Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.12

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[LOGO] CREDIT LYONNAIS SECURITIES (USA) INC.
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                           U.S.I. Holdings Corporation
EQUITY DIVISION               50 California Street
                      San Francisco, California 94111-4796

December 21, 2001

Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA) Inc.
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019

                    Fee Letter
                    ----------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     In consideration of strategic financial advisory services that you have
rendered to us on or prior to the date hereof relating to ways in which we may
seek to improve our capital structure, we hereby agree as follows:

          1. Advisory Fee. Upon issuance by us in an initial public offering
             ------------
("IPO") of any equity securities or securities convertible or exchangeable for
equity securities ("Securities"), we will pay to you an advisory fee in an
amount equal to .00667 of the gross proceeds received by us in the IPO. For the
avoidance of doubt and merely as an illustrative example, in the event that we
receive gross proceeds of $150,000,000 in connection with issuance of Securities
pursuant to an IPO the advisory fee payable to you under this letter agreement
will be $1,000,500. This fee is for financial advisory services and is not an
underwriting or placement fee or a fee for transactional services in connection
with an IPO or the offer or sale of Securities.

          2. Indemnity and Contribution. In the event that you or any of your
             --------------------------
affiliates or any of the directors, officers, employees, attorneys or agents of
you or any of your affiliates (the "Indemnified Parties") becomes involved in
any capacity in any action, proceeding or investigation in connection with any
financial advisory services and any related matter contemplated under this
letter agreement, we will reimburse such Indemnified Party for its legal and
other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as they
are incurred. We also agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified
Party from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities,
joint or several, related to or arising out of any financial advisory services
and any related matter contemplated under this letter agreement, unless (and
only to the extent that) it shall be finally judicially determined that such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities resulted from the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party.

          If any action, claim, investigation or other proceeding is instituted
or threatened against any Indemnified Parties in respect of which indemnity may
be sought under this letter agreement, we will be entitled to assume the defense
thereof with counsel selected by us (which counsel shall be reasonably
satisfactory to such Indemnified Parties) and after notice from us to such
Indemnified Parties of our election so to assume the defense thereof, we will
not be liable to such Indemnified Parties under this letter agreement for any
legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Parties in
connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation
and such other expenses as have been approved in advance; provided that (i) if
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counsel for such Indemnified Parties determines in good faith that there is a
conflict that requires separate representation for us, on the one hand, and such
Indemnified

   Credit Lyonnais Building, 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
   10019-6022 Telephone: (212) 408-5700, Fax: (212) 261-2500, Telex: 6721074

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Parties, on the other hand, or (ii) we fail to assume or proceed in a timely and
reasonable manner with the defense of such action or fail to employ counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Parties in any such action, then, in
either such event, such Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to select one
primary counsel (in addition to any necessary local counsel), of their own
choice to represent such Indemnified Parties and we shall not, or shall no
longer, be entitled to assume the defense thereof on behalf of such Indemnified
Parties and such Indemnified Parties shall be entitled to indemnification for
their expenses (including fees and expenses of such counsel) to the extent
provided in the preceding paragraph. Such counsel shall, to the fullest extent
consistent with its professional responsibilities, cooperate with us and any
counsel designated by us. Nothing contained herein shall preclude any
Indemnified Parties, at their own expense, from retaining additional counsel to
represent such Indemnified Parties in any action with respect to which indemnity
may be sought from us under this letter agreement. We shall not be liable under
this letter agreement for any settlement made by any Indemnified Parties without
our prior written consent, and we agree to indemnify and hold harmless any
Indemnified Parties from and against any loss or liability by reason of the
settlement of any claim or action with our consent. We shall not settle any such
claim or action without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Parties
unless such settlement provides for a full and unconditional release of claims
against the Indemnified Parties.

          If the indemnification provided for herein is unavailable to an
Indemnified Party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
expenses referred to herein, then we, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified
Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party
as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (i) in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by
us, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other, from the
financial advisory services and any related matter contemplated by this letter
agreement, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not
permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not
only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative
fault of us, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other, in
connection with the actions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

          The indemnity and contribution provided for herein shall be in
addition to any other liability that we may otherwise have, at common law or
otherwise; provided that the indemnity and contribution provisions set forth in
this Section 2 shall not apply in connection with an IPO or an offer or sale of
Securities in which you or any of your affiliates act as underwriter, initial
purchaser or placement agent, it being understood that any such transactions
will be governed by a separate agreement containing customary indemnity
provisions. The indemnity and contribution provisions contained herein will
survive any payment of the advisory fee.

          3. Notice. Any notice to be given under this letter agreement shall be
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in writing and delivered by (i) hand, (ii) mailed by registered or certified
first-class mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) facsimile or
(iv) overnight courier (with proof of delivery requested), and shall be deemed
given when received. Notices shall be addressed to a party hereto at its
respective address below (or such other address as designated in writing
delivered pursuant to this Section):

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     If to us:

          U.S.I. Holdings Corporation
          50 California Street
          San Francisco, CA 94111-4796
          Attention: Mr. Bernard H. Mizel
          Facsimile: 415 837 1654

     If to you:

          Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA) Inc.
          1301 Avenue of the Americas
          New York, New York 10019
          Attention: Mr. Jeffrey Posner
          Facsimile: 212 261 2516

          4. Miscellaneous. We acknowledge that the financial advisory services
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for which you are to be paid a fee under this letter agreement have been fully
performed and that the fee payable hereunder in respect thereof has been fully
earned and is payable in accordance with the terms hereof. Except as you and we
may hereafter agree in writing, you are not obligated to provide any financial
advisory or other services to us. Nothing herein constitutes a commitment by you
to provide or otherwise arrange financing for us.

          We acknowledge that the rights and obligations that we and our
affiliates have under any credit or other agreement with you or your affiliates
that currently or hereafter may exist are, and shall forever be, separate and
distinct from the rights and obligations of the parties pursuant to this letter
agreement, and that none of such rights and obligations under such other
agreements shall be affected by this letter agreement. All amounts payable
pursuant hereto shall be payable in immediately available funds and shall not in
any event be refundable or creditable against any other amount paid or payable
to us or by us or any of our affiliates under such other agreements. The term
"affiliate" as used herein means, with respect to any party, any entity directly
or indirectly controlled by, or controlling or under common control with, such
party.

          This letter agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York as applied to contracts made
and performed within such state, without giving effect to the principles of
conflicts of laws thereof. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
each of you and we does hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction
of any New York State court or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan
in New York City in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or
relating to the provisions of this letter agreement and does irrevocably agree
that all claims in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding may be heard
and determined in any such court. Each of you and we does hereby waive, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, trial by jury, any objection which
it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action
or proceedings brought in any such court, and any claim that any such suit,
action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an
inconvenient forum. Each of you and we does hereby irrevocably consent to
service of process in any action or proceeding by mailing copies of such process
to it at its address set forth in Section 3.

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          This letter agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties
relating to the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior agreements,
understandings and negotiations with respect thereto. This letter agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective parties hereto
and their successors and permitted assigns, and may not be amended except in a
writing signed by both parties hereto. This letter agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of such counterparts
shall constitute one and the same instrument.

          If the foregoing is acceptable to you, please so indicate by signing
in the space provided and returning a signed copy of this letter agreement to us
for our records.

                                 Very truly yours,

                                 U.S.I. HOLDINGS CORPORATION

                                 By: /s/ Bernard H. Mizel
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name: Bernard H. Mizel
                                     Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Agreed to and accepted as of
the date first above written:

CREDIT LYONNAIS SECURITIES (USA) INC.

By: /s/ Jeffrey Posner
    ---------------------------------
    Name: Jeffrey Posner
    Title: Managing Director

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.13

                            JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT

                              Dated April 16, 1998

                                     between

                           Maryland Casualty Company

                                       and

                             USI of Illinois, Inc.

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                             JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT

                                Table of Contents

ARTICLE I - Formation, Purposes, Term

     Section 1.1 - Formation and Name
     Section 1.2 - Purposes and Scope of Joint Venture
     Section 1.3 - Term
     Section 1.4 - Scope of Joint Venturers' Authority; Indemnification
     Section 1.5 - Principal Place of Business

ARTICLE II - Management and Operation of Joint Venture

     Section 2.1 - Executive Committee
     Section 2.2 - Management and Staff
     Section 2.3 - Responsibilities of Zurich Commercial
     Section 2.4 - Responsibilities of USI
     Section 2.5 - Joint Venture Expenses
     Section 2.6 - Reimbursements of Expenses
     Section 2.7 - Restrictions of the Joint Venturers
     Section 2.8 - Limitations on Responsibilities of Joint Venturers
     Section 2.9 - Operating Budgets

ARTICLE III - Capital Contributions; Financing

     Section 3.1 - Initial Capital Contributions
     Section 3.2 - Additional Capital Contributions
     Section 3.3 - Withdrawal of Capital
     Section 3.4 - Capital Accounts

ARTICLE IV - Accounting and Distributions

     Section 4.1 - Ownership of Joint Venture, Profits and Losses
     Section 4.2 - Tax Status, Allocation and Reports
     Section 4.3 - Distribution to Joint Venturers from Net Cash Flow
     Section 4.4 - Accounting
     Section 4.5 - Bank Accounts

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ARTICLE V - Sale or Transfer

     Section 5.1 - General

ARTICLE VI - Representations and Warranties

     Section 6.1 - Warranties and Representations by Zurich Commercial
     Section 6.2 - Warranties and Representations by USI
     Section 6.3 - Indemnity

ARTICLE VII - Default

     Section 7.1 - Events of Default
     Section 7.2 - Election of Non-Defaulting Joint Venturer

ARTICLE VIII - Dissolution

     Section 8.1 - Causes of Dissolution
     Section 8.2 - Procedure in Dissolution and Winding-Up
     Section 8.3 - Disposition of Documents and Records

ARTICLE IX - General

     Section 9.1 - Notices
     Section 9.2 - Governing Law
     Section 9.3 - Entire Agreement
     Section 9.4 - Waiver
     Section 9.5 - Severability
     Section 9.6 - Survival of Rights
     Section 9.7 - Equitable Remedies
     Section 9.8 - Fees and Commissions
     Section 9.9 - Confidentiality
     Section 9.10 - Counterparts
     Section 9.11 - Further Assurances
     Section 9.12 - Arbitration

Signatures

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     THIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into this
16th day of April 1998 by and between Maryland Casualty Company, a Maryland
corporation trading as Zurich Commercial ("Zurich Commercial"), and USI of
Illinois, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("USI").

 Recitals

A.   Zurich Commercial and USI propose to enter into a Joint Venture to develop,
     distribute and sell insurance products and insurance programs to the
     customers of Zurich Commercial, USI and other third parties. In addition,
     the parties express their mutual intention to expand their relationship and
     joint activities as warranted, commercially and legally.

B.   USI acknowledges that Zurich Commercial's participation in the Joint
     Venture as provided herein is a valuable asset to the Joint Venture and
     Zurich Commercial's reputation, expertise, business experience, customer
     base, and other contributions shall benefit the Joint Venture and USI as a
     Joint Venturer.

C.   Zurich Commercial acknowledges that USI's participation in the Joint
     Venture as provided herein is a valuable asset to the Joint Venture and
     USI's distribution network, reputation and marketing expertise in the
     insurance industry shall benefit the Joint Venture and Zurich Commercial as
     a Joint Venturer.

D.   The parties hereto desire to set forth in full the terms and conditions of
     their agreements and understandings relative to the Joint Venture in this
     Agreement.

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     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
     hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
     receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties
     hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                          Formation, Purposes, Duration
                          -----------------------------

Section 1.1 Formation and Name

1.1.1. Zurich Commercial and USI hereby enter into and form a Joint Venture (the
     "Joint Venture") for the limited purposes and scope set forth herein.
     Zurich Commercial and USI sometimes are referred to hereinafter
     collectively as "Joint Venturers" and individually as a "Joint Venturer."
     Except as expressly provided for herein to the contrary, the rights and
     obligations of the Joint Venturers and the administration and termination
     of the Joint Venture shall be governed by the New York Uniform Partnership
     Act. All property owned by the Joint Venture, including any property as to
     which either Joint Venturer holds nominal title, shall be deemed owned by
     the Joint Venture as an entity, and neither Joint Venturer, individually,
     shall have any ownership of such property, except upon termination or
     dissolution of the Joint Venture pursuant to Article VIII of this
     Agreement.

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1.1.2. The business and affairs of the Joint Venture shall be conducted solely
     under the name "Ze/USI Insurance Services" and such name shall be used at
     all times in connection with the Joint Venture business and affairs.

1.1.3. The parties hereto shall execute and acknowledge any fictitious name
     certificate and cause the same to be published and filed in accordance with
     the provisions of the laws of each jurisdiction in which the Joint Venture
     undertakes any business.

Section 1.2. Purposes and Scope of Joint Venture

1.2.1. The sole and only purposes of the Joint Venture are:

     (a) The development, distribution and sale of insurance products and
     programs for human services agency organizations, including, 501(c)3
     (nonprofit) organizations; and

     (b) To engage in such other activities as are reasonably incidental to the
     foregoing. These purposes shall not be extended by implication or otherwise
     except by the written agreement of Zurich Commercial and USI. This
     Agreement shall not be deemed to create a general partnership between the
     Joint Venturers with respect to any activities other than the activities
     within the scope and business purposes of the Joint Venture as specified in
     this Section 1.2.

1.2.2. Subject to Article II, the Joint Venture shall be authorized to borrow
     for the purposes of the Joint Venture and to pledge, mortgage or otherwise
     encumber the property of the Joint Venture or any parts thereof to secure
     payment of the same

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          and to refinance, replace, or otherwise alter any such encumbrance;
          and to take all steps and do all things necessary or appropriate to
          accomplish the foregoing.

1.2.3. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict in any way the
     freedom of any party hereto individually or any of its affiliates to
     conduct any other business or activity whatsoever, nor to require any
     accountability to the Joint Venture or any party hereto.

Section 1.3. Term

1.3.1. The term of the Joint Venture commences as of April 16, 1998 and shall
     continue until the Joint Venture is dissolved pursuant to Article VIII.
     Neither Joint Venturer at any time shall have the right to a partition of
     the Joint Venture or of the Joint Venture assets or any part thereof,
     except as specifically provided herein.

Section 1.4. Scope of Joint Venturers' Authority; Indemnification

1.4.1. Except as otherwise expressly and specifically provided in this
     Agreement, neither of the Joint Venturers shall have any authority to act
     for, or to assume any obligations or responsibility on behalf of, any other
     Joint Venturer or the Joint Venture, without the consent of the Executive
     Committee (Article II). Each Joint Venturer shall indemnify and hold
     harmless the other Joint Venturer from and against any and all claims,
     demands, losses, damages, liabilities, lawsuits and other proceedings,
     judgments and awards and costs and expenses (including, but not limited to,
     reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of any breach of this subsection
     1.4.1 by said Joint Venturer.

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Section 1.5. Principal Place of Business

1.5.1. The principal place of business of the Joint Venture shall be at Chicago,
     Illinois or at such other location as may be approved by the Executive
     Committee from time to time.

                                   ARTICLE II

                    Management and Operation of Joint Venture
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Section 2.1. Executive Committee

2.1.1. The overall executive and strategic direction of the Joint Venture shall
     be vested in the Executive Committee ("Committee"). Except where herein
     expressly provided to the contrary, all decisions with respect to the
     management and control of the Joint Venture, including the allocation of
     responsibilities not specifically provided for in this Agreement, that are
     approved by the Committee shall be binding on the Joint Venture and each of
     the Joint Venturers. The Committee shall be composed of three
     representatives appointed by Zurich Commercial and three representatives
     appointed by USI. Each Joint Venturer shall designate in writing from time
     to time its respective representatives on the Committee. Zurich Commercial
     hereby designates Barry Gilway, Doug Gaudet, and John McKeeta as its
     initial representatives. USI hereby designates John Addeo, John Van
     Orsdall, and Rodney Harvey as its initial representatives. Each Joint
     Venturer shall have the right at any time, by written notice to the other
     Joint Venturer given in accordance with Section 9.1.1., to remove its

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     representatives and to appoint one or more successor representatives. If,
     at any time, either Joint Venturer fails for a period of thirty (30) days
     after written notice from the other Joint Venturer to designate
     representatives to serve on the Committee, the Committee shall have the
     power to act on all matters without the presence of representatives
     designated by such Joint Venturer. Each representative shall be fully
     authorized to provide any consent or approval which may be required
     hereunder of the Committee. When the phrase "approved by the Committee" is
     used in this Agreement, such phrase shall mean approval in writing by the
     Joint Venturers acting through their representatives on the Committee who
     shall have been designated pursuant to this subsection 2.1.1. The Joint
     Venturers may have other persons present at the meetings of the Committee.
     In the absence of a Joint Venturer representative or representatives, any
     other person authorized in writing by the Joint Venturer to be an alternate
     representative may vote as if that person were a designated representative.
     Any action, decision, expense or obligation by three of the representatives
     (including any person authorized in writing by the Joint Venturer to be an
     alternative representative) shall be a binding act of the Committee so long
     as at least one representative of Zurich Commercial votes for the action,
     decision, expense or obligation.

2.1.2. At the beginning of each calendar year, the Committee shall establish a
     schedule of regular meetings for that year to be held at such place or
     places as shall be approved by the Committee from time to time. In addition
     to the regular meetings

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     of the Committee, either Joint Venturer shall have the right to call a
     meeting of the Committee upon at least ten (10) days' prior written notice
     given in accordance with Section 9.1, provided such notice shall specify
     the purpose of the meeting in reasonable detail.

2.1.3. In the event of any need for approval or other action by the Committee
     without a meeting, a representative of the Committee may notify each other
     representative of the need for such approval or action. The other
     representatives shall use their best efforts to respond to such notice
     within five (5) days after the date such notification is received;
     provided, however, that failure of such representative to respond to such
     notice within ten (10) days after notice of such need is delivered as set
     forth in Section 9.1 shall be deemed approval as though formal approval
     were given by such representative.

2.1.4. No act or decision shall be taken or sum expended or obligation incurred
     by the Joint Venture, or by any Joint Venturer (if such act or decision
     affects the Joint Venture) unless such act, expense or obligation shall
     have been approved by the Committee; provided, that any act, decision,
     expense or obligation shall be deemed to have been approved by the
     Committee if the act, decision, expense or obligation involved is included
     within or contemplated by an Operating Budget, which has been approved by
     the Committee pursuant to Section 2.9.

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2.1.5. Except as expressly provided herein, or as may hereafter be approved by
     the Committee, no compensation will be paid by the Joint Venture to either
     Joint Venturer, or to any member, officer, employee, or affiliate of any
     Joint Venturer.

Section 2.2 Management and Staff

2.2.1. The Committee shall appoint an Executive Director of the Joint Venture.
     The Executive Director will report to the Committee and will be broadly
     responsible for the implementation of the Joint Venture Business Plan and
     Operating Budget approved by the Committee and the day to day management
     and operation of the Joint Venture. These duties will include, but not be
     limited to:

     .    Assisting in the development, implementation and monitoring of the
          annual Business Plan and Operating Budget for the Joint Venture.

     .    Working with the Joint Venturers to develop and implement a sales plan
          to clients of the Joint Venturers.

     .    Working with the Joint Venturers to develop insurance products and
          insurance programs for human services agency organizations, including
          501(c)3 (nonprofit) organizations.

     .    Establishing the support systems (i.e., information technologies,
          business processes, etc.) to service the Joint Venture's clients.

     The Executive Director will have the necessary staff to carry out the
     assigned duties, however, the Executive Director will seek to minimize
     Joint Venture expenses by using Zurich Commercial and USI staff and
     capabilities.

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2.2.2. The Joint Venture will assume responsibility for developing and
     implementing the defense of the Joint Venture. The Joint Venture shall
     maintain professional liability errors and omissions insurance under such
     terms and conditions as are customary in the insurance industry or as
     otherwise decided by the Committee. The cost of such errors and omissions
     insurance shall be borne by the Joint Venture.

Section 2.3. Responsibilities of Zurich Commercial

2.3.1. Allow the Joint Venture access to Zurich Commercial's customer base in
     order to identify human services agency organizations that would benefit
     from developed insurance products and programs.

2.3.2. Assist the Joint Venture in developing a detailed profile of the selected
     human services agency organizations.

2.3.3. Utilizing the profiles developed in 2.3.2., assist the Joint Venture in
     identifying the insurance requirements of each such organization in order
     to develop industry competitive insurance products and programs.

2.3.4. Once the insurance products and programs are developed and implemented,
     assist the Joint Venture in the sale and distribution of the insurance
     products and programs.

2.3.5. Use Zurich Commercial's reputation, expertise and business experience to
     achieve the highest possible penetration of selected human services agency

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     organizations. (i.e., achieve the highest penetration of said organizations
     purchasing insurance through the Joint Venture.)

2.3.6. Zurich Commercial recognizes that the more competitive the insurance
     products and programs the higher the penetration of selected human services
     agency organizations for the Joint Venture (i.e., leverage the premium
     base).

2.3.7. Assist in the development of business systems to handle the servicing of
     the insurance products and programs.

2.3.8. Provide capital to the Joint Venture.

2.3.9. Maintain all required insurance licenses necessary to act as an insurer.

Section 2.4. Responsibilities of USI

2.4.1 Allow the Joint Venture access to USI's customer base in order to identify
     human services agency organizations that would benefit from developed
     insurance products and programs.

2.4.2. Assist the Joint Venture in developing a detailed profile of the selected
     human services agency organizations.

2.4.3. Utilizing the profiles developed in 2.4.2., assist the Joint Venture in
     identifying the insurance requirements of each such organization in order
     to develop industry competitive insurance products and programs.

2.4.4. Perform brokering and marketing services and use its best efforts to
     distribute through USI affiliated retail agencies, as well as other retail
     agencies, competitive

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     insurance products and programs developed by the Joint Venture which can be
     used by selected human services agency organizations.

2.4.5. Assist the Joint Venture in the distribution of the insurance products to
     customers of Zurich Commercial, USI and others as approved by the
     Committee.

2.4.6. Provide the knowledge, expertise and advice needed to effectively manage
     the business of the Joint Venture.

2.4.7. Assist in the development of business systems to handle the servicing of
     the insurance products and programs.

2.4.8. Maintain all required insurance licenses.

Section 2.5. Joint Venture Expenses

2.5.1. From and after the date of this Agreement, all costs and expenses
     incurred pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Joint Venture and
     the development of the Joint Venture shall be borne by the Joint Venture
     from capital contributions or earnings, subject to compliance with any
     other provision of this Agreement which expressly places responsibility for
     such costs or expenses on Zurich Commercial alone, USI alone or both Joint
     Venturers collectively or on any third party; provided, however, to the
     extent the cash reserve of the Joint Venture would fall below a minimum
     cash reserve specified by the Committee, Zurich Commercial will contribute
     additional capital to the Joint Venture, in an amount not to exceed the
     amount set forth in Section 3.2, which Zurich Commercial shall recoup prior
     to any distribution or allocation to USI.

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Section 2.6. Reimbursements of Expenses

2.6.1. Identifiable and direct reasonable expenses of either Joint Venturer
     (including all reasonable expenses incurred to attend the Committee
     meetings) incurred in carrying out its responsibilities under this
     Agreement shall be reimbursed by the Joint Venture to the respective Joint
     Venturer.

Section 2.7. Restrictions On the Joint Venture

2.7.1. All business developed by the Joint Venture shall be for the customers of
     Zurich Commercial, USI, and other third parties as determined by the
     Committee. Each customer of the Joint Venture must go through a
     qualification process as determined by the Committee. Sources of insurance
     products or programs outside of the Zurich Group must be approved by the
     Committee.

2.7.2. Zurich Commercial and USI agree that Zurich Commercial companies will be
     the preferred source of property and casualty insurance products for USI
     clients who are human services agency organizations. USI will provide the
     companies of Zurich Commercial a reasonable opportunity to quote such
     accounts once all other quotes have been received from competing
     underwriters.

2.7.3 Until the earlier of (i) January 31, 2001 or (ii) the date on which
     Black/White & Associates Insurance Brokers ("Black/White") is no longer an
     affiliate of USI:

          (a) the Joint Venture will not accept any human services agency
          organization business from any USI affiliate if such business is then
          currently being placed by such affiliate with Black/White; and

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          (b) the Joint Venture will not solicit any human services agency
          organization business from any retail broker (a list of which is
          attached hereto as Exhibit A) who is then currently placing human
          services agency organization business with Black/White.

     In the event that, notwithstanding the Joint Venture's compliance with
     subparagraph (b) above, any such retail broker requests a quote or
     placement by the Joint Venture, the Joint Venture may make such quote
     and/or placement, but only if the coverage in question is not, as of such
     time, placed through Black/White.

Section 2.8. Limitations on Responsibilities of Joint Venturers

2.8.1. Except as otherwise provided herein, each Joint Venturer shall be
     obligated to perform its responsibilities and the obligations hereunder
     only to the extent that funds of the Joint Venture are available therefor.
     Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, each Joint Venturer shall be
     liable only for its own bad faith, gross negligence or breach of any
     express provision of this Agreement, but in other respects shall not be
     liable for mistakes of judgment.

2.8.2. Each Joint Venturer shall at all times conform to the policies and
     programs established and approved by the Committee, which shall include an
     Operating Business Plan to be approved by the Committee, and the scope of
     their authority shall be limited to normal and prudent actions which are
     taken in furtherance of said policies and programs and are not in conflict
     with any express limitations on

                                       13

<PAGE>

     the Joint Venturers' authority specifically set forth herein. Each Joint
     Venturer shall keep the other Joint Venturer regularly informed as to
     material matters of concern to the Joint Venture.

Section 2.9. Operating Plan and Budgets

2.9.1. At least once each calendar year, the Executive Director with the
     assistance of the Committee will prepare an annual Operating Business Plan
     and Operating Budget (collectively "Operating Budget"). The Committee shall
     be responsible for reviewing and approving the Operating Budget and setting
     forth the estimated receipts and expenditures (capital, operating and
     other) of the Joint Venture for the period covered by the Operating Budget.
     Such Operating Budget shall be adopted not later than sixty (60) days prior
     to the commencement of each calendar year. The Joint Venturers, working
     through the Executive Director, shall use their best efforts to implement
     the approved Operating Budget and the Executive Director and his delegees
     shall be authorized, without the need for further approval by the
     Committee, but within the scope of their authority herein, to make the
     expenditures and incur the obligations provided for in the Operating
     Budget.

                                       14

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE III

                        Capital Contributions: Financing
                        --------------------------------

Section 3.1. Initial Capital Contributions

     The initial capital contribution of Zurich Commercial shall be an amount
     equal to three (3) months of estimated operating expenses for the Joint
     Venture as determined by the Committee. USI will not be required to make
     any initial capital contribution.

Section 3.2. Additional Capital Contributions

     Zurich Commercial shall contribute additional capital , as necessary, in
     such amounts as may be determined by the Committee, not to exceed One
     Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) in the aggregate. Unless
     the Joint Venturers otherwise agree, USI will not be required to make any
     additional capital contribution.

Section 3.3. Withdrawal of Capital

3.3.1. Neither Joint Venturer may withdraw capital from the Joint Venture
     without the consent of the Committee.

Section 3.4. Capital Accounts

3.4.1.A capital account shall be maintained for each of the Joint Venturers and
     the initial balance of said capital account shall consist of the initial
     contribution of each Joint Venturer to the Joint Venture pursuant to
     Section 3. 1. The capital accounts initially established for each Joint
     Venturer shall be increased by (i)

                                       15

<PAGE>

     additional capital contributions pursuant to Section 3.2, (ii) its share of
     the operating profits of the Joint Venture, and (iii) its share of any
     other item of income or gain, and decreased by (iv) all withdrawals and
     capital distributions chargeable to its capital account, and (v) its share
     of all deductions or losses incurred by the Joint Venture.

3.4.2. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this Agreement, whenever it
     is necessary to determine the capital account of any Joint Venturer for
     purposes of this Agreement, the capital account of such Joint Venturer
     shall be determined after giving effect to all allocations of net income,
     net gains and net losses of the Joint Venture for the current year and all
     distributions for such year with respect to transactions effected prior to
     the time as of which such determination is to be made.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                          Accounting and Distributions
                          ----------------------------

Section 4.1. Profits and Losses

4.1.1. The Joint Venture's profits and losses shall be allocated exclusively to
     Zurich Commercial until such time as Zurich Commercial has recouped its
     total capital contributions. Once Zurich Commercial has recouped its total
     capital contributions, profits and losses shall be allocated 80% to Zurich
     Commercial and 20% to USI.

                                       16

<PAGE>

Section 4.2. Tax Status, Allocation and Reports

4.2.1. The Joint Venture shall prepare or cause to be prepared, at the expense
     of the Joint Venture, all tax returns and statements, if any, which must be
     filed on behalf of the Joint Venture with any taxing authority and shall
     furnish the returns for review and approval by the Joint Venturers at least
     thirty (30) days prior to the statutory due dates for filing.

4.2.2. For accounting and federal and state income tax purposes, except as
     otherwise provided in subsection 4.2.3., all net income, net losses and
     credits of the Joint Venture shall be allocated exclusively to Zurich
     Commercial until such time as Zurich Commercial has recouped its total
     capital contributions. Once Zurich Commercial has recouped its total
     capital contributions, all net income, net losses and credits shall be
     allocated 80% to Zurich Commercial and 20% to USI.

4.2.3. For accounting and federal and state income tax purposes, all income,
     gain, losses and deductions (including depreciation or cost recovery
     deductions) and investment or other credits attributable to the Joint
     Venture, and any gain, or loss on their sale realized and recognized by the
     Joint Venture shall be exclusively allocated to Zurich Commercial until
     such time as Zurich Commercial has recouped its total capital
     contributions. Once Zurich Commercial has recouped its total capital
     contributions, all income, gain, losses and deductions shall be allocated
     80% to Zurich Commercial and 20% to USI.

                                       17

<PAGE>

4.2.4. All tax decisions and elections not expressly provided for herein must be
     approved by the Committee.

Section 4.3. Distribution to Joint Venturers from Net Cash Flow

4.3.1. From time to time, but not less frequently than annually, the Committee
     shall be authorized in its discretion to make distributions to the Joint
     Venturers from the Net Cash Flow of the Joint Venture, as defined in
     subsection 4.3.2.

4.3.2. The Net Cash Flow of the Joint Venture shall consist of the gross cash
     receipts of the Joint Venture, after deducting the following:

     (a)  All costs of acquiring, improving, developing, managing, leasing,
          operating, maintaining, replacing and preserving the assets and
          business of the Joint Venture to the extent paid in cash during such
          period;

     (b)  All operating or other expenses of the Joint Venture paid in cash
          during such period, or any amounts expended as a result of any
          casualty losses to the extent such losses are not reimbursed by any
          third party responsible therefor or through insurance maintained by
          the Joint Venture, but not including any expenses paid in cash to the
          extent such expenses were reserved against and funded from such
          reserves;

     (c)  All cash payments made with respect to the discharge of Joint Venture
          indebtedness during such period;

     (d)  All reasonable amounts of working capital and reserve requirements of
          the Joint Venture as determined by the Committee; and

                                       18

<PAGE>

     (e)  The repayment of the accrued interest and of the principal to the
          extent then due on any outstanding indebtedness of the Joint Venture.

4.3.3. Net Cash Flow shall be distributed exclusively to Zurich Commercial until
     such time as Zurich Commercial has recouped its total capital
     contributions. Once Zurich Commercial has recouped its total capital
     contributions, Net Cash Flow will be distributed 80% to Zurich Commercial
     and 20% to USI.

Section 4.4. Accounting

4.4.1. The accounting year of the Joint Venture shall end at the close of
     business on the last day of December of each year.

4.4.2. The books of account of the Joint Venture shall be kept and maintained at
     all times at the principal place of business of Joint Venture. The books of
     account shall be maintained on an accrual basis in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, and there
     shall be entered in such books all matters relating to the Joint Venture,
     including all income, expenditures, assets and liabilities.

4.4.3. The Joint Venture shall prepare and furnish to each member of the
     Committee within forty-five (45) days after the close of each calendar
     quarter an unaudited statement, showing the operation of the Joint Venture
     for such quarter, and year to date, the balance in each Joint Venturer's
     capital account, the unpaid balance due under all obligations of the Joint
     Venture, and all other information reasonably requested by any Joint
     Venturer or the Committee.

                                       19

<PAGE>

4.4.4. Each Joint Venturer shall have the right at reasonable times during usual
     business hours to audit, examine and make copies of or extracts from the
     books of account of the Joint Venture. Such right may be exercised through
     any agent or employee of such Joint Venturer designated by such Joint
     Venturer. Such Joint Venturer shall bear all expenses incurred in any
     examination made for such Joint Venturer's account.

Section   4.5. Bank Accounts

4.5.1. Funds of the Joint Venture shall be deposited in a Joint Venture account
     or accounts established under the direction of the Committee. Withdrawals
     from bank accounts shall be made by parties approved by the Committee.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                Sale or Transfer
                                ----------------

Section 5.1. General

5.1.1. Because of the nature of the Joint Venture and of the undertakings of the
     parties, each of the Joint Venturers recognizes that a transfer of its
     Joint Venture interest could cause material loss to the Joint Venture and
     the other party. Accordingly, neither Joint Venturer shall sell, assign,
     transfer, mortgage, charge or otherwise encumber, or suffer any third party
     to sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, charge, or otherwise encumber, or
     contract to do or permit any of the foregoing, whether voluntarily or by
     operation of law (herein sometimes collectively called a

                                       20

<PAGE>

     "transfer"), any part or all of its Joint Venture interest without the
     written consent of the other Joint Venturer and any attempt to do so shall
     be void. Such consent shall be given at the sole discretion of the other
     Joint Venturer. The giving of such consent in any one or more instances
     shall not limit or waive the need for such consent in any other or
     subsequent instances.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                         Representations and Warranties
                         ------------------------------

Section 6.1. Warranties and Representations by Zurich Commercial

Zurich Commercial hereby represents and warrants to USI as follows:

6.1.1. Zurich Commercial has been duly organized and is validly existing under
     the laws of the State of Maryland, has the power and authority to enter
     into and to form this Agreement and the execution, delivery and performance
     of this Agreement has been duly authorized by Zurich Commercial.

6.1.2. No consent of any third party is required in connection with the
     execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Zurich Commercial,
     or if required, such consent has been given.

Section 6.2. Warranties and Representations by USI

USI hereby represents and warrants to Zurich Commercial as follows:

6.2.1. USI has been duly organized and is validly existing under the laws of the
     State of Delaware, has the power and authority to enter into and perform
     this

                                       21

<PAGE>

     Agreement and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has
     been duly authorized by USI.

6.2.2. No consent of any third party is required in connection with the
     execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by USI, or, if
     required, such consent has been given.

Section 6.3. Indemnity

6.3.1. Each Joint Venturer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the other Joint
     Venturer harmless from and against any and all claims, demands,
     liabilities, costs, expenses, penalties and losses, including without
     limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, resulting from the breach
     of any warranty or representation made by such Joint Venturer in Sections
     6.1 and 6.2 of this Agreement to the other Joint Venturer.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                    Default
                                    -------

Section 7.1. Events of Default

7.1.1. The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an event
     of default ("Event of Default") hereunder on the part of the Joint Venturer
     with respect to whom such event occurs ("Defaulter") if within fifteen (15)
     days following notice of such default from the other Joint Venturer (ten
     (10) days if the default is due solely to the nonpayment of monies), the
     Defaulter fails to pay such monies, or in

                                       22

<PAGE>

     the case of nonmonetary defaults, fails to commence substantial efforts to
     cure such default or thereafter fails within a reasonable time to prosecute
     to completion with diligence and continuity the curing of such default;
     provided, however, that the occurrence of any of the events described in
     subparagraphs (b)-(i) below shall constitute an Event of Default
     immediately upon such occurrence without any requirement of notice or
     passage of time except as specifically set forth in any such subparagraph:

     (a)  The violation by a Joint Venturer of any of the restrictions set forth
          in Article V of this Agreement regarding a Joint Venturer's transfer
          of its Joint Venture interest;

     (b)  Institution by a Joint Venturer of proceedings of any nature under any
          laws of the United States or any state, whether now existing or
          subsequently enacted or amended, for the relief of debtors wherein
          such Joint Venturer is seeking relief as debtor;

     (c)  A general assignment by a Joint Venturer for the benefit of creditors;

     (d)  The institution by a Joint Venturer of a case or other proceeding
          under any section or chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code as
          now existing or hereafter amended or becoming effective;

     (e)  The institution against a Joint Venturer of a case or other proceeding
          under any section or chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code as
          now existing or hereafter amended or becoming effective, which
          proceeding is

                                       23

<PAGE>

          not dismissed, stayed or discharged within a period of sixty (60) days
          after the filing thereof or, if stayed, which stay is thereafter
          lifted without a contemporaneous discharge or dismissal of such
          proceeding;

     (f)  A proposed plan or arrangement or other action by a Joint Venturer's
          creditors taken as a result of a general meeting of the creditors of
          such Joint Venturer;

     (g)  The appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee or like officer, to
          take possession of assets having a value in excess of $500,000 of a
          Joint Venturer if the pendency of said receivership would reasonably
          tend to have a materially adverse effect upon the performance by said
          Joint Venturer of its obligations under this Agreement; which
          receivership remains undischarged for a period of thirty (30) days
          from the date of its imposition;

     (h)  Admission by a Joint Venturer in writing of its inability to pay its
          debts as they mature;

     (i)  Attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of all or any
          substantial part of a Joint Venturer's assets or of a Venturer's Joint
          Venture interest, or any part thereof, such attachment, execution or
          seizure being with respect to an amount not less than $500,000 and
          remaining undismissed or undischarged for a period of fifteen (15)
          days after the levy thereof, if the occurrence of such attachment,
          execution or other judicial seizure would reasonably tend to have a
          materially adverse effect upon the performance

                                       24

<PAGE>

          by said Joint Venturer of its obligations under this Agreement;
          provided, however, that said attachment, execution or seizure shall
          not constitute an Event of Default hereunder if said Joint Venturer
          posts a bond sufficient to fully satisfy the amount of such claim or
          judgment within fifteen (15) days after the levy thereof and the Joint
          Venturer's assets are thereby released from the lien of such
          attachment;

     (j)  The material breach of any warranty or representation made by a Joint
          Venturer in Article VI hereof; or

     (k)  Default in performance of or failure to comply with any agreements,
          obligations or undertakings of a Joint Venturer herein contained.

Section 7.2. Election of Non-Defaulting Joint Venturer

7.2.1. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default by either Joint Venturer
     ("Defaulter"), the other Joint Venturer ("Non-Defaulter") may elect to
     dissolve and terminate the Joint Venture pursuant to Section 8.1 of this
     Agreement by written notice to the Defaulter.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   Dissolution
                                   -----------

Section 8. 1. Causes of Dissolution

8.1.1. The Joint Venture shall be dissolved only in the event that:

     (a)  An Event of Default has occurred as provided in Section 7.1 and the
          Non-

                                       25

<PAGE>

          Defaulter elects to dissolve the Joint Venture as provided in
          subsection 7.2.1. hereof; or

     (b)  The Joint Venturers mutually agree to terminate the Joint Venture; or

     (c)  The Joint Venture ceases to conduct its business operations.

Section 8.2. Procedure in Dissolution and Winding-Up

8.2.1. Dissolution. Upon dissolution of the Joint Venture pursuant to Section
       -----------
     8.1.1. hereof, the Committee shall immediately commence to wind-up its
     affairs and the Joint Venturers shall proceed with reasonable promptness to
     conclude the business of the Joint Venture.

8.2.2. Management. During the period of the winding-up of the affairs of the
       ----------
     Joint Venture, the rights and obligations of the Venturers set forth herein
     with respect to the management of the Joint Venture shall continue. For
     purposes of winding-up, the Committee shall continue to act as such and
     shall make all decisions relating to the conduct of any business or
     operations during the winding-up period and to the sale or other
     disposition of Joint Venture assets; provided that if the termination of
     the Joint Venture results from an Event of Default, the Defaulter shall
     have no further right to participate in the management or affairs of the
     Joint Venture or to attend Committee meetings.

8.2.3. Allocation of Profits and Losses. Profits and losses of the Joint Venture
       --------------------------------
     following the date of dissolution shall be determined in accordance with
     the provisions of

                                       26

<PAGE>

     this Agreement in the same manner as if there were no dissolution and
     winding-up.

8.2.4. Distributions in the Winding-Up. Cash or cash equivalents held by the
       -------------------------------
     Joint Venture shall be applied or distributed in winding-up in the
     following order of priority:

          (a)  In payment of debts and obligations of the Joint Venture owed to
               third parties, which shall include either Joint Venturer as the
               holder of any secured loan;

          (b)  To the Joint Venturers, with 80% going to Zurich Commercial and
               20% going to USI after Zurich Commercial has recouped its total
               capital contribution.

8.2.5. Non-Cash Assets. Non-cash assets (including expirations) shall be applied
       ---------------
     or distributed in the winding-up as follows:

          (a)  In the event debts or obligations of the Joint Venture to a third
               party remain after the application of cash pursuant to subsection
               8.2.4., other non-cash assets shall be liquidated and applied to
               such debts or obligations.

          (b)  In the event non-cash assets remain after application as provided
               in (a) above, such assets shall be distributed to the Joint
               Venturers, with 80% going to Zurich Commercial and 20% going to
               USI after Zurich Commercial has recouped its total capital
               contribution.

                                       27

<PAGE>

Section 8.3. Disposition of Documents and Records

8.3.1. All documents and records of the Joint Venture including, without
     limitation, all financial records, vouchers, canceled checks and bank
     statements, shall be delivered to Zurich Commercial upon termination of the
     Joint Venture. Said documents and records shall be available for
     inspection, examination, and copying by USI upon reasonable notice.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                     General
                                     -------

Section 9.1. Notices

9.1.1. All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
     delivered by personal service, or by certified or registered mail, postage
     prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Joint Venturers at the addresses
     herein set forth and to the Joint Venture at its principal place of
     business.

     The addresses for notices are as follows:

                                     Zurich Commercial:

                                     Zurich Commercial
                                     3910 Keswick Road
                                     Baltimore, Maryland 21211

                                     Attention: General Counsel

                                     USI:

                                     USI of Illinois, Inc.
                                     235 Pine Street, 10th Floor
                                     San Francisco, California 94104

                                     Attention: General Counsel

                                       28

<PAGE>

9.1.2. All notices, demands and requests shall be effective upon being deposited
     in the United States mail or with a nationally recognized courier service.
     However, the time period in which a response to any such notice, demand or
     request must be given shall commence to run from the date of receipt on the
     return receipt of the notice, demand or request by the addressee thereof or
     other proof of delivery. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the
     inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was
     given as provided in subsection 9.1.3. shall be deemed to be receipt of the
     notice, demand or request sent.

9.1.3. By giving to the other party at least thirty (30) days' written notice
     thereof, the Joint Venturers shall have the right from time to time and at
     any time during the term of this Agreement to change their respective
     addresses for notices and each shall have the right to specify as its
     address for notices any other address within the United States of America.

Section 9.2. Governing Law

9.2.1. This Agreement and the obligations of the Joint Venturers hereunder shall
     be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
     State of New York.

Section 9.3. Entire Agreement

9.3.1. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto
     relative to the formation of the Joint Venture. No variations,
     modifications, or changes

                                       29

<PAGE>

     herein or hereof shall be binding upon any party hereto unless set forth in
     a document duly executed by or on behalf of both parties.

Section 9.4. Waiver

9.4.1. No consent or waiver, express or implied, by any Joint Venturer to or of
     any breach or default by the other Joint Venturer in the performance by the
     other of its obligations hereunder shall be deemed or construed to be a
     consent or waiver to or of any other breach or default in the performance
     by such other party of the same or any other obligations or such Joint
     Venturer hereunder. Failure on the part of either Joint Venturer to
     complain of any act or failure to act of the other Joint Venturer or to
     declare the other Joint Venturer in default, irrespective of how long such
     failure continues, shall not constitute a waiver by such Joint Venturer of
     its rights hereunder.

Section 9.5. Severability

9.5.1. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any
     person or circumstance shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the
     remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provisions to other
     persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be
     enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Section 9.6. Survival of Rights

9.6.1. Except as provided herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall be
     binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties signatory hereto,
     their respective executors, legal representatives and permitted successors
     and assigns.

                                       30

<PAGE>

Section 9.7. Equitable Remedies

9.7.1. The rights and remedies of either of the Joint Venturers hereunder shall
     not be mutually exclusive (i.e., the exercise of one or more of the
     provisions hereof shall not preclude the exercise of any other provisions
     hereof). Each of the Joint Venturers confirms that damages at law will be
     an inadequate remedy for a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement
     and agrees that, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of any
     provision hereof, the respective rights and obligations hereunder shall be
     enforceable by specific performance, injunction or other equitable remedy,
     but nothing herein contained is intended to, nor shall it, limit or affect
     any rights at law or by statute or otherwise of any party aggrieved as
     against the other for a breach or threatened breach of any provision
     hereof, it being the intention by this Section to make clear the agreement
     of the Joint Venturers that the respective rights and obligations of the
     Joint Venturers shall be enforceable in equity as well as at law or
     otherwise.

Section 9.8. Fees and Commissions

9.8.1. Each Joint Venturer hereby represents and warrants that there are no
     claims for brokerage or other commissions or finder's or other similar fees
     in connection with the execution of this Agreement insofar as such claims
     shall be based on actions, arrangements or agreements taken or made by or
     on its behalf, and each Joint Venturer hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
     harmless the other Joint Venturer

                                       31

<PAGE>

     from and against any liabilities, costs, damages and expenses from any
     party making such claims through such Joint Venturer.

Section 9.9. Confidentiality

9.9.1. The parties recognize that during the operation of the Joint Venture each
     may gain access to proprietary information of the other. The parties agree
     to keep such information confidential and not to release or use such
     information, except as is necessary to conduct the operation of the Joint
     Venture. If either party has any question about whether certain information
     is proprietary, it should seek the written permission from an authorized
     representative of the other prior to disclosure to any third party. Each
     party agrees to establish procedures to ensure confidentiality of
     proprietary information.

Section 9.10. Counterparts

9.10.1. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
     which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute
     one and the same agreement.

Section 9.11. Further Assurances

9.11.1. Each party hereto agrees to do all acts and things and to make, execute
     and deliver such written instruments as shall from time to time be
     reasonably required to carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement
     and to enable each party to obtain the benefits of this Agreement provided
     for it herein.

                                       32

<PAGE>

Section 9.12. Arbitration

9.12.1. If any dispute shall arise between the parties to this Agreement, either
     before or after the termination of this Agreement, with reference to the
     interpretation of this Agreement or the rights of either party with respect
     to any transaction under this Agreement, the dispute shall be referred to
     three arbitrators, one to be chosen by each party and the third by the two
     so chosen. If either party refuses to or neglects to appoint an arbitrator
     within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written notice from the other
     party requesting it to do so, the requesting party may nominate two
     arbitrators who shall choose the third. In the event the two arbitrators do
     not agree upon the selection of the third arbitrator within thirty (30)
     days after both arbitrators have been named, the Joint Venture shall
     petition the American Arbitration Association to appoint an arbitrator.
     Each party shall submit its case to the arbitrators within thirty (30) days
     of the appointment of the arbitrators. The arbitrators are relieved of all
     judicial formalities and may abstain from following the strict rules of
     law. The decision of a majority of the arbitrators shall be final and
     binding on all parties. Judgment may be entered upon the award of the
     arbitrators in any court having jurisdiction. The expenses of the
     arbitrators and of the arbitration shall be equally divided among the
     parties. Any such arbitration shall take place in Chicago, Illinois unless
     some other location is mutually agreed upon by the parties.

                                       33

<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date
set forth above.

                                      Maryland Casualty Company
                                      -------------------------

                                      BY: /s/Barry Gilway
                                         ------------------------------
                                          Barry Gilway, President & CEO

                                      USI of Illinois, Inc.
                                      ---------------------

                                      By: /s/Barney Mizel
                                          ------------------------------
                                          Barney Mizel, President & CEO

                                       34

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