applicable Secretaries of State of Borrower's and each Subsidiary's Charter,
together with a certificate dated the date of the Closing of Borrower's
corporate secretary to the effect that such certificates of incorporation have
not been amended since the date of the aforesaid Secretary of State
certifications;

             (g) A copy of Borrower's by-laws certified by Borrower's secretary
as of the date of the Closing;

             (h) A copy of the by-laws of each Subsidiary certified by each
Subsidiary's secretary as of the date of Closing;

             (i) A certificate dated the date of the Closing of the corporate
secretary of each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary as to the incumbency and
signatures of their respective officers executing this Agreement, the Notes, the
Collateral Documents, and each other document to be delivered pursuant hereto;

             (j) Certificates, as of the most recent dates practicable, of the
Tennessee Secretary of State and the Secretary of State of each state in which
Borrower is qualified as a foreign corporation as to the good standing of
Borrower;

             (k) Certificates, as of the most recent date practicable, of the
Secretaries of State in each state where each Subsidiary is organized as to the
good standing of each such Subsidiary;

             (l) A written opinion of Borrower's counsel, dated the date of the
Closing and addressed individually to each Bank, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 3.1(k) and otherwise satisfactory to the Banks.

             (m) A certificate, dated the date of the Closing, signed by the
president, vice president, chief financial officer, or corporate controller of
the Borrower and to the effect that:

                 (i) The representations and warranties set forth within Section
5 are true as of the date of the Closing;

                 (ii) No Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred as
of such date;

                 (iii) All of the Collateral Documents are in full force and
effect.

             (n) A Federal Reserve Form (or Forms) U-1, duly completed and
executed by the Borrower.

                                       29
<PAGE>   30

         3.2 Requirements for all Subsequent Advances. At the Closing, and as an
express condition precedent after Closing to each disbursement of any Loan
(whether for an Acquisition or otherwise) or the issuance of any Letter of
Credit, each of the following shall be true and correct:

             (a) As of the date thereof, no Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, and no Unmatured Default is in existence;

             (b) The extension of credit will be used only as permitted in
Paragraph 2.1;

             (c) No Material Adverse Change has occurred since the date of the
Financial Statements or the date of the Closing, as applicable;

             (d) All of the Collateral Documents remain in full force and
effect, and with respect to any Acquisition advance the Borrower has satisfied
all of the conditions of Paragraph 7.12, including, without limitation,
providing or causing to be provided such additional Collateral Documents as
required by Paragraph 7.12; and

             (e) Either,

                 (i) at any time prior to Borrower's exercise of the Expansion
Option, or at any time prior to March 31, 2001 (regardless of whether Borrower
has exercised the Expansion Option), the aggregate outstanding principal balance
of the Credit Facility (including the face amount of any outstanding Letters of
Credit), after giving effect to such Loan disbursement or Letter of Credit
issuance, shall exceed the Borrowing Base; or

                 (ii) at any time after March 31, 2001 and after Borrower's
exercise of the Expansion Option, Borrower shall be in compliance with the
covenant set forth in Paragraph 6.15(b), after giving effect to such Loan
disbursement or Letter of Credit issuance.

If any of the foregoing statements is not true and correct in the judgment of
the Banks, then the Banks shall have no obligation to make the requested
advance. In addition, on each requested disbursement of a Loan, the Borrower
shall deliver to the Agent a true and correct Borrowing Base Certificate and a
true and accurate certificate together with (or included within) any Borrowing
Notice, dated the date on which a Loan disbursement is to be made, signed by the
president, vice president, chief financial officer, or corporate controller of
the Borrower and certifying to the foregoing.

         3.3 Legal Matters. At the time of the Closing and thereafter, all legal
matters incidental to the Loans shall be satisfactory to Agent and its counsel.

                                       30
<PAGE>   31

                         SECTION 4. COLLATERAL SECURITY

         4.1 Composition of the Collateral. The property in which a security
interest is granted pursuant to the provisions of Paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3 is
herein collectively called the "Collateral." The Collateral, together with all
of the Borrower's and the Subsidiaries' other property of any kind, both real
and personal, held by, assigned to, mortgaged to or conveyed in favor of the
Banks, shall stand as one general, continuing collateral security for all
Obligations and may be retained by the Agent and/or Banks until all Obligations
have been satisfied in full.

         4.2 Rights in Property Held by the Banks. As security for the prompt
satisfaction of all Obligations and all Guaranties of the Obligations, the
Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries which is a party to this Agreement hereby
assign, transfer and set over to the Banks all of its right, title and interest
in and to, and grant each of the Banks and the Agent on behalf of the Banks a
lien on and a security interest in, all amounts that may be owing from time to
time by the Banks to the Borrower in any capacity, including, but without
limitation, any balance or share belonging to the Borrower of any deposit or
other account with the Banks, which lien and security interest shall be
independent of any right of set-off which the Banks and/or Agent may have.

         4.3 Rights in Property of the Borrower and Subsidiaries. As further
security for the prompt satisfaction of all Obligations, the Borrower and each
Guarantor hereby collaterally assigns to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks,
and hereby confirms any such prior grant of, all of its right, title and
interest in and to, and grants to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks, a lien
upon and security interest in, all of the following, wherever located, whether
now owned or hereafter acquired, together with all substitutions, replacements,
improvements, accessions or appurtenances thereto, and proceeds (including,
without limitation, insurance proceeds) thereof:

             (a) Accounts;
             (b) Chattel Paper;
             (c) Documents;
             (d) Equipment;
             (e) General Intangibles;
             (f) Instruments;
             (g) Inventory
             (h) The Pledged Stock; and
             (i) All Records pertaining thereto or to any other Collateral.

         4.4 Priority of Liens. The foregoing liens shall be first and prior
liens except for any Permitted Liens on assets which have priority or would have
priority by the operation of Laws.

         4.5 Financing Statements.

             (a) The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries will:

                 (i) join with the Agent in executing such additional Financing
Statements (including amendments thereto and continuation statements thereof) in
form satisfactory to the Banks as the Banks may specify;

                 (ii) pay or reimburse the Agent and/or the Banks for all costs
and taxes of filing or recording the same in such public offices as the Agent
may designate, and reimburse the

                                       31
<PAGE>   32

Agent for performing subsequent verification searches following Closing in each
applicable jurisdiction.

             (b) A carbon, photographic, or other reproduction of this Agreement
shall be sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed in any appropriate
office in lieu thereof.

             (c) To the extent lawful, the Borrower hereby appoints the Agent as
its attorney-in-fact (without requiring the Agent to act as such) to execute any
Financing Statement in the name of the Borrower and to perform all other acts
that the Agent deems appropriate to perfect and continue the Bank's security
interest in, and to protect and preserve, the Collateral.

         4.6 Collection of Notes and Receivables. Following the occurrence of
any Event of Default and for so long as such Event of Default remains uncured,
upon demand of the Majority Banks, Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries shall
deposit or cause to be deposited, all checks, drafts, cash, and other
remittances received in payment of services rendered or in payment or on account
of its accounts and notes receivable, immediately upon receipt thereof with
Agent in a special "lockboxed" bank account maintained with Agent, over which
the Agent alone shall have power or withdrawal. The funds in said special bank
account shall be held by the Agent on behalf of the Banks as security for all
loans made hereunder and all other Obligations to the Banks secured hereby. Said
proceeds shall be deposited in precisely the form received, except for the
endorsement of Borrower where necessary to permit collection, which endorsement
Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries agree to make and which Agent also hereby
is irrevocably authorized to make on its behalf. Pending such deposit, Borrower
agrees that it will not commingle any such checks, drafts, cash and other
remittances with any of its funds or property, but will hold them separate and
apart therefrom and upon an express trust for the Banks until deposit thereof is
made in the said special bank account. On a daily basis, Agent will apply the
whole or any part, as the Majority Banks deem appropriate, of the collected
funds on deposit in the said special bank account against the principal and/or
interest of any loans made hereunder and/or on Borrower's other Obligation's
secured hereby, the order and method of such application to be in the discretion
of the Majority Banks. Any portion of said funds on deposit in the special bank
account that the Majority Banks elect not to apply will be paid over by Agent to
Borrower.

         4.7 Negative Pledge of Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries. Borrower hereby
covenants with the Agent for the benefit of the Banks, neither Borrower nor any
Subsidiary will (i) pledge, assign, encumber, or hypothecate the outstanding
stock or other ownership interest of any Foreign Subsidiary or any Minority
Interest, or (ii) suffer or permit any Foreign Subsidiary to pledge, assign,
encumber or hypothecate any of such entities' assets, except for Permitted
Liens.

                    SECTION 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         To induce the Banks to enter into this Agreement, the Borrower
represents and warrants to each Bank as follows:

         5.1 Due Organization and Qualification. Borrower is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of
Delaware and is qualified to transact business in Tennessee; each Subsidiary is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
Laws of its state of incorporation, all as set forth in Exhibit 5.1, and
Borrower has no other Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date except as listed in
Exhibit A; the Borrower

                                       32
<PAGE>   33

and each Subsidiary have the lawful power to own their properties and to engage
in the business they conduct, and each is duly qualified and in good standing as
a foreign corporation in the jurisdictions wherein the nature of the business
transacted by it or property owned by it is both material and makes such
qualification necessary; the states in which the Borrower and each Subsidiary
are qualified to do business as of the Closing Date are set forth in Exhibit
5.1; the percentage of the Borrower's ownership of the outstanding stock of each
Subsidiary as of the Closing Date is listed in Exhibit 5.1; and the addresses of
all places of business of the Borrower and each Subsidiary as of the Closing
Date are as set forth in Exhibit 5.1;

         5.2 No Conflicting Agreement. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
is in default with respect to any existing Indebtedness, and the making and
performance of this Agreement, the Notes and the Collateral Documents will not
(immediately, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both):

             (a) Violate the charter or bylaw provisions of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, or violate any Laws, or result in a default under any material
contract, agreement, or instrument to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a
party or by which the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its property is bound; or

             (b) Result in the creation or imposition of any security interest
in, or lien or encumbrance upon, any of the assets of the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, except in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Banks;

         5.3 Capacity. The Borrower and each Subsidiary have the power and
authority to enter into and perform this Agreement, the Notes and the Collateral
Documents, as applicable, and to incur the Obligations herein and therein
provided for, and have taken all corporate action necessary to authorize the
execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement, the Notes and the
Collateral Documents;

         5.4 Binding Obligations. This Agreement and the Collateral Documents
are, and the Notes when delivered will be, valid, binding, and enforceable in
accordance with their respective terms subject to the general principles of
equity (regardless of whether such question is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law) and to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
fraudulent or preferential conveyance and other similar laws affecting generally
the enforcement of creditors' rights;

         5.5 Pledged Stock. The Borrower owns the Pledged Stock; the Pledged
Stock constitutes one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding
capital stock of the respective issuers thereof; and such Pledged Stock has been
duly issued, is fully paid and non-assessable, and is free of all claims,
security interests, liens, charges and encumbrances;

         5.6 Litigation. Except as disclosed in Exhibit 5.6 hereto, as of the
Closing Date, there is no pending or threatened order, notice, claim,
litigation, proceeding or investigation against of affecting the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, whether or not covered by insurance, that would involve the payment
of $1,000,000.00 or more if adversely determined;

         5.7 Title. The Borrower, the Subsidiaries and each Foreign Subsidiary
have good and marketable title to all of their respective material assets,
subject to no security interest, encumbrance or lien, or the claims of any other
Person except for Permitted Liens;

                                       33
<PAGE>   34

         5.8 Financial Statements. The Financial Statements, including any
schedules and notes pertaining thereto, have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and fully and
fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at
the dates thereof and the results of operations for the periods covered thereby,
and there has been no Material Adverse Change from December 31, 1999, to the
date hereof;

         5.9 No Additional Indebtedness. As of the date hereof, the Borrower,
the Subsidiaries and the Foreign Subsidiaries have no Indebtedness of any
nature, including, without limitation, liabilities for taxes and any interest or
penalties relating thereto, except to the extent reflected (in a footnote or
otherwise) and reserved against in the December 31 Financial Statements or as
disclosed in or permitted by this Agreement; the Borrower does not know, and has
no knowledge of any basis for the assertion against it or any Subsidiary or
Foreign Subsidiary as of the date hereof, of any material Indebtedness of any
nature not fully reflected and reserved against in the December 31 Financial
Statements;

         5.10 Taxes. Except as otherwise permitted herein, the Borrower, the
Subsidiaries and the Foreign Subsidiaries have filed all federal, state and
local tax returns and other reports they are required by Laws to file prior to
the date hereof and which are material to the conduct of their respective
businesses, have paid or caused to be paid all taxes, assessments and other
governmental charges that are due and payable prior to the delinquency hereof,
and have made adequate provision for the payment of such taxes, assessments or
other charges accruing but not yet payable; the Borrower has no knowledge of any
deficiency or additional assessment in connection with any taxes, assessments or
charges not provided for on its books;

         5.11 Licenses; Compliance with Laws. Except to the extent that the
failure to comply would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower,
the Subsidiaries and the Foreign Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable
Laws with respect to: (1) any licenses, restrictions, specifications, or other
requirement pertaining to services that the Borrower or any Subsidiary performs;
(2) the conduct of their respective businesses; (3) the use, maintenance, and
operation of the real and personal properties owned or leased by them in the
conduct of their respective businesses; and (4) health, safety, worker's
compensation, and equal employment opportunity;

         5.12 Consents; Governmental Approvals. Each consent, approval or
authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Person
required to be obtained or effected by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in
connection with the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents of the
undertaking or performance of any obligation thereunder has been duly obtained
or effected; further, no authorization, consent, approval or other action by,
and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body
is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower or
any of its respective Subsidiaries of any Loan Documents to which it is or will
be a party, except for any approvals indicated on Exhibit 5.12 which approvals
have been obtained and are in full force and effect;

         5.13 Full Disclosure. No representation or warranty by the Borrower or
any Subsidiary contained herein or in any certificate or other document
furnished by the Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement contains
any untrue statement of material fact;

         5.14 Environmental Compliance. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries and
their respective assets and operations are in compliance in all material
respects with all Environmental Laws;

                                       34
<PAGE>   35

         5.15 Existing Borrowings. As of the Closing Date, all existing
Indebtedness: (1) for money borrowed; or (2) under any security agreement or
mortgage from the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary is described
in Exhibit 5.15;

         5.16 Material Contracts. Except as described on Exhibit 5.16 hereto, as
of the Closing Date, the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and the Foreign Subsidiaries
have no material real estate leases, contracts, commitments of any kind (such as
shareholder agreements; options; employment agreements; collective bargaining
agreements; powers of attorney; bonus, pension and retirement plans; or
insurance and welfare agreements but specifically excluding all provider
agreements, pharmacy agreements and equipment leases); all parties (including
the Borrower and Subsidiaries) to all such material real estate leases,
contracts and other commitments to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a
party have to the best of Borrower's knowledge complied with the provisions of
such leases, contracts and other commitments; no party is in default under any
provision thereof; and no event has occurred which, but for the giving of notice
or the passage of time, or both, would constitute a default;

         5.17 No Commissions. Other than with respect to the fees payable to the
Agent hereunder and as otherwise disclosed to the Agent in writing, neither the
Borrower nor any Subsidiary has made any agreement or has taken any action which
may cause anyone to become entitled to a commission or finder's fee as a result
of the making of the Loans;

         5.18 ERISA. Neither Borrower nor any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary
has any Defined Benefit Pension Plans, as defined in the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), as of the date hereof;

         5.19 CTR. CTR Acquisition Corp., Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CTR")
does not own any assets.

         5.20 Survival. All of the representations and warranties set forth in
Section 5 shall survive until all Obligations are satisfied in full.

                        SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower does hereby covenant and agree with each Bank that, so
long as any of the Obligations remain unsatisfied, it will comply, and it will
cause its Subsidiaries to comply, with the following covenants:

         6.1 Use of Proceeds. The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Loans
only for the purposes permitted in Paragraph 2.1, and will furnish the Agent
such evidence as it may reasonably require with respect to such use.

         6.2 Financial Statements and Reports. The Borrower will furnish the
Banks:

             (a) As soon as available and in any event within 30 days after the
close of each calendar month (except for the end of each fiscal quarter) in each
Fiscal Year of Borrower: (a) consolidated and, after exercise of the Expansion
Option, consolidating income statements of the Borrower for such monthly period;
and (b) consolidated and, after exercise of the Expansion Option,

                                       35
<PAGE>   36

consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower as of the end of such monthly
period - all in reasonable detail, subject to year-end audit adjustments and
certified by the Borrower's president or principal financial officer to have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied by the Borrower, except for any inconsistencies explained
in such certificate;

             (b) As soon as available and in any event within 45 days after the
close of each fiscal quarter (except for the fourth (4th) quarter of each Fiscal
Year) in each Fiscal Year of Borrower: (a) consolidated and, after exercise of
the Expansion Option, consolidating statements of cash flows of the Borrower for
such quarterly year-to-date period; (b) consolidated and, after exercise of the
Expansion Option, consolidating income statements of the Borrower for such
quarterly period; and (c) consolidated and,after exercise of the Expansion
Option, consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower as of the end of such
quarterly period - all in reasonable detail, subject to year-end audit
adjustments and certified by the Borrower's president or principal financial
officer to have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied by the Borrower, except for any inconsistencies
explained in such certificate;

             (c) As soon as available and in any event within 90 days after the
close of each Fiscal Year of Borrower: (a) consolidated statements of cash flows
of the Borrower for such Fiscal Year; (b) consolidated income statements of the
Borrower for such Fiscal Year; and (c) consolidated balance sheets of the
Borrower as of the end of such Fiscal Year - all in reasonable detail, including
all supporting schedules, notes and comments; the consolidated statements and
balance sheets shall be audited by Ernst & Young, LLP or another independent
certified public accountant selected by the Borrower and acceptable to the
Banks, and audited by such accountants to have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied by the Borrower,
except for any inconsistencies explained in such certificate. In addition, the
Borrower will obtain from such independent certified public accountants and
deliver to the Bank, within 90 days after the close of such Fiscal Year, their
written statement that in making the examination necessary for their audit they
have obtained no knowledge of any Event of Default by the Borrower relating to
the financial covenants set forth in Paragraph 6.15, or disclosing all Events of
Default of which they have obtained knowledge; provided, however, that in making
their examination such accountants shall not be required to go beyond the bounds
of generally accepted auditing procedures for the purposes of issuing the
audited opinion on the Borrower's financial statements. Each Bank shall have the
right, from time to time, to discuss the Borrower's financial statements and
related business issues directly with the Borrower's independent certified
public accountants after notice to the Borrower and opportunity of the Borrower
to be present at any such discussions;

             (d) Contemporaneously with each quarterly and Fiscal Year-end
financial report required by the foregoing paragraphs (b) and (c), a certificate
of the president or chief financial officer of the Borrower stating that: (i)
such officer has individually reviewed the provisions of this Agreement; (ii) a
review of the activities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such year
or quarter-annual period, as the case may be, has been made by such officer or
under such officer's supervision, with a view to determining whether the
Borrower has fulfilled all its obligations under this Agreement; and (iii) to
the best of such officers' knowledge, the Borrower has observed and performed
each undertaking contained in this Agreement and is not in default in the
observance or performance of any of the provisions hereof or, if the Borrower
shall be so in default, specifying all such defaults and events of which such
officer may have knowledge. Such certificate shall further set forth the
calculations of the financial ratios and covenants set forth in Paragraph 6.15,
including, without limitation, any antecedent calculations and the source of any
information that was used in such calculations;

                                       36
<PAGE>   37

             (e) Immediately upon receipt of the same by Borrower or any
Subsidiary, copies of all management letters and any other reports which are
submitted to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by its independent
accountants in connection with any annual or interim audit of the Records of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries by such accountants;

             (f) On or before March 1 of each year, a proforma budget (including
both projected Maintenance Capital Expenditures and other Capital Expenditures)
for such Fiscal Year, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Agent;

             (g) Promptly after the sending or making available or filing of the
same, copies of all registration statements, proxy statements, financial
statements and reports that the Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any successor Person;

             (h) From time to time such additional information regarding the
financial condition or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the
Agent, at the request of any Bank, may reasonably request.

         6.3 Good Condition. The Borrower will maintain, and will cause its
Subsidiaries to maintain, their respective Equipment, Real Property and other
properties in good condition and repair (normal wear and tear excepted), and
will pay and discharge or cause to be paid and discharged when due, the cost of
repairs to or maintenance of the same, and will pay or cause to be paid all
rental or mortgage payments due on such Equipment or Real Property.

         6.4 Insurance; Reinsurance. The Borrower will, and will cause its
Subsidiaries to, maintain, or cause to be maintained, public liability, medical
malpractice, and fire and extended coverage insurance in such form and amounts
as are consistent with industry practices and with such insurers as may be
satisfactory to the Agent. Such policies shall name the Agent on behalf of the
Banks as an additional insured, as their interests may appear, and shall contain
a provision whereby they cannot be canceled except after thirty (30) days'
written notice to the Agent.

         6.5 Taxes; Copies of Returns. The Borrower will, and will cause its
Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency, all taxes,
assessments and charges or levies imposed upon them or on any of their property
or which any of them is required to withhold or pay over, except where contested
in good faith by appropriate proceedings with adequate security therefor having
been set aside in a manner satisfactory to Banks. The Borrower will, and will
cause each Subsidiary and Foreign Subsidiaries to, pay or cause to be paid, all
such taxes, assessments, charges or levies forthwith whenever foreclosure on any
lien that attaches (or security therefor) appears imminent. Within ten (10) days
of any Bank's request therefor, the Borrower will furnish the Banks with copies
of federal income tax returns filed by the Borrower.

         6.6 Records and Inspection. The Borrower will, and will cause
Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries to, when requested so to do, make
available during regular business hours any of their business Records for
inspection by duly authorized representatives of the Banks, and will furnish the
Banks any information regarding their business affairs and financial condition
within a reasonable time after written request therefor.

         6.7 Maintenance of Existence; Compliance with Laws; Licenses. The
Borrower will, and will cause the Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries to, take
all necessary steps to renew, keep in full

                                       37
<PAGE>   38

force and effect, and preserve their corporate existence, good standing, and
franchises, and will comply in all respects with all present and future Laws
applicable to them except to the extent that a failure to do so would not have
or cause to occur a Material Adverse Effect.

         6.8 Ordinary Course; Pledge of Notes. The Borrower will, and will cause
its Subsidiaries to, keep accurate and complete Records of their Accounts,
consistent with sound business practices. The Borrower will collect its Accounts
only in the ordinary course of business. If any Accounts should be evidenced by
promissory notes, then the Borrower shall immediately deliver the same to Agent,
appropriately endorsed to Agent's order. The Borrower and the Subsidiaries
hereby waive presentment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest, notice of
protest, and all other notices with respect thereto.

         6.9 Payment of Indebtedness. The Borrower will, and will cause the
Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries to, pay when due (or within applicable
grace periods) all Indebtedness for borrowed money (whether direct or indirect,
including Guarantee Obligations) due any Person, except when the amount thereof
is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with adequate
security therefor being set aside in a manner satisfactory to the Banks. If
default is made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the payment of any
principal (or installment thereof) of, or interest on, any such Indebtedness,
the Banks shall have the right, in their discretion, to pay such interest or
principal for the account of the Borrower or such Subsidiary and be reimbursed
by the Borrower therefor.

         6.10 Notice of Litigation. The Borrower will give immediate notice to
the Agent and provide copies to the Agent of: (1) any litigation or proceeding
in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiaries is a party if an
adverse decision therein would require them to pay over more than $1,000,000.00
or deliver assets the value of which exceeds such sum (if such claim is not
considered to be covered by insurance) or pay over more than $2,500,000.00 (if
such claim is considered to be covered by insurance); and (2) the institution of
any other suit or proceeding involving any of them, or the overt threat thereof,
that might have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

         6.11 Notice to Banks of Default. The Borrower will notify each Bank
immediately if it becomes aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or of
any fact, condition or event that only with the giving of notice or passage of
time or both, could become an Event of Default, or of the failure of the
Borrower to observe any of its undertakings hereunder.

         6.12 Notice of Name Change or Location. The Borrower will notify each
Bank thirty (30) days in advance of any change in (i) the name of the Borrower
or any Subsidiary, (ii) the location of any of their places of business or (iii)
of the establishment of any new, or the discontinuance of any existing, place of
business.

         6.13 Environmental Compliance. In the event that the Banks have reason
to believe that the Borrower or any Subsidiary has failed to comply with any
material Environmental Laws, or there exists a threat of material harm to the
environment or Persons, the Banks of their agents shall have the right, but no
obligation, at any time during business hours and upon reasonable written
notice, to enter upon any property operated by a Borrower or Subsidiary and
conduct or cause to be conducted an Environmental Phase I audit (or an update of
any audit completed in connection with the execution of this Agreement) at
Borrower's sole expense and if such Phase I audit (or update) recommends further
testing, then the Banks or their agents may require, but shall not be obligated
to

                                       38
<PAGE>   39

require, upon reasonable written notice, such further testing at Borrower's sole
expense. The Banks or their agents shall use their best efforts to invoke and
maintain all applicable privileges over all audit information generated pursuant
to this provision.

         6.14 Notice of Environmental Action. If the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries shall:

             (a) receive written notice that any material violation of any
Environmental Laws may have been committed or is about to be committed by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

             (b) receive written notice that any administrative or judicial
complaint or order has been filed or is about to be filed against the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries alleging any material violation of any Environmental
Laws or requiring the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to take any action in
connection with the release or threatened release of Hazardous Substances or
solid waste into the environment; or

             (c) receive written notice from a federal, state, foreign or local
governmental agency or private party alleging that the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is liable or responsible for costs associated with the response to
cleanup, stabilization or neutralization of any environmental activity;

then it shall provide the Agent and each Bank with a copy of such notice within
ten (10) Business Days of the Borrower's or such Subsidiary's receipt thereof.
Subject to the right of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to contest in good faith
any such actions or proceedings, the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary shall as
promptly as possible resolve, cure and/or have dismissed with prejudice any such
actions or proceedings, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Banks. The
Borrower shall reasonably monitor compliance with Environmental Laws by any and
all owners or operators of real property owned or leased by a Borrower or any
Subsidiary.

         6.15 Financial Ratios. Unless the Banks otherwise agree in writing, the
Borrower will maintain or cause to be maintained on a consolidated basis, the
following financial ratios and covenants:

             (a) Fixed Charge Ratio. Upon exercise of the Extension Option and
at the end of each fiscal quarter thereafter, a ratio of Cash Flow to Debt
Service computed for the Borrower on a consolidated basis of not less than 1.25
to 1.00.

             (b) Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio. Upon exercise of either the
Extension Option or Expansion Option and at the end of each fiscal quarter
thereafter, giving Pro-Forma Effect to any Permitted Acquisition made and any
Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith as of the date of determination,
with respect to the Borrower on a consolidated basis, a ratio of (i) the sum of
all Funded Debt to (ii) the product of (A) four multiplied by (B) the lesser of
(x) EBITDA for the most recent fiscal quarter, or (y) Consolidated EBITDA for
the most recent fiscal quarter, of not more than 2.50 to 1.00.

             (c) Total Capitalization Ratio. At all times, a ratio of the sum of
all Funded Debt to Consolidated Capital of not more than 0.35 to 1.00.

             (d) Current Ratio. At all times, a ratio of Consolidated Current
Assets to Consolidated Current Liabilities of not less than 1.25 to 1.00.

                                       39
<PAGE>   40

         6.16 Field Exam. Borrower and each Guarantor shall permit such
inspections, reviews and field examinations of its other records and its
properties (with such reasonable frequency and at such reasonable times during
normal business hours as Agent may desire) by Agent as Agent may deem necessary
or desirable from time to time. In addition, prior to adding any Person as a
Guarantor, Borrower shall cause such Person to permit such inspections, reviews
and field examinations of its other records and its properties (with such
reasonable frequency and at such reasonable times during normal business hours
as Agent may desire) by Agent as Agent may deem necessary or desirable from time
to time. Borrower specifically acknowledges and agrees that if any Person is
added as a Guarantor, the advance rate (as set forth in the definition of
Borrowing Base) may be adjusted in Agent's reasonable discretion based upon
Agent's examination of the records and properties of such Person. The cost of
all such field examinations, reviews, verifications and inspections shall be
borne by Borrower.

         6.17 Ovations Note. The Borrower will use its best efforts to deliver
to Agent on or before May 30, 2000, the promissory note in the amount of
$150,000 that it received in connection with the sale of Clintrials Ovations,
Inc., properly endorsed to Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Banks.

                          SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that without the prior written
consent of the Majority Banks:

         7.1 Merger or Reorganization. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
or Foreign Subsidiary will enter into any merger, consolidation, reorganization
or recapitalization (although the Borrower may combine various classes of common
stock, split common stock, or issue additional shares of common stock, provided
a Change of Control does not occur); provided, any Subsidiary may merge into any
other Subsidiary if the Banks are given not less than thirty (30) days prior
written notice thereof, the surviving entity is a Subsidiary whose stock is
pledged to the Banks pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement, and no Event of
Default shall exist after giving effect to the merger.

         7.2 Sale of Assets. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary will sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any
material part of its assets; provided, however, Borrower and its Subsidiaries
may in the ordinary course of business (i) replace damaged, obsolete or worn
Equipment with Equipment of similar value and use, or (ii) dispose of assets
representing no more than 5% of Borrower's consolidated total assets.

         7.3 Encumbrances. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary will: (1) mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist a security
interest in or lien upon any of its assets of any kind, now owned or hereafter
acquired, except for Permitted Liens, or (2) covenant or agree with any other
Person (other than the Banks) not to mortgage, pledge, or grant a security
interest in or a lien upon their assets.

         7.4 Debts and Other Obligations. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary will incur, create, assume, or permit to exist
any Indebtedness except: (1) the Loans; (2) existing Indebtedness as set forth
in Exhibit 5.15 (Bank acknowledges Exhibit 5.15 will not include items (6) and
(7) in this paragraph); (3) trade Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course
of business; (4) contingent Indebtedness permitted by Paragraph 7.8; (5)
Indebtedness secured by

                                       40
<PAGE>   41

Permitted Liens; (6) Indebtedness owed by any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary
to the Borrower, or by the Borrower to any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary, or
by any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary to another Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary, provided that if any such intercompany Indebtedness incurred after
the date funds are first advanced to Borrower under this Agreement, exceeds in
the aggregate $5,000,000 over ninety (90) consecutive days, Borrower shall, at
the Bank's written request, cause all intercompany Indebtedness to be evidenced
by a document or instrument payable to the Borrower, and to cause the same to be
pledged to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks pursuant to a pledge agreement
in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent; (7) operating leases
incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (8) Permitted Acquisition
Indebtedness.

         7.5 Untrue Certificate. Neither the Borrower not any Subsidiary will
furnish the Agent or any Bank any certificate or other document that will
contain any untrue statement of material fact or that will omit to state a
material fact necessary to make it not misleading in light of the circumstances
under which it was furnished.

         7.6 Margin Stock. Neither the Borrower not any Subsidiary will directly
or indirectly apply any part of the proceeds of the Loans to the purchasing or
carrying of any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or any regulations, interpretations
or rulings thereunder.

         7.7 Sale-Leaseback. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will enter
into any sale-leaseback transaction (in a single transaction or series of
transactions) involving assets which represent more than 5% of Borrower's total
consolidated assets.

         7.8 Guarantee Obligation. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or
Foreign Subsidiary will create, incur, suffer to exist a Guarantee Obligation or
otherwise become liable for any obligation of any other Person or any
Subsidiary, except: (1) the endorsement of commercial paper for deposit or
collection in the ordinary course of business, (2) leases by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary incurred in the ordinary course of business,
and (3) a guaranty obligation consented to by the Banks as a part of a Permitted
Acquisition in accordance with Paragraph 7.12.

         7.9 Subsidiary. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary to, form any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary
or make any investment in or make any loan in the nature of any investment to
any Person without the prior written consent of the Banks, except for: (1) any
Permitted Investments, (2) advances or investments by the Borrower to
Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower, (3) advances or
investments by Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries of the Borrower to the
Borrower or to another Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower, (4) the
formation of a Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary in connection with making a
Permitted Acquisition which qualifies as such under Paragraph 7.12 below, and
(5) the formation of a new Subsidiary where:

             (a) The business of the newly formed Subsidiary is substantially
similar to the business currently conducted by Borrower and is located in the
United States;

             (b) No Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred hereunder
and not been cured, or would otherwise occur as a result of or in connection
with the formation of the new Subsidiary, whether immediately or on a projected
basis;

                                       41
<PAGE>   42

             (c) All of the outstanding stock of such newly formed Subsidiary
owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary is promptly (or within 30 days of the
written request of the Agent) pledged to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks
on a first priority lien basis, and all of said shares are delivered to the
Agent pursuant to a stock pledge agreement in form and substance satisfactory to
the Agent and the Banks; and

             (d) Borrower informs Bank at least thirty (30) days prior to
formation of such entity.

         7.10 Loans and Advances. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or
Foreign Subsidiary will make any loan or advance to any officer, shareholder,
director or employee of a Borrower or any Subsidiary, except for temporary
advances in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $750,000.00 in the
aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding.

         7.11 Investments. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary will purchase or otherwise invest in or hold securities,
non-operating real estate outside the normal course of business, or other
non-operating assets, except: (1) Permitted Investments; (2) the present or
future investment in any such assets, including existing Subsidiaries and
Foreign Subsidiaries; (3) operating assets that hereafter become non-operating
assets; and (4) investments in Permitted Non-Guarantor Entities in an aggregate
amount not to exceed, at any time, five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets
of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recently
completed Fiscal Year of the Borrower.

         7.12 Acquisitions. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary or Foreign
Subsidiary will make an Acquisition of any Person without the prior written
consent of the Banks; provided however, the Borrower may acquire either the
majority of the stock or any of a Person or any Subsidiary may acquire the
assets of or merge with such Person (provided the Subsidiary is the surviving
entity) (hereinafter collectively a "Permitted Acquisition") if either all Banks
consent in writing in advance thereto or, without the necessity of obtaining the
prior written consent of the Banks, if all of the following conditions are met:

             (a) not less than thirty (30) Business Days prior to making any
Permitted Acquisition, Borrower shall submit to each of the Banks the following
information: (1) a copy of the signed letter of intent and a current draft
and/or signed copy, as the case may be, of the acquisition agreement with any
prepared exhibits; (2) a written description of the assets, if any; (3)
historical financial statements of the Permitted Acquisition for the prior two
years and the most recent interim statement; and (4) consolidated financial
statements and projections for both the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as well as
the Person being acquired giving Pro Forma Effect to the Indebtedness associated
with the Acquisition and the EBITDA associated with the Person to be acquired,
and evidencing, to Agent's reasonable satisfaction: compliance on a joint,
consolidated basis with the financial covenants set forth in Paragraph 6.15 as
of the closing of the Acquisition, and (5) projected compliance for the ensuing
twelve (12) months after the closing of the Acquisition with each financial
covenant in Paragraph 6.15;

             (b) the aggregate cash consideration (which shall include any
Indebtedness assumed in connection with the Acquisition and the maximum
aggregate earnout payments payable in connection with such Acquisition during
the twelve (12) months after the closing of the Acquisition) for such
acquisition does not exceed 5% of Consolidated Assets, giving Pro Forma Effect
to the Acquisition;

                                       42
<PAGE>   43

             (c) the business of the Permitted Acquisition is substantially
similar to the business engaged in by the Borrower;

             (d) no Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred hereunder
and not been cured, or would otherwise occur as a result of or in connection
with the Permitted Acquisition, whether immediately or on a projected basis;

             (e) an executed version of the controlling agreement for the
Acquisition is delivered to each of the Banks at least ten (10) Business Days
after the closing of the Acquisition;

             (f) if the Borrower or any Subsidiary will acquire equity interests
of another Person in connection with such Acquisition, the Borrower must pledge
or cause to be pledged to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks a first
priority lien on one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding stock or other
equity interests of such Person owned by Borrower or any Subsidiary upon such
acquisition or formation (specifically excluding any existing or new Foreign
Subsidiary); and

             (g) If the Borrower or any Subsidiary will acquire assets other
than equity interests of another Person in connection with such Acquisition, the
Agent shall receive, for the ratable benefit of the Banks, a first priority
security interest in such assets.

         7.13 Affiliate Transactions. Borrower will not, and will not permit any
of its Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter
into or permit to exist any transaction (including, without limitation, the
purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any
service) with any Affiliate (other than any Subsidiary of Borrower) on terms
that are less favorable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries than those that
would be obtainable at the time from any Person who is not an Affiliate.

         7.14 ERISA Compliance. The Borrower will not, and will not allow any of
its Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries to establish or set up any Defined
Benefit Pension Plans.

         7.15 CTR. The Borrower will not permit CTR to own any assets.

                               SECTION 8. DEFAULT

         8.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any one or more of the
following events shall constitute an "Event of Default" hereunder:

             (a) The Borrower shall fail to pay within three (3) business days
of the date when due any installment of principal or interest payable hereunder,
or shall fail to pay within five (5) business days of written notice any fee
payable hereunder.

             (b) The Borrower shall fail to achieve any of the financial
covenants contained in Paragraph 6.15.

             (c) The Borrower, any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary shall fail
to observe or perform any obligation or covenant to be observed or performed by
any of them, jointly or severally, under any of the Loan Documents; provided,
however, if such failure is not related to the payment of

                                       43
<PAGE>   44

money, the breach of a financial covenant contained in Paragraph 6.15, or the
breach of any negative covenant in Section 7, Borrower shall have thirty (30)
days to cure or cause to be cured such failure, with such thirty (30) day period
commencing after notice of such failure from the Agent or Banks.

             (d) The Borrower, any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary shall fail
to pay any Indebtedness for borrowed money (whether direct or indirect,
including guarantees of borrowed money due from Subsidiaries) due any Person
other than a Bank and such failure shall continue beyond any applicable grace
period and shall equal or exceed, either individually or in the aggregate,
$250,000.00 in amount.

             (e) A Material Adverse Effect shall result from any breach of or
event of default arising under any agreement binding the Borrower, any
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary that results in a material adverse change in
the financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary.

             (f) Any financial statement, representation, warranty or
certificate made or furnished by any Borrower or Subsidiary to the Agent or any
Bank in connection with this Agreement or the Loans, or as inducement to the
Banks to enter into this Agreement, or in any separate statement or document to
be delivered hereunder to the Agent or any Bank, shall be materially false,
incorrect, or incomplete when made.

             (g) The Borrower, any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary shall admit
its inability to pay debts as they mature, or shall make an assignment for the
benefit of its or any of its creditors.

             (h) Proceedings in bankruptcy, or for reorganization of Borrower,
any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary, or for the readjustment of any of their
respective debts, under the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, or any
part thereof, or under any other Laws, whether state or federal, for the relief
of debtors, now or hereafter existing, shall be commenced by any Borrower, any
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary, or shall be commenced against the Borrower,
any Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary and not dismissed within sixty (60) days of
such an involuntary filing.

             (i) A receiver or trustee shall be appointed for the Borrower, any
Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary or for any substantial part of their respective
assets, or any proceedings shall be instituted for the dissolution or the full
or partial liquidation of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or the Borrower or any
Subsidiary shall discontinue business or materially change the nature of its
business.

             (j) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall suffer final judgments for
payment of money aggregating in excess of $1,000,000.00 (not covered by
insurance) and shall not discharge the same within a period of thirty (30) days
unless, pending further proceedings, execution has been effectively stayed.

             (k) A judgment creditor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall
obtain possession of any Collateral or other assets by any means, including, but
without limitation, levy, distraint, replevin or self-help.

             (l) Any proceeding shall be instituted against the Borrower, any of
its Subsidiaries or Foreign Subsidiaries which is likely (taking into account
the probability of an adverse determination and the exhausting of all appeals)
to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                                       44
<PAGE>   45

             (m) The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall default beyond any
applicable grace period in any other Indebtedness (excluding the Obligations)
owed to the Banks, or any of them, or under any other agreements for credit or
borrowed money it may have with any Bank, jointly or severally, directly or
indirectly, whether matured or unmatured.

             (n) A Change of Control shall have occurred.

             (o) A change in the senior management of the Borrower which results
in less than two (2) of the existing three (3) senior managers of the Borrower
continuing in the employ of the Borrower in a senior executive position. For
purposes of this Agreement, the senior managers of the Borrower, and the current
respective capacities of each manager, are as follows:

                 Dr. Jerry R. Mitchell              Chief Executive Officer
                 Paul J. Ottaviano                  Chief Operating Officer
                 S. Colin Neill                     Chief Financial Officer

         8.2 Acceleration. Upon the occurrence of any of such Events of Default,
the Majority Banks may, at their option, immediately terminate the obligation to
make any further advances and/or declare the principal and interest accrued on
the Notes and all other Obligations to be immediately due and payable, whereupon
the same shall become forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand,
protest, or any notice of any kind except as set forth above; provided, that in
the case of the Events of Default specified in clause (g), (h) or (i) above with
respect to Borrower, without any notice to Borrower or any act by Agent or the
Banks, the Commitments shall thereupon terminate and the Notes and all other
Obligations shall become immediately due and payable without presentment,
demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are waived by the
Borrower. In addition, and regardless of whether the Notes have been
accelerated, the Majority Banks may upon the occurrence of any Event of Default
elect to charge interest at the Default Rate set forth in the Notes.

         8.3 Remedies. After any acceleration, as provided for in Paragraph 8.2,
the Agent and/or Banks shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies given
it by the Loan Documents, all those allowed by all applicable Laws, including,
but without limitation, the UCC as enacted in any jurisdiction in which any
Collateral may be located. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Agent may immediately, without demand of performance and without other notice
(except as specifically required by the Loan Documents) or demand whatsoever to
the Borrower, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and without
advertisement, sell at public or private sale, in any manner and at any location
authorized by Laws, or otherwise realize upon, the whole, or, from time to time,
any part of the Collateral, or any interest which the Borrower may have therein.
After deducting from the proceeds of sale or other disposition of the Collateral
all expenses (including all reasonable expenses for legal services), the Agent
shall apply such proceeds toward the satisfaction of the Obligations. Any
remainder of the proceeds after satisfaction in full of the Obligations shall be
distributed as required by applicable Laws. Notice of any sale or other
disposition shall be given to the Borrower at least ten (10) days before the
time of any intended public sale or of the time after which any intended private
sale or other disposition of the Collateral is to be made, which the Borrower
hereby agrees shall be reasonable notice of such sale or other disposition. The
Borrower agrees to assemble, or to cause to be assembled, at its own expense,
the Collateral at such place or places as the Banks shall designate. At any such
sale or other disposition, the Banks may, to the extent permissible under
applicable Laws, purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral, free from

                                       45
<PAGE>   46

any right of redemption on the part of the Borrower, which right is hereby
expressly waived and released.

             Without limiting the generality of any of the rights and remedies
conferred upon the Agent and/or Banks under this Paragraph 8.3, the Agent and/or
Banks may, to the full extent permitted by applicable Laws:

             (a) Enter upon the premises of the Borrower, exclude therefrom the
Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate thereof, and take immediate possession
of the Collateral, either personally or by means of a receiver appointed by a
court of competent jurisdiction, using all necessary and lawful self-help to do
so;

             (b) At the Banks' option, use, operate, manage and control the
Collateral in any lawful manner;

             (c) Collect and receive all receivables, rents, income, revenue,
earnings, issues and profits therefrom; and

             (d) Maintain, repair, renovate, alter or remove the Collateral as
the Banks may determine in their discretion.

                              SECTION 9. THE AGENT

         This Section 9 is between and among the Agent and the Banks only.
Except as specifically set forth in Paragraph 9.8 below, neither the Borrower
nor any other creditor of the Borrower shall have any rights under this section,
whether as a third party beneficiary or otherwise, and this section may be
amended by the Agent and the Banks acting alone.

         9.1 Authorization. Each Bank authorizes the Agent to act on behalf of
such Bank or holder to the extent provided herein or in any document or
instrument delivered hereunder or in connection herewith and signed by such
Bank, and to take such other action as may be reasonably incidental thereto. The
Agent shall be considered as acting solely in an administrative and ministerial
capacity, not as trustee or other fiduciary of the Banks. The Agent shall not be
construed as having any agency or fiduciary relationship with the Borrower. The
Agent shall not have any duties or obligations to the Banks other than those
expressly provided for herein. The Agent shall not be required to exercise any
discretion or take any action, but shall be fully protected in so acting or in
refraining from acting, upon the instructions of the Majority Banks (except as
otherwise provided in Paragraph 10.3, for matters which require the consent of
all Banks), and such instructions shall be binding upon all Banks holders of the
Notes, and the Agent shall not be liable to any party hereto for any consequence
of any such action or refraining from action. Notwithstanding any instructions
of the Majority Banks, the Agent shall not be required to take any action that
exposes the Agent to personal liability or that is contrary to any loan document
or applicable law.

         9.2 Standard of Care. Neither the agent nor any of its officers,
directors, agents, employees or representatives shall be liable for any action
taken or omitted to be taken by it or any of them under or in connection with
this Agreement, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful
misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Agent:
(a) may treat the payee of any Notes as the holder thereof and as a Bank
hereunder until the Agent receives written

                                       46
<PAGE>   47

notice of the assignment or transfer thereof signed by such payee and in form
satisfactory to the Agent (which notice shall be binding on all parties
thereto); (b) may consult with legal counsel, independent public accounts and
other experts and advisors selected by it and shall not be liable for any action
taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice
of such counsel, accountants or other advisors; (c) makes no warranty or
representation to any Bank and shall not be responsible to any Bank for any
statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this
Agreement or for any failure or delay in performance by the Borrower or any Bank
under this Agreement; (d) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as
to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of
this Agreement; (e) shall not be responsible to any Bank for the due execution,
legality, validity, enforceability, perfection, collectibility, genuineness,
sufficiency or value of this Agreement, the Notes, or any other instrument or
document furnished pursuant thereto or for the accuracy or completeness of any
credit or other information provided to the Banks; (f) shall incur no liability
under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, consent,
certificate of other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier,
telegram, cable or telex) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the
proper party or parties; and (g) shall incur no liability for relying upon any
matters of fact that might reasonably be expected to be within the knowledge of
the Borrower, upon a certificate or other writing signed by Borrower, or upon
telephone communications with Borrower which are reasonably believed to be true
and value.

         9.3 No Waiver of Rights. With respect to the Notes, the Agent shall
have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Bank and may exercise the
same as though it were not the Agent, and the Agent may accept deposits from,
and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower.

         9.4 Payments. The Agent shall use its best efforts to deliver to each
Bank on the same day as received by Agent in immediately available funds such
Bank's pro rata share of all payments received by the Agent for the benefit of
the Banks, but in the event Agent is unable to deliver such payments to any Bank
on the same day of receipt, Agent agrees to pay such Bank interest on the
payment for each day the Agent is unable to deliver the payments after the date
of its receipt based on the overnight Federal Funds Rate of interest. Any
payment due for any reason under this Agreement that is required to be made on a
date on which the Agent is not open for business shall be extended until the
next day on which the Agent is open for the transaction of business. The Agent
shall make available to any Bank for inspection, upon reasonable request, the
Agent's records with respect to all sums received or disbursed by the Agent in
connection with the Loans and the Loan Documents. The Agent shall provide to any
Bank, upon request, information as to the amount of the then outstanding Loans.

         9.5 Indemnification. The Agent shall not be required to do any act
hereunder or under any other document or instrument delivered hereunder or in
connection herewith or take any action toward the execution or enforcement of
the agency hereby created, or to prosecute or defend any suit in respect of this
Agreement or the Notes or to advance funds hereunder upon the failure by any
Bank to fund its pro rata share of the Commitment hereunder, unless ratably
indemnified to its satisfaction (to the extent not reimbursed by Borrower) by
the holders of the Not against loss, cost, liability and expense (including
reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel), claim, demand, action,
loss or liability (except such as result from Agent's gross negligence or
willful misconduct) that Agent may suffer or incur in connection with this
Agreement or any action taken or omitted by Agent hereunder. If any indemnity
furnished to the Agent for or against any loss, cost, liability, and expense or
for any purpose shall, in the opinion of ht Agent, be insufficient or become

                                       47
<PAGE>   48

impaired, the Agent may call for additional indemnify and not commence or cease
to do the acts indemnified against until such additional indemnity is furnished.
Each Bank agrees to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for such Bank's pro
rata share of any expenses referred to in Paragraph 10.4 incurred by the Agent
to the extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by the
Borrower.

         9.6 Exculpation. Neither Agent nor any of its directors, officers,
employees or agents shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in
connection herewith (a) with the consent or at the request of the Banks or
Majority Banks, as appropriate, or (b) in the absence of its own gross
negligence or willful misconduct. Neither Agent nor any of its directors,
officers, employees or agent shall (i) be responsible for any recitals,
representations or warranties contained in, or for the execution, validity,
genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of this Agreement, any Note or any
other instrument or document delivered hereunder or in connection herewith, or
(ii) be under any duty to inquire into or pass upon any of the foregoing
matters, or to make any inquiry concerning the performance by Borrower or any
other obligor of its obligations.

         9.7 Credit Investigation. Each Bank acknowledges that it has made such
inquiries and taken such care of its own behalf as would have been the case had
the Commitment been granted and the Loan made directly by such Bank to the
Borrower. Each Bank agrees and acknowledges that the Agent makes no
representations or warranties about the creditworthiness of the Borrower or any
other party to this Agreement or with respect to the legality, validity,
sufficiency or enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes or the value of any
security therefor and that each Bank has not entered into this Agreement in
reliance upon any action, statement, representation, or warranty of any other
Bank or Agent. Each Bank agrees that it will, independently and without reliance
upon the Agent or any other bank and based on such documents and information as
it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions
in taking or not taking action under this Agreement. Neither the Agent nor any
other Bank shall have any obligation whatsoever to make any such credit analysis
or decisions for a Bank or to provide any credit or other information with
respect to the Borrower nor or in the future in the possession of the Agent or
such other Bank, except that the Agent shall promptly forward to the Banks a
copy of any notice received by the Agent from the Borrower of the occurrence of
an Event of Default hereunder and copies of all material documents delivered to
it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms hereof.

         9.8 Resignation. The Agent may resign at any time as the Agent under
this Agreement by giving written notice thereof to the Banks and the Borrower,
which resignation shall be effective upon a successor Agent's acceptance of its
appointment. Upon any such resignation, the Majority Banks shall have the right
to appoint a successor Agent hereunder; provided, if the successor Agent is not
already a Bank hereunder, the Majority Banks must also obtain the consent of the
Borrower, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. If no such successor Agent
shall have been so appointed by the Majority Banks, or Borrower shall have
reasonably rejected such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring
Agent's giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf
of the Banks, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial bank
organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof
having assets of at least One Billion and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000,000.00),
and which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. Upon the acceptance of
any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent
shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers,
privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be
discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder After any retiring Agent's
resignation as an Agent hereunder, the provisions of this

                                       48
<PAGE>   49

Section 9 shall inure to the benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was an Agent under the Loan Documents.

         9.9 Proration of Payments. Except as may be provided in other sections
of this Agreement, all funds received by Banks, or any of them, shall be
allocated pro rata among all Banks in proration to their respective share of
outstanding Loan balances. If any Bank or other holder of any Notes shall obtain
any payment or other recovery (whether voluntary, involuntary, by application of
offset, or otherwise) on account of principal of or interest on the Note then
held by it in excess of its pro rata share of payments and other recoveries
obtained by all Banks or other holders on account of principal of and interest
on the Notes then held by them, such Bank or other holder shall purchase from
the other Banks or holders such participation in the Notes held by them as shall
be necessary to cause such purchasing Bank or other holder to share the excess
payment or other recovery ratably with each of them; provided, however, if all
or any portion of the excess payment or other recovery is thereafter recovered
from such purchasing holder, the purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase
price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Bank shall have any obligation to account for
or share any amount, property or profit of any kind received by it for its own
account arising out of a banking or other relationship with the Borrower apart
from the obligations under the Loan Documents.

         9.10 No Liability for Errors. The Agent shall not be liable for any
error in computing the amounts payable to any Bank in respect of any amounts due
to the Banks hereunder or in making payment of such amounts. In the event of an
error in computing any amount payable to any Bank or in the making of a payment,
the Agent, the Borrower and such Bank shall, forthwith upon discovery of such
error, make such adjustment as shall be required to correct such error,
including the payment of interest on any amounts that were incorrectly paid or
not paid from the date paid or of the date due to the date returned or paid, all
as the case may be, at the daily rate for the overnight sale of Federal Funds by
the Agent in effect for such period.

         9.11 Offset. In addition to and not in limitation of all rights of
offset that any Bank or other holder of any Note may have under applicable Laws,
each Bank or other holder of a Not shall, upon the occurrence of any Event of
Default described in this Agreement or in the Note in question, shall have the
right to appropriate and apply to the payment of such Notes any and all
balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys of the Borrower then or
thereafter with such Bank or other holder; provided, however, all funds received
as a result of such offsets shall be applied pro rata among the Banks in
proportion to the respective outstanding Loan amounts. Each Bank agrees to
notify to the Borrower and other Banks immediately after the exercise by it of
this right of offset.

                            SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1 Construction. The provisions of this Agreement shall be in
addition to those of any guaranty, pledge or security agreement, note or other
evidence of liability held by the Banks, all of which shall be construed as
complementary to each other; provided, in the event of any inconsistency, the
provisions of this Agreement shall control. Nothing herein contained shall
prevent the Banks from enforcing any or all other notes, guaranties, pledge or
security agreements in accordance with their respective terms.

         10.2 Further Assurance. From time to time, the Borrower will execute
and deliver to the Banks such additional documents and will provide such
additional information as the Banks may

                                       49
<PAGE>   50

reasonably require to carry out the terms of this Agreement and be informed of
the Borrower's operations, business and condition.

         10.3 Enforcement and Waiver by the Banks. The Majority Banks shall have
the sole and exclusive right to administer, amend, or modify the Loan Documents,
and are hereby empowered to act for the Banks with regard to the aggregate
Commitments and the documentation thereof as if said Majority Banks were the
sole lenders or extenders of credit under the Loan Documents; provided, however,
that it shall take an affirmative vote of all Banks to: (i) increase any of the
several Commitments; (ii) decrease any of the interest rates or fees on the
Loans; (iii) extend the Loan Termination Date; (iv) reduce or postpone the
principal payments due on any Loans; (v) postpone any payments of interest or
interest payment dates; (vi) release Collateral having a value greater than
fifteen percent (15%) of the total book value of the Collateral, either in a
single transaction or in a series of related transactions consummated over a six
(6) month period; (vii) amend the definition of Majority Banks; and (viii) amend
this Paragraph 10.3. The Banks shall have the right at all time to enforce the
provisions of the Loan Documents in strict accordance with the terms thereof,
notwithstanding any conduct or custom on the part of the Banks and/or Agent in
refraining from so doing at any time or times. The failure of the Banks at any
time or times to enforce their rights under such provisions, strictly in
accordance with the same, shall not be construed as having created a custom in
any way or manner contrary to specific provisions of the Loan Documents or as
having in any way or manner modified or waived the same. All rights and remedies
of the Banks are cumulative and concurrent and the exercise of one right or
remedy shall not be deemed a waiver or release of any other right or remedy.

         10.4 Expenses of the Banks. The Borrower will, on demand, reimburse the
Agent and the Banks for all out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable
fees and expenses of legal counsel for the Agent and the Banks, incurred by the
Agent and the Banks in connection with the preparation, administration,
amendment, modification, or enforcement of the Loan Documents and the collection
or attempted collection of the Notes.

         10.5 Notices. Any notices or consents required or permitted by this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when delivered in
person, or when sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, by overnight courier service, or by facsimile to the address and/or
telecopy number as follows, unless such address or number is changed by written
notice hereunder.

              (a)      If to the Borrower:

                       ClinTrials Research, Inc.
                       11000 Weston Parkway
                       Cary, NC 27513
                       Attention:  Eric P. Braschwitz
                       Telecopy: (919) 462-2313

                                       50
<PAGE>   51

                       with a copy to:

                       Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner
                       1800 First American Center
                       Nashville, Tennessee 37238
                       Attention: Mark Manner, Esq.
                       Telecopy:  (615) 251-1057

              (b)      If to the Agent:

                       Bank of America, N.A., Agent
                       414 Union Street
                       Nashville, Tennessee  37239
                       Attention:  Elizabeth Knox
                       Telecopy:  (615) 749-4951

              (c)      If to the Banks:

                       Bank of America, N.A.
                       414 Union Street
                       Nashville, Tennessee  37239
                       Attention: Elizabeth Knox, Senior Vice President
                       Telecopy:  (615) 749-4951

                       with a copy to:

                       Sherrard & Roe, PLC
                       424 Church Street, Suite 2000
                       Nashville, Tennessee 37219
                       Attention: Michael D. Roberts
                       Telecopy: (615) 742-4539

         10.6 Waiver and Release. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable
Laws, the Borrower:

             (a) Waives: (1) protest of all commercial paper at any time held by
the Banks on which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is in any way liable; and (2)
notice and opportunity to be heard, after acceleration in the manner provided in
Paragraph 8.2, before exercise by the Banks of the remedies of self-help,
set-off, or of other summary procedures permitted by any applicable Laws or by
any agreement with the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and, except where required
hereby or by any applicable Laws, notice of any other action taken by the Banks;
and

             (b) Releases the Agent, the Banks, and their officers, directors,
attorneys, employees, and agents from all claims for loss or damage caused by
any act or omission on the part of any of them except for gross negligence,
recklessness or willful misconduct.

         10.7 Indemnification. Without limiting the provisions of Paragraph
10.4, Borrower hereby indemnifies and holds the Agent, the Banks, and their
officers, directors, attorneys, employees and agents free and harmless from and
against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, losses,

                                       51
<PAGE>   52

liabilities and damages, and expenses in connection therewith, including,
without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and disbursements, incurred by the
Agent, the Banks or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating
to the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of the Loan Documents or
any instrument contemplated therein, except for the Agent's or any Bank's gross
negligence or willful misconduct. If and to the extent that the foregoing
undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Borrower and each Subsidiary
thereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction
of such liabilities and costs permitted under applicable Laws.

         10.8 Participations and Assignments.

             (a) This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower, Banks, and Agent and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that Borrower may not assign,
transfer or delegate any of its rights, duties or obligations under this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents without the prior written consent of Agent
and Banks. Banks may assign, sell and transfer their interests, rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents only in accordance
with this Paragraph 10.8.

             (b) With the prior written consent of the Agent and the Borrower,
any Bank may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all, or a proportionate
part of all, of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents; provided, however, that (i) each such assignment shall
be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all of the assigning Bank's
interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii) the amount of each
such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with
respect to such assignment) shall not be less than the lesser of (A) the entire
amount of such Bank's Loans or (B) the principal amount of $3,000,000 or an
integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) no more than three (3)
Banks may be parties hereto without first obtaining the prior written consent of
the Agent and Borrower; and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall
execute and/or deliver to Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the
Register, and Assignment and Acceptance, together with the Notes subject to such
assignment, and a processing and recordation fee of $2,500 payable to Agent.
Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the
"Effective Date" specified in the Assignment and Acceptance, which "Effective
Date, " unless Agent otherwise agrees, shall be not earlier than five Business
Days after the date of acceptance and recording by Agent (provided, however,
that, as between the assigning Bank and the assignee thereunder only, the
effective date shall be the effective date of execution and delivery as between
such Persons as specified in the Assignment and Acceptance), (A) the assignee
thereunder shall be a Bank under this Agreement and, to the extent provided in
such Assignment and Acceptance, have the interests, rights and obligations of a
Bank hereunder and (B) the assigning Bank thereunder shall, to the extent
provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its contractual
obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and
Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of the assigning Bank's
interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement, such assigning Bank
shall cease to be a Bank under this Agreement). Each Bank shall, in a reasonably
prompt fashion after it has engaged in any material discussions with an Eligible
Assignee that may lead to an assignment referred to in this Paragraph 10.8,
notify Agent and Borrower of the identity of such Eligible Assignee so that they
will have sufficient time to determine if they are willing to consent.

             (c) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the
assigning Bank thereunder and the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be deemed
to confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows:
(i) such assignee is an Eligible Assignee; (ii) other

                                       52
<PAGE>   53

than as provided in the Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Bank makes no
representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any
representations, warranties or other statements made in or in connection with
this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the execution, legality, validity,
enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document or any Collateral; (iii) such assigning Bank makes no
representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the
financial conditions of Borrower or any Subsidiary or the performance or
observance by Borrower or any Subsidiary of any of its obligations under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) such assignee confirms that it has
received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the most recent
Financial Statements and such other agreements, documents, instruments,
certificates and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit
analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (v) such
assignee will independently and without reliance upon Agent, such assigning Bank
or any other Bank and based on such agreements, documents, instruments,
certificates and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue
to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (vi) such assignee appoints and
authorizes Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such
powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the
Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto; (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in
accordance with their terms all the obligations which by the terms of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a
Bank; and (viii) such assignee makes loans in the ordinary course of its
business.

             (d) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an
assigning Bank and an Eligible Assignee and the required processing and
recordation fee, Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance is duly
completed and is in the required form, (i) accept such Assignment and
Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and
(iii) give prompt notice thereof to Banks and Borrower. Within five Business
Days after its receipt of any such notice from Agent, Borrower, at its own
expense, shall execute and deliver to Agent, in exchange for the surrendered
Note or Notes, a new Note or Notes payable to the order of such assignee in the
appropriate principal amount(s) evidencing such assignee's assigned Loans and
Commitments, and, if the assignor Bank has retained a portion of its Loans and
Commitments, a new Note or Notes payable to the order of such assignor in the
appropriate principal amount(s) evidencing such assignor's Loans and Commitments
retained by it. Such new Note(s) shall be dated the date of the surrendered
Note(s) which they replace and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of
the surrendered Notes, as appropriate.

             (e) Each Bank may, without the consent of Borrower, any Subsidiary
or Agent, sell participations to one or more banks in all or a portion of its
interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a
portion of its Loans or Commitments) held by it; provided, however, that (i)
such Bank shall remain a Bank for all purposes of this Agreement and the
transferee of such participation shall not constitute a Bank under this
Agreement, (ii) such Bank's obligations under this Agreement shall remain
unchanged, (iii) such Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties
hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iv) the participating banks or
other entities shall be entitled to the benefit of the provisions contained in
Paragraphs 2.6 and 2.7 to the same extent as if they were Banks, except that no
such participant shall be entitled to receive any greater benefit pursuant to
Paragraph 2.6 than its assignor Bank would have been entitled to receive with
respect to the rights participated, and (v) Borrower, Subsidiaries, Agent and
the other Banks shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Bank in
connection with such Bank's interests, rights and obligations under this
Agreement, and such Bank shall retain the sole right to enforce the

                                       53
<PAGE>   54

obligations of Borrower of any provision of this Agreement, provided that such
participation agreement may provide that such Bank will not agree to any
amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents,
without the consent of such participant, that would (A) reduce the principal or
the rate of interest payable by Borrower on any Loan or reduce any fees payable
by Borrower, (B) postpone any date fixed for the payment of principal of or
interest on the Loans or any fees payable by Borrower, (C) increase any
Commitment of any Bank or subject any Bank to any obligation to make Loans, or
(D) amend Paragraph 10.3, 10.8(E) or any other provision of this Agreement
requiring the consent or other action of all Banks.

             (f) Any Bank may, in connection with any assignment or
participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Paragraph
10.8, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or
participant any information relating to Borrower or any Subsidiary, the
Collateral or the Loan Documents furnished to such Bank by or on behalf of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that, prior to any such
disclosure, each such assignee or participant or proposed assignee or
participant shall execute an agreement whereby such assignee or participant
shall agree (subject to customary exceptions) to preserve the confidentiality of
any non-public information received from such Bank.

             (g) If (i) any Bank has demanded compensation under Paragraph 2.9
in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000 during any calendar year, (ii) it
becomes unlawful, impossible or impractical for any Bank to make or continue to
maintain Eurodollar Loans pursuant to Paragraph 2.8 and such circumstance is not
applicable to Bank of America, or (iii) any Bank is or becomes insolvent or a
receiver, conservator or similar authority is appointed for any Bank, then Agent
and/or Borrower shall have the right, but not the obligation, upon notice to
such Bank and Borrower or Agent, as applicable, to designate, with the consent
of such assignee, an assignee for any such Bank, which assignee shall be an
Eligible Assignee mutually satisfactory to Agent and Borrower, to purchase such
Bank's Loans and Commitments and assume such Bank's obligations; provided,
however, that Borrower shall not have the right to designate any assignee for
Bank of America. Within ten Business Days after any such notice to such Bank and
Borrower or Agent, as applicable, such Bank shall be obligated to sell its Loans
and Commitments, and such assignee shall be obligated to purchase such Loans and
assume such Bank's obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance. The
purchase price therefor shall be an amount equal to the sum of (A) the
outstanding principal amount of the Loans payable to such Bank, plus (B) all
accrued and unpaid interest on such Loans, plus (C) all accrued and unpaid fees
and other amounts due to such Bank pursuant to this Agreement.

             (h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Paragraph 10.8, any Bank may at any time or from time to time assign as
collateral all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement with respect to
its Loans, Commitments and Notes to a Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment
shall release the assigning Bank from its obligations under this Agreement.

         10.9 Confidentiality. Agent and each Bank agree (on behalf of itself
and each of its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees and representatives)
to use reasonable precautions to keep confidential, in accordance with customary
procedures for handling confidential information of the nature involved and in
accordance with safe and sound banking practices, any non-public information
supplied to it by Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement,
provided that Agent and each Bank may disclose (and shall not be required to
keep confidential) such non-public information (a) to the extent authorized by
Borrower or any Subsidiary, (b) to the extent required by law, rule, regulations
or judicial process of any tribunal, (c) to its counsel or to other agents in

                                       54
<PAGE>   55

connection with this Loan, (d) to bank examiners, regulators, auditors or
accountants, (e) to Agent or any other Bank, (f) in connection with any action,
suit or proceeding to which it or any one or more of Banks is a party, (g) to
any assignee or participant (or prospective assignee or participant) or
Affiliate of a Bank so long as such assignee or participant (or prospective
assignee or participant) or Affiliate agrees to preserve the confidentiality of
any non-public information to the extent required of Banks pursuant to this
Paragraph 10.9, (h) which has become public knowledge through no violation of
this Agreement, (i) to the extent such information becomes available through a
Person other than Borrower or a Subsidiary without knowledge by Agent or such
Bank (as the case may be) of any requirements of, Agent or such Bank, as the
case may be, without restriction on disclosure thereof at the time such
information was supplied by Borrower or any Subsidiary, or (k) to the extent
such information is also furnished to Agent or any Bank by a third party not
having any similar duty of confidentiality to Borrower. Except as otherwise
provided in the immediately preceding sentence, all such non-public information
supplied to Agent or any Bank shall not be copied or distributed to any Person
other than Agent and Banks without the prior written consent of Borrower. The
obligations of confidentiality under this Paragraph 10.9 shall supersede and
replace the obligations of Agent and each Bank under any confidentiality letter
or other confidentiality agreement in respect of this financing initially signed
and delivered to Borrower prior to the date hereof.

         10.10 Applicable Laws. The Laws of the State of Tennessee, other than
its conflicts of laws rules, shall govern the construction and interpretation of
this Agreement and the validity and enforceability of this Agreement, and of its
provisions and the transactions pursuant to this Agreement, except for those
transactions for which the parties have chosen other laws to govern or for which
other mandatory choice of law rules apply.

         10.11 Binding Effect, Assignment and Entire Agreement. This Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the respective
successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto. The Borrower has no
right to assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the Banks. This Agreement and the documents executed and
delivered pursuant hereto constitute the entire agreement between the parties,
and supersede all prior agreements and understandings among the parties hereto.
This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed on behalf of each party.

         10.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held
invalid under any applicable Laws, such invalidity shall not affect any other
provision of this Agreement that can be given effect without the invalid
provision, and, to this end, the provisions hereof are severable.

         10.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties
independently in any number of counterparts, all of which together shall
constitute but one and the same instrument which is valid and effective as if
all parties had executed the same counterpart.

         10.14 Venue. It is agreed that venue for any action arising in
connection with this Agreement or the Obligations secured hereby shall lie
exclusively with courts sitting in the State of Tennessee, unless the Banks and
Agent otherwise agree in writing.

         10.15 Arbitration. Any controversy or claim between or among the
parties hereto including, but not limited to, those arising out of or relating
to this instrument, agreement or document or any related instruments, agreements
or documents, including any claim based on or arising from an alleged tort,
shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal
Arbitration Act (or if not applicable, the applicable state law), the Rules of
Practice and

                                       55
<PAGE>   56

Procedure for the Arbitration of Commercial Disputes of J.A.M.S./Endispute or
any successor thereof ("J.A.M.S."), and the "Special Rules" set forth below. In
the event of any inconsistency, the Special Rules shall control. Judgment upon
any arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any party
to this Agreement may bring an action, including a summary or expedited
proceeding, to compel arbitration of any controversy or claim to which this
Agreement applies in any court having jurisdiction over such action.

             (a) Special Rules. The arbitration shall be conducted in the city
of the Borrower's domicile at time of the execution of this instrument,
agreement or document and administered by J.A.M.S. who will appoint an
arbitrator; if J.A.M.S. is unable or legally precluded from administering the
arbitration, then the American Arbitration Association will serve. All
arbitration hearings will be commenced within 90 days of the demand for
arbitration; further, the arbitrator shall only, upon a showing of cause, be
permitted to extend the commencement of such hearing for up to an additional 60
days.

             (b) Reservation of Rights. Nothing in this arbitration provision
shall be deemed to (i) limit the applicability of any otherwise applicable
statutes of limitation or repose and any waivers contained in this arbitration
provision; or (ii) be a waiver by the Bank of the protection afforded to it by
12 U.S.C. Sec. 91 or any substantially equivalent state law; or (iii) limit the
right of the Bank hereto (a) to exercise self help remedies such as (but not
limited to) setoff, or (b) to foreclose against any real or personal property
collateral, or (c) to obtain from a court provisional or ancillary remedies such
as (but not limited to) injunctive relief, writ of possession or the appointment
of a receiver. The Bank may exercise such self help rights, foreclose upon such
property, or obtain such provisional or ancillary remedies before, during or
after the pendency of any arbitration proceeding brought pursuant to this
instrument, agreement or document. Neither this exercise of self help remedies
nor the institution or maintenance of an action for foreclosure or provisional
or ancillary remedies shall constitute a waiver of the right of any party,
including the claimant in such action, to arbitrate the merits of the
controversy or claim occasioning resort to such remedies.

                  (Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

                                       56
<PAGE>   57

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

AGENT:                                      BORROWER:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,                      CLINTRIALS RESEARCH, INC.

BY: /s/                                     BY: /s/ Colin Neill
    ------------------------------              --------------------------------
TITLE: V.P.                                 TITLE: SVP & CFO
       ---------------------------                 -----------------------------

BANKS:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

BY: /s/
    ------------------------------
TITLE: V.P.
       ---------------------------

GUARANTORS:

CLINTRIALS RESEARCH KENTUCKY, INC.           CLINTRIALS RESEARCH NORTH
                                             CAROLINA, INC.

BY: /s/ Colin Neill                         BY: /s/ Colin Neill
    ------------------------------              --------------------------------
TITLE: VP & Secretary                       TITLE: VP & CFO
       ---------------------------                 -----------------------------

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