Document:

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EXHIBIT 10.14

                                 LEASE AGREEMENT

                      VENTURE TECHNOLOGY CENTER I BUILDING
                           2700 RESEARCH FOREST DRIVE
                     THE WOODLANDS, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS

     THIS LEASE AGREEMENT ("Lease"), effective September 17, 1999 ("Effective
Date"), is between WOODLANDS LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P., a Texas limited
partnership ("Lessor"), and GENOMETRIX INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation
("Lessee").

     1.   PREMISES. Upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, Lessor
does hereby lease, demise and let to Lessee, and Lessee does hereby lease and
take from Lessor, approximately 71,868 net rentable square feet of floor space
("Premises"), subject to Section 48, together with all appurtenances thereto, in
a building to be known as Venture Technology Center XI Building ("Building"), to
be located at 2700 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Montgomeiy County,
Texas. The Building will be located on that certain approximately 8.0 16 acre
tract of land located in the John Taylor Survey, A-547 in Montgomery County,
Texas, more particularly described in EXHIBIT "A" ("Land"). The Premises is
shown on the floor plan attached hereto as EXHIBIT "A-1". The address of the
Premises will be 2700 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380. Lessor
reserves the right to change the name of the Building whenever it desires
without any liability or consent of Lessee.

     2.   LOADING DOCK AND PARKING. In addition to the Premises, Lessee and its
invitees are hereby granted the nonexclusive right to use the loading dock to be
affixed to the Premises. Lessee shall also have the nonexclusive right to park
up to 153 automobiles in the parking areas provided by Lessor on the Land.
Lessor shall keep in good condition throughout the Term described below the
parking areas for and vehicular access ways to the Premises. The use of such
parking and access areas shall at all times be subject to such reasonable rules
and regulations as Lessor may promulgate.

     3.   TERM. The term of this Lease ("Term") shall commence on the date
("Commencement Date") which is the earlier of(a) December 15, 1999 or (b) the
day upon which Lessee takes occupancy of the Premises, and shall expire on the
last day of the ninety-sixth (96) fill calendar month following the Commencement
Date. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, if Lessor
has not tendered to Lessee possession of the Premises with all work to be
performed by Lessor pursuant to the tenant improvement letter ("Tenant
Improvement Letter") attached hereto as Exhibit "B", substantially completed,
which allows for reasonable furniture, equipment, and personnel move in, by the
date set forth in (a) above, the Commencement Date shall be the date Lessor has
tendered possession of the substantially completed Premises performed by Lessor
pursuant to the Tenant Improvement

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Letter. Lessor is, as of the Effective Date, constructing the Building. Lessor
anticipates that the Building shell will be substantially complete on November
1, 1999. Lessor shall not, however, be liable or responsible for any claims,
damages or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in connection with or by reason
of any delayed occupancy. Within 15 days following Lessee's receipt from Lessor
of a memorandum of this Lease specifying the Commencement Date and date of
expiration of the Term, Lessee agrees to execute the memorandum.

     4.   USE. Lessee shall use the entire Premises solely for laboratory, light
manufacturing, and office use, sample archiving, information database
construction, and for no other use.

     5.   ACCEPTANCE OF THE PREMISES. Upon taking possession of all or any
portion of the Premises, Lessee shall be deemed to have accepted the Premises,
to have acknowledged that the same are in the condition called for hereunder and
to have agreed that the obligations of the Lessor imposed by Exhibit "B"
attached hereto have been filly performed. Lessee hereby waives any implied
warranty of Lesser that the Premises are suitable for their intended commercial
purpose and acknowledges and agrees that all of Lessee's obligations hereunder
(including without limitation, the obligation to pay rent) are independent of
any such implied warranty and agrees to perform all such obligations and pay
rent notwithstanding any breach or allegation of breach by Lessor of any such
implied warranty (which implied warranty as aforesaid is hereby waived by
Lessee).

     6.   SECURITY DEPOSIT. Lessee contemporaneously with the execution of this
Lease has deposited with Lessor the sum of $69,921.69 receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged by Lessor, said security deposit being given to secure the faithful
performance by Lessee of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this
Lease to be kept and performed by Lessee. If Lessee shall fail to pay the rent
herein reserved promptly when due or if Lessee violates any of the other terms,
covenants or conditions of this Lease, said security deposit may, at the option
of Lessor, be applied to any rent due and unpaid or to any damages suffered by
Lessor as a result of Lessee's default. Nothing contained in this Section shall
in any way diminish or be construed as waiving any of Lessor's other remedies as
provided elsewhere in this Lease or at law or in equity. Should the entire
security deposit or any portion thereof be applied by Lessor for the payment of
sums due and payable to Lessor hereunder, Lessee shall, on the written demand of
Lessor, remit to Lessor a sufficient amount in cash to restore said security
deposit to its original amount. Should Lessee comply with all of the terms,
covenants and conditions of this Lease and promptly pay all of the rental herein
provided for as it falls due, (including any Additional Rent due at the end of
the Fiscal Year, which term is defined in Section 8 below, during which the Term
expires or terminates), and all other sums payable by Lessee to Lessor
hereunder, said security deposit shall be returned in fill to Lessee. Lessor
shall have the right to commingle the security deposit with other finds of
Lessor, and any interest earned shall be the property of Lessor. Lessor may
deliver the security deposit to any purchaser of Lessor's interest in the
Premises, and thereupon be discharged from further liability with respect to
such deposit.

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     7.   BASE RENT. The Base Rent, which Lessee hereby agrees to pay to Lessor
monthly, in advance, at Lessor's address stated above, shall be the equal to the
product of (a) the "Annual RSF Factor, multiplied by the "Adjusted Base Rent
Square Footage" set forth below, plus (b) the total net rentable square feet in
the Premises from time to time subleased by Lessee multiplied by the annual base
rent rate to be paid by the sublessee, multiplied by (c) 0.083333.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  MONTHS                       ANNUAL RSF FACTOR
                  ------                       -----------------

<S>                                                  <C>
                  1-12                               $14.75
                  13-36                              $15.75
                  37-72                              $16.75
                  73-96                              $17.75
</TABLE>

The "Adjusted Base Rent Square Footage" means the sum of(i) 47,271 net rentable
square feet, plus (ii) the excess of the number of net rentable square feet of
the Premises from time to time actually occupied or used by Lessee over 47,271
net rentable square feet. The Adjusted Base Rent Square Footage may never be
less than 47,271 net rentable square feet. For example, if during the first 12
months of the Term Lessee is using or occupying 50,000 rentable square feet of
the Premises and subleasing an additional 20,000 rentable square feet of the
Premises at abase rent rate of $15.00 per rentable square foot, then the Base
Rent shall be $86,458.33 ($14.75 X [47,271 + 2,729] + $15.00 X [20,000] X 1/12).
The Base Rent shall be due and payable on the first day of each calendar month
during the Term hereof, without offset or deduction, with a pro rata portion
being due and payable in advance for any partial month occurring at the
beginning of the Term.

MONTHLY

     8.   ADDITIONAL RENT. Lessor agrees to pay all Operating Expenses (as
defined in Section 10 below) (which includes the Management Fee described in
Section 10) up to a maximum amount of $2.02 per year for each square foot of
rentable floor area in the Building ("Operating Cost Allowance"). In the event
the Operating Expenses shall, in any Fiscal Year exceed the Operating Cost
Allowance (prorated for any partial Fiscal Year at the beginning or end of the
Term), Lessee agrees to pay to Lessor, as Additional Rent, Lessee's pro rata
share of any such excess ("Excess Operating Expenses"). The term "Fiscal Year",
as used herein, shall mean Lessor's fiscal year for accounting purposes which
currently is the 12-month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
Lessor shall have the right to change the Fiscal Year, from time to time, and,
in such event, Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing of such change. Lessee's
pro rata share shall be determined by multiplying the Excess Operating Expenses
by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of net rentable square
feet in the Premises, and the denominator of which shall be the net rentable
square footage in the Building, which may change from time to time utilizing
BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) standards. Within 90 days
following the completion of each Fiscal Year, Lessor will provide to Lessee a
statement showing in reasonable detail the Operating Expenses for the preceding
Fiscal Year, the Additional Rent due with regard to Lessee's share of the Excess
Operating Expenses, and Lessor's reasonable estimate of Excess Operating
Expenses for the then current Fiscal Year. Lessee shall, on or before 30 days
following receipt of said statement, pay to Lessor the amount

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of Additional Rent due as provided herein, less the amount of Additional Rent
paid in advance (if any) during the preceding Fiscal Year. Any overpayment will
be credited by Lessor to Lessee's pro rata share of the estimated Excess
Operating Expenses for the then current Fiscal Year. Lessee agrees to pay
Additional Rent each month thereafter, in addition to Base Rent, in an amount
necessary to amortize the estimated Excess Operating Expenses for the then
current Fiscal Year (or the pro rata portion thereof, if applicable) over a
period equal to the lesser of (i) the number of months remaining in the Term or
(u) the number of months remaining in the current Fiscal Year. Notwithstanding
that the Term has expired or been terminated, Lessee shall remain liable for and
agrees to pay to Lessor within 30 days following receipt of an invoice therefor,
its pro rata portion of Excess Operating Expenses for the Fiscal Year (or
portion thereof) during which the Term expired or was terminated. Lessee shall
have the right, at its expense and at a reasonable time, to audit Lessor's books
relevant to the Additional Rent due under this Section.

     9.   PAYMENT OF RENTALS. Lessee covenants to promptly pay all rentals when
due and payable. A late charge of ten percent (10%) shall be added to any
payment of Base Rent or Additional Rent which is more than 10 days past due in
order to compensate Lessor for the extra administrative expenses incurred,
provided that the first 3 times during the Term that Lessee is delinquent in any
payment of Base Rent or additional Rent, the 10% late charge will be waived so
long as Lessee cures the default within 3 days of written notice from Lessor. If
Lessor shall pay any monies or incur any expenses in correction of violations of
the covenants herein set forth, the amounts so paid or incurred shall, on notice
to Lessee, be considered additional rent payable by Lessee with the first
installment of Base Rent thereafter to become due and payable, and may be
collected or enforced as by law provided in respect of rentals.

     10.  OPERATING EXPENSES. The term "Operating Expenses" means all of
Lessor's costs, expenses and disbursements (but not acquisition of capital
investment items, except as hereinafter expressly provided or specific costs
billed to specific lessees) to operate and maintain the Land, the Building, and
all improvements on the Land from time to time (to the extent and only to the
extent same are Lessor's obligation to pay or furnish under the other provisions
of this Lease), including, but not limited to, Lessor's costs of providing
utilities, including, but not limited to lighting; porter services and supplies;
refuse removal (if Lessor elects to furnish this service); landscaping,
including irrigation; and general maintenance and repairs, including, but not
limited to, repairs to roof surface and preventive maintenance, parking area
restriping, exterior painting and other activities. Operating Expenses shall
also include a reasonable amortization charge on account of any capital
expenditure incurred to effect a reduction of Operating Expenses and a
reasonable charge for amortization of all capital items Lessor installs (a) to
reduce Operating Expenses, or (b) to promote safety, or (c) which Lessor is
required to install on or for the benefit of the Building by any governmental
law, code or - regulation passed or enacted on or after the Commencement Date,
or (d) which is a replacement (as opposed to additions or new improvements) of
items located in the common areas adjacent to the Building, the parking area and
other facilities used in connection with the Building, or involving the exterior
of the Building, including, but not limited to, the roof and structural
elements. Additionally, Operating Expenses shall include all ad valorem taxes or
assessments, and Annual Assessments of The Woodlands Community Association, Inc.
and The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association, whichever is applicable, which
accrue against the Building or the Land

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during the Term, together with all insurance premiums which Lessor is required
to pay or deems necessary to pay with respect to the Building or the Land,
including, but not limited to, casualty insurance and liability insurance, and a
management fee ("Management Fee") of 5% of Lessee's annual Base Rent.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, it is agreed that in
the event not more than 95% of the rentable area in the Building is occupied
during any Fiscal Year or in the event not more than 95% of the rentable area in
the Building is provided with building standard services during any Fiscal Year,
an adjustment shall be made in computing the Operating Expenses for such year so
that the Operating Expenses shall be computed for such year as though the
Building had been 95% occupied during such year and as though 95% of the
Building had been provided with building standard services during such year.

     Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if at the end of
the Fiscal Year, the Land with the Building thereon, has not yet been placed on
the tax rolls, the Fiscal Year ad valorem taxes and assessment shall be adapted
and increased as if it had been.

     11.  UTILITIES. Lessor shall make available to the Building gas,
electricity, water and sewer facilities. Lessee agrees to assume all costs and
expenses for water and sewer, except as herein provided, gas, electricity,
telephone, and any other service needed for its use at the Premises, including
any license or deposit required to establish or maintain such services, and the
costs of installation, hook-up and metering. Lessor agrees to pay all costs and
expenses for water and sewer service. The cost. of these services shall be
included with Operating Expenses as defined in Section 10 hereof. Lessor,
however, reserves the right to submeter, at Lessee's cost and expense, Lessee's
water and sewer usage, charging Lessee at cost plus 15% overhead. Lessee shall
promptly pay for all utility services furnished to the Premises during the term
of this Lease. Lessor shall under no circumstances be liable to Lessee in damage
or otherwise for any interruption in service of water, electricity, heating, air
conditioning or other utilities or services caused by governmental regulation,
emergencies, Acts of God, by the making of any necessary repairs or
improvements, or by any cause beyond Lessor's reasonable control. Lessor shall
endeavor in good faith to give at least 24 hours notice to Lessee when any
necessary interruption in service will be made by Lessor.

     12.  PEACEFUL ENJOYMENT. Lessee shall and may peacefully have, hold and
enjoy the Premises for the Term, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Lease, provided that Lessee pays the rentals and other sums herein recited and
performs all of its covenants and agreements herein contained. It is understood
and agreed that this covenant and any and all other covenants of Lessor
contained in this Lease shall be binding upon Lessor and its successors and
assigns, but only with respect to breaches occurring during its and their
respective ownership of Lessor's interest hereunder.

     13.  ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS. Lessee shall not make or
allow to be made any alterations or physical additions in or to the Premises
without first obtaining the written - consent of Lessor. Lessor shall not be
liable as a result of any such consent for completeness, design sufficiency, or
compliance with any law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation and Lessee shall
indemnify, defend and hold Lessor harmless from all claims, demands, damages,
causes of action or litigation, arising out of or resulting from such consent.
Any and all alterations, additions or improvements, other than that portion of
the initial Tenant

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improvements which are to be provided by Lessor pursuant to the terms of Exhibit
"B" hereto, shall be made at Lessee's sole expense. All such alterations,
additions or improvements upon the earlier to occur of (i) the termination date
of the Lease or (ii) Lessor's termination of Lessee's right of possession of the
Premises pursuant to Section 29 of the Lease, shall become the property of
Lessor and shall be surrendered to Lessor upon the termination of this Lease by
lapse of time or otherwise; provided, however this clause shall not apply to
removable equipment or furniture owned by Lessee and which can be removed
without damage to the Building or the Premises, provided there is no default by
Lessee in any of the terms and conditions of the Lease. Notwithstanding any
provision in this Lease to the contrary, Lessee shall be solely responsible for,
and shall release, indemnify, defend, and hold Lessor harmless from all damages
for any bodily injury or property damage arising out of, the construction,
installation, use, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, or removal of
all laboratories and "clean rooms" and all equipment, piping, and other
secondary infrastructure related to such laboratories and "clean rooms" located
in the Premises.

     14.  EXTERIOR REPAIRS. Lessor will keep the exterior of the Building,
including any doors, windows, or glass, in repair, provided Lessee shall give
Lessor written notice of the necessity for such repairs, and provided that the
damage thereto shall not have been caused by the negligence of Lessee, its
agents, employees, licensees or invitees, in which event Lessee shall be
responsible therefor for the cost. Lessor shall be under no liability for
repair, maintenance, alteration or any other action with reference to any
plumbing, electrical or other mechanical installation within or serving the
Premises or any part thereof, except for the service lines leading to the
Premises.

     15.  OPERATION BY LESSEE. Lessee agrees to (a) keep the inside of all glass
in the doors and windows of the Premises clean; (b) keep all interior surfaces
of the Premises clean; (c) replace promptly, at its expense, any cracked or
broken window glass inside the Premises with glass of like kind and quality; (d)
maintain the Premises in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition and free of
insects, rodents, vermin and other pests; (e) keep any garbage, trash, rubbish
or refuse in rat-proof containers within the interior of the Premises until
removed from the area; (f) have such garbage, trash, rubbish and refuse removed
at its expense on a regular basis from location points and at such times as
designated by Lessor, if said service is not provided by Lessor; (g) keep all
mechanical apparatus free of vibration, noise or pollution which may be
transmitted beyond the Premises; (h) comply with all laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations of the Fire Underwriters Rating Bureau now or hereafter in affect;
and (i) conduct its business in all respects in a dignified manner in accordance
with high standards of business operation.

     In addition, Lessee shall not (a) place or maintain any merchandise or
other articles in any vestibule or entry of the Premises, on the footwalks
adjacent thereto or elsewhere on the exterior of the Premises or Building
without the written consent of Lessor; (b) permit undue accumulation of garbage,
trash, rubbish or other refuse within or without the Premises; (c) cause or
permit objectionable odors to emanate or be dispelled from the Premises; (d)
cause or permit the parking of vehicles so as to interfere with the use of any
driveway, walk, parking area, dock or other common facility in the area; (e)
occupy, use or permit the use or occupancy of any portion of the Premises for
any business or purpose which is immoral, disreputable or in violation of any
legal direction of any public officer; or (f) occupy, use or permit the use or

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occupancy of any portion of the Premises for any business or purpose which, in
the opinion of Lessor, reasonably formed, constitutes a public or private
nuisance or unduly disturbs the business of other tenants in the Building.

Lessor shall have the right, upon written notice to Lessee, to provide for
rubbish and refuse removal services as required of Lessee above, and Lessee
agrees to reimburse Lessor for the cost incurred in providing such service
within 30 days after receipt of a statement setting forth the cost of such
service.

     Lessee agrees to discharge all waste materials from the Premises in
compliance with the rules and regulations as set forth in The Woodlands Metro
Center Municipal Utility District Policy Manual - Industrial Waste Discharges -
Permits and Charges - No. R&S-50, issued July 12, 1979, with an effective date
of July 12, 1979, as it may be amended from time to time. Lessee shall haul away
for disposal at its own expense, any waste material not meeting the standards
for discharge set forth in the above-referenced manual.

     Lessee shall comply, at Lessee's cost and expense, with all private
restrictions encumbering the Land and all present and future laws, ordinances,
orders, rules, regulations and requirements of all federal, state, and municipal
governments, including all municipal and road utility districts and municipal
utility districts, and all departments, commissions, boards and officers
thereof, and any other body exercising similar functions, which now or hereafter
may be applicable to the Premises, the improvements in the Premises, or to the
use or manner of use of the Premises or the improvements, including but not
limited to, all environmental laws and the Americans With Disabilities Act. In
the event of a violation of any environmental law by Lessee and cleanup of
contamination is required, in addition to all other remedies of Lessor under
this Lease or at law or in equity, Lessee shall conduct a Standard 1 cleanup so
that there is a total and complete removal of all contaminates from the
Premises. Lessee agrees that no such cleanup shall be subject to a risk
reduction standard and no deed recordation notice shall be recorded against the
Premises.

     Lessee also agrees to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the
Building, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT "C". Lessor may amend said
Rules and Regulations, from time to time, if reasonably necessary for the
safety, care, or cleanliness of the Building, provided that no amendment shall
alter any covenant or provision contained in this Lease. Lessee agrees to comply
with any amendment which is made to said rules and Regulations in compliance
with the terms of this subsection.

     Lessee shall promptly pay directly to the taxing authority all sales and/or
ad valorem taxes now or hereafter levied by separate bill on Lessee's personal
property and leasehold improvements. Lessee waives all rights under applicable
law to protest appraised values or receive notice of reappraisal regarding the
Land and Building (including Lessor's personalty), irrespective of whether
Lessor contests same. To the extent such waiver is prohibited, Lessee appoints
Lessor as Lessee's attorney-in-fact, coupled with an interest, to appear and
take all actions which Lessee would otherwise be entitled to take under
applicable law.

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     16.  INTERIOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. Lessee will, at Lessee's cost and
expense, keep the interior of the Premises, together with all electrical,
plumbing and other mechanical installations therein, all heating and air
conditioning equipment, and all interior windows or doors serving the Premises,
in good order and repair, and will make all replacements thereto as its expense.
Lessee will surrender the Premises at the expiration or earlier termination of
this Lease, in as good condition as when received, excepting depreciation caused
by ordinary wear and tear. Lessee will not overload the electrical wiring
serving the Premises or within the Premises, and will install at its expense,
but only after obtaining Lessor's written approval, any additional electrical
service which may be required in connection with Lessee's use or occupancy.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,Lessor, and not Lessee, shall be
liable for any and all interior repairs which may result from any structural
failure of the Building, unless caused by Lessee, its agents, employees or
invitees. Lessee will repair promptly, at its expense, any damage to the
Premises caused by bringing into the Premises any property for Lessee's use, or
by the installation or removal of such property, regardless of fault or by whom
such damage was caused, unless caused by Lessor, its agents, employees or
contracts. Upon execution of this Lease, Lessee, at its own cost and expense,
shall enter into a regularly scheduled preventative maintenance/service contract
with Lessor, or a maintenance contractor approved by Lessor, for servicing all
hot water, heating, and air-conditioning systems and equipment within the
Premises. If Lessee falls to make such repairs and/or to perform the maintenance
and repairs to the Premises which are Lessee's obligation under this Lease,
Lessor may make same, and Lessee agrees to pay, as additional rent, the cost
thereof, plus 15% overhead, to Lessor promptly upon Lessor's demand therefor.

     17.  ROOF AND WALLS. Lessor or its designee shall have the exclusive right
(a) to use all or any part of the roof of the Building for any purpose including
to erect additional stories or other structures over all or any part of the
Premises, and to erect in connection with the construction thereof temporary
scaffolds and other aids to construction on the exterior of the Premises,
provided that access to the Premises shall not be denied; and (b) to install,
maintain, use, repair and replace within the Premises, pipes, ducts, conduits,
wires and all other mechanical equipment serving other parts of the Building,
the same to be in locations within the Premises as will not materially interfere
with Lessee's use thereof Lessee shall have no right to penetrate or erect
improvements on the roof without the prior written consent of Lessor. Lessee
shall be liable in damages to Lessor for any breach of this provision, including
damages for loss of any and all warranties.

     18.  SIGNS AND ADVERTISING. Lessee will not place or suffer to be placed or
maintained on or displaced to the exterior of the Premises, any sign,
advertising matter or other thing of any kind, and will not place or maintain
any decoration, lettering or advertising matter on the glass of any window or
door of the Premises without first obtaining the written approval of Lessor.
Lessee will maintain any approved sign, decoration, lettering, advertising
matter or other thing in good condition and repair at all times.

     19.  ENTRY BY LESSOR. Lessee shall permit Lessor or Lessor's agents,
representatives, or employees to enter upon the Premises at reasonable times,
and upon having given Lessee reasonable advance notice, (a) to inspect the
Premises, to determine whether Lessee is in compliance with the terms of this
Lease; (b)to show the Premises to prospective purchasers,

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lessees, mortgagees, beneficiaries under trust deeds, or insurers (but as to
prospective lessees only during the last 7 months of the Term), and (c) to make
repairs, improvements, additions and alterations thereto, as Lessor is permitted
to make according to the terms of the Lease. Any inspections of the Premises
pursuant to this subsection shall be at Lessor's cost and expense; provided,
however, in the event it is determined by Lessor that an environmental study
should be conducted on the Premises and said environmental study determines that
Lessee has not complied with all then existing environmental laws, Lessee shall
reimburse Lessor for the cost of the study within 15 days after receipt of an
invoice setting forth the cost, and Lessee shall promptly take all action
necessary, at Lessee's sole expense, to remedy any noncompliance by Lessee
discovered by such study in accordance with Section 15 above.

     20.  LIENS. In the event that any mechanic's, materialman's, or other lien
shall at any time be filed against the Premises, the Building or the Land
purporting to be for work, labor, services or materials performed for or
furnished to Lessee or anyone holding the Premises through or under Lessee, or
arising out of any alleged act or omission of Lessee, Lessee shall forthwith
cause the same to be properly bonded or released. If Lessee shall fail to cause
such lien to be bonded or released within 15 days after being notified of the
filing thereof, then, in addition to any other right or remedy of Lessor, Lessor
may, but shall not be obligated to, discharge the same by posting a bond or
paying the amount claimed to be due, and the amount so paid by Lessor, and all
costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in procuring the discharge of such lien,
including reasonable attorney's fees, shall be due and payable by Lessee to
Lessor as additional rent on the first day of the next succeeding month. Lessor
shall not be liable for any labor or materials furnished to Lessee upon credit,
and that no mechanics', materialman's or other liens for any such labor or
materials shall attach to or affect the estate or interest of Lessor in and to
the Land or Building.

     21.  SUBORDINATION. Lessee agrees that this Lease is and shall be
subordinate to any mortgage or deed of trust which may now or hereafter encumber
the Building or the Land, and to all renewals, modifications, consolidations,
replacements and extensions thereof, provided, however, that the holder of any
such mortgage or deed of trust shall agree that Lessee shall not be disturbed in
its possession of the Premises or its rights hereunder terminated or amended by
the mortgagee, any purchaser at or in lieu of foreclosure or other party so long
as Lessee is not in default under this Lease. In confirmation of such
subordination, Lessee shall at Lessor's request execute promptly any appropriate
certificate or instrument that Lessor may reasonably request. In the event of
the enforcement by the trustee or the beneficiary under a mortgage or deed of
trust of the remedies provided for by law or by such mortgage or deed of trust,
Lessee will, upon request of any person or party succeeding to the interest of
Lessor as a result of such enforcement, automatically become the lessee of such
successor in interest without change in the tenns or other provisions of this
Lease; provided, however, that such successor in interest shall not be bound by
(i) any payment of Base Rent or Additional Rent for more than one month in
advance except prepayments in the nature of security for the performance by
Lessee of its obligations under this Lease; (ii) any amendment or modifications
under this Lease made without the written consent of such trustee, beneficiary,
or successor in interest; (iii) any default by the prior owner or Landlord in
the observance or performance of any of its covenants or obligations hereunder,
or (iv) any right of offset which Lessee may have had against the prior owner or

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<PAGE>   10

Landlord. Upon request by any successor in interest, Lessee shall execute and
deliver an instrument or instruments confirming the attornment herein provided
for.

     Within 15 days after Lessor's request, Lessee agrees to execute an estoppel
certificate or other agreement certifying to Lessor and/or any mortgagee of the
Building such facts and agreeing to such reasonable notice provisions as such
mortgagee may request in connection with Lessor's financing, subject, however,
to the non-disturbance rights of Lessee above-described. If Lessee fails or
refuses to give a certificate hereunder within the time period herein specified,
then the information contained in such certificate as submitted by Lessor shall
be deemed correct for all purposes, and all notice provisions and other matters
in the certificate shall be deemed agreed to, but Lessor shall have the right to
treat such failure or refusal as a default by Lessee.

     This Lease and all rights of Lessee hereunder are further subject and
subordinate to the extent that the same relate to the Premises to all ground or
underlying leases covering the. Land/or any part thereof which may now or
hereinafter affect the Land or the Building, and any renewals or modifications
thereof; provided, however that the holder of any ground lease or underlying
leases covering the Land or the Building shall agree that Lessee shall not be
disturbed in its possession of the Premises or its rights hereunder terminated
or amended by such holder as long as Lessee is not in default under this Lease.

     22.  CONDEMNATION. If the whole or any part of the Premises shall be taken
under the power of eminent domain, this Lease shall terminate as to the part so
taken on the date Lessee is required to yield possession thereof to the
condemning authority. Lessor shall, with reasonable diligence, make such repairs
and alterations as may be necessary in order to restore the part not taken to a
useful condition, and the Base Rent shall be reduced proportionately to the
portion of the Premises so taken. If the amount of the Premises so taken
substantially impairs the usefulness of the Premises for the purposes set forth
in Section 4, either party may terminate this Lease within 30 days after Lessee
is dispossessed, effective as of the date when Lessee is required to yield
possession. All compensation awarded for any taking shall belong to and be the
property of Lessor.

     23.  FIRE AND CASUALTY. In the event of a fire or other casualty in the
Premises, Lessee shall immediately give notice thereof to Lessor. If the
Premises, through no fault or neglect of Lessee, its agents, employees,
invitees, licensees or visitors, shall be destroyed by fire or other casualty so
as to render the Premises untenantable, the rental herein shall be reduced
proportionally to the portion of the Premises rendered untenantable until such
time as the Premises are made tenantable by Lessor. If from such cause the same
shall be so damaged that Lessor shall decide not to rebuild, then all rent and
other sums owed hereunder up to the time of such destruction or casualty shall
be paid by Lessee, and thenceforth this Lease shall cease and come to an end.

     24.  CASUALTY INSURANCE. Lessor shall, at all times during the Term,
maintain a policy or policies of insurance with the premiums thereon fully paid
in advance, issued by and binding upon some solvent insurance company, licensed
to do business in the State of Texas, insuring Lessor's interest in the Building
against loss or damage by fire and other hazards within the coverage of a Texas
standard special form extended coverage policy, for the full replacement

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

value thereof, with payments for losses thereunder payable solely to Lessor or
its designee. Lessee shall maintain in force a like policy insuring Lessee's
interest in any furniture, equipment, machinery, goods or supplies which Lessee
may bring or obtain upon the Premises, or any improvements which Lessee may
construct thereon.

     25.  LIABILITY INSURANCE. Lessee shall maintain, at its expense, at all
times during the Term, a policy or policies of commercial general liability
insurance, with the premiums thereon fully paid in advance, issued by (i) an
insurance company or companies rated "A-" or higher under the most current
edition of A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide, (ii) a Lloyds of London underwriter, or
(iii) an insurance company agreed to by Lessor. All insurers must be licensed to
do business in the State of Texas. The insurance shall afford protection of not
less than $500,000 combined single limit bodily injury and property damage per
occurrence. The policy or policies shall name Lessor as an additional insured.
As to any injury or damage occurring in or on the Premises, Lessee's insurance
shall be primary. Lessee's policy shall contain an agreement by the insurer that
such policy, or policies may not be canceled or materially modified without 30
days' prior notice to Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor a copy of the required
policy or policies, or a certificate evidencing the required coverage, before
beginning any work in the Premises or taking occupancy of same. Additionally,
Lessee shall provide Lessor evidence of the renewal of each policy at least 30
days before the expiration of the policy.

     26.  RELEASE OF CLAIMS; WAIVER OF SUBROGATION. Anything in this Lease to
the contrary notwithstanding, Lessor and Lessee each waive any and all right of
recovery, claim, action or cause of action against the other and its partners
(if any), and the agents, officers, and employees of the other party or its
partners, for any loss or damage:

          (i)  to the Premises, the Building, or any improvements thereto, or
               any personal property of such party therein, by reason of fire,
               the elements or any other cause which could have been insured
               against under a Texas standard special form extended coverage
               insurance policy, or

          (ii) arising out of any business interruption, including but not
               limited to loss of profits, by reason of fire, the elements or
               any other cause,

regardless of cause or origin, including the sole or concurrent negligence of
the other party or its partners, or the agents, officers, or employees of the
other party or its partners. Lessor and Lessee covenant that no insurer shall
hold any right of subrogation against the other party for losses which must be
insured against by the terms of this Lease. This Section shall survive the
termination of this Lease.

     27.  RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION BY LESSEE. Subject to Section 26 above,
Lessee releases and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Lessor and its
partners, and the agents, officers and employees of Lessor or its partners,
harmless from and against all claims or causes of action for damage or injury or
death to persons or property occurring on or in the Premises, including, but not
limited to, any claims or causes of action caused by or resulting from (i) the
sole or concurrent negligence, but not the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of Lessor or its

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

partners, or the agents, officers, or employees of Lessor or its partners, or
(ii) strict liability or product liability. This Section shall survive the
termination of this Lease.

     28.  HOLDING OVER. In the event of holding over by Lessee after the
expiration or termination of the Term and without the written consent of Lessor,
Lessee shall be a Tenant at will - and shall pay monthly rent equal to double
the amount of all Base Rent, and Additional Rent payable during the last month
of the Term. Further, Lessee shall indemnify Lessor against all claims for
damages by any other lessee to whom Lessor may have leased all or any part of
the Premises. Lessor may terminate the tenancy by giving written notice to
Lessee. No holding over by Lessee, either with or without the consent and
acquiescence of Lessor, shall operate to extend the Lease for a longer period
than 1 month. Any holding over with the consent of Lessor in writing shall
thereafter constitute this Lease a lease from month to month.

     29.  DEFAULT BY LESSEE. If (a) Lessee fails to timely pay any sum to be
paid by Lessee under this Lease; (b) Lessee falls to perform any of its other
duties or obligations under this Lease and such default continues for 20 days
after Lessor delivers written notice to Lessee or deposits written notice in the
U. S. Mall addressed to Lessee's address above; (c) any of the following actions
occur and Lessee fails to contest same using Lessee's best reasonable efforts,
and cause same to be removed, dismissed, or vacated within 30 days from the date
of entry or filing: (i) Lessee's interest under this Lease is levied on under
execution or other legal process, or (ii) any petition is filed by or against
Lessee to declare Lessee a bankrupt or to delay, reduce or modify Lessee's debts
or obligations, or (iii) any petition under the Bankruptcy Code is filed or
other action taken to reorganize or modify Lessee's capital structure, or (iv)
Lessee is declared insolvent according to law, or (v) any general assignment of
Lessee's property is made for the benefit of creditors, or (vi) a receiver or
trustee is appointed for Lessee or its property; (d) Lessee vacates or abandons
the Premises; (e) if Lessee is a corporation, Lessee ceases to exist as a
corporation in good standing in the State of Texas; or (1) if Lessee is a
partnership or other entity, Lessee is dissolved or otherwise liquidated, then
Lessor may treat the occurrence of any one or more of the foregoing events as a
breach of this Lease. Upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing events, at
Lessor's option, Lessor shall have any one or more of the following described
remedies, in addition to all other rights and remedies provided at law or in
equity:

          A.   Lessor may terminate this Lease and forthwith repossess the
Premises and recover damages in a sum of money equal to the total of (i) the
cost of recovering the Premises, including the cost of the removal and storage
of any of Lessee's possessions left within the Premises, (ii) the unpaid Base
Rent and Additional Rent earned at the time of termination, plus interest
thereon at the lesser of 18% or the then maximum interest rate permitted to be
charged by applicable law ("Interest") from the due date until paid, (iii)
thebalance of the Base Rent and Additional Rent for the remainder of the Term,
discounted to its present value at the rate of 6% per annum, less the fair
market rental value (allowing a reasonable period for reletting) of the Premises
for said period (provided said sum shall not be less than zero), and (iv) any
other sum of money and damages owed by Lessee to Lessor.

          B.   Without terminating this Lease, Lessor may terminate Lessee's
right of possession and repossess the Premises by forcible detainer suit or
otherwise, without demand or

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

notice of any kind to Lessee. If Lessor pursues this remedy, Lessor shall use
reasonable efforts to relet the Premises for Lessee's account, for such rent and
upon such terms and conditions as Lessor deems satisfactory. Lessor shall be
deemed to have used "reasonable efforts" to relet the Premises if Lessor offers
the Premises as "for lease" and entertains in good faith, bona fide offers to
lease submitted to Lessor. In no event shall Lessor be obligated to lease the
Premises in priority of other space in the Building or adjacent buildings owned
by Lessor or any affiliate thereof. For the purpose of such reletting, Lessor is
authorized to decorate or to make any repairs, changes, alterations or
modifications in or to the Premises as it deems necessary to prepare the
Premises to relet at Lessee's expense. If Lessor fails to relet the Premises,
then Lessee shall pay to Lessor as damages a sum equal to the amount of the Base
Rent and Additional Rent provided for in this Lease for such period or periods.
If Lessor relets the Premises and fails to realize a sufficient sum from such
reletting after deducting (a) the due and unpaid Base Rent and Additional Rent,
(b)the accrued Interest thereon, (c) the cost of recovering possession, (d) the
costs and expenses of all decorations, repairs, changes, alteration and
modifications, and (e) the expense of such reletting and the collection of the
rent accruing therefrom, then Lessee shall pay to Lessor any such deficiency
upon demand from time to time. Lessor may file one or more suits to recover any
sums falling due under this Section from time to time. Any reletting shall not
be an election by Lessor to terminate this Lease unless Lessor gives a
writteiThotice of such intention to Lessee. Notwithstanding any such reletting
without termination, Lessor may at any time thereafter elect to terminate this
Lease for such previous default.

          C.   Lessor may change the locks on the Premises. The Lessor will not
have to give the Lessee a new key unless the Lessee cures the default(s); the
new key will be provided only during Lessor's regular business hours.

     30.  WAIVER. Failure of Lessor to declare any default immediately upon
occurrence thereof, or delay in taking any action in connection therewith, shall
not waive such default, but Lessor shall have the right to declare any such
default at any time and take such action as might be lawful or authorized
hereunder, either in law or at equity.

     31.  LIEN FOR RENT. INTENTIONALLY DELETED.

     32.  ASSIGNMENT BY LESSOR. Lessor shall have the right to sell, transfer or
assign, in whole or in part, all of its rights and obligations hereunder and in
the Building and the Land. In such event and upon the assumption by such
transferee of Lessor's obligations hereunder, no further liability or obligation
shall thereafter accrue against Lessor hereunder.

     33.  ASSIGNMENT BY LESSEE. Lessee shall not assign this Lease or any
interest therein, nor sublet the Premises or any part thereof or any right or
privilege appurtenant thereto, nor permit any other person, firm or entity to
occupy or use the Premises or any portion thereof without first obtaining the
written consent of Lessor. Lessor shall have the right, at its option, to
terminate this Lease as to any portion of the Premises covered by a proposed
assignment or sublease, or to approve any such assignment or sublease only upon
the condition that (a) all rentals paid by the assignee or sublessee in excess
of the rentals due from Lessee hereunder, shall be paid directly to Lessor,
(b) the proposed assignee or sublessee is financially capable of

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

assuming Lessee's obligations hereunder, in the sole judgment of Lessor, (c) the
rental to be paid by the proposed assignee or sublessee is equivalent to the
then market rental for similar space in The Woodlands, and (d) the proposed
assignee or sublessee agrees to use the Premises only for the uses permitted by
Lessee under this Lease, and to comply with all of the other terms and
conditions of this Lease. Otherwise,.Lessor's consent to any proposed sublease
or assignment shall not be unreasonably withheld. Consent by Lessor to one
assignment, subletting, occupation or use by another person shall not be deemed
to be a consent to any subsequent assignment, subletting, occupation or use by
the same or another person. Consent to an assignment or sublease shall not
release Lessee from liability for the continued performance of the terms and
provisions to be kept and performed by Lessee hereunder, unless Lessor
specifically and in writing releases Lessee from said liability. In addition, an
amendment, modification, or extension of the Lease after the assignment or
sublease shall not release Lessee from liability for the continued performance
of the terms and provisions to be performed by Lessee hereunder. Any assignment
or subletting by operation of law or otherwise, (including without limitation, a
transfer of controlling interest in Lessee to any other person, firm or entity)
without the prior written consent of Lessor, shall be void and shall, at the
option of Lessor, terminate this Lease. Lessee covenants and agrees that when
the prior written consent of Lessor is obtained, and in the event the subletting
or assignment is to be arranged through public advertisement or listing of any
kind, Lessee will treat all applications for sublease or assignment in a uniform
manner and will award leases according to objective standards.

     Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Lessor shall not
be obligated to entertain or consider any request by Lessee to consent to any
proposed assignment of this Lease or sublease of all or any part of the Premises
unless each request by Lessee is accompanied by a nonrefundable fee payable to
Lessor in the amount of $ 500.00 to cover Lessor's administrative, legal, and
other costs and expenses incurred in processing each of Lessee's requests.
Neither Lessee's payment nor Lessor's acceptance of the foregoing fee shall be
construed to impose any obligation whatsoever upon Lessor to consent to Lessee's
request.

     34.  TRANSFER OF CONTROL. INTENTIONALLY DELETED.

     35.  NOTICES. Any notice required or permitted to be given pursuant to the
terms of this Lease shall be sent by certified or registered U.S. mail to Lessor
at 2201 Timberloch Place, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, Attn: Property Management,
with a copy to Crescent Real Estate Equities Limited Partnership, 777 Main
Street, Suite 2100, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, Attn: Legal Department, and to
Lessee at 3608 Research Forest, Suite B7, The Woodlands, Texas 77381, Attn:
Chief Executive Officer. The place to which such notices shall be sent may be
changed by either party giving notice of such change to the other party in the
manner hereinabove provided. A notice shall be deemed given and received on the
3rd business day following deposit in the U. S. Mall as provided above.

     36.  SEVERABILITY. If any of the provisions of this Lease shall contravene
or be invalid under the laws of the particular state, county, or jurisdiction
where applied, such contravention or invalidity shall not invalidate the Lease
or any other portions thereof and the remainder of this Lease or the application
thereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

     37.  CORPORATE AUTHORITY. If Lessee signs as a corporation, each of the
persons executing this Lease on behalf of Lessee represents and warrants that
Lessee is a duly organized and existing corporation, that Lessee has and is
qualified to do business in Texas, that the corporation has full right and
authority to enter into this Lease, and that all persons signing on behalf of
the corporation were authorized to do so by appropriate corporate actions.

     38.  TITLE. This Lease is subject to all matters of record in the Real
Property Records of Montgomery County, Texas. By execution of this Lease, Lessee
consents to all plats and replats of the Land, if any, in compliance with all
applicable laws.

     39.  NOT AN OFFER. The submission of this Lease to Lessee shall not be
construed as an offer, nor shall Lessee have any rights with respect thereto
unless Lessor executes a copy of this Lease and delivers the same to Lessee.

     40.  EXHIBITS. Riders and Addenda. This Lease also includes and
incorporates herein for all purposes all attached Exhibits, Riders, and Addenda,
if any.

     41.  JOINT AND SEVERAL TENANCY. If more than one person executes this Lease
as Lessee, their obligations hereunder are joint and several, and any act or
notice of or to, or refund to, or the signature of, any one or more of them, in
relation to the renewal or termination of this Lease, or under or with respect
to any of the terms hereof shall be fully binding on each and all of the persons
executing this Lease as a Lessee.

     42.  BINDING EFFECT. This Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the heirs, successors or assigns of Lessor and Lessee, subject to the
limitation on subleasing and assignment herein contained.

     43.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Lease shall constitute the sole and only
agreement of Lessor and Lessee with regard to the Lease of the Premises, and
shall supercede any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements. This
Lease may not be altered, changed or amended, except by an instrument in
writing, signed by both parties hereto.

     44.  PRONOUNS. Pronouns which refer to either Lessor or Lessee shall be
construed to mean the appropriate number and gender intended.

     45.  FORCE MAJEURE. If either party shall be delayed or prevented from the
performance of any act required hereunder by reason of acts of God, strikes,
lockouts, labor troubles, inability to procure materials, restrictive
governmental laws or regulations or other cause without fault and beyond the
control of the party obligated (Lessee's financial inability, such as inability
to obtain financing or lack of capital, excepted), performance of such act shall
be excused for the period of the delay, and the period for the performance of
any such act shall be extended by a period equal to the period of such delay;
provided, however, nothing in this Section shall excuse Lessee from the prompt
payment of any rental or other charge required of Lessee hereunder, except as
may be expressly provided elsewhere in this Lease.

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

     46.  NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF LESSOR. ANY JUDGMENT RECOVERED BY ANY LESSEE
PARTY AGAINST ANY LESSOR PARTY SHALL BE SATISFIED SOLELY OUT OF PROCEEDS
RECEIVED AT JUDICIAL SALE UPON EXECUTION ANY LEVY MADE AGAINST LESSOR'S RIGHT,
TITLE AND INTEREST IN THE BUILDING AND IN THE RENTS THEREFROM RECEIVABLE BY
LESSOR THE LESSEE PARTIES ARE LESSEE, ITS SHAREHOLDERS, MEMBERS, PARTNERS,
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, SUBLESSEES, LICENSEES AND
INVITEES. THE LESSOR PARTIES ARE LESSOR, THE MANAGER OF THE BUILDING, LESSOR'S
MORTGAGEE(S) AND ANY AFFILIATES OR SUBSIDIARIES OF THE FOREGOING, AND ALL OF
THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, SHAREHOLDERS, MEMBERS,
PARTNERS, AGENTS AND CONTRACTORS. THE LESSOR'S MORTGAGEES ARE ANY MORTGAGEE,
GROUND LESSOR, TRUSTEE UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, OR BUYER AT A FORECLOSURE OR
TRUSTEE'S SALE. NEITHER LESSOR NOR ANY LESSOR PARTY SHALL OTHERWISE HAVE ANY
PERSONAL, CORPORATE OR OTHER LIABILITY UNDER THIS LEASE. FOLLOWING ANY TRANSFER
BY LESSOR OF ANY INTEREST IN THE PREMISES, LESSOR SHALL BE RELEASED FROM ALL
OBLIGATIONS OF LESSORS THEREAFTER ARISING UNDER THIS LEASE, AND LESSEE SHALL
ATTORN AND LOOK SOLELY TO LESSOR'S SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST FOR PERFORMANCE OF SUCH
OBLIGATIONS.

     47.  GENERAL. Time is of the essence of this Lease. All rights and remedies
of Lessor and Lessee under this Lease shall be cumulative and none shall exclude
any other rights or remedies allowed by law. This Lease shall be declared to be
a Texas lease, and all of the terms hereof shall be construed according to the
laws of the State of Texas. Said Lease shall be performable only in Montgomery
County, Texas, and venue for any action hereunder shall lie exclusively in
Montgomery County, Texas or in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division,
as appropriate.

     48.  SUBLEASE OF THE PREMISES AND RIGHT TO TERMINATE. The parties do not
contemplate that Lessee will initially use or occupy 71,868 net rentable square
feet of space in the Premises. During the first two (2) years of the Term,
Lessor shall reasonably assist Lessee in Lessee's attempts to market portions of
the Premises as shown on Exhibit "A" attached hereto for sublease, but any such
sublease shall be subject to the terms and conditions in Section 33. Any such
sublease shall be at the prevailing market base rental rate and lease term for
similar buildings in The Woodlands at the time of the sublease. In the event a
portion of the Premises is sublet, the Base Rent shall be adjusted as described
in Section 7 of the Lease. So long as a sublease remains in effect, it is
understood and agreed that Lessor will not look to Lessee for the performance of
any of the duties of the sublessor or sublessee under the sublease, agrees to
indemnify and hold Lessee harmless for claims or causes of action arising out of
Lessor's failure to perform the obligations of the sublessor under the sublease,
releases and agrees to hold Lessee harmless from and against claims or causes of
action arising out of the subtenant's occupancy of the Premises, and if the
sublessee fails to pay the rental required thereunder, the Base Rent payable by
the Lessee will be adjusted for the period of any rental default by the
subtenant and the rental from the subtenant will not be used in the calculation
of the Base Rent.

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

     At the end of the second (2) year of the Term, Lessor may, but is not
obligated to, terminate this Lease as to any net rentable square feet of the
Premises ("Unoccupied Portion") that Lessee, or a subtenant of Lessee (pursuant
to Section 33), is not actually occupying, using, or subleasing, by written
notice to Lessee delivered within 90 days after the end of such first year;
notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the Premises shall not contain less than
47,271 net rentable square feet of space. If Lessor delivers such notice within
the 90-day period, then the Lease shall terminate with respect to the Unoccupied
Portion only 30 days after the date of Lessor's notice to Lessee. With regard to
Lessee expanding its use or occupancy into any portion of the Premises that is
not occupied or used on the day that Lessee initially takes occupancy of the
Premises, Lessee must obtain Lessor's prior, written approval, which approval
may not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, of Lessee's space
utilization plan before such use or occupancy to insure that (a) the expansion
portion is contiguous to the portion of the Premises that Lessee is then
currently using or occupying, and (b) the remaining unused or unoccupied portion
of the Premises has reasonable (i) access to exits, restrooms, and other
facilities, and (ii) availability of HVAC, heating, water, and wastewater
services.

                           [INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

     IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Lease in
multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but
collectively shall constitute only one document.

                                         LESSOR:

                                         THE WOODLANDS LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY,
                                         L.P., a Texas limited partnership
                                         By:  The Woodlands Operating Company,
                                              L.P.
                                              a Texas limited partnership
                                              Its Authorized Agenet

                                              By: /s/ Michael H. Richmond
                                                 ------------------------
                                                 Title:  Michael H. Richmond
                                                 Title: President and CEO

                                         LESSEE:

                                         GENOMETRIX INCORPORATED
                                         a Delaware corporation

                                         By: /s/ Mitchell D. Eggers
                                             -----------------------------------
                                         Name: Mitchell D. Eggers
                                         Title: Chief Executive Officer

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                                    EXHIBIT A

                          THE WOODLANDS RESEARCH FOREST
                                   8.016 ACRES

Being a 8.016 acre tract of land situated in Montgomery County, Texas in the
John Taylor Survey, A-547, out of land owned by The Woodlands Land Development
Company, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, by virtue of Memorandum of Merger
and Ownership dated July 31, 1997 recorded in File No. 9747722 of the Montgomery
County Real Property Records and being more particularly described by metes and
bounds as follows with all control referred to the 1927 Texas State Plane
Coordinate System, Lambert Projection, South Central Zone:

BEGINNING at a 5/8" iron rod set for the intersection of the northeast
right-of-way line of Research Forest Drive as recorded in Cabinet "E", Sht 39-A
of the Montgomery County Map Records with the southeast right-of-way line of New
Trails Drive as recorded with The Woodlands Medical Research Park Section 3 as
recorded in Cabinet "F", Sht. 110-B of the Montgomery County Map Records;

THENCE along the southeast right-of-way line of said New Trails Drive N
01o27'36" W. 35.36 feet to a 5/8" iron rod with aluminum cap set for corner,

THENCE continuing along said southeast right-of-way line N 43o32'24" E, 125.00
feet to a 5/8" iron rod with aluminum cap set for corner;

THENCE continuing along said southeast right-of-way line N 38o57'58" E, 213.95
feet to a 5/8" iron rod with aluminum cap set for corner,

THENCE leaving said right-of-way line S 63o49'24" B, 580.78 feet to a 5/8" iron
rod with aluminum cap set for corner in the west line of that certain 50 foot
wide Texas Intrastate Pipeline Company easement as recorded in Volume 603, Page
171 and Volume 594, Page 446 of the Montgomery County Deed Records;

THENCE along the west line of said pipeline easement S 02o48'57" E, 557.39 feet
to a 5/8" iron rod with aluminum cap set for corner in the northeast
right-of-way line of said Research Forest Drive;

THENCE with said northeast right-of-way line along a curve to the right an arc
distance of 713.94 feet based on a radius of 1,651.9 1 feet, a central angle of
24o45'46" and having a chord which bears N 58a50'29" W a chord distance of
708.40 feet to a 5/8" iron rod with aluminum cap set for a point of tangency;

THENCE continuing along said northeast right-of-way line N 46o27'36" W, 223.68
feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 8.016 acres of land.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>   20

                                    EXHIBIT B

Re:  Leasehold improvements for 47,271 rentable square feet (47,271 usable
     square feet) of space in a building known as Venture Technology Center XI
     in The Woodlands, Texas.

Gentlemen:

     Lessor is pleased to quote for your approval the cost of work necessary to
construct the proposed leasehold improvements in the above referenced space.

The cost of work is based upon the attached drawings dated TO BE DETERMINED
("TED"):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C>
         Total Cost of Work (Not to Exceed)                   $        1,890,840
         Lessor Allowance                                     $        1,418,130
         Total Amount Due from Lessee                         $          472,710
</TABLE>

     It is understood and agreed that the Total Cost of Work will include a 3%
administrative fee for construction management, including, but not limited to,
review of the plans, drawings, and specifications for the leasehold
improvements, including, the mechanical systems and construction inspections. If
the Total Cost of Work exceeds the Lessor Allowance and there is a Total Amount
Due from Lessee, Lessee agrees either (a) to pay to Lessor the overage amount
prior to moving into the space, or (b) to reduce the scope of work.

     If Lessor further agrees to perform, at your request, any additional or
non-standard work over and above that specified on the attached plans, such work
shall be performed by Lessor, at your sole expense, as a tenant extra. Prior to
commencing any such work requested by you, Lessor will submit to you written
estimates of the cost of any such work within one (1) week from the date of
submission thereof by Lessor, you Shall either provide written approval of the
estimate for construction, submit to Lessor revisions in the plans and
specifications, or notify Lessor that the work is no longer requested. You agree
to pay Lessor promptly upon being billed therefore, the cost of all such work
You agree that in the event of default in payment thereof, Lessor shall (in
addition to all other remedies) have the same rights as in the event of default
of payment of rent under the Lease.

     It is agreed that, notwithstanding the date provided in the Lease for the
commencement of the lease Term, your obligation for the payment of rental
thereunder shall not commence until Lessor has substantially completed all work
to be performed by Lessor pursuant to this Exhibit "B", provided, however that
if Lessor shall be delayed in substantially completing the work as required
hereunder as a result of:

     (a)  Your failure to timely furnish the information and approval as and
          when required;

                                      B-1
<PAGE>   21

     (b)  Your request for materials, finishes or installations other than
          specified on pians attached;

     (c)  Your changes in approved plans or specifications; or

     (d)  The performance by a person, firm or corporation employed by you and
          the completion of said work by said person, firm or corporation.

then the commencement of the term of the Lease and the payment of rent
thereunder shall be accelerated by the number of days of such delay.

     Upon your approval as indicated below, Lessor will begin construction of
your leasehold improvements and estimate construction completion within 14 weeks
of commencement of construction.

                                          Sincerely,

________________         ________         By:_______________________________
Tenant Acceptance        Date                   Sales Director

                                             _______________________________
                                             Director of Tenant Improvements

                                      B-2

<PAGE>   22

                                    EXHIBIT C
                               TO LEASE AGREEMENT

                              RULES AND REGULATIONS

PASSAGE WAY OBSTRUCTION

The sidewalks, entries, passages, courts, corridors and stairways shall not be
obstructed by any Lessee, its employees, contractors or agents, or used by them
for other purposes than for ingress and egress to and from their respective
suites.

UPKEEP OF PREMISES

All glass, locks and trimmings in or about the doors and windows, and all
electric globes and shades belonging to the Building shall be kept whole, and
whenever broken by the Lessee or its agents or invitees, shall be immediately
replaced or repaired and put in order by Lessee under the direction and to the
satisfaction of Lessor, and on removal shall be left whole and in good repair.

SKYLIGHTS AND WINDOWS

No floors, skylights or windows that reflect or admit light into the corridors
or passage-ways, or to any other place in the Building, shall be covered or
obstructed by any lessee. If Lessee desires blinds or window coverings, they
must be of such shade, color, material and make as shall be prescribed by Lessor
(and any awning proposed may be prohibited by Lessor).

SIGNAGE

No sign, advertisement, display, notice, or other lettering shall be exhibited,
inscribed, painted or affixed on any part of the outside of the Premises, or
inside, if visible from the outside of the Building, unless Lessor has approved
in writing the color, size, style, and location thereof in the Building. There
shall be no duty on Lessor to allow any sign, advertisement or notice to be
inscribed, painted or affixed on any part of the inside or outside of the
Building unless provided for in the Lease. In addition, no symbol, design, mark,
or insignia adopted by Lessor for The Woodlands, or any part thereof, shall be
used in connection with the conduct of Lessee's business in the Premises or
elsewhere, without the prior written consent of Lessor. Signs on doors will be
placed for Lessee by a tradesman appointed by Lessor, the cost to be paid by
Lessee. A directory in a conspicuous place, with names of the lessees, will be
provided by Lessor, any necessary revision in this will be made by Lessor within
a reasonable time after notice from Lessee of the error or change making the
revision necessary. No furniture shall be placed in front of the Building or in
any lobby or corridor without written consent of Lessor. Lessor shall have the
right to remove all such signs and furniture without notice to Lessee, at the
expense of Lessee.

                                      C-1

<PAGE>   23

NOISE

No person shall disturb the occupants of the Building by the use of any musical
instruments, the making of unseemly noises, by the emission of odors or in any
other way. No dogs or other animals shall be allowed in the Building, except for
guide animals of disabled persons. Guide animals, however, must not bother,
threaten, or harm persons unless provoked.

USE OF PREMISES

No portion of the Building shall be used for living, sleeping, residential or
lodging purposes, or for any immoral or unlawful purposes.

FIRE PROTECTION

Lessee shall not do or permit anything to be done in the Premises or the common
areas of the Building, or bring or keep anything therein, which might invalidate
or increase the rate of or make. inoperative fire insurance on the Building or
property kept therein, or any other insurance policy carried by Lessor on the
Building or any part thereof, or obstruct or interfere with the rights of other
lessees, or in any way injure or annoy them, or conflict with the laws relating
to fire, or with any regulations of the fire department, or conflict with any of
the rules or ordinances of any city, county, state or federal authority. Lessee
shall not be permitted to use or keep in the Premises or any portion of the
Building any kerosene, camphene or other burning or flammable fluids or
explosives without the prior approval of Lessor.

PARKING

All vehicles will be parked within striped lanes. Parking across the stripes or
in unmarked areas, blocking of walkways, loading areas, entrances or driveways
will not be permitted. Unauthorized cars will not be allowed in the reserved
parking areas. Should such a situation exist, Lessor, at its option, shall have
the right to tow such vehicle away at the owner's expense.

JANITORIAL SERVICE

No Lessee shall employ any person or persons other than the janitor of the
Lessor for the purpose of cleaning or taking care of the premises leased,
without the written consent of Lessor. Lessor shall be in no way responsible to
any Lessee for any loss of property from the leased premises, however occurring,
or for any damage done to the furniture by the janitor or any of its employees,
or by any other person or persons whomsoever. Any person or persons employed by
Lessee, with the written consent of Lessor, must be subject to and under the
control and direction of the janitor of the Building at all times while working
in the Building. The janitor of the Building may at all times keep a pass key.
The janitor and other agents of Lessor shall at all times be allowed admittance
to said leased premises.

NON-STANDARD CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

                                      C-2

<PAGE>   24

If Lessee requires cleaning or maintenance of specialty equipment or
non-standard tenant improvement furnishings (i.e., glass panels, special art
decor, non-standard floor coverings, nonstandard lighting and specialized
equipment) as determined by Lessor, Lessee shall pay any additional cost
attributable thereto, plus 15% overhead.

EXCESS TRASH DISPOSAL

In the event Lessee must dispose of crates, boxes, etc., which will not fit into
office waste paper baskets, it will be the responsibility of Lessee to dispose
of same. In no event will Lessee set such items in the public areas of the
Building.

DEBRIS AND WASTE MATERIAL

Nothing shall be thrown out of the windows of the Building, or down the
stairways or other passages. Lessee will dispose of only Waste Materials in its
waste paper baskets. Waste material is all solid waste (including recyclable
materials) generated by Lessee, specifically excluding any radioactive,
volatile, corrosive, highly flammable explosive, biomedical, infectious
biohazardous, toxic or hazardous material defined by applicable federal, state
or local regulations.

CARPET DAMAGE

Lessee will be responsible for any damage to carpeting and flooring as a result
of rust or corrosion of file cabinets, water staining from planters, excessive
wearing by roller chairs and metal objects.

MOVES

Movement in or out of the Building of furniture, equipment or materials which
requires use of elevators or stairways, or movement through the Building
entrances or lobby, shall be under the supervision of; and shall be restricted
to hours designated by Lessor. such movement shall be carried out in the manner
agreed upon between Lessee and Lessor by prearrangement before performance. At
the time of such prearrangement, Lessor will set time, method and routing of
movement as well as limitations imposed by safety or other concerns which may
prohibit any item from being brought into the Building. Lessee assumes, and
shall indemnify Lessor against, all risks and claims of damage to persons and/or
properties arising in connection with any said movement.

Moves are to be scheduled, unless otherwise provided, for after 5:00 pm Monday
through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, legal
holidays excepted.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

All safes or other heavy articles shall be carried up or into the premises only
at such times and in such manner as shall be prescribed by Lessor, and Lessor
shall in all cases have the right to specify the proper weight and position of
any such safe or other heavy article. Any damage done

                                      C-3

<PAGE>   25

to the Building by taking in or removing any safe or from overloading any floor
in any way shall be paid by Lessee. Defacing or injuring in any way any part of
the Building by Lessee, its agents or servants, shall be paid for by Lessee.

BUILDING HOURS -- INTENTIONALLY DELETED

PROTECTION OF PREMISES

Lessee shall have the responsibility for protecting the Premises from theft,
robbery and pilferage.

AFTER HOURS AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING - INTENTIONALLY DELETED

NON-STANDARD USAGE OF UTILITIES AND SUPPLIES

Lessor reserves the right to sub-meter and charge at cost plus 15% overhead any
non-standard use of electricity, natural gas, water and other supplies of the
Building as determined by Lessor.

WATER USAGE

The water closets and other water fixtures shall not be used for any purpose
other than those for which they were intended, and any damage resulting to them
from misuse, or the defacing or injury of any part of the Building shall be
borne by the person who shall occasion it. No person shall waste water by
interfering with the faucets or otherwise.

LOCKS AND KEYS

Lessor agrees to furnish Lessee two keys for the doors entering the Building,
Lessee's suite and each entry door therein. Any additional keys will be
furnished at a charge by Lessor equal to its cost plus 15% overhead. No
additional locks shall be placed upon any doors without the written consent of
Lessor, nor shall any duplicate keys be made. All necessary keys shall be
furnished by Lessor, and the same shall be surrendered upon the termination of
this lease, and Lessee shall then give to Lessor or its agents explanation of
the combination of all locks upon the doors of vaults.

ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICE

If Lessee desires telegraphic, telephonic or other electric connections, Lessor
or its agents will direct the electricians as to where and how the wires may be
introduced, and without such direction no boring or cutting for wires will be
permitted. Access to any mechanical, electrical or telephone rooms must be
approved by Lessor.

ALTERATIONS AND CONTRACTOR APPROVAL

All contractors and/or technicians performing any alterations for Lessee within
the Building must be referred to Lessor for approval and shall, prior to
commencement, execute proper lien waivers.

                                      C-4

<PAGE>   26

ANTENNAE AND AERIALS

No aerial or antenna, including but not limited to, a satellite dish, shall be
erected on the roof or exterior walls of the Premises or Building in which the
Premises is a part without, in each instance, the prior written consent of
Lessor. Any aerial or antenna so installed without such written consent shall be
subject to removal by Lessor without notice at any time.

ADDITIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Lessor reserves the right to make such other and further reasonable rules and
regulations as in its judgment may from time to time be necessary for the
safety, care and cleanliness of the Building and its occupants and for the
preservation of good order therein.

                                             /s/ Mitchell D. Eggers
                                             __________________________________
                                             LESSEE

                                             /s/ F. Earl Higgins
                                             __________________________________
                                             F. Earl Higgins,
                                             Vice President, Property Management

                                      C-5<PAGE>

Exhibit 10.1

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                 By and Between

                            FLEET BOSTON CORPORATION

                                       and

                         NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC.

                            Dated as of March 5, 2000

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 Page

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   Definitions
<S>               <C>                                                                             <C>
Section 1.01      Definitions.......................................................................1

                                   ARTICLE II

                  Sale and Purchase of the Preferred Shares; Issuance of the Rights

Section 2.01      Sale and Purchase of the Preferred Shares.........................................6
Section 2.02      Issuance of the Rights............................................................7
Section 2.03      Closing...........................................................................7

                                   ARTICLE III

                         Representations and Warranties

Section 3.01      Representations and Warranties of the Company.....................................7
Section 3.02      Representations and Warranties of Purchaser......................................14

                                   ARTICLE IV

                      Additional Agreements of the Parties

Section 4.01      Taking of Necessary Action.......................................................17
Section 4.02      [Intentionally Omitted]..........................................................17
Section 4.03      Conduct of Business..............................................................17
Section 4.04      Transfer Restrictions............................................................18
Section 4.05      Financial Statements and Other Reports...........................................24
Section 4.06      Inspection of Property...........................................................25
Section 4.07      Compliance with Applicable Law; Information......................................26
Section 4.08      Legends..........................................................................27
Section 4.09      Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Securities..................................28
Section 4.10      Regulatory Matters...............................................................28

                                        i

<PAGE>

Section 4.11      Access to Records and Information................................................29

                                    ARTICLE V

                                   Conditions

Section 5.01      Conditions of Purchase...........................................................30
Section 5.02      Conditions of Sale...............................................................32

                                   ARTICLE VI

                         Termination; Certain Covenants

Section 6.01      Termination......................................................................33
Section 6.02      Effect of Termination............................................................33
Section 6.03      Certain Fees.....................................................................34
Section 6.04      Sale of Branches.................................................................34
Section 6.05      Additional Rights................................................................34

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                  Miscellaneous

Section 7.01      Survival of Representations and Warranties.......................................35
Section 7.02      Notices..........................................................................35
Section 7.03      Entire Agreement; Amendment......................................................36
Section 7.04      Counterparts.....................................................................36
Section 7.05      Governing Law....................................................................36
Section 7.06      Public Announcements.............................................................36
Section 7.07      Expenses.........................................................................37
Section 7.08      Indemnification..................................................................37
Section 7.09      Successors and Assigns...........................................................39
Section 7.10      Captions.........................................................................39
</TABLE>

                                       ii

<PAGE>

EXHIBITS

         A    -  Form of Certificate of Designations
         B    -  Form of Rights Certificate
         C    -  Form of Registration Rights Agreement
         D    -  Branch Purchase Terms
         E    -  Conditions to Offer

                                       iii

<PAGE>

                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

              STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of March 5, 2000, by and
between FLEET BOSTON CORPORATION, a Rhode Island corporation (the "Purchaser"),
and NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company")
(restated as of March 14, 2000). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined where
used shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in Article I.

              WHEREAS, Purchaser has agreed to purchase, and the Company has
agreed to sell, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shares of
its Preferred Stock;

              WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to issue to Purchaser certain
Rights to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company;

              WHEREAS, the Company may (i) solicit proxies (the "Proxy
Solicitation") from stockholders of Dime Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Dime"), against approval and adoption by such stockholders of the Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15, 1999, by and between Dime and
Hudson United Bancorp, a New Jersey corporation ("Hudson"), as amended and
restated as of December 27, 1999 (the "Dime Merger Agreement"), and (ii)
commence an exchange offer for outstanding shares of common stock of Dime,
which the Company represents shall be on terms previously disclosed in writing
to Purchaser (the "Offer"); and

              WHEREAS, the Company and Purchaser desire to set forth certain
agreements herein.

              NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   Definitions

         Section 1.01 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following
terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

                                       1
<PAGE>

              "Affiliate" or "affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person,
any other Person which directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or is
under common control with such Person. As used in this definition, "control"
(including its correlative meanings, "controlled by" and "under common control
with") shall mean possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or
cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of
securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or
otherwise). To the extent that any such term is used in relation to or in
connection with any statute and the definition of such term in such statute is
broader or different, then, in such context, such term shall have the meaning
set forth in such statute.

              "Ancillary Documents" shall mean the Certificate of Designations,
the Registration Rights Agreement and the Rights Certificate.

              "Beneficially Own" and "Beneficial Owner" shall have the meanings
set forth in Section 4.04(d).

              "BHC Act" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

              "Branch Purchase" means the transaction contemplated by the Branch
Purchase Agreement.

              "Branch Purchase Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 6.04.

              "Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday
or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.

              "Certificate of Designations" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.01.

              "Closing" and "Closing Date" shall have their meanings set forth
in Section 2.03(a).

              "Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

              "Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

                                       2
<PAGE>

              "Company Indemnitees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.08(b).

              "Company Pension Plans" and "Company Plans" shall have the
meanings set forth in Section 3.01(j).

              "Company Subsidiary" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.01(b).

              "Confidentiality Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.06.

              "Designated Purchaser" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(c).

              "DGCL" shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law.

              "Dime" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

              "Dime/Hudson Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(e).

              "Dime Merger Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Recitals hereto.

              "Dime Voting Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.04(e).

              "Disposition" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(a).

              "ERISA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(j).

              "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

              "FDIC" shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

              "Federal Reserve Board" shall mean the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System.

                                       3
<PAGE>

              "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America.

              "Governmental Entity" shall mean any court, administrative agency
or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality, whether
federal, state, local or foreign.

              "Hudson" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

              "Hudson Voting Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.04(e).

              "Indemnified Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.08(c).

              "Indemnifying Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.08(c).

              "Investment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.10(a).

              "Loss" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.08(a).

              "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material adverse effect on
(i) the financial condition, results of operations, assets, liabilities or
business of the Company and the Company Subsidiary taken as a whole, (ii) the
ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the
Ancillary Documents or the Branch Purchase Agreement or (iii) the validity or
enforceability of this Agreement, any of the Ancillary Documents or the Branch
Purchase Agreement or the rights or remedies of Purchaser hereunder and
thereunder.

              "NFB Group" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(j).

              "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.

              "Offer" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.

              "Permitted Transferee" shall mean any Affiliate of Purchaser,
provided that such Affiliate agrees in writing to be bound by the terms and
conditions of Section 4.04.

                                       4
<PAGE>

              "Person" or "person" shall mean an individual, corporation,
association, partnership, group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange Act), trust, joint venture, business trust or unincorporated
organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

              "Preferred Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.01.

              "Proposed Dime Merger" shall mean the proposed merger of the
Company and Dime contemplated by the Offer.

              "Proxy Solicitation" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Recitals hereto.

              "Proxy Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.02(h).

              "Purchase Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(c).

              "Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(c).

              "Purchaser Indemnitee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7.08(a).

              "Purchaser Information" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.02(h).

              "Registration Rights Agreement" shall mean the registration rights
agreement to be executed by the Company and Purchaser at the Closing, which
shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

              "Regulatory Filings" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.02(h).

              "Reports" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(g).

              "Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

              "S-4" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(h).

              "Sale Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(c).

                                       5
<PAGE>

              "Sale Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(c).

              "Sale Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(c).

              "Schedule TO" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(h).

              "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.

              "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.

              "Seller" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(c).

              "Standstill Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(d).

              "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any corporation (the
"parent") any other corporation, association or other business entity of which
more than 50% of the shares of the voting stock are owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by the parent or one or more Subsidiaries of the parent,
or by the parent and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

              "Termination Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.03.

              "Transaction Filings" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.02(h).

              "Voting Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.04(d).

                                   ARTICLE II

                   Sale and Purchase of the Preferred Shares;
                             Issuance of the Rights

              Section 2.01 Sale and Purchase of the Preferred Shares. Subject to
all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the
representations and warranties hereinafter set forth, at the Closing provided
for in Section 2.03 hereof, the Company will sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser
will purchase from the Company, 250,000 shares of its 7.5% Series B
Non-Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share and
liquidation preference $1,000.00 per share (the "Preferred Shares"), together
with the Rights, for an aggregate purchase

                                       6
<PAGE>

price (such purchase price to be allocated between the Preferred Shares and the
Rights as Purchaser shall reasonably determine) of $250,000,000. The Preferred
Shares will have the designation, relative rights, preferences and limitations
set forth in the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the
Certificate of Designations in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the
"Certificate of Designations").

                  Section 2.02 Issuance of the Rights. Subject to all of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing provided for in Section
2.03 hereof, the Company shall issue to Purchaser stock purchase rights
("Rights") to purchase 7,500,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company (the "Common Stock"). The terms and provisions of the
Rights shall be as set forth in the form of Rights Certificate attached hereto
as Exhibit B.

                  Section 2.03 Closing. (a) Subject to the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions set forth in this Agreement, the purchase and sale of
the Preferred Shares hereunder and the issuance of the Rights (the "Closing")
shall take place at the offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP,
counsel to the Company, at Four Times Square, New York, New York, or another
mutually agreed location, on the date when the condition set forth in Section
5.01(i) hereof shall have been satisfied (the "Closing Date").

                           (b) At the Closing: (i) the Company will deliver to
Purchaser certificates for the Preferred Shares registered in the name of
Purchaser; (ii) the Company will deliver to Purchaser certificates for the
Rights registered in the name of Purchaser; (iii) Purchaser, in full payment for
the Preferred Shares, will deliver to the Company immediately available funds,
by wire transfer to such account as the Company shall specify, in the amount of
the purchase price to be paid hereunder pursuant to Section 2.01; and (iv) each
party shall take or cause to happen such other actions, and shall execute and
deliver such other instruments or documents, as shall be required under Article
V hereof.

                                   ARTICLE III

                         Representations and Warranties

                  Section 3.01 Representations and Warranties of the Company.
The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, Purchaser as follows:

                           (a) Organization and Good Standing of the Company.
The Company is a corporation registered as a bank holding company under the Bank

                                       7
<PAGE>

Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended the ("BHC Act"), is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has all requisite corporate power and authority and governmental
authorizations to own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its
business as it is being conducted on the date of this Agreement. The Company is
duly licensed or qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of
business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in
which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to require
such qualification, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified in
any such jurisdiction would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (b) Organization and Good Standing of Company Subsidiaries.
The only "significant subsidiary" of the Company within the meaning of
Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC is North Fork Bank (together with its
Subsidiaries, the "Company Subsidiary"). Except for directors' qualifying
shares, the Company owns, directly or indirectly, all the shares of outstanding
capital stock of the Company Subsidiary. Other than as disclosed in Section
3.01(e) and other than pursuant to this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents,
(i) no equity securities of the Company Subsidiary are or may become required to
be issued by reason of any options, warrants, rights to subscribe to, calls or
commitments of any character whatsoever, (ii) there are outstanding no
securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any capital
stock of the Company Subsidiary and (iii) there are no contracts, commitments,
understandings or arrangements by which the Company Subsidiary is bound to issue
additional shares of its capital stock or options, warrants or rights to
purchase or acquire any additional shares of its capital stock. All of the
shares of capital stock of the Company Subsidiary owned by the Company are duly
and validly authorized, fully paid and (subject to applicable law)
non-assessable and are owned by it free and clear of any claim, lien,
encumbrance, agreement or preemptive rights with respect thereto. North Fork
Bank is a banking corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, and has all
requisite corporate power and authority and governmental authorizations to own,
operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each other
jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so
as to require such qualification, except where the failure to be so authorized,
licensed or qualified in any such jurisdiction would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. The deposits of North Fork Bank are insured by the FDIC to the fullest
extent permitted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the rules and
regulations of the FDIC thereunder.

                                       8
<PAGE>

                           (c) Authorization; No Conflicts. The Company has full
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, the Ancillary
Documents to which it is a party and the Branch Purchase Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and each Ancillary Document and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby has been duly
authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. No other corporate
proceedings on the part of the Company or the Company Subsidiary are necessary
to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each
Ancillary Document and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This
Agreement and each Ancillary Document have been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Company. This Agreement and each Ancillary Document constitute
valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with
their terms. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
Ancillary Documents and the Branch Purchase Agreement, the consummation of the
transactions by the Company contemplated hereby and thereby and the compliance
by the Company with any of the provisions hereof and thereof (including, without
limitation, the conversion provisions of the Preferred Shares) will not
conflict with, violate or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute
a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute a default) under, or result in the termination of or accelerate the
performance required by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration
under, (i) any provision of the restated certificate of incorporation, by-laws
or other governing instrument of the Company or the certificate of
incorporation, charter, by-laws or other governing instrument of the Company
Subsidiary or (ii)(x) any mortgage, note, indenture, deed of trust, lease, loan
agreement or other agreement or instrument or, (y) any permit, concession,
grant, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, ruling, injunction,
statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation, in the case of (x) or (y),
applicable to the Company or the Company Subsidiary or their respective
properties or assets, except for such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults,
terminations and accelerations which do not have, or could not be reasonably
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

                           (d) Consents. No consent, approval or order of, or
filing with, any Governmental Entity is required in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary
Documents by the Company and the consummation of the transactions by the Company
hereunder and thereunder.

                           (e) Capitalization. As of February 25, 2000, the
authorized capital stock of the Company consisted of (i) 500,000,000 shares of
Common Stock of which at such date 145,050,215 shares were issued and
outstanding and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, no
shares of which were

                                       9
<PAGE>

outstanding at such date. As of February 25, 2000, the Company held 130,816
shares of Common Stock in its treasury. As of February 25, 2000, there were
4,231,284 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance in connection with
employee benefit, stock option and dividend reinvestment and stock purchase
plans and 31,000,000 shares reserved for issuance in connection with the closing
of the Company's acquisition of JSB Financial, Inc. All of the issued and
outstanding shares of the Company's capital stock have been duly and validly
authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and are not subject
to preemptive rights. Other than as set forth in this subsection (e) or pursuant
to this Agreement, the Certificate of Designations and the Rights, (i) no equity
securities of the Company are or may be required to be issued by reason of any
options, warrants, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character
whatsoever, (ii) there are outstanding no securities or rights convertible into
or exchangeable for shares of any capital stock of the Company and (iii) there
are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the
Company is bound to issue additional shares of its capital stock or options,
warrants or rights to purchase or acquire any additional shares of its capital
stock.

                           (f) Financial Statements. The Company has previously
delivered or made available to Purchaser copies of (a) the consolidated balance
sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (including the Company
Subsidiary) as of December 31 for the fiscal years 1997 and 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the fiscal years 1996 through 1998, inclusive, as reported in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended) for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998, filed by the Company with the SEC under the Exchange Act, in
each case accompanied by the audit report of KPMG LLP, independent public
accountants with respect to the Company, and (b) the unaudited consolidated
balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (including the
Company Subsidiary) as of September 30, 1999 and the related unaudited
consolidated statement of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the nine-month period then ended as reported in the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (as amended) for the quarter ended September 30, 1999 filed
with the SEC under the Exchange Act. Such financial statements fairly present in
all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries (including the Company Subsidiary) as of the dates
shown and the results of the consolidated operations, changes in stockholders'
equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries
(including the Company Subsidiary) for the respective fiscal periods or as of
the respective dates therein set forth; and each of such statements has been
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods
involved, except as otherwise set forth in the notes thereto.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                           (g) Reports. Since January 1, 1998, each of the
Company and the Company Subsidiary has filed all reports, registration
statements, proxy statements and other materials, together with any amendments
required to be made with respect thereto, that were required to be filed with
(i) the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, (ii) the Federal
Reserve Board, (iii) the FDIC and (iv) any applicable state securities or
banking authorities (all such reports and statements are collectively referred
to herein as the "Reports"). As of their respective dates, the Reports
(including the Transaction Filings, other than with respect to Purchaser
Information, as to which no representation is made) complied in all material
respects with all of the statutes and published rules and regulations enforced
or promulgated by the regulatory authority with which they were filed and (i)
with respect to Reports filed with the SEC, did not as of the date of filing
thereof with the SEC contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading and (ii) with respect to all other Reports, are complete
and accurate in all material respects as of their respective dates. There are no
facts existing as of the date hereof peculiar to the Company or the Company
Subsidiary which the Company has not disclosed in the Reports or to Purchaser in
writing which, either individually or in the aggregate, would be likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect, other than facts relating to the economic condition
generally of the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate.

                           (h) Compliance with Applicable Law. (i) Each of the
Company and the Company Subsidiary holds all material licenses, franchises,
permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of its business
under, and except as reflected in the Reports, is not in default or violation in
any respect of, any law, statute, order, rule, regulation, policy or guideline
of any Federal, state or local governmental authority applicable to the Company
or the Company Subsidiary, other than such defaults or violations that, either
individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a material limitation on
the conduct of the business of the Company or the Company Subsidiary and which
would not otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect. No investigation or review
by any Governmental Entity (other than judicial bodies with respect to matters
identified pursuant to paragraph (i) below), with respect to the Company or the
Company Subsidiary, is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, is
presently threatened or contemplated, other than those the outcome of which
would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                           (ii) The Company hereby covenants and agrees that,
         for so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect, it shall, and
         shall cause its

                                       11
<PAGE>

         Subsidiaries, Affiliates, directors, officers and employees to, comply
         with all legal requirements (including those under the Exchange Act and
         the rules and regulations thereunder) that are applicable to the
         Company as a "bidder" within the meaning of Rule 14d-1(g)(2) under the
         Exchange Act with respect to the Offer and a "participant" within the
         meaning of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A under the Exchange
         Act with respect to the Proxy Solicitation.

                           (i) Legal Proceedings. Except as set forth in the
Reports, neither the Company nor the Company Subsidiary is a party to any legal,
administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims, actions or
governmental investigations of any nature against the Company or the Company
Subsidiary or to which any of their assets are subject (i) in which there is a
reasonable probability of an adverse decision which either individually or in
the aggregate would have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) relating to or which
challenges the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or the Ancillary Documents, and, to the best knowledge of the Company,
there has not been threatened, any such proceeding, claim, action or
governmental investigation against the Company or the Company Subsidiary.
Neither the Company nor the Company Subsidiary is subject to any order, judgment
or decree which has a Material Adverse Effect, or could reasonably have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                           (j) ERISA. All "employee benefit plans", as defined
in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended ("ERISA"), and any other stock option, bonus, incentive, severance or
other benefit plan, program or arrangement (whether or not subject to ERISA),
currently maintained or maintained since April 1, 1988, by either the Company
or any companies which, with the Company, would be deemed to be a single
employer under Section 414 of the Code (collectively, the "NFB Group") or for
the benefit of NFB Group employees, are collectively, for purposes of this
Agreement, referred to herein as the "Company Plans". All Company Plans which
constitute employee "pension plans" as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA are
referred to herein as the "Company Pension Plans". No "prohibited transaction"
(as such term is used in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code), has
heretofore occurred with respect to any Company Plan or any Company Pension Plan
and no such prohibited transaction shall occur as a result of the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the Ancillary Documents and the Branch Purchase
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby.

                           (k) Absence of Certain Changes. Except for
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents, since
September 30,

                                       12
<PAGE>

1999, the Company and the Company Subsidiary have conducted their respective
businesses only in the ordinary course, consistent with prior practice, and
there has not been (i) any change in the financial condition, results of
operations, assets, liabilities or business of the Company and the Company
Subsidiary which has had, or may have, a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) any
damage, destruction, theft or other casualty loss (whether or not covered by
insurance) which has had, or is likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

                           (l) Disclosure. Neither this Agreement, any Ancillary
Document nor any certificate or disclosure statement delivered by or on behalf
of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and
therein not misleading.

                           (m) No Undisclosed Liabilities, etc. Neither the
Company nor its consolidated Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations of
any nature (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) which are not fully
reflected or reserved against in the financial statements described in Section
3.01(f), except for liabilities that may have arisen in the ordinary and usual
course of business and consistent with past practice and that, individually or
in the aggregate, do not have and could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                           (n) Status of Securities. The Preferred Shares and
the Rights have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action. When
issued and sold against receipt of the consideration therefor, the Preferred
Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, will not subject
the holders thereof to personal liability and will not be subject to preemptive
rights of any other stockholder of the Company. When executed and delivered as
contemplated by this Agreement, the Rights will be valid and binding obligations
of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.
Not less than 18,469,425 shares of Common Stock have been duly reserved for
issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred Shares and the exercise of the
Rights. When issued upon the conversion of the Preferred Shares or the exercise
of the Rights, such shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable, will not subject the holders thereof to personal liability
and will not be subject to preemptive rights of any other stockholder of the
Company.

                           (o) Offering of Securities. Neither the Company nor
any Person acting on its behalf has offered the Preferred Shares or the Rights
or any similar securities of the Company for sale to, solicited any offers to
buy any of the

                                       13
<PAGE>

Preferred Shares or the Rights or any similar securities of the Company from or
otherwise approached or negotiated with respect to any of the Preferred Shares
or the Rights or any similar securities of the Company with any Person other
than Purchaser. Neither the Company nor any Person acting on its behalf has
taken or will take any action (including, without limitation, any offering of
any securities of the Company under circumstances which would require the
integration of such offering with the offering of any of the Preferred Shares or
the Rights under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC
thereunder) which might subject the offering, issuance or sale of any of the
Preferred Shares or the Rights to the registration requirements of the
Securities Act.

                           (p) Brokers and Finders. Neither the Company nor any
Company Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees or
agents has utilized any broker, finder, placement agent or financial advisor or
incurred any liability for any fees or commissions in connection with any of the
transactions contemplated hereby or by the Ancillary Documents.

                           (q) Company Information. None of the information to
be contained in the Transaction Filings or Regulatory Filings (in each case,
other than Purchaser Information, as to which no representation is made) will,
in the case of the Proxy Statement, the Schedule TO or any amendments or
supplements thereto, at the time such document is mailed, or in the case of the
S-4, at the time it is declared effective by the SEC, or in the case of any
other Transaction Filings or Regulatory Filings, at the time such filing is
made, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.
No report, schedule, proxy statement or other document filed by the Company with
the SEC and incorporated by reference in any of the Transaction Filings
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstance in which they were made, not
misleading. None of the information provided to Purchaser as contemplated by
Section 4.10 shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstance in which they are made
not misleading. The Schedule TO (other than with respect to Purchaser
Information, as to which no representation is made) will comply with the
applicable provisions of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder.

                  Section 3.02 Representations and Warranties of Purchaser.
Purchaser represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Company as follows:

                                       14
<PAGE>

                           (a) Organization. Purchaser is a corporation
registered as a bank holding company under the BHC Act, is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Rhode
Island and has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party and to carry out
its obligations hereunder and thereunder.

                           (b) Authorization; No Conflicts. The execution and
delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents to which it
is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby have been authorized by all necessary corporate action on behalf of
Purchaser. This Agreement has been, and on or prior to the Closing Date the
Ancillary Documents to which it is a party will be, executed and delivered on
behalf of Purchaser and this Agreement is, and upon their execution on or prior
to the Closing Date the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party will be,
valid and binding obligations of Purchaser, enforceable against it in accordance
with their terms. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
the Ancillary Documents to which it is a party, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and the compliance by Purchaser
with any of the provisions hereof and thereof will not conflict with, violate or
result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or an event,
which, with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default) under,
(i) any organizational document of Purchaser or (ii) any mortgage, note,
indenture, deed of trust, lease, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument
of Purchaser or, assuming that the clearances, filings, consents and approvals
referred to in Section 3.02(c) have been obtained or made and any waiting period
applicable thereto has expired or been terminated, any permit, concession,
grant, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, ruling, injunction, statute,
law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Purchaser or its properties
other than any such conflict, violation, breach or default under clause (ii)
which will not materially and adversely affect the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

                           (c) Consents and Approvals. Except for the filing of
an application with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act with respect to
the acquisition of the Preferred Shares and Rights and the approval of such
applications, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any governmental authority is required on the part
of Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Purchaser and the consummation of the Investment by Purchaser hereunder.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                           (d) Securities Act. Purchaser is acquiring the
Preferred Shares and the Rights solely for the purpose of investment and not
with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any distribution thereof in
violation of the Securities Act.

                           (e) [Intentionally Left Blank]

                           (f) Access. Purchaser has been provided full access
to all information deemed relevant by Purchaser relating to its investment and
the Company has made available to Purchaser the opportunity to ask questions
and receive answers and to obtain information which the Company possesses or can
acquire without unreasonable effort or expense.

                           (g) Brokers and Finders. Neither Purchaser nor any of
its officers, directors, employees or agents has utilized any broker, finder,
placement agent or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any fees or
commissions in connection with any of the transactions contemplated hereby or by
the Ancillary Documents.

                           (h) Purchaser Information. None of the information
with respect to Purchaser and its Subsidiaries or any of their respective
officers and directors which is provided to the Company by Purchaser or any of
its representatives (collectively, "Purchaser Information") specifically for
inclusion in the Company's proxy statement with respect to the Proxy
Solicitation (the "Proxy Statement"), the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO
with respect to the Offer (together with all amendments and supplements thereto,
the "Schedule TO"), the Registration Statement on Form S-4 with respect to the
Offer (the "S-4") and any other filings (including filings under Rule 425 under
the Securities Act and Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act) made by the Company
with the SEC in connection with the Proxy Solicitation or the Offer
(collectively, the "Transaction Filings"), or in any other document filed with
any other regulatory agency in connection with the Offer or the regulatory
approvals contemplated by Section 3.02(c) of this Agreement (the "Regulatory
Filings"), will, in the case of the Proxy Statement, the Schedule TO or any
amendments or supplements thereto, at the time that such document is mailed, or
in the case of the S-4, at the time it is declared effective by the SEC, or in
the case of any other Transaction Filings or Regulatory Filings, at the time
such filing is made, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are
made, not misleading. No report, schedule, proxy statement or other document
filed by Purchaser with the SEC and incorporated by reference in any of the
Transaction Filings at the direction of or with

                                       16
<PAGE>

the consent of Purchaser contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which
they were made, not misleading. The Schedule TO, with respect to the Purchaser
Information, will comply with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                      Additional Agreements of the Parties

                  Section 4.01 Taking of Necessary Action. Subject to the
conditions set forth in Article V hereof, each of the parties hereto agrees to
use all reasonable efforts promptly to take or cause to be taken all action and
promptly to do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable
under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the
Investment, the Ancillary Documents and the Branch Purchase Agreement. Without
limiting the foregoing, the Company and Purchaser will, and the Company will
cause the Company Subsidiary to, each use all reasonable efforts to make all
filings and obtain all consents of Governmental Entities which may be necessary
or, in the opinion of Purchaser or the Company, as the case may be, advisable
for the consummation, effectiveness and issuance of the Investment, the
Ancillary Documents, the Branch Purchase Agreement and the Preferred Shares,
including, without limitation, any filings or consents that may be required to
permit the conversion of the Preferred Shares or the exercise of the Rights.

                  Section 4.02   [Intentionally Omitted.]

                  Section 4.03 Conduct of Business. Except as otherwise required
to perform its obligations under this Agreement, from the date hereof to the
Closing Date, the Company shall, and shall cause the Company Subsidiary to:

                           (a) conduct its operations substantially in
accordance with its ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice;

                           (b) not do any other act which would cause any
representation or warranty in this Agreement or any Ancillary Document to be or
become untrue in any material respect;

                                       17
<PAGE>

                           (c) not engage in any other act, other than in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, that would have a
Material Adverse Effect; or

                           (d) not change the number of shares of the authorized
capital stock of the Company, or issue or grant any option, warrant, call,
commitment, subscription, right to purchase or agreement of any character
relating to the authorized or issued capital stock of the Company or the
Company Subsidiary, or any securities convertible into shares of such stock
(except for grants of options to purchase Common Stock granted pursuant to a
Company Plan) or declare, set aside or pay any extraordinary dividend or other
extraordinary distribution (whether in cash, stock or property or any
combination thereof) in respect of the capital stock of the Company.

                  Section 4.04 Transfer Restrictions. (a) Purchaser shall not
sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of beneficial ownership of the
Preferred Shares or the Rights or shares of Common Stock received upon
conversion of the Preferred Shares or the exercise of the Rights to any Person
(other than a Permitted Transferee) at any time prior to the first anniversary
of the Closing Date, and then only in accordance with the transfer restrictions
described in the next sentence and subject to the provisions in Section 4.04(c).
Subject to Section 4.04(c), Purchaser shall not sell, pledge, transfer or
otherwise dispose of beneficial ownership of any Preferred Shares or Rights or
shares of Common Stock received by Purchaser upon the conversion of such
Preferred Shares or the exercise of the Rights to any Person other than a
Permitted Transferee (each such occurrence, a "Disposition"), in any transaction
or series of transactions, if, at the time of agreement to effect such
Disposition, to Purchaser's knowledge, such Person and its Affiliates then
beneficially own, or as a result of such Disposition would beneficially own, as
the case may be, 5% or more of the Common Stock, unless Purchaser shall have
received the prior approval of the Board of Directors of the Company.
NOTWITHSTANDING PURCHASER'S LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AS TO A TRANSFEREE'S VIOLATION OF
THE PERCENTAGE OWNERSHIP LIMITATIONS OF THE PRECEDING SENTENCE, ANY PURPORTED
TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THESE PROVISIONS SHALL BE VOID AND OF NO FORCE OR
EFFECT.

                           (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section
4.04, (i) Purchaser and its Permitted Transferees may effect a Disposition of
any or all of their Preferred Shares or Rights (subject to receipt of any
required Federal Reserve Board approval for such disposition), or shares of
Common Stock received upon conversion of the Preferred Shares or exercise of the
Rights, by tendering such securities pursuant to any tender offer or exchange
offer commenced by a third person which is

                                       18
<PAGE>

favorably recommended by the Company or in connection with any merger or
consolidation to which the Company is a party or pursuant to a plan of
liquidation of the Company and (ii) on or after the first anniversary of the
Closing Date, Purchaser and its Permitted Transferees may sell any or all of the
shares of Common Stock received upon the conversion of the Preferred Shares or
the exercise of the Rights in a widely distributed underwritten public offering.

                           (c) Right of First Refusal. (i) In addition to the
restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 4.04(a), neither Purchaser nor any
Permitted Transferee (a "Seller") shall sell any Preferred Shares or any Rights
unless it has complied with the provisions of this Section 4.04(c) prior to such
sale. If a Seller desires to sell any Preferred Shares or any Rights, the Seller
shall deliver written notice to the Company (a "Sale Notice") setting forth the
number of Preferred Shares or Rights proposed to be sold (the "Sale Securities")
and the material terms (including the price per Preferred Share or per Right, as
the case may be, if the Preferred Shares or Rights are not then listed for
trading on a national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market or actively traded in the over-the-counter market) on which the Seller
proposes to sell such Sale Securities. The Company may elect to purchase, or
arrange for the purchase by a designated purchaser (the "Designated Purchaser")
of, all but not less than all of the Sale Securities covered by such Sale Notice
by delivering written notice (a "Purchase Notice") to the Seller, within 10 days
following its receipt of the Sale Notice, specifying a date for the closing of
the purchase by the Company or the Designated Purchaser of the Sale Securities
(the "Sale Closing Date"), which date shall be not less than 10 nor more than 30
days following the date of the Purchase Notice and which Purchase Notice shall
indicate that there are no conditions or requirements for the purchase by the
Company or the Designated Purchaser of all of the Sale Securities on the Sale
Closing Date.

                           (ii) The closing for the purchase of the Sale
         Securities by the Company or the Designated Purchaser shall take place
         on the Sale Closing Date at the principal executive offices of the
         Company (or such other date and/or place as may be mutually agreed to
         by the parties to such transaction). At such closing, the Company, or
         the Designated Purchaser, shall deliver to the Seller the Purchase
         Price (as determined in accordance with subparagraph (iii) below) for
         the Sale Securities by wire transfer of immediately available funds to
         an account designated in writing by the Seller prior to the Sale
         Closing Date, against delivery by the Seller of certificates
         representing the Sale Securities, duly endorsed by the Seller.

                                       19
<PAGE>

                           (iii) The "Purchase Price" to be paid by the Company
         or the Designated Purchaser on the Sale Closing Date in consideration
         for the Sale Securities shall be as follows:

                                        (A) If the Sale Securities are listed or
                  admitted for trading on a national securities exchange or
                  quoted by the Nasdaq National Market, then the Purchase Price
                  with respect to the Sale Securities shall be the product of
                  (x) the aggregate number of Sale Securities and (y) the
                  average of the last reported sale prices per Preferred Share
                  or per Right of such Sale Security as reported in the
                  principal consolidated transaction reporting system of the
                  principal exchange on which such Preferred Shares or Rights
                  are listed or admitted for trading, or, if no sale has
                  occurred on any trading day, the mean of the last bid and
                  asked price per Preferred Share or Right for such Sale
                  Security, in any case, for the fifteen consecutive trading day
                  period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the
                  date of the Sale Notice; and

                                        (B) If the Sale Securities are not
                  listed or admitted for trading on a national securities
                  exchange or quoted by the Nasdaq National Market, then the
                  Purchase Price with respect to the Sale Securities shall be
                  (1) in the case of a Sale Notice with respect to a registered
                  offering of Sale Securities (including pursuant to the
                  Registration Rights Agreement), the aggregate fair market
                  value of such Sale Securities as determined by a
                  nationally-recognized investment banking firm mutually
                  selected by the Company and the Seller using customary
                  valuation methodologies, or (2) in the case of a Sale Notice
                  with respect to a private sale by the Seller to a third party,
                  the Purchase Price set forth in the Sale Notice.

                           (iv) If at the end of the 10-day period following the
         giving of the Sale Notice, the Company shall not have delivered a
         Purchase Notice to the Seller, the Seller shall have 60 days in which
         to sell the Sale Securities at the price and on the terms and
         conditions contained in the Sale Notice. Promptly after any sale
         pursuant to this Section 4.04(c), the Seller shall notify the Company
         of the consummation thereof and shall furnish such evidence of the
         completion (including time of completion) of such sale and of the terms
         and conditions thereof as the Company may reasonably request. If, at
         the end of such 60-day period, the Seller has not completed the sale of
         the Sale Securities, the Seller shall no longer be permitted to sell
         such Sale Securities

                                       20
<PAGE>

         pursuant to this Section 4.04(c) without again fully complying with the
         provisions of this Section 4.04(c).

                           (v) The provisions of this Section 4.04(c) shall not
         be applicable to any transfer of Preferred Shares or Rights from
         Purchaser to any Permitted Transferee or the Company, or from any
         Permitted Transferee to any other Permitted Transferee or Purchaser,
         provided that in any such transfer to a Permitted Transferee such
         Permitted Transferee must agree in writing to be bound by the
         applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement, including this
         Section 4.04(c).

                           (d) (i) Purchaser covenants to and agrees with the
Company that during the two-year period following the date of this Agreement
(the "Standstill Period"), without the Company's prior written consent, neither
Purchaser nor any of its Affiliates will, directly or indirectly:

                                        (A) In any way acquire, offer or propose
                  to acquire or agree to acquire Beneficial Ownership of any
                  Voting Securities or any direct or indirect rights or options
                  to acquire Beneficial Ownership of any Voting Securities
                  other than those acquired by Purchaser or its Affiliates (x)
                  from the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the
                  Certificate of Designations and the Rights or pursuant to a
                  stock split, stock dividend or similar corporate action
                  initiated by the Company, or (y) in the ordinary course of
                  business in a fiduciary or agency capacity and not for its own
                  account;

                                        (B) Make any public announcement with
                  respect to (except as otherwise required by applicable law
                  with respect to the acquisition, conversion or exercise, as
                  the case may be, of the Preferred Shares and the Rights), or
                  submit to the Company or any of its directors, officers,
                  representatives, trustees, employees, attorneys, advisors,
                  agents or Affiliates, any proposal for, the acquisition of any
                  Voting Securities or with respect to any merger,
                  consolidation, business combination or purchase of any
                  substantial portion of the assets of the Company, whether or
                  not any parties other than Purchaser and its Affiliates are
                  involved, and whether or not such proposal might require the
                  making of a public announcement by the Company unless the
                  Company shall have made a prior written request to Purchaser
                  to submit such a proposal;

                                       21
<PAGE>

                                        (C) Seek or propose to influence,
                  advise, change or control the management, Board of Directors,
                  governing instruments or policies or affairs of the Company by
                  way of any public communication or communication with any
                  Person other than the Company, or make, or in any way
                  participate in, any "solicitation" of "proxies" (as such terms
                  are defined or used in Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act)
                  to vote any Voting Securities or become a "participant" in any
                  "election contest" as such terms are defined and used in Rule
                  14a-11 under the Exchange Act) with respect to Voting
                  Securities; provided, that nothing in this clause (C) shall
                  prevent Purchaser or its Affiliates from voting any Voting
                  Securities then Beneficially Owned by Purchaser or such
                  Affiliates in any manner;

                                        (D) Deposit any Voting Securities in a
                  voting trust or subject any Voting Securities to any
                  arrangement or agreement (other than this Agreement) with
                  respect to the voting of such Voting Securities or other
                  agreement having similar effect, except that Purchaser may
                  grant any revocable proxy in connection with proxy
                  solicitations under the Exchange Act;

                                        (E) Form or join a partnership, limited
                  partner ship, syndicate or other group (as defined in Section
                  13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any Voting
                  Securities (other than a group of which only Purchaser and
                  Purchaser's Affiliates are members); or

                                        (F) Make a request to amend or waive any
                  provision of this Section 4.04(d).

                           (ii) For purposes of this Section 4.04(d) and Section
         4.04(e), a Person shall be deemed to "Beneficially Own" any securities
         of which such Person or any such Person's Affiliates is considered to
         be a "Beneficial Owner" under Rule 13(d)-3 under the Exchange Act as in
         effect on the date hereof or of which such Person or any of such
         Person's Affiliates or associates, directly or indirectly, has the
         right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only
         after the passage of time or upon the satisfaction of conditions)
         pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or
         not in writing) or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange
         rights, rights, warrants or options, or otherwise and "Voting
         Securities" shall mean at any time shares of any class of capital
         stock of the Company which are then entitled to vote generally in the
         election  of directors or

                                       22
<PAGE>

         any securities which are convertible into, or exchangeable or
         exercisable for, any such shares, it being understood that the
         Preferred Shares and the Rights will at all times be considered for
         this purpose to be Voting Securities equal to the number of shares of
         Common Stock then issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Shares and
         exercise of the Rights represented thereby.

                           (e) (i) Subject to Section 4.04(e)(iii), Purchaser
covenants to and agrees with the Company that from and after the date hereof
until December 31, 2001 (the "Dime/Hudson Period"), without the Company's prior
written consent, neither Purchaser nor any of its Affiliates will, directly or
indirectly:

                                        (A) In any way acquire, offer or propose
                  to acquire or agree to acquire Beneficial Ownership of any
                  Dime Voting Securities or Hudson Voting Securities or any
                  direct or indirect rights or options to acquire Beneficial
                  Ownership of any Dime Voting Securities or Hudson Voting
                  Securities other than those acquired in the ordinary course of
                  business in a fiduciary or agency capacity and not for its own
                  account;

                                        (B) Make any public announcement with
                  respect to, or submit to Dime or Hudson or any of their
                  respective directors, officers, representatives, trustees,
                  employees, attorneys, advisors, agents or Affiliates, any
                  proposal for, the acquisition of any Dime Voting Securities or
                  Hudson Voting Securities or with respect to any merger,
                  consolidation, business combination or purchase of any
                  substantial portion of the assets of Dime or Hudson, whether
                  or not any parties other than Purchaser and its Affiliates are
                  involved, and whether or not such proposal might require the
                  making of a public announcement by Dime or Hudson;

                                        (C) Seek or propose to influence,
                  advise, change or control the management, Board of Directors,
                  governing instruments or policies or affairs of Dime or
                  Hudson, or make, or in any way participate in, any
                  "solicitation" of "proxies" (as such terms are defined or used
                  in Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) to vote any Dime
                  Voting Securities or Hudson Voting Securities or become a
                  "participant" in any "election contest" (as such terms are
                  defined and used in Regulation 14A and Schedule 14A under the
                  Exchange Act) with respect to Dime Voting Securities or Hudson
                  Voting Securities; provided, that nothing in this clause (C)
                  shall prevent Purchaser or its Affiliates from voting any Dime
                  Voting Securities or Hudson Voting

                                       23
<PAGE>

                  Securities then beneficially owned by Purchaser or such
                  Affiliate in any manner;

                                        (D) Deposit any Dime Voting Securities
                  or Hudson Voting Securities in a voting trust or subject any
                  Dime Voting Securities or Hudson Voting Securities to any
                  arrangement or agreement (other than this Agreement) with
                  respect to the voting of such Dime Voting Securities or Hudson
                  Voting Securities or any other agreement having similar
                  effect; or

                                        (E) Form or join a partnership, limited
                  partnership, syndicate or other group (as defined in Section
                  13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any Dime Voting
                  Securities or Hudson Voting Securities (other than a group of
                  which only Purchaser and Purchaser's Affiliates are members)]

                                        (F) prior to the termination of this
                  Agreement pursuant to Section 6.01, make a request to amend or
                  waive any provision of this Section 4.04(e).

                           (ii) For purposes of this Section 4.04(e), "Dime
         Voting Securities" and "Hudson Voting Securities" shall mean at any
         time shares of any class of capital stock of Dime or Hudson,
         respectively, which are then entitled to vote generally in the election
         of directors or any securities which are convertible into, or
         exchangeable or exercisable for, any such shares.

                           (f) Purchaser shall not be deemed to have violated
any provision of Sections 4.04(d)(i) or 4.04(e)(i) by virtue of its compliance
with its agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement or by reason of
its acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of a Person which
is not an Affiliate of Purchaser, the Company, Dime or Hudson if such Person
holds Voting Securities, Dime Voting Securities or Hudson Voting Securities, as
the case may be, at the time of Purchaser's acquisition. The prohibition
contained in Section 4.04(e)(i) shall terminate immediately upon Purchaser, at
any time after the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.01, (i)
paying the Termination Fee to the Company pursuant to Section 6.03 hereof and
(ii) providing written notice to the Company stating that the Termination Fee
has been paid and that Purchaser has elected to terminate the prohibitions
contained in Section 4.04(e)(i) above.

                  Section 4.05 Financial Statements and Other Reports. The
Company covenants that it will deliver to Purchaser:

                                       24
<PAGE>

                           (i) as soon as practicable and in any event within 45
         days after the end of each quarterly period (other than the last
         quarterly period) in each fiscal year, consolidated statements of
         income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows of the Company
         and its consolidated Subsidiaries (including the Company Subsidiary)
         for the period from the beginning of the then current fiscal year to
         the end of such quarterly period, and a consolidated balance sheet of
         the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (including the Company
         Subsidiary) as of the end of such quarterly period; provided however,
         that delivery pursuant to clause (iii) below of a copy of the Company's
         periodic report on Form 10-Q for such period filed with the SEC
         shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this clause (i);

                           (ii) as soon as practicable and in any event within
         90 days after the end of each fiscal year, a consolidated balance sheet
         of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries (including the Company
         Subsidiary) as of the end of such fiscal year and the related
         consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and
         cash flows for such fiscal year, together with the audit report of KPMG
         LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized standing
         selected by the Company; provided, however, that delivery pursuant to
         clause (iii) below of a copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the
         Company for such fiscal year filed with the SEC shall be deemed to
         satisfy the requirements of this clause (ii); and

                           (iii) (a) promptly upon transmission thereof, copies
         of all such financial statements, proxy statements, notices and reports
         as it shall send to its stockholders and (b) all such regular and
         periodic reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or similar or substitute
         forms) as it shall file with the SEC.

                  The obligations of the Company to deliver the materials
described in clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 4.05 to Purchaser shall
continue in full force and effect until such time as Purchaser shall no longer
own Preferred Shares or Rights convertible into or exercisable for shares of
Common Stock, or shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Rights or
conversion of the Preferred Shares, in either case equal to at least 2% of the
Common Stock then outstanding.

                  Section 4.06 Inspection of Property. (a) The Company covenants
that it will permit representatives of Purchaser to visit and inspect, at
Purchaser's expense, any of the properties of the Company, the Company
Subsidiary or, to the extent applicable, Dime, to examine the corporate books
and make copies or extracts

                                       25
<PAGE>

therefrom and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company, the
Company Subsidiary and, to the extent applicable, Dime with the principal
officers of the Company or Dime, all upon reasonable notice and at such
reasonable times and as often as Purchaser may reasonably request.

                           (b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section
4.06 shall terminate and no longer be of any effect from and after such time as
Purchaser no longer beneficially owns any Preferred Shares or Rights convertible
into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, or shares of Common Stock
issued upon the conversion of the Preferred Shares or the exercise of the
Rights, in either case equal to at least 2% of the Common Stock then
outstanding.

                  Section 4.07 Compliance with Applicable Law; Information. (a)
Purchaser hereby covenants and agrees that, for so long as this Agreement shall
remain in effect, it shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries, Affiliates,
directors, officers and employees to, comply with all legal requirements
(including those under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder) that would be applicable to Purchaser were it deemed to be a
"bidder" within the meaning of Rule 14d-1(g)(2) under the Exchange Act with
respect to the Offer and a "participant" within the meaning of Instruction 3 to
Item 4 to Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act with respect to the Proxy
Solicitation, it being understood that Purchaser does not admit that it is a
"bidder" with respect to the Offer or a "participant" with respect to the Proxy
Solicitation.

                           (b) Immediately following the execution of this
Agreement, Purchaser shall cooperate with the Company with respect to the
Company's preparation of the Schedule TO and any other Transaction Filings to
be made by the Company in connection with the Proxy Solicitation and the Offer,
and shall provide the Company with all information with respect to Purchaser and
its Subsidiaries, Affiliates, directors, officers, employees and stockholders
reasonably requested by the Company for inclusion in the Schedule TO or in any
other such Transaction Filings in order to assure compliance with all applicable
legal requirements including the rules of the SEC. Promptly following the
completion of the preparation of the Schedule TO, each of the Company and
Purchaser shall execute and file the Schedule TO with the SEC. Promptly
following any request made by the Company or any of its representatives from
time to time during the pendency of the Offer or the Proxy Solicitation,
Purchaser shall provide the Company with all such information as shall be
reasonably requested by the Company in connection with any filing of, or
amendment or supplement to, any Transaction Filing in order to assure compliance
with all applicable legal requirements including the rules of the SEC.

                                       26
<PAGE>

                  Section 4.08 Legends. (a) Purchaser acknowledges and agrees
that as of the date hereof neither the Preferred Shares nor the Rights nor the
securities issuable upon the conversion or exercise of the Preferred Shares and
the Rights have been or will be registered under the Securities Act or the
securities laws of any state and that they may be sold or otherwise disposed of
only in one or more transactions registered under the Securities Act and, where
applicable, such laws or as to which an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and, where applicable, such laws is
available. Purchaser acknowledges that, except as provided in the Ancillary
Documents, Purchaser has no right to require the Company to register the
Preferred Shares, the Rights, or the securities issuable upon the conversion or
exercise of the Preferred Shares and the Rights. Purchaser further acknowledges
and agrees that each certificate for the Preferred Shares and the Rights shall
bear a legend substantially as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 4.08.

                           (b) Certificates for the Preferred Shares and the
Rights and any securities issued upon the conversion or exercise thereof shall
bear legends in substantially the following form:

                  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE
TRANSFERRED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT WHILE SUCH A REGISTRATION IS
IN EFFECT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN
EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT OR SUCH LAWS. THIS CERTIFICATE IS
ISSUED PURSUANT TO AND SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, VOTING AND OTHER
PROVISIONS OF A STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF MARCH 5, 2000 BETWEEN THE
COMPANY AND THE PURCHASER REFERRED TO THEREIN, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH
THE COMPANY. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUCH STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT, THE
SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE AND ANY
PURPORTED TRANSFER IN VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH STOCK PURCHASE
AGREEMENT SHALL BE VOID AND OF NO FORCE AND EFFECT.

                           (c) When issued pursuant hereto, the certificates
evidencing the Preferred Shares and the Rights shall also bear any legend
required by any applicable state blue sky law.

                           (d) Any holder of Preferred Shares or Rights may
request the Company to remove any or all of the legends described in this
Section 4.08 from

                                       27
<PAGE>

the certificates evidencing such Preferred Shares or Rights, as the case may be,
by submitting to the Company such certificates, together with an opinion of
counsel to the effect that such legend or legends are no longer required under
the Securities Act or applicable state laws, as the case may be.

                  Section 4.09 Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Securities.
Upon receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft,
destruction or mutilation of any certificate for any security of the Company
and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, upon delivery of an undertaking
by the holder thereof to indemnify the Company (and, if requested by the
Company, the delivery of an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the
Company to protect the Company from any loss it may suffer if a certificate is
replaced), or, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation
thereof, the Company will issue a new certificate for an equivalent number of
shares or another security of like tenor, as the case may be.

                  Section 4.10  Regulatory Matters.

                           (a) Purchaser and the Company shall use their best
efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all
applications, notices, petitions and filings, and to obtain as promptly as
practicable all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third
parties and Governmental Entities which are necessary or advisable to consummate
the purchase by Purchaser of the Preferred Shares and the Rights (the
"Investment") and (in the case of the Company) to consummate the Offer and the
Proxy Solicitation. The Company and Purchaser shall have the right to consult
the other on, in each case subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange
of information, any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any
third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the Investment, the
Offer or the Proxy Solicitation. In exercising the foregoing right, each of the
parties hereto shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable. The parties
hereto agree that they will consult with each other with respect to the
obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third
parties and Governmental Entities necessary or advisable to consummate the
Investment and, in the case of the Company, the Offer and the Proxy Solicitation
and each party will keep the other appraised of the status of matters relating
to completion of the Investment and, in the case of the Company, the Offer and
the Proxy Solicitation.

                           (b) Purchaser and the Company shall, upon request,
furnish each other with all information concerning themselves, their
Subsidiaries, directors, officers and stockholders and such other matters as may
be reasonably necessary or advisable in connection with any statement, filing,
notice or application made by or on behalf of Purchaser, the Company or any of
their respective Subsidiaries to any

                                       28
<PAGE>

Governmental Entity in connection with the Investment, the Offer, the Proxy
Solicitation and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                           (c) Purchaser and the Company shall promptly furnish
the other with copies of written communications received by them, their
Subsidiaries, Affiliates or Associates (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2
under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date of this Agreement) from, or
delivered by any of the foregoing to, any Governmental Entity in respect of the
Investment, the Offer, the Proxy Solicitation and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (other than in respect of information filed or
otherwise submitted confidentially to any such Governmental Entity).

                           (d) Purchaser and the Company shall, and shall cause
their Subsidiaries to, use their best efforts (i) to take, or cause to be taken,
all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with all legal
requirements which may be imposed on them or their Subsidiaries with respect to
the Investment, the Offer, the Proxy Solicitation and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and, subject to the conditions set forth in
Article V hereof, to consummate the Investment and (ii) subject to the
conditions set forth in Article V hereof, to obtain (and to cooperate with the
other party to obtain) any consent, authorization, order or approval of, or any
exemption by, any Governmental Entity and any other third party which is
required to be obtained by the Company or Purchaser or any of their respective
Subsidiaries in connection with the Investment, the Offer, the Proxy
Solicitation and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to
comply with the terms and conditions of such consent, authorization, order or
approval. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with
seeking the regulatory approvals required for the consummation of the
Investment, if in Purchaser's reasonable judgment it would be necessary to
obtain any required consent, authorization, order or approval of, or exemption
by, any Governmental Entity in connection with the Investment, Purchaser shall
make "passivity commitments" in customary form as reflected in recent orders of
the Federal Reserve Board relating to non-controlling minority investments by
bank holding companies in other banks or bank holding companies to all
appropriate regulatory authorities except to the extent such commitments would
be inconsistent with the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  Section 4.11 Access to Records and Information. During the
period from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date, (i) the Company
shall afford to Purchaser and its authorized agents and representatives
reasonable access to the records, files and other information relating to the
business of the Company, the Company Subsidiary and, to the extent applicable,
Dime and (ii) Purchaser shall be

                                       29
<PAGE>

entitled to, in consultation with the Company, such access to the
representatives and officers of the Company, the Company Subsidiary, and, to the
extent applicable, Dime as Purchaser may reasonably request, and the Company
shall during such period cause its personnel and, to the extent applicable, the
personnel of Dime to provide to Purchaser assistance and access in Purchaser's
investigations.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                   Conditions

                  Section 5.01 Conditions of Purchase. The obligations of
Purchaser to purchase and pay for the Preferred Shares at the Closing are
subject to satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions precedent:

                           (a) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. The
representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement and
the Ancillary Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on
and as of the date of this Agreement or the date of such Ancillary Documents, as
the case may be, and on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as
though made on and as of such respective dates, except to the extent that any
such representation or warranty specifically relates to an earlier date, and the
Company shall have performed all obligations and complied with all agreements,
undertakings, covenants and conditions required hereunder and thereunder to be
performed by it at or prior to the Closing.

                           (b) Opinion of Counsel. Purchaser shall have received
at the Closing from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to the
Company, a written opinion dated as of the Closing Date which shall be in such
form and to such effect as is customary in connection with the private placement
of securities by public companies.

                           (c) No Adverse Action or Decision or Injunction.
There shall be no action, suit, investigation or proceeding pending or
threatened by a Governmental Entity which seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent the
consummation of or otherwise affect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, the Ancillary Documents or the Branch Purchase Agreement, and there
shall not be in effect any order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of
competent jurisdiction which enjoins or prohibits consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

                                       30
<PAGE>

                           (d) Proceedings. All corporate and other proceedings
to be taken by the Company in connection with the authorization and consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Ancillary Documents shall
have been duly and validly taken by the Company and all documents incident
thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Purchaser and
its counsel, and Purchaser and its counsel shall have received all such
counterpart originals or certified or other copies of such documents as it may
reasonably request.

                           (e) Regulatory Approvals. Purchaser shall have
procured any required approvals, clearances or non-disapprovals of the
transactions contemplated hereby and by the Ancillary Documents by the Federal
Reserve Board under the BHC Act without the implementation of any condition or
restriction that would be materially adverse to Purchaser and the statutory
waiting periods thereunder shall have expired and all consents, authorizations,
orders and approvals of, and filings and registrations required under any other
Federal or state law, rule or regulation for or in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Documents and the consummation
by the parties hereto of the transactions contemplated on such parties' part
hereby and thereby shall have been obtained or made and all statutory waiting
periods thereunder in respect thereof shall have expired.

                           (f) Company Certificate. The Company shall have
delivered to Purchaser a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by its
chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, to the effect that the
conditions set forth in this Section 5.01 have been satisfied to the best
knowledge of the officer executing the same.

                           (g) Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration
Rights Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by the parties thereto
and shall be in full force and affect.

                           (h) Certificate of Designations. The Certificate of
Designations shall have been duly filed with the Secretary of State of
Delaware. There shall have been no changes to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or by-laws of the Company since the date of this Agreement.

                           (i) Exchange Offer. The conditions of the Offer as
set forth on Exhibit E hereto shall have been satisfied, the Voting Securities
tendered pursuant thereto shall have been accepted by the Company for exchange
and there shall not have occurred any substantial change in the terms or
conditions of the Offer from those previously disclosed to Purchaser.

                                       31
<PAGE>

                           (j) Rights. The Company shall have executed and
delivered the Rights Certificate, which shall be in full force and effect.

                  Section 5.02 Conditions of Sale. The obligation of the Company
to sell the Preferred Shares and to issue the Rights at the Closing is subject
to satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions precedent:

                           (a) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. The
representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of this
Agreement and on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though made
on and as of such dates except to the extent that any such representation or
warranty specifically relates to an earlier date, and Purchaser shall have
performed all obligations and complied with all agreements, undertakings,
covenants and conditions required by it to be performed at or prior to the
Closing.

                           (b) No Adverse Action or Decision or Injunction.
There shall be no action, suit, investigation or proceeding pending or
threatened by a Governmental Entity which seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent the
consummation of or otherwise affect the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or the issuance of the Preferred Shares and the Rights to Purchaser,
and there shall not be in effect any order, decree or injunction of a court or
agency of competent jurisdiction with enjoins or prohibits consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

                           (c) Regulatory Approvals. All consents,
authorizations, orders and approvals of, and filings and registrations with, any
United States or state governmental commission, board or other regulatory body,
required for or in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the Ancillary Documents and any agreements to be executed in connection
therewith, the sale of the Preferred Shares and the issuance of the Rights,
shall have been obtained or made and all statutory waiting periods in respect
thereof shall have expired.

                           (d) Purchaser's Certificate. An executive officer of
Purchaser shall have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Closing
Date, to the effect that the condition set forth in Section 5.02(a) has been
satisfied to the best knowledge of the officer executing the certificate.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                       32
<PAGE>

                         Termination; Certain Covenants

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

                           (a) by the mutual written consent of Purchaser and
the Company; or

                           (b) by Purchaser pursuant to notice in the event of a
breach or failure by the Company that is material in the context of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Document of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein or therein
which has not been, or cannot be, cured within 30 days after written notice of
such breach is given to the Company; or

                           (c) by the Company pursuant to notice in the event of
a breach or failure by Purchaser that is material in the context of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Document of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein or therein
which has not been, or cannot be, cured within 30 days after written notice of
such breach is given to Purchaser; or

                           (d) by either the Company or Purchaser if the Closing
shall not have occurred on or prior to March 31, 2001 unless the failure of such
occurrence shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate this
Agreement to perform or observe its agreements set forth herein required to be
performed or observed by such party on or before the Closing; or

                           (e) by either the Company or Purchaser if the
stockholders of Dime and Hudson shall have approved the Dime Merger Agreement;
or

                           (f) by either the Company or Purchaser if the Company
shall have publicly announced that it is terminating its effort to acquire the
entire equity interest in Dime.

                  Section 6.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of the
termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 6.01 hereof, this Agreement
shall forthwith become void except for the obligations set forth in Sections
4.04, 6.03, 6.04, 7.02, 7.03, 7.05, 7.06, 7.07, 7.08 and 7.09 and there shall be
no liability or obligation on the part of the parties hereto except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement.

                                       33
<PAGE>

                  Section 6.03 Certain Fees. The Company shall pay to Purchaser
$2.5 million in immediately available funds to a bank account designated by
Purchaser upon the earlier of (i) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 6.01 and (ii) March 31, 2001; provided, however, that the Company shall
not be obligated to make such payment if (x) Purchaser shall have materially
breached this Agreement or (y) the Company shall acquire a majority of the
equity interest in Dime prior to the later of the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 6.01 and March 31, 2001, but in such event the Company,
immediately upon acquiring such majority interest, shall pay to Purchaser $5.0
million (or, if the Company shall previously have paid to Purchaser $2.5 million
as provided in this sentence, $2.5 million) in the manner provided above. In the
event Purchaser shall elect to terminate the Dime/Hudson Period pursuant to the
last sentence of Section 4.04(e)(iii) and Purchaser shall previously have been
paid $2.5 million by the Company as provided in the first sentence of this
Section 6.03, then contemporaneously with such termination Purchaser shall pay
to the Company $2.5 million in immediately available funds to a bank account
designated by the Company (the "Termination Fee"), and Purchaser shall
immediately pay to the Company an additional $2.5 million in such manner
immediately upon Purchaser acquiring a majority of the equity interest in Dime
at any time on or prior to December 31, 2001.

                  Section 6.04 Sale of Branches. In the event that, at any time
on or prior to December 31, 2001, the Company shall acquire a majority equity
interest in Dime, then reasonably promptly thereafter the Company shall cause
Dime to enter into a branch purchase agreement with Purchaser or such Subsidiary
of Purchaser as Purchaser shall designate (the "Branch Purchase Agreement")
providing for the sale by Dime to Purchaser or such Subsidiary of the branches
identified on Exhibit D hereto as branches to be sold to Purchaser. Such
agreement shall be in such form as is usual and customary for such transactions
and shall include the terms set forth on Exhibit D. Each of the Company and
Purchaser shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith in determining the final
terms of such Agreement. In the event that, at any time on or prior to
December 31, 2001, Purchaser shall acquire a majority equity interest in Dime,
then reasonably promptly thereafter Purchaser shall cause Dime to enter into a
branch purchase agreement with the Company providing for the sale to the Company
or a Subsidiary thereof of the branches identified on Exhibit D hereto as
branches to be sold to the Company. Such agreement shall be in such form as is
usual and customary for such transactions and shall include the terms set forth
in Exhibit D. Each of the Company and Purchaser shall negotiate reasonably and
in good faith in determining the final terms of such agreement.

                   Section 6.05 Additional Rights. Beginning with the first
Dividend Payment Date (as such term is defined in the Certificate of
Designations) occurring after the third anniversary of the Closing and on each
Dividend Payment Date thereafter through and including the eighth Dividend
Payment Date occurring after the third anniversary of the Closing, to the extent
that any Preferred Shares remain outstanding on any such Dividend Payment Date,
the Company shall issue to each holder of record of the Preferred Shares at the
close of business on the Record Date (as such term is defined in the Certificate
of Designations) with respect to such Dividend Payment Date stock purchase
rights ("Additional Rights") to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock
equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the product of (a) 0.005 and (b)
the aggregate Liquidation Preference (as such term is defined in the Certificate
of Designations) of the Preferred Shares held by such record holder on the
Record Date by (ii) the "current market price" (as defined in Section 3(f)(v) of
the Certificate of Designations) of a share of Common Stock on the Business Day
immediately preceding the Record Date with respect to such Dividend Payment
Date. The purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable pursuant to the
exercise of any such Additional Rights shall be equal to the current market
price determined pursuant to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, such
Additional Rights shall expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of issuance
of such Additional Rights, and such Additional Rights shall otherwise be
substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto. Beginning with the first Dividend
Payment Date occurring after the fifth anniversary of the Closing and on each
Dividend Payment Date thereafter occurring on or prior to the tenth anniversary
of the Closing, to the extent that any Preferred Shares remaining outstanding on
any such Dividend Payment Date, the Company shall issue to each holder of record
of the Preferred Shares at the close of business on the Record Date with respect
to such Dividend Payment Date Additional Rights to purchase a number of shares
of Common Stock determined as provided in the first sentence of this section
6.05, except that the amount in clause (i)(a) of such sentence shall be 0.010.
The purchase price per share of Common Stock purchasable pursuant to the
exercise of any such Additional Rights shall be equal to the current market
price determined pursuant to clause (ii) of the first sentence of this Section
6.05, such Additional Rights shall expire on the tenth anniversary of the date
of issuance of such Additional Rights and such Additional Rights shall otherwise
be substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto. For all purposes of this
Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Rights" shall
include any Additional Rights.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                       34
<PAGE>

                                  Miscellaneous

                  Section 7.01 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All
covenants and agreements, other than those which by their terms apply in whole
or in part after the Closing Date, shall terminate as of the Closing Date.
Except for the warranties and representations contained in Sections 3.01(b) and
3.01(c) and 3.01(o), which shall survive the Closing without limitation, the
warranties and representations made herein or in any certificates delivered in
connection with the Closing shall survive the Closing for a period of 2 years
and shall then expire.

                  Section 7.02 Notices. All notices and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, if
delivered personally, by telecopier or sent by overnight courier as follows:

                           (a)   If to Purchaser, to:

                                 Fleet Boston Corporation
                                 One Federal Street
                                 Boston, Massachusetts 02110

                                 Attention: William C. Mutterperl, Esq.
                                 Executive Vice President and General Counsel
                                 Fax:  617-346-3185

                                 With a copy to:

                                 Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
                                 One Liberty Plaza
                                 New York, New York 10006

                                 Attention: Robert L. Tortoriello, Esq.
                                 Fax: 212-225-3999

                           (b)   If to the Company, to:

                                 North Fork Bancorporation
                                 275 Broad Hollow Road
                                 Melville, New York 11747

                                 Attn: John Adam Kanas
                                 Fax: 516-844-1471

                                       35
<PAGE>

                                 With a copy to:

                                 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
                                 Four Times Square
                                 New York, New York  10036

                                 Attn: William S. Rubenstein, Esq.
                                 Fax: 212-735-2000

or to such other address or addresses as shall be designated in writing. All
notices shall be effective when received.

                  Section 7.03 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Rights, the Confidentiality Agreements
(except for the seventh paragraph thereof which shall be deemed to be replaced
and superseded by the terms of this Agreement) and the Certificate of
Designations and the documents described herein and therein or attached or
delivered pursuant hereto or thereto set forth the entire agreement between the
parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part
at any time by an agreement in writing between the parties hereto executed in
the same manner as this Agreement. No failure on the part of any party to
exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right shall operate as a waiver
thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise by any party of any right
preclude any other or future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right. No investigation by Purchaser of the Company prior to or after the date
hereof shall stop or prevent Purchaser from exercising any right hereunder or be
deemed to be a waiver of any such right.

                  Section 7.04 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to constitute any
original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same documents.

                  Section 7.05 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed
by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York
applicable to contracts made and to be performed in that State.

                  Section 7.06 Public Announcements. Subject to each party's
disclosure obligations imposed by law and notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary contained in the confidentiality agreements dated February 28, 2000
between the parties (the "Confidentiality Agreements"), each of the parties
hereto will cooperate with each other in the development and distribution of all
news releases and other

                                       36
<PAGE>

public information disclosures with respect to this Agreement and any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and no party hereto will make any news
release or disclosure without first consulting with the other party hereto;
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not affect or otherwise restrict the
Company's ability to make such disclosures as it shall deem necessary in
connection with the Proxy Solicitation and the Offer and the transactions
contemplated thereby (it being understood that all disclosures concerning or
relating to Purchaser shall be subject to Purchaser's prior review and
reasonable approval, and that the Company may not modify any Purchaser
Information in any material respect as part of or in connection with any such
disclosure).

                  Section 7.07 Expenses. Each party hereto shall bear its own
costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the Ancillary Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  Section 7.08  Indemnification.

                           (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
Purchaser, each person who controls Purchaser within the meaning of the Exchange
Act, and each of the respective officers, directors, employees, agents and
Affiliates of the foregoing in their respective capacities as such (the
"Purchaser Indemnitees"), to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and
all actions, suits, claims, proceedings, costs, damages, judgments, amounts
paid in settlement (subject to Section 7.08(d) below) and expenses (including,
without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements) (collectively, "Loss")
arising out of or resulting from (i) any inaccuracy in or breach of the
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by the Company in this
Agreement, any Ancillary Document or the Branch Purchase Agreement; (ii) the
Proxy Solicitation, the Offer or the transactions contemplated thereby (except
to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or results from any inaccuracy in
or breach of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements made by
Purchaser in this Agreement); or (iii) any action or failure to act undertaken
by a Purchaser Indemnitee at the request of or with the consent of the Company.

                           (b) Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company and each of its officers, directors, employees, agents and
Affiliates in their respective capacities as such (the "Company Indemnitees"),
to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all Losses arising out of
or resulting from (i) any inaccuracy in or breach of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements made by Purchaser herein; or (ii) any action
or failure to act undertaken by a Company Indemnitee at the request of
Purchaser.

                                       37
<PAGE>

                           (c) A party obligated to provide indemnification
under this Section 7.08 (an "Indemnifying Party") shall reimburse the
indemnified parties of the other party (the "Indemnified Parties") for all
out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements) as they are
incurred in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending any
such action, suit, claim or proceeding (including any inquiry or investigation)
whether or not an Indemnified Party is a party thereto. If an Indemnified Party
makes a claim hereunder for payment or reimbursement of expenses, such expenses
shall be paid or reimbursed promptly upon receipt of appropriate documentation
relating thereto even if the Indemnifying Party reserves the right to dispute
whether this Agreement requires the payment or reimbursement of such expenses.

                           (d) An Indemnified Party shall give written notice to
the Indemnifying Party of any claim with respect to which it seeks
indemnification promptly after the discovery by such party of any matters giving
rise to a claim for indemnification; provided that the failure of any
Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the
Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Section 7.08 unless and to the
extent that the Indemnifying Party shall have been materially prejudiced by the
failure of such Indemnified Party to so notify such party. In case any such
action, suit, claim or proceeding is brought against an Indemnified Party, the
Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof;
provided, however, that separate counsel of the Indemnified Party shall be
entitled to conduct the defense, and the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for
any legal or other expenses incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with
the defense. No Indemnifying Party shall be liable for any settlement of any
action, suit, claim or proceeding effected without its written consent;
provided, however, the Indemnifying Party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay
or condition its consent. The Indemnifying Party further agrees that it will
not, without the Indemnified Party's prior written consent, settle or compromise
any claim or consent to entry of any judgment in respect thereof in any pending
or threatened action, suit, claim or proceeding in respect of which
indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Party is
an actual or potential party to such action, suit, claim or proceeding) unless
such settlement or compromise includes an unconditional release of each
Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such action, suit, claim or
proceeding.

                           (e) The obligations of the Indemnifying Party under
this Section 7.08 shall survive the transfer, redemption or conversion of the
Preferred Shares, the Rights and the shares issued upon the conversion or
exercise thereof, or the closing or termination of this Agreement, any Ancillary
Document, the Branch Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby. The

                                       38
<PAGE>

agreements contained in this Section 7.08 shall be in addition to any other
rights of the Indemnified Party against the Indemnifying Party or others. The
Indemnifying Party consents to personal jurisdiction, service and venue in any
court in the continental United States in which any claim subject to this
Agreement is brought by any Indemnified Party.

                           (f) The rights of the Indemnified Party under this
Section 7.08 shall be in addition to any liability that the Indemnifying Party
might otherwise have to the Indemnified Party under this Agreement, at common
law or otherwise.

                           (g) The amount the Indemnifying Party shall pay to
the Indemnified Party with respect to a claim made pursuant to this Section 7.08
shall be an amount equal to the Loss incurred by the Indemnified Party with
respect to such claim, after giving effect to any taxes payable by the
Indemnified Party on receipt of any indemnification hereunder with respect to
such claim and any tax benefit realizable (including deductions) by the
Indemnified Party with respect to such claim for tax purposes.

                  Section 7.09 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise
expressly provided herein, the provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of,
and be binding upon, the Company's successors and assigns and Purchaser's
successors and assigns, and no other person. Subject to applicable law,
Purchaser may assign its rights under this Agreement to any Affiliate, but no
such assignment shall relieve Purchaser of its obligations hereunder.

                  Section 7.10 Captions. The captions contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not part of this Agreement.

                                       39
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties
hereto or by their respective duly authorized officers, all as of the date first
above written.

                            FLEET BOSTON CORPORATION

                            By:  /s/ Eugene M. McQuade
                                 -------------------------------------------
                            Name: Eugene M. McQuade
                            Title: Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

                            NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC.

                            By:  /s/ Daniel M. Healy
                                 -------------------------------------------
                            Name: Daniel M. Healy
                            Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

                                       40
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                  CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF VOTING POWERS,
                            PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE,
                        PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL AND OTHER
                               SPECIAL RIGHTS AND
                           QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS
                                AND RESTRICTIONS

                                       OF

                    7.5% SERIES B NON-CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE
                                 PREFERRED STOCK

                                       OF

                         NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC.

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

                         PURSUANT TO SECTION 151 OF THE
                GENERAL CORPORATION LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

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

                  North Fork Bancorporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), certifies that pursuant to the authority contained in Article
Fourth, subsection B of its Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended
(the "Restated Certificate of Incorporation"), and in accordance with the
provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, the Board of Directors of the Company at a meeting duly called and
held on ________, 2000 duly approved and adopted the following resolution which
resolution remains in full force and effect on the date hereof:

                  RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board
of Directors by the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of
Directors does hereby designate, create, authorize and provide for the issue of
a series preferred stock

<PAGE>

having a par value of $1.00 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000
per share (the "Liquidation Preference") which shall be designated as 7.5%
Series B Non-Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock")
consisting of 250,000 shares having the following voting powers, preferences and
relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof as follows:

         1. Ranking. The Preferred Stock shall, with respect to dividend
distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and
dissolution of the Company, rank (i) senior to the common stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company and to each other class of
capital stock or series of preferred stock established after ______, 2000 by the
Board of Directors the terms of which do not expressly provide that it ranks
senior to or on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend distributions
and distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the
Company (collectively referred to with the Common Stock of the Company as
"Junior Stock"); (ii) on a parity with any additional shares of Preferred Stock
issued by the Company in the future and any other class of capital stock or
series of preferred stock issued by the Company established after _______, 2000,
by the Board of Directors, the terms of which expressly provide that such class
or series will rank on a parity with the Preferred Stock as to dividend
distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution
of the Company (collectively referred to as "Parity Stock"); and (iii) junior to
each class of capital stock or series of preferred stock issued by the Company
established after, 2000 by the Board of Directors the terms of which expressly
provide that such class or series will rank senior to the Preferred Stock as to
dividend distributions and distributions upon liquidation, winding-up and
dissolution of the Company (collectively referred to as "Senior Stock").

         2. Dividends.

                  (a) Payment of Dividends. The holders of shares of the
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors, out of funds of the Company legally available therefor,
noncumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of 7.5% of the Liquidation
Preference per share, and no more. Such noncumulative cash dividends shall be
payable, if declared, quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and
November 15, of each year, or, if such day is not a Business Day (as defined
below), on the next Business Day (each such date, a "Dividend Payment Date").
The first Dividend Payment Date shall be [ ], 2000 (the "Initial Dividend
Payment Date"). Each declared dividend shall be payable to holders of record of
the Preferred Stock as they appear on the stock books of the

                                       2
<PAGE>

Company at the close of business on such record dates, not more than sixty (60)
calendar days nor less than ten (10) calendar days preceding the Dividend
Payment Date therefor, as determined by the Board of Directors (each such date,
a "Record Date"); provided, however, that if a redemption date for the Preferred
Stock occurs after a dividend is declared but before it is paid, such dividend
shall be paid as part of the redemption price to the person to whom the
redemption price is paid. Quarterly dividend periods (each, a "Dividend Period")
shall commence on and include the first day, and shall end on and include the
last day, of the calendar quarter that immediately precedes the calendar quarter
in which the corresponding Dividend Payment Date occurs. The dividend to be paid
to holders of the Preferred Stock on the Initial Dividend Payment Date shall be
payable in respect of the Dividend Period (the "Initial Dividend Period")
commencing on and including the Issue Date (as defined below) and ending on and
including [LAST DAY OF QUARTERLY PERIOD]. "Business Day" shall mean any day
except a Saturday, a Sunday, or any day on which banking institutions in New
York, New York are required or authorized by law or other governmental action to
be closed.

                  The amount of dividends payable on each share of the Preferred
Stock outstanding on a Record Date for each full Dividend Period shall be
$18.75. The amount of dividends payable for any Dividend Period which, as to a
share of Preferred Stock (determined by reference to the redemption or
retirement date thereof), is other than a full three (3) months shall be
computed on the basis of the number of days elapsed in the period using a
360-day year composed of twelve (12) thirty (30)-day months.

                  Holders of the Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any
interest, or any sum of money in lieu of interest, in respect of any dividend
payment or payments on the Preferred Stock declared by the Board of Directors
which may be unpaid. Any dividend payment made on the Preferred Stock shall
first be credited against the earliest declared but unpaid cash dividend with
respect to the Preferred Stock.

                  (b) Dividends Noncumulative. The right of holders of Preferred
Stock to receive dividends is noncumulative. Accordingly, if the Board of
Directors does not declare a dividend payable in respect of any Dividend Period,
holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall have no right to receive a dividend
in respect of such Dividend Period, and the Company shall have no obligation to
pay a dividend in respect of such Dividend Period, whether or not dividends are
declared payable in respect of any future Dividend Period.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                  (c) Priority as to Dividends. No full dividends shall be
declared or paid or set apart for payment on any Parity Stock or Junior Stock
for any Dividend Period unless full dividends have been or contemporaneously are
declared and paid (or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set
apart for such payment) on the Preferred Stock for such Dividend Period. When
dividends are not paid in full (or declared and a sum sufficient for such full
payment is not so set apart) for any Dividend Period on the Preferred Stock and
any Parity Stock, dividends declared on the Preferred Stock and Parity Stock
shall only be declared pro rata based upon the respective amounts that would
have been paid on the Preferred Stock and such Parity Stock had dividends been
declared in full.

                  In addition to the foregoing restriction, the Company shall
not declare, pay or set apart funds for any dividends or other distributions
(other than in Common Stock or other Junior Stock) with respect to any Common
Stock or other Junior Stock of the Company or repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire, or set apart funds for repurchase, redemption or other acquisition of,
any Common Stock or other Junior Stock through a sinking fund or otherwise, in
any case during or in respect of any Dividend Period, unless the Company shall,
during such Dividend Period, declare a cash dividend on the Preferred Stock at
the annual dividend rate in respect of such Dividend Period, and sufficient
funds have been paid over to the dividend disbursing agent for the Company for
the payment of such cash dividend on the Dividend Payment Date for such Dividend
Period.

                  No dividend shall be paid or set aside for holders of
Preferred Stock for any Dividend Period unless full dividends have been paid or
set aside for the holders of each class or series of equity securities of the
Company if any, ranking prior to the Preferred Stock as to the dividends for
such Dividend Period.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  (d) Any reference to "dividends" or "distributions" in this
Section 2 shall not be deemed to include any distribution made in connection
with any voluntary of involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the
Company.

         3.       Conversion Rights.

                  (a) Upon the terms and in the manner set forth in this Section
3 and subject to the provisions for adjustment contained in Section 3(f), the
shares of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, in whole or in part, at the
option of the holders thereof, at any

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

(3)  First payment date following fifth anniversary of issue.

                                       5
<PAGE>

time after the Issue Date (as hereinafter defined), upon surrender to the
Company of the certificate(s) for the shares to be converted, into a number of
fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock equal to the aggregate
Liquidation Preference of the Preferred Stock to be converted divided by the
conversion price of $18.69 (as such price may be adjusted from time to time in
accordance with this Section 3, the "Conversion Price"). As used herein, the
term "Issue Date" shall mean the date of initial issuance of the Preferred
Stock.

                  (b) In order to convert shares of Preferred Stock into Common
Stock, the holder thereof shall deliver a properly completed and duly executed
written notice of election to convert specifying the number (in whole shares) of
shares of Preferred Stock to be converted. Each holder of Preferred Stock shall
(A) deliver a written notice to the Company at its principal office or at the
office of the agency which may be maintained for such purpose (each, a "Common
Stock Conversion Agent") specifying the name or names in which such holder
wishes the certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock to be issued,
(B) surrender the certificate for such shares of Preferred Stock to the Company
or the Common Stock Conversion Agent, accompanied, if so required by the Company
or the Common Stock Conversion Agent, by a written instrument or instruments of
transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Company or the Common Stock
Conversion Agent duly executed by the holder or its attorney duly authorized in
writing, and (C) pay any transfer or similar tax required by Section 3(h).

                  (c) (i) A "Common Stock Conversion" shall be deemed to have
         been effected at the close of business on the date (the "Common Stock
         Conversion Date") on which the Company or the Common Stock Conversion
         Agent shall have received a written notice of election to convert, a
         surrendered certificate, any required payments contemplated by Section
         3(h) below, and all other required documents. Immediately upon
         conversion, the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock shall cease
         and the persons entitled to receive the shares of Common Stock upon the
         conversion of such shares of Preferred Stock shall be treated for all
         purposes as having become the beneficial owners of such shares of
         Common Stock; provided, however, that such persons shall be entitled to
         receive when paid any dividends declared in respect of such shares of
         Preferred Stock which are unpaid as of the date of such conversion. A
         Common Stock Conversion shall be at the Conversion Price in effect on
         such date, unless the stock transfer books of the Company shall be
         closed on that date, in which event such person or persons shall be
         deemed to have become such holder or holders of record of the Common
         Stock at the close of business on the next succeeding day on which such
         stock transfer books are open, but such

                                       6
<PAGE>

         conversion shall be at the Conversion Price in effect on the Common
         Stock Conversion Date.

                  (ii) As promptly as practicable after the Common Stock
         Conversion Date, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered at
         the office or agency of the Common Stock Conversion Agent, to or upon
         the written order of the holders of the surrendered shares of Preferred
         Stock, a certificate or certificates representing the number of fully
         paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock, with no personal
         liability attaching to the ownership thereof, free of all taxes with
         respect to the issuance thereof, liens, charges and security interests
         and not subject to any preemptive rights, into which such shares of
         Preferred Stock have been converted in accordance with the provisions
         of this Section 3, and any cash payable in respect of fractional shares
         as provided in Section 3(d).

                  (iii) Upon the surrender of a certificate representing shares
         of Preferred Stock that is converted in part, the Company shall issue
         or cause to be issued for the holder a new certificate representing
         shares of Preferred Stock equal in number to the unconverted portion of
         the shares of Preferred Stock represented by the certificate so
         surrendered.

                  (d) No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional
shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon the conversion or redemption of any
shares of Preferred Stock. Instead of any fractional interest in a share of
Common Stock which would otherwise be deliverable upon the conversion or
redemption of a share of Preferred Stock, the Company shall pay to the holder of
such share of Preferred Stock an amount in cash (computed to the nearest cent)
equal to the product of (i) such fraction and (ii) the current market price (as
defined in Section 3(f)(v) below) of a share of Common Stock on the Business Day
next preceding the day of conversion or redemption. If more than one share shall
be surrendered for conversion or redemption at one time by the same holder, the
number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or redemption
thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Liquidation Preference
of the shares of Preferred Stock so surrendered.

                  (e) The holders of Preferred Stock at the close of business on
a Record Date shall be entitled to receive the dividend payable on such shares
on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the conversion
thereof or the Company's default in payment of the dividend due on such Dividend
Payment Date.

                  (f) The Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment as
follows:

                                       7
<PAGE>

                  (i) If the Company shall (1) declare or pay a dividend on its
         outstanding Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or make a
         distribution to holders of its Common Stock in shares of Common Stock,
         (2) subdivide its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater
         number of shares of Common Stock, (3) combine its outstanding shares of
         Common Stock into a smaller number of shares of Common Stock or (4)
         issue by reclassification of its shares of Common Stock other
         securities of the Company, then the Conversion Price in effect
         immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that a holder of any
         shares of Preferred Stock thereafter converted shall be entitled to
         receive the number and kind of shares of Common Stock or other
         securities that such holder of Preferred Stock would have owned or been
         entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events described
         above had such shares of Preferred Stock been converted immediately
         prior to the happening of such event or any record date with respect
         thereto. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(f)(i) shall
         become effective on the date of the dividend payment, subdivision,
         combination or issuance retroactive to the record date with respect
         thereto, if any, for such event. Such adjustment shall be made
         successively.

                  (ii) If the Company shall issue to all holders of its Common
         Stock rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable
         securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase shares of
         Common Stock at a price per share that is lower than the then current
         market price per share of Common Stock (as defined in Section 3(f)(v)
         below), the Conversion Price shall be adjusted in accordance with the
         following formula:

                                            ( N x P )
                                            ---------
                    AC     =  C  x  O   +   (   M   )
                                    -----------------
                                      O + N
         where
                    AC    =   the adjusted Conversion Price
                     C    =   the current Conversion Price
                     O    =   the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
                              on the record date
                     N    =   the number of additional shares of Common Stock
                              offered
                     P    =   the offering price per share of the additional
                              shares
                     M    =   the current market price per share of Common Stock
                              on the record date

                                       8
<PAGE>

         The adjustment shall be made successively whenever any such rights,
         options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities are issued,
         and shall become effective immediately after the record date for the
         determination of stockholders entitled to receive the rights, options,
         warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities.

                  (iii) Upon the expiration of any rights, options, warrants or
         convertible or exchangeable securities issued by the Company to all
         holders of its Common Stock which caused an adjustment to the
         Conversion Price pursuant to Section 3(f)(ii), if any thereof shall not
         have been exercised, then the Conversion Price shall be increased by
         the amount of the initial adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant
         to Section 3(f)(ii) in respect of such expired rights, options,
         warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities.

                  (iv) If the Company shall distribute to all holders of its
         outstanding Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company
         (other than Common Stock) or evidences of indebtedness or assets
         (excluding ordinary cash dividends and dividends or distributions
         referred to in Sections 3(f)(i) and (ii) above) or rights or warrants
         to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities (excluding those
         referred to in Section 3(f)(ii) above) (any of the foregoing being
         hereinafter in this Section 3(f)(iv) called the "Securities or
         Assets"), then in each such case, unless the Company elects to reserve
         shares or other units of such Securities or Assets for distribution to
         the holders of Preferred Stock upon the conversion of the shares of
         Preferred Stock so that a holder converting shares of Preferred Stock
         will receive upon such conversion, in addition to the shares of the
         Common Stock to which such holder of Preferred Stock is entitled, the
         amount and kind of such Securities or Assets which such holder of
         Preferred Stock would have received if such holder had, immediately
         prior to the record date for the distribution of the Securities or
         Assets, converted its shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock, the
         Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the
         price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect
         immediately prior to the date of such distribution by a fraction of
         which the numerator shall be the current market price per share (as
         defined in Section 3(f)(v) below) of the Common Stock on the record
         date mentioned below less the then fair market value (as determined by
         the Board in good faith) of the portion of the capital stock or assets
         or evidences of indebtedness so distributed or of such rights or
         warrants applicable to one share of Common Stock, and of which the
         denominator shall be the current market price per share of the Common
         Stock on such record date; provided, however, that if the then

                                       9
<PAGE>

         fair market value (as so determined) of the portion of the Securities
         or Assets so distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock is
         equal to or greater than the current market price per share of the
         Common Stock on the record date mentioned above, in lieu of the
         foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each
         holder of shares of Preferred Stock shall have the right to receive, in
         addition to the shares of Common Stock to which such holder is
         entitled, the amount and kind of Securities and Assets such holder
         would have received had such holder converted each such share of
         Preferred Stock immediately prior to the record date for the
         distribution of the Securities or Assets. Such adjustment shall become
         effective immediately after the record date for the determination of
         stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

                  (v) For the purposes of any computation under Section 2(d) or
         Section 3(f), and for the purposes of Section 3(d), the "current market
         price" per share of Common Stock at any date shall be deemed to be the
         average of the daily closing prices for the 20 consecutive trading days
         commencing on the 30th trading day prior to the date in question. The
         closing price for each day shall be (i) if the Common Stock is listed
         or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the closing
         price on the New York Stock Exchange Consolidated Tape (or any
         successor composite tape reporting transactions on national securities
         exchanges) or, if such a composite tape shall not be in use or shall
         not report transactions in the Common Stock, the last reported sales
         price regular way on the principal national securities exchange on
         which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading (which shall be
         the national securities exchange on which the greatest number of shares
         of Common Stock has been traded during such 20 consecutive trading
         days), or, if there is no transaction on any such day in any such
         situation, the mean of the bid and asked prices on such day, or (ii) if
         the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any such
         exchange, the closing price, if reported, or, if the closing price is
         not reported, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as
         reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market, or (iii) if bid and asked prices
         for the Common Stock on each such day shall not have been reported
         through The Nasdaq Stock Market, the average of the bid and asked
         prices for such date as furnished by any three New York Stock Exchange
         member firms regularly making a market in the Common Stock and not
         affiliated with the Company selected for such purpose by the Board, or
         (iv) if no such quotations are available, the fair market value of the
         Common Stock as determined by a New York Stock Exchange member firm
         regularly making a market in the Common Stock selected for such purpose
         by the Board.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                  (vi) No adjustment in the Conversion Price shall be required
         unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at
         least 1% of such price; provided, however, that any adjustments which
         by reason of this Section 3(f)(vi) are not required to be made shall be
         carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.
         All calculations under this Section 3(f) shall be made to the nearest
         one-hundredth of a cent or to the nearest one-hundredth of a share, as
         the case may be.

                  (vii) If the Company shall be a party to any transaction,
         including without limitation a merger, consolidation, sale of all or
         substantially all of the Company's assets, liquidation or
         recapitalization of the Common Stock (each of the foregoing being
         referred to as a "Transaction"), in each case (except in the case of a
         Common Stock Fundamental Change (as hereinafter defined)) as a result
         of which shares of Common Stock shall be converted into the right to
         receive stock, securities or other property (including cash or any
         combination thereof), each share of Preferred Stock shall thereafter be
         convertible into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other
         securities and property receivable (including cash) upon the
         consummation of such Transaction by a holder of that number of shares
         of Common Stock into which one share of Preferred Stock was convertible
         immediately prior to such Transaction. The Company shall not be a party
         to any Transaction unless the terms of such Transaction are consistent
         with the provisions of this Section 3(f)(vii) and it shall not consent
         or agree to the occurrence of any Transaction until the Company has
         entered into an agreement with the successor or purchasing entity, as
         the case may be, for the benefit of the holders of Preferred Stock,
         which shall contain a provision enabling the holders of Preferred Stock
         to convert into the consideration received by holders of Common Stock
         at the Conversion Price immediately after such Transaction. In
         connection with any transaction referred to in this paragraph, lawful
         provision shall be made so that, except as set forth in this paragraph,
         the terms of the Preferred Stock (or any stock issued in such
         transaction in consideration therefor) shall remain substantially
         unchanged to the extent practicable. The provisions of this Section
         3(f)(vii) shall similarly apply to successive Transactions.

                  (viii) In the event of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, each
         share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible into common stock of the
         kind received by holders of Common Stock as the result of such Common
         Stock Fundamental Change. The Conversion Price immediately following
         such Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the Conversion Price in
         effect

                                       11
<PAGE>

         immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change multiplied by
         a fraction, the numerator of which is the Purchaser Stock Price (as
         hereinafter defined) and the denominator of which is the Applicable
         Price (as hereinafter defined). The Company shall not consent or agree
         to the occurrence of any Common Stock Fundamental Change until the
         Company has entered into an agreement with the successor or purchasing
         entity, as the case may be, for the benefit of the holders of Preferred
         Stock, which shall contain a provision enabling the holders of
         Preferred Stock to convert into the consideration received by holders
         of Common Stock at the Conversion Price immediately after such Common
         Stock Fundamental Change. In connection with any transaction referred
         to in this paragraph, lawful provision shall be made so that, except as
         set forth in this paragraph, the terms of the Preferred Stock (or any
         stock issued in such transaction in consideration therefor) shall
         remain substantially unchanged to the extent practicable. The
         provisions of this Section 3(f)(viii) shall similarly apply to
         successive Common Stock Fundamental Changes.

                  (ix)     As used herein:

                           (A) The term "Applicable Price" means the current
         market price for one share of the Common Stock (determined in
         accordance with Section 3(f)(v)) on the record date for the
         determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive common
         stock in connection with such Common Stock Fundamental Change, or, if
         there is no such record date, on the date upon which the holders of
         Common Stock shall have the right to receive such common stock.

                           (B) The term "Common Stock Fundamental Change" shall
         mean the occurrence of any transaction or event in connection with
         which all or substantially all the Common Stock shall be exchanged for,
         converted into, acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to
         receive common stock that, for the ten consecutive trading days
         immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, has been
         admitted for listing on a national securities exchange or quoted on The
         Nasdaq National Market (whether by means of an exchange order,
         liquidation, tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination,
         reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise).

                           (C) The term "Purchaser Stock Price" shall mean, with
         respect to any Common Stock Fundamental Change, the current market
         price for one share of the common stock received by holders of Common
         Stock in such

                                       12
<PAGE>

         Common Stock Fundamental Change (determined in accordance with Section
         3(f)(v) as if such Section were applicable to such common stock) on the
         record date for the determination of the holders of Common Stock
         entitled to receive such common stock or, if there is no such record
         date, on the date upon which the holders of Common Stock shall have the
         right to receive such common stock.

                  (x) For the purposes of this Section 3(f) and Section 3(i),
         the term "shares of Common Stock" shall mean (A) the class of stock
         designated as the Common Stock of the Company at the date hereof or (B)
         any other class of stock resulting from successive changes or
         reclassifications of such shares consisting solely of changes in par
         value, or from no par value to par value. If at any time, as a result
         of an adjustment made pursuant to Sections 3(f)(i),(iv),(vii) or (viii)
         above, the holders of Preferred Stock shall become entitled to receive
         any securities other than shares of Common Stock, thereafter the number
         of such other securities so issuable upon conversion of the shares of
         Preferred Stock shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a
         manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the
         provisions with respect to the shares of Preferred Stock contained in
         this Section 3(f).

                  (xi) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any case in which this
         Section 3(f) provides that an adjustment shall become effective
         immediately after a record date for an event, the Company may defer
         until the occurrence of such event (A) issuing to the holder of any
         share of Preferred Stock converted after such record date and before
         the occurrence of such event the additional shares of Common Stock
         issuable upon such conversion before giving effect to such adjustment
         and (B) paying to such holder any amount in cash in lieu of any
         fraction pursuant to Section 3(d).

                  (xii) If the Company shall take any action affecting the
         Common Stock, other than action described in this Section 3(f), which
         in the opinion of the Board would materially adversely affect the
         conversion rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, the Conversion
         Price for the Preferred Stock may be adjusted, to the extent permitted
         by law, in such manner, if any, and at such time, as the Board may
         determine in good faith to be equitable in the circumstances. Failure
         of the Board to provide for any such adjustment prior to the effective
         date of any such action by the Company affecting the Common Stock shall
         be evidence that such Board has determined that it is equitable to make
         no adjustments in the circumstances.

                                       13
<PAGE>

                  (g) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted as herein
provided, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall compute the adjusted
Conversion Price in accordance with the foregoing provisions and shall prepare a
certificate setting forth such adjusted Conversion Price and showing in
reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based. A copy of such
certificate shall be filed promptly with the Common Stock Conversion Agent.
Promptly after delivery of such certificate, the Company shall prepare a notice
of such adjustment of the Conversion Price setting forth the adjusted Conversion
Price and the date on which such adjustment becomes effective and shall mail
such notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Price to each holder of shares
of Preferred Stock at such holder's last address as shown on the stock books of
the Company.

                  (h) The Company will pay any and all documentary, stamp or
similar issue or transfer taxes payable in respect of the issue or delivery of
shares of Common Stock on the conversion of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant
to this Section 3; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to
pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any registration or transfer
involved in the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other than
that of the registered holder of Preferred Stock converted or 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 has
established, to the satisfaction of the Company, that such tax has been paid.

                  (i) (i) The Company shall at all times reserve and keep
         available, free from all liens, charges and security interests and not
         subject to any preemptive rights, out of the aggregate of its
         authorized but unissued Common Stock or its issued Common Stock held in
         its treasury, or both, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of
         Preferred Stock, the full number of shares of Common Stock then
         deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred
         Stock.

                  (ii) Before taking any action which would cause an adjustment
         reducing the Conversion Price below the then par value (if any) of the
         Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock, the Company
         will take any corporate action which may, in the opinion of its
         counsel, be necessary in order that the Company may validly and legally
         issue fully paid and nonassessable shares of such Common Stock at such
         adjusted Conversion Price.

                                       14
<PAGE>

                  (j) If (i) the Company shall declare a dividend on its
outstanding Common Stock (excluding ordinary cash dividends) or make a
distribution to holders of its Common Stock; (ii) the Company shall authorize
the granting to the holders of the Common Stock of rights, options, warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or
purchase any shares of Common Stock or any of its securities; (iii) there shall
be any reclassification of the Common Stock or any consolidation or merger to
which the Company is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the
Company is required, or the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company; or (iv) there shall be any Common Stock Fundamental
Change; then the Company shall cause to be mailed to the holders of Preferred
Stock at their addresses as shown on the stock books of the Company, as promptly
as possible, but at least 15 days prior to the applicable date hereinafter
specified, a notice stating (1) the date on which a record is to be taken for
the purpose of such dividend or distribution, 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 or distribution are to be determined or (2) the date on which
such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or Common Stock
Fundamental Change 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 or other property deliverable upon
such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or Common Stock
Fundamental Change.

         4. Liquidation Preference. (a) Upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, each holder of shares of
the Preferred Stock will be entitled to payment out of the assets of the Company
legally available for distribution of an amount per share of Preferred Stock
held by such holder equal to the Liquidation Preference per share of Preferred
Stock held by such holder, plus declared and unpaid dividends, if any, without
interest, to the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, before
any distribution is made on any Junior Stock, including, without limitation,
Common Stock of the Company. After payment in full of the Liquidation Preference
and all declared but unpaid dividends, if any, to which holders of Preferred
Stock are entitled, such holders will not be entitled to any further
participation in any distribution of assets of the Company. If, upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company,
the amounts payable with respect to the Preferred Stock and all other Parity
Stock are not paid in full, the holders of the Preferred Stock and the Parity
Stock will share equally and ratably in any distribution of assets of the
Company in proportion to the full liquidation preference and any declared and
unpaid dividends to which each is entitled.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                  (b) Neither the voluntary sale, conveyance, exchange or
transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities or other consideration) of all
or substantially all of the property or assets of the Company nor the
consolidation or merger of the Company with or into one or more Persons will be
deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of the Company for purposes of this Section 4.

         5.       Optional Redemption.

                  (a) The Preferred Stock may be redeemed for cash, at the
option of the Company in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time on
or after [ ], 2003, at a price per share in cash equal to $1,000 plus any
declared and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption (the "Applicable
Redemption Price").

                  (b) In case of redemption of less than all of the shares of
Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the shares to be redeemed shall be
selected pro rata or by lot as determined by the Company in its sole discretion,
provided that the Company may redeem all shares held by holders of fewer than
100 shares of Preferred Stock (or by holders that would hold fewer than 100
shares of Preferred Stock following such redemption) prior to its redemption of
other shares of Preferred Stock.

                  (c) Notice of any redemption shall be sent by or on behalf of
the Company not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date specified
for redemption in such notice (the "Redemption Date"), by first class mail,
postage prepaid, to all holders of record of the Preferred Stock at their last
addresses as they shall appear on the books of the Company; provided, however,
that no failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing
thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any
shares of Preferred Stock except as to the holder to whom the Company has failed
to give notice or except as to the holder to whom notice was defective. In
addition to any information required by law or by the applicable rules of any
exchange upon which the Preferred Stock may be listed or admitted to trading,
such notice shall state: (i) that such redemption is being made pursuant to the
optional redemption provisions hereof; (ii) the Redemption Date; (iii) the
Applicable Redemption Price; (iv) that shares of Preferred Stock called for
redemption may be converted in accordance with and subject to the terms of
Section 3 hereof at any time prior to the Redemption Date; (v) the total number
of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed and, if less than all shares held by
such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed; and
(vi) the place or places where certificates for such shares are to be
surrendered for payment of the Applicable Redemption Price, including any
procedures applicable to redemptions to be accomplished through book-entry
transfers. Upon the

                                       16
<PAGE>

mailing of any such notice of redemption, the Company shall become obligated to
redeem at the time of redemption specified thereon all shares called for
redemption.

                  (d) If notice has been mailed in accordance with Section 5(c)
above and on or before the Redemption Date specified in such notice all funds
necessary for such redemption have been set aside by the Company, separate and
apart from its other funds, in trust for the benefit of the holders of the
shares so called for redemption, so as to be and to continue to be available
therefor, then from and after the Redemption Date, unless the Company defaults
in the payment of the Applicable Redemption Price, said shares shall no longer
be deemed to be outstanding and shall have the status of authorized but unissued
shares of Preferred Stock, undesignated as to series, and all rights of the
holders thereof as stockholders of the Company (except the right to receive from
the Company the Applicable Redemption Price) shall cease. Upon surrender in
accordance with said notice, of the certificates for any shares so redeemed
(properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Company shall so require and
the notice shall so state), such shares shall be redeemed by the Company at the
Applicable Redemption Price. In case fewer than all the shares represented by
any such certificate are redeemed, a new certificate or certificates shall be
issued representing the unredeemed shares without cost to the holder thereof.

                  (e) Any funds deposited with a bank or trust company for the
purpose of redeeming Preferred Stock shall be irrevocable except that:

                  (i) the Company shall be entitled to receive from such bank or
         trust company the interest or other earnings, if any, earned on any
         money so deposited in trust, and the holders of any shares redeemed
         shall have no claim to such interest or other earnings; and

                  (ii) any balance of monies so deposited by the Company and
         unclaimed by the holders of the Preferred Stock entitled thereto at the
         expiration of one year from the applicable Redemption Date shall be
         repaid, together with any interest or other earnings earned thereon, to
         the Company, and after any such repayment, the holders of the shares
         entitled to the funds so repaid to the Company shall look only to the
         Company for payment of the Applicable Redemption Price without interest
         or other earnings thereon.

         6.       Voting Rights.

                                       17
<PAGE>

                  (a) Except as expressly provided in this Section 6 or as
otherwise required by applicable law or regulation, holders of the shares of
Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights.

                  (b) If dividends on shares of the Preferred Stock shall not
have been paid for six (6) Dividend Periods, the maximum number of directors of
the Company shall thereupon be increased by two (2). Subject to compliance with
any requirement for regulatory approval of (or non-objection to) persons serving
as directors, the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock, voting together as a
class with the holders of any Parity Stock upon which the same voting rights as
those of the Preferred Stock have been conferred and are irrevocable, shall have
the exclusive right to elect the two additional directors at the Company's next
annual meeting of stockholders and at each subsequent annual meeting until full
dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment for four (4)
consecutive Dividend Periods. Such directors shall be deemed to be in a class
separate from the classes of directors established by Article Sixth of the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. If any director so elected
by the holders of the Preferred Stock shall cease to serve as a director before
his term shall expire, the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding may,
at the next annual meeting of stockholders, elect a successor to hold office for
the unexpired term of the director whose place shall be vacant. The term of such
directors elected thereby shall terminate, and the total number of directors
shall be decreased by two (2), upon the payment or the declaration and setting
aside for payment of full dividends on the Preferred Stock for four (4)
consecutive Dividend Periods.

                  (c) So long as any shares of the Preferred Stock are
outstanding, the Company shall not, without the consent or vote of the holders
of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, voting
separately as a class, (1) amend, alter or repeal or otherwise change any
provision of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company or this
Certificate of Designation if such amendment, alteration, repeal or change would
materially and adversely affect the rights, preferences, powers or privileges of
the Preferred Stock, or (2) authorize, create or increase the authorized amount
of or issue any class or series of any equity securities of the Company, or any
warrants, options or other rights convertible or exchangeable into any class or
series of any equity securities of the Company, ranking prior to the Preferred
Stock, either as to dividend rights or rights on liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, (3) authorize or issue any additional shares of the
Preferred Stock, or (4) merge, consolidate, reorganize or effect any other
business combination involving the Company, unless the resulting corporation
will thereafter have no class or series of equity securities either authorized
or outstanding ranking prior to the Preferred Stock

                                       18
<PAGE>

as to dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, except the same number of shares of such equity
securities with the same rights, preferences, powers and privileges as the
shares of equity securities of the Company that are authorized and outstanding
immediately prior to such transaction.

         The creation or issuance of Parity Stock or Junior Stock in respect of
the payment of dividends, or the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, or an amendment that increases the
number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or any Junior Stock or Parity
Stock, shall not be deemed to be a material and adverse change requiring a vote
of the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 6.

         7. Exclusion of Other Rights. Except as may otherwise be required by
law, the shares of Preferred Stock shall not have any voting powers, preferences
and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, other than those
specifically set forth in this resolution (as such resolution may be amended
from time to time) and in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The shares
of Preferred Stock shall have no preemptive or subscription rights.

         8. Severability of Provisions. If any voting powers, preferences and
relative, participating, optional and other special rights of the Preferred
Stock and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this
resolution (as such resolution may be amended from time to time) is invalid,
unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule of law or public
policy, all other voting powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights of Preferred Stock and qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this resolution (as so
amended) which can be given effect without the invalid, unlawful or
unenforceable voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or other special rights of Preferred Stock and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect, and
no voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights of Preferred Stock and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof herein set forth shall be deemed dependent upon any other
such voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights of Preferred Stock and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof unless so expressed herein.

         9. Reissuance of Preferred Stock. Shares of Preferred Stock that have
been issued and reacquired in any manner, including shares purchased or redeemed
or exchanged or converted, shall (upon compliance with any applicable provisions
of the

                                       19
<PAGE>

laws of Delaware) have the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred
stock of the Company undesignated as to series and may be designated or
re-designated and issued or reissued, as the case may be, as part of any series
of preferred stock of the Company, provided that any issuance of such shares as
Preferred Stock must be in compliance with the terms hereof.

         10. Mutilated or Missing Preferred Stock Certificates. If any of the
Preferred Stock certificates shall be mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the
Company shall issue, in exchange and in substitution for and upon cancellation
of the mutilated Preferred Stock certificate, or in lieu of and substitution for
the Preferred Stock certificate lost, stolen or destroyed, a new Preferred Stock
certificate of like tenor and representing an equivalent amount of shares of
Preferred Stock, but only upon receipt of evidence of such loss, theft or
destruction of such Preferred Stock certificate and indemnity, if requested,
satisfactory to the Company and the transfer agent (if other than the Company).

                                       20
<PAGE>

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this certificate to
be duly executed by ______________, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and attested by _____________, Executive Vice
President and Secretary of the Company, this ____________, 2000.

                                            [                         ]

                                        By:______________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title: Chairman of the Board, President
                                               and Chief Executive Officer

ATTEST:

By:____________________________
Name:
Title: Executive Vice President
       and Secretary

                                       21
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE
SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD OR
OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING THERETO IS
IN EFFECT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR PURSUANT TO AN
EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT OR SUCH LAWS. THIS CERTIFICATE IS
ISSUED PURSUANT TO AND SUBJECT TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OTHER
PROVISIONS OF A STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF MARCH 5, 2000 BETWEEN THE
ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES AND THE PURCHASER REFERRED TO THEREIN, A COPY OF
WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE ISSUER.

                    EXERCISABLE AT ANY TIME UNTIL 5:00 P.M.,
              NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON [            ], 2010* UNLESS
                  EXTENDED PURSUANT TO THIS RIGHTS CERTIFICATE.

                         NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC.

                               RIGHTS CERTIFICATE
No.  __

                    Rights Certificate for ________ Rights to
                    Purchase ________ Shares of Common Stock
                       of North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.

                  This Rights Certificate certifies that, for value received,
________________________, or its registered assigns (the "Holder"), is the owner
of ________________________ (________) Rights (as defined below), which entitle
the Holder to purchase at any time from and after the date hereof and until 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on [ ], 2010,* at the purchase price of $17.88 per
share (the "Exercise Price"), up to an aggregate of ________________________
(________) shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Common

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

*     Ten years after issue.

<PAGE>

Stock"), of North Fork Bancorporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"). The number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the Rights and the
Exercise Price shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as herein
provided. In this Rights Certificate, the right to purchase each share of Common
Stock is referred to as a "Right"; the shares of Common Stock or, pursuant to
the terms hereof, other securities, issuable upon exercise of the Rights are
referred to as the "Rights Shares".

                  The Rights are subject to the following terms, conditions and
provisions:

         SECTION 1.  Registration; Transferability; Exchange of Rights
Certificate.

                  1.1 Registration. The Company shall number and register each
Right in a register (the "Rights Register") maintained at the office of the
Company (the "Office") as they are issued by the Company. The Company shall be
entitled to treat the registered Holder of any Right, as set forth in the Rights
Register, as the owner in fact thereof for all purposes and shall not be bound
to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such Right on the
part of any other person. The Rights shall be transferable only on the Rights
Register maintained at the Office upon delivery of the certificate or
certificates evidencing such Rights, duly endorsed by the Holder or by his duly
authorized attorney or representative, or accompanied by proper evidence of
succession, assignment or authority to transfer. In all cases of transfer by an
attorney, the original power of attorney, duly approved, or a copy thereof, duly
certified, shall be deposited and remain with the Company.

                  1.2 Intentionally Omitted

                  1.3 Exchange of Rights Certificates. Subject to the provisions
herein, each Rights Certificate may be exchanged for another Rights
Certificate(s) entitling the Holder to purchase a like aggregate number of
Rights Shares as this Rights Certificate then entitles such Holder to purchase.
If the Holder desires to exchange this Rights Certificate, it shall make such
request in writing and deliver it to the Company, and shall surrender, properly
endorsed if required by the Company, this Rights Certificate. Thereupon, the
Company shall sign and deliver to the person entitled thereto a new Rights
Certificate as so requested.

                                       2
<PAGE>

         SECTION 2.  Term of Rights; Exercise of Rights.

                  2.1 Term of Rights. Subject to the terms of this Rights
Certificate, the Holder shall have the right, which may be exercised at any time
from the date hereof until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on [ ], 2010* (the
"Expiration Date") to purchase from the Company (and the Company shall issue and
sell to the Holder of the Rights represented hereby) up to an aggregate of
_____________ fully paid and nonassessable Rights Shares or such other number of
Rights Shares which the Holder may at the time be entitled to purchase in
accordance with this Rights Certificate. Each Right not exercised prior to 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date shall become void, and all
rights under this Rights Certificate shall cease as of such time except as set
forth in Section 2.3 hereof.

                  2.2 Exercise of Rights. (a) The Rights evidenced by this
Rights Certificate may be exercised in whole or in part upon surrender to the
Company, at its Office, of this Rights Certificate, together with the Purchase
Form attached hereto duly completed and signed. Such surrender may be by
facsimile transmission, provided the Company shall not be obligated to issue any
Rights Shares in respect of this Rights Certificate and such Purchase Form until
it shall have received the original versions of this Rights Certificate and such
Purchase Form. The earlier of the receipt of such facsimile transmission or the
receipt of such original certificate and form is referred to herein as (the
"Exercise Date"). Promptly following the Exercise Date, the Holder shall
deliver, if it has not already done so, original versions of this Rights
Certificate and the Purchase Form and the Exercise Price for such Shares. As
used herein, "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or
a day in which banking institutions in the City of New York, New York are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

                  (b) Upon the surrender of this Rights Certificate, with the
Purchase Form duly executed, and payment of the Exercise Price as aforesaid,
the Company shall promptly cause to be issued and delivered with all reasonable
dispatch to or upon the written order of the Holder and in such name or names as
the Holder may designate a certificate(s) for the number of Rights Shares so
purchased, together, at the option of the Company as provided in Section 7
hereof, with cash in respect of any fractional Rights Shares otherwise issuable
upon such surrender. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by wire
transfer of immediately

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

*        Ten years after issue.

                                       3
<PAGE>

available funds. Any such Rights Shares so purchased shall be deemed to have
been issued as of the Exercise Date.

                  (c) The rights of purchase represented by this Rights
Certificate shall be exercisable, at the election of the Holder, either in full
at any time or in part from time to time prior to the Expiration Date. In the
event that the Holder of this Rights Certificate shall exercise fewer than all
the Rights evidenced hereby at any time prior to the Expiration Date, a new
Rights Certificate evidencing the remaining unexercised Rights shall be issued
and delivered to the Holder.

                  2.3 Registration; Compliance with Government Regulations. The
Company covenants that if any Rights Shares required to be reserved for purposes
of the exercise of Rights require, under any Federal or state law or applicable
governing rule or regulation of any national securities exchange, registration
with or approval of any governmental authority, or listing on any such national
securities exchange, before such Rights Shares may be issued upon exercise, the
Company will in good faith and as expeditiously as possible endeavor to cause
such shares to be duly registered or approved by such governmental authority or
listed on the relevant national securities exchange, as the case may be;
provided, however, that in no event shall such Rights Shares be issued, and the
Company is hereby authorized to suspend the exercise of all Rights, for the
period during which such registration, approval or listing is required but not
in effect (the "Suspension Period"); provided, further, that in the event that a
Suspension Period is in effect, the term of the Rights shall be extended for the
equivalent number of days of such Suspension Period (the "Extension Period")
with such Extension Period beginning on the later of (i) the Expiration Date or
(ii) the date the suspension is lifted; and provided, further, that in no event
shall such Extension Period be less than 180 days. The Company shall give prompt
notice of any such suspension and shall promptly return this Rights Certificate
and payment of the Exercise Price thereof to the Holder if such Holder tendered
this Rights Certificate and Exercise Price during such Suspension Period and
shall promptly give notice of the lifting of any such suspension and the
commencement of any such Extension Period.

                  2.4 Exercise Price. The price per share at which each Rights
Share shall be purchased upon exercise of each Right shall be $17.88, subject to
adjustment pursuant to Section 6 hereof.

                                       4
<PAGE>

         SECTION 3. Payment of Taxes. The Company covenants and agrees that it
will pay when due and payable any and all documentary, stamp or similar issue or
transfer taxes, if any, which may be payable in respect of the issuance or
delivery of any Right or of the Rights Shares issuable upon the exercise of such
Rights; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay any
tax which may be payable in respect of any registration or transfer involved in
the issuance or delivery of any Right or the issuance or delivery of
certificates for Rights Shares in a name other than that of the Holder of such
Rights.

         SECTION 4. Mutilated or Missing Rights Certificates. In the event this
Rights Certificate shall be mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company
shall issue and deliver in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation
of the mutilated Rights Certificate, or in lieu of and in substitution for the
Rights Certificate lost, stolen or destroyed, a new Rights Certificate of like
tenor and representing an equivalent right or interest, but only upon, in the
event of a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, receipt of evidence
satisfactory to the Company of such loss, theft or destruction.

         SECTION 5.  Reservation and Availability of Rights Shares; Purchase and
Cancellation of Rights.

                  5.1 Reservation of Rights Shares. (a) The Company shall at all
times reserve and keep available free from preemptive rights, out of its
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, for the purpose of enabling it
to satisfy any obligations to issue the Rights Shares upon exercise of Rights,
the full number of Rights Shares deliverable upon the exercise of all
outstanding Rights evidenced by this Rights Certificate. The Company or, if
appointed, the transfer agent for the Common Stock and every subsequent transfer
agent for any shares of the Company's capital stock issuable upon the exercise
of any of the rights of purchase aforesaid (each, a "Transfer Agent") will be
irrevocably authorized and directed at all times to reserve such number of
authorized shares as shall be required for such purpose. The Company will keep a
copy of this Rights Certificate on file with each Transfer Agent. The Company
will furnish such Transfer Agent with a copy of all notices of adjustments and
certificates related thereto which are transmitted to the Holder pursuant to
Section 6 hereof.

                  (b) The Company covenants that all Rights Shares issuable upon
exercise of Rights will, upon issuance, be duly authorized and validly issued,
and fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock, with no personal
liability

                                       5
<PAGE>

attaching to the ownership thereof, free from preemptive rights and free from
all taxes with respect to the issuance thereof, and all liens, charges, and
security interests.

                  5.2 Rights Shares Record Date. Each person in whose name any
stock certificate for Rights Shares is issued shall for all purposes be deemed
to have become the holder of record of the Rights Shares represented thereby on,
and such stock certificate shall be dated as of, the Exercise Date relating to
such Rights Shares.

                  5.3 Purchase of Rights by the Company. The Company shall have
the right, except as limited by law, other agreements or herein, to purchase or
otherwise acquire in negotiated transactions Rights evidenced hereby at such
times, in such manner and for such consideration as it may deem appropriate.

                  5.4 Cancellation of Rights. Any Rights Certificate surrendered
for exchange, substitution, transfer or exercise in whole or in part shall be
cancelled by the Company and retired.

         SECTION 6. Adjustment of Exercise Price. The Exercise Price shall be
subject to adjustment from time to time upon the happening of certain events as
hereinafter described.

                  6.1 Mandatory Adjustments. The Exercise Price shall be subject
to adjustment as follows:

                  (a) If the Company shall (i) declare or pay a dividend on its
outstanding Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or make a distribution to
holders of its Common Stock in shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide its
outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares of Common
Stock, (iii) combine its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller
number of shares of Common Stock or (iv) issue by reclassification of its shares
of Common Stock other securities of the Company, then the Exercise Price in
effect immediately prior thereto shall be adjusted so that the Holder of any
Rights thereafter exercised shall be entitled to receive the number and kind of
shares of Common Stock or other securities that the Holder would have owned or
have been entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events described
above had such Rights been converted immediately prior to the happening of such
event or any record date with respect thereto. An adjustment made pursuant to
this paragraph 6.1(a) shall become effec-

                                       6
<PAGE>

tive on the date of the dividend payment, subdivision, combination or issuance
retroactive to the record date with respect thereto, if any, for such event.
Such adjustment shall be made successively.

                  (b) If the Company shall issue to all holders of its Common
Stock rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities
containing the right to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock at a
price per share that is lower than the then Current Market Price per share (as
hereinafter defined) of Common Stock, then the Exercise Price shall be adjusted
in accordance with the following formula:

                        (N x P)
                        -------
          AE = E x O +  (  M  )
                   ------------
                          O+N

where

          AE = the adjusted Exercise Price
           E = the current Exercise Price
           O = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the record
               date
           N = the number of additional shares of Common Stock offered
           P = the offering price per share of the additional shares
           M = the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the record
               date

The adjustment shall be made successively whenever any such rights, options,
warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities are issued and shall become
effective immediately after the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive the rights, options, warrants or convertible or
exchangeable securities. Upon the expiration of any such rights, options,
warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities, if any thereof shall not
have been exercised, the Exercise Price shall be increased by the amount of the
initial adjustment of the Exercise Price made pursuant to this Section 6.1(b) in
respect of such expired rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable
securities. For the purposes of this Certificate, the "Current Market Price"
per share of Common Stock at any date shall be deemed to be the average of the
daily closing prices for the 20 consecutive trading days commencing on the 30th
trading day prior to the date in question. The closing price for each day shall
be (i) if the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading on a national
securities exchange, the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange
Consolidated Tape (or any successor composite tape reporting transactions on
national securities exchanges) or, if such a composite tape shall not be in use
or shall

                                       7
<PAGE>

not report transactions in the Common Stock, the last reported sales price
regular way on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common
Stock is listed admitted to trading (which shall be the national securities
exchange on which the greatest number of shares of Common Stock has been traded
during such 20 consecutive trading days), or, if there is no transaction on any
such day in any such situation, the mean of the bid and asked prices on such
day, or (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any
such exchange, the closing price, if reported, or, if the closing price is not
reported, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as reported by The
Nasdaq Stock Market, or (iii) if bid and asked prices for the Common Stock on
each such day shall not have been reported through The Nasdaq Stock Market, the
average of the bid and asked prices for such date as furnished by any three New
York Stock Exchange member firms regularly making a market in the Common Stock
and not affiliated with the Company selected for such purpose by the Board of
Directors of the Company, or (iv) if no such quotations are available, the fair
market value of the Common Stock as determined by a New York Stock Exchange
member firm regularly making a market in the Common Stock selected for such
purpose by such Board.

                  (c) If the Company shall distribute to all holders of its
outstanding Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company (other than
Common Stock) or evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding ordinary cash
dividends and dividends or distributions referred to in paragraphs 6.1(a) and
(b)) or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities
(excluding those referred to in paragraph 6.1(b) above) (any of the foregoing
being hereinafter in this paragraph 6.1(c) called the "Securities or Assets"),
then in each such case, unless the Company elects to reserve shares or other
units of such Securities or Assets for distribution to the Holder upon the
exercise of the Rights so that the Holder will receive upon such exercise, in
addition to the shares of the Common Stock to which such Holder is entitled, the
amount and kind of such Securities or Assets which the Holder would have
received if the Holder had, immediately prior to the record date for the
distribution of the Securities or Assets, exercised the Rights and received
Common Stock, the Exercise Price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal
the price determined by multiplying the Exercise Price in effect immediately
prior to the date of such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator
shall be the Current Market Price per share of the Common Stock on the record
date mentioned below less the then fair market value (as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors of the Company), of the portion of the capital
stock or assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed or of such rights or
warrants applicable to one share of Common Stock, and of which the denominator
shall be the Current Market Price per share of the

                                       8
<PAGE>

Common Stock on such record date; provided, however, that if the then fair
market value (as so determined) of the portion of the Securities or Assets so
distributed applicable to one share of Common Stock is equal to or greater than
the Current Market Price per share of the Common Stock on the record date
mentioned above, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall
be made so that the Holder of the Rights shall have the right to receive, in
addition to the shares of Common Stock to which such Holder is entitled, the
amount and kind of Securities and Assets the Holder would have received had the
Holder exercised each such Right immediately prior to the record date for the
distribution of the Securities or Assets. Such adjustment shall become effective
immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to receive such distribution.

                  (d) No adjustment in the Exercise Price shall be required
unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% of
such price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this
Section 6.1(d) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken
into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Section
6.1 shall be made to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent or to the nearest
one-hundredth of a share, as the case may be.

                  (e) If the Company shall be a party to any transaction,
including without limitation a merger, consolidation, sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets, liquidation or recapitalization of
the Common Stock (each of the foregoing being referred to as a "Transaction"),
in each case (except in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change (as
hereinafter defined)) as a result of which shares of Common Stock shall be
converted into the right to receive stock, securities or other property
(including cash or any combination thereof), each Right shall thereafter be
exercisable into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and
property receivable (including cash) upon the consummation of such Transaction
by a holder of that number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
of one Right immediately prior to such Transaction. The Company shall not be a
party to any Transaction unless the terms of such Transaction are consistent
with the provisions of this Section 6.1(e) and it shall not consent or agree to
the occurrence of any Transaction until the Company has entered into an
agreement with the successor or purchasing entity, as the case may be, for the
benefit of the Holders of the Rights, which shall contain provisions enabling
the Holders of the Rights to exercise such Rights for the consideration received
by holders of Common Stock at the Exercise Price immediately after such
Transaction. The provisions of this Section 6.1(e) shall similarly apply to
successive Transactions.

                                       9
<PAGE>

                  (f) In the event of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, each
Right shall be exercisable into common stock of the kind received by holders of
Common Stock as the result of such Common Stock Fundamental Change. The Exercise
Price immediately following such Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the
Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental
Change multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Purchaser Stock
Price (as hereinafter defined) and the denominator of which is the Applicable
Price (as hereinafter defined). The Company shall not consent or agree to the
occurrence of any Common Stock Fundamental Change until the Company has entered
into an agreement with the successor or purchasing entity, as the case may be,
for the benefit of the Holders of the Rights, which shall contain provisions
enabling the Holders of the Rights to exercise such Rights for the consideration
received by holders of Common Stock at the Exercise Price immediately after such
Common Stock Fundamental Change. The provisions of this Section 6.1(f) shall
similarly apply to successive Common Stock Fundamental Changes.

                  (g) As used herein:

                           (i) The term "Applicable Price" means the Current
         Market Price for one share of the Common Stock on the record date for
         the determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive
         common stock in connection with such Common Stock Fundamental Change,
         or, if there is no such record date, on the date upon which the holders
         of Common Stock shall have the right to receive such common stock.

                           (ii) The term "Common Stock Fundamental Change" shall
         mean the occurrence of any transaction or event in connection with
         which all or substantially all the Common Stock shall be exchanged for,
         converted into, acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to
         receive common stock that, for the ten consecutive trading days
         immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, has been
         admitted for listing on a national securities exchange or quoted on The
         Nasdaq Stock Market (whether by means of an exchange offer,
         liquidation, tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination,
         reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise).

                           (iii) The term "Purchaser Stock Price" shall mean,
         with respect to any Common Stock Fundamental Change, the Current Market
         Price for one share of the common stock received by holders of Common

                                       10
<PAGE>

         Stock in such Common Stock Fundamental Change (determined as if the
         definition of Current Market Price contained in this Certificate were
         applicable to such common stock) on the record date for the
         determination of the holders of Common Stock entitled to receive such
         common stock or, if there is no such record date, on the date upon
         which the holders of Common Stock shall have the right to receive such
         common stock.

                  (h) For the purposes of this Section 6.1, the term "shares of
Common Stock" shall mean (i) the class of stock designated as the Common Stock
of the Company at the date hereof or (ii) any other class of stock resulting
from successive changes or reclassifications of such shares consisting solely
of changes in par value, or from no par value to par value. If at any time, as a
result of an adjustment made pursuant to Sections 6.1(a), (c), (e) or (f) the
Holder shall become entitled to receive any securities other than shares of
Common Stock, thereafter the number of such other securities so issuable upon
the exercise of the Rights shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a
manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with
respect to the Rights contained in this Section 6.1.

                  (i) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any case which this
Section 6.1 provides that an adjustment shall become effective immediately after
a record date for an event, the Company may defer until the occurrence of such
event (i) issuing to the Holder of any Right exercised after such record date
and before the occurrence of such event the additional shares of Common Stock
issuable upon such conversion before giving effect to such adjustment and (ii)
paying to the Holder any amount in cash in lieu of any fraction pursuant to
Section 7.

                  (j) If the Company shall take any action affecting the Common
Stock, other than action described in this Section 6.1, which in the opinion of
the Board of Directors of the Company would materially adversely affect the
conversion rights of the Holder of the Rights, the Exercise Price for the Rights
may be adjusted, to the extent permitted by law, in such manner, if any, and at
such time, as such Board may determine in good faith to be equitable in the
circumstances. Failure of the Board of Directors of the Company to provide for
any such adjustment prior to the effective date of any such action by the
Company affecting the Common Stock shall be evidence that the Board of Directors
of the Company has determined that it is equitable to make no adjustments in the
circumstances.

                  6.2 Voluntary Adjustment by the Company. The Company may at
its option, at any time during the term of the Rights, reduce the then current

                                       11
<PAGE>

Exercise Price to any amount deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors of the
Company; provided that if the Company elects so to reduce the then current
Exercise Price, such reduction shall remain in effect for at least a 15-day
period, after which time the Company may, at its option, reinstate the Exercise
Price in effect prior to such reduction.

                  6.3 Notice of Adjustment. Whenever the Exercise Price is
adjusted as herein provided, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall
compute the adjusted Exercise Price in accordance with the foregoing provisions
and shall prepare a certificate setting forth such adjusted Exercise Price and
showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which such adjustment is based. A
copy of such certificate shall be filed promptly with the Transfer Agent.
Promptly after delivery of such certificate, the Company shall prepare a notice
of such adjustment of the Exercise Price setting forth the adjusted Exercise
Price and the date on which such adjustment becomes effective and shall mail
such notice of such adjustment of the Exercise Price to the Holder at his last
address as shown on the Rights Register.

                  6.4 No Adjustment for Dividends. Except as provided in Section
6.1 hereof, no adjustment in respect of any dividends or other payments or
distributions made to Holders of securities issuable upon exercise of Rights
shall be made during the term of a Right or upon the exercise of a Right.

                  6.5 Statement on Rights Certificate. Irrespective of any
adjustments in the number or kind of securities purchasable upon the exercise
of the Rights or the Exercise Price, any Rights Certificate theretofore or
thereafter issued may continue to express the same price and number and kind of
shares as are stated in this Rights Certificate.

         SECTION 7. Fractional Interests. The Company may, but shall not be
required to, issue fractional Rights Shares on the exercise of Rights. If more
than one Right shall be presented for exercise in full at the same time by a
Holder, the exercise thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate
number of Rights Shares purchasable on exercise of the Rights so presented. If
any fraction of a Rights Share would be issuable on the exercise of any Right
(or specified portion thereof), the Company may, in its sole discretion, issue
such fraction of a Rights Share or pay to the Holder of the Right an amount in
cash equal to the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock computed as of
the trading day immediately preceding the date the Right is presented for
exercise, multiplied by such fraction (but in no event

                                       12
<PAGE>

less than an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price in
effect at such time).

         SECTION 8. No Rights as Stockholders; Notices to Holder. Nothing
contained in this Rights Certificate shall be construed as conferring upon the
Holder or its Permitted Transferees the right to vote or to receive dividends
(except as provided in Section 6 hereof) or to consent or to receive notice as
stockholders in respect of any meeting of stockholders of the Company for the
election of the directors of the Company or any other matter, or any rights
whatsoever as stockholders of the Company. If, however, at any time prior to
the expiration of the Rights and prior to their exercise, any of the following
events shall occur:

                  (a) the Company shall declare any dividend upon its shares of
Common Stock (excluding ordinary cash dividends) or make any distribution to the
holders of its shares of Common Stock;

                  (b) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of
its shares of Common Stock of rights, options, warrants, or convertible or
exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase any
shares of Common Stock or any of its securities;

                  (c) there shall be a reclassification of the Common Stock or
any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party and for which
approval of any stockholders of the Company is required, or the sale or transfer
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or

                  (d) there shall be any Common Stock Fundamental Change;

then in any one or more of said events, the Company shall give to the Holder by
registered mail (return receipt requested) as promptly as possible but at least
15 days prior to the applicable date hereinafter specified, a written notice
stating (i) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such
dividend or distribution, 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 or
distribution are to be determined or (ii) the date on which such
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or Common Stock
Fundamental Change 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 or other property deliverable upon
such

                                       13
<PAGE>

reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or Common Stock
Fundamental Change.

         SECTION 9. Identity of Transfer Agent. Forthwith upon the appointment
of any Transfer Agent for the Common Stock, or any other shares of the Company's
capital stock issuable upon the exercise of the Rights, the Company shall
promptly notify the Holder of the name and address of such Transfer Agent.

         SECTION 10. Notices. Any notice, except as provided in Section 8 of
this Rights Certificate, or demand authorized by this Rights Certificate to be
given by the Holder to the Company, shall be in writing and shall be delivered
in person or by facsimile transmission, or mailed by first class mail, postage
prepaid, or by overnight courier, to the Company, at 275 Broad Hollow Rd.,
Melville, NY 11747, telefax no.: (516) 844-1471, confirmation no. (516)
844-1000, Attention: Secretary. The Company may change the address or telefax
numbers to which notices to it are to be transmitted, delivered or mailed
hereunder by notice to the Holder.

                  Any notice pursuant to this Rights Certificate by the Company
to the Holder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by first class mail,
postage prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, by overnight courier, or
otherwise delivered by hand, to the Holder at its address on the books of the
Rights Register or at the telefax number specified in writing by the Holder to
the Company.

                  Notices delivered personally shall be effective at the time
delivered by hand, notices sent by mail shall be effective two days after
mailing, notices sent by facsimile transmission shall be effective when receipt
is acknowledged and notices sent by courier guaranteeing next day delivery shall
be effective on the next business day after timely delivery to the courier.

         SECTION 11. Supplements and Amendments. This Rights Certificate may not
be supplemented, amended or otherwise modified without the prior written consent
of the Holder.

         SECTION 12. Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Rights
Certificate by or for the benefit of the Company shall bind and inure to the
benefit of its respective successors and assigns.

                                       14
<PAGE>

         SECTION 13. Merger or Consolidation of the Company. The Company will
not merge or consolidate into, or sell, transfer or lease all or substantially
all of its property to, any other corporation unless the successor, transferee
or lessee corporation, as the case may be (if not the Company), shall expressly
assume the due and punctual performance and observance of each and every
covenant and condition of this Rights Certificate to be performed and observed
by the Company.

         SECTION 14. Applicable Law. This Rights Certificate and the Rights
evidenced hereby shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York, without giving effect to principles of conflict of
laws.

         SECTION 15. Benefits of this Rights Certificate. Nothing in this Rights
Certificate shall be construed to give to any person or entity other than the
Company and the Holder any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this
Rights Certificate; and this Rights Certificate shall be for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the Company and the Holder.

         SECTION 16. Captions. The captions of the Sections and paragraphs of
this Rights Certificate have been inserted for convenience only and shall have
no substantive effect.

                                       15
<PAGE>

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Rights
Certificate to be duly executed this____ day of [ ], 2000.

                                            NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC.

                                            By:________________________________
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:

                                       16
<PAGE>

                                  PURCHASE FORM

                     (To be executed upon exercise of Right)

                  The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the
right, represented by this Rights Certificate, to purchase _______ shares of
Common Stock as provided for herein and upon confirmation from the Company that
such shares of Common Stock shall be issued, agrees that it will tender in
payment for such shares of Common Stock payment of the purchase price in full in
the form of cash or a bank check payable to the order of North Fork
Bancorporation, Inc. or a combination thereof in the amount of $_______, all in
accordance with the terms hereof. The undersigned requests that a certificate
for such shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of
______________________ whose address is ___________________________ and that
such certificate shall be delivered to ______________________ whose address is
___________________________. If said number of shares of Common Stock is less
than all of the shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder, the undersigned
requests that a new Rights Certificate representing the right to purchase the
remaining balance of the shares of Common Stock be registered in the name of
________________________ whose address is ___________________________ and that
such certificate shall be delivered to ______________________ whose address is
___________________________.

Dated:_______________________________

      _______________________________
      (Insert Employer Identification
       Number of holder)

                                            Signature _________________________

                                            Note:    Signature must conform in
                                                     all respects to name of
                                                     holder as specified on the
                                                     face of this Rights
                                                     Certificate in every
                                                     particular, without
                                                     alteration or enlargement
                                                     or any change whatsoever,
                                                     unless this Rights
                                                     Certificate has been as
                                                     signed.

                                       17
<PAGE>

                                   ASSIGNMENT

                            (To be executed only upon
                      assignment of the Rights Certificate)

                  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and
transfers unto _________________ (Name and Address of Assignee, Must Be Printed
or Typewritten) the within Rights Certificate, together with all right, title
and interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
____________________, Attorney, to transfer said Rights Certificate on the books
of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated: __________________

                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Signature of Registered Holder

                                            Note:    The above signature must
                                                     correspond with the name as
                                                     written on the face of this
                                                     Rights Certificate in every
                                                     particular, without
                                                     alteration or enlargement
                                                     or any change whatever.

                                       18
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                  REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of
[ ], 2000 made and entered into by North Fork Bancorporation, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and Fleet Boston Corporation, a Rhode Island
corporation ("Fleet Boston").

                  WHEREAS, the Company has entered into a stock purchase
agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Fleet Boston pursuant to which, among
other things, the Company has agreed to (i) issue and sell to Fleet Boston, and
Fleet Boston has agreed to purchase, an aggregate of 250,000 shares of the
Company's Non-Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, par
value $1.00 per share and liquidation value $1,000.00 per share (the "CP
Shares") and (ii) issue to Fleet Boston stock purchase rights (the "Rights") to
purchase 7,500,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share ("Common
Stock"), of the Company (such shares of Common Stock, the "Rights Shares");

                  WHEREAS, in connection with the issuance of the CP Shares and
the Rights, the Company has agreed to register the CP Shares, the Rights, the
Rights Shares and the NFB Conversion Shares (as hereinafter defined) upon the
terms and conditions set forth below;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                  1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the meanings set forth below:

                  "Certificate of Designations" shall mean the Certificate of
         Designations relating to the CP Shares, the form of which is attached
         as Exhibit A to the Purchase Agreement.

                  "Demand Party" shall mean any Holder or Holders; provided,
         that to be a Demand Party, a Holder or Holders must either individually
         or in the aggregate with all other Holders with whom or on whose behalf
         it is acting to demand registration own not less than 25% of the class
         of Registrable Securities in respect of which such demand for
         registration is being made.

                  "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
         as amended, or any similar federal statute then in effect, and a
         reference to a particular section thereof shall be deemed to include a
         reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such similar
         federal statute.

<PAGE>

                  "Holder" shall mean Fleet Boston and any Permitted Transferee
         which is or becomes the beneficial owner of Registrable Securities.

                  "NFB Conversion Shares" shall mean the shares of Common Stock,
         which are issuable from time to time upon conversion of the CP Shares
         in accordance with the Certificate of Designations.

                  "Permitted Transferee" shall mean any Affiliate (as defined in
         the Purchase Agreement) of any Holder.

                  "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint
         venture, corporation, trust, unincorporated organization or government
         or any department or agency thereof.

                  "Registrable Securities" shall mean any Rights, any shares of
         Stock, and any securities which may be issued or distributed in respect
         thereof by way of stock dividend or stock split or other distribution,
         recapitalization or reclassification. Any particular Registrable
         Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a
         registration statement with respect to the sale by the Holder of such
         securities shall have become effective under the Securities Act and
         such securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with such
         registration statement, (ii) they shall have been distributed to the
         public pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision) under the
         Securities Act, (iii) they shall have been otherwise transferred, new
         certificates for them not bearing a legend restricting further transfer
         shall have been delivered by the Company and, in the written opinion of
         counsel to the Company of recognized national standing, subsequent
         disposition of them shall not require registration or qualification of
         them under the Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky law
         then in force, or (iv) they shall have ceased to be outstanding.

                  "Registrant" shall mean the Company.

                  "Registration Expenses" shall mean any and all expenses
         incident to performance of or compliance with this Agreement,
         including, without limitation, (i) all SEC and stock exchange or
         National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") registration
         and filing fees (including, if applicable, the fees and expenses of any
         "qualified independent underwriter" as such term is defined in Schedule
         E to the By-laws of the NASD, and of counsel to such qualified
         independent underwriter), (ii) all fees and expenses of complying with
         securities or blue sky laws (including fees and disbursements of
         counsel for the underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications
         of the Registrable Securities), (iii) all printing, messenger and
         delivery expenses, (iv) all fees and expenses incurred in connection
         with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities
         exchange pursuant to clause (viii) of Section 4 hereof and all rating
         agency fees, (v) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
         Registrant and of its independent public accountants, including the
         expenses of any special audits and/or "cold comfort" letters required
         by or

                                       2
<PAGE>

         incident to such performance and compliance, (vi) the fees and
         disbursements of counsel selected pursuant to Section 7 hereof by the
         Holders of the Registrable Securities being registered to represent
         such Holders in connection with each such registration, (vii) any fees
         and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by the issuers or
         sellers of securities, and the fees and expenses of any special experts
         retained in connection with the requested registration, but excluding
         underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes, if any, in
         respect of the Registrable Securities, and (viii) other reasonable
         out-of-pocket expenses of Holders (provided that such expenses shall
         not include expenses of counsel other than those provided for in clause
         (vi) above).

                  "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
         amended, or any similar federal statute then in effect, and a reference
         to a particular section thereof shall be deemed to include a reference
         to the comparable section, if any, of any such similar federal statute.

                  "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
         other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act or
         the Exchange Act.

                  "Stock" shall mean the CP Shares, the NFB Conversion Shares,
         and the Rights Shares.

                  2. Incidental Registrations.

                  (a) Right to Include Registrable Securities. If the Registrant
at any time after the date hereof proposes to register any of its shares of
common stock (which term shall not include convertible debt or convertible
preferred stock) under the Securities Act (other than a registration on Form S-4
or S-8, or any successor or other forms promulgated for similar purposes),
whether or not for sale for its own account, the Registrant will at each such
time, give prompt written notice to all Holders of Registrable Securities of its
intention to do so and of such Holders' rights under this Section 2. Upon the
written request of any Holder receiving such notice made within 15 days after
the receipt of any such notice (which request shall specify the Registrable
Securities intended to be disposed of by such Holder), the Registrant will use
all reasonable efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act of
all Registrable Securities of the same class as are being registered and which
the Registrant has been so requested to register by the Holders thereof, to the
extent requisite to permit the disposition of the Registrable Securities to be
so registered; provided, that (i) if, at any time after giving written notice of
its intention to register any securities and prior to the effective date of the
registration statement filed in connection with such registration, the
Registrant shall determine for any reason not to proceed with the proposed
registration of the securities to be sold by it, the Registrant may, at its
election, give written notice of such determination to each Holder of
Registrable Securities and, thereupon, shall be relieved of its obligation to
register any Registrable Securities in connection with such registration (but
not from its obligation to pay the Registration Expenses in connection
therewith), and (ii) if such registration involves an underwritten offering of
securities of the same class as the

                                       3
<PAGE>

Registrable Securities to be included in such registration, all Holders of
Registrable Securities requesting to be included in such registration must sell
their Registrable Securities to the underwriters selected by the Registrant on
the same terms and conditions as apply to the Registrant with such differences,
including any with respect to indemnification and liability insurance, as may be
customary or appropriate in combined primary and secondary offerings. If a
registration requested pursuant to this Section 2(a) involves an underwritten
public offering, any Holder of Registrable Securities requesting to be included
in such registration may elect, in writing prior to the effective date of the
registration statement filed in connection with such registration, not to
register such securities in connection with such registration and shall have no
liability with respect to any such withdrawal. No registration effected under
this Section 2(a) shall relieve the Registrant of its obligation to effect any
registration upon request under Section 3(a) except as provided in such Section
3(g).

                  (b) Expenses. The Registrant will pay all Registration
Expenses in connection with each registration of Registrable Securities
requested pursuant to this Section 2.

                  (c) Priority in Incidental Registrations. If a registration
pursuant to this Section 2 involves an underwritten offering and the managing
underwriter advises the Registrant in writing that, in its opinion, the number
and kind of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds
the number and kind which can be sold in such offering, so as to be likely to
have a material adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the
securities offered in such offering as contemplated by the Registrant (other
than the Registrable Securities), then the Registrant will include in such
registration securities all of the securities the Registrant proposes to sell
("Registrant Securities") plus such number and kind of Registrable Securities
requested to be included in such registration by the selling Holder which, in
the opinion of such managing underwriter, can be sold without having the adverse
effect referred to above. The Registrable Securities to be included in such
registration shall be allocated pro rata among all requesting Holders on the
basis of the relative number of shares of Registrable Securities then held by
each such Holder (provided that any shares thereby allocated to any such Holder
that exceed such Holder's request will be reallocated among the remaining
requesting Holders in like manner). In the event the Registrant is faced with a
conflict between its obligations under this Section 2 and pre-existing
obligations to persons who are not Holders hereunder with respect to the
priority of securities to be included in a registration pursuant to this Section
2, the Registrant shall at such time endeavor to arrange with the Holder or
Holders and such other persons to fairly allocate the shares of such securities
to be sold by it, such Holder or Holders and such other persons pursuant to such
registration; provided, that, if a registration pursuant to this Section 2 is
effected pursuant to the demand registration rights of a third party with whom
the Company has a contractual obligation, the number and kinds of securities
requested to be included by such third party shall first be included in such
registration and the number and kind of securities requested to be included by
the Holders, the Company and any other persons entitled to sell securities
pursuant to such registration shall then be included on a pro rata basis.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  3.  Registration on Request.

                  (a) Request by the Demand Party. At any time upon the written
request of the Demand Party requesting that the Registrant effect the
registration under the Securities Act of all or part of such Demand Party's
Registrable Securities (such amount to equal at least 25% of the total number of
Registrable Securities held by such Demand Party of the class in respect of
which such demand for registration is being made) and specifying the amount and
intended method of disposition thereof, the Registrant will promptly give
written notice of such requested registration to all other Holders of
Registrable Securities of the same class as the securities requested to be
registered, and thereupon will, as expeditiously as possible, use all reasonable
efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act (including by means
of a shelf registration pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act if so
requested by the Demand Party and if the Registrant is then eligible to use such
registration) of:

                  (i) the Registrable Securities which the Registrant has been
         so requested to register by the Demand Party; and

                  (ii) all other Registrable Securities of the same class as the
         securities requested to be registered which the Registrant has been
         requested to register by any other Holder thereof by written request
         given to the Registrant within 15 days after the giving of such written
         notice by the Registrant (which request shall specify the amount and
         intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities),

all to the extent necessary to permit the disposition (in accordance with the
intended method thereof as aforesaid) of the Registrable Securities so to be
registered; provided, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, the Registrant shall not be obligated to effect such registration under
this Section 3(a) with respect to the Rights or the CP Shares until the date
that is one year from the date of this Agreement; provided further that, if with
respect to a registration under this Section 3(a), the SEC, the Securities Act
or the rules and regulations thereunder, or the form on which the registration
statement is to be filed, would require the conduct of an audit other than the
regular annual audit conducted by the Registrant, the filing of the registration
statement may be delayed until the completion of such regular audit (unless the
Holders of the Registrable Securities to be registered agree to pay the expenses
of the Registrant in connection with such an audit other than the regular
audit).

                  (b) Expenses. The Registrant will pay all Registration
Expenses in connection with the registrations of Registrable Securities pursuant
to Section 3(a).

                  (c) Effective Registration Statement. A registration pursuant
to this Section 3 will not be deemed to have been effected unless it has become
effective; provided, that, if within 180 days after it has become effective, the
offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration is interfered
with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the

                                       5
<PAGE>

SEC or other governmental agency or court, such registration will be deemed not
to have been effected.

                  (d) Selection of Underwriters. If a registration pursuant to
this Section 3 involves an underwritten offering, the Holders of a majority of
the class of shares of Registrable Securities to be so registered which are held
by Holders shall have the right to select the investment banker or bankers and
managers to administer the offering.

                  (e) Priority in Requested Registrations. If a registration
pursuant to this Section 3 involves an underwritten offering and the managing
underwriter advises the Registrant in writing that, in its opinion, the number
of securities requested to be included in such registration (including
securities of the Registrant which are not Registrable Securities ("Additional
Securities")) exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering, the
Registrant will include in such registration (i) first, 100% of the Registrable
Securities requested to be included in such registration and (ii) second, such
Additional Securities, if any, which, in the opinion of such managing
underwriter, can also be sold in such offering. If the number of Registrable
Securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number
which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter, can be sold, the number of
such Registrable Securities to be included in such registration shall be
allocated pro rata among all requesting Holders on the basis of the relative
number of shares of Registrable Securities then held by each such Holder
(provided that any shares thereby allocated to any such Holder that exceed such
Holder's request shall be reallocated among the remaining requesting Holders in
like manner). If the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included
in such registration is less than the number which, in the opinion of the
managing underwriter, can be sold, the Registrant may include in such
registration the securities the Registrant proposes to sell up to the number of
securities that, in the opinion of the underwriter, can be sold.

                  (f) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Registrant will not enter
into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with the
rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement.

                  (g) Limitations on Demand. Notwithstanding anything in this
Section 3 to the contrary, (i) the Registrant will not be required to effect a
registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 3 if it shall
have delivered to the Demand Party a written opinion of counsel to the
Registrant of recognized national standing to the effect that the disposition of
Registrable Securities shall not require registration or qualification of them
under the Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky law then in force,
(ii) in no event will the Registrant be required to effect more than two
registrations pursuant to this Section 3 prior to the fifth anniversary of the
date of original issuance of the CP Shares and no more than two registrations
(the "Permitted Registrations") in any subsequent five-year period, provided
that in the event the Holders request less than two registrations pursuant to
this Section 3 in any five-year period described above, then such registrations
may be requested in any subsequent five-year period in addition to the Permitted
Registrations in such subsequent period, and (iii) in no event shall the

                                       6
<PAGE>

Registrant be required to effect more than one registration pursuant to this
Section 3 during any 12-month period or to effect any registration pursuant to
this Section 3 within six months after the effective date of any registration
statement under which any Holder registered Registrable Securities pursuant to
Section 2 of this Agreement. The Registrant shall not be obligated to effect a
registration pursuant to this Section 3, or file any amendment or supplement
thereto, and may suspend the sellers' rights to make sales pursuant to an
effective registration statement pursuant to this Section 3, at any time when
the Registrant, in the good faith judgment of its Board of Directors, reasonably
believes that the filing thereof at the time requested, or the offering of
securities pursuant thereto, would adversely affect a pending or proposed
acquisition, merger, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization or similar
transaction, or negotiations, discussions or pending proposals with respect
thereto. The filing of a registration statement pursuant to this Section 3, or
any amendment or supplement thereto, by the Registrant cannot be deferred, and
the sellers' rights to make sales pursuant to an effective registration pursuant
to this Section 3 cannot be suspended, pursuant to the provisions of the
preceding sentence for more than fifteen days after the abandonment or
consummation of any of the foregoing proposals or transactions or, in any event,
for more than 90 days after the date of the Board's determination referenced in
the preceding sentence, and the Registrant shall be entitled to only one such
deferral or suspension in any 12 month period. If the Registrant suspends the
sellers' right to make sales pursuant to this subparagraph, the applicable
registration period shall be extended by the number of days of such suspension.

                  4. Registration Procedures. If and whenever the Registrant is
required to use its best efforts to effect or cause the registration of any
Registrable Securities under the Securities Act as provided in this Agreement,
the Registrant will, as expeditiously as possible:

                  (i) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement
         with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to
         cause such registration statement to become effective and to remain
         continuously effective for a period of not less than 180 days following
         the date on which such registration statement is declared effective,
         provided, however, that the Registrant shall have no obligation to
         maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement after the
         sale of all stock registered thereunder;

                  (ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and
         supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in
         connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration
         statement effective for a period of not less than 180 days and to
         comply with the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and
         the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder with respect to the
         disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement
         during such period in accordance with the intended methods of
         disposition by the seller or sellers thereof set forth in such
         registration statement; provided, that before filing a registration
         statement or prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, the
         Registrant will furnish to counsel selected pursuant to Section 7
         hereof by the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such

                                       7
<PAGE>

         registration statement to represent such Holders, copies of all
         documents proposed to be filed, which documents will be subject to the
         review of such counsel;

                  (iii) furnish to each selling Holder of such Registrable
         Securities such numbers of copies of such registration statement and of
         each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all
         exhibits filed therewith, including any documents incorporated by
         reference), such number of copies of the prospectus included in such
         registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus and
         summary prospectus and any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 under
         the Securities Act), in conformity with the requirements of the
         Securities Act, and such other documents as such Holder may reasonably
         request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable
         Securities by such Holder;

                  (iv) use all reasonable efforts to register or qualify such
         Registrable Securities covered by such registration under the blue sky
         laws of such jurisdictions as each selling Holder shall reasonably
         request, and do any and all other acts and things which may be
         reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Holder to consummate
         the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities
         owned by such Holder, except that the Registrant shall not for any such
         purpose be required to qualify generally to do business as a foreign
         corporation in any jurisdiction where, but for the requirements of this
         clause (iv), it would not be obligated to be so qualified, to subject
         itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or to consent to general
         service of process in any such jurisdiction;

                  (v) use all reasonable efforts to cause such Registrable
         Securities covered by such registration statement to be registered with
         or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may
         be necessary to enable the selling Holder or Holders thereof to
         consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

                  (vi) notify each selling Holder of any such Registrable
         Securities covered by such registration statement, at any time when a
         prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the
         Securities Act within the appropriate period mentioned in clause (ii)
         of this Section 4, of the Registrant's becoming aware that the
         prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect,
         includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a
         material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
         statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances
         then existing, and at the request of any such Holder, prepare and
         furnish to such Holder a reasonable number of copies of an amended or
         supplemental prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter
         delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such
         prospectus shall not include any untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
         necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of
         the circumstances then existing;

                                       8
<PAGE>

                  (vii) otherwise use all reasonable efforts to comply with all
         applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and make available to its
         security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable (but not more than
         eighteen months) after the effective date of the registration
         statement, an earnings statement which shall satisfy the provision of
         Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
         promulgated thereunder;

                  (viii) use its best efforts to list such Registrable
         Securities on any securities exchange on which shares of the same class
         or series as the Registrable Securities are then listed, if such
         Registrable Securities are not already so listed and if such listing is
         then permitted under the rules of such exchange, and to provide a
         transfer agent and registrar for such Registrable Securities covered by
         such registration statement not later than the effective date of such
         registration statement;

                  (ix) enter into such customary agreements (including an
         underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions
         as Holders of a majority of shares of such Registrable Securities
         covered by the registration statement or the underwriters, if any,
         reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition
         of such Registrable Securities;

                  (x) obtain a "cold comfort" letter or letters from the
         Registrant's independent public accountants in customary form and
         covering matters of the type customarily covered by "cold comfort"
         letters as the Holder or Holders of a majority of shares of such
         Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement shall
         reasonably request;

                  (xi) make available for inspection by any Holder of such
         Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement, by any
         underwriter participating in any disposition to be effected pursuant
         to such registration statement and by any attorney, accountant or other
         agent retained by any such Holder or any such underwriter, all
         pertinent financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents
         and properties of the Registrant, and cause all of the Registrant's
         officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably
         requested by any such Holder, underwriter, attorney, accountant or
         agent in connection with such registration statement;

                  (xii) notify counsel (selected pursuant to Section 7 hereof)
         for the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such registration
         statement and the managing underwriter or agent, immediately, and
         confirm the notice in writing (i) when the registration statement, or
         any post-effective amendment to the registration statement, shall have
         become effective, or any supplement to the prospectus or any amendment
         prospectus shall have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments
         from the SEC, (iii) of any request of the SEC to amend the registration
         statement or amend or supplement the prospectus or for additional
         information and (iv) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order
         suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement or of any
         order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus,
         or of the suspension of the qualifica-

                                       9
<PAGE>

         tion of the registration statement for offering or sale in any
         jurisdiction, or of the institution or threatening of any proceedings
         for any of such purposes;

                  (xiii) make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of
         any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration
         statement or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any
         preliminary prospectus and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the
         withdrawal of any such order at the earliest possible moment;

                  (xiv) if requested by the managing underwriter or agent or any
         Holder of Registrable Securities covered by the registration statement,
         promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective
         amendment such information as the managing underwriter or agent or such
         Holder reasonably requests to be included therein, including, without
         limitation, with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being
         sold by such Holder to such underwriter or agent, the purchase price
         being paid therefor by such underwriter or agent and with respect to
         any other terms of the underwritten offering of the Registrable
         Securities to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings
         of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as
         practicable after being notified of the matters incorporated in such
         prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

                  (xv) cooperate with the Holders of Registrable Securities
         covered by the registration statement and the managing underwriter or
         agent, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of
         certificates (not bearing any restrictive legends) representing
         securities to be sold under the registration statement, and enable such
         securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as
         the managing underwriter or agent, if any, or such Holders may request;

                  (xvi) obtain for delivery to the underwriter or agent an
         opinion or opinions from counsel for the Registrant in customary form
         and in form, substance and scope reasonably satisfactory to such
         Holders, underwriters or agents and their counsel; and

                  (xvii) cooperate with each seller of Registrable Securities
         and each underwriter or agent participating in the disposition of such
         Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with
         any filings required to be made with the NASD.

                  The Registrant may require each Holder of Registrable
Securities as to which any registration is being effected to furnish the
Registrant with such information regarding such Holder and pertinent to the
disclosure requirements relating to the registration and the distribution of
such securities as the Registrant may from time to time reasonably request in
writing and to enter into such agreements, including customary underwriting
agreements, as may be reasonably necessary to effect the registration and sale
of the Registrable Securities.

                                       10
<PAGE>

                  Each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that, upon
receipt of any notice from the Registrant of the happening of any event of the
kind described in clause (vi) of this Section 4, such Holder will forthwith
discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration
statement covering such Registrable Securities until such Holder's receipt of
the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by clause (vi)
of this Section 4, and, if so directed by the Registrant, such Holder will
deliver to the Registrant (at the Registrant's expense) all copies, other than
permanent file copies then in such Holder's possession, of the prospectus
covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such
notice. In the event the Registrant shall give any such notice, the period
mentioned in clause (ii) of this Section 4 shall be extended by the number of
days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice
pursuant to clause (vi) of this Section 4 and including the date when each
seller of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement shall
have received the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated
by clause (vi) of this Section 4.

                  5.  Indemnification.

                  (a) Indemnification by the Registrant. In the event of any
registration of any securities of the Registrant under the Securities Act
pursuant to Sections 2 or 3, the Registrant will, and it hereby does, indemnify
and hold harmless, to the extent permitted by law, the Holder of any Registrable
Securities covered by such registration statement, each affiliate of such Holder
and their respective directors and officers or general and limited partners
(including any director, officer, affiliate, employee, agent and controlling
Person of any of the foregoing), each other Person who participates as an
underwriter in the offering or sale of such securities and each other Person, if
any, who controls such Holder, such affiliate or any such underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties"), against
any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, and
expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees and reasonable expenses of
investigation) to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under the
Securities Act, common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages
or liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof, whether or not
such Indemnified Party is a party thereto) arise out of or are based upon (a)
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained
in any registration statement under which such securities were registered under
the Securities Act, any preliminary, final or summary prospectus contained
therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or (b) any omission or alleged
omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and the
Registrant will reimburse such Indemnified Party for any legal or any other
expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with investigating or defending
any such loss, claim, liability, action or proceeding; provided that the
Registrant shall not be liable to any Indemnified Party in any such case to the
extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in
respect thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such
registration statement or amendment or supplement thereto or in any such
preliminary, final or summary

                                       11
<PAGE>

prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the
Registrant in writing by such Holder or any representative of such Holder
specifically for use in the preparation thereof. Such indemnity shall remain in
full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of
such Holder or any Indemnified Party and shall survive the transfer of such
securities by such Holder.

                  (b) Indemnification by the Holders. The Registrant may
require, as a condition to including any Registrable Securities in any
registration statement filed in accordance with Section 4 herein, that the
Registrant shall have received an undertaking reasonably satisfactory to it from
the prospective selling Holder of such Registrable Securities or any underwriter
to indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set
forth in subdivision (a) of this Section 5) the Registrant with respect to any
statement or alleged statement in or omission or alleged omission from such
registration statement, any preliminary, final or summary prospectus contained
therein, or any amendment or supplement, if such statement or alleged statement
or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information provided to the Registrant in writing by such selling Holder or
underwriter or any of their respective representatives specifically for use in
the preparation of such registration statement, preliminary, final or summary
prospectus or amendment or supplement, or a document incorporated by reference
into any of the foregoing. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Registrant, or any
of its respective affiliates, directors, officers or controlling Persons and
shall survive the transfer of such securities by such selling Holder. In no
event shall the liability of any selling Holder of Registrable Securities
hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received
by such selling Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise
to such indemnification obligation.

                  (c) Notice of Claims, Etc. Promptly after receipt by an
indemnified party hereunder of written notice of the commencement of any action
or proceeding with respect to which a claim for indemnification may be made
pursuant to this Section 5, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written notice to the
latter of the commencement of such action; provided, that the failure of the
indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the
indemnifying party of its obligations under the preceding subdivisions of this
Section 5, except to the extent the indemnifying party is actually prejudiced
by such failure. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified
party, unless in the written opinion of such indemnified party's counsel a
conflict of interest between such indemnified party and indemnifying parties may
exist in respect of such claim, the indemnifying party will be entitled to
participate in and to assume the defense thereof, jointly with any other
indemnifying party similarly notified to the extent that it may wish, with
counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from
the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume
the defense thereof, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such
indemnified party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the
latter in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation. No indemnifying party will consent to entry of any judgment or
enter into any

                                       12
<PAGE>

settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof, the giving
by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all
liability in respect to such claim or litigation.

                  (d) Other Indemnification. Indemnification similar to that
specified in the preceding subdivisions of this Section 5 (with appropriate
modifications) shall be given by the Registrant and each selling Holder of
Registrable Securities with respect to any required registration or other
qualification of securities under any federal or state law or regulation or
governmental authority other than the Securities Act.

                  (e) Contribution. If for any reason the indemnification
provided for in this Section 5 is unavailable to an indemnified party or is
insufficient to hold it harmless as contemplated by this Section 5, then the
indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the
indemnified party an a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits received
by the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, but also the relative fault
of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations; provided that in no event shall the liability
of any Holder for such contribution and indemnification exceed, in the
aggregate, the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Holder upon the
sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification and
contribution obligation.

                  (f) Non-Exclusivity. The obligations of the parties under this
Section 5 shall be in addition to any liability which any party may otherwise
have to any other party.

                  6. Rule 144 and Rule 144A. If the Registrant shall have filed
a registration statement pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the
Exchange Act or a registration statement pursuant to the requirements of the
Securities Act, the Registrant covenants that it will file the reports required
to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder (or, if the Registrant is not
required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder of
Registrable Securities, make publicly available such information), and it will
take such further action as any Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably
request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to
sell shares of Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities
Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (i) Rule 144 or Rule
144A under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time,
or (ii) any similar rules or regulations hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the
request of any Holder of Registrable Securities, the Registrant will deliver to
such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such
requirements.

                  7.  Selection of Counsel.

                  In connection with any registration of Registrable Securities
pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 hereof, the Holders of a majority of the
Registrable Securities covered by any such

                                       13
<PAGE>

registration, voting by class, may select one counsel to represent all Holders
of Registrable Securities covered by such registration; provided, however, that
in the event that the counsel selected as provided above is also acting as
counsel to the Registrant in connection with such registration, the remaining
Holders shall be entitled to select one additional counsel to represent all such
remaining Holders.

                  8.  Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Holdback Agreement. If any registration shall be in
connection with an underwritten public offering, each Holder of Registrable
Securities agrees not to effect any public sale or distribution, including any
sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act, of any equity
securities of the Registrant, or of any security convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for any equity security of the Registrant (in each
case, other than as part of such underwritten public offering), within 30 days
before or 60 days (or such lesser period as the managing underwriters may permit
or permit any other holders of Securities included in such registration) after
the effective date of such registration (except as part of such registration),
and the Registrant hereby also so agrees and agrees to request and make good
faith efforts to persuade each other holder of any equity security, or of any
security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any equity
security, of the Registrant purchased from the Registrant (at any time other
than in a public offering) to so agree.

                  (b) Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may be amended and
the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act
herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained
the written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act, of the
Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding, voting by
class; provided, however, that no amendment, waiver or consent to the departure
from the terms and provisions of this Agreement that is adverse to Fleet Boston
or any of its successors and assigns shall be effective as against any such
Person for so long as such Person holds any Registrable Securities unless
consented to in writing by such Person. Each Holder of any Registrable
Securities at the time or thereafter outstanding shall be bound by any consent
authorized by this Section 8(b), whether or not such Registrable Securities
shall have been marked to indicate such consent.

                  (c) Successors, Assigns and Transferees. This Agreement shall
be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns. In addition, and whether or not any express
assignment shall have been made, the provisions of this Agreement which are for
the benefit of the parties hereto other than the Company shall also be for the
benefit of and enforceable by any subsequent Holder of any Registrable
Securities, subject to the provisions contained herein.

                  (d) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by first class mail, telex,
telecopier or hand delivery:

                                       14
<PAGE>

         (i)      if to the Company, to:

                  North Fork Bancorporation, Inc.
                  275 Broad Hollow Road
                  Melville, New York  11747
                  Attention: Chief Financial Officer

                  with a copy to:

                  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
                  Four Times Square
                  New York, New York  10036
                  Attention: William S. Rubenstein, Esq.

         (ii)     if to Fleet Boston, to:

                  Fleet Boston Corporation
                  One Federal Street
                  Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                  Attention: Chief Financial Officer

                  with a copy to:

                  Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
                  One Liberty Plaza
                  New York, NY  10006
                  Attention:  Robert L. Tortoriello, Esq.

         (iii)    if to any other Holder of Registrable Securities, to the
                  address of such other Holder as shown in the stock record book
                  of the Registrant, or to such other address as any of the
                  above shall have designated in writing to all of the other
                  above.

                  All notices shall be effective when received.

                  (e) Descriptive Headings. The headings in this Agreement are
for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the
meaning of terms contained herein.

                  (f) Severability. If any one or more of the provisions,
paragraphs, words, clauses, phrases or sentences contained herein, or the
application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and
enforceability of any such provision, paragraph, word, clause, phrase or
sentence in every other respect and of the remaining provisions, paragraphs,
words, clauses, phrases or sentences hereof

                                       15
<PAGE>

shall not be in any way impaired, it being intended that all rights, powers and
privileges of the parties hereto shall be enforceable to the fullest extent
permitted by law.

                  (g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall together
constitute one and the same instrument, and it shall not be necessary in making
proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such
counterpart.

                  (h) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York
applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein.

                  (i) Specific Performance. The parties hereto acknowledge and
agree that irreparable damage would occur if any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that the parties hereto shall be
entitled to an injunction or injunctions, to prevent breaches of the provisions
of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in
any court of competent jurisdiction in the United States or any state thereof,
in addition to any other remedy to which such parties may be entitled at law or
equity.

                                       16
<PAGE>

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this
Registration Rights Agreement to be executed on its behalf as of the date first
written above.

                                    NORTH FORK BANCORPORATION, INC.

                                    By: __________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                    FLEET BOSTON CORPORATION

                                    By: __________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                       17
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                    BRANCH PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION TERM SHEET

o     Annex 1:  Schedule of branches to be sold

o     Premium / Purchase Price

      -   Cash premium of 8% of deposits at closing

      -   Loans transferred at fair market value (rate and credit)

      -   ATMs transferred at book value

      -   Plug with cash or securities at fair market value

      -   CRA investments remain with transferor

      -   Derivatives associated with specific assets or liabilities transferred
          at fair market value

      -   Fixed assets transferred at book value

      -   Property (includes leasehold improvements)

          -   Purchase at average of book value and fair market value

      -   Transferee assumes contingent or contractual liabilities related to
          the deposits, loans, property and facilities transferred

o     Definition of deposits and loans to be transferred to be based on overall
      relationships

      -   Relationships (majority of $ value of deposits & loans)

      -   Loans (CRE, C&I, consumer, mortgage) and collateral

      -   Best efforts to transfer IRA and Keogh deposits and safe deposit boxes

o     Indemnification

      -   Liability cap of 10% of premium

      -   Basket of 15% of cap

      -   Survival: 12 months

      -   Indemnification to relate to (i) representations, warranties and
          covenants, and (ii) liabilities not assumed; indemnification not to
          relate to, property, facilities or operations of Dime prior to
          acquisition by transferor

o     Employment

      -   Offers to current Dime employees employed at branches (same salary and
          participation in transferee benefit plans)

<PAGE>

      -   Severance responsibility to transferee

      -   No solicitation by transferor or transferee of employees at the
          other's Dime branches for one year

      -   Transferor not to relocate or transfer employees from branches to be
          sold prior to closing

o     Lease consents

      -   Transferee must obtain (shared expense)

o     Expenses

      -   Each party pays its own expenses

o     MAC Clause

      -   None

o     Representations and Warranties

      -   Deposits (yes)

      -   Loans (yes)

      -   Facilities (no)

      -   Other customary representations (yes)

o     Transferee communication with employees, customers

      -   Same access as transferor

o     Closing

      -   Transferee must close by later of (i) 120 days after close of
          transferor acquisition of Dime and (ii) receipt of regulatory
          approvals (and expiration of waiting period)

      -   Transferee pays servicing fee from and after 120th day after
          transferor acquisition of Dime

      -   N.Y. State transfer taxes shared equally

o     Ordinary course operations covenant

o     Purchase price allocation to be mutually agreed

                                       2
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                               CONDITIONS TO OFFER

         Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings
ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

         (1)      there being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the
                  expiration of the Offer that number of shares of Dime Common
                  Stock which, together with the shares of Dime Common Stock
                  beneficially owned by the Company for its own account,
                  constitutes a majority of the shares of Dime Common Stock
                  outstanding on a fully diluted basis;

         (2)      the stockholders of Dime not having approved and adopted the
                  Dime Merger Agreement in satisfaction of Section 251 of the
                  DGCL;

         (3)      the Company being satisfied, in its sole judgment, that the
                  Dime Merger Agreement has been validly terminated, and Dime
                  having entered into a definitive merger agreement with the
                  Company to provide for the acquisition of Dime pursuant to the
                  Offer and the Proposed Dime Merger;

         (4)      approval of the issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to
                  the Offer by the requisite vote of holders of Common Stock
                  under applicable NYSE rules;

         (5)      the Company being satisfied, in its sole judgment, that the
                  Dime Stockholder Protection Rights Plan is inapplicable to the
                  Offer and the Proposed Dime Merger;

         (6)      the Company being satisfied, in its sole judgment, that the
                  provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL are inapplicable to the
                  Offer and the Proposed Dime Merger;

         (7)      all regulatory approvals required to consummate the Offer and
                  the Proposed Dime Merger having been obtained and remaining in
                  full force and effect without the imposition of any condition
                  or restriction that would be materially adverse to the Company
                  and Dime on a

<PAGE>

                  combined basis, and all statutory waiting periods in respect
                  thereof having expired;

         (8)      the termination of the Stock Option Agreement, dated as of
                  September 16, 1999 between Hudson and Dime and the surrender
                  to Dime of the option issued by Dime to Hudson thereunder for
                  an amount not to exceed $50 million in cash;

         (9)      Dime not having entered into or effectuated any agreement or
                  transaction with any person or entity having the effect of
                  impairing the Company's ability to acquire Dime or otherwise
                  diminishing the expected economic value to the Company of the
                  acquisition of Dime;

         (10)     the shares of Common Stock which shall be issued to Dime
                  stockholders in the Offer and the Proposed Dime Merger have
                  been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
                  notice of issuance;

         (11)     the registration statement covering the shares to be issued in
                  the Offer shall have become effective under the Securities
                  Act, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
                  registration statement shall have been issued nor shall there
                  have been proceedings for that purpose initiated or threatened
                  by the SEC, and the Company shall have received all necessary
                  state securities law or "blue sky" authorizations;

         (12)     no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent
                  injunction or other order or decree issued by any court or
                  agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or
                  prohibition preventing the consummation of the Offer or any of
                  the other transactions contemplated by the prospectus
                  relating to the Offer shall be in effect; no statute, rule,
                  regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have been
                  enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental
                  Entity which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal the
                  consummation of the Offer or the Proposed Dime Merger;

         (13)     there shall not be pending any suit, action or proceeding by
                  any Governmental Entity (a) challenging the Offer, seeking to
                  restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Offer or seeking
                  to obtain from Dime or the Company any damages that are
                  material in relation to

                                       2
<PAGE>

                  Dime and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) seeking to
                  prohibit or limit the ownership or operation by Dime or the
                  Company or any of the Company's subsidiaries of any material
                  portion of the business or assets of Dime or the Company or
                  any of the Company's subsidiaries or to compel Dime or the
                  Company or any of the Company's subsid iaries, to dispose of
                  or hold separate any material portion of the business or
                  assets of Dime or the Company or any of the Company's
                  subsidiaries, as a result of the Offer, (c) seeking to
                  prohibit the Company from effectively controlling in any
                  material respect the business or operations of Dime or (d)
                  which otherwise is reasonably likely to have a material
                  adverse effect on the Company or Dime;

         (14)     the representations and warranties of Dime in the Dime Merger
                  Agreement shall be true and correct (without giving effect to
                  any qualification as to "materiality" or "Material Adverse
                  Effect" set forth therein) as of the date of the prospectus
                  relating to the Offer and as of the expiration date of the
                  Offer as though made on and as of the date of such prospectus
                  and such expiration date except where the failure of such
                  representations and warranties to be so true and correct would
                  not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
                  aggregate, a material adverse effect on Dime.

                                       3

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