Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.16

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

              DALIAN LUMING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.

                                       and

                                    AXT, INC.

                             Dated September 4, 2003

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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                                                                                              Page
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1.       Definitions and Usage...........................................................       1
         1.1      Definitions............................................................       1
         1.2      Usage..................................................................       4

2.       Sale and Transfer of Assets; Closing............................................       5
         2.1      Purchase and Sale of Assets............................................       5
         2.2      Consideration..........................................................       5
         2.3      Liabilities............................................................       6
         2.4      Closing................................................................       7
         2.5      Closing Obligations....................................................       7

3.       Representations and Warranties of Seller........................................       7
         3.1      Due Incorporation......................................................       7
         3.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict.................................       8
         3.3      Title To Transferred Assets; Encumbrances..............................       9
         3.4      Litigation.............................................................       9
         3.5      Patents................................................................       9

4.       Representations and Warranties of Buyer.........................................       9
         4.1      Due Incorporation......................................................      10
         4.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict.................................      10
         4.3      Compliance with Applicable Laws........................................      11
         4.4      Litigation.............................................................      11

5.       Additional Covenants............................................................      11
         5.1      Confidentiality........................................................      11
         5.2      Public Disclosure......................................................      11
         5.3      Conveyance Taxes.......................................................      11
         5.4      Negative Covenant......................................................      12
         5.5      Subsequent Sale of Transferred Assets by Buyer.........................      12
         5.6      Additional Documents and Further Assurances............................      12

6.       Conditions to Closing...........................................................      12
         6.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Consummate the Acquisition....      12
         6.2      Conditions to Obligations of Buyer.....................................      13
         6.3      Conditions to Obligations of Seller....................................      13

7.       Termination, Amendment and Waiver...............................................      14
         7.1      Termination............................................................      14
         7.2      Amendment..............................................................      15
         7.3      Extension; Waiver......................................................      15
         7.4      Notice of Termination..................................................      16
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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                   (continued)

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8.       Indemnification and Escrow......................................................      16
         8.1      Indemnification........................................................      16
         8.2      Claims.................................................................      18
         8.3      ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES................................................      18
         8.4      Third-Party Claims.....................................................      19

9.       General Provisions..............................................................      20
         9.1      Expenses...............................................................      20
         9.2      Notices................................................................      20
         9.3      Jurisdiction; Service of Process.......................................      21
         9.4      Waiver; Remedies Cumulative............................................      21
         9.5      Entire Agreement and Modification......................................      22
         9.6      Assignments, Successors and No Third-Party Rights......................      22
         9.7      Severability...........................................................      22
         9.8      Construction...........................................................      22
         9.9      Time of Essence........................................................      22
         9.10     Governing Law..........................................................      22
         9.11     Execution of Agreement.................................................      22
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                         LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

Exhibit A         List of Patents Included in Transferred Assets

Exhibit B         Form of Patent Assignment Agreement

Exhibit C         Form of Seller's Counsel Opinion

Schedule 5.4      Identified Person

Seller Disclosure Schedule

Buyer Disclosure Schedule

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                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         This Asset Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") is dated as of September 4,
2003, by and between Dalian Luming Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd., a
corporation organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China
("Buyer"), and AXT, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Seller").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Seller wishes to sell certain assets used by Seller in the
development and production of light-emitting diodes ("LED") products, Fabry
Perot laser diodes ("LD") products, and high-speed vertical cavity
surface-emitting lasers ("VCSEL") products (the "Optoelectronics Business"); and

         WHEREAS, Buyer wishes to purchase from Seller, and Seller wishes to
sell to Buyer, the Transferred Assets (as defined herein) for the purchase price
and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above and
the respective covenants, agreements, representations and warranties hereinafter
set forth, Buyer and Seller hereby agree as follows:

         1.       Definitions and Usage.

                  1.1      Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the
following terms and variations thereof have the meanings specified or referred
to in this Section 1.1:

         "Acquisition" means all of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

         "AXT" is as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

         "AXT Tongmei" means Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology, Ltd., a
corporation organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China.

         "AXT Xiamen" means Xiamen Advanced Semiconductor Co., Ltd., a
corporation organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China.

         "Business Day" means any day other than (a) Saturday or Sunday or (b)
any other day on which banks in California are permitted or required to be
closed.

         "Buyer" is as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

         "Buyer Disclosure Schedule" is as defined in Section 4.

         "Buyer Indemnified Persons" is as defined in Section 8.1(b)(i).

         "Closing" is as defined in Section 2.5.

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         "Closing Date" means the date on which the Closing actually takes
place.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

         "Damages" is as defined in Section 8.1(b).

         "Effective Time" means the effective time of the Closing, which will be
midnight California time on the Closing Date.

         "Encumbrance" means any charge, claim, community or other marital
property interest, condition, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security
interest, mortgage, right of way, easement, encroachment, servitude, right of
first option, right of first refusal or similar restriction, including any
restriction on use, voting (in the case of any security or equity interest),
transfer, receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

         "Governmental Entity" means any United States federal, state, local, or
foreign court, administrative agency or commission, or other governmental entity
or instrumentality (including a stock exchange or other self-regulatory body).

         "Indemnified Party" is as defined in Section 8.4.

         "Indemnifying Party" is as defined in Section 8.4.

         "Knowledge" means such party's actual knowledge after reasonable
inquiry of officers, directors, and other employees of such party reasonably
believed to have knowledge of such matters;

         "Laws" means all applicable United States federal, state, provincial
and local laws, ordinances, rules, statutes, regulations, all Orders or awards,
and all applicable laws of the People's Republic of China.

         "Legal Proceedings" means any actions, suits, arbitrations, regulatory
or other proceedings, litigation, or governmental investigations by or before
any court, arbitration or Governmental Entity.

         "Liabilities" with respect to any Person means all Indebtedness,
obligations and other liabilities of such Person (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent, asserted, unasserted, fixed or otherwise, known or unknown, or
whether due or to become due).

         "Loss" means liabilities, losses, costs, claims, damages, penalties,
and expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and costs of investigation
and litigation).

         "Lumei" means Lumei Optoelectronics Corp., a California corporation.

         "Lumei Agreement" means that certain Asset Purchase Agreement entered
into concurrently with this Agreement by and among Lumei, Seller, Lyte, and
solely as to the transfer of the assets held in their respective names, AXT
Tongmei and AXT Xiamen.

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         "Lyte" means Lyte Optronics, Inc., a Nevada corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of Seller.

         Any reference to any event, change, condition or effect being
"material" with respect to any entity or group of entities means any material
changes, conditions or effects related to the financial condition, properties,
assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, business, operations or
results of operations of such entity or group of entities.

         "Material Adverse Effect" means an adverse effect on the business,
operations, assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise), of the
Optoelectronics Business or the Transferred Assets, taken individually or as a
whole, to Seller or Buyer as applicable, that results in a liability of in
excess of $20,000, except to the extent that any such effect primarily results
from (i) changes in general economic conditions or changes affecting the
industry generally in which such entities operate (provided that such changes do
not affect such entities in a disproportionate manner), or (ii) the announcement
or pendency of the Acquisition (including resulting losses, deferrals, delays or
cancellations of customer orders). Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, actions taken that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement, and
the directly intended effects thereof shall not be deemed to constitute a
Material Adverse Effect.

         "Notifying Party" is as defined in Section 8.4

         "Officer's Certificate" is as defined in Section 8.2.

         "Optoelectronics Business" is as defined in the opening recital.

         "Order" means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling,
assessment or arbitration award of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

         "Patent" is as defined in Section 2.1.

         "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an
association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated
organization or a Governmental Entity.

         "Proceeding" means any action, arbitration, audit, hearing,
investigation, litigation or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative,
judicial or investigative, whether formal or informal, whether public or
private) commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise
involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

         "Purchase Price" is as defined in Section 2.2.

         "Representative" means with respect to a particular Person, any
director, officer, manager, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, accountant,
financial advisor, legal counsel or other representative of that Person.

         "RMB" means Renminbi, the sole legal tender of the People's Republic of
China.

         "RMB Account" is as defined in Section 2.2(b).

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         "Seller" is as defined in the opening paragraph to this Agreement.

         "Seller Indemnified Person" is as defined in Section 8.1(b)(ii).

         "Sellers" means collectively Seller, Lyte, AXT Tongmei and AXT Xiamen.

         "Tax" means any income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment,
excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, environmental, windfall
profit, customs, vehicle, airplane, boat, vessel or other title or registration,
capital stock, franchise, employees' income withholding, foreign or domestic
withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real property, personal
property, sales, use, transfer, value added, alternative, add-on minimum and
other tax, fee, assessment, levy, tariff, charge or duty of any kind whatsoever
and any interest, penalty, addition or additional amount thereon imposed,
assessed or collected by or under the authority of any Governmental Entity or
payable under any tax-sharing agreement or any other Contract.

         "Termination Date" is as defined in Section 7.1(b).

         "Third Party Rights" is as defined in Section 8.1(c).

         "United States Account" is as defined in Section 2.2(b).

                  1.2      Usage.

                           (a)      Interpretation. In this Agreement, unless a
clear contrary intention appears: (i) the singular number includes the plural
number and vice versa; (ii) reference to any Person includes such Person's
successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns
are not prohibited by this Agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular
capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually; (iii)
reference to any gender includes each other gender; (iv) reference to any
agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument
as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the
terms thereof; (v) reference to any Law means such Law as amended, modified,
codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to
time, including rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and reference to
any Section or other provision of any Law means that provision of such Law from
time to time in effect and constituting the substantive amendment, modification,
codification, replacement or reenactment of such Section or other provision;
(vi) the words "include," "includes" and "including" when used herein shall be
deemed in each case to be followed by the words "without limitation;" (vii) the
table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement; and (viii) all references to dollars or $ herein will mean
United States dollars.

                           (b)      Legal Representation of the Parties. This
Agreement was negotiated by the parties with the benefit of legal
representation, and any rule of construction or interpretation otherwise
requiring this Agreement to be construed or interpreted against any party shall
not apply to any construction or interpretation hereof.

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                           (c)      English Language Version Prevails. Should
this Agreement, any exhibit or schedule hereto, or any ancillary document,
agreement or instrument executed in connection herewith be translated into any
language other than the English language, the English language version of such
document, agreement or instrument shall prevail and be the official version of
such document, agreement or instrument.

         2.       Sale and Transfer of Assets; Closing.

                  2.1      Purchase and Sale of Assets. Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, but
effective as of the Effective Time, Seller shall sell, convey, assign, transfer
and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from Seller, free and
clear of any Encumbrances, the patents and pending patent applications listed on
Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein and all associated know how,
show how and intellectual property rights therein (the "Patents"). All of such
assets listed above are defined as the "Transferred Assets." Seller will deliver
to Buyer appropriate assignments, conveyances and other instruments of sale
and/or transfer in forms satisfactory to Seller and Buyer in order to convey to
Buyer good title to the Transferred Assets. No other assets of any kind are sold
or transferred to Buyer by Seller hereunder.

                  2.2      Consideration.

                           (a)      In consideration of the purchase of the
Transferred Assets, Buyer will, at the Closing Date, pay to Seller the sum of
Three Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars ($3,750,000) (the "Purchase
Price").

                           (b)      In order to remit the Purchase Price, on the
Closing Date, Buyer shall cause to be transmitted by wire transfer to Seller,
the RMB equivalent of $3,750,000 to the bank account in China identified by
Seller (the "RMB Account"). Thereafter, Buyer shall obtain approvals to convert
the RMB equivalent of $2 million within four months after the Closing Date, and
to convert an additional RMB equivalent of $1,750,000 within four months and two
weeks after the Closing Date, as follows. All interest earned on funds deposited
into the RMB Account will be for the account of Seller. Within four months after
the Closing Date, and upon Seller being notified by Buyer that Buyer has
received the approvals required to convert RMB into $2 million, and Seller has
received $4 million converted from RMB under the Lumei Agreement, Seller shall
transfer the RMB equivalent of $2 million (at the exchange rate in effect as of
the Closing Date) from the RMB Account into the bank account in China designated
by Buyer. Within two weeks of its receipt, Buyer will cause the conversion of
this RMB payment into $2 million and wire transfer the full $2 million into
Seller's designated bank account in the United States (the "United States
Account"). Within two weeks of Seller receiving the first $2 million payment
into the United States Account, Seller shall, upon being notified by Buyer that
Buyer has received the approvals required to convert RMB into $2 million,
transfer the remaining RMB equivalent of $1,750,000 (at the exchange rate in
effect as of the Closing Date) from the RMB Account into the bank account in
China designated by Buyer. Within two weeks of its receipt, Buyer will cause the
conversion of this second RMB payment into $1,750,000 and wire transfer the full
$1,750,000 into the United States Account.

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                           (c)      Should either Buyer or Seller fail to obtain
the necessary approvals within four months after the Closing Date to effect the
above transfers, or fail to carry out their respective obligations as described
above, such defaulting party shall pay to the other party the sum of $30,000 per
month for each month, or part thereof, that such party remains in breach of its
obligations described above. If the full RMB equivalent of the Purchase Price
has not been converted to United States dollars and transferred to the United
States Account within one year after the Closing Date, through no fault of
Seller, Buyer shall be liable for, and shall pay or reimburse Seller, for the
Tax incurred by Seller in China for their use of the RMB up to an aggregate
amount of $9,600,000.

                           (d)      Seller shall provide reasonable and good
faith assistance to Buyer in its efforts to convert RMB to United States
dollars. Any gains or losses incurred as a result of the currency exchanges
resulting from all transfers shall be for the account of, and all gains and
Losses incurred as a result thereof be borne by, Buyer or its subsidiary.

                  2.3      Liabilities.

                           (a)      Assumed Liabilities. On the Closing Date,
but effective as of the Effective Time, Buyer shall assume and agree to
discharge only the following Liabilities of Seller (the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                    (i)      any Liability related to or arising
from the ownership or use of the Transferred Assets from and after the Effective
time; and

                                    (ii)     all obligations of Buyer under this
Agreement or the Patent Assignment Agreement.

                           (b)      Retained Liabilities. The Retained
Liabilities shall remain the sole responsibility of and shall be retained, paid,
performed and discharged solely by Seller, its successors or assigns. "Retained
Liabilities" shall mean every Liability of Seller, its successors or assigns,
other than the Assumed Liabilities, including, but not limited to:

                                    (i)      except as otherwise provided in
this Agreement or in the Lumei Agreement, any Liability related to or arising as
a result of Seller's operation of the Optoelectronics Business, or the operation
of the Optoelectronics Business by Seller's subsidiaries or affiliates, or
ownership, use or operation of the Transferred Assets prior to the Effective
Time;

                                    (ii)     any Liability of Seller, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns for transfer, sales, use or
similar Taxes payable by Seller as a result of the transfer of the Transferred
Assets to Buyer;

                                    (iii)    all obligations of Seller under
this Agreement or the Patent Assignment Agreement.

         Each party shall be liable for its own costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement as set
forth in Section 9.1 below.

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                  2.4      Closing. The purchase and sale provided for in this
Agreement (the "Closing") will take place at the offices of Seller's counsel at
Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP, 2000 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA
94303-2248 commencing at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on September 15, 2003, or as
soon as practicable thereafter, unless Buyer and Seller otherwise agree. Subject
to the provisions of Article 9, failure to consummate the purchase and sale
provided for in this Agreement on the date and time and at the place determined
pursuant to this Section 2.4 will not result in the termination of this
Agreement and will not relieve any party of any obligation under this Agreement.
In such a situation, the Closing will occur as soon as practicable, subject to
Section 7.

                  2.5      Closing Obligations. In addition to any other
documents to be delivered under other provisions of this Agreement, at the
Closing:

                           (a)      Seller shall deliver to Buyer:

                                    (i)      assignments of the Patents in the
form of Exhibit B (the "Patent Assignment Agreement"), executed by Seller; and

                                    (ii)     a certificate executed by Seller as
to the accuracy of its representations and warranties as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing in accordance with Section 6.2(b) and as to its
compliance with and performance of the covenants and obligations to be performed
or complied with by Seller at or before the Closing in accordance with Section
6.2(a).

                           (b)      Buyer shall deliver to Seller:

                                    (i)      The Purchase Price by wire transfer
in accordance with Section 2.2(b) above; and

                                    (ii)     a certificate executed by Buyer as
to the accuracy of its representations and warranties as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing in accordance with Section 6.3(b) and as to its
compliance with and performance of its covenants and obligations to be performed
or complied with at or before the Closing in accordance with Section 6.3(a).

         3.       Representations and Warranties of Seller. Seller represents
and warrants to Buyer as follows, except as disclosed in a document of even date
herewith and delivered by Seller to Buyer on the date hereof referring to the
representations and warranties in this Agreement (the "Seller Disclosure
Schedule"). The Seller Disclosure Schedule will be arranged in paragraphs
corresponding to the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Section
3, and the disclosure in any such numbered and lettered section of the Seller
Disclosure Schedule shall qualify only the corresponding subsection in this
Section 3 and any other section hereof where it is reasonably clear, upon a
reading of such disclosure without any independent knowledge on the part of the
reader regarding the matter disclosed, that the disclosure is intended to apply
to such other section.

                  3.1      Due Incorporation. Seller is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization, with all requisite

                                       7

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corporate power and authority to own, lease, and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as now being conducted. Seller is qualified to do business
and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the
nature of its properties owned, leased, or operated by it and the business
transacted by it require such qualification, except where the failure to be so
qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Optoelectronics Business.

                  3.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict.

                           (a)      Seller has full corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by Seller of this
Agreement has been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of
Seller, and no other actions or proceedings on the part of Seller is necessary
to authorize this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Seller has
duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement. This Agreement
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium,
reorganization, or other laws from time to time in effect which affect
creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

                           (b)      The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Seller does not, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not conflict
with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) a default under, result in or give to any person any
right of payment or reimbursement, termination, cancellation, modification or
acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any of
the assets or properties of Seller under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of (i) the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Seller, or (ii)
subject to the taking of the actions described in paragraph (b) of this Section
3.2, (x) any Laws applicable to Seller or any judgment, decree, order, writ,
permit, or license of any Governmental Entity applicable to Seller or any of its
assets or properties, or (y) any contract, agreement, or commitment to which
Seller is a party or by which Seller or any of its assets or properties is
bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses (x) and (y) conflicts, violations,
breaches, defaults, terminations, modifications, accelerations, and creations
and impositions of liens, which, as to any of the foregoing, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Optoelectronics
Business or would not result in the inability of Seller to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                           (c)      No consent, approval, order, or notice to or
authorization of, or registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental
Entity or other third party is required to be made or obtained by Seller (i) in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or (ii) the
consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby, the failure to
obtain any of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, other than such consents, approvals, orders, notices or
authorizations, or registrations, declarations or filings as may be required to
effect the provisions of Section 2.2.

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                  3.3      Title To Transferred Assets; Encumbrances. Seller is
the sole owner of and has full power and authority to transfer all of its right,
title and interest to the Transferred Assets. Seller has good title to all of
the Transferred Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances or restrictions on
transfer. Seller has not assigned, transferred, licensed or pledged any of the
Transferred Assets to any third party, nor entered into any agreement to do so
other than this Agreement. At the Closing, Seller will sell, convey, assign,
transfer and deliver to Buyer good title and all its right, title and interest,
in and to all of the Transferred Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances.

                  3.4      Litigation.

                           (a)      Except as disclosed in Section 3.4 of the
Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no claims or Legal Proceedings that are
now pending or, to Seller's Knowledge, threatened (in writing) against or
affecting Transferred Assets, this Agreement or in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby. Except as disclosed in Section 3.4 of the
Seller Disclosure Schedule, Seller is not currently subject to any order,
judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation, or consent order of or with any court
or other Governmental Entity concerning the Transferred Assets. Seller has not
entered into any agreement to settle or compromise any Legal Proceeding pending
or threatened against the Transferred Assets, other than pursuant to the Lumei
Agreement.

                  3.5      Patents.

                           (a)      All of the issued Patents are currently in
compliance with formal legal requirements (including payment of filing,
examination and maintenance fees and proofs of working or use), and are not
subject to any maintenance fees or taxes or actions falling due within ninety
(90) days after the Closing Date. No Patent has been or is now involved in any
interference, reissue, reexamination, or opposition Proceeding. Except as set
forth in Section 3.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to Seller's Knowledge,
none of the issued Patents is infringed by any third party or, to Seller's
Knowledge, has been challenged or threatened in any way, and except as disclosed
in Section 3.5 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to Seller's Knowledge none of
the issued Patents infringes or is alleged to infringe any patent or other
proprietary right of any other Person.

                           (b)      No license or royalty agreement included in
the Transferred Assets to which Seller is a party, is in material breach or
default by Seller or, to Seller's Knowledge any other party thereto, or the
subject of any notice of termination given or, to Seller's Knowledge,
threatened. All license, royalty and other fees under each license or royalty
agreement regarding the Transferred Assets have been fully and timely paid.

                           (c)      There are no exclusive licenses, exclusive
distributorship agreements, or noncompetition agreements with respect to the use
of any Transferred Assets, or any other material restrictions regarding the
right of Seller to fully exploit any Transferred Assets anywhere in the world.

         4.       Representations and Warranties of Buyer. Buyer represents and
warrants to Seller as follows, except as disclosed in a document of even date
herewith and delivered by Buyer to

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Seller on the date hereof referring to the representations and warranties in
this Agreement (the "Buyer Disclosure Schedule"). The Buyer Disclosure Schedule
will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and lettered
paragraphs contained in this Section 4, and the disclosure in any such numbered
and lettered section of the Buyer Disclosure Schedule shall qualify only the
corresponding section in this Section 4, and any other section hereof where it
is reasonably clear, upon a reading of such disclosure without any independent
knowledge on the part of the reader regarding the matter disclosed, that the
disclosure is intended to apply to such other section.

                  4.1      Due Incorporation. Buyer is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization, with all requisite corporate power and authority
to own, lease, and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now
being conducted.

                  4.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict.

                           (a)      Buyer has full corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by Buyer of this Agreement has
been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Buyer, and no other
actions or proceedings on the part of Buyer are necessary to authorize this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer has duly and validly
executed and delivered this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the legal,
valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against it in accordance with
its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, reorganization, or
other laws from time to time in effect which affect creditors' rights generally
and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability
is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

                           (b)      The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Buyer does not, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not conflict
with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) a default under, result in or give to any person any
right of payment or reimbursement, termination, cancellation, modification or
acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any of
the assets or properties of Buyer under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of (i) the organizational documents of Buyer, or (ii) subject to the
taking of the actions described in paragraph (b) of this Section 4.2, (x) any
Laws applicable to Buyer or any judgment, decree, order, writ, permit, or
license of any Governmental Entity applicable to Buyer or any of its assets or
properties, or (y) any contract, agreement, or commitment to which Buyer is a
party or by which Buyer or any of its assets or properties is bound, excluding
from the foregoing clauses (x) and (y) conflicts, violations, breaches,
defaults, terminations, modifications, accelerations, and creations and
impositions of liens, which, as to any of the foregoing, would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on its business, or would not result
in the inability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

                           (c)      No consent, approval, order, or notice to or
authorization of, or registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental
Entity is required to be made or

                                       10

<PAGE>

obtained by Buyer in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement or the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby,
the failure to obtain which would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, except for such filings, authorization, orders
and approvals as may be required of state and local Governmental Entities.

                  4.3      Compliance with Applicable Laws. To Buyer's
Knowledge, Buyer is not in violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of any
Governmental Entity, except for possible violations, which individually and in
the aggregate do not have a Material Adverse Effect on its business.

                  4.4      Litigation. There are no claims or Legal Proceedings
pending or, to Buyer's Knowledge threatened (in writing) by or against Buyer
with respect to this Agreement or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         5.       Additional Covenants.

                  5.1      Confidentiality. The parties acknowledge that Lumei
and Seller have previously executed a Letter of Intent dated August 8, 2003,
which includes confidentiality provisions therein (the "Non-Disclosure
Agreement"), which Non-Disclosure Agreement is incorporated herein by this
reference and will continue in full force and effect in accordance with its
terms against Seller and against Buyer with Buyer assuming the same obligations
thereunder as Lumei, as if Buyer were Lumei.

                  5.2      Public Disclosure. Unless otherwise permitted by this
Agreement, Buyer and Seller will consult with each other before issuing any
press release or otherwise making any public statement or making any other
public (or non-confidential) disclosure (whether or not in response to an
inquiry) regarding the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, and neither will issue any such press release or make any such statement
or disclosure without the prior approval of the other (which approval will not
be unreasonably withheld), except as may be required by law or by obligations
pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange or with
the NASDAQ Stock Market (in which case the disclosing party will, to the extent
practicable within the time available to comply therewith, use its reasonable
efforts to obtain the consent of the other party prior to such disclosure).

                  5.3      Conveyance Taxes. Both parties will use commercially
reasonable efforts to cooperate in good faith with the other party in connection
with such other party's preparation, execution, and filing of all returns,
questionnaires, applications, or other documents regarding any property transfer
or gains, sales, use, value added, stock transfer, and stamp Taxes, any
transfer, recording, registration, and other fees or any similar taxes that
become payable in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement that are required or permitted to be filed. Except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement, each party will pay any such Taxes or fees imposed
on it by any taxing authority (and any penalties and interest with respect to
such Taxes and fees) that become payable in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

                                       11

<PAGE>

                  5.4      Negative Covenant. Except as otherwise expressly
permitted herein, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date,
Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer, (a) transfer or
license to any person or entity any rights to the Transferred Assets; (b) sell,
lease, license or otherwise dispose of or encumber any of the Transferred
Assets; or (c) enter into any compromise or settlement of any litigation,
proceeding or governmental investigation relating to the Transferred Assets.

                  5.5      Subsequent Sale of Transferred Assets by Buyer.
Should Buyer, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns, or Lumei or
any Person designated pursuant to Section 2.12 or 2.13 of the Lumei Agreement,
sell, (whether such sale is effected by sale, lease, transfer, or exchange), any
of the Patents as described herein and other Transferred Assets identified in
Section 6.6 of the Lumei Agreement, used primarily in order to manufacture VCSEL
products, to any third party, other than Lumei or the Persons designated in
Section 2.12 or 2.13 of the Lumei Agreement, within six (6) months following the
Closing Date, Buyer shall pay to Seller fifty percent (50%) of the value Buyer
receives in connection with such sale. Should the sale of such Patents be to the
Person identified by Seller on Schedule 5.5 attached hereto, fifty percent (50%)
of the value received by Buyer in connection with such sale shall be paid to
Seller regardless of the date that the sale occurs.

                  5.6      Additional Documents and Further Assurances. Each
party hereto, at the request and expense of the other party hereto, shall use
all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to
effectuate the Acquisition and make effective the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof. Each further
agrees that it shall, and shall cause each of its affiliates to, from time to
time, execute and deliver to the other such additional instruments, documents,
conveyances or assurances and take such other action as shall be necessary or
otherwise reasonably requested to confirm and assure the rights and obligations
of Buyer to the Transferred Assets as provided for in this Agreement, and
effectively to vest in Buyer beneficial and record title to the Transferred
Assets. At any time and from time to time after the Closing, at Buyer's request
and without further consideration, Seller shall promptly execute and deliver (or
shall cause to be executed and delivered) such instruments of sale, transfer,
conveyance, assignment and confirmation, and take all such other action as Buyer
may reasonably request to effect the transfer, conveyance and assignment of the
Transferred Assets to Buyer, to assist Buyer in exercising all rights with
respect to the Transferred Assets and otherwise to carry out the full purpose
and intent of this Agreement, provided, however, that Buyer shall be responsible
for any and all incidental or of pocket fees or costs incurred by Seller as a
result.

         6.       Conditions to Closing

                  6.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Consummate
the Acquisition. The respective obligations of each party to consummate the
Acquisition will be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date
of the following conditions, except that, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, such conditions may be waived in writing by the joint action of the parties
hereto.

                           (a)      No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No
temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, or other order
issued by any court of competent

                                       12

<PAGE>

jurisdiction or any other Governmental Entities, or other legal or regulatory
restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Acquisition will be
and remain in effect, nor will there be any action taken, or any law, statute,
rule, regulation, decree or order been enacted, adopted, entered, enforced, or
deemed applicable to the Acquisition, which remains in effect and which makes
the consummation of the Acquisition illegal.

                           (b)      Legal Proceedings. There will not be pending
any Legal Proceeding by any Governmental Entity or other person: (i) challenging
or seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Acquisition; (ii)
Except for the Cree Litigation, relating to the Acquisition and seeking to
obtain from Buyer or Seller any damages or other relief that would be material
to either Buyer or Seller; (iii) which would materially and adversely affect the
right of Buyer to own or use the Transferred Assets; or (iv) seeking to compel
Buyer or Seller or any of their controlled affiliates to dispose of or hold
separate any material assets.

                  6.2      Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. The obligations
of Buyer to consummate the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated under
the Agreement will be further subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the
Closing, of the following conditions, except as may be waived by Buyer in
writing:

                           (a)      Compliance With Agreements and Covenants.
Seller will have performed and complied in all material respects with all of its
covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be
performed and complied with on or prior to the Closing Date.

                           (b)      Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of Seller contained herein (i) will be true and
correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this Agreement, and
(ii) will also be true and correct, on and as of the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except for such
inaccuracies which in the aggregate do not constitute, and are not reasonably
expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect (disregarding for purposes of
evaluating whether subsection (b)(ii) of this condition is satisfied, any
"material adverse effect" or other materiality qualifications contained in such
representations and warranties).

                           (c)      Closing Certificate. Buyer will have
received a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and President of the Optoelectronics Division of Seller, dated the
Closing Date, certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) and
6.2(b) have been satisfied.

                           (d)      Opinion of Counsel. Seller shall have
delivered the opinion of counsel in the form as is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

                           (e)      Other Closing Documents. Buyer will have
received the executed Patent Assignment Agreement, and such other closing and
transfer documents as Buyer will reasonably request to effect and consummate the
Acquisition and the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel.

                  6.3      Conditions to Obligations of Seller. The obligations
of Seller to consummate the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated under
this Agreement will be

                                       13

<PAGE>

further subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of the
following conditions except as may be waived by Seller in writing:

                           (a)      Compliance with Agreements and Covenants.
Buyer will have performed and complied in all material respects with all of its
covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement, to be
performed and complied with on or prior to the Closing Date.

                           (b)      Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of Buyer contained herein (i) will be true and
correct on and as of the date of this Agreement in all material respects, and
(ii) will also be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except for such
inaccuracies which, in the aggregate, do not constitute and are not reasonably
expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect (disregarding for purposes of
evaluating whether subsection (b)(ii) of this condition is satisfied, any
"material adverse effect" or other materiality qualifications contained in such
representations and warranties).

                           (c)      Closing Certificate. Seller will have
received a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of Buyer, dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions set
forth in Section 6.3(a) and 6.3(b) have been satisfied.

                           (d)      Purchase Price. Seller will have received
payment of the Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.2(b).

                           (e)      Due Diligence. Seller's Representatives
shall have completed to Seller's satisfaction a due diligence review of the
Buyer; provided, however, that should Seller agree to the Closing, Seller will
be deemed to have determined that this condition has been fully met to its
satisfaction or waived by Seller.

                           (f)      Other Closing Documents. Seller will have
received the executed Patent Assignment Agreement, and such other closing and
transfer documents as Seller will reasonably request to effect and consummate
the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to Seller and its counsel..

         7.       Termination, Amendment and Waiver.

                  7.1      Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any
time prior to the Closing by any of the following actions taken or authorized by
the Board of Directors of the terminating party or parties:

                           (a)      By mutual written consent of Buyer and
Seller;

                           (b)      By either Buyer or Seller, if the Closing
shall not have occurred on or before September 30, 2003 (the "Termination
Date"); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this
Section 7.1(b) will not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any
obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the
failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before the Termination Date;

                                       14

<PAGE>

                           (c)      By either Buyer or Seller, if any
Governmental Entity (i) shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken
any other action (which the parties shall have used their reasonable commercial
efforts to resist, resolve or lift, as applicable) restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such
order decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable
or (ii) shall have failed to issue an order, decree or ruling or to take any
other action, and such denial of a request to issue such order, decree, ruling
or to take such other action shall have become final and nonappealable (which
order, decree, ruling or other action the parties shall have used their
reasonable commercial efforts to obtain); provided, however, that the right to
terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(c) will not be available to any
party whose failure to use their reasonable commercial efforts has been the
cause of such action or inaction;

                           (d)      By Buyer if (i) any of Seller's
representations and warranties shall have been inaccurate as of the date of this
Agreement or shall have become inaccurate as of a date subsequent to the date of
this Agreement (as if made on such subsequent date), such that the condition set
forth in Section 6.2(b) would not be satisfied or (ii) any of Seller's covenants
contained in this Agreement shall have been breached such that the condition set
forth in Section 6.2(a) would not be satisfied; provided, however, that if an
inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of Seller arising as of a date
subsequent to this Agreement is curable by Seller by the Termination Date and
Seller is continuing to exercise all reasonable efforts to cure such inaccuracy,
then Buyer may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(d) on account
of such inaccuracy; or

                           (e)      By Seller if (i) any of Buyer's
representations and warranties shall have been inaccurate as of the date of this
Agreement or shall have become inaccurate as of a date subsequent to the date of
this Agreement (as if made on such subsequent date), such that the condition set
forth in Section 6.3(b) would not be satisfied or (ii) if any of Buyer's
covenants contained in this Agreement shall have been breached such that the
condition set forth in Section 6.3(a) would not be satisfied; provided, however,
that if an inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of Buyer arising as
of a date subsequent to this Agreement is curable by Buyer by the Termination
Date and Buyer is continuing to exercise all reasonable efforts to cure such
inaccuracy, then Seller may not terminate this Agreement under this Section
7.1(e) on account of such inaccuracy.

         In the event of termination of this Agreement and abandonment of the
Acquisition pursuant to this Section 7, no party hereto (or any of its directors
or officers) will have any liability or further obligation to any other party to
this Agreement, except that nothing herein will relieve any party from liability
for any breach of this Agreement.

                  7.2      Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except
by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

                  7.3      Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing,
the parties may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party, (b)
waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or (c) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement.

                                       15

<PAGE>

Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver will be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights
under this Agreement or otherwise will not constitute a waiver of such rights.

                  7.4      Notice of Termination. Any party wishing to terminate
this Agreement under Section 7.1 will deliver written notice to the other party,
setting forth the paragraph under Section 7.1 pursuant to which the Agreement is
being terminated and, unless obvious from the nature of the termination clause,
a description of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for such
termination; provided, that any failure to provide such additional details will
not affect the validity of the termination. Any such termination notice will be
delivered in accordance with Section 9.2 of this Agreement.

         8.       Indemnification and Escrow.

                  8.1      Indemnification.

                           (a)      All representations and warranties made by
Seller or Buyer herein shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and
effect until the date that is the one year anniversary of the Closing Date.
Neither Seller nor Buyer has made any representations or warranties to the
other, other than as set forth herein.

                           (b)      Subject to the limitations set forth in this
Section 8,

                                    (i)      Seller will indemnify and hold
harmless Buyer and its subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, attorneys and
employees, and each person, if any, who controls or may control Buyer within the
meaning of the Securities Act (hereinafter referred to individually as a "Buyer
Indemnified Person" and collectively as "Buyer Indemnified Persons") from and
against any and all Losses, costs, diminution of value, damages, liabilities and
expenses and from any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action,
including reasonable legal fees (collectively, "Damages"), arising out of (A)
any misrepresentation or breach of or default in connection with any of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements given or made by Seller in
this Agreement or in any exhibit or schedule to this Agreement, and (B) the
Retained Liabilities.

                                    (ii)     Buyer will indemnify and hold
harmless Seller and its respective officers, directors, agents, attorneys and
employees, and each person, if any, who controls or may control Seller within
the meaning of the Securities Act (hereinafter referred to individually as a
"Seller Indemnified Person" and collectively as "Seller Indemnified Persons")
from and against any and all Damages arising out of (A) any misrepresentation or
breach of or default in connection with any of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements given or made by Buyer in this Agreement or in any
exhibit or schedule to this Agreement, and (B) the Assumed Liabilities.

                                    (iii)    In the absence of fraud or
intentional misrepresentation, and except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, indemnification pursuant to the provisions of this Section 8 shall be
the sole and exclusive remedy of Seller, Buyer and the other Indemnified Parties
for any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this

                                       16

<PAGE>

Agreement. The maximum liability of either party to the other for any breach of
the representations and warranties set forth herein is limited to the sum of
$1,000,000; provided, however, that in no event shall the liability of Sellers
to Buyer, Lumei, or any Buyer Indemnified Person (as defined in this Agreement
and in the Lumei Agreement), individually or collectively, for any breach of the
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement and in the Lumei
Agreement, exceed in the aggregate of $1,000,000. Buyer shall first exhaust all
remedies for Damages hereunder against the Escrow Fund. Unless otherwise limited
by a provision of this Agreement, any other liability of Sellers or Buyer to the
other party arising in connection with this Agreement shall be limited to the
sum of $9,600,000; provided, however, that in no event shall the liability of
Seller to Buyer, Lumei, or any Buyer Indemnified Person (as defined in this
Agreement and in the Lumei Agreement), individually or collectively, pursuant to
this Agreement or to the Lumei Agreement, exceed in the aggregate the sum of
$9,600,000. Furthermore, in no event shall the liability of Buyer or Lumei,
individually or collectively, pursuant to this Agreement or to the Lumei
Agreement, to Sellers or any Seller Indemnified Person (as defined in this
Agreement and in the Lumei Agreement), exceed in the aggregate the sum of
$9,600,000.

                                    (iv)     Any breach of or default under this
Agreement by Buyer or Seller shall also be and cause a breach of or default by
such party under the Lumei Agreement. Any breach of or default under the Lumei
Agreement by Lumei or by Sellers shall also be and cause a breach of or default
under this Agreement.

                           (c)      General provisions regarding indemnification
rights:

                                    (i)      A party entitled to indemnification
hereunder will take all reasonable steps to mitigate all Damages upon and after
becoming aware of any event which could reasonably be expected to give rise to
Damages that are indemnifiable hereunder.

                                    (ii)     No party will be entitled to
indemnification to the extent any Tax or other benefits result from, or which
may be claimed as a result of the facts and circumstances related to, any
indemnifiable claim.

                                    (iii)    If any Damages are covered by
insurance or subject to other third party recoveries (collectively, "Third Party
Rights"), Buyer and AXT will use reasonable commercial efforts to recover the
amount of coverage or claim from the insurer or such third party, which recovery
(after deduction for costs of collection) will reduce any related Damages
hereunder. Each of Buyer and Seller agrees to assign all third party rights to
the other and to appoint the other as its limited agent and attorney-in-fact for
seeking such recovery to the extent that such party fails to recover. Each party
also agrees to cooperate with the other in connection therewith. Such
appointment as limited agent and attorney-in-fact is coupled with an interest
and is irrevocable.

                                    (iv)     To the extent that an indemnifying
party discharges any claim for indemnification hereunder, the indemnifying party
will be subrogated to all rights of the indemnified party against third parties.

                                       17

<PAGE>

                  8.2      Claims. Upon receipt by Seller or Buyer of a
certificate signed by any officer of the other party (an "Officer's
Certificate") stating that with respect to the indemnification obligations of
such party set forth in Section 8.1(a)(i) or (ii), Damages exist and specifying
in reasonable detail the individual items of such Damages included in the amount
or estimated amount so stated, the date each such item was paid, or properly
accrued or arose, and the nature of the misrepresentation, breach of warranty,
covenant or claim to which such item is related, Seller or Buyer will, as the
case may be and subject to the provisions of this Section 8, pay to the other,
as promptly as practicable, an amount in cash in value equal to such Damages.

                  8.3      ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES.

                           (a)      Within 30 days of receipt by Buyer or
Seller, as the case may be, of an Officer's Certificate, Buyer or Seller, as the
case may be, may object in writing to any claim or claims by Buyer or Seller, as
the case may be, made in any Officer's Certificate. Buyer or Seller, as the case
may be, will have thirty days to respond in a written statement to the objection
of the other party. If after such 30 day per period there remains a dispute as
to any claims, then Buyer and Seller will attempt in good faith for 60 days to
agree upon the rights of the respective parties with respect to each of such
claims. To the extent no agreement can be reached after good faith negotiation
between the parties, either Seller or Buyer may, by written notice to the other,
demand arbitration of the matter unless the amount of the Damages is at issue in
pending litigation or dispute with a third party, in which event arbitration
with respect to the specific portion of the claim at issue in the pending
litigation or dispute shall not be commenced until such amount is ascertained or
Seller and Buyer agree to arbitration; and in either such event the matter will
be settled by arbitration conducted by one arbitrator. Seller and Buyer will
agree on the arbitrator, provided that if Seller and Buyer cannot agree on such
arbitrator, either Seller or Buyer can request that JAMS select the arbitrator.
The arbitrator will set a limited time period and establish procedures designed
to reduce the cost and time for discovery while allowing the parties an
opportunity, adequate in the sole judgment of the arbitrator, to discover
relevant information from the opposing parties about the subject matter of the
dispute. The arbitrator will rule upon motions to compel or limit discovery and
will have the authority to impose sanctions, including attorneys' fees and
costs, to the same extent as a court of competent jurisdiction in law or equity,
should the arbitrator determine that discovery was sought without substantial
justification or that discovery was refused or objected to without substantial
justification. The decision of the arbitrator will be written, will be in
accordance with applicable law and with this Agreement, and will be supported by
written findings of fact and conclusion of law, which will set forth the basis
for the decision of the arbitrator. The decision of the arbitrator as to the
validity and amount of any claim in an Officer's Certificate will be binding and
conclusive upon the parties to this Agreement, and notwithstanding anything in
this Section 8, the parties will be entitled to act in accordance with such
decision.

                           (b)      Judgment upon any award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any such arbitration
will be held in Alameda County or Los Angeles, California, as may be mutually
agreed by the parties, under the commercial rules then in effect of the American
Arbitration Association. The non-prevailing party shall be as determined by the
arbitrator. The non-prevailing party to an arbitration will pay the fees of the
arbitrator and any administrative fee of JAMS, and the reasonable attorneys
fees, costs of suit and disbursements of the other party.

                                       18

<PAGE>

         NOTICE: BY INITIALING IN THE SPACE BELOW YOU ARE AGREEING TO HAVE ANY
DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE "ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES"
PROVISION DECIDED BY NEUTRAL ARBITRATION AS PROVIDED BY CALIFORNIA LAW AND YOU
ARE GIVING UP ANY RIGHTS YOU MIGHT POSSESS TO HAVE THE DISPUTE LITIGATED IN A
COURT OR JURY TRIAL. BY INITIALING IN THE SPACE BELOW YOU ARE GIVING UP YOUR
JUDICIAL RIGHTS TO APPEAL, UNLESS SUCH RIGHTS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE
"ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES" PROVISION. IF YOU REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO ARBITRATION
AFTER AGREEING TO THIS PROVISION, YOU MAY BE COMPELLED TO ARBITRATE UNDER THE
AUTHORITY OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. YOUR AGREEMENT TO THIS
ARBITRATION PROVISION IS VOLUNTARY. WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOREGOING
AND AGREE TO SUBMIT DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE
"ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES" PROVISION TO NEUTRAL ARBITRATION.

Buyer's Initials___________         Seller's Initials___________

                  8.4      Third-Party Claims. As used herein, an "Indemnified
Party" will refer to a Buyer Indemnified Party, or a Seller Indemnified Party,
as applicable, the "Notifying Party" will refer to the party hereto whose
Indemnified Parties are entitled to indemnification hereunder, and the
"Indemnifying Party" will refer to the party hereto obligated to indemnify such
Notifying Party's Indemnified Parties. In the event that any of the Indemnified
Parties is made a defendant in or party to any action or proceeding, judicial or
administrative, or is the recipient of any order or directive in connection with
any Environmental Laws, instituted by or received from any third party for the
liability or the costs or expenses of which are Damages, the Notifying Party
will give the Indemnifying Party prompt notice thereof. The failure to give such
notice will not affect any Indemnified Party's ability to seek reimbursement
unless such failure has materially and adversely affected the Indemnifying
Party's ability to defend successfully a claim. The Indemnifying Party will be
entitled to contest and defend such claim; provided, that the Indemnifying Party
(i) has a reasonable basis for concluding that such defense may be successful
and (ii) diligently contests and defends such claim. Notice of the intention to
so contest and defend will be given by the Indemnifying Party to the Notifying
Party within twenty (20) business days after the Notifying Party's notice of
such claim (but, in all events, at least five (5) business days prior to the
date that an answer to such claim is due to be filed). Such contest and defense
will be conducted by reputable attorneys employed by the Indemnifying Party. The
Notifying Party will be entitled at any time, at its own cost and expense (which
expense will not constitute Damages unless the Notifying Party reasonably
determines that the Indemnifying Party is not adequately representing or,
because of a conflict of interest, may not adequately represent, any interests
of the Indemnified Parties, and only to the extent that such expenses are
reasonable), to participate in such contest and defense and to be represented by
attorneys of its or their own choosing. If the Notifying Party elects to
participate in such defense, the Notifying Party will cooperate with the
Indemnifying Party in the conduct of such defense. Neither the Notifying Party
nor the Indemnifying Party may concede, settle or compromise any claim without
the consent of the other party, which consents will not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if a claim seeks equitable relief
or (ii) if the subject matter of a claim relates to the ongoing business of any
of the Indemnified Parties, which claim, if decided against any of the
Indemnified Parties, would have a Material Adverse Effect on the

                                       19

<PAGE>

ongoing business or reputation of any of the Indemnified Parties, then, in each
such case, the Indemnified Parties alone will be entitled to contest, defend and
settle such claim in the first instance and, if the Indemnified Parties do not
contest, defend or settle such claim, the Indemnifying Party will then have the
right to contest and defend (but not settle) such claim.

         9.       General Provisions.

                  9.1      Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, each party to this Agreement will bear its respective fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and
performance of this Agreement and the Acquisitions, including all fees and
expense of its Representatives; provided, however, that in any suit properly
brought pursuant to the terms of Section 9.3 below, upon final determination in
such proceeding, the prevailing party as determined by a court of law shall be
entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit and disbursements in
addition to any other remedies or damages which may be properly awarded by the
court.

                  9.2      Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other
communications required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed given to a party when (a) delivered to the appropriate address
by hand or by nationally recognized overnight courier service (costs prepaid);
(b) sent by facsimile or e-mail with confirmation of transmission by the
transmitting equipment; or (c) received or rejected by the addressee, if sent by
certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following
addresses, facsimile numbers or e-mail addresses and marked to the attention of
the person (by name or title) designated below (or to such other address,
facsimile number, e-mail address or person as a party may designate by notice to
the other parties):

                         (a)      if to Seller, to:

                         AXT, Inc.
                         4281 Technology Drive
                         Fremont, California 94538
                         Attention: Donald L. Tatzin
                         Fax: (510) 438-4793
                         Tel: (510) 683-5900

                         with a copy to:
                         Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
                         2000 University Circle
                         East Palo Alto, California 94303-2248
                         Attention: Sally J. Rau, Esq.
                         Fax: (650) 833-2001
                         Tel: (650) 833-2000

                                     20

<PAGE>

                         (a)      if to Buyer, to:

                         Dalian Luming Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd.
                         10 Houju Road
                         Qixianling Industrial Base High-tech Zone
                         Dalian, P. R. China 116025
                         Attention: Mr. Zhiguo XiaoFax: (  )
                         Tel: (86) 411-4791492

                         with a copy to:
                         The Corporate Law Group
                         Waterfront Plaza, Suite 120
                         500 Airport Boulevard
                         Burlingame, California 94010
                         Attention: Paul D. Marotta, Esq. or Jennifer Chen, Esq.
                         Fax: (650) 227-8001
                         Tel: (650) 227-8000

                  9.3      Jurisdiction; Service of Process. Except for claims
subject to arbitration as provided in Section 8.3 above, any Proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement or any Acquisition may be brought in the
courts of the State of California, County of Alameda or of Los Angeles as the
parties may mutually agree, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California or the
Southern District of California, as the case may be, and each of the parties
irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of each such court in any such
Proceeding, waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to
convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall
be heard and determined only in any such court and agrees not to bring any
Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any Acquisition in
any other court. The parties agree that either or both of them may file a copy
of this paragraph with any court as written evidence of the knowing, voluntary
and bargained agreement between the parties irrevocably to waive any objections
to venue or to convenience of forum. Process in any Proceeding referred to in
the first sentence of this Section may be served on any party anywhere in the
world.

                  9.4      Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies
of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither any
failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege
under this Agreement or any of the documents referred to in this Agreement will
operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or
further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law,
(a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or any of the documents
referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in
part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed
by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be
applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no
notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation
of that party or of the right of the party giving such

                                       21

<PAGE>

notice or demand to take further action without notice or demand as provided in
this Agreement or the documents referred to in this Agreement.

                  9.5      Entire Agreement and Modification. This Agreement
supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties
with respect to its subject matter (including any letter of intent and any
confidentiality agreement between Buyer and Seller) and constitutes (along with
the Seller Disclosure Schedule, Buyer Disclosure Schedule and other documents
delivered pursuant to this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the
terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter.
This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified except by
a written agreement executed by the party to be charged with the amendment.

                  9.6      Assignments, Successors and No Third-Party Rights. No
party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the
preceding sentence, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects
upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the
parties. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to
give any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable
right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision
of this Agreement, except such rights as shall inure to a successor or permitted
assignee pursuant to this Section 9.6.

                  9.7      Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is
held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other
provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision
of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will
remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

                  9.8      Construction. The headings of Sections in this
Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction
or interpretation. All references to "Sections" refer to the corresponding
Sections of this Agreement.

                  9.9      Time of Essence. With regard to all dates and time
periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, time is of the essence.

                  9.10     Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and
construed under the laws of the State of California without regard to
conflicts-of-laws principles that would require the application of any other
law.

                  9.11     Execution of Agreement. This Agreement may be
executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an
original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be
deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this
Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile transmission shall constitute
effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties and may be
used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the
parties transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed to be their original signatures
for all purposes.

                                       22

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
Buyer:                                                   Seller:
DALIAN LUMING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY GROUP               AXT, INC., a Delaware corporation
CO., LTD., a corporation organized under
the laws of the People's Republic of China

By: /s/ Zhiguo Xiao                                      By: /s/ Morris S. Young
    --------------------------------------                   -----------------------------------
    Zhiguo Xiao                                              Morris S. Young
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer                     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

By: /s/ Chuanxin Xu                                      By: /s/ Donald L. Tatzin
    --------------------------------------                   -----------------------------------
    Chuanxin Xu                                              Donald L. Tatzin
    Chief Financial Officer                                  Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

                                       23
<PAGE>

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                          LUMEI OPTOELECTRONICS CORP.,

                                    AXT, INC.

                              LYTE OPTRONICS, INC.

                         Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology

                                       and

                     XIAMEN ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.

                             Dated September 4, 2003

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Page
                                                                                                         ----
<S>                                                                                                      <C>
1.       Definitions and Usage........................................................................     1
         1.1      Definitions.........................................................................     1
         1.2      Usage...............................................................................     7

2.       Sale and Transfer of Assets; Closing.........................................................     8
         2.1      Purchase and Sale of Assets.........................................................     8
         2.2      Transfer of Assumed Contracts.......................................................     9
         2.3      Excluded Assets.....................................................................     9
         2.4      License to Use Trademarks...........................................................    10
         2.5      Sale and Lease of Real Property.....................................................    11
         2.6      Consideration.......................................................................    12
         2.7      Liabilities.........................................................................    14
         2.8      Sale of Inventory...................................................................    16
         2.9      Allocation..........................................................................    16
         2.10     Closing.............................................................................    16
         2.11     Closing Obligations.................................................................    17
         2.12     License of MOCVD Equipment..........................................................    18
         2.13     China Equipment.....................................................................    19
         2.14     Grant of Security Interest..........................................................    19

3.       Representations and Warranties of Sellers....................................................    20
         3.1      Due Incorporation...................................................................    20
         3.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict..............................................    20
         3.3      Sufficiency Of Transferred Assets...................................................    21
         3.4      Title To Transferred Assets; Encumbrances...........................................    21
         3.5      Condition Of Real Properties........................................................    22
         3.6      Inventories.........................................................................    22
         3.7      Environmental, Health and Safety Matters............................................    23
         3.8      Litigation..........................................................................    24
         3.9      Employees...........................................................................    25
         3.10     Labor Disputes; Compliance..........................................................    25
         3.11     Intellectual Property Assets........................................................    25
         3.12     Permits and/or Approvals............................................................    27
         3.13     Insurance...........................................................................    27
         3.14     Assumed Contracts...................................................................    28

4.       Representations and Warranties of Buyer......................................................    28
         4.1      Due Incorporation...................................................................    28
         4.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict..............................................    28
         4.3      Compliance with Applicable Laws.....................................................    29
         4.4      Litigation..........................................................................    29
</TABLE>

                                        i
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Page
                                                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
5.       Covenants Prior to Closing...................................................................    29
         5.1      Access and Investigation............................................................    29
         5.2      Operation of the Optoelectronics Business...........................................    29
         5.3      Negative Covenant...................................................................    30
         5.4      No Negotiation......................................................................    30
         5.5      Inventory of Exhibit A-1 Assets.....................................................    30

6.       Additional Covenants.........................................................................    31
         6.1      Employees and Employee Benefits.....................................................    31
         6.2      Confidentiality.....................................................................    31
         6.3      Public Disclosure...................................................................    31
         6.4      Conveyance Taxes....................................................................    31
         6.5      Fees and Costs for Cree Litigation..................................................    32
         6.6      Subsequent Sale of Transferred Assets by Buyer......................................    34
         6.7      Reimbursement of Operating Expenses.................................................    34
         6.8      Removal of Encumbrances.............................................................    36
         6.9      Real Property Taxes and Other Expenses..............................................    36
         6.10     Payments Under Open Purchase or Sales Orders........................................    36
         6.11     Additional Documents and Further Assurances.........................................    37
         6.12     Mutual Covenant Not to Compete and Not to Solicit...................................    37
         6.13     Construction at Telstar Facility....................................................    39
         6.14     Release of Encumbrances on Telstar Facility.........................................    39

7.       Conditions to Closing........................................................................    39
         7.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Consummate the Acquisition.................    39
         7.2      Conditions to Obligations of Buyer..................................................    40
         7.3      Conditions to Obligations of Sellers................................................    41

8.       Termination, Amendment and Waiver............................................................    41
         8.1      Termination.........................................................................    41
         8.2      Amendment...........................................................................    43
         8.3      Extension; Waiver...................................................................    43
         8.4      Notice of Termination...............................................................    43

9.       Indemnification and Escrow...................................................................    43
         9.1      Indemnification.....................................................................    43
         9.2      Escrow Fund.........................................................................    45
         9.3      Claims..............................................................................    45
         9.4      ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES.............................................................    45
         9.5      Third-Party Claims..................................................................    46

10.      General Provisions...........................................................................    47
         10.1     Expenses............................................................................    47
</TABLE>

                                       ii
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Page
                                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                                              <C>
10.2     Notices.............................................................................    47
10.3     Jurisdiction; Service of Process....................................................    48
10.4     Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.........................................................    49
10.5     Entire Agreement and Modification...................................................    49
10.6     Assignments, Successors and No Third-Party Rights...................................    49
10.7     Severability........................................................................    49
10.8     Construction........................................................................    50
10.9     Time of Essence.....................................................................    50
10.10    Governing Law.......................................................................    50
10.11    Execution of Agreement..............................................................    50
</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>

                         LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

Exhibit A-1            List of Transferred Assets

Exhibit A-2            Description of Patents Included in Transferred Assets

Exhibit B              List of Assumed Contracts

Exhibit C              Trademark License Agreement

Exhibit D              Grant Deed

Exhibit E              Form of Bill of Sale

Exhibit F              Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement

Exhibit G              Form of Patent Assignment Agreement

Exhibit H              Form of Escrow Agreement

I-1 and I-2            Forms of Buyer's and Sellers' Counsel Opinions

Exhibit J              The LED Equipment

Schedule 2.9           Allocation

Schedule 2.12          MOCVD Equipment

Schedule 6.6           Identified Person

Schedule 6.8           Encumbrances to be Released

Schedule 6.12          Identified Employees

Seller Disclosure Schedule

Buyer Disclosure Schedule

<PAGE>

                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

         This Asset Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") is dated September 4, 2003,
by and among Lumei Optoelectronics Corp., a California corporation ("Buyer"),
AXT, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("AXT"), and Lyte Optronics, Inc., a Nevada
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of AXT ("Lyte"), and solely as to the
transfer of the Transferred Assets held in their respective names, Beijing
Tongmei Xtal Technology, Ltd., a corporation organized under the laws of the
People's Republic of China ("AXT Tongmei") and Xiamen Advanced Semiconductor
Co., Ltd., a corporation organized under the laws of the People's Republic of
China ("AXT Xiamen" and, where applicable, together with AXT, Lyte and AXT
Tongmei, the "Sellers").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Sellers wish to sell certain assets used by Sellers in the
development and production of light-emitting diodes ("LED") products, Fabry
Perot laser diodes ("LD") products, and high-speed vertical cavity
surface-emitting lasers ("VCSEL") products (the "Optoelectronics Business");

         WHEREAS, Buyer wishes to purchase from Sellers, and Sellers wish to
sell to Buyer, their respective interests in the Transferred Assets (as defined
herein) for the purchase price and subject to the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth; and

         WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, AXT has
entered into an agreement (the "Luming Agreement") with Dalian Luming Science
and Technology Group, Co., Ltd. ("Luming") for the transfer and sale of certain
patents used in the Optoelectronics Business.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises set forth above and
the respective covenants, agreements, representations and warranties hereinafter
set forth, Buyer and Sellers hereby agree as follows:

         1.       Definitions and Usage.

         1.1      Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following
terms and variations thereof have the meanings specified or referred to in this
Section 1.1:

         "Accounts Receivable" means (a) all trade accounts receivable and other
rights to payment from customers of Sellers and the full benefit of all security
for such accounts or rights to payment, including all trade accounts receivable
representing amounts receivable in respect of goods shipped or products sold or
services rendered to customers of Sellers, (b) all other accounts or notes
receivable of Sellers and the full benefit of all security for such accounts or
notes and (c) any claim, remedy or other right related to any of the foregoing.

         "Acquisition" means all of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

                                       1
<PAGE>

         "Assignment and Assumption Agreement" is as defined in Section
2.11(a)(ii).

         "Assumed Contracts" is as defined in Section 2.2.

         "Assumed Liabilities" is as defined in Section 2.7(a).

         "AXT" is as defined in the opening paragraph.

         "AXT Tongmei" is as defined in the opening paragraph to this Agreement.

         "AXT Xiamen" is as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

         "Bill of Sale" is as defined in Section 2.11(a)(i).

         "Business Day" means any day other than (a) Saturday or Sunday or (b)
any other day on which banks in California are permitted or required to be
closed.

         "Buyer" is as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

         "Buyer Disclosure Schedule" is as defined in Section 4.

         "Buyer Indemnified Persons" is as defined in Section 9.1(b)(i).

         "Certification of Transferred Assets" is as defined in Section 5.5.

         "China Equipment" is as defined in Section 2.12(b).

         "Closing" is as defined in Section 2.10.

         "Closing Date" means the date on which the Closing actually takes
place.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

         "Contract" means any agreement, contract, lease, consensual obligation,
promise or undertaking (whether written or oral and whether express or implied),
whether or not legally binding.

         "Copyrights" is as defined in Section 3.11(a)(ii).

         "Cree Litigation" is as defined in Section 6.5.

         "Cree Reimbursement Obligation" is defined in Section 6.5(d).

         "Damages" is as defined in Section 9.1(b).

         "Effective Time" means the effective time of the Closing, which will be
midnight California time on the Closing Date.

                                       2
<PAGE>

         "Encumbrance" means any charge, claim, community or other marital
property interest, condition, equitable interest, lien, option, pledge, security
interest, mortgage, right of way, easement, encroachment, servitude, right of
first option, right of first refusal or similar restriction, including any
restriction on use, voting (in the case of any security or equity interest),
transfer, receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

         "Environmental Claim" means any and all administrative, regulatory, or
judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, directives, claims, liens,
investigations, proceedings, or notices of noncompliance or violation by any
person or entity (including any Governmental Entity) alleging liability or
potential liability (including, without limitation, potential responsibility for
or liability for enforcement costs, investigatory costs, cleanup costs,
containment measures, governmental response costs, removal costs, remedial
costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, fines or
penalties (collectively "Environmental Costs")) arising out of, based on or
resulting from (A) the presence, or Release or threatened Release into the
environment, of any Hazardous Materials at any location, whether or not owned,
operated, leased, or managed by AXT; (B) circumstances forming the basis of any
violation, or alleged violation, of any Environmental Law; or (C) any and all
claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost
recovery, compensation, or injunctive relief resulting from the presence or
Release of any Hazardous Materials.

         "Environmental Laws" mean all applicable federal, state, local, and
foreign laws, rules, regulations, and requirements of common law relating to
public health and safety and worker health and safety, pollution, or protection
of the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water,
groundwater, land surface, subsurface air, or subsurface strata), as it relates
to Hazardous Materials, including, without limitation, laws and regulations
relating to Releases or threatened Releases of Hazardous Materials, or otherwise
relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
disposal, transport, or handling of Hazardous Materials.

         "Environmental Permits" is as defined in Section 3.7(b).

         "Escrow Agent" is as defined in Section 9.2.

         "Escrow Agreement" is as defined in Section 2.11(a)(vi).

         "Escrow Fund" is as defined in Section 2.6(a).

         "Escrow Termination" is as defined in Section 9.2.

         "Excluded Assets" is as defined in Section 2.3.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles for financial
reporting in the United States.

         "Governmental Entity" means any foreign or United States federal,
state, local, county, city, or provincial court, administrative agency or
commission, or other governmental entity or instrumentality (including a stock
exchange or other self-regulatory body).

                                       3
<PAGE>

         "Grant Deed" is as defined in Section 2.5.

         "Hazardous Materials" means (a) any petroleum or petroleum products,
radioactive materials, asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and
transformers or other equipment that contain dielectric fluid containing
polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") in regulated concentrations; (b) any
chemicals, materials, or substances which are now defined as or included in the
definition of "hazardous substances," "hazardous wastes," "hazardous materials,"
"extremely hazardous wastes," "restricted hazardous wastes," "toxic substances,"
"toxic pollutants," or words of similar import, under any Environmental Law; (c)
any other chemical, material, substance, or waste, which is regulated under any
Environmental Law in a jurisdiction in which AXT operates; and (d) any buildings
or parts thereof, technical installations or warfare agents buried in the
ground.

         "Improvements" means all buildings, structures, fixtures and
improvements located on the Telstar Facility or included in the Transferred
Assets, including those under construction.

         "Indemnified Party" is as defined in Section 9.5.

         "Indemnifying Party" is as defined in Section 9.5.

         "Intellectual Property Assets" is as defined in Section 3.11(a).

         "Inventories" means all inventories of Sellers, wherever located,
including all finished goods, work in process, raw materials, spare parts and
all other materials and supplies to be used or consumed by Sellers in the
production of finished goods sold by Sellers in the Optoelectronics Business.

         "Knowledge" means such party's actual knowledge after reasonable
inquiry of officers, directors, and other employees of such party reasonably
believed to have knowledge of such matters.

         "Laws" means all applicable United States federal, state, provincial
and local laws, ordinances, rules, statutes, regulations, all Orders or awards,
and all applicable laws of the People's Republic of China.

         "Legal Proceedings" means any actions, suits, arbitrations, regulatory
or other proceedings, litigation, or governmental investigations by or before
any court, arbitration or Governmental Entity.

         "Liabilities" with respect to any Person means all Indebtedness,
obligations and other liabilities of such Person (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent, asserted, unasserted, fixed or otherwise, known or unknown, or
whether due or to become due).

         "Licensed Intellectual Property" is as defined in Section 3.11(d).

         "Loss" means liabilities, losses, costs, claims, damages, penalties,
and expenses (including attorneys' fees and expenses and costs of investigation
and litigation).

                                       4
<PAGE>

         "Luming" is as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

         "Luming Agreement" is as defined in the recitals to this Agreement.

         "Lyte" is as defined in the opening paragraph.

         Any reference to any event, change, condition or effect being
"material" with respect to any entity or group of entities means any material
changes, conditions or effects related to the financial condition, properties,
assets (including intangible assets), liabilities, business, operations or
results of operations of such entity or group of entities.

         "Material Adverse Effect" means an adverse effect on the business,
operations, assets, liabilities, or condition (financial or otherwise), of the
Optoelectronics Business or the Transferred Assets, taken individually or as a
whole, to Sellers or Buyer as applicable, that results in a liability of in
excess of $20,000, except to the extent that any such effect primarily results
from (i) changes in general economic conditions or changes affecting the
industry generally in which such entities operate (provided that such changes do
not affect such entities in a disproportionate manner), or (ii) the announcement
or pendency of the Acquisition (including resulting losses, deferrals, delays or
cancellations of customer orders). Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, actions taken that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement, and
the directly intended effects thereof shall not be deemed to constitute a
Material Adverse Effect.

         "MOCVD Equipment" is as defined in Section 2.12.

         "Monterey Park Facility" is as defined in Section 2.5(b).

         "Monterey Park Lease" is as defined in Section 2.5(b).

         "Name" is as defined in Section 2.4.

         "Notifying Party" is as defined in Section 9.5

         "Officer's Certificate" is as defined in Section 9.3.

         "Optoelectronics Business" is as defined in the opening recital.

         "Order" means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling,
assessment or arbitration award of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

         "Patent" is as defined in Section 2.1.

         "Permits and/or Approvals" means all permits, licenses, certificates of
authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, franchises and similar
consents granted or issued by any Governmental Entity.

                                       5
<PAGE>

         "Permitted Encumbrances" means liens for Taxes not yet due and payable,
and with respect to the Telstar Facility, items 1-9, 15 and 17 on the Chicago
Title Company Preliminary Report No. 31058048 dated August 22, 2003.

         "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an
association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated
organization or a Governmental Entity.

         "Proceeding" means any action, arbitration, audit, hearing,
investigation, litigation or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative,
judicial or investigative, whether formal or informal, whether public or
private) commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise
involving, any Governmental Entity or arbitrator.

         "Property Expenses" is as defined in Section 6.9.

         "Purchase Price" is as defined in Section 2.3.

         "Real Property Taxes" is as defined in Section 6.9.

         "Reimbursed Construction Costs" is as defined in Section 6.13.

         "Release" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping,
pouring, dumping, emptying, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal,
leaching or migration on or into the Environment or into or out of any property.

         "Representative" means with respect to a particular Person, any
director, officer, manager, employee, agent, consultant, advisor, accountant,
financial advisor, legal counsel or other representative of that Person.

         "RMB" means Renminbi, the sole legal tender of the People's Republic of
China.

         "RMB Account" is as defined in Section 2.6(b).

         "Second Quarter" is as defined in Section 3.3.

         "Secured Assets" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14.

         "Sellers" is as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

         "Seller Indemnified Person" is as defined in Section 9.1(b)(ii).

         "Shared Legal Fees" is as defined in Section 6.5(a).

         "Tax" means any income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment,
excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, environmental, windfall
profit, customs, vehicle, airplane, boat, vessel or other title or registration,
capital stock, franchise, employees' income withholding, foreign or domestic
withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real property, personal
property, sales, use, transfer, value added, alternative, add-on minimum and
other tax, fee, assessment, levy, tariff, charge or duty of any kind whatsoever
and any interest, penalty, addition or additional amount thereon imposed,
assessed or collected by or

                                       6
<PAGE>

under the authority of any Governmental Entity or payable under any tax-sharing
agreement or any other Contract.

         "Tax Return" means any return (including any information return),
report, statement, schedule, notice, form, declaration, claim for refund or
other document or information filed with or submitted to, or required to be
filed with or submitted to, any Governmental Entity in connection with the
determination, assessment, collection or payment of any Tax or in connection
with the administration, implementation or enforcement of or compliance with any
Laws relating to any Tax.

         "Telstar Facility" means that building and facilities located at 9650
Telstar Avenue, El Monte, California 91731.

         "Termination Date" is as defined in Section 8.1(b).

         "Third Party Rights" is as defined in Section 9.1(c).

         "Title Company" is as defined in Section 2.5(a).

         "Title Report" is as defined in Section 2.5(a).

         "Tongmei Facility" is as defined in Section 2.5(d).

         "Tongmei Lease" is as defined in Section 2.5(d).

         "United States Account" is as defined in Section 2.6(b).

         "WARN Act" is as defined in Section 3.9(a).

         "Xiamen Facility" is as defined in Section 2.5(d).

                  1.2      Usage.

                           (a)      Interpretation. In this Agreement, unless a
clear contrary intention appears: (i) the singular number includes the plural
number and vice versa; (ii) reference to any Person includes such Person's
successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns
are not prohibited by this Agreement, and reference to a Person in a particular
capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity or individually; (iii)
reference to any gender includes each other gender; (iv) reference to any
agreement, document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument
as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the
terms thereof; (v) reference to any Law means such Law as amended, modified,
codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect from time to
time, including rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and reference to
any Section or other provision of any Law means that provision of such Law from
time to time in effect and constituting the substantive amendment, modification,
codification, replacement or reenactment of such Section or other provision;
(vi) the words "include," "includes" and "including" when used herein shall be
deemed in each case to be followed by the words "without limitation;" (vii) the
table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference
purposes only

                                       7
<PAGE>

and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement;
and (viii) all references to dollars or $ herein will mean United States
dollars.

                           (b)      Legal Representation of the Parties. This
Agreement was negotiated by the parties with the benefit of legal
representation, and any rule of construction or interpretation otherwise
requiring this Agreement to be construed or interpreted against any party shall
not apply to any construction or interpretation hereof.

                           (c)      English Language Version Prevails. Should
this Agreement, any exhibit or schedule hereto, or any ancillary document,
agreement or instrument executed in connection herewith be translated into any
language other than the English language, the English language version of such
document, agreement or instrument shall prevail and be the official version of
such document, agreement or instrument.

         2.       Sale and Transfer of Assets; Closing.

                  2.1      Purchase and Sale of Assets.

                           (a)      Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, but effective as of the Effective
Time, Sellers shall sell, convey, assign, transfer and deliver to Buyer, and
Buyer shall purchase and acquire from Sellers, free and clear of any
Encumbrances other than Permitted Encumbrances, (i) all of the Sellers'
respective right, title and interest in and to all of those assets owned by each
of them and listed on Exhibit A-1 attached hereto and incorporated herein; (ii)
the patents and pending patent applications listed on Exhibit A-2 attached
hereto and incorporated herein and all associated know how, show how and any
intellectual property rights thereto (the "Patents"); (iii) the Intellectual
Property Assets (as defined below), used by Sellers in the Optoelectronics
Business (provided, that to the extent that any of such Intellectual Property
Assets comprising know-how, technical information, data, or process technology
are also used by Sellers in the manufacture of substrates in its existing
substrate business, Sellers will retain the right to use itself, but not to
sell, transfer, assign, license or disclose to any third party, such
Intellectual Property Assets); (iv) a complete, current, historical and
prospective list of the customers of the Optoelectronics Business, including
identification of designated sales people of Sellers responsible for such
customers, customer contact information, and to the extent existing in Sellers
records, order, shipment and payment history and such other information that AXT
has that it reasonably believes will help Buyer, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
successors or assigns retain or gain such customers; (v) Inventory equal to at
least $1,500,000, net of reserves, of the LD, LED and VCSEL products on hand at
Sellers' facilities as of August 7, 2003, less any Inventory sold pursuant to
the terms of Section 2.8 below, comprising all raw material, semi-finished goods
and finished goods of the LED and VCSEL products; (vi) the Telstar Facility; and
(vii) all such records, files and documents relating to the Transferred Assets,
other than financial books or records, employee records, records relating to the
Excluded Assets, and any records required to be retained by AXT by Law. All of
such assets listed in subsections (i) through (vii) above are defined as the
"Transferred Assets."

                           (b)      Sellers will deliver possession or control
of the Transferred Assets to Buyer or Buyer's designee upon or promptly
following the Effective Time at the locations at

                                       8
<PAGE>

Sellers' premises at which such Transferred Assets are currently located, and
will further deliver to Buyer appropriate assignments, bills of sale,
conveyances and other instruments of sale and/or transfer in forms satisfactory
to AXT and Buyer in order to convey to Buyer good title to the Transferred
Assets.

                           (c)      In the event that any assets held by Sellers
or their subsidiaries or affiliates following the Effective Time are within the
definition of Transferred Assets, and have been part of or previously used in
connection with the Optoelectronics Business by Sellers or their subsidiaries or
affiliates, other than such assets as are sold or transferred to Luming pursuant
to the Luming Agreement, Sellers shall, or shall cause such subsidiaries or
affiliates to, promptly assign, transfer, convey and deliver such assets (or
cause such assets to be assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered) to Buyer,
or any Person designated by Buyer. Subject to the limitations set forth in
Section 2.1(iii) above and to the terms of Sections 2.12 and 2.13 below relating
to the MOCVD Equipment and China Equipment referenced therein (provided that
Sellers shall not use, and shall cause their subsidiaries, affiliates,
Representatives, successors or assigns not to use, the MOCVD Equipment or the
China Equipment in the operation of their ongoing business), Sellers shall not
use any of the Transferred Assets after the Effective Time, and shall cause
their subsidiaries, affiliates, Representatives, successors and assigns not to
use any of such Transferred Assets.

                  2.2      Transfer of Assumed Contracts. Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, effective as of the
Effective Time, Sellers shall assign to Buyer, and Buyer shall assume from
Sellers, all of Sellers' respective rights and obligations under the contracts
listed on Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein (the "Assumed
Contracts"). Except as specifically set forth to the contrary herein, subject to
and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, effective as of the
Effective Time, Buyer shall assume from Sellers and thereafter pay, perform
and/or otherwise discharge in accordance with the terms of such Assumed
Contracts all liabilities and obligations relating to and arising out of the
Assumed Contracts insofar as (and solely to the extent that) such performance,
payment or other obligations mature, become due or are to be performed after
(but not before) the Effective Time.

                  2.3      Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in Section 2.1 or elsewhere in this Agreement, the following
assets of Sellers (collectively, the "Excluded Assets") are not part of the sale
and purchase contemplated hereunder, are excluded from the Transferred Assets
and shall remain the property of Sellers after the Closing:

                           (a)      except for the right to use the facility as
described in Section 2.5(b) or (c), below, any right, title or interest in or to
the buildings and facilities, or to the structures, fixtures and improvements
thereon or therein, located at the Monterey Park Facility, or Tongmei Facility
or any other real property occupied by Sellers or any of their affiliates other
than the Telstar Facility;

                           (b)      all Accounts Receivable, cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investments and the accounts in which these assets
are held;

                           (c)      all minute books, stock records, corporate
seals, employee records and financial records (other than fixed asset records,
customer lists and data relating to inventory,

                                       9
<PAGE>

which shall be part of the Transferred Assets, but which Sellers shall be
entitled to retain copies of for the purposes of preparing or filing any
reports, financial statements or other required documents with any Governmental
Entity or required in order to fulfill their obligations hereunder or as to the
Retained Liabilities);

                           (d)      those rights relating to deposits and
prepaid expenses and claims for refunds and rights to offset in respect thereof;

                           (e)      all insurance policies and rights
thereunder;

                           (f)      any Contracts not listed on Exhibit B
hereto;

                           (g)      except for the license as provided in
Section 2.4 below, all trademarks, trade names, and service marks of Sellers;

                           (h)      all assets related to Sellers' prior
consumer products division and all assets used by Sellers in transactions with
Finisar Corporation, or licensed, leased or otherwise provided to Finisar
Corporation, other than the portion of the Telstar Facility and associated
tenant improvements previously leased by Sellers to Finisar Corporation;

                           (i)      all personnel records and other records that
Sellers are required by law to retain in its possession;

                           (j)      all claims for refund of Taxes and other
governmental charges of whatever nature;

                           (k)      all applications for and the resulting
Environmental Permits, environmental monitoring data and reports, business
licenses and operating permits, employee training programs and training records,
and similar information related to public health and safety and worker health
and safety;

                           (l)      all rights in connection with and assets of
any employee benefit plans maintained by Sellers; and

                           (m)      all rights of Sellers under this Agreement,
the Bill of Sale, the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the Patent Assignment
Agreement, the Grant Deed, the Trademark License Agreement, the Monterey Park
Lease, the Tongmei Lease, and the Escrow Agreement.

                  2.4      License to Use Trademarks. AXT hereby grants to Buyer
a non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid up, non-transferable and worldwide
license to use (without any right to sublicense) the name "AXT" (the "Name") in
connection with the sale of LDs, LEDs and VCSELs after the Closing Date, for a
period of twelve (12) months, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of a
license agreement in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto (the "Trademark
License Agreement"). Buyer acknowledges that, except for the license granted to
Buyer pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Trademark License Agreement,
all right, title, and interest in and to the Name shall remain with Sellers.
During the term of this Agreement and of the Trademark License Agreement, Buyer
will not contest Sellers' exclusive right, title and

                                       10
<PAGE>

interest in and to, or the validity of, the Name. In addition, Buyer will not in
any manner represent that it has any interest in the Name, except for the
limited license provided herein. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as
creating any agency, partnership, or other form of joint enterprise between the
parties. The relationship between the parties shall at all times be that of
independent contractors. Neither party shall have authority to contract for or
bind the other in any manner whatsoever.

                  2.5      Sale and Lease of Real Property.

                           (a)      Sellers shall sell to Buyer the Telstar
Facility pursuant to a recordable grant deed (the "Grant Deed"), in the form of
Exhibit D attached hereto. Sellers have provided Buyer with (i) a title report
for the Telstar Facility (the "Title Report") prepared by Chicago Title Company
(the "Title Company") and (b) copies of documents referenced in the exceptions
set forth in the Title Report, and Buyer hereby approves of all Permitted
Encumbrances shown therein. Transfer taxes shall be borne and paid by Sellers,
the costs of any title insurance premium shall be borne and paid by Buyer, and
escrow fees and any other closing costs shall be allocated between Buyer and
Sellers in accordance with the custom of the county in which the Telstar
Facility is located. Buyer and Seller will each deposit the funds necessary to
close the escrow for such sale.

                           (b)      AXT will grant Buyer the exclusive use of
the building and facilities located at 2019 Saturn Street, Monterey Park, CA
91754 (the "Monterey Park Facility") for a period of up to eight (8) months
after the Closing Date pursuant to the terms of the real estate lease to be
agreed between Buyer and AXT (the "Monterey Park Lease"). Buyer shall comply
with all Laws, including all Environmental Laws, solely applicable to its
occupancy or use of the Monterey Park Facility during the term of the Monterey
Park Lease, and shall indemnify, defend and hold AXT harmless for any Losses or
Damages that AXT may incur as a result of Buyer's occupancy or use of the
Monterey Park Facility during the term of the Monterey Park Lease. AXT shall
comply with all Laws, including all Environmental Laws, applicable to its
ownership of the Monterey Park Facility, and shall indemnify, defend and hold
Buyer harmless for any Losses or Damages that Buyer may incur as a result of
AXT's ownership of the Monterey Park Facility. Buyer shall not pay Base Rent to
AXT under the Monterey Park Lease, but shall pay Additional Rent and any other
charges (if any) that are set forth in the Monterey Park Lease, during the
eight-month period of this lease. Buyer may terminate the Monterey Park Lease on
thirty (30) days' prior written notice to AXT. In addition, so long as Buyer is
occupying the Monterey Park Facility, AXT shall maintain property and casualty
insurance covering the ownership of the Monterey Park Facility, Buyer shall
maintain property and casualty insurance covering its personal property at and
its operations conducted at the Monterey Park Facility, and each party shall
name the other party as an additional insured under its respective insurance
policy. AXT may, upon prior notice to and consent of Buyer as to the time of
each visit, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conduct clean up work
in the Monterey Park Facility during the term of the Monterey Park Lease so long
as and to the extent that such work does not interfere with the normal
activities of Buyer at the Monterey Park Facility or materially increase the
operating costs of the Monterey Park Facility to Buyer.

                           (c)      Sellers shall also grant Buyer or its
designated subsidiary the exclusive use of that portion of the building and
facilities located at Tongmei, China that was

                                       11
<PAGE>

used by Sellers or a subsidiary or affiliate of Sellers for the operation of the
Optoelectronics Business (the "Tongmei Facility") for up to twelve (12) months
after the Closing Date, at a charge of $900 per month, pursuant to the terms of
a real estate lease to be agreed between Buyer and AXT (the "Tongmei Lease").
Buyer may terminate the Tongmei Lease at any time upon thirty (30) days' prior
written notice. Buyer and the designated subsidiary occupying the Tongmei
Facility shall comply with all Laws, including all Environmental Laws,
applicable to its occupancy or use of the Tongmei Facility, and shall indemnify,
defend and hold Sellers and any Seller Indemnified Person (as defined in Section
9.1(b)(ii) below) harmless for any Losses or Damages that Sellers or such Seller
Indemnified Person may incur as a result of Buyer's or such subsidiary's
occupancy or use of the Tongmei Facility. Sellers shall comply with all Laws,
including all Environmental Laws, applicable to its ownership of the Tongmei
Facility, and shall indemnify, defend and hold Buyer or any Buyer Indemnified
Person (as defined in Section 9.1(b)(i) below) harmless for any Losses or
Damages that Buyer or such Buyer Indemnified Person may incur as a result of
Sellers' ownership of the Tongmei Facility. In addition, so long as Buyer or its
designated subsidiary is occupying the Tongmei Facility, Sellers shall maintain
property and casualty insurance covering its ownership of the Tongmei Facility,
and Buyer or such designated subsidiary shall maintain property and casualty
insurance covering its personal property at and its operations conducted at the
Tongmei Facility, if and to the extent that such insurance coverage is available
in China. Should a claim for damages arise at the Tongmei Facility that is
covered by one party's insurance, such party shall collect the proceeds paid
under the insurance policy and reimburse the other party its proportionate
amount of the total damages incurred and paid.

                           (d)      Sellers shall terminate the lease for the
facility located in Xiamen, China (the "Xiamen Facility") as soon as possible
after the Closing. Buyer shall negotiate its own lease for the Xiamen Facility
directly with the landlord.

                  2.6      Consideration.

                           (a)      In consideration of the purchase of the
Transferred Assets and the assignment of the Assumed Contracts, Buyer will, at
the Closing Date, (i) pay to Sellers the sum of Five Million Eight Hundred Fifty
Thousand dollars ($5,850,000) (the "Purchase Price") and (b) assume the Assumed
Contracts, in accordance with Section 2.6.(b) below. One million dollars
($1,000,000) of the Purchase Price will represent funds to be paid to the escrow
agent (the "Escrow Fund") as provided in subsection (b) below, and pursuant to
the Escrow Agreement. The Escrow Fund shall be beneficially owned by AXT, but
shall be held in escrow and shall be available to compensate Buyer for certain
damages as provided in Section 9 and in the Escrow Agreement. To the extent not
used for such purposes, the Escrow Fund shall be released to AXT, all as
provided in Section 9 and in the Escrow Agreement.

                           (b)      In order to remit the Purchase Price, on the
Closing Date, Buyer shall cause to be transmitted by wire transfer to Sellers,
the RMB equivalent of $5,850,000 to the bank account in China identified by AXT
(the "RMB Account"). Thereafter, Buyer shall obtain approvals to convert the RMB
equivalent of $2 million within three months after the Closing Date, to convert
an additional RMB equivalent of $2 million within three months and two weeks
after the Closing Date, and to convert an additional RMB equivalent of
$1,850,000 within five months after the Closing Date, as follows. All interest
earned on funds deposited into the RMB

                                       12
<PAGE>

Account will be for the account of AXT. Within three months after the Closing
Date, and upon AXT being notified by Buyer that Buyer has received the approvals
required to convert RMB into $2 million, Sellers shall transfer the sum of the
RMB equivalent of $2 million (at the exchange rate in effect as of the Closing
Date) from the RMB Account into the bank account in China designated by Buyer.
Within two weeks of its receipt, Buyer will cause the conversion of this RMB
payment into $2 million and wire transfer the full $2 million into Sellers'
designated bank account in the United States (the "United States Account"). Two
weeks after AXT receives the first $2 million United States dollar payment into
the United States Account, Sellers shall, upon being notified by Buyer that
Buyer has received the approvals required to convert RMB into $2 million,
transfer the RMB equivalent of another $2 million (at the exchange rate in
effect as of the Closing Date) from the RMB Account into the bank account in
China designated by Buyer. Within two weeks of its receipt, Buyer will cause the
conversion of this second RMB payment into $2 million and wire transfer the full
second $2 million into the United States Account. Within four weeks of the wire
transfer of the second $2 million to the United States Account, and upon AXT
being notified by Buyer that Buyer has received the approvals required to
convert RMB into $1,850,000, and only if Sellers have received wire transfers of
$3,750,000 under the provisions in Section 2.2 of the Luming Agreement, Sellers
shall transfer the sum of the RMB equivalent of $1,850,000 (at the exchange rate
in effect as of the Closing Date) from the RMB Account into the account in China
designated by Buyer. Within two weeks of its receipt, Buyer will cause the
conversion of this final RMB payment into $1,850,000 and wire transfer
$1,850,000 to the Escrow Agent who shall place $1 million into the Escrow Fund
and wire $850,000 into the United States Account once the Escrow Agent has
received confirmation from AXT that AXT has released its security interest in
the Telstar Facility, including the filing of all documents or instruments
necessary to record the release of the security interest and deed of trust. The
final RMB wire transfer shall be made by Sellers no later than five months and
two weeks following the Closing Date, so long as Sellers have received, by such
date, no less than the aggregate sum of $7,750,000 into the United States
Account, under both this Agreement and the Luming Agreement.

                           (c)      To secure Buyer's obligations set forth in
this Section 2.6 and Luming's obligations set forth in Section 2.2 of the Luming
Agreement, AXT is hereby granted a security interest in the Telstar Facility up
to the amount of $2,000,000, to be perfected by the filing a deed of trust on
the Telstar Facility in form and substance agreed between Buyer and AXT. As soon
as Buyer has fully complied with the payment terms set forth herein and in the
Luming Agreement, AXT shall release its lien on the Telstar, provided that if
Buyer has, solely by its own fault, defaulted in any of the terms of this
Section 2.6(b), AXT shall release such lien within 90 days following receipt of
full payment of all amounts required herein or in the Luming Agreement, in which
case the Escrow Agent will continue to hold the final $850,000 otherwise
transferable to AXT (but in a separate account and not part of the Escrow Fund)
until the Escrow Agent receives confirmation that the lien has been released
after such 90-day period has elapsed. If Sellers, solely by their own fault,
have defaulted in any of the terms of this Section 2.6, AXT's lien on the
Telstar Facility shall be automatically terminated, unless such default is cured
within ten business days of the default. AXT shall not foreclose on the deed of
trust until the earlier of (i) three months after a default hereunder by Buyer,
and Buyer has not within such three month period made a required payment in
United States dollars into the United States Account or returned the RMB
equivalent of such payment to AXT to the China Account, or (ii) upon receipt

                                       13
<PAGE>

by AXT of reasonable evidence that Lumei, Luming or a significant subsidiary of
either will become subject to an Event of Default of the type defined in Section
2.14 below.

                           (d)      Should either Buyer or Sellers fail to
obtain the necessary approvals within three months after the Closing Date to
effect the above transfers, or fail to carry out their respective obligations as
described above, such defaulting party shall pay to the other party the sum of
$30,000 per month for each month, or part thereof, that such party remains in
breach of its obligations described above. If the full RMB equivalent of the
Purchase Price has not been converted to United States dollars and transferred
to the United States Account within one year after the Closing Date, through no
fault of Sellers, Buyer shall be liable for, and shall pay or reimburse Sellers,
for the Tax incurred by Sellers in China for their use of the RMB up to an
aggregate amount of $9,600,000.

                           (e)      AXT shall provide reasonable and good faith
assistance to Buyer in its efforts to convert RMB to United States dollars. Any
gains or losses incurred as a result of the currency exchanges resulting from
all transfers shall be for the account of, and all gains and Losses incurred as
a result thereof be borne by, Buyer or its subsidiary.

                  2.7      Liabilities.

                           (a)      Assumed Liabilities. On the Closing Date,
but effective as of the Effective Time, Buyer shall assume and agree to
discharge only the following Liabilities of Sellers (the "Assumed Liabilities"):

                                    (i)      any Liability related to or arising
from the ownership or use of the Transferred Assets from and after the Effective
time;

                                    (ii)     any Liability of Sellers or Buyer
arising after the Effective Time under any Assumed Contract;

                                    (iii)    any Liability arising out of or
relating to products of the Optoelectronics Business to the extent manufactured
or sold by Buyer or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns
after the Effective Time, or sold by Sellers or any of their subsidiaries,
affiliates, successors or assigns beginning on and from August 29, 2003;

                                    (iv)     any Environmental Claims or
permitting requirements arising out of or relating to the operation of the
Optoelectronics Business by Buyer, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or
assigns after the Effective Time, or to Buyer's ownership, occupation or use of
or operations at the Telstar Facility, or the occupation or use of or operations
at the Telstar Facility by Buyer's subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or
assigns from and after the Closing Date, or Buyer's leasing of or operations at
the Monterey Park Facility or Tongmei Facility; provided, however, that Buyer
shall not be liable to Sellers or any Seller Indemnified Person for
Environmental Costs for any Environmental Claim relating to conditions existing
prior to the Effective Time at the Monterey Park Facility, Tongmei Facility, or
the Telstar Facility;

                                    (v)      any Liability for Taxes arising as
a result of Buyer's operation of the Optoelectronics Business, or the operation
of the Optoelectronics Business by

                                       14
<PAGE>

Buyer's subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns or ownership, use or
operation of the Transferred Assets after the Effective Time; and

                                    (vi)     all obligations of Buyer under this
Agreement, the Bill of Sale, the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the Patent
Assignment Agreement, the Grant Deed, the Monterey Park Lease, the Tongmei
Lease, the Trademark License Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, the MOCVD
Equipment Lease and the China Equipment Lease.

                           (b)      Retained Liabilities. The Retained
Liabilities shall remain the sole responsibility of and shall be retained, paid,
performed and discharged solely by Sellers, their successors or assigns.
"Retained Liabilities" shall mean every Liability of Sellers, their successors
or assigns, other than the Assumed Liabilities, including, but not limited to:

                                    (i)      except as otherwise provided in
this Agreement or in the Luming Agreement, any Liability related to or arising
as a result of Sellers' operation of the Optoelectronics Business, or the
operation of the Optoelectronics Business by Sellers' subsidiaries or
affiliates, or ownership, use or operation of the Transferred Assets prior to
the Effective Time;

                                    (ii)     any Liability arising out of or
relating to products of Sellers to the extent such products were manufactured
and shipped by Sellers, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates
prior to August 29, 2003;

                                    (iii)    any Liability for Taxes arising as
a result of Sellers' operation of their respective businesses, or the operation
by Sellers' subsidiaries or affiliates of their respective businesses, or the
ownership, use or operation of the Transferred Assets prior to the Effective
Time and any deferred Taxes of any nature;

                                    (iv)     any Liability of Sellers, their
subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns for transfer, sales, use or
similar Taxes payable by Sellers as a result of the transfer of the Transferred
Assets to Buyer;

                                    (v)      any Liability under any Contract
not assumed by Buyer under Section 2.7(a);

                                    (vi)     any Environmental Claims, including
any Environmental Costs as set forth in Section 2.7(a)(iv), or permitting
requirements arising out of the operation of the Optoelectronics Business by
Sellers, their subsidiaries or affiliates, or relating to Sellers' leasing,
ownership, occupation, use or operation of the Real Properties prior to the
Effective Time;

                                    (vii)    any Liability under any employee
benefit plans maintained by Sellers or their subsidiaries relating to payroll,
vacation, sick leave, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, pension
benefits, employee stock option or profit-sharing plans, health care plans or
benefits or any other employee plans or benefits of any kind for current or
former employees of Sellers or their subsidiaries relating to services performed
on behalf of Sellers or their subsidiaries, whether before or after the
Effective Time, other than such Liability relating to services performed on
behalf of Buyer after the Effective Time;

                                       15
<PAGE>

                                    (viii)   any Liability under any employment,
severance, retention or termination agreement entered into between Sellers and
any employee of Sellers;

                                    (ix)     all obligations of Sellers under
this Agreement, the Bill of Sale, the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the
Patent Assignment Agreement, the Grant Deed, the Monterey Park Lease, the
Tongmei Lease, the Trademark License Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, the MOCVD
Equipment Lease and the China Equipment Lease; and

                                    (x)      any Liability of Sellers for the
unpaid taxes of any Person under Reg. Section 1.1502-6 of the Code (or similar
provision of state, local or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by
contract or otherwise.

         Each party will be liable for such portion of any judgment rendered in
and any settlement of the Cree Litigation as is set forth in Section 6.5 below.
Each party shall also be liable for its own costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement as set
forth in Section 10.1 below.

                  2.8      Sale of Inventory. Sellers shall be entitled to
continue to sell Inventory during the period from the date of this Agreement
through the Closing Date, up to a maximum amount equal to $450,000 without the
prior written consent of Buyer. To the extent that Sellers sell any of such
Inventory after August 7, 2003 up to the Closing Date, all proceeds from the
sale of the Inventory up to $200,000 will be split 12.5% to AXT and 87.5% to
Buyer, and any proceeds exceeding $200,000 shall belong to Buyer, with the
proceeds payable to Buyer at the Closing Date and only if the Closing occurs,
net of any costs reimbursed to Sellers pursuant to the terms of Section 6.7(b)
below. Payment to Buyer by AXT of any amounts due pursuant to the foregoing, net
of any amounts payable to Sellers under Section 6.7(b) below, shall be made in
United States dollars.

                  2.9      Allocation. The Purchase Price shall be allocated in
accordance with Schedule 2.9, which the parties consider to be fair. After the
Closing, the parties shall make consistent use of the allocation, fair market
value and useful lives specified in Schedule 2.9 for all Tax purposes and in all
filings, declarations and reports with the IRS in respect thereof, including the
reports required to be filed under Section 1060 of the Code. In any Proceeding
related to the determination of any Tax, Buyer and Sellers shall not contend or
represent that such allocation is not a correct allocation.

                  2.10     Closing. The purchase and sale provided for in this
Agreement (the "Closing") will take place at the offices of AXT's counsel at
Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP, 2000 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA
94303-2248 commencing at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on September 8, 2003, or as
soon as practicable thereafter, unless Buyer and Sellers otherwise agree. Should
the Closing not occur by September 15, 2003, Buyer shall be responsible for
payment of the operating expenses incurred by Sellers in accordance with Section
6.7 below. Consummation of the transfer of the Telstar Facility shall occur
through a real property sales escrow established with the Title Company,
concurrent with the closing of the sale of the other Transferred Assets. Subject
to the provisions of Section 8, failure to consummate the purchase and sale
provided for in this Agreement on the date and time and at the place determined
pursuant to this Section 2.10 will not result in the termination of this
Agreement and will not

                                       16
<PAGE>

relieve any party of any obligation under this Agreement. In such a situation,
the Closing will occur as soon as practicable, subject to Section 8.

                  2.11     Closing Obligations. At the Closing:

                           (a)      Sellers shall deliver to Buyer:

                                    (i)      a bill of sale for all of the
Transferred Assets that are Tangible Personal Property in the form of Exhibit E
(the "Bill of Sale") executed by Sellers;

                                    (ii)     an assignment and assumption of the
Assumed Contracts in the form of Exhibit F, which assignment shall also contain
Buyer's undertaking and assumption of the Assumed Contracts (the "Assignment and
Assumption Agreement"), executed by Sellers;

                                    (iii)    assignment of the Patents in the
form of Exhibit G (the "Patent Assignment Agreement"), executed by Sellers;

                                    (iv)     a duly executed recordable grant
deed in substantially the form attached here as Exhibit D, conveying the Telstar
Facility to Buyer, subject only to the Permitted Exceptions;

                                    (v)      a certification and affidavit, duly
executed by AXT, as required by the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act
of 1980, as amended, and California Withholding form 593;

                                    (vi)     such other documents and other
instruments of transfer and conveyance as each party may reasonably agree, each
in form and substance satisfactory to each party and its respective legal
counsel;

                                    (vii)    proceeds from the sale of Inventory
as described in Section 2.8;

                                    (viii)   an escrow agreement in the form of
Exhibit H, executed by Buyer, AXT and the Escrow Agent (the "Escrow Agreement");

                                    (ix)     two (2) duly executed original
counterparts of the Monterey Park Lease, in the form agreed between Buyer and
Sellers;

                                    (x)      a duly executed original
counterpart of the transfer of the Tongmei Lease, in the form agreed between
Buyer and Sellers;

                                    (xi)     a duly executed lease of the
Secured Assets; and

                                    (xii)    a certificate executed by Sellers
as to the accuracy of their representations and warranties as of the date of
this Agreement and as of the Closing in accordance with Section 7.2(b) and as to
their compliance with and performance of the covenants and obligations to be
performed or complied with by Sellers at or before the Closing in accordance
with Section 7.2(a).

                                       17
<PAGE>

                  (b)      Buyer shall deliver to Sellers:

                                    (i)      The Purchase Price by wire transfer
in accordance with Section 2.6(b) above;

                                    (ii)     the Escrow Agreement, executed by
Buyer, AXT and the Escrow Agent in the form of Exhibit H;

                                    (iii)    the Assignment and Assumption
Agreement executed by Buyer in the form of Exhibit F;

                                    (iv)     two (2) duly executed original
counterparts of the Monterey Park Lease, in the form agreed between Buyer and
Sellers;

                                    (v)      a duly executed original
counterpart of the transfer of the Tongmei Lease, in the form agreed between
Buyer and Sellers;

                                    (vi)     a duly executed lease of the
Secured Assets; and

                                    (vii)    a certificate executed by Buyer as
to the accuracy of its representations and warranties as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing in accordance with Section 7.3(b) and as to its
compliance with and performance of its covenants and obligations to be performed
or complied with at or before the Closing in accordance with Section 7.3(a).

                  2.12     License of MOCVD Equipment. Sellers shall retain
title to the MOCVD equipment purchased by Sellers from Aixtron or Emcore as
identified on Schedule 2.12 (the "MOCVD Equipment"), as well as all rights to
any and all license or operating agreements between Sellers and Aixtron and
between Sellers and Emcore relating to or arising from the purchase or use of
the MOCVD Equipment. Sellers shall lease the MOCVD Equipment to Buyer for the
sum of $1.00 United States dollar per year plus the cost incurred by Sellers,
including maintenance, operations, applicable personal property taxes and
insurance, pursuant to an operating lease in form and substance to be agreed
between the parties (the "MOCVD Equipment Lease"). Buyer may designate another
Person to assume the lease of the MOCVD Equipment if such Person is (i) duly
incorporated and authorized to do business in the United States, or (ii) is a
Person to whom Sellers have given their prior written consent following receipt
of all necessary approvals. Buyer, or the approved designated Person, shall
retain the option to purchase the MOCVD Equipment and require Sellers to
transfer title to the MOCVD Equipment for a total consideration of $1.00 United
States dollar, such option to be exercisable after the Cree Litigation has
settled or a final judgment entered. In addition, once the Cree Litigation has
been settled or a final judgment has been entered, Buyer and Sellers agree to
assist one another in the title and/or use transfer of the MOCVD Equipment,
should Buyer, or its designated Person, desire a title transfer at such time,
with the goal of minimizing all transfer, change of use or similar fees or costs
for both parties. Sellers agree to include Buyer or its designated Person as an
additional insured under their property and casualty insurance covering the
MOCVD Equipment located in the United States for so long as Sellers retain title
to the MOCVD Equipment. In addition, Buyer agrees to include Sellers as
additional insureds under Buyer's property and casualty insurance covering the
MOCVD Equipment located at the Telstar Facility

                                       18
<PAGE>

for so long as Sellers retain title to the equipment. Sellers shall not allow
any Encumbrances to be created or placed on the MOCVD Equipment after the
Effective Time, other than the interests of Aixtron or Emcore, respectively,
under the license or operating agreements.

                  2.13     China Equipment. Sellers shall retain title to all
Transferred Assets located in China (the "China Equipment"). Buyer shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to establish a subsidiary or affiliate in China
that has an organizational structure and requisite Governmental Permits and/or
Approvals such that such company can take title to the China Equipment with the
goal of minimizing any customs or VAT or other Taxes payable by or imposed upon
either party as a result of the transfer of title. Once such subsidiary or
affiliate as been established, Sellers shall pay the cost and expense of
obtaining all Permits and/or Approvals that they are required to obtain in order
to transfer title to the China Equipment to Buyer or its designated subsidiary
or affiliate in China. Buyer shall pay the cost and expense of obtaining all
Permits and/or Approvals that Buyer is required to obtain in order to receive
title to and possession of the China Equipment. In addition, Buyer, or any
Person designated by Buyer, shall retain the option to purchase the China
Equipment and require Sellers to transfer title to the China Equipment for the
sum of $1.00 United States dollar, such option to be exercisable at any time
after the earlier of (i) the formation of the subsidiary or affiliate in China
by Buyer, and (ii) 60 days after the Closing Date, even if such subsidiary or
affiliate in China has not yet been approved by the Chinese government. During
the period that Sellers retain title to the China Equipment, Sellers shall
charge Buyer or such Person designated by Buyer, and Buyer shall reimburse
Sellers or their designated Person the sum of $1 United States dollar per year
plus the cost actually incurred by Sellers to maintain and operate the China
Equipment, including maintenance, operations, applicable personal property taxes
and insurance, pursuant to an operating lease in form and substance to be agreed
between the parties (the "China Equipment Lease"). Sellers shall not allow any
Encumbrances to be created or placed on the China Equipment after the Effective
Time. To the extent possible, each of Buyer and AXT shall include the MOCVD
Equipment and the China Equipment under their umbrella property and casualty
insurance policies issued in the United States, naming the other party as an
additional insured.

                  2.14     Grant of Security Interest. To secure the options of
Buyer to acquire title to the MOCVD Equipment and the China Equipment described
in Sections 2.12 and 2.13 above (collectively the "Secured Assets"), Sellers
hereby grant to Buyer a first priority security interest, effective immediately,
in all of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to the Secured Assets. In
accordance with Section 6.11 below, without further consideration, and at
Buyer's sole cost and expense, Sellers shall promptly execute and deliver (or
shall cause to be executed and delivered) such documents or instruments as Buyer
may reasonably request to effect or perfect the security interest granted
hereby. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default
(as defined below), Buyer shall have all the rights and remedies of a secured
party under the California Uniform Commercial Code and any other applicable Laws
of any Governmental Entity. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
any Event of Default hereunder, Buyer shall thereupon have the immediate right
to transfer to itself or to sell, assign and transfer to any other Person all
right, title and interest in and to all or any part of the Secured Assets. For
purposes of this Section 2.14 only (and for Section 2.6(c) as to Buyer), an
"Event of Default" shall be deemed to occur if Sellers (i) shall fail in any
material respect to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained
in this Agreement on their part to be performed or

                                       19
<PAGE>

observed or (ii) shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or a petition or
answer seeking reorganization, to effect a plan or other arrangement with
creditors or any other relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code or under
any other foreign, state or federal law relating to bankruptcy or reorganization
granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in effect (collectively,
"Bankruptcy Laws"), (iii) Any of the Sellers shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or
admit in writing that they cannot pay their debts as they become due, or shall
make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall apply for or consent
to the appointment of any custodian, receiver or trustee for all or any
substantial part of their property, or shall take any action to authorize any of
the actions set forth above in this clause, or (iv) an involuntary petition
seeking any of the relief specified in this clause shall be filed against
Sellers, or any order for relief shall be entered against Sellers in any
involuntary proceeding under any Bankruptcy Laws.

         3.       Representations and Warranties of Sellers. Sellers, jointly
and severally, represent and warrant to Buyer as follows, except as disclosed in
a document of even date herewith and delivered by Sellers to Buyer on the date
hereof referring to the representations and warranties in this Agreement (the
"Seller Disclosure Schedule"). The Seller Disclosure Schedule will be arranged
in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in
this Section 3, and the disclosure in any such numbered and lettered section of
the Seller Disclosure Schedule shall qualify only the corresponding subsection
in this Section 3 and any other section hereof where it is reasonably clear,
upon a reading of such disclosure without any independent knowledge on the part
of the reader regarding the matter disclosed, that the disclosure is intended to
apply to such other section.

                  3.1      Due Incorporation. Sellers are each a corporation
duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its
respective jurisdiction of organization, with all requisite corporate power and
authority to own, lease, and operate its properties and to carry on its business
as now being conducted. AXT and Lyte are each qualified to do business and in
good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of
the properties owned, leased, or operated by it and the business transacted by
it require such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Optoelectronics Business.

                  3.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict.

                           (a)      Sellers each have full corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by Sellers of this
Agreement have been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of
Sellers, and no other actions or proceedings on the part of Sellers are
necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Sellers have each duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement. This
Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Sellers,
enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, moratorium, reorganization, or other laws from time to time in effect
which affect creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law).

                                       20
<PAGE>

                           (b)      The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Sellers does not, and the performance by Sellers of their respective
obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, will not conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute
(with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, result in or
give to any person any right of payment or reimbursement, termination,
cancellation, modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien upon any of the respective assets or properties of
Sellers under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) the certificate
of incorporation or bylaws of AXT, or the articles of incorporation or bylaws of
Lyte, or (ii) subject to the taking of the actions described in paragraph (b) of
this Section 3.2, (x) any Laws applicable to Sellers or any judgment, decree,
order, writ, permit, or license of any Governmental Entity applicable to Sellers
or any of their assets or properties, or (y) any contract, agreement, or
commitment to which Sellers are a party or by which Sellers or any of their
respective assets or properties is bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses
(x) and (y) conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, terminations,
modifications, accelerations, and creations and impositions of liens, which, as
to any of the foregoing, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Optoelectronics Business or would not result in the
inability of Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

                           (c)      No consent, approval, order, or notice to or
authorization of, or registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental
Entity or other third party is required to be made or obtained by Sellers (i) in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or (ii) the
consummation by Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby, the failure to
obtain any of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, other than such consents, approvals, orders, notices or
authorizations, or registrations, declarations or filings as may be required to
effect the provisions of Sections 2.6, 2.12, 2.13 or 2.14.

                  3.3      Sufficiency Of Transferred Assets. The Transferred
Assets constitute all of the assets, tangible and intangible, of any nature
whatsoever, necessary to operate the Optoelectronics Business in the manner
operated by Sellers during the three months from April 1, 2002 through June 30,
2002, which was the peak quarter for sales by Sellers of their products in the
Optoelectronics Business (the "Second Quarter"); provided, however, that Sellers
are not transferring certain real estate assets owned, leased or operated by
Sellers in the Optoelectronics Business, insurance policies maintained by
Sellers, employees or employee benefit plans maintained by Sellers in order to
operate the Optoelectronics Business, or financial records, other than customer
data, inventory data and fixed asset records, nor any Permits and/or Approvals;
and provided, further, that Sellers have discontinued the Optoelectronics
Business, are no longer operating the Optoelectronics Business, and the
Transferred Assets comprise fewer assets than owned, operated or leased by
Sellers when they conducted the Optoelectronics Business. In addition, certain
of the patents used in the Optoelectronics Business are being sold to Luming
pursuant to the Luming Agreement. The Transferred Assets may include assets that
Sellers have substituted for assets used during the Second Quarter with assets
acquired since June 30, 2002, which are of comparable capacity or quality.

                  3.4      Title To Transferred Assets; Encumbrances. Sellers
are the sole owners of and have full power and authority to transfer all of
their right, title and interest to the Transferred Assets. The tangible
Transferred Assets (other than the Telstar Facility as set forth in Section 3.5

                                       21
<PAGE>

below), are in good condition and repair (and with respect to the equipment
included in the Transferred Assets, in good operating condition and repair
consistent with the purpose for which such equipment was or is used by Sellers),
have been maintained in accordance with normal industry practice, reasonable
wear and tear excepted, and are in condition suitable for the use to which they
are put in the Optoelectronics Business as operated by Sellers during the Second
Quarter. Sellers have good title (and with respect to the Inventory, marketable
title) to (or to the extent comprising a license, a license to use), all of the
Transferred Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances or restrictions on
transfer, except for Permitted Encumbrances, and except as provided below and in
Section 6.8. At the Closing, Sellers will sell, convey, assign, transfer and
deliver to Buyer good title and all its right, title and interest, in and to all
of the Transferred Assets, free and clear of all Encumbrances other than
Permitted Encumbrances.

                  3.5      Condition Of Real Properties. Use of the Telstar
Facility, the Monterey Park Facility and the Tongmei Facility (collectively the
"Real Properties") for the various purposes for which each is presently being
used is permitted as of right under all applicable zoning legal requirements,
and, as to the Telstar Facility, is not subject to "permitted nonconforming"
use, except that the Monterey Park Facility does not comply with all zoning
requirements, and does not meet current building codes for all purposes. To
Sellers' Knowledge and except as otherwise provided herein or in the Seller
Disclosure Schedule, the Improvements at the Real Properties are in compliance
with all applicable Laws as of the date of this Agreement except where the
failure to be in compliance would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, and are in good repair and in good condition, ordinary wear and
tear excepted and commensurate with the age and use of the building and the
other improvements thereon. Sellers make no representations or warranties as to
(a) the value of or income derived from the Real Properties; (b) the suitability
of the Real Properties for Buyer's use, including without limitation any future
development of the Real Properties and the availability of utilities necessary
to service the Real Properties, other than the suitability of the Real
Properties for the use put to them by Sellers, if any, as of the Second Quarter;
(c) other than as used by Sellers during the Second Quarter, the habitability,
merchantability, profitability, marketability or fitness for a particular
purpose of the Real Properties; and (d) except as set forth in Section 3.7, the
nature, quality or condition of the water, drainage, undershoring, subsurface,
soil and geology of the Real Properties or the presence or absence of hazardous
materials at, on, under or adjacent to the Real Properties. To the extent that
Buyer is or will be required to obtain Permits and/or Approvals to own, occupy
or use the Real Properties, Sellers make no representation or warranty as to
whether any Governmental Entity will allow Buyer to continue to use the Real
Properties in the manner used by Sellers, or for any other purposes.

                  3.6      Inventories. All items included in the Inventories
consist of a quality and quantity usable and, with respect to finished goods,
saleable, in the ordinary course of business of the Optoelectronics Business as
operated by Sellers. The values of all items of obsolete materials and of
materials of below standard quality have been written down to estimated
realizable market value on the books of Sellers. The values at which the
inventory is carried reflect the normal inventory valuation policy of Sellers,
and such valuation policy as applied is in accordance with GAAP.

                                       22
<PAGE>

                  3.7      Environmental, Health and Safety Matters. Except as
disclosed in Section 3.7 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule:

                           (a)      Sellers are, at the Telstar Facility, in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws, and
Sellers have not received any written communication from any Governmental Entity
that alleges that Sellers are not in compliance with applicable Environmental
Laws at the Telstar Facility.

                           (b)      Sellers have obtained or have applied for
all environmental, health and safety permits, and governmental Permits and/or
Approvals (collectively, the "Environmental Permits") necessary for the conduct
of their operations at the Telstar Facility, except those the absence of which
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and all such
Environmental Permits are in good standing or, where applicable, a renewal
application has been timely filed and is pending agency approval, and Sellers
are in material compliance with all terms and conditions of such Environmental
Permits; provided, however, that Sellers make no representation or warranty as
to whether any transfer, renewal, or reapplication for any Environmental Permit
required as a result of the Acquisition can be accomplished in the ordinary
course of business.

                           (c)      There are no Environmental Claims pending
or, to Sellers' Knowledge, threatened (i) against Sellers that would reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer's ability to operate the
Telstar Facility in the same manner as operated by Sellers during the Second
Quarter or (ii) against the Telstar Facility.

                           (d)      To Sellers' Knowledge, there have been no
Releases of any Hazardous Material on, at, upon, into or from the Telstar
Facility by Sellers, nor has there been any Release of Hazardous Material,
including the off-site disposal of Hazardous Material, that would reasonably be
expected to form the basis of any Environmental Claim against Sellers relating
to the Telstar Facility.

                           (e)      To Sellers' Knowledge, since May 1999,
Sellers have complied, and are in compliance with, in all material respects, all
Environmental Laws in the operation of the Optoelectronics Business at the
Telstar Facility and as related to the Transferred Assets located at the Telstar
Facility.

                           (f)      To their Knowledge, Sellers are, at the
Tongmei Facility, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
Environmental Laws, and Sellers have not received any written communication from
any Person that alleges that Sellers are not in compliance with applicable
Environmental Laws at the Tongmei Facility. To their Knowledge, Sellers have
obtained or have applied for all applicable Environmental Permits (if any)
necessary for the conduct of their operations at the Tongmei Facility, except
those, the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. All such Environmental Permits obtained by Sellers on the
Tongmei Facility are in good standing or, where applicable, a renewal
application has been timely filed and is pending agency approval, and Sellers
are in material compliance with all terms and conditions of such Environmental
Permits; provided, however, that Sellers make no representation or warranty as
to whether any transfer, renewal, or reapplication for any Environmental Permit
required as a result of the Acquisition can be

                                       23
<PAGE>

accomplished in the ordinary course of business. There are no Environmental
Claims pending or, to Sellers' Knowledge, threatened (i) against Sellers that
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer's
ability to operate the Tongmei Facility in the same manner as operated by
Sellers during the Second Quarter, or (ii) against the Tongmei Facility. To
Sellers' Knowledge, there have been no Releases of any Hazardous Material on,
at, upon, into or from the Tongmei Facility by Sellers, nor has there been any
Release of Hazardous Material, including the off-site disposal of Hazardous
Material, that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of any
Environmental Claim against Sellers relating to the Tongmei Facility. To
Sellers' Knowledge, since May 1999, Sellers have complied, and are in compliance
with, in all material respects, all Environmental Laws in the operation of the
Optoelectronics Business at the Tongmei Facility and as related to the
Transferred Assets located at the Tongmei Facility.

                           (g)      To their Knowledge and except as provided in
the Seller Disclosure Schedule, Sellers are at the Monterey Park Facility in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws other
than zoning Laws and building code requirements, and Sellers have not received
any written communication from any Person that alleges that Sellers are not in
compliance with such applicable Environmental Laws at the Monterey Park
Facility. To their Knowledge, Sellers have obtained or have applied for all
applicable Environmental Permits necessary for the conduct of their operations
at the Monterey Park Facility, other than those necessary to meet current zoning
or building code requirements, and except those the absence of which would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All Environmental
Permits obtained by Sellers on the Monterey Park Facility are in good standing
or, where applicable, a renewal application has been timely filed and is pending
agency approval, and Sellers are in material compliance with all terms and
conditions of such Environmental Permits; provided, however, that Sellers make
no representation or warranty as to whether any transfer, renewal, or
reapplication for any Environmental Permit required as a result of the
Acquisition can be accomplished in the ordinary course of business. There are no
Environmental Claims pending or, to Sellers' Knowledge threatened (i) against
Sellers that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Buyer's ability to operate the Monterey Park Facility in the same manner as
operated by Sellers during the Second Quarter, or (ii) against the Monterey Park
Facility. To Sellers' Knowledge, there have been no Releases of any Hazardous
Material on, at, upon, into or from the Monterey Park Facility by Sellers, nor
has there been any Release of Hazardous Material, including the off-site
disposal of Hazardous Material, that would reasonably be expected to form the
basis of any Environmental Claim against Sellers relating to the Monterey Park
Facility. To Sellers' Knowledge, since May 1999, Sellers have complied, and are
in compliance with, in all material respects, all Environmental Laws in the
operation of the Optoelectronics Business at the Monterey Park Facility and as
related to the Transferred Assets located at the Monterey Park Facility.

                  3.8      Litigation.

                           (a)      Except as disclosed in Section 3.8 of the
Seller Disclosure Schedule, there are no claims or Legal Proceedings that are
now pending or, to Sellers' Knowledge, threatened against or affecting the
Optoelectronics Business or the products sold by Sellers in the Optoelectronics
Business, the Transferred Assets, this Agreement or in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby. Except as disclosed in Section 3.8 of the
Seller

                                       24
<PAGE>

Disclosure Schedule, Sellers are not currently subject to any order, judgment,
decree, injunction, stipulation, or consent order of or with any court or other
Governmental Entity that substantially interferes with their operation of the
Optoelectronics Business. Since May 1999, neither AXT nor Lyte has entered into
any agreement to settle or compromise any Legal Proceeding pending or threatened
against the Optoelectronics Business which has involved any obligation other
than the payment of money or for which Sellers have any continuing obligation,
relating to the Optoelectronics Business.

                           (b)      Except as set forth on Section 3.8 of the
Seller Disclosure Schedule, to AXT's Knowledge, there are no pending or
threatened Legal Proceedings against any director, officer, employee, or agent
of the Optoelectronics Business in their capacity as such.

                  3.9      Employees.

                           (a)      Neither AXT nor Lyte has violated the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the "WARN Act") or any similar state
or local Law relating to the employees of the Optoelectronics Business.

                           (b)      To AXT's Knowledge, no officer, director,
agent, employee, consultant, or contractor of the Optoelectronics Business is
bound by any contract that purports to limit the ability of such officer,
director, agent, employee, consultant, or contractor to engage in or continue or
perform any conduct, activity, duties or practice relating to the
Optoelectronics Business of Sellers.

                  3.10     Labor Disputes; Compliance. Neither AXT, nor to AXT's
Knowledge, Lyte, (i) has been, and is not now, a party to any collective
bargaining agreement or other labor contract; (ii) since May, 1999, there has
not been, there is not presently pending or existing, and to AXT's Knowledge
there is not threatened, any strike, slowdown, picketing, work stoppage or
employee grievance process involving the Optoelectronics Business operated by
Sellers; (iii) to AXT's Knowledge no event has occurred or circumstance exists
that could provide the basis for any work stoppage or other labor dispute; (iv)
there is not pending or, to AXT's Knowledge, threatened against or affecting the
Optoelectronics Business of Sellers, any proceeding relating to the alleged
violation of any Law pertaining to labor relations or employment matters,
including any charge or complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board
or any comparable Governmental Entity, and there is no organizational activity
or other labor dispute against or affecting the Optoelectronics Business of
Sellers or the Real Properties; (v) no application or petition for an election
of or for certification of a collective bargaining agent is pending; and (vi) no
grievance or arbitration Proceeding exists that might have an adverse effect
upon the Optoelectronics Business.

                  3.11     Intellectual Property Assets.

                           (a)      The term "Intellectual Property Assets"
means all intellectual property owned or licensed (as licensor or licensee) by
Sellers for use in the Optoelectronics Business, in which Sellers, or either of
them, have a proprietary interest, including:

                                    (i)      the Patents;

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<PAGE>

                                    (ii)     all registered and unregistered
copyrights in both published works and unpublished works included in the
Transferred Assets (collectively, "Copyrights");

                                    (iii)    all rights in mask works included
in the Transferred Assets; and

                                    (iv)     all current know-how, trade
secrets, confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, software,
technical information, data, process technology, plans, drawings and blue prints
used by Sellers in the production of LD, LED and VCSEL products, including
Inventory and finished goods, as part of the Optoelectronics Business.

                           (b)      To Sellers' Knowledge, the Intellectual
Property Assets are all those necessary for the operation of the Optoelectronics
Business as it has been conducted by Sellers for the three years ending on the
Closing Date. Sellers are the owner or licensee of all right, title and interest
in and to each of the Intellectual Property Assets, free and clear of all
Encumbrances, and have the right to use all of the Intellectual Property Assets,
subject, in the case of any Intellectual Property Assets comprising licenses, to
any payments therefore set forth in any Contract covering such Intellectual
Property Asset. Sellers have not assigned, transferred, licensed, or pledged to
any other party, or encumbered, the Intellectual Property Assets, nor entered
into any agreement to do so.

                           (c)      All of the issued Patents are currently in
compliance with formal legal requirements (including payment of filing,
examination and maintenance fees and proofs of working or use), and are not
subject to any maintenance fees or taxes or actions falling due within ninety
(90) days after the Closing Date. No Patent has been or is now involved in any
interference, reissue, reexamination, or opposition Proceeding. Except as set
forth in Section 3.11 of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to Sellers' Knowledge,
none of the issued Patents is infringed by any third party or, to Sellers'
Knowledge, has been challenged or threatened in any way, and except as disclosed
in Section 3.11(c) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, to Sellers' Knowledge none
of the issued Patents infringes or is alleged to infringe any patent or other
proprietary right of any other Person.

                           (d)      No license or royalty agreement included in
the Transferred Assets to which Sellers, or either of them, are a party, is in
material breach or default by Sellers or, to AXT's Knowledge any other party
thereto, or the subject of any notice of termination given or, to AXT's
Knowledge, threatened. All license, royalty and other fees under each license or
royalty agreement regarding Intellectual Property Assets have been fully and
timely paid.

                           (e)      To the extent that any Intellectual Property
Assets are licensed by a third party to Sellers (such Intellectual Property
Assets referred to as "Licensed Intellectual Property"), except as set forth on
Section 3.11(e) of the Seller Disclosure Schedule, the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereunder will not (i) constitute a breach or default
under any license agreement relating to any Licensed Intellectual Property,
which breach or default would give the other contracting party a right to
terminate such agreement; (ii) materially alter or diminish the rights assigned
or transferred to Buyer from that originally granted to either of Sellers under
any such agreement; (iii) materially alter or increase the

                                       26
<PAGE>

obligations delegated or transferred to Buyer from that originally imposed on
Sellers under any such agreement; or (iv) require the consent of or any payment
to any licensor under any such agreement.

                           (f)      There are no exclusive licenses, exclusive
distributorship agreements, or noncompetition agreements with respect to the use
of any Intellectual Property Assets or the development, sale, or distribution of
any products of the Optoelectronics Business as operated by Sellers, or any
other material restrictions regarding the right of Sellers to fully exploit any
Intellectual Property Assets anywhere in the world.

                  3.12     Permits and/or Approvals. Sellers hold (or, at the
required times, held) all Permits and/or Approvals that are required for the
operation of the Optoelectronics Business, except those the absence of which
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Sellers are
in compliance with the terms of such Permits and/or Approvals applicable to
them, except where the failure so to comply would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. To Sellers' Knowledge, Sellers are not in
violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of any Governmental Entity, except
for possible violations, which individually and in the aggregate do not have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                  3.13     Insurance. Schedule 3.13 lists all insurance policies
covering the Transferred Assets, Optoelectronics Business, or the Real
Properties. To Sellers' Knowledge, there is no claim by Sellers currently
pending under any of such policies as to which coverage has been questioned,
denied or disputed by the underwriters of such policies. All premiums due and
payable under all such policies have been paid, and Sellers are otherwise in
material compliance with the terms of such policies. Sellers have no Knowledge
of threatened termination of, or of a material increase in the premiums payable
for, any of such insurance policies. Schedule 3.13 sets forth the following
information with respect to each such insurance policy:

                           (a)      the name, address, and telephone number of
the agent;

                           (b)      the name of the insurer, the name of the
policyholder, and the name of each covered insured;

                           (c)      the policy number and the period of
coverage;

                           (d)      the scope (including an indication of
whether the coverage is on a claims made, occurrence, or other basis) and amount
(including a description of how deductibles and ceilings are calculated and
operate) of coverage; and

                           (e)      a description of any retroactive premium
adjustments or other loss-sharing arrangements.

         Notwithstanding the above, Sellers make no representations or
warranties to Buyer as to the availability to Buyer of comparable insurance
policies, of the ability of Sellers to transfer the insurance policies or
portion thereof to Buyer, or of the ability of Buyer to obtain insurance
covering the Transferred Assets, Optoelectronics Business or the Real Properties
on terms and conditions similar to the policies obtained by Sellers.

                                       27
<PAGE>

                  3.14     Assumed Contracts. The Assumed Contracts are in full
force and effect as of the date hereof and have not been modified from the
copies thereof delivered to Buyer, all of the obligations of Sellers under the
Assumed Contracts required to have been performed as of the date of this
Agreement have been fully performed by Sellers, and such obligations as Sellers
are required to perform between the date of this Agreement and the Effective
Time will have been performed by Sellers. Sellers have made no other prior
assignment of the Assumed Contracts to any third party.

         4.       Representations and Warranties of Buyer. Buyer represents and
warrants to Sellers as follows, except as disclosed in a document of even date
herewith and delivered by Buyer to Sellers on the date hereof referring to the
representations and warranties in this Agreement (the "Buyer Disclosure
Schedule"). The Buyer Disclosure Schedule will be arranged in paragraphs
corresponding to the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Section
4, and the disclosure in any such numbered and lettered section of the Buyer
Disclosure Schedule shall qualify only the corresponding section in this Section
4, and any other section hereof where it is reasonably clear, upon a reading of
such disclosure without any independent knowledge on the part of the reader
regarding the matter disclosed, that the disclosure is intended to apply to such
other section.

                  4.1      Due Incorporation. Buyer is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization, with all requisite corporate power and authority
to own, lease, and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now
being conducted. Buyer is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of the properties
owned, leased, or operated by it and the business transacted by it require such
qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on its business.

                  4.2      Enforceability; Authority; No Conflict.

                           (a)      Buyer has full corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution, delivery, and performance by Buyer of this Agreement has
been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Buyer, and no other
actions or proceedings on the part of Buyer are necessary to authorize this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer has duly and validly
executed and delivered this Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the legal,
valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against it in accordance with
its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium, reorganization, or
other laws from time to time in effect which affect creditors' rights generally
and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability
is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

                           (b)      The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Buyer does not, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not conflict
with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) a default under, result in or give to any person any
right of payment or reimbursement, termination, cancellation, modification or

                                       28
<PAGE>

acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any of
the assets or properties of Buyer under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of (i) the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Buyer, or (ii)
subject to the taking of the actions described in paragraph (b) of this Section
4.2, (x) any Laws applicable to Buyer or any judgment, decree, order, writ,
permit, or license of any Governmental Entity applicable to Buyer or any of its
assets or properties, or (y) any contract, agreement, or commitment to which
Buyer is a party or by which Buyer or any of its assets or properties is bound,
excluding from the foregoing clauses (x) and (y) conflicts, violations,
breaches, defaults, terminations, modifications, accelerations, and creations
and impositions of liens, which, as to any of the foregoing, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on its business, or
would not result in the inability of Buyer to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

                           (c)      No consent, approval, order, or notice to or
authorization of, or registration, declaration, or filing with, any Governmental
Entity is required to be made or obtained by Buyer in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by Buyer of the
transactions contemplated hereby, the failure to obtain which would reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for such filings,
authorization, orders and approvals as may be required of state and local
Governmental Entities.

                  4.3      Compliance with Applicable Laws. To Buyer's
Knowledge, Buyer is not in violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of any
Governmental Entity, except for possible violations, which individually and in
the aggregate do not have a Material Adverse Effect on its business.

                  4.4      Litigation. There are no claims or Legal Proceedings
pending or, to Buyer's Knowledge threatened (in writing) by or against Buyer
with respect to this Agreement or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         5.       Covenants Prior to Closing.

                  5.1      Access and Investigation. Between the date of this
Agreement and the Closing Date, and upon reasonable advance notice received from
Buyer, Sellers shall afford Buyer and its Representatives full and free access,
during regular business hours, to Sellers' personnel, properties, books and
records and other documents and data, relating to the Optoelectronics Business,
such rights of access to be exercised in a manner that does not unreasonably
interfere with the operations of Sellers. No information or knowledge obtained
in any investigation pursuant to this Section 5.1 will affect or be deemed to
modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the conditions to the
obligations of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  5.2      Operation of the Optoelectronics Business. Between
the date of this Agreement and the Closing, Sellers shall:

                           (a)      continue to collect accounts receivable,
sell LD, LED and VCSEL products from Inventory in accordance with Section 2.8
above, and maintain the equipment used in the Optoelectronics Business;

                                       29
<PAGE>

                           (b)      maintain the Transferred Assets in a state
of repair and condition that complies with Law and is consistent with the
requirements and normal conduct of Sellers' business; and

                           (c)      cooperate with Buyer and assist Buyer in
identifying the Permits and/or Approvals required by Buyer to operate the
business from and after the Closing Date and use commercially reasonable efforts
to cooperate with Buyer in either transferring existing Permits and/or Approvals
of Sellers to Buyer, where permissible, or obtaining new Permits and/or
Approvals for Buyer.

                  5.3      Negative Covenant. Except as otherwise expressly
permitted herein, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date,
Sellers shall not, without the prior written consent of Buyer, (a) transfer or
license to any person or entity any rights to Intellectual Property Assets,
other than in connection with the sale of LD, LED or VCSEL products from
Inventory pursuant to Section 2.8; (b) enter into or amend any agreements
pursuant to which any other party is granted distribution, marketing or other
rights of any type or scope with respect to resale or distribution of the
Optoelectronics Business products; (c) sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose
of or encumber any of the Transferred Assets, except for Inventory as allowed
pursuant to Section 2.8; or (d) enter into any compromise or settlement of any
litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation relating to the Transferred
Assets or the Optoelectronics Business, except as provided in Section 6.5.

                  5.4      No Negotiation. Until the earlier of September 5,
2003 and such time as this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 8,
AXT shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate, seek, encourage or
support any inquiries or proposals from, or discuss or negotiate with, any
Person (other than Buyer) relating to the sale of the Transferred Assets.

                  5.5      Inventory of Exhibit A-1 Assets. Between the date of
this Agreement and the Closing Date, Buyer and Sellers shall conduct an
inventory of all assets listed on Exhibit A-1, and agree the customer
information to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(iv) above. After such
inventory has been completed, Buyer and Sellers shall execute a certification
certifying that all such assets are present and accounted for, and shall further
execute a certification on the Closing Date certifying that all such assets
listed on Exhibit A-1 have been delivered by Sellers to Buyer as of the Closing
Date (the "Certification of Transferred Assets"). The Certification of
Transferred Assets shall be and represent the final representation and warranty
of Buyer to Sellers that Buyer has received all of the assets listed on Exhibit
A-1 and required to be transferred by Sellers to Buyer hereunder. Thereafter,
after the Effective Time Buyer shall be precluded from claiming that any of the
assets listed on Exhibit A-1 are missing or have not been delivered by Sellers
to Buyer. After executing and delivering this certification at Closing, Buyer
shall be forever barred from making a claim for Damages against Sellers, their
subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns, pursuant to Section 9 or
otherwise, alleging that any of the assets listed on Exhibit A-1 were missing or
have not been delivered by Sellers to Buyer.

                                       30
<PAGE>

         6.       Additional Covenants.

                  6.1      Employees and Employee Benefits.

                           (a)      For the purpose of this Agreement, the term
"Active Employees" shall mean all employees employed on the Closing Date by
Sellers who are employed exclusively in the Optoelectronics Business as it was
operated by Sellers. It is intended that Sellers will pay all Active Employees
up to September 1, 2003, but will be entitled to terminate any and all employees
from and after September 1, 2003. Sellers will use commercially reasonable
efforts to cooperate with Buyer in retaining key employees who have been
identified by Buyer. Any and all existing employment contracts and non-compete
agreements between Active Employees and Sellers will be terminated upon or prior
to Closing, or obligations thereunder shall be paid by Sellers if not so
terminated.

                           (b)      Buyer is not obligated to hire any Active
Employee but may interview any or all Active Employees. It is understood and
agreed that (A) Buyer's expressed intention to extend offers of employment as
set forth in this Section 6.1 shall not constitute any commitment, contract or
understanding (expressed or implied) of any obligation on the part of Buyer to a
post-Closing employment relationship of any fixed term or duration or upon any
terms or conditions other than those that Buyer may establish pursuant to
individual offers of employment, and (B) employment offered by Buyer is "at
will" and may be terminated by Buyer or by an employee at any time for any
reason (subject to any written commitments to the contrary made by Buyer or an
employee and Laws). Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prevent or
restrict in any way the right of Buyer to terminate, reassign, promote or demote
any of the Active Employees hired by Buyer after the Closing or to change
adversely or favorably the title, powers, duties, responsibilities, functions,
locations, salaries, other compensation or terms or conditions of employment of
such employees.

                  6.2      Confidentiality. The parties acknowledge that Buyer
and AXT have previously executed a Letter of Intent dated August 8, 2003, which
includes confidentiality provisions therein (the "Non-Disclosure Agreement"),
which Non-Disclosure Agreement is incorporated herein by this reference and will
continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

                  6.3      Public Disclosure. Unless otherwise permitted by this
Agreement, Buyer and AXT will consult with each other before issuing any press
release or otherwise making any public statement or making any other public (or
non-confidential) disclosure (whether or not in response to an inquiry)
regarding the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
and neither will issue any such press release or make any such statement or
disclosure without the prior approval of the other (which approval will not be
unreasonably withheld), except as may be required by law or by obligations
pursuant to any listing agreement with any national securities exchange or with
the NASDAQ Stock Market (in which case the disclosing party will, to the extent
practicable within the time available to comply therewith, use its reasonable
efforts to obtain the consent of the other party prior to such disclosure).

                  6.4      Conveyance Taxes. Both parties will use commercially
reasonable efforts to cooperate in good faith with the other party in connection
with such other party's preparation,

                                       31
<PAGE>

execution, and filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications, or other
documents regarding any property transfer or gains, sales, use, value added,
stock transfer, and stamp Taxes, any transfer, recording, registration, and
other fees or any similar taxes that become payable in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement that are required or permitted to be
filed. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party will pay any
such Taxes or fees imposed on it by any taxing authority (and any penalties and
interest with respect to such Taxes and fees) that become payable in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  6.5      Fees and Costs for Cree Litigation.

                           (a)      AXT shall maintain all responsibility and
right to control the defense of, and shall pay any judgment rendered and any
settlement of the litigation (the "Cree Litigation") between AXT and Cree, Inc.,
Cree Lighting Company and Boston University (collectively, "Cree" and
individually a "Cree Litigant") provided that any such settlement is entered
into with AXT's express written consent, to the extent, and only as to such
portion, that such judgment or settlement relates to or arises from actions
taken by AXT that are found to infringe Cree's patent that occurred during the
period prior to and ending (i) on the Closing Date with regard to all commercial
transactions other than LED products, and (ii) at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on
August 28, 2003 with respect to LED products, in the event the Acquisition
closes. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.5, if Cree or any Cree
Litigant should file suit against Buyer, or join Buyer in the Cree Litigation
against AXT, Buyer shall pay all of its own defense costs, and any judgment that
may be rendered against Buyer and any settlement of such litigation that Buyer
may enter into. In addition, Buyer shall bear all responsibility and pay any
damages, costs, claims, penalties or other liabilities arising in such
litigation that result from the Transferred Assets from and after the Closing
Date, or LED products produced and/or sold using inventory or technology
acquired as part of the Transferred Assets, beginning on August 29, 2003, in the
event the Acquisition closes. The apportionment of the damages, costs, claims,
penalties or other liabilities resulting from the Transferred Assets from and
after the Closing Date, or LED products produced and/or sold beginning on August
29, 2003, in the event the Acquisition closes, shall be as set forth in the
settlement of or judgment rendered in the Cree Litigation; provided, that to the
extent such apportionment is not determinable from the settlement of or judgment
rendered in the Cree Litigation, then the apportionment shall be determined by
arbitration according to the procedure set forth in Section 9.4 below. Buyer
shall share in AXT's legal fees, costs and expenses incurred in defending itself
in the Cree Litigation from and after the Closing Date (not including costs
involved in pursuing counterclaims against Cree), including fees and costs of
legal counsel, ("Shared Legal Fees") as follows: (i) AXT shall pay the first
$500,000 of the Shared Legal Fees; (ii) AXT shall pay 85% of Shared Legal Fees
incurred between $500,001 and $1,500,000 and Buyer shall pay 15% of Shared Legal
Fees incurred between such amounts; and (iii) AXT shall pay all Shared Legal
Fees incurred above $1,500,000. AXT shall provide monthly updates to Buyer as to
the amount of Shared Legal Fees incurred by AXT as of the end of each month;
once the Shared Legal Fees reach $500,000, AXT shall submit an invoice to Buyer
monthly with a copy of the invoice representing the Shared Legal Fees incurred
for the prior month, and Buyer shall pay to AXT its portion of the Shared Legal
Fees for the prior month within 30 days of receipt of the invoice from AXT.

                                       32
<PAGE>

                           (b)      If AXT prevails in the Cree Litigation, AXT
shall retain the right, subject to the prior written consent of Buyer, such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld, to license worldwide to other third
parties the buffer layer technology developed by AXT. Net revenues derived from
such licenses shall be split 40% to AXT and 60% to Buyer.

                           (c)      Each of Buyer and AXT will make their key
employees and equipment reasonably available, at no charge, after the Closing
Date, to the other party, to assist each such party in defending the Cree
Litigation and pursuing the counterclaims against Cree and Boston University, or
either of them. Each of Buyer and AXT shall also share with the other party all
information it develops in defense of the Cree Litigation, at no charge to such
other party.

                           (d)      Should Cree file suit against Buyer within
two (2) years of the Effective Time, for the same causes of action as are set
forth in the Cree Litigation and alleging infringement of the same patent, U.S.
Patent Number 5,686,738 (and provided that Cree does not allege that Buyer
infringes the patent in a manner substantially different than Cree has alleged
that AXT has infringed the patent), AXT shall provide such assistance as may be
reasonably requested by Buyers in defending such subsequent action. In addition,
AXT shall reimburse Buyer 50% of the first $500,000 of Buyer's legal fees and
expenses up to a maximum amount payable by Sellers of $250,000 (the "Cree
Reimbursement Obligation") incurred in the defense of any allegation that Buyer
has infringed U.S. Patent Number 5,686,738. If Buyer is sued by Cree or any Cree
Litigant alleging infringement of patents other than or in addition to the
patent that is the subject of the Cree Litigation, the Cree Reimbursement
Obligation hereunder shall only include those legal fees and expenses incurred
by Buyer in defense of any action involving U.S. Patent Number 5,686,738, and
not in defense of any action involving any other patent, nor related to any
counterclaims filed by Buyer, nor claiming invalidity of any of Buyer's patents.
Should more than one patent be the subject of any subsequent action filed
against Buyer, Buyer's legal fees and expenses will be apportioned among, and
determined to have been incurred in the defense of the action involving each
patent, equally. For example, if four patents are the subject of the litigation,
the Cree Reimbursement Obligation shall only be for 50% of one-quarter of the
legal fees and expenses incurred, up to a maximum of $250,000. The Cree
Reimbursement Obligation shall be paid exclusively from the Escrow Fund and from
no other source; accordingly, if at the time the Cree Reimbursement Obligation
becomes due and no Escrow Funds remain in escrow, then no amounts will be
payable to Buyer hereunder and the Cree Reimbursement Obligation will be
terminated. If any portion of the Cree Reimbursement Obligation remains
outstanding hereunder as of the Escrow Termination, funds equal to the lesser of
(i) the remaining Escrow Funds and (ii) the amount of the remaining portion of
Sellers' obligations to pay the Cree Reimbursement Obligation, shall continue to
be held in escrow and remain subject to the Escrow Agreement, solely for the
purpose of satisfying the remaining outstanding Cree Reimbursement Obligation.

                           (e)      In consideration for the agreements set
forth herein, Buyer, on its own behalf and on behalf of its subsidiaries,
successors and assigns, and Luming, hereby agrees and affirmatively covenants
that it will not, and will cause its subsidiaries, successors and assigns and
Luming not to, take any action, or initiate or pursue any Legal Proceeding
against Sellers, their subsidiaries, successors and assigns, under Section 9 or
otherwise, for indemnification for or reimbursement of any Damages incurred by
Buyer, as a result of any allegations by any other

                                       33
<PAGE>

Person that (i) the Patents infringe or are alleged to infringe any patent or
proprietary right or intellectual property of any other Person, or (ii)
challenging the validity of any Patent.

                           (f)      Buyer further agrees as follows:

                                    (i)      Buyer agrees to reasonably preserve
and maintain and not alter, destroy, spoil or otherwise dispose of any equipment
listed in Exhibit J attached hereto, which equipment is used to manufacture
LEDs, and which has been received by Buyer from AXT. Buyer agrees to permit the
parties to the pending Cree lawsuit, or any other person at the request of AXT,
to inspect or test the equipment listed in Exhibit A-1 upon reasonable notice of
at least 72 hours in connection with the Cree lawsuit, or as otherwise directed
by a court.

                                    (ii)     Buyer expressly agrees to
reasonably preserve and maintain all equipment listed in Exhibit J until such a
time as it is advised by AXT that Buyer is no longer required to preserve such
equipment. Buyer agrees that to the extent it disposes of any of the equipment
described in Exhibit J, it will require the third party to honor the terms of
this agreement as it relates to the preservation of evidence, and such agreement
shall be in writing, included as a term of sale, and submitted to AXT for
approval, but such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Buyer will also
give AXT at least 45 days notice of a proposed transfer of any of the equipment
listed on Exhibit J to a third party.

                                    (iii)    AXT acknowledges and agrees that,
following the Closing, Buyer may move any and all of the Transferred Assets
other than the MOCVD Equipment, to China. Subject to Section 9 below, Buyer
shall indemnify, defend and hold AXT harmless for any Losses incurred in its
litigation with Cree resulting from any breach by Buyer of its agreements in
this Section 6.5(d).

                  6.6      Subsequent Sale of Transferred Assets by Buyer.
Should Buyer, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns, or any
designated Persons identified below, sell, (whether such sale is effected by
sale, lease, transfer, or exchange), any of the Intellectual Property Assets or
equipment used (in the case of equipment, exclusively, and in the case of
Intellectual Property Assets, primarily) in order to manufacture VCSEL products,
to any third party, other than Luming or the Person designated in Section 2.12
or 2.13 above, within six (6) months following the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay
to AXT fifty percent (50%) of the value Buyer receives in connection with such
sale. Should the sale of Intellectual Property Assets or equipment be to the
Person identified by AXT on Schedule 6.6 attached hereto, fifty percent (50%) of
the value received by Buyer in connection with such sale shall be paid to AXT
regardless of the date that the sale occurs.

                  6.7      Reimbursement of Operating Expenses.

                           (a)      AXT shall pay all compensation costs,
including benefits, of employees retained by AXT in the Optoelectronics Business
through September 1, 2003. All compensation costs and benefits incurred by AXT
for employees of the Optoelectronics Business for the period from September 2,
2003 through the earlier of the Closing Date and September 15, 2003 will be
reimbursed by Buyer to Sellers, in the event that the Acquisition closes.
Sellers shall maintain the Optoelectronics Business in such a manner that
enables Buyer to commence

                                       34
<PAGE>

operating the Optoelectronics Business after Closing, once Buyer hires
employees, obtains all Environmental Permits and other Permits and/or Approvals
required from Governmental Entities, and establishes its operating,
administrative, safety, training and similar systems, including placement of all
service contracts necessary to operate the Optoelectronics Business. All costs
incurred by Sellers from August 8, 2003 through the earlier of the Closing Date
and September 15, 2003 necessary in order to maintain the Optoelectronics
Business in such fashion that are incurred by Sellers, up to a maximum aggregate
of $100,000, do not require prior approval from Buyer, and will be reimbursed by
Buyer to Sellers as provided in subsection (d) below, in the event that the
Acquisition closes. Any such costs incurred by Sellers beyond such amount shall
not be reimbursed unless approved in advance by Buyer. Such reimbursable costs
shall include the costs that Sellers would not have incurred if Sellers had
completely shut down the Optoelectronics Business and not maintained and readied
the Optoelectronics Business for transfer to Buyer, and include the cost of raw
materials purchased by Sellers and for services necessary to maintain the
Optoelectronics Business.

                           (b)      Beginning September 16, 2003, and payable
only if the Acquisition closes, Buyer shall be liable for, and shall reimburse
Sellers as set forth below, all costs customarily incurred by Sellers to operate
the Optoelectronics Business at the Telstar Facility, the Monterey Park
Facility, the Tongmei Facility and the Xiamen Facility. Such reimbursable costs
shall include all operating costs customarily incurred by Sellers at such
facilities (other than any closure related costs for the Monterey Park
Facility), including but not limited to compensation costs, including benefits,
of employees retained by AXT in the Optoelectronics Business, all customary
operating costs, including repairs and maintenance, services and utilities,
phones, real property taxes, insurance, supplies and raw materials, and any
other customary costs not otherwise covered in the foregoing payable by Buyer
pursuant to terms of the Monterey Park Facility as if the Monterey Park Lease
and the Tongmei Lease had been executed effective as of September 16, 2003 and
as if Buyer had owned the Telstar Facility and leased the Xiamen Facility as of
September 16 and was operating its Optoelectronics Business. Sellers may claim
no more than $200,000 for costs for the period from September 16 through
September 30 and may limit the expenditure incurred during the period from
September 16 through September 30, 2003 to $200,000 through appropriate
management controls.

                           (c)      If the Closing is delayed past September 15
and Sellers are prepared to close and all of the conditions set forth in Section
7.2 have been satisfied, other than Section 7.2(d), and the Title Company is
irrevocably committed to issue the Title Policy as set forth in Section 7.1(c),
Sellers shall be reimbursed for the costs incurred in Section 6.7(b) at the
Closing by deducting such amount from the proceeds from the sale of Inventory
payable to Buyer pursuant to the terms of Section 2.8 above. At the Closing,
Sellers shall provide a reconciliation to Buyer of the costs reimbursed by Buyer
pursuant to Section 6.7(b) together with the net proceeds from the sale of
Inventory pursuant to Section 2.8 (if any) after deducting the costs and
expenses reimbursable by Buyer described above. Sellers and Buyer shall meet
within 45 days after the Closing date to agree on the reconciliation of amounts
deducted from the proceeds from the sale of Inventory pursuant to Section
6.7(b).

                           (d)      Buyer and AXT shall meet within 45 days
after the Closing Date to determine and agree on the costs and expenses to be
reimbursed by Buyer to AXT pursuant to Section 6.7(a) above and costs related to
Section 6.7(b) if the Closing is delayed and either one

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<PAGE>

or more of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2 have not been satisfied,
other than Section 7.2(d), or the condition set forth in Section 7.1(c) shall
not have been satisfied as of September 15, 2003. Buyer shall pay the amount of
the expenses and costs owed under Section 6.7(a) and 6.7(b), if applicable, as
agreed in United States dollars within 30 days after the parties reach such
agreement. Should the parties fail to reach agreement within 50 days after the
Closing Date on the amount of the costs and expenses to be reimbursed to AXT
pursuant to Section 6.7(a), and 6.7(b), if applicable, either party may initiate
a "claim" under the dispute resolution procedure provided in Section 9.4 below.

                  6.8      Removal of Encumbrances. AXT shall cause all
Encumbrances identified on Schedule 6.8 to be removed within 15 days after the
Closing Date by filing a UCC termination statement executed by the holder of
such Encumbrance. AXT shall promptly provide a copy of the UCC termination
statement to Buyer.

                  6.9      Real Property Taxes and Other Expenses. The parties
agree that as between Buyer and Sellers, general real estate taxes on the
Telstar Facility ( "Real Property Taxes"), as well as all utility, maintenance,
insurance and other operating expenses of the Telstar Facility (collectively
with Real Property Taxes, "Property Expenses") for periods prior to the Closing
Date shall be Sellers' sole responsibility (other than as set forth in Section
6.7 above), and Property Expenses for the period from and after the Closing Date
shall be Buyer's sole responsibility, subject to the provisions of Section 6.7
above and the following provisions of this Section 6.9. Buyer and AXT shall meet
within 45 days after the Closing Date to determine and agree the costs and
expenses to be reimbursed by Buyer to AXT pursuant to this Section 6.9, and any
amounts due by one party to the other shall be paid as agreed in United States
dollars within 10 days after the parties reach such agreement. Should the
parties fail to reach agreement within 60 days after the Closing Date on the
amount of the costs and expenses to be paid by one party to the other pursuant
to this Section 6.9, the matter shall be submitted to dispute resolution as
provided in Section 9.4 below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein
shall be deemed to assign to Buyer any right of Sellers to appeal or apply for a
reduction in Real Property Taxes for periods attributable prior to the Closing
Date, and Sellers shall be entitled to pursue any and all such appeals after the
Closing Date at their expense, and Buyer expressly disclaims any interest
whatsoever in any tax reductions or credits obtained by Sellers in connection
therewith. In the event any such appeal or application by either party results
in a refund to Buyer of Real Property Taxes attributable to the period before
Closing Date, then Buyer shall pay such amounts to Sellers promptly after
receipt, reduced by a percentage of Buyer's expenses in connection with such
appeal or application equal to the percentage Sellers' portion of such refund
bears to the entire Tax refund paid to Buyer. In the event any such appeal or
application by either party results in a refund to Sellers of Real Property
Taxes attributable to the period after the Closing Date, then Sellers shall pay
such amounts to Buyer promptly after receipt, reduced by a percentage of
Sellers' expenses in connection with such appeal or application equal to the
percentage Buyer's portion of such refund bears to the entire Tax refund paid to
Sellers.

                  6.10     Payments Under Open Purchase or Sales Orders. If
Sellers, their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns
receive payment from any customer on any purchase or sales order the obligation
under which was fulfilled by Buyer or its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors
or assigns, rather than Sellers or their subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or
assigns, Sellers shall promptly remit such payment to Buyer. In addition, should
any of the

                                       36
<PAGE>

Assumed Contracts include open purchase orders, the fulfillment of which is done
by Buyer, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns after the Closing
Date, but for which Sellers, their subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or
assigns, receive payment from the customer, Sellers shall pay to Buyer the
payment that relates to the order fulfillment undertaken by Buyer, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, successors or assigns after the Effective Time.

                  6.11     Additional Documents and Further Assurances. Each
party hereto, at the request and expense of the other party hereto, shall use
all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to
effectuate the Acquisition and make effective the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof. Each further
agrees that it shall, and shall cause each of its affiliates to, from time to
time, execute and deliver to the other such additional instruments, documents,
conveyances or assurances and take such other action as shall be necessary or
otherwise reasonably requested to confirm and assure the rights and obligations
of Buyer to the Transferred Assets as provided for in this Agreement, and
effectively to vest in Buyer beneficial and record title to the Transferred
Assets, and to put Buyer in actual possession and operating control of such
Assets. At any time and from time to time after the Closing, at Buyer's request
and without further consideration, Sellers shall promptly execute and deliver
(or shall cause to be executed and delivered) such instruments of sale,
transfer, conveyance, assignment and confirmation, and take all such other
action as Buyer may reasonably request to effect the transfer, conveyance and
assignment of the Transferred Assets to Buyer, to assist Buyer in exercising all
rights with respect to the Transferred Assets and otherwise to carry out the
full purpose and intent of this Agreement, provided, however, that Buyer shall
be responsible for any and all incidental or of pocket fees or costs incurred by
Sellers as a result.

                  6.12     Mutual Covenant Not to Compete and Not to Solicit.

                           (a)      For the period beginning at the Effective
Time and ending at the five (5) year anniversary of the Effective Time, Sellers,
their subsidiaries, successors and assigns, shall not, without Buyer's prior
written consent, directly or indirectly, in any capacity: (i) develop, make,
market or sell LD, LED or VCSEL products or (ii) directly or indirectly, as
principal, partner, agent, servant, employee, shareholder, or otherwise,
anywhere in the world, engage or attempt to engage in any business activity
competitive with the business that develops, makes, markets or sells LD, LED or
VCSEL products; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not limit nor
prohibit AXT from operating its substrate business or developing, making,
marketing or selling its substrates products, to any customer wherever situated
and in any industry or market. The foregoing shall not prohibit Sellers from
owning beneficially (i) any security, so long as the beneficial ownership by it
constitutes (x) less than, in the case of a passive investment in publicly or
privately traded securities, five percent (5%) of the class of such security, or
(ii) any shares in an "investment company" (as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended).

                           (b)      For the period beginning at the Effective
Time and ending at the five (5) year anniversary of the Effective Time, Buyer,
its subsidiaries, successors and assigns, will not, without AXT's prior written
consent, directly or indirectly, in any capacity use the knowledge, expertise,
information, know how or other skills of any person identified on Schedule 6.12
hereto to develop, make, market or sell GaAs, InP, or Ge substrates.

                                       37
<PAGE>

                           (c)      Buyer and Sellers agree that for a period of
two (2) years following the Effective Date, neither shall: (i) solicit,
encourage, or take any other action which is intended to induce any employee of
the other to terminate his or her employment with such party, as the case may
be; or (ii) knowingly and intentionally interfere in any manner with the
contractual or employment relationship between the other party and any employee,
supplier or customer of such other party; provided, that neither party shall be
prohibited from making general, public solicitations for employment for any
position or from employing any current employee of the other party who contacts
the party on his or her own initiative and without impermissible solicitation by
such party; and provided, further, that the foregoing shall not prohibit or
limit Buyer from hiring employees of Sellers engaged in the Optoelectronics
Business.

                           (d)      Each party agrees that the covenants set
forth herein are necessary to preserve the value of the business operated by
each party after the Effective Time, and each party recognizes that the scope of
the restrictions and the foregoing territorial and time limitations are
reasonable and properly required for the adequate protection of the business of
the other party, including, following the Effective Time. Each party
acknowledges that the limitations of time, geographic scope and scope of
activity in this Section 6.12 are reasonable because, among other things, (i)
Sellers and Buyer are engaged in a highly competitive industry, (ii) management
of each party will have unique access to the trade secrets and know-how which
are an integral part of the business operated by the other party, and (iii) each
party is receiving value under the terms of this Agreement. The covenants
contained in this Section 6.12 shall be construed as a series of separate
covenants, one for each county, city, state and country. Except for geographic
scope, each such covenant shall be deemed identical in terms to the covenants
set forth herein. In the event the foregoing restrictions are deemed to be
unreasonable for any reason by any tribunal having jurisdiction, each party
agrees to request, and to submit to, a narrowing of the scope of the foregoing
restrictions or the reduction of either said territorial or time limitation to
such an area or period as shall be deemed reasonable by such tribunal.

                           (e)      The existence of any claim or cause of
action by one party to this Agreement against the other, if any, whether
predicated upon this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to
the enforcement by either party of the foregoing restrictive covenants but shall
be resolved by separate proceeding.

                           (f)      Each party agrees that it would be
impossible or inadequate to measure and calculate the damages that either party
would incur from any breach of the covenants set forth in this Section 6.12 and
that in the event of a breach by one party, the other party and its stockholders
would be irreparably harmed. Accordingly, each party agrees that if it breaches
any provision of this Section 6.12, the other party will have available, in
addition to any other right or remedy otherwise available, the right to seek an
injunction from a court of competent jurisdiction restraining such breach or
threatened breach and to specific performance of this Section 6.12. Each party
further agrees that no bond or other security shall be required in obtaining
such equitable relief, nor will proof of actual damages be required for such
equitable relief.

                           (g)      No waiver of any provision hereof shall be
effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of
either party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this

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<PAGE>

Section 6.12, or the waiver by either party of any breach of this Section 6.12,
shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be
deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.

                  6.13     Construction at Telstar Facility. AXT hereby agrees
to reimburse Buyer as follows for construction costs incurred by Buyer at the
Telstar Facility solely as a result of any modifications to the Improvements at
the Telstar Facility that Buyer is required to make by any Governmental Entity
in order to obtain an Environmental Permit and before such Governmental Entity
is willing to issue such Environmental Permit (the "Reimbursed Construction
Costs"). AXT shall pay Reimbursed Construction Costs of $20,000 per each
required modification, up to a total of three modifications, for an aggregate
maximum Reimbursed Construction Costs of $60,000. Reimbursed Construction Costs
shall include only the cost of physical labor and materials required to complete
the modifications required by the Governmental Entity, and costs or expenses
incurred for design, planning or documentation of such required modifications,
and shall not include any costs or expenses incurred in applying for or
obtaining any Permit and/or Approval, including any Environmental Permit. All
payments made under this Section shall be charged against the escrow established
hereunder and paid exclusively from the Escrow Funds and from no other source;
accordingly, if at the time the Reimbursed Construction Costs become due no
Escrow Funds remain in escrow, then no amounts will be payable to Buyer
hereunder and the obligation to pay Reimbursed Construction Costs will be
terminated.

                  6.14     Release of Encumbrances on Telstar Facility. AXT
shall, no later than 30 days after the Closing Date, provide an updated title
report showing that all Encumbrances listed on the Title Report that are not
Permitted Encumbrances have been released and removed.

         7.       Conditions to Closing.

                  7.1      Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Consummate
the Acquisition. The respective obligations of each party to consummate the
Acquisition will be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date
of the following conditions, except that, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, such conditions may be waived in writing by the joint action of the parties
hereto.

                           (a)      No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No
temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, or other order
issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or any other Governmental
Entities, or other legal or regulatory restraint or prohibition preventing the
consummation of the Acquisition will be and remain in effect, nor will there be
any action taken, or any law, statute, rule, regulation, decree or order been
enacted, adopted, entered, enforced, or deemed applicable to the Acquisition,
which remains in effect and which makes the consummation of the Acquisition
illegal.

                           (b)      Legal Proceedings. There will not be pending
any Legal Proceeding by any Governmental Entity or other person: (i) challenging
or seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Acquisition; (ii)
Except for the Cree Litigation, relating to the Acquisition and seeking to
obtain from Buyer or Sellers any damages or other relief that would be material
to either Buyer or Sellers; (iii) which would materially and adversely affect
the right of Buyer to own or use the Transferred Assets; or (iv) seeking to
compel Buyer or Sellers or any of their controlled affiliates to dispose of or
hold separate any material assets.

                                       39
<PAGE>

                           (c)      Title Policy and Telstar Facility Escrow.
The Title Company shall have irrevocably committed to issue to Buyer a standard
CLTA owner's policy of title insurance (the "Title Policy"). The Title Policy
shall be dated as of the Closing and shall insure Buyer's fee simple title to
the Telstar Facility in the dollar amount allocated to the Telstar Facility as
provided in Schedule 2.9, subject only to the Permitted Exceptions, and the
escrow on the transfer of title to the Telstar Facility shall be closed
concurrently with the Closing of the transfer of the other Transferred Assets.

                  7.2      Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. The obligations
of Buyer to consummate the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated under
the Agreement will be further subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the
Closing, of the following conditions, except as may be waived by Buyer in
writing:

                           (a)      Compliance With Agreements and Covenants.
Sellers will have performed and complied in all material respects with all of
their covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be
performed and complied with on or prior to the Closing Date.

                           (b)      Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of Sellers contained herein (i) will be true and
correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this Agreement, and
(ii) will also be true and correct, on and as of the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except for such
inaccuracies which in the aggregate do not constitute, and are not reasonably
expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect (disregarding for purposes of
evaluating whether subsection (b)(ii) of this condition is satisfied, any
"material adverse effect" or other materiality qualifications contained in such
representations and warranties).

                           (c)      Closing Certificate. Buyer will have
received a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and President of the Optoelectronics Division of AXT, dated the Closing
Date, certifying that the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(a) and 7.2(b) have
been satisfied.

                           (d)      Due Diligence. Buyer's Representatives shall
have completed to Buyer's satisfaction a due diligence review of the
Optoelectronics Business and the Transferred Assets pursuant to Section 5.1;
provided, however, that should Buyer agree to the Closing, Buyer will be deemed
to have determined that this condition has been fully met to its satisfaction or
waived by Buyer.

                           (e)      Opinion of Counsel. Sellers shall have
delivered the opinion of counsel in the form as is attached hereto as Exhibit
I-1.

                           (f)      Other Closing Documents. Buyer will have
received the executed Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, Grant
Deed, Trademark Assignment Agreement, Patent Assignment Agreement, Monterey Park
Lease, Tongmei Lease and assignment of the Xiamen Lease, and the Escrow
Agreement, and such other closing and transfer documents as Buyer will
reasonably request to effect and consummate the Acquisition and the

                                       40
<PAGE>

transactions contemplated hereby, in each case in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer and its counsel.

                  7.3      Conditions to Obligations of Sellers. The obligations
of Sellers to consummate the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated under
this Agreement will be further subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the
Closing, of the following conditions except as may be waived by Sellers in
writing:

                           (a)      Compliance with Agreements and Covenants.
Buyer will have performed and complied in all material respects with all of its
covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement, to be
performed and complied with on or prior to the Closing Date.

                           (b)      Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties of Buyer contained herein (i) will be true and
correct on and as of the date of this Agreement in all material respects, and
(ii) will also be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except for such
inaccuracies which, in the aggregate, do not constitute and are not reasonably
expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect (disregarding for purposes of
evaluating whether subsection (b)(ii) of this condition is satisfied, any
"material adverse effect" or other materiality qualifications contained in such
representations and warranties).

                           (c)      Closing Certificate. Sellers will have
received a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of Buyer, dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions set
forth in Section 7.3(a) and 7.3(b) have been satisfied.

                           (d)      Purchase Price. AXT will have received
payment of the Purchase Price provided for in Section 2.6.

                           (e)      Opinion of Counsel. Buyer shall have
delivered its opinion of counsel in the form as is attached hereto as Exhibit
I-2.

                           (f)      Other Closing Documents. Sellers will have
received the executed Bill of Sale, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, Grant
Deed, Trademark Assignment Agreement, Patent Assignment Agreement, Monterey Park
Lease, Tongmei Lease and assignment of the Xiamen Lease, and the Escrow
Agreement, and such other closing and transfer documents as Sellers will
reasonably request to effect and consummate the Acquisition and the transactions
contemplated hereby, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Sellers and their counsel.

         8.       Termination, Amendment and Waiver.

                  8.1      Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any
time prior to the Closing by any of the following actions taken or authorized by
the Board of Directors of the terminating party or parties:

                           (a)      By mutual written consent of Buyer and
Sellers;

                                       41
<PAGE>

                           (b)      By either Buyer or Sellers, if the Closing
shall not have occurred on or before September 30, 2003 (the "Termination
Date"); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this
Section 8.1(b) will not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any
obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the
failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before the Termination Date;

                           (c)      By either Buyer or Sellers, if any
Governmental Entity (i) shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken
any other action (which the parties shall have used their reasonable commercial
efforts to resist, resolve or lift, as applicable) restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such
order decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable
or (ii) shall have failed to issue an order, decree or ruling or to take any
other action, and such denial of a request to issue such order, decree, ruling
or to take such other action shall have become final and nonappealable (which
order, decree, ruling or other action the parties shall have used their
reasonable commercial efforts to obtain); provided, however, that the right to
terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(c) will not be available to any
party whose failure to use their reasonable commercial efforts has been the
cause of such action or inaction;

                           (d)      By Buyer if (i) any of Sellers'
representations and warranties shall have been inaccurate as of the date of this
Agreement or shall have become inaccurate as of a date subsequent to the date of
this Agreement (as if made on such subsequent date), such that the condition set
forth in Section 7.2(b) would not be satisfied or (ii) any of Sellers' covenants
contained in this Agreement shall have been breached such that the condition set
forth in Section 7.2(a) would not be satisfied; provided, however, that if an
inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of Sellers arising as of a date
subsequent to this Agreement is curable by Sellers by the Termination Date and
Sellers are continuing to exercise all reasonable efforts to cure such
inaccuracy, then Buyer may not terminate this Agreement under this Section
8.1(d) on account of such inaccuracy; or

                           (e)      By Sellers if (i) any of Buyer's
representations and warranties shall have been inaccurate as of the date of this
Agreement or shall have become inaccurate as of a date subsequent to the date of
this Agreement (as if made on such subsequent date), such that the condition set
forth in Section 7.3(b) would not be satisfied or (ii) if any of Buyer's
covenants contained in this Agreement shall have been breached such that the
condition set forth in Section 7.3(a) would not be satisfied; provided, however,
that if an inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of Buyer arising as
of a date subsequent to this Agreement is curable by Buyer by the Termination
Date and Buyer is continuing to exercise all reasonable efforts to cure such
inaccuracy, then Sellers may not terminate this Agreement under this Section
8.1(e) on account of such inaccuracy.

         In the event of termination of this Agreement and abandonment of the
Acquisition pursuant to this Section 8, no party hereto (or any of its directors
or officers) will have any liability or further obligation to any other party to
this Agreement, except that nothing herein will relieve any party from liability
for any breach of this Agreement.

                  8.2      Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except
by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

                                       42
<PAGE>

                  8.3      Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing,
the parties may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party, (b)
waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in this
Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or (c) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in this Agreement.
Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver will be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights
under this Agreement or otherwise will not constitute a waiver of such rights.

                  8.4      Notice of Termination. Any party wishing to terminate
this Agreement under Section 8.1 will deliver written notice to the other party,
setting forth the paragraph under Section 8.1 pursuant to which the Agreement is
being terminated and, unless obvious from the nature of the termination clause,
a description of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for such
termination; provided, that any failure to provide such additional details will
not affect the validity of the termination. Any such termination notice will be
delivered in accordance with Section 10.2 of this Agreement.

         9.       Indemnification and Escrow.

                  9.1      Indemnification.

                           (a)      Except as provided in Section 5.5 and
Section 6.5, all representations and warranties made by Sellers or Buyer herein
shall survive the Closing and continue in full force and effect until the date
that is the one year anniversary of the Closing Date. Neither Sellers nor Buyer
has made any representations or warranties to the other, other than as set forth
herein.

                           (b)      Subject to the limitations set forth in this
Section 9,

                                    (i)      Except as provided in Section 5.5
and Section 6.5, Sellers will indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its
subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, attorneys and employees, and each
person, if any, who controls or may control Buyer within the meaning of the
Securities Act (hereinafter referred to individually as a "Buyer Indemnified
Person" and collectively as "Buyer Indemnified Persons") from and against any
and all Losses, costs, diminution of value, damages, liabilities and expenses
and from any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action, including
reasonable legal fees (collectively, "Damages"), arising out of (A) any
misrepresentation or breach of or default in connection with any of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements given or made by Sellers
in this Agreement or in any exhibit or schedule to this Agreement, or in the
Tongmei Lease, or Monterey Park Lease, the MOCVD Equipment Lease or the China
Equipment Lease and (B) the Retained Liabilities.

                                    (ii)     Buyer will indemnify and hold
harmless Sellers and their respective officers, directors, agents, attorneys and
employees, and each person, if any, who controls or may control Sellers within
the meaning of the Securities Act (hereinafter referred to individually as a
"Seller Indemnified Person" and collectively as "Seller Indemnified Persons")

                                       43
<PAGE>

from and against any and all Damages arising out of (A) any misrepresentation or
breach of or default in connection with any of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements given or made by Buyer in this Agreement or in any
exhibit or schedule to this Agreement, or in the Tongmei Lease, Monterey Park
Lease, the MOCVD Equipment Lease or the China Equipment Lease and (B) the
Assumed Liabilities.

                                    (iii)    In the absence of fraud or
intentional misrepresentation, and except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, indemnification pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9 shall be
the sole and exclusive remedy of Sellers, Buyer and the other Indemnified
Parties for any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in
this Agreement. The maximum liability of either party to the other for any
breach of the representations and warranties set forth herein is limited to the
sum of $1,000,000; provided, however, that in no event shall the liability of
Sellers to Buyer, Luming, or any Buyer Indemnified Person (as defined in this
Agreement and in the Luming Agreement), individually or collectively, for any
breach of the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement and in
the Luming Agreement, exceed in the aggregate of $1,000,000. Buyer shall first
exhaust all remedies for Damages hereunder against the Escrow Fund. Unless
otherwise limited by any provision of this Agreement, any other liability of
Sellers or Buyer to the other party arising in connection with this Agreement
shall be limited to the sum of $9,600,000; provided, however, that in no event
shall the liability of Sellers to Buyer, Luming, or any Buyer Indemnified Person
(as defined in this Agreement and in the Luming Agreement), individually or
collectively, pursuant to this Agreement or to the Luming Agreement, exceed in
the aggregate the sum of $9,600,000. Furthermore, in no event shall the
liability of Buyer or Luming, individually or collectively, pursuant to this
Agreement or to the Luming Agreement, to Sellers or any Seller Indemnified
Person (as defined in this Agreement and in the Luming Agreement), exceed in the
aggregate the sum of $9,600,000. For any Damages of Buyer or any Buyer
Indemnified Person relating to or arising in connection with any breach by
Sellers of any representation or warranty concerning title to the Telstar
Facility, Buyer shall first look to the Title Policy to satisfy any claim
brought against Sellers concerning such breach.

                                    (iv)     Any breach of or default under this
Agreement by Buyer or Sellers shall also be and cause a breach of or default by
such party under the Luming Agreement. Any breach of or default under the Luming
Agreement by Luming or by Sellers shall also be and cause a breach of or default
under this Agreement.

                           (c)      General provisions regarding indemnification
rights:

                                    (i)      A party entitled to indemnification
hereunder will take all reasonable steps to mitigate all Damages upon and after
becoming aware of any event which could reasonably be expected to give rise to
Damages that are indemnifiable hereunder.

                                    (ii)     No party will be entitled to
indemnification to the extent any Tax or other benefits result from, or which
may be claimed as a result of the facts and circumstances related to, any
indemnifiable claim.

                                    (iii)    If any Damages are covered by
insurance or subject to other third party recoveries (collectively, "Third Party
Rights"), Buyer and AXT will use

                                       44
<PAGE>

reasonable commercial efforts to recover the amount of coverage or claim from
the insurer or such third party, which recovery (after deduction for costs of
collection) will reduce any related Damages hereunder. Each of Buyer and AXT
agrees to assign all third party rights to the other and to appoint the other as
its limited agent and attorney-in-fact for seeking such recovery to the extent
that such party fails to recover. Each party also agrees to cooperate with the
other in connection therewith. Such appointment as limited agent and
attorney-in-fact is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.

                                    (iv)     To the extent that an indemnifying
party discharges any claim for indemnification hereunder, the indemnifying party
will be subrogated to all rights of the indemnified party against third parties.

                  9.2      Escrow Fund. Within the time period described in
Section 2.6(b) above, the Escrow Fund shall be deposited with such banking
institution selected by Buyer with the reasonable consent of AXT as escrow agent
(the "Escrow Agent"), pursuant to the terms set forth herein and in the Escrow
Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit H. The escrow established under the Escrow
Agreement shall terminate and the Escrow Funds shall be released pursuant to the
terms of the Escrow Agreement on the one year anniversary of the Closing Date
(the "Escrow Termination"), except as otherwise provided in Section 6.5(d). The
Escrow Fund shall be made and held entirely in United States dollars. Any
interest or earnings thereon shall be for AXT's account. The Escrow Fund shall
be available to compensate Buyer for any breaches of the representations,
warranties or covenants made by Sellers in and pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.

                  9.3      Claims. Upon receipt by AXT or Buyer of a certificate
signed by any officer of the other party (an "Officer's Certificate") stating
that with respect to the indemnification obligations of such party set forth in
Section 9.1(a)(i) or (ii), Damages exist and specifying in reasonable detail the
individual items of such Damages included in the amount or estimated amount so
stated, the date each such item was paid, or properly accrued or arose, and the
nature of the misrepresentation, breach of warranty, covenant or claim to which
such item is related, AXT or Buyer will, as the case may be and subject to the
provisions of this Section 9, pay to the other, as promptly as practicable, an
amount in cash in value equal to such Damages.

                  9.4      ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES.

                           (a)      Within 30 days of receipt by Buyer or AXT,
as the case may be, of an Officer's Certificate, Buyer or AXT, as the case may
be, may object in writing to any claim or claims by Buyer or AXT, as the case
may be, made in any Officer's Certificate. Buyer or AXT, as the case may be,
will have thirty days to respond in a written statement to the objection of the
other party. If after such 30 day per period there remains a dispute as to any
claims, then Buyer and AXT will attempt in good faith for 60 days to agree upon
the rights of the respective parties with respect to each of such claims. To the
extent no agreement can be reached after good faith negotiation between the
parties, either AXT or Buyer may, by written notice to the other, demand
arbitration of the matter unless the amount of the Damages is at issue in
pending litigation or dispute with a third party, in which event arbitration
with respect to the specific portion of the claim at issue in the pending
litigation or dispute shall not be commenced until such amount is ascertained or
AXT and Buyer agree to arbitration; and in either such event the

                                       45
<PAGE>

matter will be settled by arbitration conducted by one arbitrator. AXT and Buyer
will agree on the arbitrator, provided that if AXT and Buyer cannot agree on
such arbitrator, either AXT or Buyer can request that JAMS select the
arbitrator. The arbitrator will set a limited time period and establish
procedures designed to reduce the cost and time for discovery while allowing the
parties an opportunity, adequate in the sole judgment of the arbitrator, to
discover relevant information from the opposing parties about the subject matter
of the dispute. The arbitrator will rule upon motions to compel or limit
discovery and will have the authority to impose sanctions, including attorneys'
fees and costs, to the same extent as a court of competent jurisdiction in law
or equity, should the arbitrator determine that discovery was sought without
substantial justification or that discovery was refused or objected to without
substantial justification. The decision of the arbitrator will be written, will
be in accordance with applicable law and with this Agreement, and will be
supported by written findings of fact and conclusion of law, which will set
forth the basis for the decision of the arbitrator. The decision of the
arbitrator as to the validity and amount of any claim in an Officer's
Certificate will be binding and conclusive upon the parties to this Agreement,
and notwithstanding anything in this Section 9, the parties will be entitled to
act in accordance with such decision.

                           (b)      Judgment upon any award rendered by the
arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Any such arbitration
will be held in Alameda County or Los Angeles, California, as may be mutually
agreed by the parties, under the commercial rules then in effect of the American
Arbitration Association. The non-prevailing party shall be as determined by the
arbitrator. The non-prevailing party to an arbitration will pay the fees of the
arbitrator and any administrative fee of JAMS, and the reasonable attorneys
fees, costs of suit and disbursements of the other party.

         NOTICE: BY INITIALING IN THE SPACE BELOW YOU ARE AGREEING TO HAVE ANY
DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE "ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES"
PROVISION DECIDED BY NEUTRAL ARBITRATION AS PROVIDED BY CALIFORNIA LAW AND YOU
ARE GIVING UP ANY RIGHTS YOU MIGHT POSSESS TO HAVE THE DISPUTE LITIGATED IN A
COURT OR JURY TRIAL. BY INITIALING IN THE SPACE BELOW YOU ARE GIVING UP YOUR
JUDICIAL RIGHTS TO APPEAL, UNLESS SUCH RIGHTS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE
"ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES" PROVISION. IF YOU REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO ARBITRATION
AFTER AGREEING TO THIS PROVISION, YOU MAY BE COMPELLED TO ARBITRATE UNDER THE
AUTHORITY OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. YOUR AGREEMENT TO THIS
ARBITRATION PROVISION IS VOLUNTARY. WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE FOREGOING
AND AGREE TO SUBMIT DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE MATTERS INCLUDED IN THE
"ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES" PROVISION TO NEUTRAL ARBITRATION.

Buyer's Initials___________      Sellers' Initials____________   ______________

                  9.5      Third-Party Claims. As used herein, an "Indemnified
Party" will refer to a Buyer Indemnified Party, or a Seller Indemnified Party,
as applicable, the "Notifying Party" will refer to the party hereto whose
Indemnified Parties are entitled to indemnification hereunder, and the
"Indemnifying Party" will refer to the party hereto obligated to indemnify such
Notifying Party's Indemnified Parties. In the event that any of the Indemnified
Parties is made a defendant

                                       46
<PAGE>

in or party to any action or proceeding, judicial or administrative, or is the
recipient of any order or directive in connection with any Environmental Laws,
instituted by or received from any third party for the liability or the costs or
expenses of which are Damages, the Notifying Party will give the Indemnifying
Party prompt notice thereof. The failure to give such notice will not affect any
Indemnified Party's ability to seek reimbursement unless such failure has
materially and adversely affected the Indemnifying Party's ability to defend
successfully a claim. The Indemnifying Party will be entitled to contest and
defend such claim; provided, that the Indemnifying Party (i) has a reasonable
basis for concluding that such defense may be successful and (ii) diligently
contests and defends such claim. Notice of the intention to so contest and
defend will be given by the Indemnifying Party to the Notifying Party within
twenty (20) business days after the Notifying Party's notice of such claim (but,
in all events, at least five (5) business days prior to the date that an answer
to such claim is due to be filed). Such contest and defense will be conducted by
reputable attorneys employed by the Indemnifying Party. The Notifying Party will
be entitled at any time, at its own cost and expense (which expense will not
constitute Damages unless the Notifying Party reasonably determines that the
Indemnifying Party is not adequately representing or, because of a conflict of
interest, may not adequately represent, any interests of the Indemnified
Parties, and only to the extent that such expenses are reasonable), to
participate in such contest and defense and to be represented by attorneys of
its or their own choosing. If the Notifying Party elects to participate in such
defense, the Notifying Party will cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the
conduct of such defense. Neither the Notifying Party nor the Indemnifying Party
may concede, settle or compromise any claim without the consent of the other
party, which consents will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if a claim seeks equitable relief or (ii) if
the subject matter of a claim relates to the ongoing business of any of the
Indemnified Parties, which claim, if decided against any of the Indemnified
Parties, would have a Material Adverse Effect on the ongoing business or
reputation of any of the Indemnified Parties, then, in each such case, the
Indemnified Parties alone will be entitled to contest, defend and settle such
claim in the first instance and, if the Indemnified Parties do not contest,
defend or settle such claim, the Indemnifying Party will then have the right to
contest and defend (but not settle) such claim.

         10.      General Provisions.

                  10.1     Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, each party to this Agreement will bear its respective fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and
performance of this Agreement and the Acquisitions, including all fees and
expense of its Representatives; provided, however, that in any suit properly
brought pursuant to the terms of Section 10.3 below, upon final determination in
such proceeding, the prevailing party as determined by a court of law shall be
entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit and disbursements in
addition to any other remedies or damages which may be properly awarded by the
court.

                  10.2     Notices. All notices, consents, waivers and other
communications required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be deemed given to a party when (a) delivered to the appropriate address
by hand or by nationally recognized overnight courier service (costs prepaid);
(b) sent by facsimile or e-mail with confirmation of transmission by the
transmitting equipment; or (c) received or rejected by the addressee, if sent by
certified mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the following
addresses, facsimile numbers or e-

                                       47
<PAGE>

mail addresses and marked to the attention of the person (by name or title)
designated below (or to such other address, facsimile number, e-mail address or
person as a party may designate by notice to the other parties):

                         (a)      if to Sellers, to:

                         AXT, Inc.
                         4281 Technology Drive
                         Fremont, California 94538
                         Attention:  Donald L. Tatzin
                         Fax: (510) 438-4793
                         Tel: (510) 683-5900

                         with a copy to:

                         Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP
                         2000 University Circle
                         East Palo Alto, California 94303-2248
                         Attention: Sally J. Rau, Esq.
                         Fax: (650) 833-2001
                         Tel: (650) 833-2000

                         (a)      if to Buyer, to:

                         Lumei Optoelectronics Corp.
                         9650 Telstar Avenue
                         El Monte, California 91731
                         Attention:
                         Fax: (510) 390-0287
                         Tel: (323) 838-0653

                         with a copy to:

                         The Corporate Law Group
                         Waterfront Plaza, Suite 120
                         500 Airport Boulevard
                         Burlingame, California 94010
                         Attention: Paul D. Marotta, Esq. or Jennifer Chen, Esq.
                         Fax: (650) 227-8001
                         Tel: (650) 227-8000

                  10.3     Jurisdiction; Service of Process. Except for claims
subject to arbitration as provided in Section 9.4 above, any Proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement or any Acquisition may be brought in the
courts of the State of California, County of Alameda or of Los Angeles as the
parties may mutually agree, or, if it has or can acquire jurisdiction, in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California or the
Southern District of California, as the case may be, and each of the parties
irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of

                                       48
<PAGE>

each such court in any such Proceeding, waives any objection it may now or
hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum, agrees that all claims in
respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined only in any such court
and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this
Agreement or any Acquisition in any other court. The parties agree that either
or both of them may file a copy of this paragraph with any court as written
evidence of the knowing, voluntary and bargained agreement between the parties
irrevocably to waive any objections to venue or to convenience of forum. Process
in any Proceeding referred to in the first sentence of this Section may be
served on any party anywhere in the world.

                  10.4     Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies
of the parties to this Agreement are cumulative and not alternative. Neither any
failure nor any delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege
under this Agreement or any of the documents referred to in this Agreement will
operate as a waiver of such right, power or privilege, and no single or partial
exercise of any such right, power or privilege will preclude any other or
further exercise of such right, power or privilege or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law,
(a) no claim or right arising out of this Agreement or any of the documents
referred to in this Agreement can be discharged by one party, in whole or in
part, by a waiver or renunciation of the claim or right unless in writing signed
by the other party; (b) no waiver that may be given by a party will be
applicable except in the specific instance for which it is given; and (c) no
notice to or demand on one party will be deemed to be a waiver of any obligation
of that party or of the right of the party giving such notice or demand to take
further action without notice or demand as provided in this Agreement or the
documents referred to in this Agreement.

                  10.5     Entire Agreement and Modification. This Agreement
supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties
with respect to its subject matter (including any letter of intent and any
confidentiality agreement between Buyer and AXT) and constitutes (along with the
Seller Disclosure Schedule, Buyer Disclosure Schedule and other documents
delivered pursuant to this Agreement) a complete and exclusive statement of the
terms of the agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter.
This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified except by
a written agreement executed by the party to be charged with the amendment.

                  10.6     Assignments, Successors and No Third-Party Rights. No
party may assign any of its rights or delegate any of its obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the
preceding sentence, this Agreement will apply to, be binding in all respects
upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of the
parties. Nothing expressed or referred to in this Agreement will be construed to
give any Person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal or equitable
right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision
of this Agreement, except such rights as shall inure to a successor or permitted
assignee pursuant to this Section 10.6.

                  10.7     Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is
held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other
provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision
of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will
remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

                                       49
<PAGE>

                  10.8     Construction. The headings of Sections in this
Agreement are provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction
or interpretation. All references to "Sections" refer to the corresponding
Sections of this Agreement.

                  10.9     Time of Essence. With regard to all dates and time
periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, time is of the essence.

                  10.10    Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and
construed under the laws of the State of California without regard to
conflicts-of-laws principles that would require the application of any other
law.

                  10.11    Execution of Agreement. This Agreement may be
executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an
original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, will be
deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this
Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile transmission shall constitute
effective execution and delivery of this Agreement as to the parties and may be
used in lieu of the original Agreement for all purposes. Signatures of the
parties transmitted by facsimile shall be deemed to be their original signatures
for all purposes.

                                       50

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first written above.

LUMEI OPTOELECTRONICS CORP., a               AXT, INC., a Delaware corporation
California corporation

By: /s/ Zhiguo Xiao                          By: /s/ Morris S. Young
   -------------------------                    -----------------------------
   Zhiguo Xiao                                  Morris S. Young
   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer         Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                Officer

By: /s/ Zhiqiang Xiao                        By: /s/ Donald L. Tatzin
   -------------------------                    -----------------------------
   Zhiqiang Xiao                                Donald L. Tatzin
   Chief Financial Officer                      Chief Financial Officer

BEIJING TONGMEI XTAL TECHNOLOGY,             LYTE OPTRONICS, INC., a Nevada
a corporation organized under the laws       corporation
of the People's Republic of China

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

XIAMEN ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR
CO., LTD., a corporation organized under the
laws of the People's Republic of China

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

                                       51<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.4

                       ----------------------------------

                                  EXULT, INC.,

                                     ISSUER

                                       AND

                          BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

                                     TRUSTEE

                               ------------------

                                    INDENTURE

                         Dated as of September 30, 2003

                               -------------------

               2.50% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2010

                       ----------------------------------

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION....................................................      1

         SECTION 1.1 Definitions.....................................................................................      1
         SECTION 1.2 Compliance Certificates and Opinions............................................................     11
         SECTION 1.3 Form of Documents Delivered to the Trustee......................................................     11
         SECTION 1.4 Acts of Holders of Securities...................................................................     12
         SECTION 1.5 Notices, Etc. to the Trustee and Company........................................................     14
         SECTION 1.6 Notice to Holders of Securities; Waiver.........................................................     14
         SECTION 1.7 Effect of Headings and Table of Contents........................................................     15
         SECTION 1.8 Successors and Assigns..........................................................................     15
         SECTION 1.9 Separability Clause.............................................................................     15
         SECTION 1.10 Benefits of Indenture..........................................................................     15
         SECTION 1.11 Governing Law..................................................................................     16
         SECTION 1.12 Legal Holidays.................................................................................     16
         SECTION 1.13 Conflict With Trust Indenture Act..............................................................     16

ARTICLE II SECURITY FORMS............................................................................................     16

         SECTION 2.1 Form Generally..................................................................................     16
         SECTION 2.2 Form of Security................................................................................     18
         SECTION 2.3 Form of Certificate of Authentication...........................................................     33
         SECTION 2.4 Form of Conversion Notice.......................................................................     34
         SECTION 2.5 Form of Assignment..............................................................................     35

ARTICLE III THE SECURITIES...........................................................................................     36

         SECTION 3.1 Title and Terms.................................................................................     36
         SECTION 3.2 Denominations...................................................................................     37
         SECTION 3.3 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating..................................................     37
         SECTION 3.4 Global Securities; Non-Global Securities; Book-entry Provisions.................................     37
         SECTION 3.5 Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange; Restrictions on Transfer...................     39
         SECTION 3.6 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.................................................     42
         SECTION 3.7 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved..................................................     43
         SECTION 3.8 Persons Deemed Owners...........................................................................     44
         SECTION 3.9 Cancellation....................................................................................     45
         SECTION 3.10 Computation of Interest........................................................................     45
         SECTION 3.11 CUSIP Numbers..................................................................................     45

ARTICLE IV SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE................................................................................     45

         SECTION 4.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.........................................................     45
         SECTION 4.2 Application of Trust Money......................................................................     47
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ARTICLE V REMEDIES...................................................................................................     47

         SECTION 5.1 Events of Default...............................................................................     47
         SECTION 5.2 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment..............................................     49
         SECTION 5.3 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.................................     50
         SECTION 5.4 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim................................................................     50
         SECTION 5.5 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.....................................     51
         SECTION 5.6 Application of Money Collected..................................................................     51
         SECTION 5.7 Limitation on Suits.............................................................................     52
         SECTION 5.8 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest and to Convert........     52
         SECTION 5.9 Restoration of Rights and Remedies..............................................................     53
         SECTION 5.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative.................................................................     53
         SECTION 5.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver...................................................................     53
         SECTION 5.12 Control by Holders of Securities...............................................................     53
         SECTION 5.13 Waiver of Past Defaults........................................................................     54
         SECTION 5.14 Undertaking for Costs..........................................................................     54
         SECTION 5.15 Waiver of Stay, Usury or Extension Laws........................................................     54

ARTICLE VI THE TRUSTEE...............................................................................................     55

         SECTION 6.1 Certain Duties and Responsibilities.............................................................     55
         SECTION 6.2 Notice of Defaults..............................................................................     56
         SECTION 6.3 Certain Rights of Trustee.......................................................................     56
         SECTION 6.4 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities..........................................     57
         SECTION 6.5 May Hold Securities, Act as Trustee under Other Indentures......................................     57
         SECTION 6.6 Money Held in Trust.............................................................................     58
         SECTION 6.7 Compensation and Reimbursement..................................................................     58
         SECTION 6.8 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.........................................................     59
         SECTION 6.9 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor...............................................     59
         SECTION 6.10 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.........................................................     60
         SECTION 6.11 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business....................................     61
         SECTION 6.12 Authenticating Agents..........................................................................     61
         SECTION 6.13 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests........................................................     63
         SECTION 6.14 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company..............................................     63

ARTICLE VII CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE.....................................................     63

         SECTION 7.1 Company May Consolidate, Etc. Only on Certain Terms.............................................     63
         SECTION 7.2 Successor Substituted...........................................................................     64

ARTICLE VIII SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.................................................................................     64

         SECTION 8.1 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders of Securities................................     64
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         SECTION 8.2 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders of Securities...................................     65
         SECTION 8.3 Execution of Supplemental Indentures............................................................     66
         SECTION 8.4 Effect of Supplemental Indentures...............................................................     66
         SECTION 8.5 Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures..............................................     66
         SECTION 8.6 Notice of Supplemental Indentures...............................................................     67

ARTICLE IX MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.........................................................................     67

         SECTION 9.1 Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called.......................................................     67
         SECTION 9.2 Call, Notice and Place of Meetings..............................................................     67
         SECTION 9.3 Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings............................................................     68
         SECTION 9.4 Quorum; Action..................................................................................     68
         SECTION 9.5 Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.............................     68
         SECTION 9.6 Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.................................................     69

ARTICLE X COVENANTS..................................................................................................     70

         SECTION 10.1 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.....................................................     70
         SECTION 10.2 Maintenance of Offices or Agencies.............................................................     70
         SECTION 10.3 Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust................................................     71
         SECTION 10.4 Existence......................................................................................     72
         SECTION 10.5 Maintenance of Properties......................................................................     72
         SECTION 10.6 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims..............................................................     72
         SECTION 10.7 Registration and Listing.......................................................................     73
         SECTION 10.8 Statement by Officers as to Default............................................................     73
         SECTION 10.9 Delivery of Certain Information................................................................     73
         SECTION 10.10 Resale of Certain Securities..................................................................     74
         SECTION 10.11 Registration Rights...........................................................................     74
         SECTION 10.12 Waiver of Certain Covenants...................................................................     75

ARTICLE XI REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES..................................................................................     75

         SECTION 11.1 Right of Redemption............................................................................     75
         SECTION 11.2 Applicability of Article.......................................................................     75
         SECTION 11.3 Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee..........................................................     75
         SECTION 11.4 Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed..............................................     75
         SECTION 11.5 Notice of Redemption...........................................................................     76
         SECTION 11.6 Deposit of Redemption Price....................................................................     77
         SECTION 11.7 Securities Payable on Redemption Date..........................................................     77
         SECTION 11.8 Conversion Arrangement on Call for Redemption..................................................     78

ARTICLE XII CONVERSION OF SECURITIES.................................................................................     79
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         SECTION 12.1 Conversion Privilege and Conversion Rate.......................................................     79
         SECTION 12.2 Exercise of Conversion Privilege...............................................................     82
         SECTION 12.3 Fractions of Shares............................................................................     83
         SECTION 12.4 Adjustment of Conversion Rate..................................................................     84
         SECTION 12.5 Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Rate.......................................................     89
         SECTION 12.6 Notice of Certain Corporate Action.............................................................     89
         SECTION 12.7 Company to Reserve Common Stock................................................................     90
         SECTION 12.8 Taxes on Conversions...........................................................................     90
         SECTION 12.9 Covenant as to Common Stock....................................................................     91
         SECTION 12.10 Cancellation of Converted Securities..........................................................     91
         SECTION 12.11 Provision in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets..................................     91
         SECTION 12.12 Rights Issued in Respect of Common Stock......................................................     92
         SECTION 12.13 Responsibility of Trustee for Conversion Provisions...........................................     93

ARTICLE XIII REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER....................................................     93

         SECTION 13.1 Right to Require Repurchase upon a Change in Control...........................................     93
         SECTION 13.2 Conditions to the Company's Election to Pay the Repurchase Price in Common Stock...............     94
         SECTION 13.3 Notices; Method of Exercising Repurchase Right, Etc............................................     95
         SECTION 13.4 Certain Definitions............................................................................     98
         SECTION 13.5 Consolidation, Merger, etc.....................................................................    100
         SECTION 13.6 Repurchase at the Option of the Holder on the Purchase Date....................................    100

ARTICLE XIV HOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY; NON-RECOURSE...........................................    102

         SECTION 14.1 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders......................................    102
         SECTION 14.2 Preservation of Information....................................................................    103
         SECTION 14.3 Reports by Trustee.............................................................................    103
         SECTION 14.4 Reports by Company.............................................................................    104

ARTICLE XV IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS...........................................    104

         SECTION 15.1 Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations..........................................    104
</TABLE>

                                      -iv-

<PAGE>

         INDENTURE, dated as of September 30, 2003, between EXULT, INC., a
corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
having its principal office at 121 Innovation Drive, Suite 200, Irvine,
California 92612 (herein called the "Company"), and BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY,
N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United
States, as Trustee hereunder (herein called the "Trustee").

                             RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

         The Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of its 2.50%
Convertible Senior Notes due October 1, 2010 (herein called the "Securities") of
substantially the tenor and amount hereinafter set forth, and to provide
therefor the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Indenture.

         All things necessary to make the Securities, when the Securities are
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered hereunder, the valid
obligations of the Company, and to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with their and its terms, have been done. Further, all
things necessary to duly authorize the issuance of the Common Stock of the
Company issuable upon the conversion of the Securities, and to duly reserve for
issuance the number of shares of Common Stock initially issuable upon such
conversion, have been done.

                   NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

         For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the
Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the
equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
             DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

SECTION 1.1       Definitions.

         For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

         (1)      the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned
to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

         (2)      all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States, and, except as otherwise herein expressly
provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to
any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting
principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation; and

         (3)      the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words
of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section or other subdivision.

<PAGE>

         "Act", when used with respect to any Holder of a Security, has the
meaning specified in Section 1.4.

         "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control", when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;
and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.

         "Agent Member" means any member of, or participant in, the Depositary.

         "Applicable Procedures" means, with respect to any transfer or
transaction involving a Global Security or beneficial interest therein, the
rules and procedures of DTC or any successor Depositary, in each case to the
extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.

         "Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized pursuant to Section
6.12 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities.

         "Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company
or any duly authorized committee of that board.

         "Board Resolution" means a resolution duly adopted by the Board of
Directors, a copy of which, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in
full force and effect on the date of such certification, shall have been
delivered to the Trustee.

         "Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, Place
of Conversion or any other place, as the case may be, means each Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking
institutions in such Place of Payment, Place of Conversion or other place, as
the case may be, are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

         "Change in Control" has the meaning specified in Section 13.4(2).

         "Closing Sale Price" means, with respect to the Common Stock, for any
day, (i) the last reported sale price regular way on the Nasdaq National Market
or (ii) if the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, the
last reported sale price regular way per share or, in case no such reported sale
takes place on such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked
prices regular way, in either case, on the principal national securities
exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, or (iii) if
the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market or listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the

                                       2

<PAGE>

average of the closing bid prices in the over-the-counter market as furnished by
any New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the
Company for that purpose.

         "Code" has the meaning specified in Section 2.l.

         "Commission" means the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act,
or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument such Commission is not
existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture
Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

         "Common Stock" means the Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of
the Company authorized at the date of this instrument as originally executed or
as such stock may be constituted from time to time. Subject to the provisions of
Section 12.11, shares issuable on conversion or repurchase of Securities shall
include only shares of Common Stock or shares of any class or classes of common
stock resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications thereof;
provided, however, that if at any time there shall be more than one such
resulting class, the shares so issuable on conversion of Securities shall
include shares of all such classes, and the shares of each such class then so
issuable shall be substantially in the proportion which the total number of
shares of such class resulting from all such reclassifications bears to the
total number of shares of all such classes resulting from all such
reclassifications.

         "common stock" includes any stock of any class of capital stock which
has no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
issuer thereof and which is not subject to redemption by the issuer thereof.

         "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first
paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Company" shall mean such successor Person.

         "Company Notice" has the meaning specified in Section 13.3.

         "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order
(i) signed in the name of the Company by (A) one of its Chairman of the Board,
its Vice Chairman of the Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, an
Executive Vice President or a Vice President, and by (B) one of its principal
financial officer, Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, and (ii) delivered to the Trustee.

         "Constituent Person" has the meaning specified in Section 12.11.

         "Conversion Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to
convert Securities in accordance with Article XII. The Company has initially
appointed the Trustee as its Conversion Agent pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof.

                                       3

<PAGE>

         "Conversion Date" means the date on which a Holder delivers its
Securities and a duly signed and completed conversion notice pursuant to this
Indenture.

         "Conversion Price" has the meaning specified in Section 13.4(3).

         "Conversion Rate" has the meaning specified in Section 12.1(c).

         "Conversion Value" has the meaning specified in Section 12.1(b).

         "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at which at
any particular time the trust created by this Indenture shall be principally
administered (which at the date of this Indenture is located at 1 Bank One
Plaza, Mail Suite IL1-0823, Chicago, IL 60671-0823, Attention: Corporate Trust
Services (Exult, Inc., 2.50% Convertible Senior Notes due October 1, 2010)).

         "corporation" means a corporation, company, association, joint-stock
company or business trust.

         "Current Market Price" shall have the meaning specified in Section
12.4(3).

         "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 3.7.

         "Depositary" means, with respect to any Securities (including any
Global Securities), a clearing agency that is registered as such under the
Exchange Act and is designated by the Company to act as Depositary for such
Securities (or any successor securities clearing agency so registered).

         "Distribution Notice" has the meaning specified in Section 12.1(a).

         "Documents" has the meaning specified in Section 6.3(1).

         "Dollar" or "U.S. $" means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such
coin or currency of the United States as at the time shall be legal tender for
the payment of public and private debts.

         "DTC" means The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation.

         "Effective Failure" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2.

         "Effectiveness Period" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2.

         "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5.1.

         "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(or any successor statute), as amended from time to time.

         "Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 12.4(1)(v).

                                       4

<PAGE>

         "Expiration Time" has the meaning specified in Section 12.4(1)(v).

         "Global Security" means a Security that is registered in the Security
Register in the name of a Depositary or a nominee thereof.

         "Holder" means the Person in whose name the Security is registered in
the Security Register.

         "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as it may
from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof,
including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental
indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a
part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture,
respectively.

         "Initial Purchaser" means each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated and Banc of America Securities, LLC.

         "Initial Purchaser Option" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1.

         "Interest Payment Date" means the Stated Maturity of an installment of
interest on the Securities.

         "Instrument" has the meaning specified in Section 5.1.

         "Issue Date" means September 30, 2003.

         "Liquidated Damages" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2.

         "Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on
which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein or
herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of
acceleration, call for redemption, exercise of the purchase or repurchase right
set forth in Article XIII or otherwise.

         "Merger Notice" has the meaning specified in Section 12.1.

         "Non-electing Share" has the meaning specified in Section 12.11.

         "Non-Global Security" means any Security issued under the conditions
set forth in Section 3.4.

         "Notice of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 5.1.

         "Notice of Optional Repurchase" has the meaning specified in Section
13.6(b).

         "Notice of Withdrawal" has the meaning specified in Section 13.6(c).

                                       5
<PAGE>

         "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate (i) signed by (A) one of
the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive
Officer, the President, an Executive Vice President, a Senior Vice President or
a Vice President and by (B) one of the principal financial officer, the
Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
the Company, and (ii) delivered to the Trustee. One of the Officers signing any
Officers' Certificate required to be given pursuant to Section 10.8 shall be the
principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.

         "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be
counsel for the Company and who shall be acceptable to the Trustee in its
reasonable discretion.

         "Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the
date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture, except:

                  (i)      Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or
                           delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

                  (ii)     Securities for the payment or redemption of which
                           money in the necessary amount has been theretofore
                           deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other
                           than the Company) in trust or set aside and
                           segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company
                           shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of
                           such Securities, provided that if such Securities are
                           to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been
                           duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision
                           therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

                  (iii)    Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section
                           3.6 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other
                           Securities have been authenticated and delivered
                           pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such
                           Securities in respect of which there shall have been
                           presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it
                           that such Securities are held by a bona fide
                           purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid
                           obligations of the Company; and

                  (iv)     Securities converted into Common Stock pursuant to
                           Article XII;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of Outstanding Securities are present at a meeting of Holders
of Securities for quorum purposes or have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned
by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the
Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be
Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected
in relying upon any such determination as to the presence of a quorum or upon
any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver,
only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has been notified in
writing to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have
been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee is not
the Company or any other obligor upon the

                                       6

<PAGE>

Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor, and the
Trustee shall be protected in relying upon an Officer's Certificate to such
effect.

         "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the
principal of or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company and, except
as otherwise specifically set forth herein, such term shall include the Company
if it shall act as its own Paying Agent. The Company has initially appointed the
Trustee as its Paying Agent pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof.

         "Permitted GA Transaction" has the meaning specified in Section
13.4(4).

         "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, trust, estate, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

         "Place of Conversion" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1.

         "Place of Payment" has the meaning specified in Section 3.1.

         "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such
particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security
authenticated and delivered under Section 3.6 in exchange for or in lieu of a
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the
same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

         "Press Release" means any press release issued by the Company and
disseminated through any two of the following News Services: Reuters Business
News Services, Bloomberg News Services and Dow Jones & Company Inc. (or any
comparable news service if one or more of the foregoing are not then available).

         "Purchase Agreement" means the Purchase Agreement, dated as of
September 24, 2003, between the Company and the Initial Purchasers, as such
agreement may be amended from time to time.

         "Purchase Date" has the meaning specified in Section 13.6(a).

         "Purchase Notice" has the meaning specified in Section 13.6(a).

         "Purchase Price" has the meaning specified in Section 13.6(a).

         "Purchased Shares" has the meaning specified in Section 12.4(1)(v).

         "Purchasers" has the meaning specified in Section 11.8.

         "Qualified Institutional Buyer" shall mean a "qualified institutional
buyer" as defined in Rule 144A.

                                       7

<PAGE>

         "Record Date" means any Regular Record Date or Special Record Date.

         "Record Date Period" means the period from the close of business on any
Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date to the opening of
business on such Interest Payment Date.

         "Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this
Indenture.

         "Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed, means the price set forth in Section 2.2.

         "Registrable Securities" has the meaning specified in the Registration
Rights Agreement.

         "Registration Default" has the meaning specified in Section 2.2.

         "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2003, between the Company and the Initial
Purchasers, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

         "Regular Record Date" for interest payable in respect of any Security
on any Interest Payment means the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a
Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

         "Repurchase Date" has the meaning specified in Section 13.1.

         "Repurchase Price" has the meaning specified in Section 13.1.

         "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any
officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee with direct
responsibility for the administration of this Indenture and also means, with
respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such
matter is referred because of his knowledge and familiarity with the particular
subject.

         "Restricted Global Security" has the meaning specified in Section 2.1.

         "Restricted Non-Global Security" means any Non-Global Security bearing
the Restricted Securities Legend.

         "Restricted Securities" means all Securities required pursuant to
Section 3.5(3) to bear any Restricted Securities Legend. Such term includes the
Restricted Global Security.

         "Restricted Securities Legend" means, collectively, the legends
substantially in the forms of the legends required in the form of Security set
forth in Section 2.2 to be placed upon each Restricted Security.

                                       8

<PAGE>

         "Rights" means any common stock or preferred stock purchase right, as
the case may be, that all shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive under a
Rights Plan.

         "Rights Plan" shall mean a preferred shares rights plan or any similar
plan adopted by the Company.

         "Rule 144" means Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor
provision), as it may be amended from time to time.

         "Rule 144A" means Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or any successor
provision), as it may be amended from time to time.

         "Rule 144A Information" has the meaning specified in Section 10.9.

         "Securities" has the meaning ascribed to it in the first paragraph
under the caption "Recitals of the Company".

         "Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933 (or any
successor statute), as amended from time to time.

         "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective
meanings specified in Section 3.5(1)

         "Shelf Registration Statement" has the meaning specified in Section
2.2.

         "Significant Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
Subsidiary of the Company that (i) for the most recent completed fiscal year of
the Company, accounted for more than 10% of the consolidated revenues of the
Company or (ii) as of the end of such fiscal year, was the owner of more than
10% of the consolidated assets of the Company, all as set forth on the most
recently available consolidated financial statements of the Company for such
fiscal year.

         "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a
date fixed by the Company pursuant to Section 3.7.

         "Spin-off" has the meaning specified in Section 12.4(1)(v).

         "Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any
installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as
the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of
interest is due and payable.

         "Subsidiary" means a corporation, partnership, limited liability
corporation or any similar legal entity, more than 50% of the outstanding voting
stock or voting interests of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more
other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means
stock or

                                       9

<PAGE>

other similar interests in the corporation, partnership, limited liability
corporation or other entity which ordinarily has or have voting power for the
election of directors, or persons performing similar functions, whether at all
times or only so long as no senior class of stock or other interests has or have
such voting power by reason of any contingency.

         "Subsidiary Closing Price" means, with respect to the securities of a
Subsidiary distributed in a Spin-off, for any day, (i) the last reported sale
price regular way on the Nasdaq National Market or, (ii) if such security is not
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, the last reported sale price regular way
per share or, in case no such reported sale takes place on such day, the average
of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular way, in either case, on the
principal national securities exchange on which such security is listed or
admitted to trading, or (iii) if such security is not quoted on the Nasdaq
National Market or listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, the average of the closing bid prices in the over-the-counter market
as furnished by any New York Stock Exchange member firm selected from time to
time by the Company for that purpose.

         "Successor Security" of any particular Security means every Security
issued after, and evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced
by, such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any
Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.6 in exchange for or in
lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to
evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

         "Surrender Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form
set forth in Annex B.

         "Surrendered Securities" has the meaning given to such term in Annex B.

         "Trading Day" means (i) if the Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq
National Market or any other system of automated dissemination of quotations of
securities prices, days on which trades may be effected through such system,
(ii) if the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading on any national or
regional securities exchange, days on which such national or regional securities
exchange is open for business, or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a
national or regional securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market
or any other system of automated dissemination of quotation of securities
prices, days on which the Common Stock is traded regular way in the
over-the-counter market and for which a closing bid and a closing asked price
for the Common Stock are available.

         "Trading Price" has the meaning specified in Section 12.1(b).

         "Trigger Event" has the meaning specified in Section 12.12.

         "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and the
rules and regulations thereunder, as in force at the date as of which this
instrument was executed; provided, however, that in the event the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust Indenture Act" means,
to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
and the rules and regulations thereunder, as so amended.

                                       10

<PAGE>

         "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first
paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Trustee" shall mean such successor Trustee.

         "United States" means the United States of America (including the 50
States and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other
areas subject to its jurisdiction (its "possessions" including Puerto Rico, the
U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana
Islands).

         "Unrestricted Securities Certificate" means a certificate substantially
in the form set forth in Annex A.

SECTION 1.2 Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

         Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take
any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to
the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that there has been compliance with
all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the
proposed action and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such
counsel there has been compliance with all such conditions precedent, if any,
except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the
furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this
Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional
certificate or opinion need be furnished.

         Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (including certificates
provided for in Section 10.8) shall include:

         (1)      a statement that each individual signing such certificate or
opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating
thereto;

         (2)      a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in
such certificate or opinion are based;

         (3)      a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has
made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express
an informed opinion as to whether or not there has been compliance with such
covenant or condition; and

         (4)      a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
individual, there has been compliance with such condition or covenant.

SECTION 1.3 Form of Documents Delivered to the Trustee.

         In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but

                                       11

<PAGE>

one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and
one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may
certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

         Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based,
insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
with respect to the matters upon which such certificate or opinion is based are
erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as
it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, an officer or officers of the Company or any other Person
stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the
possession of the Company or such other Person, unless such counsel knows, or in
the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

         Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.

SECTION 1.4 Acts of Holders of Securities.

         (1)      Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be
given or taken by Holders of Securities may be embodied in and evidenced by (A)
one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in
person or by an agent or proxy duly appointed in writing by such Holders or (B)
the record of Holders of Securities voting in favor thereof, either in person or
by proxies duly appointed in writing, at any meeting of Holders of Securities
duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article IX. Such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record is
delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the
Company. The Trustee shall promptly deliver to the Company copies of all such
instruments and records delivered to the Trustee. Such instrument or instruments
and records (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein
sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders of Securities signing such
instrument or instruments and so voting at such meeting. Proof of execution of
any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent or proxy, or of
the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of
this Indenture and (subject to Section 6.1) conclusive in favor of the Trustee
and the Company if made in the manner provided in this Section. The record of
any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in
Section 9.6.

         (2)      The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such

                                       12

<PAGE>

execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual
capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof
of his authority.

         (3)      The principal amount and serial number of any Security held by
any Person, and the date of his holding the same, shall be proved by the
Security Register.

         (4)      The fact and date of execution of any such instrument or
writing and the authority of the Person executing the same may also be proved in
any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient; and the Trustee may in any
instance require further proof with respect to any of the matters referred to in
this Section 1.4.

         (5)      The Company may set any day as the record date for the purpose
of determining the Holders entitled to give or take any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, or to vote on
any action, authorized or permitted by this Indenture to be given or taken by
Holders. Promptly and in any case not later than 10 days after setting a record
date, the Company shall notify the Trustee and the Holders of such record date.
If not set by the Company prior to the first solicitation of a Holder made by
any Person in respect of any such action, or, in the case of any such vote,
prior to such vote, the record date for any such action or vote shall be the
30th day (or, if later, the date of the most recent list of Holders required to
be provided pursuant to Section 14.1) prior to such first solicitation or vote,
as the case may be. With regard to any record date, the Holders on such date (or
their duly appointed agents or proxies), and only such Persons, shall be
entitled to give or take, or vote on, the relevant action, whether or not such
Holders remain Holders after such record date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Company shall not set a record date for, and the provisions of this
paragraph shall not apply with respect to, any notice, declaration or direction
referred to in the next paragraph.

         Upon receipt by the Trustee from any Holder of (i) any notice of
default or breach referred to in Section 5.1(6), if such default or breach has
occurred and is continuing and the Trustee shall not have given such a notice to
the Company, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 5.2, if
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Trustee shall not
have given such a declaration to the Company, or (iii) any direction referred to
in Section 5.12, if the Trustee shall not have taken the action specified in
such direction, then, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), a record date
shall automatically and without any action by the Company or the Trustee be set
for determining the Holders entitled to join in such declaration or direction,
which record date shall be the close of business on the tenth day (or, if such
day is not a Business Day, the first Business Day thereafter) following the day
on which the Trustee receives such declaration or direction, and, with respect
to clause (i), the Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of
determining the Holders entitled to join in such notice of default. Promptly
after such receipt by the Trustee of any such declaration or direction referred
to in clause (ii) or (iii), and promptly after setting any record date with
respect to clause (i), and as soon as practicable thereafter, the Trustee shall
notify the Company and the Holders of any such record date so fixed. The Holders
on such record date (or their duly appointed agents or proxies), and only such
Persons, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration or direction,
whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such

                                       13

<PAGE>

record date; provided that, unless such notice, declaration or direction shall
have become effective by virtue of Holders of the requisite principal amount of
Securities on such record date (or their duly appointed agents or proxies)
having joined therein on or prior to the 90th day after such record date, such
notice, declaration or direction shall automatically and without any action by
any Person be canceled and of no further effect. Nothing in this paragraph shall
be construed to prevent a Holder (or a duly appointed agent or proxy thereof)
from giving, before or after the expiration of such 90-day period, a notice,
declaration or direction contrary to or different from, or, after the expiration
of such period, identical to, the notice, declaration or direction to which such
record date relates, in which event a new record date in respect thereof shall
be set pursuant to this paragraph. In addition, nothing in this paragraph shall
be construed to render ineffective any notice, declaration or direction of the
type referred to in this paragraph given at any time to the Trustee and the
Company by Holders (or their duly appointed agents or proxies) of the requisite
principal amount of Securities on the date such notice, declaration or direction
is so given.

         (6)      Except as provided in Sections 5.12 and 5.13, any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other Act
of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same
Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of
transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of
anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in
reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such
Security.

         (7)      The provisions of this Section 1.4 are subject to the
provisions of Section 9.5.

SECTION 1.5 Notices, Etc. to the Trustee and Company.

         Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
election, waiver or other Act of Holders of Securities or other document
provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to,
or filed with,

         (1)      the Trustee by any Holder of Securities or by the Company
shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or
filed in writing to or with a Responsible Officer of the Trustee and received at
its Corporate Trust Office.

         (2)      the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder of Securities
shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein
expressly provided) if in writing, mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or
telecopied and confirmed by mail, first-class postage prepaid, or delivered by
hand or overnight courier, addressed to the Company at 121 Innovation Drive,
Suite 200, Irvine, California, 92612 Attention: General Counsel, or at any other
address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

SECTION 1.6 Notice to Holders of Securities; Waiver.

         Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture
provides for notice to Holders of Securities of any event, such notice shall be
sufficiently given to Holders if in writing and

                                       14

<PAGE>

mailed, first-class postage prepaid or delivered by an overnight delivery
service, to each Holder of a Security affected by such event, at the address of
such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not earlier than the
earliest date and not later than the latest date prescribed for the giving of
such notice.

         Neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice
so mailed, to any particular Holder of a Security shall affect the sufficiency
of such notice with respect to other Holders of Securities. In case by reason of
the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall
be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification to Holders
of Securities as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld, shall constitute a sufficient notification
to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.

         Such notice shall be deemed to have been given when such notice is
mailed.

         Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may
be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either
before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such
notice. Waivers of notice by Holders of Securities shall be filed with the
Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of
any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

SECTION 1.7 Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

         The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are
for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

SECTION 1.8 Successors and Assigns.

         All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall
bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

SECTION 1.9 Separability Clause.

         In case any provision in this Indenture or the Securities shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 1.10 Benefits of Indenture.

         Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied,
shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors
hereunder, any Paying Agent, Conversion Agent and the Holders of Securities, any
benefit or legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

                                       15
<PAGE>

SECTION 1.11 Governing Law.

         THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

SECTION 1.12 Legal Holidays.

         In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date,
Repurchase Date, Purchase Date or Stated Maturity of any Security or the last
day on which a Holder of a Security has a right to convert his Security shall
not be a Business Day at a Place of Payment or Place of Conversion, as the case
may be, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the
Securities) payment of principal of, premium, if any, interest, or the payment
of the Redemption Price, Purchase Price or Repurchase Price (whether the same is
payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, as the case may be) with respect
to, or delivery for conversion of, such Security need not be made at such Place
of Payment or Place of Conversion, as the case may be, on or by such day, but
may be made on or by the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment
or Place of Conversion, as -the case may be, with the same force and effect as
if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repurchase Date, Purchase
Date or at the Stated Maturity or by such last day for conversion; provided,
however, that in the case that payment is made on such succeeding Business Day,
no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after
such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repurchase Date, Purchase Date,
Stated Maturity or last day for conversion, as the case may be.

SECTION 1.13 Conflict With Trust Indenture Act.

         If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision
of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under such Act to be a part of and
govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of
this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act
that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to
apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
Until such time as this Indenture shall be qualified under the Trust Indenture
Act, this Indenture, the Company and the Trustee shall be deemed for all
purposes hereof to be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act to the
same extent as would be the case if this Indenture were so qualified on the date
hereof.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                 SECURITY FORMS

SECTION 2.1 Form Generally.

         The Securities shall be in substantially the form set forth in this
Article, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other
variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such
letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or
endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any
securities

                                       16

<PAGE>

exchange, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations
thereunder (the "Code"), or as may, consistent herewith, be determined by the
officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof. All
Securities shall be in fully registered form.

         The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially
the form set forth in Section 2.3.

         Conversion notices shall be in substantially the form set forth in
Section 2.4.

         Repurchase notices shall be substantially in the form set forth in
Section 2.2.

         The Securities shall be printed, lithographed, typewritten or engraved
or produced by any combination of these methods or may be produced in any other
manner permitted by the rules of any automated quotation system or securities
exchange (including on steel engraved borders if so required by any securities
exchange upon which the Securities may be listed) on which the Securities may be
quoted or listed, as the case may be, all as determined by the officers
executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof.

         Upon their original issuance, Securities issued as contemplated by the
Purchase Agreement to Qualified Institutional Buyers in reliance on Rule 144A
shall be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities in definitive,
fully registered form without interest coupons and bearing the Restricted
Securities Legend. Such Global Security shall be registered in the name of DTC,
as Depositary, or its nominee and deposited with the Trustee, as custodian for
DTC, for credit by DTC to the respective accounts of beneficial owners of the
Securities represented thereby (or such other accounts as they may direct). Such
Global Security, together with its Successor Securities that are Global
Securities, are collectively herein called the "Restricted Global Security".

                                       17
<PAGE>

SECTION 2.2 Form of Security.

                                 [FORM OF FACE]

         [THE FOLLOWING LEGEND SHALL APPEAR ON THE FACE OF EACH RESTRICTED
SECURITY:

THIS NOTE AND ANY COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON THE CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE HAVE
NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE
OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF
THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE
EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY
RULE 144A THEREUNDER.

THIS NOTE AND ANY COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE
OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A PERSON WHO
THE TRANSFEROR REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE
MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT ACQUIRING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR
THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE
REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (3) TO AN
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR THAT IS AN "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" WITHIN THE MEANING OF
RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF
AVAILABLE), SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER'S AND THE TRUSTEE'S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH
TRANSFER, IF SUCH TRANSFER IS IN RESPECT OF AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
NOTES LESS THAN $50,000, TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING
CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AND
AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT OR (4) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE
SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

THIS NOTE, ANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE UPON ITS CONVERSION AND ANY
RELATED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED

                                       18
<PAGE>

FROM TIME TO TIME TO MODIFY THE RESTRICTIONS ON RESALES AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF
THIS NOTE AND ANY SUCH SHARES TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAW OR
REGULATION (OR THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF) OR IN PRACTICES RELATING TO THE
RESALE OR TRANSFER OF RESTRICTED SECURITIES GENERALLY. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE
AND ANY SUCH SHARES SHALL BE DEEMED BY THE ACCEPTANCE OF THIS NOTE AND ANY SUCH
SHARES TO HAVE AGREED TO ANY SUCH AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT.]

         [THE FOLLOWING LEGEND SHALL APPEAR ON THE FACE OF EACH GLOBAL SECURITY:

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY, WHICH MAY BE TREATED BY THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND
ANY AGENT THEREOF AS OWNER AND HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY FOR ALL PURPOSES.

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

UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR SECURITIES IN
DEFINITIVE REGISTERED FORM IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES REFERRED TO IN THE
INDENTURE, THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE
DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO
THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY
SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR
DEPOSITARY.]

                                       19

<PAGE>

                                   EXULT, INC.

               2.50% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2010

No.____________                                                      $_________

CUSIP NO. ___________

         EXULT, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws
of the State of Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term includes any
successor Person under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof), for
value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the
principal sum of ________United States Dollars (U.S.$________) [IF THIS SECURITY
IS A GLOBAL SECURITY, THEN INSERT -- (which principal amount may from time to
time be increased or decreased to such other principal amounts (which, taken
together with the principal amounts of all other Outstanding Securities, shall
not exceed $100,000,000 (or $110,000,000 if the Initial Purchaser Option is
exercised in full) by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee hereinafter
referred to in accordance with the Indenture)] on October 1, 2010, and to pay
interest thereon, from September 30, 2003, or from the most recent Interest
Payment Date (as defined below) to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for, semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 in each year (each, an
"Interest Payment Date"), commencing April 1, 2004, at the rate of 2.50% per
annum, until the principal hereof is due, and at the rate of 2.50% per annum on
any overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent permitted by law,
on any overdue interest.

         The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on
any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest, which shall be the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a Business
Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Except as
otherwise provided in the Indenture, any such interest not so punctually paid or
duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such
Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this
Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of
business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to
be fixed by the Company, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities
not less than 10 days prior to the Special Record Date, or be paid at any time
in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
automated quotation system or securities exchange on which the Securities may be
quoted or listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all
as more fully provided in the Indenture.

         Payments of principal shall be made upon the surrender of this Security
at the option of the Holder at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or at
such other office or agency of the Company as may be designated by it for such
purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in such lawful monies
of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be

                                       20
<PAGE>

legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, or at such other
offices or agencies as the Company may designate, by United States Dollar check
drawn on, or wire transfer to, a United States Dollar account (such a wire
transfer to be made only to a Holder of an aggregate principal amount of
Securities in excess of U.S. $5,000,000 and only if such Holder shall have
furnished wire instructions in writing to the Trustee no later than 15 days
prior to the relevant payment date).

         Payment of interest on this Security may be made by United States
Dollar check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear in the Security Register, or, upon written application by
the Holder to the Security Registrar setting forth wire instructions not later
than the relevant Record Date, by transfer to a United States Dollar account
(such a wire transfer to be made only to a Holder of an aggregate principal
amount of Securities in excess of U.S.$2,000,000 and only if such Holder shall
have furnished wire instructions in writing to the Trustee no later than 15 days
prior to the relevant payment date).

         Except as specifically provided herein and in the Indenture, the
Company shall not be required to make any payment with respect to any tax,
assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any government or any
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.

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

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

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

                                           EXULT, INC.

                                           By: __________________________
                                           Name:
                                           Title:

Attest:

By: _________________________
Name:
Title:

                                       21
<PAGE>

TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

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

Dated:

BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
as Trustee

By: _________________________________
          Authorized Signatory

                                       22
<PAGE>

                                [FORM OF REVERSE]

         This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the
Company designated as its "2.50% Convertible Senior Notes due October 1, 2010"
(herein called the "Securities"), limited in aggregate principal amount to U.S.
$100,000,000 (or $110,000,000 if the Initial Purchaser Option is exercised in
full), issued and to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of September 30,
2003 (herein called the "Indenture"), between the Company and Bank One Trust
Company, N.A., as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any
successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective
rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company,
the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the
Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. As provided in the
Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities are
exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of any
authorized denominations as requested by the Holder surrendering the same upon
surrender of the Security or Securities to be exchanged, at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee. The Trustee upon such surrender by the Holder will issue
the new Securities in the requested denominations.

         In any case where the due date for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), on any
Security or the last day on which a Holder of a Security has a right to convert
his Security shall be, at any Place of Payment or Place of Conversion as the
case may be, a day on which banking institutions at such Place of Payment or
Place of Conversion are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to
close, then payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest (including
Liquidated Damages, if any), or delivery for conversion of such Security need
not be made on or by such date at such place but may be made on or by the next
succeeding day at such place which is not a day on which banking institutions
are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close, with the same
force and effect as if made on the date for such payment or by such last day for
conversion, and no interest or Liquidated Damages shall accrue on the amount so
payable for the period after such date.

         No sinking fund is provided for the Securities.

         Subject to and in compliance with the Indenture, the Securities are
subject to purchase at the option of the Holder on October 1, 2008, in whole or
in part, at 100% of the principal amount of such Securities to be repurchased,
together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the
Purchase Date; provided, however, that installments of interest, if any, on
Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Purchase Date will be
payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor
Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates,
referred to on the face hereof all as provided in the Indenture.

         Subject to and in compliance with the Indenture, the Securities are
redeemable at the option of the Company at any time on or after October 5, 2008,
in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice to the
Holders prior to the Redemption Date at a Redemption Price payable in cash equal
to 100% of the principal amount (the "Redemption Price") together, in each

                                       23
<PAGE>

case, with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the
Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest, if any, on
Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be
payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor
Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates,
referred to on the face hereof all as provided in the Indenture.

         In the event of a redemption of the Securities, the Company will not be
required (a) to register the transfer or exchange of Securities for a period of
15 days immediately preceding the date notice is given identifying the serial
numbers of the Securities called for such redemption or (b) to register the
transfer or exchange of any Security, or portion thereof, called for redemption.

         Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of the Indenture,
the Holder of this Security is entitled, at its option, to convert any Security
that is an integral multiple of $1,000 into fully paid and nonassessable shares
(calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100th of a share) of Common
Stock of the Company at the Conversion Rate, determined as hereinafter provided,
in effect at the time of conversion and subject to the adjustments described
below, as follows:

                  (1)      if, on or prior to March 31, 2008, the Closing Sale
Price of the Common Stock for at least 20 Trading Days in the period of the 30
consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day of any fiscal quarter is
more than 110% of the then current Conversion Price on the Securities, then the
Holder thereof will be entitled to convert such Security during the immediately
following fiscal quarter;

                  (2)      if, on any date after March 31, 2008 and prior to the
Stated Maturity, the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock is more than 110% of
the then current Conversion Price on the Securities, then the Holder thereof
will be entitled to convert such Security at all times thereafter;

                  (3)      if the Company elects to call the Securities for
redemption on or after October 5, 2008 then the Holder thereof will be entitled
to convert such Security (or the portion of the Security called for redemption,
if less than all) until the close of business on the Business Day prior to the
Redemption Date.

                  (4)      if the Company distributes to all or substantially
all holders of Common Stock rights, options or warrants entitling them to
purchase Common Stock at less than the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on
the last day preceding the declaration for such distribution, then the Holder
thereof will be entitled to convert such Security in the period described below;

                  (5)      if the Company distributes to all or substantially
all holders of Common Stock cash, assets, debt securities or capital stock,
which distribution has a per share value as determined by the Board of Directors
exceeding 5% of the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on the last day
preceding the declaration for such distribution, then the Holder thereof will be
entitled to convert such Security in the period described below; or

                                       24
<PAGE>

                  (6)      if the Company becomes a party to a consolidation,
merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets where such
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets constitutes a Change in Control or such an event occurs that would have
been a Change in Control but for the exceptions (I) and (II) to the definition
of Change in Control immediately following Section 13.4(2)(iii) of the
Indenture, then the Holder thereof will be entitled to convert such Security in
the period described below.

         In the case of a distribution contemplated in clauses (4) and (5)
above, the Company will notify Holders at least 20 days prior to the ex-dividend
date for such distribution (the "Distribution Notice"). Once the Company has
given the Distribution Notice, Holders may surrender their Securities for
conversion at any time until the earlier of the close of business on the last
Business Day preceding the ex-dividend date or the Company's announcement that
such distribution will not take place. If in the future the Company adopts a
Rights Plan, Holders will not have any conversion right pursuant to clause (4)
above or otherwise, solely as a result of the issuance of Rights pursuant to the
Rights Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a distribution
contemplated in clauses (4) and (5) above, Holders may not convert the
Securities if the Holders may participate in such distribution without
converting their Securities. In the event of a consolidation, merger or sale of
all or substantially all of the Company's assets as contemplated in clause (6)
above, the Company will notify Holders at least 20 days prior to the anticipated
closing date of such transaction (the "Merger Notice"). Once the Company has
given the Merger Notice, the Holders may, in the event of such consolidation,
merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, as
contemplated in clause (6) above, surrender Securities for conversion at any
time from and after the date which is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective
date of such transaction until the date which is 15 days after the actual
effective date of such transaction.

         Furthermore, subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of
a Security is entitled, at its option, to convert the principal amount of this
Security (or any portion thereof equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple of
$1,000 in excess thereof) for the five Business Day period after any five
consecutive Trading Day period in which the average of the Trading Prices for
the Securities for such five Trading Day period was less than 95% of the average
Conversion Value for the Securities during such period; provided, however, if on
the Conversion Date, the Closing Sale Price of shares of Common Stock is greater
than the then current Conversion Price of the Securities and less than or equal
to 110% of the then current Conversion Price of the Securities, a Holder
surrenders its Securities for conversion and the Securities are not otherwise
convertible, then such Holder will receive (i) at the Company's option for a
Conversion Date on or before October 4, 2008, cash or Common Stock with a value
equal to the principal amount of such Holder's Securities on such Conversion
Date or (ii) for a Conversion Date on or after October 5, 2008, cash equal to
the principal amount of such Holder's Securities on such Conversion Date and for
such conversion the Company will not have the option to pay in Common Stock. The
Trustee will determine the average Trading Prices after being requested by the
Company to do so as more fully described in the Indenture. If the Company elects
to pay the Holder in Common Stock, the Common Stock will be valued at 100% of
the average Closing Sale Price of Common Stock for the five Trading Days ending
on the third Trading Day preceding the Conversion Date.

                                       25
<PAGE>

         A Holder may convert this Security, subject to the terms and conditions
provided above and in the Indenture, at any time on or before the close of
business on the date of Maturity (or in case the Holder hereof has exercised his
right to require the Company to purchase or repurchase this Security or the
Company has called this Security for redemption or such portion hereof, until
the Business Day immediately preceding, but (unless the Company defaults in
making the payment due upon redemption, purchase or repurchase, as the case may
be) not after, the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding
the Redemption Date, Purchase Date or Repurchase Date as the case may be) to
convert this Security (or any portion of the principal amount hereof that is an
integral multiple of U.S. $1,000, provided that the unconverted portion of such
principal amount is U.S. $1,000 or any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in
excess thereof) into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock of the
Company at an initial Conversion Rate of 85.034 shares of Common Stock for each
U.S. $1,000 principal amount of Securities (or at the then current adjusted
Conversion Rate if an adjustment has been made as provided in the Indenture) by
surrender of this Security, duly endorsed or assigned to the Company or in
blank.

         In order to convert this Security, the Holder shall deliver the
conversion notice hereon duly executed, to the Company at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, or at such other office or agency of the Company, subject
to any laws or regulations applicable thereto and subject to the right of the
Company to terminate the appointment of any Conversion Agent (as defined below)
as may be designated by it for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The
City of New York, or at such other offices or agencies as the Company may
designate (each a "Conversion Agent).

         In case such surrender shall be made during the period from the close
of business on any Regular Record Date next preceding any Interest Payment Date
to the opening of business on such Interest Payment Date, the conversion notice
shall be accompanied by payment in New York Clearing House or other funds
acceptable to the Company of an amount equal to the interest payable on such
Interest Payment Date on the principal amount of this Security then being
converted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Security or portion hereof has
been called for redemption on a Redemption Date, is repurchasable on a
Repurchase Date or purchasable on a Purchase Date occurring, in any such case,
during the period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date next
preceding any Interest Payment Date to the opening of business on such
succeeding Interest Payment Date, and as a result, the right to convert this
Security would otherwise terminate in such period if not exercised and this
Security is surrendered for conversion during such period, then the Holder of
this Security on such Regular Record Date will be entitled to receive the amount
of interest accruing hereon from the Interest Payment Date next preceding the
date of such conversion to such succeeding Interest Payment Date and the Holder
of this Security who converts this Security or a portion hereof during such
period shall not be required to pay such amount upon surrender of this Security
for conversion.

         Subject to the provisions of the preceding paragraph and, in the case
of a conversion after the close of business on the Regular Record Date next
preceding any Interest Payment Date and on or before the close of business on
such Interest Payment Date, to the right of the Holder of this Security (or any
Predecessor Security of record as of such Regular Record Date) to receive the
related

                                       26

<PAGE>

installment of interest to the extent and under the circumstances provided in
the Indenture, no cash payment or adjustment is to be made on conversion for
interest, if any, accrued hereon from the Interest Payment Date next preceding
the date of conversion, or for dividends on the Common Stock issued on
conversion hereof. The Company shall thereafter deliver to the Holder the fixed
number of shares of Common Stock (together with any cash adjustment, as provided
in the Indenture) into which this Security is convertible and such delivery will
be deemed to satisfy the Company's obligation to pay the principal amount of
this Security. No fractions of shares or scrip representing fractions of shares
will be issued on conversion, but instead of any fractional interest (calculated
to the nearest 1/100th of a share) the Company shall pay a cash adjustment as
provided in the Indenture.

         The Conversion Rate is subject to adjustment as provided in the
Indenture.

         In addition, the Indenture provides that in case of certain
consolidations or mergers to which the Company is a party or the conveyance,
transfer, sale or lease of all or substantially all of the property and assets
of the Company, the Indenture shall be amended, without the consent of any
Holders of Securities, so that this Security, if then Outstanding, will be
convertible thereafter, during the period this Security shall be convertible as
specified above, only into the kind and amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, sale
or lease by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company into
which this Security could have been converted immediately prior to such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, sale or lease (assuming such holder
of Common Stock is not a Constituent Person or an Affiliate of a Constituent
Person, failed to exercise any rights of election and received per share the
kind and amount received per share by a plurality of Non-electing Shares).

         If this Security is a Registrable Security (as defined in the
Indenture), then the Holder of this Security [IF THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL
SECURITY, THEN INSERT -- (including any Person that has a beneficial interest in
this Security)] and the Common Stock of the Company issuable upon conversion
hereof is entitled to the benefits of a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as
of September 30, 2003, between the Company and the Initial Purchasers (the
"Registration Rights Agreement"). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement,
the Company has agreed for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the
Registrable Securities that it will, at its expense, (a) within 90 days after
the Issue Date file a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf Registration
Statement") with the Commission with respect to resales of the Registrable
Securities, (b) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration
Statement to be declared effective by the Commission within 180 days after the
Issue Date of the Securities, provided, however, that the Company may, upon
written notice to all the Holders, postpone having the Shelf Registration
Statement declared effective for a reasonable period of time not to exceed 90
days if the Company possesses material non-public information and the Board of
Directors of the Company has determined in good faith that it is in the
Company's best interest to postpone having the Shelf Registration Statement
declared effective, and (c) use its reasonable best efforts to maintain such
Shelf Registration Statement effective under the Securities Act until the second
anniversary of the last date of original issuance of the Securities, or such
earlier date as provided in the Registration

                                       27

<PAGE>

Rights Agreement (the "Effectiveness Period"). The Company will be permitted to
suspend the use of the prospectus that is part of the Shelf Registration
Statement during certain periods of time as provided in the Registration Rights
Agreement.

         If (i) on or prior to 90 days following the Issue Date, a Shelf
Registration Statement has not been filed with the Commission, or (ii) on or
prior to the 180th day following the Issue Date, such Shelf Registration
Statement is not declared effective (each, a "Registration Default"), liquidated
damages ("Liquidated Damages") will accrue on the Registrable Securities
including the day following such Registration Default to but excluding the day
on which such Registration Default has been cured. Liquidated Damages will be
paid semi-annually in arrears, with the first semi-annual payment due on the
first Interest Payment Date, as applicable, in respect of the Registrable
Securities following the date on which such Liquidated Damages begin to accrue,
and will accrue at a rate per annum equal to one-quarter of one percent (0.25%)
of the principal amount of the Registrable Securities to and including the 90th
day following such Registration Default and at a rate per annum equal to
one-half of one percent (0.50%) thereof from and after the 91st day following
such Registration Default. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, in the
event that the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective (or the
Holders of Registrable Securities are otherwise prevented or restricted by the
Company from effecting sales pursuant thereto) (an "Effective Failure") during
the Effectiveness Period for more than 30 days, whether or not consecutive,
during any 90-day period or for more than 90 days, whether or not consecutive,
during any 12-month period, then Liquidated Damages will accrue at a rate per
annum equal to one-half of one percent (0.50%) of the principal amount of
Registrable Securities from the 31st day of the applicable 90-day period or the
91st day of the applicable 12-month period until the earlier of (A) such time as
the Effective Failure is cured or (B) the Effectiveness Period expires.
Liquidated Damages will accrue (1) with respect to a Restricted Security at the
rates set forth above, as applicable, on the principal amount of the Restricted
Securities and (2) in respect of the Common Stock issued upon conversion of the
Restricted Securities, at the rates set forth above, as applicable, applied to
the Conversion Price at that time. In no event shall the Company be required to
pay Liquidated Damages in excess of the applicable maximum amount of one-half of
one percent (0.50%) set forth above regardless of whether one or multiple
Registration Defaults or Effective Failures exist.

         Whenever in this Security there is a reference, in any context, to the
payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or in respect of,
any Security, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of
Liquidated Damages payable as described in the preceding paragraph to the extent
that, in such context, Liquidated Damages are, were or would be payable in
respect of such Security and express mention of the payment of Liquidated
Damages (if applicable) in any provisions of this Security shall not be
construed as excluding Liquidated Damages in those provisions of this Security
where such express mention is not made.

         If a Change in Control occurs, the Holder of this Security, at the
Holder's option, shall have the right, in accordance with the provisions of the
Indenture, to require the Company to repurchase this Security (or any portion of
the principal amount hereof that is at least U.S. $1,000 or an integral multiple
of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof, provided that the portion of the principal
amount of this

                                       28

<PAGE>

Security to be Outstanding after such repurchase is at least equal to U.S.
$1,000) for cash at a Repurchase Price equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof plus accrued interest, if any, to but excluding the Repurchase Date. At
the option of the Company, the Repurchase Price may be paid in cash or, subject
to the conditions provided in the Indenture, by delivery of shares of Common
Stock having a fair market value equal to the Repurchase Price. For purposes of
this paragraph, the fair market value of shares of Common Stock shall be
determined by the Company and shall be equal to 95% of the average of the
Closing Sale Price for the five consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding
and including the third Trading Day prior to the Repurchase Date.

         Whenever in this Security there is a reference, in any context, to the
principal of any Security as of any time, such reference shall be deemed to
include reference to the Repurchase Price payable in respect of such Security to
the extent that such Repurchase Price is, was or would be so payable at such
time, and express mention of the Repurchase Price in any provision of this
Security shall not be construed as excluding the Repurchase Price so payable in
those provisions of this Security when such express mention is not made.

         [If this Security is a Registrable Security and the Holder of this
Security [IF THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY, THEN INSERT -- (including any
Person that has a beneficial interest in this Security)] elects to sell this
Security pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement then, by its acceptance
hereof, such Holder of this Security agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Registration Rights Agreement relating to the Registrable Securities which are
the subject of such election.]

         [THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH SHALL APPEAR IN EACH GLOBAL SECURITY:

         In the event of a deposit or withdrawal of an interest in this
Security, including an exchange, transfer, redemption, repurchase or conversion
of this Security in part only, the Trustee, as custodian of the Depositary,
shall make an adjustment on its records to reflect such deposit or withdrawal in
accordance with the Applicable Procedures.]

         [THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH SHALL APPEAR IN EACH SECURITY THAT IS NOT A
GLOBAL SECURITY:

         In the event of redemption, repurchase or conversion of this Security
in part only, a new Security or Securities for the unredeemed, unrepurchased or
unconverted portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof.]

         If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the principal of
all the Securities, together with interest to the date of declaration, may be
declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and
payable, together with interest to the date of declaration, and (ii) interest on
any overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on overdue
interest, all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the
principal of and interest on the Securities shall terminate.

         The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of

                                       29

<PAGE>

the Securities under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee
with either (a) the written consent of the Holders of not less than a majority
in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding, or (b) by the
adoption of a resolution, at a meeting of Holders of the Outstanding Securities
at which a quorum is present, by the Holders of at least 66 2/3% in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities represented and entitled to vote
at such meeting. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders
of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities at the time
Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities, to waive compliance
by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past
defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver
by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder
and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued in
exchange therefore or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such consent or
waiver is made upon this Security or such other Security. Certain modifications
or amendments to the Indenture require the consent of the Holders of each
Outstanding Security affected.

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

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

         As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein
set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable on the Security Register
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the Corporate
Trust Office of the Trustee or at such other office or agency of the Company as
may be designated by it for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City
of New York (which shall initially be an office or agency of the Trustee), or at
such other offices or agencies as the Company may designate, duly endorsed by,
or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his
attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities,
of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be
issued to the designated transferee or transferees by the Registrar. No service
charge shall be made for any such

                                       30

<PAGE>

registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to recover any tax or other governmental charge payable in
connection therewith.

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

         No recourse for the payment of the principal, premium, if any or
interest, on this Security and no recourse under or upon any obligation,
covenant or agreement of the Company in the Indenture or any indenture
supplemental thereto or in any Security, or because of the creation of any
indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator,
stockholder, employee, agent, officer or director or subsidiary, as such, past,
present or future, of the Company or of any successor corporation, either
directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, whether by virtue
of any constitution, statute or rule of law or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance
hereof and as part of consideration for the issue hereof, expressly waived and
released.

         THE INDENTURE AND THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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

                                       31

<PAGE>

                                  ABBREVIATIONS

         The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription of the face
of this Security, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

<TABLE>
<S>       <C>                                           <C>                    <C>
TEN COM   as tenant in common                           UNIF GIFT MIN ACT      ______ Custodian ______
TEN ENT   as tenants by the entireties (Cust)                                     (Cust)         (Minor)
JT TEN    as joint tenants with right of                                       under Uniform Gifts to
          survivorship and not as tenants in common                            Minors Act _______
                                                                                          (State)
</TABLE>

         Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

                                       32

<PAGE>

                    ELECTION OF HOLDER TO REQUIRE REPURCHASE

         (1) Pursuant to Section 13.1 of the Indenture, the undersigned hereby
elects to have this Security repurchased by the Company.

         (2) The undersigned hereby directs the Trustee or the Company to pay it
or ______________ an amount in cash or, at the Company's election, Common Stock
valued as set forth in the Indenture, equal to 100% of the principal amount to
be repurchased (as set forth below), plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but
excluding, the Repurchase Date, as provided in the Indenture.

Dated:

___________________________________

___________________________________
Signature(s)

Signature(s) must be guaranteed by
an Eligible Guarantor Institution
with membership in an approved
signature guarantee program
pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

___________________________________
Signature Guaranteed

Principal amount to be repurchased
(at least U.S. $1,000 or an
integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in
excess thereof): _________________

Remaining principal amount
following such repurchase (not less
than U.S. $1,000): _____________

NOTICE: The signature to the foregoing election must correspond to the name as
written upon the face of this Security in every particular, without alteration
or any change whatsoever.

SECTION 2.3 Form of Certificate of Authentication.

         The Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be in substantially
the following form:

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

Dated:_______________________

                                       33
<PAGE>

         ____________________________
         as Trustee

         By:_________________________
            Authorized Signatory

SECTION 2.4 Form of Conversion Notice.

         A Holder's conversion notice shall be substantially in the following
form:

                                CONVERSION NOTICE

         The undersigned Holder of this Security hereby irrevocably exercises
the option to convert this Security, or any portion of the principal amount
hereof (which is U.S. $1,000 or an integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess
thereof, provided that the unconverted portion of such principal amount is U.S.
$1,000 or any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof) below
designated, into shares of Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture referred to in this Security, and directs that such shares, together
with a check in payment for any fractional share and any Securities representing
any unconverted principal amount hereof, be delivered to and be registered in
the name of the undersigned unless a different name has been indicated below. If
shares of Common Stock or Securities are to be registered in the name of a
Person other than the undersigned, (a) the undersigned will pay all transfer
taxes payable with respect thereto and (b) signature(s) must be guaranteed by an
Eligible Guarantor Institution with membership in an approved signature
guarantee program pursuant to Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended. Any amount required to be paid by the undersigned on account
of interest accompanies this Security.

Dated:____________                      ________________________________________
                                                      Signature(s)

If shares or Securities are to be registered in the name of a Person other than
the Holder, please print such Person's name and address:

_______________________________
(Name)

_______________________________

_______________________________
(Address)

_______________________________

                                       34

<PAGE>

Social Security or other Identification
Number, if any

_______________________________
Signature Guaranteed

If only a portion of the Securities is to be converted, please indicate:

1.       Principal amount to be converted: U.S. $ ___________

2.       Principal amount and denomination of Securities representing
         unconverted principal amount to be issued:

         Amount: U.S. $___________          Denominations: U.S. $____________

(U.S. $1,000 or any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof, provided
that the unconverted portion of such principal amount is U.S. $1,000 or any
integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof)

SETION 2.5 Form of Assignment.

         A Holder's assignment notice shall be substantially in the following
form:

                                   ASSIGNMENT

         For value received ________________ hereby sell(s), assign(s) and
transfer(s) unto ________________ (Please insert social security or other
identifying number of assignee) the within Security, and hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints ____________________ as attorney to transfer the said
Security on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the
premises.

Dated:______________                ___________________________________

                                            _______________________________
                                            Signature(s)

                                            Signature(s) must be guaranteed by
                                            an Eligible Guarantor Institution
                                            with membership in an approved
                                            signature guarantee program pursuant
                                            to Rule 17Ad - 15 under the
                                            Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                                            amended.

                                            _______________________________
                                            Signature Guaranteed

                                       35
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE III
                                 THE SECURITIES

SECTION 3.1 Title and Terms.

         The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated
and delivered under this Indenture is limited to U.S. $100,000,000 (or
$110,000,000 if the option set forth in Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement is
exercised in full (the "Initial Purchaser Option")), except for Securities
authenticated and delivered pursuant to Section 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 8.5, 12.2 or
13.3(5) in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities previously
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

         The Securities shall be known and designated as the "2.50% Convertible
Senior Notes due October 1, 2010" of the Company. Their Stated Maturity shall be
October 1, 2010 and they shall bear interest on their principal amount from
September 30, 2003, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 in
each year, commencing April 1, 2004, at the rate of 2.50% per annum until the
principal thereof is due and at the rate of 2.50% per annum on any overdue
principal and, to the extent permitted by law, on any overdue interest;
provided, however, that payments shall only be made on a Business Day as
provided in Section 1.12.

         The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities shall
be payable as provided in the form of Securities set forth in Section 2.2, and
the Repurchase Price, whether payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock,
shall be payable at such places as are identified in the Company Notice given
pursuant to Section 13.3 (any city in which any Paying Agent is located being
herein called a "Place of Payment").

         The Registrable Securities are entitled to the benefits of a
Registration Rights Agreement as provided in Section 10.11 and in the form of
Security set forth in Section 2.2. The Securities are entitled to the payment of
Liquidated Damages as provided by Section 10.11 and in the form of security set
forth in Section 2.2.

         The Securities are redeemable at the option of the Company at any time
on or after October 5, 2008, in whole or in part, subject to the conditions and
as otherwise provided in Article XI and in the form of Security set forth in
Section 2.2.

         The Securities shall be convertible as provided in Article XII (any
city in which any Conversion Agent is located being herein called a "Place of
Conversion").

         The Securities shall be subject to repurchase by the Company at the
option of the Holders on October 1, 2008, as provided in Article XIII.

                                       36

<PAGE>

SECTION 3.2 Denominations.

         The Securities shall be issuable only in registered form, without
coupons, in denominations of U.S. $1,000 and integral multiples of U.S. $1,000
in excess thereof.

SECTION 3.3 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

         The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its
Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its Chief Executive
Officer, its President, its Chief Financial Officer, one of its Executive Vice
Presidents, one of its Senior Vice Presidents or one of its Vice Presidents, and
attested by its Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries. Any such signature may be manual or facsimile.

         Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signature of individuals who
were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

         At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of
this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities executed by the Company to
the Trustee or to its order for authentication, together with a Company Order
for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in
accordance with such Company Order shall authenticate and make available for
delivery such Securities as in this Indenture provided.

         Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

         No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein
executed by the Trustee by manual signature of an authorized signatory, and such
certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only
evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered
hereunder.

SECTION 3.4 Global Securities; Non-Global Securities; Book-entry Provisions.

         (1)      Global Securities.

                  (i)      Each Global Security authenticated under this
Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated by the
Company for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such
Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global
Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.

                  (ii)     Except for exchanges of Global Securities for
definitive, Non-global Securities at the sole discretion of the Company, no
Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered,
and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be

                                       37

<PAGE>

registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global
Security or a nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the
Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global
Security or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered as such under the
Exchange Act or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in
fact do so or (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of
Default with respect to such Global Security. In such event, if a successor
Depositary for such Global Security is not appointed by the Company within 90
days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such
ineligibility, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an
Officers' Certificate directing the authentication and delivery of Securities,
will authenticate and deliver, Securities, in any authorized denominations in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security
in exchange for such Global Security.

                  (iii)    If any Global Security is to be exchanged for other
Securities or canceled in whole, it shall be surrendered by or on behalf of the
Depositary or its nominee to the Trustee, as Security Registrar, for exchange or
cancellation, as provided in this Article III. If any Global Security is to be
exchanged for other Securities or canceled in part, or if another Security is to
be exchanged in whole or in part for a beneficial interest in any Global
Security, in each case, as provided in Section 3.5, then either (A) such Global
Security shall be so surrendered for exchange or cancellation, as provided in
this Article III, or (B) the principal amount thereof shall be reduced or
increased by an amount equal to the portion thereof to be so exchanged or
canceled, or equal to the principal amount of such other Security to be so
exchanged for a beneficial interest therein, as the case may be, by means of an
appropriate adjustment made on the records of the Trustee, as Security
Registrar, whereupon the Trustee, in accordance with the Applicable Procedures,
shall instruct the Depositary or its authorized representative to make a
corresponding adjustment to its records. Upon any such surrender or adjustment
of a Global Security, the Trustee shall, subject to Section 3.5(3) and as
otherwise provided in this Article III, authenticate and deliver any Securities
issuable in exchange for such Global Security (or any portion thereof) to or
upon the order of, and registered in such names as may be directed by, the
Depositary or its authorized representative. Upon the request of the Trustee in
connection with the occurrence of any of the events specified in the preceding
paragraph, the Company shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable
supply of Securities that are not in the form of Global Securities. The Trustee
shall be entitled to rely upon any order, direction or request of the Depositary
or its authorized representative which is given or made pursuant to this Article
III if such order, direction or request is given or made in accordance with the
Applicable Procedures.

                  (iv)     Every Security authenticated and delivered upon
registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security
or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Article III or otherwise, shall
be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a registered Global
Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than
the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof, in which case such
Security shall be authenticated and delivered in definitive, fully registered
form, without interest coupons.

                                       38

<PAGE>

                  (v)      The Depositary or its nominee, as registered owner of
a Global Security, shall be the Holder of such Global Security for all purposes
under the Indenture and the Securities, and owners of beneficial interests in a
Global Security shall hold such interests pursuant to the Applicable Procedures.
Accordingly, any such owner's beneficial interest in a Global Security will be
shown only on, and the transfer of such interest shall be effected only through,
records maintained by the Depositary or its nominee or its Agent Members and
such owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be considered
the owners or holders thereof.

         (2)      Non-global Securities. Securities issued upon the events
described in Section 3.4(l)(ii) shall be in definitive, fully registered form,
without interest coupons, and shall bear the Restricted Securities Legend if and
as required by this Indenture.

SECTION  3.5 Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange; Restrictions
             on Transfer

         (1)      The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office
referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable
regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration
of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed
"Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers and
exchanges of Securities as herein provided.

         Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security at an
office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 10.2 for such
purpose, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more
new Securities of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal
amount and bearing such restrictive legends as may be required by this
Indenture.

         At the option of the Holder, and subject to the other provisions of
this Section 3.5, Securities may be exchanged for other Securities of any
authorized denomination and of a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender
of the Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any
Securities are so surrendered for exchange, and subject to the other provisions
of this Section 3.5, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is
entitled to receive. Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of
transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Security
Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee and the Security
Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing.

         All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities
surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

         No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Securities except as provided in Section 3.6, but the
Company may require payment of a sum

                                       39

<PAGE>

sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other
than exchanges pursuant to Section 3.4, 8.5, 12.2 or 13.3(5) (other than where
the shares of Common Stock are to be issued or delivered in a name other than
that of the Holder of the Security) not involving any transfer and other than
any stamp and other duties, if any, which may be imposed in connection with any
such transfer or exchange by the United States or any political subdivision
thereof or therein, which shall be paid by the Company.

         In the event of a redemption of the Securities, neither the Company nor
the Securities Registrar will be required (a) to register the transfer of or
exchange Securities for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date
notice is given identifying the serial numbers of the Securities called for such
redemption or (b) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security, or
portion thereof, called for redemption.

         (2)      Certain Transfers and Exchanges. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Indenture or the Securities, transfers and exchanges of
Securities and beneficial interests in a Global Security of the kinds specified
in this Section 3.5(2) shall be made only in accordance with this Section
3.5(2).

                  (i)      Restricted Global Security to Restricted Non-Global
Security. In the event that Non-global Securities are to be issued pursuant to
Section 3.4(1)(ii) in connection with any transfer of Securities, such transfer
may be effected only in accordance with the provisions of this clause (2)(i) and
subject to the Applicable Procedures. Upon receipt by the Trustee, as Security
Registrar, of (A) a Company Order from the Company directing the Trustee, as
Security Registrar, to (x) authenticate and deliver one or more Securities of
the same aggregate principal amount as the beneficial interest in the Restricted
Global Security to be transferred, such instructions to contain the name or
names of the designated transferee or transferees, the authorized denomination
or denominations of the Securities to be so issued and appropriate delivery
instructions and (y) decrease the beneficial interest of a specified Agent
Member's account in a Restricted Global Security by a specified principal amount
not greater than the principal amount of such Restricted Global Security, and
(B) such other certifications, legal opinions or other information as the
Company or the Trustee may reasonably require to confirm that such transfer is
being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to,
the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the Trustee, as
Security Registrar, shall decrease the principal amount of the Restricted Global
Security by the specified amount and authenticate and deliver Securities in
accordance with such instructions from the Company as provided in Section
3.4(1)(iii).

                  (ii)     Restricted Non-Global Security to Restricted Global
Security. If the Holder of a Restricted Security (other than a Global Security)
wishes at any time to transfer all or any portion of such Restricted Security to
a Person who wishes to take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial
interest in the Restricted Global Security, such transfer may be effected only
in accordance with the provisions of this clause (2)(ii) and subject to the
Applicable Procedures. Upon receipt by the Trustee, as Security Registrar, of
such Restricted Security as provided in

                                       40

<PAGE>

Section 3.5(1) and instructions from the Company directing that a beneficial
interest in the Restricted Global Security in a specified principal amount not
greater than the principal amount of such Security be credited to a specified
Agent Member's account, then the Trustee, as Security Registrar, shall cancel
such Restricted Security (and issue a new Restricted Security in respect of any
untransferred portion thereof) as provided in Section 3.5(1) and increase the
principal amount of the Restricted Global Security by the specified principal
amount as provided in Section 3.4(1)(iii).

                  (iii)    Exchanges Between Global Security and Non-Global
Security. A beneficial interest in a Global Security may be exchanged for a
Security that is not a Global Security only as provided in Section 3.4 or only
if such exchange occurs in connection with a transfer effected in accordance
with clause 2(i) above, provided that, if such interest is a beneficial interest
in the Restricted Global Security, then such interest shall be exchanged for a
Restricted Security (subject in each case to Section 3.5(3)). A Security that is
not a Global Security may be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global
Security only if such exchange occurs in connection with a transfer effected in
accordance with clause (2)(ii) above.

         (3)      Securities Act Legends. All Securities issued pursuant to this
Indenture, and all Successor Securities, shall bear the Restricted Securities
Legend and shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer specified therein,
subject to the following:

                  (i)      subject to the following clauses of this Section
3.5(3), a Security or any portion thereof that is exchanged, upon transfer or
otherwise, for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall bear the
Restricted Securities Legend borne by such Global Security for which the
Security was exchanged;

                  (ii)     subject to the following clauses of this Section
3.5(3), a new Security that is not a Global Security and is issued in exchange
for another Security (including a Global Security) or any portion thereof, upon
transfer or otherwise, shall bear the Restricted Securities Legend borne by the
Security for which the new Security was exchanged

                  (iii)    any Securities that are sold or otherwise disposed of
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act
(including the Shelf Registration Statement), together with their Successor
Securities shall not bear a Restricted Securities Legend; the Company shall
inform the Trustee in writing of the effective date of any such registration
statement registering the Securities under the Securities Act and shall notify
the Trustee at any time when prospectuses must be delivered with respect to
Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement. The Trustee shall
not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in
accordance with the aforementioned registration statement;

                  (iv)     at any time after the Securities may be freely
transferred without registration under the Sec urities Act or without being
subject to transfer restrictions pursuant to the Securities Act, a new Security
that does not bear a Restricted Securities Legend may be issued in exchange for
or in lieu of a Security (other than a Global Security) or any portion thereof
that bears such a legend if the Trustee has received an Unrestricted Securities
Certificate, satisfactory to the Trustee and duly

                                       41

<PAGE>

executed by the Holder of such Security bearing a Restricted Securities Legend
or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and after such date and receipt of
such certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver such new Security
in exchange for or in lieu of such other Security as provided in this Article
III;

                  (v)      a new Security that does not bear a Restricted
Securities Legend may be issued in exchange for or in lieu of a Security or any
portion thereof that bears such a legend if, in the Company's judgment, placing
such a legend upon such new Security is not necessary to ensure compliance with
the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and the Trustee, at the
direction of the Company, shall authenticate and deliver such a new Security as
provided in this Article III; and

                  (vi)     notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
 Section 3.5(3), a Successor Security of a Security that does not bear a
Restricted Securities Legend shall not bear such legend unless the Company has
reasonable cause to believe that such Successor Security is a "restricted
security" within the meaning of Rule 144, in which case the Trustee, at the
direction of the Company, shall authenticate and deliver a new Security bearing
a Restricted Securities Legend in exchange for such Successor Security as
provided in this Article III.

         (4)      Any stock certificate representing shares of Common Stock
issued upon conversion of the Securities shall bear the Restricted Securities
Legend borne by such Securities, to the extent required by this Indenture,
unless such shares of Common Stock have been sold pursuant to a registration
statement that has been declared effective under the Securities Act (and that
continues to be effective at the time of such transfer) or sold pursuant to Rule
144(k) of the Securities Act, or unless otherwise agreed by the Company in
writing with written notice thereof to the transfer agent for the Common Stock.
With respect to the transfer of shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of
the Securities that are restricted hereunder, any deliveries of certificates,
legal opinions or other instruments that would be required to be made to the
Security Registrar in the case of a transfer of Securities, as described above,
shall instead be made to the transfer agent for the Common Stock.

         (5)      Neither the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor any of their agents
shall (i) have any duty to monitor compliance with or with respect to any
federal or state or other securities or tax laws or (ii) have any duty to obtain
documentation on any transfers or exchanges other than as specifically required
hereunder.

SECTION 3.6 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities.

         If any mutilated  Security is surrendered  to the Trustee,  the Company
shall  execute  and the  Trustee  shall  authenticate  and  deliver in  exchange
therefor a new Security of like tenor and principal  amount and bearing a number
not contemporaneously outstanding.

         If there be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee:

                                       42

<PAGE>

         (1)      evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or
theft of any Security, and

         (2)      such security or indemnity as may be satisfactory to the
 Company and the Trustee to save each of them and any agent of either of them
harmless, then, in the absence of actual notice to the Company or the Trustee
that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such
destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of like tenor and principal
amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

         In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has
become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion, but
subject to any conversion rights, may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay
such Security, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the preceding
paragraph.

         Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section 3.6, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto (other than any
stamp and other duties, if any, which may be imposed in connection therewith by
the United States or any political subdivision thereof or therein, which shall
be paid by the Company) and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses
of the Trustee) connected therewith.

         Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section 3.6 in lieu of any
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original
additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone,
and such new Security shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture
equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities duly issued
hereunder.

         The provisions of this Section 3.6 are exclusive and shall preclude (to
the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies of any Holder with respect to
the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

SECTION 3.7 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

         Subject to the last paragraph of this Section 3.7, interest or
Liquidated Damages on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in
whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered
at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

         Any interest or Liquidated Damages on any Security that is payable, but
is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date
(herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder,
and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each
case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:

                                       43

<PAGE>

         (1)      The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted
Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a "Special
Record Date" for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in
the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the
amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security, the date of
the proposed payment and the Special Record Date, and at the same time the
Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate
amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of
the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause
provided. The Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest
shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of
the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee
of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee, in the name and at the
expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such
Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed,
first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder at such Holder's address as it
appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special
Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the
Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest
shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special
Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).

         (2)      The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any
other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities
exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee
of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be
deemed practicable by the Trustee.

         Subject to the provisions of this Section 3.7 and Section 3.5, each
Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in
exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest
accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

         Interest on any Security that is converted in accordance with Section
12.2 during a Record Date Period shall be payable in accordance with the Section
12.2 provisions of

SECTION  3.8 Persons Deemed Owners.

         Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent and any agent of the Company, the
Trustee or any Paying Agent may treat the Person in whose name such Security is
registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of
principal of, premium, if any, interest (subject to Section 3.7) (including
Liquidated Damages, if any), on such Security and for all other purposes
whatsoever, whether or not

                                       44

<PAGE>

such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent
nor any agent of the Company, the Trustee or any Paying Agent shall be affected
by notice to the contrary.

SECTION 3.9 Cancellation.

         All Securities surrendered for payment, purchase, repurchase,
redemption registration of transfer or exchange or conversion shall, if
surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee.
All Securities so delivered to the Trustee shall be canceled promptly by the
Trustee (or its agent). No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in
exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section 3.9. The
Trustee shall dispose of all canceled Securities in accordance with applicable
law and its customary practices in effect from time to time.

SECTION 3.10 Computation of Interest.

         Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months.

SECTION 3.11 CUSIP Numbers.

         The Company in issuing Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then
generally in use) in addition to serial numbers; if so, the Trustee shall use
such CUSIP numbers in addition to serial numbers in any notice of redemption or
repurchase as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state
that no representation is made as to the correctness of such CUSIP numbers
either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a
redemption or repurchase and that reliance may be placed only on the serial or
other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption
or repurchase shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such CUSIP
numbers.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 4.1 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

         This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further
effect, and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper
instruments in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee acknowledging
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

         (1)      either

                  (i)      all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered (other than (A) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen
and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.6 and (B)
Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or
segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company
or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 10.3) have been delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation; or

                                       45
<PAGE>

                  (ii)     all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee or its agent for cancellation (other than Securities referred to in
clauses (A) and (B) of clause (1)(i) above)

                           (a) have become due and payable, or

                           (b) will have become due and payable at their Stated
Maturity within one year, or

                           (c) are to be called for redemption within one year
under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of
redemption by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company, and the
Company, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above, has deposited or caused to be
deposited with the Trustee as trust funds (immediately available to the Holders
in the case of clause (ii)(a) above) in trust for the purpose an amount in cash
sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium,
if any, interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any) to the date of such
deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the
Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;

         (2)      the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums
payable hereunder by the Company; and

         (3)      the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that there has been
compliance with all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

         Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, any
surviving rights of conversion, or registration of transfer or exchange, or
replacement of Securities expressly provided for herein or in the form of
Securities set forth in Section 2.2, the obligations of the Company to the
Trustee under Section 6.7, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating
Agent under Section 6.12, the obligation of the Company to pay Liquidated
Damages, if any, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to
clause (1)(ii) of this Section 4.1, the obligations of the Trustee under Section
4.2 and the last paragraph of Section 10.3 and the obligations of the Company
and the Trustee under Section 3.5 and Article XII shall survive.

                                       46
<PAGE>

SECTION 4.2 Application of Trust Money.

         Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.3, all
money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 and in accordance with
the provisions of Article XIII shall be held in trust for the sole benefit of
the Holders and such monies shall be applied by the Trustee, in accordance with
the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either
directly or through any Paying Agent, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the
principal, premium, if any and interest, for whose payment such money has been
deposited with the Trustee.

         All money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 (and held
by it or any Paying Agent) for the payment of Securities subsequently converted
shall be returned to the Company upon Company Request.

         The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or
other charge imposed or assessed against all money deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to Section 4.1 (other than income taxes and franchise taxes incurred or
payable by the Trustee and such other taxes, fees or charges incurred or payable
by the Trustee that are not directly the result of the deposit of such money
with the Trustee).

                                   ARTICLE V
                                    REMEDIES

SECTION 5.1 Events of Default.

         "Event of Default", wherever used herein, means any one of the
following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it
shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant
to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation
of any administrative or governmental body):

         (1)      default in the payment of any interest (including Liquidated
Damages, if any) upon any Security when it becomes due and payable, and
continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

         (2)      default in the payment of the principal on any Security at its
Maturity (including any Redemption Price, Repurchase Price or Purchase Price);
or

         (3)      any indebtedness under any bonds, debentures, notes or other
evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed (or guarantee thereof) by the
Company or any Subsidiary or under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under
which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any Subsidiary (an
"Instrument") in an aggregate principal amount in excess of U.S. $20,000,000,
whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, is not paid
at final maturity under any Instrument (either at its stated maturity or upon
acceleration thereof), and such indebtedness is not discharged, or such
acceleration is not rescinded or annulled, within a period of 30 days after
there

                                       47
<PAGE>

shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the
Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities a written notice specifying such
default and requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness to be discharged or
cause such default to be cured or waived or such acceleration to be rescinded or
annulled and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

         (4)      failure by the Company to give a Company Notice in accordance
with Section 13.3; or

         (5)      failure to deliver shares of Common Stock within 10 days after
such Common Stock is required to be delivered following conversion of the
Securities; or

         (6)      default or breach in the performance of any covenant of the
Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant a default in the performance of
which is specifically dealt with elsewhere in this Section 5.1), and continuance
of such default for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by
registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company
and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities a written notice specifying such default or breach and
requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of
Default" hereunder; or

         (7)      the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of
(A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary in
an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or State
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or
order adjudging the Company or any Subsidiary a bankrupt or insolvent, or
approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary
under any applicable federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver,
liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the
Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of the property of either,
or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of either of them, and
the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree
or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

         (8)      the commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary of a
voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or State bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or
proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by either
to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or such
Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or
State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the
commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against the
Company or any Subsidiary, or the filing by either of a petition or answer or
consent seeking reorganization or similar relief under any applicable federal or
State law, or the consent by either to the filing of such petition or to the
appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator,
assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any
Subsidiary or of any substantial part of the property of either, or the making

                                       48
<PAGE>

by the Company or any Subsidiary of an assignment for the benefit of creditors,
or the admission by the Company or any Subsidiary in writing of its inability to
pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by
the Company or any Subsidiary in furtherance of any such action.

SECTION 5.2 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

         If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in
Section 5.1(7) or 5.1(8)) occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities may declare the principal of, and any accrued interest
on, all the Securities to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing
to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such
declaration such principal and accrued interest thereon shall become immediately
due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(7) or 5.1(8)
occurs, the principal and accrued interest on of all the Securities shall, ipso
facto, become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other Act
of the Holders or any act on the part of the Trustee.

         At any time after such declaration of acceleration has been made and
before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by
the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article V provided, the Holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by written notice to the
Company and the Trustee, may, on behalf of all Holders, rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequences if:

         (1)      the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay

                  (i)      all overdue interest on all Securities;

                  (ii)     the principal of and premium, if any, on any
Securities that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate borne by the Securities;

                  (iii)    to the extent permitted by applicable law, interest
upon overdue interest at a rate of 2.5% per annum; and

                  (iv)     all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder
and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel;

         (2)      all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the
principal of and any premium and interest on Securities which have become due
solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as
provided in Section 5.13; and

         (3)      such rescission and annulment would not conflict with any
judgment or decree issued in appropriate judicial proceedings regarding the
payment by the Trustee to the Holders of the amounts referred to in 5.2(1).

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<PAGE>

         No rescission or annulment referred to above shall affect any
subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 5.3 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

         The Company covenants that if:

         (1)      default is made in the payment of interest (including
Liquidated Damages, if any) on any Security when it becomes due and payable and
such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

         (2)      default is made in the payment of the principal of or premium,
if any, on any Security at the Maturity thereof,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such
Securities for principal and interest (including any Liquidated Damages),
interest on any overdue principal and premium, and to the extent permitted by
applicable law, interest upon overdue interest (including Liquidated Damages, if
any) at a rate of 2.50% per annum and such further amount as shall be sufficient
to cover the reasonable costs and expenses of collection, including the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel.

         If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand,
the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may
prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same
against the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities and collect the
moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of
the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities, wherever
situated.

         If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its
discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the
Holders of Securities by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee
shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for
the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in
aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper
remedy.

SECTION 5.4 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

         In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation,
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other
judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or the
creditors of either, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal or
interest of the Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or
by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have
made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest)
shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or
otherwise,

                                       50
<PAGE>

         (1)      to file a proof of claim for the whole amount of principal,
premium, if any, and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and
take such other actions, including participating as a member, voting or
otherwise, of any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter, and
to file such other papers or documents, in each of the foregoing cases, as may
be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including
any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances
of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders of Securities allowed
in such judicial proceeding, and

         (2)      to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or
deliverable on any such claim and to distribute the same; and any custodian,
receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official
in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of
Securities to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the
Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders of
Securities to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.7.

         Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security
any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the
Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to
vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Security in any such proceeding;
provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of such Holders, vote for the
election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official.

SECTION 5.5 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

         All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities
may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of
the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and
any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name
as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the
ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which judgment
has been recovered.

SECTION 5.6 Application of Money Collected.

         Any money or property collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article
V shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the
Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal,
premium, if any, or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the
notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender
thereof if fully paid:

         FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.7;

         SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal
of, premium, if any, interest (including Liquidated Damages) on the Securities
in respect of which or for the benefit

                                       51
<PAGE>

of which such money or property has been collected, ratably, without preference
or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such
Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest (including Liquidated
Damages), if any, respectively;

         THIRD: To such other Person or Persons, if any, to the extent entitled
thereto; and

         FOURTH: Any remaining amounts shall be repaid to the Company.

SECTION 5.7 Limitation on Suits.

         No Holder of any Security shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

         (1)      such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee
of a continuing Event of Default;

         (2)      the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities shall have made written request to the Trustee to
institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as
Trustee hereunder;

         (3)      such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee, and if
requested, shall have provided, reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses
and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

         (4)      the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice,
request and offer of indemnity (or if requested, receipt of indemnity) has
failed to institute any such proceeding; and

         (5)      no direction inconsistent with such written request has been
given to the Trustee during such 60 day period by the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, it being understood and intended
that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever
by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect,
disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or
seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to
enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and
for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.

SECTION 5.8 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and
            Interest and to Convert.

         Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of
any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to
receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to Section
3.7) interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), on such Security on the
respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of
redemption,

                                       52
<PAGE>

repurchase or purchase on the Redemption Date, Repurchase Date or Purchase Date,
as the case may be), and to convert such Security in accordance with Article
XII, and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and right to
convert, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such
Holder.

SECTION 5.9 Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

         If the Trustee or any Holder of a Security has instituted any
proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such
proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been
determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such
case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee
and the Holders of Securities shall be restored severally and respectively to
their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the
Trustee and such Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been
instituted.

SECTION 5.10 Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

         Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment
of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of
Section 3.6, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee
or to the Holders of Securities is intended to be exclusive of any other right
or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be
cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or
now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or
employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the
concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

SECTION 5.11 Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

         No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to
exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any
such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or any
acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article V or by law
to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities may be exercised from time to
time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or (subject to the
limitations contained in this Indenture) by the Holders of Securities as the
case may be.

SECTION 5.12 Control by Holders of Securities.

         Subject to Section 6.3, the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities shall have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee
or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, provided that

         (1)      such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law
or with this Indenture, and

                                       53
<PAGE>

         (2)      the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the
Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and

         (3)      the Trustee need not take any action that might involve it in
personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders of Securities not
consenting.

SECTION 5.13 Waiver of Past Defaults.

         The Holders, either (i) through the written consent of not less than a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities or (ii) by the
adoption of a resolution, at a meeting of Holders of the Outstanding Securities
at which a quorum is present, by the Holders of at least 66?% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities represented at such meeting, may on behalf
of the Holders of all the Securities waive any past default hereunder and its
consequences, except a default (A) in the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, or interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), on any Security, or
(B) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article VIII cannot
be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding
Security affected.

         Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event
of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every
purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

SECTION 5.14 Undertaking for Costs.

         All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by
his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its
discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under
this Indenture, or any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered
or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an
undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its
discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees,
against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and
good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the
provisions of this Section 5.14 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the
Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any
Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities, or to any suit instituted by any Holder of
any Security for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on any Security on or after the respective Stated Maturity or
Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption or
repurchase, on or after the Redemption Date, Repurchase Date or Purchase Date,
as the case may be) or for the enforcement of the right to convert any Security
in accordance with Article XII.

SECTION 5.15 Waiver of Stay, Usury or Extension Laws.

         The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that
it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim
or take the benefit or advantage of, any

                                       54
<PAGE>

stay, usury or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in
force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and
the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives
all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder,
delay or impede by reason of such law the execution of any power herein granted
to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as
though no such law had been enacted.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                   THE TRUSTEE

SECTION 6.1 Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

         (1)      Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,

                  (i)      the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and
only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied
covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;
and

                  (ii)     in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee
may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of
the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture, but in the case of
any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically
required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to
examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of
this Indenture, but not to verify the contents thereof.

         (2)      In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a
prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
own affairs.

         (3)      No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve
the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent
failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that

                  (i)      this paragraph (3) shall not be construed to limit
the effect of paragraph (1) of this Section;

                  (ii)     the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved
that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

                  (iii)    the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the
direction of the Holders of a majority in principal

                                       55
<PAGE>

amount of the Outstanding Securities relating to the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture; and

                  (iv)     no provision of this Indenture shall require the
Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial
liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise
of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for
believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk
or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

         (4)      Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision
of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or
affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this
Section.

SECTION 6.2 Notice of Defaults.

         Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default hereunder as to
which the Trustee has received written notice, the Trustee shall give to all
Holders of Securities, in the manner provided in Section 1.6, notice of such
default, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however,
that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Security the Trustee shall be protected in
withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive
committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the
Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the
interest of the Holders; and provided, further, that in the case of any default
of the character specified in Section 5.1(6), no such notice to Holders of
Securities shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof
or, if applicable, the cure period specified therein. For the purpose of this
Section, the term "default" means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of
time or both would become, an Event of Default.

SECTION 6.3 Certain Rights of Trustee.

         Subject to the provisions of Section 6.1:

         (1)      the Trustee may rely, and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting, upon any resolution, Officers' Certificate, other
certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon, other evidence of indebtedness or
other paper or document (collectively, the "Documents") believed by it to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties, and
the Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in such Documents;

         (2)      any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall
be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any
resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board
Resolution;

                                       56

<PAGE>

         (3)      whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee
shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking,
suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence
be the one specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its
part, request and rely upon an Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel;

         (4)      the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the
advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete
authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted
by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

         (5)      the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of
the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction
of any of the Holders of Securities pursuant to this Indenture, unless such
Holders shall have offered, and, if requested by the Trustee, delivered to the
Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or
direction;

         (6)      the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into
the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond,
debenture, note, coupon, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or
document, but the Trustee may make such further inquiry or investigation into
such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to
make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the
books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
and

         (7)      the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder
or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder.

SECTION 6.4 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

         The recitals contained herein and in the Securities (except the
Trustee's certificates of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of
the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness.
The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this
Indenture, of the Securities or of the Common Stock issuable upon the conversion
of the Securities. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or
application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

SECTION 6.5 May Hold Securities, Act as Trustee under Other Indentures.

         The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Conversion
Agent or any other agent of the Company or the Trustee, in its individual or any
other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise
deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee,
Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent or such other agent.

                                       57

<PAGE>

         The Trustee may become and act as trustee under other indentures under
which other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in other
securities, of the Company are outstanding in the same manner as if it were not
Trustee hereunder.

SECTION 6.6 Money Held in Trust.

         Money or property held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee
shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder
except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

SECTION 6.7 Compensation and Reimbursement.

         The Company agrees:

         (1)      to pay to the Trustee from time to time such reasonable
compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in
writing for its acceptance of this Indenture and for all services rendered by it
hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in
regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

         (2)      except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse
the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and
advances incurred or made by the Trustee (including costs and expenses of
enforcing this Indenture and defending itself against any claim (whether
asserted by the Company, any Holder of Securities or any other Person) or
liability in connection with the exercise of any of its powers or duties
hereunder) in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the
reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and
counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be
attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and

         (3)      to indemnify the Trustee (and its directors, officers,
employees and agents) for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability
or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of
or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust, including
the reasonable costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees of defending
itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

         To secure the Company's payment obligations to the Trustee in this
Section 6.7, the Trustee shall have a claim prior to the Securities on all money
or property held or controlled by the Trustee, other than money or property held
in trust to pay principal and interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any) on
the Securities.

         When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with
an Event of Default specified in Section 5.1(7) or Section 5.1(8), the expenses
(including the reasonable charges of its counsel) and the compensation for the
services are intended to constitute expenses of the administration under any
applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law.

                                       58

<PAGE>

         The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of this
Indenture or the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.

SECTION 6.8 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

         There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a Person
that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, having (or
be part of a holding company group with) a combined capital and surplus of at
least U.S. $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by federal or
state authority, and in good standing. The Trustee or an Affiliate of the
Trustee shall maintain an established place of business in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York. If such corporation publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the
combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition
so published. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in
the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article and a
successor shall be appointed pursuant to Section 6.9.

SECTION 6.9 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

         (1)      No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of
a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Section 6.10.

         (2)      The Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee
required by Section 6.10 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30
days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor
Trustee.

         (3)      The Trustee may be removed at any time by an Act of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities,
delivered to the Trustee and the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a
successor Trustee required by Section 6.10 shall not have been delivered to the
Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of removal, the removed
Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of
a successor Trustee.

         (4)      The Trustee may be removed at any time by the Company and the
Company may appoint a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article, provided, that
(i) there is not an Event of Default that is continuing at the time of removal,
(ii) the successor Trustee appointed by the Company meets the eligibility
requirements of Section 6.8, and (iii) such removal and resignation shall not
become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in
accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 6.10.

         (5)      If at any time:

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                  (i)      the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section
6.8 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by
any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at
least six months, or

                  (ii)     the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall
be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its
property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control
of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee, or (ii) subject to Section 5.14, any Holder of a Security who has been
a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of
himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor
Trustee.

         (6)      If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, the
Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee and
shall comply with the applicable requirements of this Section and Section 6.10.
If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the
occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee shall be appointed by Act of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so
appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance
with the applicable requirements of Section 6.10, become the successor Trustee
and supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor
Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities
and accepted appointment in the manner required by this Section and Section
6.10, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for
at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated,
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor
Trustee.

         (7)      The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each
removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee to all
Holders of Securities in the manner provided in Section 1.6. Each notice shall
include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust
Office.

SECTION 6.10 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

         Every successor Trustee appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge
and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting
such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring
Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further
act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts
and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the
successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges,
execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the
rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder. Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the
Company shall execute any and all

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instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such
successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts.

         No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of
such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be eligible under this Article.

SECTION 6.11 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

         Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust
business of the Trustee (including the trust created by this Indenture), shall
be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be
otherwise eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any
paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any
Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then
in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such
authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities
so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself
authenticated such Securities.

SECTION 6.12 Authenticating Agents.

         The Trustee may, with the consent of the Company, appoint an
Authenticating Agent or Agents acceptable to the Company with respect to the
Securities, which Authenticating Agent shall be authorized to act on behalf of
the Trustee to authenticate Securities issued upon exchange or substitution
pursuant to this Indenture.

         Securities authenticated by an Authenticating Agent shall be entitled
to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all
purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder, and every reference in
this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee
or the Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be deemed to include
authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent
and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be subject to acceptance
by the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or
the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent and subject to supervision or examination by government or other fiscal
authority. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.12, such Authenticating Agent
shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this
Section 6.12.

         Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or
corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an
Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible
under this Section 6.12,

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without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

         An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate
the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of
resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 6.12, the Trustee may appoint a successor
Authenticating Agent which shall be subject to acceptance by the Company. Any
successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder
shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor
hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the
provisions of this Section 6.12.

         The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to
time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 6.12.

         If an Authenticating Agent is appointed with respect to the Securities
pursuant to this Section 6.12, the Securities may have endorsed thereon, in
addition to or in lieu of the Trustee's certification of authentication, an
alternative certificate of authentication in the following form:

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

                                     BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
                                     as Trustee

                                     By:
                                     ___________________________________________
                                     as Authenticating Agent

                                     By:
                                     ___________________________________________
                                     Authorized Signatory

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<PAGE>

SECTION 6.13 Disqualification; Conflicting Interests.

         If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the
meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such
interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to
the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture.

SECTION 6.14 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

         If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company
(or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against
the Company (or any such other obligor).

                                  ARTICLE VII
              CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

SECTION 7.1 Company May Consolidate, Etc. Only on Certain Terms.

         The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person
or convey, transfer, sell or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any Person, and the Company shall not permit any Person to
consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer, sell or lease
such Person's properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company
unless:

         (1)      the Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which
the Company is merged or the Person to which the properties and assets of the
Company are so conveyed, transferred, sold or leased shall be a corporation,
limited liability company, partnership or trust organized and validly existing
under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the
District of Columbia and, if other than the Company, shall expressly assume, by
an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form
satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), on all of
the Securities as applicable, and the performance or observance of every
covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or
observed and shall have provided for conversion rights in accordance with
Article XII;

         (2)      immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event
of Default, and no event that after notice or lapse of time or both, would
become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

         (3)      the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation,
merger, conveyance, transfer, sale or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is
required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply
with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating
to such transaction have been complied with, together with any documents
required under Section 8.3.

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<PAGE>

SECTION 7.2 Successor Substituted.

         Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company
into any other Person or any conveyance, transfer, sale or lease of all or
substantially all the properties and assets of the Company in accordance with
Section 7.1, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with
which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is
made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and
power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such
successor Person had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in
the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations
and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                             SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 8.1 Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders of Securities.

         Without the consent of any Holders of Securities the Company, when
authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to
time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto for any of the
following purposes:

         (1)      to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company
and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants and obligations of the
Company herein and in the Securities as permitted by Article VII of this
Indenture; or

         (2)      to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the
Holders of Securities or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon
the Company; or

         (3)      to secure the Securities; or

         (4)      to make provision with respect to the conversion rights of
Holders of Securities pursuant to Section 12.11 or to make provision with
respect to the repurchase rights of Holders of Securities pursuant to Section
13.5; or

         (5)      to make any changes or modifications to this Indenture
necessary in connection with the registration of any Registrable Securities
under the Securities Act as contemplated by Section 10.11, provided such action
pursuant to this clause (5) shall not adversely affect the interests of the
Holders of Securities in any material respect; or

         (6)      to comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or
the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder in order to effect or
maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, as
contemplated by this Indenture or otherwise; or

         (7)      to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
hereunder by a successor Trustee; or

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<PAGE>

         (8)      to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision
herein that may be inconsistent with any other provision herein or that is
otherwise defective, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under this Indenture as the Company and the Trustee may deem
necessary or desirable, provided such action pursuant to this clause (8) shall
not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities in any material
respect.

         Upon Company Request, accompanied by a Board Resolution authorizing the
execution of any such supplemental indenture, and subject to and upon receipt by
the Trustee of the documents described in Section 8.3 hereof, the Trustee shall
join with the Company in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized
or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate
agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained.

         Notwithstanding any other provision of the Indenture or the Securities,
the Registration Rights Agreement and the obligation to pay Liquidated Damages
thereunder may be amended, modified or waived in accordance with the provisions
of the Registration Rights Agreement.

SECTION 8.2 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders of Securities.

         With either (i) the written consent of the Holders of not less than a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by the Act
of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, or (ii) by the
adoption of a resolution, at a meeting of Holders of the Outstanding Securities
at which a quorum is present, by the Holders of at least 66 2/3% in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities represented at such meeting, the
Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into
an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of
this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of
Securities under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental
indenture shall, without the consent or affirmative vote of the Holder of each
Outstanding Security affected thereby,

         (1)      change the Stated Maturity of the principal of or any
installment of interest on any Security, or reduce the principal amount of, or
the premium, if any, the rate of interest payable thereon or reduce the amount
payable upon a redemption, purchase or repurchase, or change the place or
currency of payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any
Securities (including Liquidated Damages, if any) (except as may be effected
through an amendment with the Registration Rights Agreement in accordance with
its terms), or Redemption Price, Repurchase Price or Purchase Price in respect
of such Security) or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of
any payment in respect of any Security on or after the Stated Maturity thereof
(or, in the case of redemption or any repurchase, on or after the Redemption
Date, Repurchase Date or Purchase Date as the case may be) or, except as
permitted by Section 12.11, adversely affect the right of Holders to convert any
Security as provided in Article XII; or

         (2)      reduce the requirements of Section 9.4 for quorum or voting,
or reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities the
consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture or the
consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of

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<PAGE>

compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults
hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture; or

         (3)      modify the obligation of the Company to maintain an office or
agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, pursuant to Section
10.2; or

         (4)      modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 5.13
or 10.12, except to increase any percentage contained herein or therein or to
provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or
waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected
thereby; or

         (5)      modify the provisions of Article XIII in a manner adverse to
the Holders; or

         (6)      modify the provisions of Article XI in a manner adverse to the
Holders; or

         (7)      modify any of the provisions of Section 10.9.

         It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders of Securities under
this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental
indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance
thereof.

SECTION 8.3 Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

         In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of
the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive,
and (subject to Sections 6.1 and 6.3) shall be fully protected in relying upon,
an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture
is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, and that such supplemental
indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and
constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms. The Trustee may, but shall not
be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the
Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

SECTION 8.4 Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

         Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article,
this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental
indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder
of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
appertaining thereto shall be bound thereby.

SECTION 8.5 Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

         Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by
the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved

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<PAGE>

by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If
the Company shall so determine, new Securities so modified as to conform, in the
opinion of the Company and the Trustee, to any such supplemental indenture may
be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities.

SECTION 8.6 Notice of Supplemental Indentures.

         Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.2, the Company
shall give notice to all Holders of Securities of such fact, setting forth in
general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, in the manner
provided in Section 1.6. Any failure of the Company to give such notice, or any
defect therein, shall not in any way impair or affect the validity of any such
supplemental indenture.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                        MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

SECTION 9.1 Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called.

         A meeting of Holders of Securities may be called at any time and from
time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by
this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities.

SECTION 9.2 Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.

         (1)      The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of
Securities for any purpose specified in Section 9.1, to be held at such time and
at such place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, as the Trustee
shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities, setting forth
the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed
to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section
1.6, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the
meeting.

         (2)      In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board
Resolution, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the
Holders of Securities for any purpose specified in Section 9.1, by written
request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at
the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have mailed the notice of such meeting
within 21 days after receipt of such request or shall not thereafter proceed to
cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders
of Securities in the amount specified, as the case may be, may determine the
time and the place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for such
meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as
provided in paragraph (1) of this Section.

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<PAGE>

SECTION 9.3 Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.

         To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities, a
Person shall be (i) a Holder of one or more of the Outstanding Securities, or
(ii) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or
Holders of one or more of the Outstanding Securities by such Holder or Holders.
The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting
of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their
counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any
representatives of the Company and its counsel.

SECTION 9.4 Quorum; Action.

         The Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum
within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall,
if convened at the request of Holders of Securities, be dissolved. In any other
case, the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as
determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such
meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such
adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period not less than 10 days as
determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such
adjourned meeting (subject to repeated applications of this sentence). Notice of
the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section
9.2(1), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days
prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of
the reconvening of an adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage of
the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities that shall constitute a
quorum.

         Subject to the foregoing, at the reconvening of any meeting adjourned
for a lack of a quorum, the Persons entitled to vote 25% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities at the time shall constitute a quorum for the taking
of any action set forth in the notice of the original meeting.

         At a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a
quorum is present as aforesaid, any resolution and all matters (except as
limited by the proviso to Section 8.2 and except to the extent Section 10.12
requires a different vote) shall be effectively passed and decided if passed or
decided by the lesser of (i) the Holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities and (ii) the Persons entitled to
vote not less than 66?% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
represented and entitled to vote at such meeting.

         Any resolution passed or decisions taken at any meeting of Holders of
Securities duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the
Holders of Securities whether or not present or represented at the meeting. The
Trustee shall, in the name and at the expense of the Company, notify all the
Holders of Securities of any such resolutions or decisions pursuant to Section
1.6.

SECTION 9.5 Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.

         (1)      Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the
Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any
meeting of Holders of Securities in regard to

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<PAGE>

proof of the holding of Securities and of the appointment of proxies and in
regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and
examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote,
and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem
appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations,
the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 1.4
and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in
Section 1.4 or by having the signature of the Person executing the proxy
guaranteed by any bank, broker or other eligible institution participating in a
recognized medallion signature guarantee program.

         (2)      The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a
temporary chairman (which may be the Trustee) of the meeting, unless the meeting
shall have been called by the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in
Section 9.2(1), in which case the Company or the Holders of Securities calling
the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary
chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be
elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities represented at the meeting.

         (3)      At any meeting, each Holder of a Security or proxy shall be
entitled to one vote for each U.S. $1,000 principal amount of Securities held or
represented by him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at
any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled
by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the
meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a Holder of a Security or proxy.

         (4)      Any meeting of Holders of Securities duly called pursuant to
Section 9.2 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by
Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities represented at the meeting, and the meeting may be held as so
adjourned without further notice.

SECTION 9.6 Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.

         The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of
Securities shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the
signatures of the Holders of Securities or of their representatives by proxy and
the principal amounts at Stated Maturity and serial numbers of the Outstanding
Securities held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting
shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the
meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the
secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all
votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings
of each meeting of Holders of Securities shall be prepared by the secretary of
the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of
the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by
one or more Persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the
notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in
Section 9.2 and, if applicable, Section 9.4. Each copy shall be signed and
verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the
meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company and

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<PAGE>

another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have
attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and
verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.

                                    ARTICLE X
                                    COVENANTS

SECTION 10.1 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

         The Company covenants and agrees that it will duly and punctually pay
the principal of and premium, if any, and interest (including Liquidated
Damages, if any), on the Securities in accordance with the terms of the
Securities and this Indenture. The Company will deposit or cause to be deposited
with the Trustee or its nominee, no later than the opening of business on the
date of the Stated Maturity of any Security or no later than the opening of
business on the due date for any installment of interest, all payments so due,
which payments shall be in immediately available funds on the date of such
Stated Maturity or due date as the case may be.

SECTION 10.2 Maintenance of Offices or Agencies.

         The Company will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New
York, an office or agency where the Securities may be surrendered for
registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment or for
conversion, redemption or repurchase and where notices and demands to or upon
the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served. The
Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any
change in the location, of such office or agency not designated or appointed by
the Trustee. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required
office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof,
such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the
Corporate Trust Office or the office or agency of the Trustee in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York.

         The Company may at any time and from time to time vary or terminate the
appointment of any such agent or appoint any additional agents for any or all of
such purposes; provided, however, that until all of the Securities have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or moneys sufficient to pay the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Liquidated Damages, if
any), on the Securities have been made available for payment and either paid or
returned to the Company pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.3, the Company
will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or
agency where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment and
conversion, where Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or
exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the
Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt
written notice to the Trustee, and notice to the Holders in accordance with
Section 1.6, of the appointment or termination of any such agents and of the
location and any change in the location of any such office or agency.

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<PAGE>

         The Company hereby initially designates the Trustee as Paying Agent,
Security Registrar and Conversion Agent, and each of the Corporate Trust Office
of the Trustee and the office or agency of the Trustee in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, located at 55 Water Street, 1st Floor, Jeanette
Park Entrance, New York, NY 10041, Attention: Corporate Trust Services (Exult,
Inc. 2.50% Convertible Senior Notes due October 1, 2010) as one such office or
agency of the Company for each of the aforesaid purposes.

SECTION 10.3 Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust.

         If the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent, it will, on or before
each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, on any of the
Securities, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled
thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest, so
becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed
of as herein provided and the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its
action or failure so to act.

         Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it will, no
later than the opening of business on each due date of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, deposit with the Trustee a sum
in funds immediately payable on the payment date sufficient to pay the
principal, premium, if any, or interest, so becoming due, such sum to be held
for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium, if any, or
interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will
promptly notify the Trustee of any failure so to act.

         The Company will cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to
execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent
shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that
such Paying Agent will:

         (1)      hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest, on Securities for the benefit of the Persons
entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise
disposed of as herein provided;

         (2)      give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any
other obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any payment of principal,
premium, if any, or interest; and

         (3)      at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon
the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so
held by such Paying Agent.

         The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.

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         Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held
by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any,
or interest, on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after such
principal, premium, if any, or interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any),
has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or
(if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the
Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look
only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or
such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the
Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

SECTION 10.4 Existence.

         Subject to Article VII, the Company will do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence,
rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the
Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in
the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 10.5 Maintenance of Properties.

         The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of
its business and the business of its Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in
good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary
equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals,
replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of
the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection
therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided,
however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Company from
discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such
discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of
its business and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 10.6 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.

         The Company will pay or discharge, or cause to be paid or discharged,
before the same may become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any subsidiary or
upon the income, profits or property of the Company, or any subsidiary (ii) all
claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a
lien or charge upon the property of the Company, and (iii) subject to Section
12.8, all stamps and other duties, if any, which may be imposed by the United
States or any political subdivision thereof or therein in connection with the
issuance, transfer, exchange or conversion of any Securities or with respect to
this Indenture; provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii),
the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim (A) if the failure to do so
will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse impact on the Company, or
(B) if the amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings.

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SECTION 10.7 Registration and Listing.

         The Company will effect all registrations with, and obtain all
approvals by, all governmental authorities that may be necessary under any
United States Federal or state law (including the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act and state securities and Blue Sky laws) before the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of Securities are issued and delivered, and qualified
or listed as contemplated under the Registration Rights Agreement.

         Nothing in this Section will limit the application of Section 10.11.

SECTION 10.8 Statement by Officers as to Default.

         The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end
of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers'
Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof
the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms,
provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of
grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be
in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of
which they may have knowledge.

         The Company will deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon becoming aware
of any default or any Event of Default under the Indenture, an Officers'
Certificate specifying with particularity such default or Event of Default and
further stating what action the Company has taken, is taking or proposes to take
with respect thereto. For the purpose of this Section, the term "default" means
any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an
Event of Default.

         Any notice required to be given under this Section 10.8 shall be
delivered to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 10.9 Delivery of Certain Information.

         At any time when the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act, upon the request of a Holder of a Restricted Security or the
holder of shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof, the Company
will promptly furnish or cause to be furnished Rule 144A Information (as defined
below) to such Holder of Restricted Securities or such holder of shares of
Common Stock issued upon conversion of Restricted Securities, or to a
prospective purchaser of any such security designated by any such Holder or
holder, as the case may be, to the extent required to permit compliance by such
Holder or holder with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or any successor
provision thereto) in connection with the resale of any such security; provided,
however, that the Company shall not be required to furnish such information in
connection with any request made on or after the date that is two years from the
later of (i) the date such a security (or any such predecessor security) was
last acquired from the Company or (ii) the date such a security (or any such
predecessor security) was last acquired from an "affiliate" of the Company
within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor
provision thereto). "Rule 144A Information"

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shall be such information as is specified pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the
Securities Act (or any successor provision thereto).

SECTION 10.10 Resale of Certain Securities.

         During the period beginning on the last date of original issuance of
the Securities and ending on the date that is two years from such date (or such
shortened period under Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or any successor
rule), the Company will not, will not permit any of its Subsidiaries, and will
use its reasonable best efforts to not permit any other of its "affiliates" (as
defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor provision
thereto) to, resell (i) any Securities that constitute "restricted securities"
under Rule 144 or (ii) any securities into which the Securities have been
converted under this Indenture that constitute "restricted securities" under
Rule 144, that in either case have been reacquired by any of them. The Trustee
shall have no responsibility in respect of the Company's performance of its
agreement in the preceding sentence.

SECTION 10.11 Registration Rights.

         The Company agrees that the Holders from time to time of Registrable
Securities (as defined below) are entitled to the benefits of the Registration
Rights Agreement.

         For the purposes of the Registration Rights Agreement, "Registrable
Securities" means all or any portion of the Securities issued from time to time
under this Indenture in registered form and the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon conversion, repurchase or redemption of such Securities; provided, however,
that a security ceases to be a Registrable Security when it is no longer a
Restricted Security.

         If a Security, or the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of a Security, is a Registrable Security, and the Holder thereof elects to sell
such Registrable Security pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement then, by
its acceptance thereof, the Holder of such Registrable Security will have agreed
to be bound by the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement relating to the
Registrable Securities which are the subject of such election.

         For the purposes of the Registration Rights Agreement, the term
"Holder" includes any Person that has a beneficial interest in any Restricted
Global Security or any beneficial interest in a global security representing
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a Security.

         If Liquidated Damages are payable under the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a certificate to that effect
stating (i) the amount of Liquidated Damages that is payable and (ii) the date
on which Liquidated Damages are payable. Unless and until a Responsible Officer
of the Trustee receives at the Corporate Trust Office such a certificate, the
Trustee may assume without inquiry that no Liquidated Damages are payable. If
Liquidated Damages have been paid by the Company directly to the persons
entitled to them, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a certificate setting
forth the particulars of such payment.

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SECTION 10.12 Waiver of Certain Covenants.

         The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any
covenant or condition set forth in Sections 10.4 (other than with respect to the
existence of the Company (subject to Article VII)), 10.5 and 10.6, inclusive
(other than a covenant or condition which under Section 8.2 cannot be modified
or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security
affected), if before the time for such compliance the Holders shall, through (i)
the written consent of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities or (ii) the adoption of a resolution at a meeting of
Holders of the Outstanding Securities at which a quorum is present by the
Holders of not less than 66?% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
represented at such meeting, either waive such compliance in such instance or
generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver
shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so
expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations
of the Company and the duties of the Trustee or any Paying or Conversion Agent
in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and
effect. Nothing in this Section is intended to limit the application of Sections
5.13, 8.1 and 8.2.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 11.1 Right of Redemption.

         The Securities may be redeemed in accordance with the provisions of the
form of Securities set forth in Section 2.2.

SECTION 11.2 Applicability of Article.

         Redemption of Securities at the election of the Company or otherwise,
as permitted or required by any provision of the Securities or this Indenture,
shall be made in accordance with such provision and this Article XI.

SECTION 11.3 Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

         The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced
by a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company
of any of the Securities, the Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the
Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption
Date.

SECTION 11.4 Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.

         If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the particular
Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee within five Business
Days after it receives the notice described in 11.3, from the Outstanding
Securities not previously called for redemption, by pro rata selection, by

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<PAGE>

lot or by such other method as the Trustee may deem fair and appropriate or
otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary.

         If any Security selected for partial redemption is converted in part
before termination of the conversion right with respect to the portion of the
Security so selected, the converted portion of such Security shall be deemed (so
far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities that have
been converted during a selection of Securities to be redeemed may be treated by
the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such selection. The Trustee shall
promptly notify the Company and each Security Registrar in writing of the
securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected
for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

         For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate,
in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the
portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be
redeemed.

SECTION 11.5 Notice of Redemption.

         Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section
1.6 to the Holders of Securities to be redeemed not less than 30 nor more than
60 days prior to the Redemption Date, and such notice shall be irrevocable. The
Company shall, concurrently with the giving of such notice, publish a Press
Release including the information required to be included in such notice of
redemption hereunder.

         All notices of redemption shall state:

         (1)      the Redemption Date,

         (2)      the Redemption Price and accrued interest thereon (including
Liquidated Damages, if any), to, but excluding, the Redemption Date,

         (3)      if less than all Outstanding Securities are to be redeemed,
the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be redeemed and the aggregate
principal amount of Securities which will be outstanding after such partial
redemption,

         (4)      that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price and interest
(including Liquidated Damages, if any), to, but excluding, the Redemption Date,
will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed, and that
interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), thereon shall cease to accrue
on and after said date,

         (5)      the Conversion Rate, the date on which the right to convert
the Securities to be redeemed will terminate and the places where such
Securities may be surrendered for conversion, and

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<PAGE>

         (6)      the place or places where such Securities are to be
surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest (including
Liquidated Damages, if any), to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

         In case of a partial redemption, the notice shall specify the serial
and CUSIP numbers (if any) and the portions thereof called for redemption and
that transfers and exchanges may occur on or prior to the Redemption Date.

         Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of
the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's written request,
by the Trustee in the name of and at the expense of the Company. Notice of
redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company received
by the Trustee shall be given by the Trustee to each Paying Agent in the name of
and at the expense of the Company.

SECTION 11.6 Deposit of Redemption Price.

         On or prior to the Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and
hold in trust as provided in Section 10.3) an amount of money (which shall be in
immediately available funds on such Redemption Date) sufficient to pay the
Redemption Price of, and except if the Redemption Date shall be on Interest
Payment Date, accrued interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), to the
Redemption Date on all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date
other than any Securities called for redemption on that date which have been
converted prior to the date of such deposit.

         If any Security called for redemption is converted, any money deposited
with the Trustee or so segregated and held in trust for the redemption of such
Security shall (subject to any right of the Holder of such Security or any
Predecessor Security to receive interest as provided in the last paragraph of
Section 3.7) be paid to the Company on Company Request or, if then held by the
Company, shall be discharged from such trust.

SECTION 11.7 Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

         Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so
to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the
Redemption Price therein specified and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price) such Securities
shall cease to bear interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any). Upon
surrender of any Security for redemption in accordance with said notice such
Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price together with
accrued and unpaid interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any) to the
Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest on Securities
whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to
Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as
such on the relevant Record Date according to their terms and the provisions of
Section 3.7.

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         If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon
surrender thereof for redemption, the principal amount of, premium, if any and,
to the extent permitted by applicable law, accrued interest on such Security
shall, until paid bear interest from the Redemption Date at a rate of 2.50% per
annum, and such Security shall remain convertible until the Redemption Price of
such Security (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall have been paid or
duly provided for.

         Any Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered
at the Corporate Trust Office or an office or agency of the Company designated
for that purpose pursuant to Section 10.2 (with, if the Company or the Trustee
so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof
or his attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and
the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder of
such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities, of any
authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal
amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of
the Security so surrendered.

SECTION 11.8 Conversion Arrangement on Call for Redemption.

         In connection with any redemption of Securities, the Company may
arrange for the purchase and conversion of any Securities by an agreement with
one or more investment banks or other purchasers (the "Purchasers") to purchase
such securities by paying to the Trustee in trust for the Holders, on or before
the Redemption Date, an amount not less than the applicable Redemption Price
(together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, including Liquidated
Damages, if any) of such Securities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Article XI, the obligation of the Company to pay the
Redemption Price (together with accrued interest to the Redemption Date,
including Liquidated Damages, if any) shall be deemed to be satisfied and
discharged to the extent such amount is so paid by such Purchasers. If such an
agreement is entered into (a copy of which shall be filed with the Trustee prior
to the close of business on the Business Day immediately prior to the Redemption
Date), any Securities called for redemption that are not duly surrendered for
conversion by the Holders thereof may, at the option of the Company, be deemed,
to the fullest extent permitted by law, and consistent with any agreement or
agreements with such Purchasers, to be acquired by such Purchasers from such
Holders and surrendered by such Purchasers for conversion, all as of immediately
prior to the close of business on the Redemption Date (and the right to convert
any such Securities shall be extended through such time), subject to payment of
the above amount as aforesaid. At the direction of the Company, the Trustee
shall hold and dispose of any such amount paid to it by the Purchasers to the
Holders in the same manner as it would monies deposited with it by the Company
for the redemption of Securities. Without the Trustee's prior written consent,
no arrangement between the Company and such Purchasers for the purchase and
conversion of any Securities shall increase or otherwise affect any of the
powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations of the Trustee as set forth in
this Indenture, and the Company agrees to indemnify the Trustee from, and hold
it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense arising out of or in
connection with any such arrangement for the purchase and conversion of any
Securities between the Company and such Purchasers, including the costs and
expenses, including

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reasonable legal fees, incurred by the Trustee in the defense of any claim or
liability arising out of or in connection with the exercise or performance of
any of its powers, duties, responsibilities or obligations under this Indenture.

                                  ARTICLE XII
                            CONVERSION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 12.1 Conversion Privilege and Conversion Rate.

         (a)      Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this
Article, at the option of the Holder thereof, any Security that is an integral
multiple of $1,000 may be converted into fully paid and nonassessable shares
(calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100th of a share) of Common
Stock of the Company at the Conversion Rate, determined as hereinafter provided,
in effect at the time of conversion and subject to the adjustments described
below, as follows:

                  (1)      if, on or prior to March 31, 2008, the Closing Sale
Price of the Common Stock for at least 20 Trading Days in the period of the 30
consecutive Trading Days ending on the last Trading Day of any fiscal quarter is
more than 110% of the then current Conversion Price on the Securities, then the
Holder thereof will be entitled to convert such Security during the immediately
following fiscal quarter;

                  (2)      if, on any date after March 31, 2008, the Closing
Sale Price of the Common Stock is more than 110% of the then current Conversion
Price on the Securities, then the Holder thereof will be entitled to convert
such Security at all times thereafter;

                  (3)      if the Company elects to call the Securities for
redemption on or after October 5, 2008, then the Holder thereof will be entitled
to convert such Security (or the portion of the Security called for redemption,
if less than all), until the close of business on the Business Day prior to the
Redemption Date;

                  (4)      if the Company distributes to all or substantially
all holders of Common Stock rights, options or warrants entitling them to
purchase Common Stock at less than the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on
the last day preceding the declaration for such distribution, then the Holder
thereof will be entitled to convert such Security in the period described below;

                  (5)      if the Company distributes to all or substantially
all holders of Common Stock cash, assets, debt securities or capital stock,
which distribution has a per share value as determined by the Board of Directors
exceeding 5% of the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on the last day
preceding the declaration for such distribution, then the Holder thereof will be
entitled to convert such Security in the period described below; or

                  (6)      if the Company becomes a party to a consolidation,
merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets where such
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets constitutes a Change in Control or such an event occurs

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that would have been a Change in Control but for the exceptions (I) and (II) to
the definition of a Change in Control immediately following Section
13.4(2)(iii), then the Holder thereof will be entitled to convert such Security
in the period described below.

         In the case of a distribution contemplated in clauses (4) and (5) of
this Section 12.1(a), the Company will notify Holders at least 20 days prior to
the ex-dividend date for such distribution (the "Distribution Notice"). Once the
Company has given the Distribution Notice, Holders may surrender their
Securities for conversion at any time until the earlier of the close of business
on the last Business Day preceding the ex-dividend date or the Company's
announcement that such distribution will not take place. If in the future the
Company adopts a Rights Plan, Holders will not have any conversion right
pursuant to clause (4) above or otherwise, solely as a result of the issuance of
Rights pursuant to the Rights Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event
of a distribution contemplated in clauses (4) and (5) of this Section 12.1(a),
Holders may not convert the Securities if the Holders may participate in such
distribution without converting their Securities.

         In the event of a consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially
all of the Company's assets as contemplated in clause (6) of this Section
12.1(a), the Company will notify Holders at least 20 days prior to the
anticipated closing date of such transaction (the "Merger Notice"). Once the
Company has given the Merger Notice, the Holders may, in the event of such
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets, as contemplated in clause (6) above, surrender Securities for conversion
at any time from and after the date which is 15 days prior to the anticipated
effective date of such transaction until the date which is 15 days after the
actual effective date of such transaction.

         With respect to clause (1) of this Section 12.1(a), the Conversion
Agent will determine, on behalf of the Company, on the last Trading Day
succeeding the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the Securities would be
convertible, whether the Securities are convertible as set forth in such clause
(1) based upon the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock and the then current
Conversion Price and, if so, will notify the Company. With respect to clause (2)
of this section 12.1(a), the Conversion Agent will determine, on behalf of the
Company, daily on any date after March 31, 2008, whether the Securities are
convertible as set forth in such clause (2) based upon the Closing Sale Price of
the Common Stock and the then current Conversion Price and, if so, will notify
the Company.

         (b)      Subject to the further provisions of this Article 12, a Holder
of a Security may also convert the principal amount of such Security (or any
portion thereof equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess
thereof) for the five Business Day period after any five consecutive Trading Day
period in which the average of the Trading Prices for the Securities for such
five Trading Day period was less than 95% of the average Conversion Value for
the Securities during such period; provided, however, if on the Conversion Date,
the Closing Sale Price of shares of Common Stock is greater than the then
current Conversion Price of the Securities and less than or equal to 110% of the
then current Conversion Price of the Securities, a Holder surrenders its
Securities for conversion and the Securities are not otherwise convertible, then
such Holder will

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receive, (i) at the Company's option for a Conversion Date on or before October
4, 2008, cash or Common Stock with a value equal to the principal amount of such
Holder's Securities on such Conversion Date or (ii) for a Conversion Date on or
after October 5, 2008, cash equal to the principal amount of such Holder's
Securities on such Conversion Date and for such conversion the Company will not
have the option to pay in Common Stock. If the Company elects to pay the Holder
in Common Stock, the Common Stock will be valued at 100% of the average Closing
Sale Price of Common Stock for the five Trading Days ending on the third Trading
Day preceding the Conversion Date.

         The "Conversion Value" for the Securities is equal to the product of
(i) the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on a given day and (ii) the then
current Conversion Rate.

         The "Trading Price" of the Securities on any Trading Day means the
average of the secondary market bid quotations per Security obtained by the
Conversion Agent for $5,000,000 principal amount of the Securities at
approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such Trading Day from an
independent nationally recognized securities dealer the Company selects;
provided that if the Conversion Agent cannot reasonably obtain a bid for
$5,000,000 principal amount of the Securities from a nationally recognized
securities dealer or if in the Company's reasonable judgment, the bid quotations
are not indicative of the secondary market value of the Securities, then the
Trading Price of the Securities will be deemed to be equal to the product of the
then current Conversion Rate and the Closing Sale Price of Common Stock on such
Trading Day.

         The Conversion Agent shall have no obligation to determine the Trading
Price of the Securities unless the Company has requested such determination; and
the Company shall have no obligation to make such request unless a Holder
provides the Company with reasonable evidence that the Trading Price of the
Securities is reasonably likely to be less than 95% of the Conversion Value; at
which time, the Company shall instruct the Conversion Agent to determine the
Trading Price of the Securities beginning on the next Trading Day and on each
successive Trading Day until the Trading Price is greater than or equal to 95%
of the Conversion Value.

         (c)      The conversion right, subject to the conditions described in
clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 12.1, shall commence on the initial issuance
date of the Securities and expire at the close of business on the date of
Maturity, subject, in the case of conversion of any Global Security, to any
Applicable Procedures. In case a Holder of a Security exercises his right to
require the Company to repurchase the Security, such conversion right in respect
of the Security, or portion thereof so called, shall expire at the close of
business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Repurchase Date unless
the Company defaults in making the payment due upon repurchase (subject as
aforesaid to any Applicable Procedures with respect to any Global Security).

         Provisions of this Indenture that apply to conversion of all of a
Security also apply to conversion of a portion of a Security.

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         A Holder of Securities is not entitled to any rights of a holder of
Common Stock until such Holder has converted its Securities into Common Stock,
and only to the extent such Securities are deemed to have been converted into
Common Stock pursuant to this Article XII.

         The rate at which shares of Common Stock shall be delivered upon
conversion (herein called the "Conversion Rate") shall be initially 85.0340
shares of Common Stock for each U.S. $1,000 principal amount of Securities. The
Conversion Rate shall be adjusted in certain instances as provided in this
Article XII.

SECTION 12.2 Exercise of Conversion Privilege.

         In order to exercise the conversion privilege, the Holder of any
Security to be converted shall surrender such Security, duly endorsed in blank,
at any office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose pursuant to
Section 10.2, accompanied by a duly signed conversion notice substantially in
the form set forth in Section 2.4 stating that the Holder elects to convert such
Security or, if less than the entire principal amount thereof is to be
converted, the portion thereof to be converted.

         Each Security surrendered for conversion (in whole or in part) during
the Record Date Period shall (except in the case of any Security or portion
thereof which has been called for redemption on a Redemption Date, is
repurchasable on a Repurchase Date or purchasable on a Purchase Date, occurring,
in any such case, within such Record Date Period and, as a result, the right to
convert such Security would otherwise terminate in such period if not exercised)
be accompanied by payment in New York Clearing House funds or other funds
acceptable to the Company of an amount equal to the interest, if any, payable on
such Interest Payment Date on the principal amount of such Security (or part
thereof, as the case may be) being surrendered for conversion. The interest so
payable on such Interest Payment Date with respect to any Security (or portion
thereof, if applicable) that is surrendered for conversion during the Record
Date Period shall be paid to the Holder of such Security as of such Record Date
in an amount equal to the interest that would have been payable on such Security
if such Security had been converted as of the close of business on such Interest
Payment Date. Interest payable on any Interest Payment Date in respect of any
Security surrendered for conversion on or after such Interest Payment Date shall
be paid to the Holder of such Security as of the Record Date next preceding such
Interest Payment Date, notwithstanding the exercise of the right of conversion.

         Except as provided in the preceding paragraph and subject to the last
paragraph of Section 3.7, no cash payment or adjustment shall be made upon any
conversion on account of any interest accrued from the Interest Payment Date
next preceding the conversion date, in respect of any Security (or part thereof,
as the case may be) surrendered for conversion, or on account of any dividends
on the Common Stock issued upon conversion. The Company's delivery to the Holder
of the number of shares of Common Stock (and cash in lieu of fractions thereof,
as provided in this Indenture) into which a Security is convertible will be
deemed to satisfy the Company's obligation to pay the principal amount of the
Security.

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         Securities shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to
the close of business on the day of surrender of such Securities for conversion
in accordance with the foregoing provisions, and at such time the rights of the
Holders of such Securities as Holders shall cease, and the Person or Persons
entitled to receive the Common Stock issuable upon conversion shall be treated
for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Stock at such
time. As promptly as practicable on or after the Conversion Date, the Company
shall issue and deliver to the Trustee, for delivery to the Holder (unless a
different Person is indicated on the Conversion Notice), a certificate or
certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion, together with payment in lieu of any fraction of a share, as
provided in Section 12.3.

         All shares of Common Stock delivered upon such conversion of Restricted
Securities shall bear restrictive legends substantially in the form of the
legends required to be set forth on the Restricted Securities pursuant to
Section 3.5 and shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer provided in
such legends. Neither the Trustee nor any agent maintained for the purpose of
such conversion shall have any responsibility for the inclusion or content of
any such restrictive legends on such Common Stock; provided, however, that the
Trustee or any agent maintained for the purpose of such conversion shall have
provided, to the Company or to the Company's transfer agent for such Common
Stock, prior to or concurrently with a request to the Company to deliver such
Common Stock, written notice that the Securities delivered for conversion are
Restricted Securities.

         In the case of any Security which is converted in part only, upon such
conversion the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver to the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or
Securities of authorized denominations in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the unconverted portion of the principal amount of such Security. A Security may
be converted in part, but only if the principal amount of such Security to be
converted is any integral multiple of U.S. $1,000 and the principal amount of
such security to remain Outstanding after such conversion is equal to U.S.
$1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

         If shares of Common Stock to be issued upon conversion of a Restricted
Security, or Securities to be issued upon conversion of a Restricted Security in
part only, are to be registered in a name other than that of the beneficial
owner of such Restricted Security, then such Holder must deliver to the
Conversion Agent a Surrender Certificate, dated the date of surrender of such
Restricted Security and signed by such beneficial owner, as to compliance with
the restrictions on transfer applicable to such Restricted Security. Neither the
Trustee nor any Conversion Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent shall be required
to register in a name other than that of the beneficial owner, shares of Common
Stock or Securities issued upon conversion of any such Restricted Security not
so accompanied by a properly completed Surrender Certificate.

SECTION 12.3 Fractions of Shares.

         No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon conversion of
any Security or Securities. If more than one Security shall be surrendered for
conversion at one time by the same

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Holder, the number of full shares which shall be issuable upon conversion
thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the
Securities (or specified portions thereof) so surrendered. Instead of any
fractional share of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable upon
conversion of any Security or Securities (or specified portions thereof), the
Company shall calculate and pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fraction
(calculated to the nearest 1/100th of a share) in an amount equal to the same
fraction of the Closing Sale Price at the close of business on the day of
conversion.

SECTION 12.4 Adjustment of Conversion Rate.

         (1)      The Conversion Rate shall be subject to adjustments from time
to time as follows:

                  (i)      In case the Company shall pay or make a dividend or
other distribution on shares of Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock,
the Conversion Rate in effect at the opening of business on the day following
the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
dividend or other distribution shall be increased by dividing such Conversion
Rate by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for such
determination and the denominator shall be the sum of such number of shares and
the total number of shares constituting such dividend or other distribution,
such increase to become effective immediately after the opening of business on
the day following the date fixed for such determination. If, after any such date
fixed for determination, any dividend or distribution is not in fact paid, the
Conversion Rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the
Board of Directors determines not to pay such dividend or distribution, to the
Conversion Rate that would have been in effect if such determination date had
not been fixed. For the purposes of this paragraph (i), the number of shares of
Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares held in the
treasury of the Company but shall include shares issuable in respect of scrip
certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock. The Company
will not pay any dividend or make any distribution on shares of Common Stock
held in the treasury of the Company.

                  (ii)     In case the Company shall issue rights, options or
warrants to all holders of its Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase shares of Common Stock at a price per share less than the Current
Market Price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (3) of this Section
12.4) of the Common Stock on the date fixed for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such rights, options or warrants (other than
any rights, options or warrants that by their terms will also be issued to any
Holder upon conversion of a Security into shares of Common Stock without any
action required by the Company or any other Person), the Conversion Rate in
effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such
determination shall be increased by dividing such Conversion Rate by a fraction
of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
at

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the close of business on the date fixed for such determination plus the number
of shares of Common Stock that the aggregate of the offering price of the total
number of shares of Common Stock so offered for subscription or purchase would
purchase at such Current Market Price and the denominator shall be the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed
for such determination plus the number of shares of Common Stock so offered for
subscription or purchase, such increase to become effective immediately after
the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for such
determination. If, after any such date fixed for determination, any such rights,
options or warrants are not in fact issued, or are not exercised prior to the
expiration thereof, the Conversion Rate shall be immediately readjusted,
effective as of the date such rights, options or warrants expire, or the date
the Board of Directors determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants,
to the Conversion Rate that would have been in effect if the unexercised rights,
options or warrants had never been granted or such determination date had not
been fixed, as the case may be. For the purposes of this paragraph (ii), the
number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include
shares held in the treasury of the Company but shall include shares issuable in
respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common
Stock. The Company will not issue any rights, options or warrants in respect of
shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company.

                  (iii)    In case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be
subdivided into a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Rate
in effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which
such subdivision becomes effective shall be proportionately increased, and,
conversely, in case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be combined into a
smaller number of shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Rate in effect at the
opening of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision or
combination becomes effective shall be proportionately reduced, such increase or
reduction, as the case may be, to become effective immediately after the opening
of business on the day following the day upon which such subdivision or
combination becomes effective.

                  (iv)     In case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise,
distribute to all holders of its Common Stock evidences of its indebtedness,
shares of any class of capital stock or other property (including cash or assets
or securities, but excluding (A) any rights, options or warrants referred to in
paragraph (ii) of this Section, (B) any dividend or distribution paid
exclusively in cash, (C) any dividend or distribution referred to in paragraph
1(i) of this Section and (D) any consideration distributed in any merger or
consolidation to which Section 12.11 applies), the Conversion Rate shall be
adjusted so that the same shall equal the rate determined by dividing the
Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date
fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the Current Market
Price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (3) of this Section 12.4)
of the Common Stock on the date fixed for such determination less the then fair
market value of the portion of the assets, shares or evidences of indebtedness
so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock and the denominator shall
be such Current Market Price per share of the Common Stock, such adjustment to
become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day
following the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive such distribution. If after any such date fixed for determination, any
such distribution is not in fact made, the Conversion Rate shall be immediately
readjusted, effective as of the date of the Board of Directors determines not to
make such distribution, to the Conversion Rate that would have been in effect if
such determination date had not been fixed.

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<PAGE>

         In the event the Company distributes shares of capital stock of a
Subsidiary, the Conversion Rate will be adjusted, if at all, based on the market
value of the Subsidiary stock so distributed relative to the market value of the
Common Stock, as described below.

         The Board of Directors shall determine fair market values for the
purposes of this Section 12.4(iv), whose determination shall be conclusive and
described in a Board Resolution filed with the Trustee; provided, however, that
in respect of a dividend or other distribution of shares of capital stock of a
class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a Subsidiary or
other business unit of the Company which has a Subsidiary Closing Price (a
"Spin-off"), the fair market value of the securities to be distributed shall
equal the average of the daily Subsidiary Closing Price of such securities for
the five consecutive Trading Days commencing on and including the sixth Trading
Day of such securities after the effectiveness of the Spin-off; provided,
further, that in the event that an underwritten initial public offering of the
securities in the Spin-off occurs simultaneously with the Spin-off, fair market
value of the securities distributed in the Spin-off shall be the initial public
offering price of such securities and the market price per share of the Common
Stock shall mean the Closing Sale Price for the Common Stock on the same Trading
Day.

                  (v)      In case the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall
make a tender offer for Common Stock and such tender offer shall expire, then,
immediately prior to the opening of business on the day after the last date (the
"Expiration Date") tenders could have been made pursuant to such tender offer
(as such offer may have been amended), the Conversion Rate shall be increased so
that the Conversion Rate shall equal the rate determined by multiplying the
Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to close of business on the
Expiration Date by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the sum of (x) the
aggregate consideration (determined as the sum of the aggregate amount of cash
consideration and the aggregate fair market value (as determined by the Board of
Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive evidence thereof and which
shall be evidenced by an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee thereof)
of any other consideration) payable to stockholders based on the acceptance (up
to any maximum specified in the terms of the tender offer) of all shares validly
tendered and not withdrawn as of the last time at which such tenders could have
been made on the Expiration Date (the "Expiration Time") (the shares deemed so
accepted, up to any such maximum, being referred to as the "Purchased Shares")
and (y) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (less
any Purchased Shares and excluding any shares held in the treasury of the
Company) at the Expiration Time and the Current Market Price per share of Common
Stock (as determined in accordance with subsection (3) of this Section 12.4) on
the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date, and the denominator shall
be the product of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding (including
tendered shares but excluding any shares held in the treasury of the Company) at
the Expiration Time multiplied by the Current Market Price per share of the
Common Stock (as determined in accordance with subsection (3) of this Section
12.4) on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date, such increase to
become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day
following the Expiration Date. In the event that the Company is obligated to
purchase shares pursuant to any such tender offer, but the Company is
permanently prevented by applicable law from effecting any or all such purchases
or any or all such purchases are rescinded, the Conversion Rate shall again be
adjusted to be the

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<PAGE>

Conversion Rate which would have been in effect based upon the number of shares
actually purchased. If the application of this Section 12.4(1)(v) to any tender
offer would result in a decrease in the Conversion Rate, no adjustment shall be
made for such tender offer under this Section 12.4(1)(v).

         For purposes of this Section 12.4(1)(v), the term "tender offer" shall
mean and include both tender offers and exchange offers, all references to
"purchases" of shares in tender offers (and all similar references) shall mean
and include both the purchase of shares in tender offers and the acquisition of
shares pursuant to exchange offers, and all references to "tendered shares" (and
all similar references) shall mean and include shares tendered in both tender
offers and exchange offers.

                  (vi)     In case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise,
distribute cash to all holders of its outstanding Common Stock (excluding any
cash that is distributed as part of a distribution referred to in paragraph
1(iv) of this Section or cash distributed upon a merger or consolidation to
which Section 12.11 applies) then, and in each such case, immediately after the
close of business on such date for determination, the Conversion Rate shall be
adjusted to the rate determined by multiplying the Conversion Rate in effect
immediately prior to the close of business on the date fixed for determination
of the stockholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction (X) the
numerator of which shall be equal to the Current Market Price per share
(determined as provided in paragraph (3) of this Section) of the Common Stock on
the date fixed for such determination plus the amount per share of such dividend
or distribution and (Y) the denominator of which shall be equal to the Current
Market Price per share (determined as provided in paragraph (3) of this Section
12.4) of the Common Stock on such date fixed for determination.

         (2)      The reclassification of Common Stock into securities other
than Common Stock (other than any reclassification upon a consolidation or
merger to which Section 12.11 applies) shall be deemed to involve (a) a
distribution of such securities other than Common Stock to all holders of Common
Stock (and the effective date of such reclassification shall be deemed to be
"the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
distribution" and "the date fixed for such determination" within the meaning of
paragraph 1(iv) of this Section), and (b) a subdivision or combination, as the
case may be, of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
prior to such reclassification into the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately thereafter (and the effective date of such
reclassification shall be deemed to be "the day upon which such subdivision
becomes effective" or "the day upon which such combination becomes effective",
as the case may be, and "the day upon which such subdivision or combination
becomes effective" within the meaning of paragraph 1(iii) of this Section 12.4).

         (3)      For the purpose of (A) any computation under paragraphs 1(ii),
(iv) or (v) of this Section 12.4, the "Current Market Price" per share of Common
Stock on any date shall be calculated by the Company and be the average of the
daily Closing Sale Prices for the 10 consecutive Trading Days selected by the
Company commencing not more than 20 Trading Days before, and (I) in the case of
paragraphs (1)(ii) or (iv) of this Section 12.4, ending not later than, the
earlier of the date fixed for determination and the day before the "ex-date"
with respect to the issuance or distribution

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<PAGE>

requiring such computation or (II) in the case of paragraph (1)(v) of this
Section 12.4, ending not later than, the Expiration Date with respect to the
tender offer requiring such computation; and (B) any computation under paragraph
(1)(vi) of this Section 12.4, the "Current Market Price" per share of Common
Stock on any date shall be calculated by the Company and be the average of the
daily Closing Sale Prices for the first 10 consecutive Trading Days from and
including the first "ex-date" with respect to the dividend or other distribution
requiring such computation. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "ex-date",
when used with respect to any issuance or distribution, means the first date on
which the Common Stock trades regular way in the applicable securities market or
on the applicable securities exchange without the right to receive such issuance
or distribution.

         (4)      All calculations under this Article shall be made to the
nearest U.S. $0.01 or to the nearest one-hundredth of a share, as the case may
be.

         (5)      The Company may make such increases in the Conversion Rate,
for the remaining term of the Securities or any shorter term, in addition to
those required by paragraphs (1)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of this
Section 12.4, as it considers to be advisable in order to avoid or diminish any
income tax to any holders of shares of Common Stock resulting from any dividend
or distribution of stock or issuance of rights or warrants to purchase or
subscribe for stock or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes.
The Company shall have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error
in this paragraph (5) and its actions in so doing shall, absent manifest error,
be final and conclusive.

         (6)      Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, no
adjustment of the Conversion Rate shall be required to be made (a) upon the
issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to any present or future plan for
the reinvestment of dividends or (b) because of a tender or exchange offer of
the character described in Rule 13e-4(h)(5) under the Exchange Act or any
successor rule thereto.

         (7)      To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company from
time to time may increase the Conversion Rate by any amount for any period of
time if the period is at least 20 days, the increase is irrevocable during such
period, and the Board of Directors shall have made a determination that such
increase would be in the best interests of the Company, which determination
shall be conclusive; provided, however, that no such increase shall be taken
into account for purposes of determining whether the Closing Sale Price of the
Common Stock equals or exceeds 105% of the Conversion Price in connection with
an event which would otherwise be a Change in Control pursuant to Section 13.4.
Whenever the Conversion Rate is increased pursuant to the preceding sentence,
the Company shall give notice of the increase to the Holders in the manner
provided in Section 1.6 at least 15 days prior to the date the increased
Conversion Rate takes effect, and such notice shall state the increased
Conversion Rate and the period during which it will be in effect.

         (8)      If at any time the Company enacts a Rights Plan: (i) each
share of Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Securities pursuant to this
Article XII shall be entitled to receive the

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<PAGE>

appropriate number of Rights, if any, and the certificates representing the
Common Stock issued upon such conversion shall bear such legends, if any, in
each case as may be provided by the terms of any Rights Plan, whether or not
such Rights have separated from the Common Stock, unless prior to the conversion
of the Securities, such Rights have expired, or been terminated or redeemed; and
(ii) if Holders of the Securities exercising the right of conversion attaching
after the date the Rights separate from the underlying Common Stock are not
entitled to receive the rights that would otherwise be attributable to the
shares of Common Stock received upon conversion (except in the case where any
such Holder or Holders cause, directly or indirectly, the Trigger Event), the
Conversion Rate will be adjusted as though the Rights were being distributed to
holders of Common Stock on the date of such separation. If such an adjustment is
made and the Rights are later redeemed, invalidated or terminated, then a
corresponding reversing adjustment will be made to the Conversion Rate on an
equitable basis.

SECTION 12.5 Notice of Adjustments of Conversion Rate.

         Whenever the Conversion Rate is adjusted as herein provided:

         (1)      the Company shall compute the adjusted Conversion Rate in
accordance with Section 12.4 and shall prepare a certificate signed by the Chief
Financial Officer of the Company setting forth the adjusted Conversion Rate and
showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based, and
such certificate shall promptly be filed with the Trustee and with each
Conversion Agent; and

         (2)      upon each such adjustment, a notice stating that the
Conversion Rate has been adjusted and setting forth the adjusted Conversion Rate
shall be required, and as soon as practicable after it is required, such notice
shall be provided by the Company to all Holders in accordance with Section 1.6.

         Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be under any duty or
responsibility with respect to any such certificate or the information and
calculations contained therein, except to exhibit the same to any Holder of
Securities desiring inspection thereof at its office during normal business
hours, and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any adjustment in the
Conversion Rate unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have
received such a certificate. Until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives
such a certificate, the Trustee and each Conversion Agent may assume without
inquiry that the last Conversion Rate of which the Trustee has knowledge of
remains in effect.

SECTION 12.6 Notice of Certain Corporate Action.

         In case:

         (1)      the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) on its Common Stock payable (i) otherwise than exclusively in cash
or (ii) exclusively in cash in an amount that would require any adjustment
pursuant to Section 12.4; or

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         (2)      the Company shall authorize the granting to all or
substantially all of the holders of its Common Stock of rights, options or
warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class
or of any other rights; or

         (3)      of any reclassification of the Common Stock, or of any
consolidation, merger or share exchange to which the Company is a party and for
which approval of any stockholders of the Company is required, or of the
conveyance, sale, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company; or

         (4)      of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the Company;

then the Company shall cause to be filed at each office or agency maintained for
the purpose of conversion of Securities pursuant to Section 10.2, and shall
cause to be provided to all Holders in accordance with Section 1.6, at least 20
days (or 10 days in any case specified in clause (1) or (2) above) prior to the
applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x)
the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend,
distribution, rights, options or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken,
the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be entitled to
such dividend, distribution, rights, options or warrants are to be determined or
(y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, conveyance,
transfer, sale, lease, dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to
become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common
Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for
securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification,
consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, sale, lease, dissolution,
liquidation or winding up. Neither the failure to give such notice or the notice
referred to in the following paragraph nor any defect therein shall affect the
legality or validity of the proceedings described in clauses (1) through (4) of
this Section 12.6. If at the time the Trustee shall not be the conversion agent,
a copy of such notice shall also forthwith be filed by the Company with the
Trustee.

         The Company shall cause to be filed at the Corporate Trust Office and
each office or agency maintained for the purpose of conversion of Securities
pursuant to Section 10.2, and shall cause to be provided to all Holders in
accordance with Section 1.6, notice of any tender offer by the Company or any
Subsidiary for all or any portion of the Common Stock at or about the time that
such notice of tender offer is provided to the public generally.

SECTION 12.7 Company to Reserve Common Stock.

         The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available, free from
preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, for the
purpose of effecting the conversion of Securities, the full number of shares of
Common Stock then issuable upon the conversion of all Outstanding Securities.

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<PAGE>

SECTION 12.8 Taxes on Conversions.

         Except as provided in the next sentence, the Company will pay any and
all taxes and duties that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of
shares of Common Stock on conversion of Securities pursuant hereto. The Company
shall not, however, be required to pay any tax or duty that may be payable in
respect of (i) income of the Holder, or (ii) any transfer involved in the issue
and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other than that of the Holder
of the Security or Securities to be converted, and no such issue or delivery
shall be made unless and until the Person requesting such issue has paid to the
Company the amount of any such tax or duty, or has established to the
satisfaction of the Company that such tax or duty has been paid.

SECTION 12.9 Covenant as to Common Stock.

         The Company agrees that all shares of Common Stock that may be
delivered upon conversion of Securities, upon such delivery, will have been duly
authorized and validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable and,
except as provided in Section 12.8, the Company will pay all taxes, liens and
charges with respect to the issue thereof.

SECTION 12.10 Cancellation of Converted Securities.

         All Securities delivered for conversion shall be delivered to the
Trustee or its agent to be canceled by or at the direction of the Trustee, which
shall dispose of the same as provided in Section 3.9.

SECTION 12.11 Provision in Case of Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets.

         In case of any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any
other Person, any merger of another Person with or into the Company (other than
a consolidation or merger that does not result in any reclassification,
conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of Common Stock of
the Company) or any conveyance, sale, transfer or lease of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company (other than a conveyance, sale, transfer or
lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company that does not
result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company), the Person formed by such
consolidation or resulting from such merger or which acquires such assets, as
the case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental
indenture providing that the Holder of each Security then Outstanding shall have
the right thereafter, during the period such Security shall be convertible as
specified in Section 12.1, to convert such Security only into the kind and
amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale, transfer or lease by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock of the Company into which such Security might
have been converted immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, conveyance,
sale, transfer or lease, assuming such holder of Common Stock of the Company (i)
is not (A) a Person with which the Company consolidated or merged with or into
or which merged into or with the Company or to which such conveyance, sale,
transfer or lease was made, as the case may be (a "Constituent Person"), or (B)
an Affiliate of a Constituent Person and (ii) failed to exercise his rights of
election, if any, as to the kind or amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale, transfer
or lease (provided that if the kind or

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amount of securities, cash and other property receivable upon such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale, transfer, or lease is not the same for
each share of Common Stock of the Company held immediately prior to such
consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale, transfer or lease by others than a
Constituent Person or an Affiliate thereof and in respect of which such rights
of election shall not have been exercised ("Non-electing Share"), then for the
purpose of this Section 12.11 the kind and amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale, transfer
or lease by the holders of each Non-electing Share shall be deemed to be the
kind and amount so receivable per share by a plurality of the Non-electing
Shares). Such supplemental indenture shall provide for adjustments that, for
events subsequent to the effective date of such supplemental indenture, shall be
as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in
this Article XII. The above provisions of this Section 12.11 shall similarly
apply to successive consolidations, mergers, conveyances, sales, transfers or
leases. Notice of the execution of such a supplemental indenture shall be given
by the Company to the Holder of each Security as provided in Section 1.6
promptly upon such execution.

         Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be under any
responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any
such supplemental indenture relating either to the kind or amount of shares of
stock or other securities or property or cash receivable by Holders of
Securities upon the conversion of their Securities after any such consolidation,
merger, conveyance, transfer, sale or lease or to any such adjustment, but may
accept as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and
shall be protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel with respect thereto,
which the Company shall cause to be furnished to the Trustee upon request.

SECTION 12.12 Rights Issued in Respect of Common Stock.

         Rights or warrants distributed by the Company to all holders of Common
Stock entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of the
Company's Common Stock (either initially or under certain circumstances
specified in the documents governing such rights or warrants), which rights or
warrants, until the occurrence of such certain circumstances ("Trigger Event"):

                  (i)      are deemed to be transferred with such shares of
Common Stock,

                  (ii)     are not exercisable, and

                  (iii)    are also issued in respect of future issuances of
Common Stock

shall not be deemed distributed for purposes of Section 12.4(1)(ii) until the
occurrence of the earliest Trigger Event. In addition, in the event of any
distribution of rights or warrants, or any Trigger Event with respect thereto,
that shall have resulted in an adjustment to the Conversion Rate under Section
12.4(1)(ii), (1) in the case of any such rights or warrants that shall all have
been redeemed or repurchased without exercise by any holders thereof, the
Conversion Rate shall be readjusted upon such final redemption or repurchase to
give effect to such distribution or Trigger Event, as the case may be, as though
it were a cash distribution, equal to the per share redemption or repurchase
price received by a holder of Common Stock with respect to such rights or
warrants (assuming such holder

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had retained such rights or warrants), made to all holders of Common Stock as of
the date of such redemption or repurchase, and (2) in the case of any such
rights or warrants all of which shall have expired without exercise by any
holder thereof, the Conversion Price shall be readjusted as if such issuance had
not occurred.

SECTION 12.13 Responsibility of Trustee for Conversion Provisions.

         The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, and any
Conversion Agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to
any Holder of Securities to determine whether any facts exist which may require
any adjustment of the Conversion Rate, or with respect to the nature or extent
of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, herein
or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same, or
whether a supplemental indenture need be entered into. Neither the Trustee,
subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, nor any Conversion Agent shall be
accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any
Common Stock, or of any other securities or property or cash, which may at any
time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Security; and it or they
do not make any representation with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee,
subject to the provisions of Section 6.1, nor any Conversion Agent shall be
responsible for any failure of the Company to make or calculate any cash payment
or to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or share
certificates or other securities or property or cash upon the surrender of any
Security for the purpose of conversion; and the Trustee, subject to the
provisions of Section 6.1, and any Conversion Agent shall not be responsible for
any failure of the Company to comply with any of the covenants of the Company
contained in this Article.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
              REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER

SECTION 13.1 Right to Require Repurchase upon a Change in Control.

         In the event that a Change in Control (as hereinafter defined) shall
occur, then each Holder shall have the right, at the Holder's option, but
subject to the provisions of Section 13.2, to require the Company to repurchase,
and upon the exercise of such right the Company shall repurchase, all of such
Holder's Securities not theretofore called for redemption, or any portion of the
principal amount thereof that is equal to U.S. $1,000 or any integral multiple
of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof (provided that no single Security may be
repurchased in part unless the portion of the principal amount of such Security
to be Outstanding after such repurchase is equal to U.S. $1,000 or integral
multiples of U.S. $1,000 in excess thereof), on the date (the "Repurchase Date")
that is not fewer than 20 Business Days nor more than 45 days after the date of
the Company Notice (as defined in Section 13.3) at a purchase price equal to
100% of the principal amount of the Securities to be repurchased plus accrued
and unpaid interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any), to, but excluding,
the Repurchase Date (the "Repurchase Price"); provided, however, that
installments of interest, if any, on Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or
prior to the Repurchase Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities,
or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such

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on the relevant Record Date according to their terms and the provisions of
Section 3.7. Such right to require the repurchase of the Securities shall not
continue after a discharge of the Company from its obligations with respect to
the Securities in accordance with Article IV, unless a Change in Control shall
have occurred prior to such discharge. At the option of the Company, the
Repurchase Price may be paid in cash or, subject to the fulfillment by the
Company of the conditions set forth Section 13.2, by delivery of shares of
Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the Repurchase Price. Whenever
in this Indenture (including Sections 2.2, 3.1, 5.1(1) and 5.8) there is a
reference, in any context, to the principal of any Security as of any time, such
reference shall be deemed to include reference to the Repurchase Price payable
in respect of such Security to the extent that such Repurchase Price is, was or
would be so payable at such time, and express mention of the Repurchase Price in
any provision of this Indenture shall not be construed as excluding the
Repurchase Price in those provisions of this Indenture when such express mention
is not made; provided, however, that for the purposes of Article XIII such
reference shall be deemed to include reference to the Repurchase Price only to
the extent the Repurchase Price is payable in cash.

SECTION 13.2 Conditions to the Company's Election to Pay the Repurchase Price
             in Common Stock.

         The Company may elect to pay the Repurchase Price by delivery of shares
of Common Stock pursuant to Section 13.1 if and only if the following conditions
shall have been satisfied:

         (1)      The shares of Common Stock deliverable in payment of the
Repurchase Price shall have a fair market value as of the Repurchase Date of not
less than the Repurchase Price. For purposes of Section 13.1 and this Section
13.2, the fair market value of shares of Common Stock shall be determined by the
Company and shall be equal to 95% of the average of the Closing Sale Prices of
the Common Stock for the five Trading Days immediately preceding and including
the third Trading Day prior to the Repurchase Date;

         (2)      The Repurchase Price shall be paid only in cash in the event
any shares of Common Stock to be issued upon repurchase of Securities hereunder
(i) require registration under any federal securities law before such shares may
be freely transferable without being subject to any transfer restrictions under
the Securities Act upon repurchase and if such registration is not completed or
does not become effective prior to the Repurchase Date, and/or (ii) require
registration with or approval of any governmental authority under any state law
or any other federal law before such shares may be validly issued or delivered
upon repurchase and if such registration is not completed or does not become
effective or such approval is not obtained prior to the Repurchase Date;

         (3)      Payment of the Repurchase Price may not be made in Common
Stock unless such Common Stock is, or shall have been, approved for quotation on
the Nasdaq National Market or listed on a national securities exchange, in
either case, prior to the Repurchase Date; and

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         (4)      All shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon repurchase
of Securities will be issued out of the Company's authorized but unissued Common
Stock and, will upon issue, be duly and validly issued and fully paid and
non-assessable and free of any preemptive or similar rights.

         If all of the conditions set forth in this Section 13.2 are not
satisfied in accordance with the terms thereof, the Repurchase Price shall be
paid by the Company only in cash.

SECTION 13.3 Notices; Method of Exercising Repurchase Right, Etc.

         (1)      Unless the Company shall have theretofore called for
redemption all of the Outstanding Securities, on or before the 30th day after
the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company or, at the request and
expense of the Company on or before the 15th day after such occurrence, the
Trustee, shall give to all Holders of Securities, in the manner provided in
Section 1.6, notice (the "Company Notice") of the occurrence of the Change in
Control and of the repurchase right set forth herein arising as a result thereof
and the Company shall issue a Press Release including the information required
to be included in such Company Notice hereunder. The Company shall also deliver
a copy of such Company Notice to the Trustee.

         Each Company Notice shall state:

                  (i)      the Repurchase Date,

                  (ii)     the date by which the repurchase right must be
exercised,

                  (iii)    the Repurchase Price, and whether the Repurchase
Price shall be paid by the Company in cash or by delivery of shares of Common
Stock,

                  (iv)     a description of the procedure that a Holder must
follow to exercise a repurchase right, and the place or places where such
Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Repurchase Price and accrued
interest (including Liquidated Damages, if any)

                  (v)      that on the Repurchase Date the Repurchase Price will
become due and payable upon each such Security designated by the Holder to be
repurchased, and that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after such
date,

                  (vi)     the Conversion Rate then in effect, whether the
conversion rights are then exercisable, the date on which the right to convert
the principal amount of the Securities to be repurchased will terminate and the
place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion, and

                  (vii)    the place or places that the Security certificate
with the Election of Holder to Require Repurchase as specified in Section 2.2
shall be delivered.

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         No failure of the Company to give the foregoing notices or defect
therein shall limit any Holder's right to exercise a repurchase right or affect
the validity of the proceedings for the repurchase of Securities.

         If any of the foregoing provisions or other provisions of this Article
XIV are inconsistent with applicable law, such law shall govern.

         (2)      To exercise a repurchase right, a Holder shall deliver to the
Trustee on or before the 20th Business Day after the date of the Company Notice
(i) irrevocable written notice of the Holder's exercise of such right, which
notice shall set forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the
Securities to be repurchased (and, if any Security is to repurchased in part,
the serial number thereof, the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
repurchased and the name of the Person in which the portion thereof to remain
Outstanding after such repurchase is to be registered) and a statement that an
election to exercise the repurchase right is being made thereby, and, in the
event that the Repurchase Price shall be paid in shares of Common Stock, the
name or names (with addresses) in which the certificate or certificates for
shares of Common Stock shall be issued, and (ii) the Securities with respect to
which the repurchase right is being exercised. Such written notice shall be
irrevocable, except that the right of the Holder to convert the Securities with
respect to which the repurchase right is being exercised shall continue until
the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Repurchase
Date.

         (3)      In the event a repurchase right shall be exercised in
accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid to
the Trustee the Repurchase Price in cash or shares of Common Stock, as provided
above, for payment to the Holder on the Repurchase Date; provided, however, that
installments of interest that mature on or prior to the Repurchase Date shall be
payable in cash to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor
Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular
Record Date, or if shares of Common Stock are to be paid, on the date that is 45
days after the date of the Company Notice.

         (4)      If any Security (or portion thereof) surrendered for
repurchase shall not be so paid on the Repurchase Date the principal amount of
such Security (or portion thereof, as the case may be) shall, until paid, bear
interest to the extent permitted by applicable law from the Repurchase Date at
the rate of 2.50% per annum, and each such Security shall remain convertible
into Common Stock until the principal of such Security (or portion thereof, as
the case may be) shall have been paid or duly provided for.

         (5)      Any Security that is to be repurchased only in part shall be
surrendered to the Trustee (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney
duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee
shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder of such
Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities, containing
identical terms and conditions, each in an authorized

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denomination in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the
unrepurchased portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

         (6)      Any issuance of shares of Common Stock in respect of the
Repurchase Price shall be deemed to have been effected immediately prior to the
close of business on the Repurchase Date and the Person or Persons in whose name
or names any certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock shall be
issuable upon such repurchase shall be deemed to have become on the Repurchase
Date the holder or holders of record of the shares represented thereby;
provided, however, that any surrender for repurchase on a date when the stock
transfer books of the Company shall be closed shall constitute the Person or
Persons in whose name or names the certificate or certificates for such shares
are to be issued as the record holder or holders thereof for all purposes at the
opening of business on the next succeeding day on which such stock transfer
books are open. No payment or adjustment shall be made for dividends or
distributions on any Common Stock issued upon repurchase of any Security
declared prior to the Repurchase Date.

         (7)      No fractions of shares shall be issued upon repurchase of
Securities. If more than one Security shall be repurchased from the same Holder
and the Repurchase Price shall be payable in shares of Common Stock, the number
of full shares that shall be issuable upon such repurchase shall be computed on
the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities so repurchased.
Instead of any fractional share of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable
on the repurchase of any Security or Securities, the Company will deliver to the
applicable Holder its check for the current market value of such fractional
share. The current market value of a fraction of a share is determined by
multiplying the Current Market Price of a full share by the fraction, and
rounding the result to the nearest U.S. $0.01. For purposes of this Section, the
Current Market Price of a share of Common Stock is the Closing Sale Price of the
Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Repurchase Date.

         (8)      Any issuance and delivery of certificates for shares of Common
Stock on repurchase of Securities shall be made without charge to the Holder of
Securities being repurchased for such certificates or for any tax or duty in
respect of the issuance or delivery of such certificates or the securities
represented thereby; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required
to pay any tax or duty that may be payable in respect of (i) income of the
Holder or (ii) any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of certificates
for shares of Common Stock in a name other than that of the Holder of the
Securities being repurchased, and no such issuance or delivery shall be made
unless and until the Person requesting such issuance or delivery has paid to the
Company the amount of any such tax or duty or has established, to the
satisfaction of the Company, that such tax or duty has been paid.

         (9)      If shares of Common Stock to be delivered upon repurchase of a
Security are to be registered in a name other than that of the beneficial owner
of such Security, then such Holder must deliver to the Trustee a Surrender
Certificate, dated the date of surrender of such Restricted Security and signed
by such beneficial owner, as to compliance with the restrictions on transfer
applicable to such Restricted Security. Neither the Trustee nor any Registrar or
Transfer Agent or other agents

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<PAGE>

shall be required to register in a name other than that of the beneficial owner
shares of Common Stock issued upon repurchase of any such Restricted Security
not so accompanied by a properly completed Surrender Certificate.

         (10)     All Securities delivered for repurchase shall be delivered to
the Trustee to be canceled at the direction of the Trustee, which shall dispose
of the same as provided in Section 3.9.

SECTION 13.4 Certain Definitions.

         For purposes of the foregoing sections of this Article XIII,

         (1)      the term "beneficial owner" shall be determined in accordance
with Rule 13d-3, as in effect on the date of the original execution of this
Indenture, promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act;

         (2)      a "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred at the
time, after the original issuance of the Securities, that any of the following
occurs:

                  (i)      the acquisition by any Person of beneficial
ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other
acquisition transaction or series of transactions, of shares of capital stock of
the Company entitling such person to exercise 50% or more of the total voting
power of all shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally
in the elections of directors, other than (A) any such acquisition by the
Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the
Company, or (B) an acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly
of capital stock of the Company by General Atlantic Partners, LLC or its
affiliates in a Permitted GA Transaction; or

                  (ii)     any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of
the Company into, any other Person, any merger of another Person into the
Company, or any conveyance, sale, transfer or lease of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company to another Person, other than:

                           (a)      any such transaction that does not result in
a reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares
of Common Stock and pursuant to which the holders of 50% or more of the total
voting power of all shares of the Company's capital stock entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such transaction
have the entitlement to exercise, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the
total voting power of all shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately
after such transaction; or

                           (b)      any such transaction which is effected
solely to change the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company.

                  (iii)    any transaction or event (whether by means of an
exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer, consolidation, merger, binding share
exchange, combination, reclassification,

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recapitalization or otherwise) in connection with which all or substantially all
of the Common Stock is exchanged for, converted into, acquired for or
constitutes solely the right to receive, consideration which is not all or
substantially all common stock that:

                           (a) is listed on, or immediately after the
transaction or event will be listed on, a United States national securities
exchange, or

                           (b) is approved, or immediately after the
transaction or event will be approved, for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market or any similar United States system of automated dissemination of
quotations of securities prices.

         Provided, however, that a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have
occurred if: (I) the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock for any five Trading
Days within the period of 10 consecutive Trading Days ending immediately after
the later of the Change in Control or the public announcement of the Change in
Control (in the case of a Change in Control under clause (i) above) or the
period of 10 consecutive Trading Days ending immediately before the Change in
Control (in the case of a Change in Control under clause (ii) above) shall, in
the case of each of such five Trading Days, equal or exceed 105% of the
Conversion Price of the Securities in effect on each of such five Trading Days;
or (II) all of the consideration (excluding cash payments for fractional shares
and cash payments made pursuant to dissenters' appraisal rights) in a merger or
consolidation otherwise constituting a Change in Control under clause (i) and/or
clause (ii) above, consists of shares of common stock, depository receipts or
other certificates representing common equity interests traded on a national
securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market (or will be so
traded or quoted immediately following such merger or consolidation) and as a
result of such merger or consolidation the notes become convertible into such
common stock, depository receipts or other certificates representing common
equity interests.

         (3)      the term "Conversion Price" shall equal U.S. $1,000 divided by
the Conversion Rate (rounded to the nearest U.S. $0.01); and

         (4)      The term "Permitted GA Transaction" means:

                  (i)      an acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly or
indirectly, of capital stock of the Company by General Atlantic Partners, LLC or
its affiliated investment entities in any type of transaction or series of
related transactions, after giving effect to which General Atlantic Partners,
LLC and its affiliated investment entities own less than 66.67% of the total
voting power of all shares of the Company's capital stock that are entitled to
vote generally in elections of directors; or

                  (ii)     an acquisition of the Company's capital stock by
General Atlantic Partners, LLC or its affiliated investment entities, after
giving effect to which General Atlantic Partners, LLC and its affiliated
investment entities own 66.67% or more of the total voting power of all shares
of the Company's capital stock that are entitled to vote generally in elections
of directors, if such shares of capital stock are acquired in connection with an
acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of

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another Person where the consideration paid to acquire such Person consists of
shares of capital stock of the Company.

         (5)      for purposes of Section 13.4(2)(i), the term "Person" shall
include any syndicate or group which would be deemed to be a "person" under
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of the original
execution of this Indenture.

SECTION 13.5 Consolidation, Merger, etc.

         In the case of any merger, consolidation, conveyance, sale, transfer or
lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to which Section
12.11 applies, in which the Common Stock of the Company is changed or exchanged
as a result into the right to receive shares of stock and other securities or
property or assets (including cash) which includes shares of Common Stock of the
Company or common stock of another Person that are, or upon issuance will be,
traded on a United States national securities exchange or approved for trading
on an established automated over-the-counter trading market in the United States
and such shares constitute at the time such change or exchange becomes effective
in excess of 50% of the aggregate fair market value of such shares of stock and
other securities, property and assets (including cash) (as determined by the
Company, which determination shall be conclusive and binding), then the Person
formed by such consolidation or resulting from such merger or combination or
which acquires the properties or assets (including cash) of the Company, as the
case may be, shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture
(which shall comply with the Trust Indenture Act as in force at the date of
execution of such supplemental indenture) modifying the provisions of this
Indenture relating to the right of Holders to cause the Company to repurchase
the Securities following a Change in Control, including without limitation the
applicable provisions of this Article XIV and the definitions of the Common
Stock and Change in Control, as appropriate, and such other related definitions
set forth herein as determined in good faith by the Company (which determination
shall be conclusive and binding), to make such provisions apply in the event of
a subsequent Change in Control to the common stock and the issuer thereof if
different from the Company and Common Stock of the Company (in lieu of the
Company and the Common Stock of the Company).

SECTION 13.6 Repurchase at the Option of the Holder on the Purchase Date

         (a)      General. At the option of the Holder, the Securities shall be
purchased by the Company as of October 1, 2008 (the "Purchase Date"), in whole
or in part, at 100% of the principal amount in cash, on the Purchase Date, of
such Securities to be purchased, together with accrued and unpaid interest
(including Liquidated Damages, if any), to, but excluding, the Purchase Date
(the "Purchase Price") upon delivery to the Paying Agent by the Holder, of a
written notice of purchase (a "Purchase Notice") at any time from the opening of
business on the date that is 20 Business Days prior to the Purchase Date until
the close of business on the Purchase Date. The Purchase Notice shall include
the following information:

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                  (1)      if certificated Securities have been issued, the
certificate number of the Securities that the Holder will deliver to be
purchased, or if no certificated Securities have been issued, such information
as may be required under the applicable procedures of the Depositary;

                  (2)      the portion of the principal amount of the Securities
that the Holder will deliver to be purchased, which portion must be $1,000 or an
integral multiple thereof;

                  (3)      that such Securities shall be purchased by the
Company as of the Purchase Date pursuant to the terms and conditions specified
in this Indenture; and

                  (4)      that delivery of such Security to the Paying Agent
prior to, on or after the Purchase Date (together with all necessary
endorsements) (at the offices of the Paying Agent in the case of certificated
Securities or otherwise by book-entry transfer) is a condition to receipt by the
Holder of the Purchase Price therefor; provided, however, that such Purchase
Price shall be so paid pursuant to this Section 13.6 only if the Security so
delivered to the Paying Agent shall conform in all respects to the description
thereof in the related Purchase Notice.

         The Paying Agent shall promptly notify the Company of the receipt by it
of a Purchase Notice.

         Any purchase by the Company contemplated pursuant to the provisions of
this Section 13.6 shall be consummated by the delivery of the consideration from
the Company to the Paying Agent, to be received by the Holder promptly following
the later of the Purchase Date and the time of delivery of the Security.

         If the Paying Agent holds money or securities sufficient to pay the
Purchase Price of the Securities on the Business Day following the Purchase Date
in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, then, immediately after the
Purchase Date, the Securities will cease to be Outstanding whether or not the
Securities have been delivered to the Paying Agent. Thereafter, all other rights
of the Holders shall terminate, other than the right to receive the Purchase
Price upon delivery of the Securities.

         Provisions of this Indenture that apply to the purchase of all of a
Security also apply to the purchase of a portion of a Security.

         (b)      Notice of Optional Repurchase. The Company is required to give
notice (the "Notice of Optional Repurchase") to the Holders on a date that is no
less than 20 Business Days prior to the Purchase Date. The Notice of Optional
Repurchase shall be delivered to all Holders at their respective addresses shown
in the Register and to beneficial owners as required by law, and shall include
the following information:

                  (1)      the name and address of the Paying Agent;

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                  (2)      that the Purchase Notice must be delivered by each
Holder electing to have the Company repurchase such Holder's Securities (or a
portion thereof) as of the Purchase Date, to the Paying Agent the Notice of
Optional Repurchase shall include a form of Purchase Notice;

                  (3)      that the Securities must be surrendered (by physical
delivery at the office of the Paying Agent in the case of certificated
Securities, or otherwise by book-entry transfer) to the Paying Agent to collect
payment;

                  (4)      that the Purchase Price for any security as to which
a Purchase Notice has been given and not withdrawn will be paid promptly
following the later of the Purchase Date and the time of surrender of such
Security;

                  (5)      a brief summary of the conversion rights of the
Securities;

                  (6)      the procedures for withdrawing a Purchase Notice and
a sample form of Notice of Withdrawal; and

                  (7)      the CUSIP number or numbers of the Securities being
purchased.

         At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the Notice of Optional
Repurchase in the Company's name and at the Company's expense; provided,
however, that, in all cases, the text of such Notice of Optional Repurchase
shall be prepared by the Company.

         (c)      Notice of Withdrawal. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, any Holder delivering to the Paying Agent the Purchase Notice
contemplated by this Section 13.6 shall have the right to withdraw such Purchase
Notice at any time prior to the close of business on the Purchase Date by
delivery of a written notice of withdrawal (a "Notice of Withdrawal") to the
Paying Agent. The Notice of Withdrawal shall indicate the following:

                  (1)      the principal amount of Securities being withdrawn;

                  (2)      if certificated Securities have been issued, the
certificate numbers of the Securities being withdrawn or if certificated
Securities have not been issued, such information as may be required under the
applicable procedures of the Depositary; and

                  (3)      the principal amount, if any, that remains subject to
the Purchase Notice.

         The Paying Agent shall promptly notify the Company of the receipt by it
of any written notice of withdrawal.

                                  ARTICLE XIV
         HOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY; NON-RECOURSE

SECTION 14.1 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

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         The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

         (1)      semi-annually, not more than 15 days after the Regular Record
Date, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names
and addresses of the Holders of Securities as of such date as the Trustee may
reasonably request, and

         (2)      at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request in
writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a
list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the
time such list is furnished;

provided, however, that no such list need be furnished so long as the Trustee is
acting as Security Registrar.

SECTION 14.2 Preservation of Information.

         (1)      The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is
reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most
recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 14.1 and the names
and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security
Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list, if any, furnished to it as provided
in Section 14.1 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

         (2)      After this Indenture has been qualified under the Trust
Indenture Act, the rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with
respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the
corresponding rights, and duties of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the
Trust Indenture Act.

         (3)      Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same,
agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee
nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any
disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to
the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 14.3 Reports by Trustee.

         (1)      After this Indenture has been qualified under the Trust
Indenture Act, the Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the
Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the
Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

         (2)      After this Indenture has been qualified under the Trust
Indenture Act, a copy of each such report shall, at the time of such
transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon
which the Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The
Company will notify the Trustee when the Securities are listed on any stock
exchange.

                                      103

<PAGE>

SECTION 14.4 Reports by Company.

         After this Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act,
the Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to
Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries
thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and
in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information,
documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within
15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission.

                                   ARTICLE XV
         IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

SECTION 15.1 Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations.

         No recourse for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest, if any, (including Liquidated Damages, if any) on any Security and no
recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of the Company in
this Indenture or in any supplemental indenture or in any Security, or because
of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against
any incorporator, stockholder, employee, agent, officer, or director or
subsidiary, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor
corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or
by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly
understood that all such liability is hereby waived and released as a condition
of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issue of
the Securities.

         This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

                                      104
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

                                   EXULT, INC.

                                   By: /s/ JOHN A. ADAMS
                                       --------------------------------

                                   Name: John A. Adams

                                   Title: Executive Vice President
                                          and Chief Financial Officer

                                   BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
                                   as Trustee

                                   By: /s/ J. MORAND
                                       --------------------------------

                                   Name: J. Morand

                                   Title: Vice President
<PAGE>

             ANNEX A -- Form of Unrestricted Securities Certificate

                       UNRESTRICTED SECURITIES CERTIFICATE

    (For removal of Restricted Securities Legend pursuant to Section 3.5(3))

BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
____________________________
____________________________
Attention: Corporate Trust Services

         RE:      2.50% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2010, OF EXULT,
                  INC. (THE "SECURITIES")

         Reference is made to the Indenture, dated as of September 30, 2003 (the
"Indenture"), from EXULT, INC. (the "Company") to BANK ONE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
as Trustee. Terms used herein and defined in the Indenture or in Rule 144 under
the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") are used herein as so
defined.

         This certificate relates to U.S.$_______________ principal amount of
Securities, which are evidenced by the following certificate(s) (the "Specified
Securities"):

                      CUSIP No. __________________________

                      CERTIFICATE No(s). _________________

         The person in whose name this certificate is executed below (the
"Undersigned") hereby certifies that either (i) it is the sole beneficial owner
of the Specified Securities or (ii) it is acting on behalf of all the beneficial
owners of the Specified Securities and is duly authorized by them to do so. Such
beneficial owner or owners are referred to herein collectively as the "Owner".
If the Specified Securities are represented by a Global Security, they are held
through the Depositary or an Agent Member in the name of the Undersigned, as or
on behalf of the Owner. If the Specified Securities are not represented by a
Global Security, they are registered in the name of the Undersigned, as or on
behalf of the Owner.

         The Owner has requested that the Specified Securities be exchanged for
Securities bearing no Restricted Securities Legend pursuant to Section 3.5(3) of
the Indenture. In connection with such exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that
the exchange is occurring after a period of at least two years has elapsed since
the date the Specified Securities were acquired from the Company or from an
"affiliate" (as such term is defined in Rule 144) of the Company, whichever is
later, and the Owner is not, and during the preceding three months has not been,
an affiliate of the Company. The Owner also acknowledges that any future
transfers of the Specified Securities must comply with all applicable securities
laws of the states of the United States and other jurisdictions.

<PAGE>

         This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your
benefit and the benefit of the Company and the Initial Purchaser.

Dated: ______________

(Print the name of the Undersigned, as such term is defined in the second
paragraph of this certificate.)

By: _____________________________

Name: ___________________________

Title: __________________________

(If the Undersigned is a corporation, partnership or fiduciary, the title of the
person signing on behalf of the Undersigned must be stated.)

                                      -2-

<PAGE>

                    ANNEX B -- Form of Surrender Certificate

         In connection with the certification contemplated by Section 12.2 or
13.3(9) relating to compliance with certain restrictions relating to transfers
of Restricted Securities, such certification shall be provided substantially in
the form of the following certificate, with only such changes thereto as shall
be approved by the Company and Goldman, Sachs & Co.:

                                   CERTIFICATE

                                   EXULT, INC.

               2.50% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2010

         This is to certify that as of the date hereof with respect to U.S.
$______ principal amount of the above-captioned securities surrendered on the
date hereof (the "Surrendered Securities") for registration of transfer, or for
conversion or repurchase where the securities issuable upon such conversion or
repurchase are to be registered in a name other than that of the undersigned
Holder (each such transaction being a "transfer"), the undersigned Holder (as
defined in the Indenture) certifies that the transfer of Surrendered Securities
associated with such transfer complies with the restrictive legend set forth on
the face of the Surrendered Securities for the reason checked below:

_________         The transfer of the Surrendered Securities complies with Rule
                  144A under the Securities Act; or

_________         The transfer of the Surrendered Securities complies with Rule
                  144 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended
                  (the "Securities Act"); or

_________         The transfer of the Surrendered Securities has been made to an
                  institution that is an "accredited investor" within the
                  meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the
                  Securities Act in a transaction exempt from the registration
                  requirements of the Securities Act and a signed letter
                  containing certain representations and agreements relating to
                  restrictions on transfer of the Securities (and if such
                  transfer is for an aggregate principal amount less than
                  $250,000 an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Company if
                  requested by the Company, that such transfer is exempt from
                  registration; or

_________         The transfer of the Surrendered Securities has been made
                  pursuant to an exemption from registration under the
                  Securities Act and an opinion of counsel has been delivered to
                  the Company with respect to such transfer.

[Name of Holder]

Dated: ______________________________
*To be dated the date of surrender

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